Mthatha Express North - E-Edition - 9 October 2025 by Novus Media

Policemember,accomplice jailedforRAFfraud

A KOMGA police official, Warrant Officer Mandlenkosi Njekanye (50), and his accomplice, Xolani Somtsewu (50) were convicted and sentenced by the East London Regional Court for Road Accident Fund (RAF) fraud and defeating the ends of justice last week

Hawks’ spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, said the duo were arrested by the East London Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation on 22 November 2023, appearing in East London Magistrate’s Court on the same day

“Somtsewu was the driver of a Nissan NP300 bakkie that was involved in a fatal accident on the N2 Highway near Komga in East London

“At the time, Somtsewu was travelling with his passenger, who was subsequently killed during the accident Somtsewu sustained a broken arm and several cuts and bruises Police were activated to attend the scene, with two police officials attending the accident ”

Mhlakuvana said the officials who attended the scene determined that the accident was caused by a tyre burst, and an inquest docket was opened

A year after the accident, the two ac-

cused went to Komga Police Station and instructed the officer on duty to change the Accident Report (AR) content to enable them to lodge a claim against the RAF

The official initially refused but was ultimately coerced The cause of the accident was changed to Somtsewu’s new version, where he claimed to have swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle

He added that after the claim was lodged, the RAF scrutinised the two statements and discovered the discrepancies RAF repudiated the claim, and the matter was referred to the Hawks for investigation

“The investigations by the Hawks established that Njekanye and Somtsewu colluded in claiming for an accident and changing the Accident Report statements, which nearly cost the RAF R5 million The duo were arrested on 22 November 2023, charged and released on R500 bail each

“They made several court appearances until their conviction and sentencing by the East London Regional Court They were sentenced to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for fraud and six years’ imprisonment for defeating the ends of justice, to run concurrently with no option of a fine ”

Manreceiveslifesentence

forraping79-year-old

THE Cofimvaba Regional Court has sentenced Siphamandla Phubaso (35) to life imprisonment for repeatedly raping an elderly woman (79) throughout the night of 18 April 2023

Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Luxolo Tyali, said the victim, a pensioner, was attacked in the sanctuary of her home in the Qhumanco area in Cofimvaba by the perpetrator, who was a distant relative and neighbour

He said the victim was alone in her home when she heard someone tampering with her door before it was forced open When she asked who was entering, he replied that she would know him

"A struggle ensued, during which the attacker threatened to shoot her, before overpowering her and raping her multiple times He eventually left in the early hours of the morning but inadvertently left behind a set of keys The complainant immediately sought help from a neighbour and reported that she recognised the voice of her attacker as Phubaso's The keys were traced to a nearby homestead where he resided," said Tyali

He added that community members

launched a search and found him hiding under a bed When confronted by his father, he confessed to the rape Police were then called to the scene, and he was arrested

"During the trial, he denied the allegations and retracted his earlier confession, claiming he had been assaulted by community members However, under cross-examination by Prosecutor Nonkululeko Mnyani, he failed to explain why he had been hiding, nor could he provide a plausible explanation for the keys left at the victim s house

“The court found the evidence presented by the State, including the testimony of the elderly victim (with support from Court Preparation Officer Brenda Kapa), to be credible and compelling "

Tyali said the NPA welcomed this sentence, which delivers justice for the victim and sends a strong message that violence against the most vulnerable in our society will not be tolerated

"Cases of this nature reaffirm the NPA s commitment to fighting gender-based violence and ensuring that perpetrators are removed from our communities "

A 34-year-old man from Auckland Location, Dutywa, has been sentenced to five life terms plus 95 years' imprisonment by East London High Court after being convicted of multiple counts of rape, robbery and related charges

Lwando Phike was linked to at least eight cases of rape and robbery committed between 2017 and 2022 across Kidd's Beach, Duncan Village and Cambridge The landmark sentence brings closure to a series of brutal attacks that terrorised the Eastern Cape communities for several years

The court heard that Phike's victims were mainly young women aged between 14 and 24, whom he threatened with a knife before robbing them of their belongings and raping them in secluded areas

The case was built through years of meticulous investigative work led by Warrant Officer Lulama Luhadi of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit at the SAPS Provincial Office

Although the first case against Phike in 2017 was withdrawn due to witness challenges, DNA evidence preserved from that incident proved crucial in linking him to subsequent crimes

Buccal samples taken during his initial arrest were stored in the forensic database and positively connected him to seven additional cases However, tracking down Phike proved challenging as his whereabouts remained unknown for some time Through persistent tracing efforts, he was eventually located whilst in custody at East London Police Station on unrelated charges in May 2023 Warrant Officer Luhadi immediately rearrested him for the series of rape cases Phike has remained behind bars since, later abandoning his bail application On 25 September 2025, he was convicted and sentenced to five life terms and 95 years' imprisonment for rape, attempted rape and robbery by East London High Court

Policehelicoptersdeployed toﬁghtORTambocrime

BABALWA NDLANYA

THE Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, has confirmed that the Eastern Cape received two helicopters from the National Office last week

He further stated that one of the two will be stationed in the OR Tambo District to assist in the fight against crime

He made this announcement during a service delivery working visit hosted by Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the Nelson Mandela Youth & Heritage Centre in Qunu, Mthatha, last week

Cachalia was responding to concerns raised earlier by the MEC for Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, who had emphasised the urgent need for helicopters in the province due to its vast and challenging geography

These concerns were initially brought up during a recent Imbizo in Mthatha, which Cachalia also attended Mashatile and various stakeholders, including Ministers, visited Qunu after community members of this area protested, demanding service delivery, including water

All the relevant Ministers were given a chance to respond to the grievances that were raised by this community

Cachalia was responding to the issue of the high crime rate in the OR Tambo District, including the Qunu area

He mentioned that he had visited the area with the JCPS (Justice, Crime Prevention and Security) Cluster last month and would return in the coming weeks to work with Nqatha on tackling stock theft and other issues

“The helicopters we spoke about recently have now been allocated They will be flying very soon In rural areas, we really need these resources Secondly, I know you have been calling for the upgrade of Bityi Police Station, located outside Mthatha I am announcing today that this upgrade will take place this year I believe these are key priority issues for the community,” said Cachalia

The Acting Premier of the Eastern Cape, Zolile Williams, said their visit followed a protest by community members in Qunu

He explained that the community had also submitted a letter that had reached the office of Deputy President Mashatile

“He called us, including ministers from various departments and officials from both the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality and the OR Tambo District Municipality, to discuss your challenges,” said Williams

He said one of the issues raised was the lack of access to water and the need for water tankers to ensure people have drinking water

Williams acknowledged that while not all concerns have been fully resolved, progress has been made

“What is important is that the community now has access to water As the government, we have made efforts to address the problems, and we have documentation of these actions,” he said

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, also acknowledged the legitimacy of community complaints about the water crisis He stated that the OR Tambo District is in poor condition, with over 45% of residents lacking access to water

“Taps are dry, and when water does come, it is only available for a short time

Some reservoirs, including one near the Museum, have been empty for years We have begun addressing this There are two boreholes that we are working on The first is operational, which is why water started flowing again last week It is yielding 500 kilolitres,” he said

“The second borehole in Mqanduli will be operational soon, as Eskom has arrived to assist with the electricity connection Work is ongoing The Mthatha Dam is full, and we have allocated R2 7 billion for the construction of a water treatment plant called the Highbury Treatment Works, which will process 50 million litres per day

“This plant will supply water to Thornhill, which used to process only 50 megalitres but is now handling 85 megalitres

We are further upgrading it to handle 150 megalitres ”

He added that while progress is being made, many villages still suffer from water poverty, and more work is needed

Deputy President Mashatile said that while many issues have been addressed, others raised during the Qunu visit were not initially included in the community's written list

“We have taken note of these new concerns and will investigate them, as they

SexualabuseallegationsinEastern CapeSchoolsinvestigated

THE Eastern Cape Provincial Government has established a multi-disciplinary team to investigate complaints following disturbing reports of sexual abuse, sexual harassment and victimisation of learners in some of the province's high schools

This follows widespread allegations of sexual offences perpetrated by teachers against learners in some schools around the province

About seven teachers from Ngangelizwe High School and St John’s College have recently been placed on precautionary suspension while the investigation continues

In ensuring that the affected learners receive support, the Eastern Cape Government, through the Department of Education, Social Development and Department of Health, have deployed officials and social workers to the schools under investigation

The Provincial Government stands united in condemning these inexcusable acts, which represent not only a gross violation of trust placed in educators but also a betrayal of learners’ fundamental right to a safe and supportive educational environment

It is imperative to emphasise that creating a safe environment for learners requires successful convictions in these cases by law enforcement agencies This is critical to ensure that offenders are prevented from moving from one school to another, including across provinces

Furthermore, guided by Section 54 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act of 2007 and Section 101 of the Children’s Act, these heinous crimes can be curbed more effectively with strong parental support during this period Principals are therefore instructed to report cases to the nearest police stations as part of enforcing the law

MEC for the Department of Education in the Eastern Cape, Fundile Gade, said these allegations are deeply disturbing and cannot be taken lightly

“As a government, we have a responsibility in ensuring that schools are places of safety, where learners are protected, nurtured and empowered to realise their full potential It is unacceptable that any

child should feel threatened or violated by those entrusted with their education The government will not hesitate to act against perpetrators, and we are strengthening measures to ensure learners have the support they need to speak out without fear Protecting our children is not negotiable; it is our collective duty,” said Gade

Sexual assault survivors are encouraged to use public health facilities that provide structured response protocols, which include:

• Immediate Clinical Assessment and Care, where survivors receive medical attention, treatment of injuries and psychosocial support

• Medical interventions which include provision of emergency contraception, HIV testing and counselling Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and rape kits with forensic specimens collected by trained practitioners

• Mandatory Reporting and Collaboration –Form 22 reporting is strictly applied with referrals made to the Department of Social Development and coordination with SAPS for case management

The Provincial Government also intensified its preventative efforts through programmes such as the Integrated School Health Programme This is implemented through the Departments of Health and Education In addition, the 365 Days Child Protection Programme of Action is also being implemented to provide sexual health education, support for victims and awareness campaigns against abuse in schools and communities

The Provincial Government further urges parents, communities and stakeholders to work together with government in protecting learners and refrain from withdrawing cases of sexual assault

“The safety of our children cannot be compromised Together we must ensure that every school in the Eastern Cape is a safe space, free from abuse, fear and exploitation ” Learners’ whistle-blowing helpline (about the allegations of sexual harassment against learners by educators in schools): 078 660 1314 (7 days a week) and 080 1212 570 Toll Free (Monday to Friday 08:00 to 16:30)

Communityartcentrerenamedamidevictionfears

BABALWA NDLANYA

DEPUTY Minister of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Bertha Peace Mabe, confirmed that the Umtata Community Art Centre in Mthatha was officially renamed the Vukile ‘Skin’ Sipoko Art Centre last week

Sipoko founded the centre in 1995, and it has since provided opportunities for young people to develop their artistic talents in different areas

Mabe made this announcement during a community engagement session held at the centre, where artists from various disciplines gathered to voice the challenges they face in their respective art spaces

She said this event was part of the buildup programme to Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s visit, during which he hosted an iMbizo at the Nelson Mandela Youth and Heritage Centre in Qunu Mabe mentioned that different sectors were given an opportunity to engage with members of the executive

“Sport and culture are one of those sectors; our artists face many challenges As you know, these challenges have always existed, and instead of reducing, they continue to pile up

“One emotional issue raised was the uncertainty around the future of the building

If you look at it, it is old and dilapidated

But the biggest concern is the lease; they reportedly owe the municipality money, although the exact amount was not disclosed

As a result, they are now facing eviction

That is the first issue we need to urgently intervene in,” she said

Mabe added that the department believes there are many reasons to keep the centre operational, especially since it has sur-

Careerexpobrings opportunitiesto MountAylifflearners

THE Alfred Nzo District Municipality in collaboration with the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality, hosted an impactful Career Expo at Mpeni Senior Secondary School in Mount Ayliff last week

According to the spokesperson for Alfred Nzo District Municipality, Luncedo Walaza, this initiative forms part of the annual Thusong Service Centre Week, a campaign that started in 2021 with the goal of bringing essential government services and opportunities closer to local communities

“The primary goal of the Career Expo is to provide learners with exposure to a variety of career paths and help them make informed subject choices that align with their future aspirations The programme goes beyond career guidance by also offering practical support for applying for higher education funding, including NSFAS bursaries and loans It also highlights bursary opportunities provided by local municipalities, ensuring students are aware of all available financial aid,” said Walaza

He added that the session was led by Councillor Sindiswa Phosiwa from the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality, who guided the learners through the available resources

Walaza said this career expo is a testament to the power of collaboration, with several key institutions and stakeholders participating to offer their expertise and services

These participants include:

• SIMMA Career Guidance

Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT)

• NSFAS

• Ingwe TVET College

• Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality

Special Programmes Unit (SPU)

• Alfred Nzo District Municipality Special Programmes Unit (SPU)

“This collective effort highlights a shared commitment to empowering the youth by providing them with the knowledge and resources necessary to shape their own futures and, in turn, contribute to the development of South Africa ”

vived for 30 years “If something can last for 30 years, it clearly has value and serves a purpose This centre deserves to continue existing We saw the exhibitions, and it is clear that the people of the Eastern Cape are incredibly talented, especially in crafts

The issue of the lease between management and the King Sabatha Local Municipality needs to be resolved quickly ” Chairperson of the Umtata Community Art Centre, Thandeka Vabaza, welcomed Mabe’s visit, saying it gave them hope for solving the issues they face as artists

“We are celebrating 30 years of artistic excellence and cultural preservation in the OR Tambo District This centre has been active for many years, but there are still many unresolved issues,” said Vabaza

“One major issue is the lease agreement between the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality We are calling for the agreement to be renewed for another 100 years so the centre can continue creating a lasting legacy ” Vabaza added that the centre is trying

to attract stakeholders from the corporate sector to invest in the space She also expressed hope that Mabe’s visit would lead to progress in discussions with the municipality and encourage the development of more art centres in rural areas

“There are centres in places like Bumbane and Port St Johns, but people often have to travel long distances and spend a lot of money to access them We are saying: bring these centres closer to the communities They are not just about artistic output and entertainment; they also preserve culture and support the mental well-being of the community ”

Vabaza said the centre receives R50,000 per year for youth development programmes, but that amount is not nearly enough They are addressing this shortfall by partnering with local businesses

“Currently, we are working with the newly revamped Mall of Mthatha on creative installations We have also partnered with other organisations to upskill young learners in computer literacy and AI, so they are better prepared for the future I hope the lease issue will be resolved soon because Mabe said this centre will not be shut down ”

One of the stakeholders from Umtata Community Art Centre, Onguye Ukumkanikazi Kama Mpukuse, said many young people have talent but no clear direction or opportunities

“We hope her visit will change how things are done here at the centre and in the Eastern Cape as a whole There are so many talented young people in crafts, poetry, literature, music, and filmmaking, and we want them to be seen and supported We are hoping this is the beginning of being heard and seeing our youth rise to new levels,” she said

TourguideﬁndspurposeshowcasingPortStJohns

BABALWA NDLANYA

THE Director of Ngcambu Tours, Sonwabo Khangela (39), confirmed that his job is to assist tourists visiting Port St Johns as a tour guide, even though his dream was to become a politician when he was growing up

He explained that he originally dreamed of becoming a politician, driven by a desire to serve people However, after encountering the harsh realities of politics, he discovered a new passion: tourism

Khangela was born in Cwebeni village and grew up in eHlamvana, in Port St Johns

“Initially, I studied maths and physics, but later I found my true calling in tourism In 2019, a workshop that was held in East London introduced me to kayaking and I was hooked I realised the tourism potential in my hometown of Port St Johns and decided to share this experience with others,” he said

His goal was to involve local schools and empower young people for a brighter future

“I am proud to say that Ngcambu Tours has grown into a thriving business offering kayaking, cycling tours, hikes, nature walks and cultural tours I am excited to inspire others and showcase the beauty of Port St Johns ”

Khangela added that support from the OR Tambo District Municipality has been instrumental in their success He said Port St Johns is a beautiful place that attracts people, but many hidden gems are not seen, so they are trying to show the community and tourists those unseen places

“We inform people about places they can visit and enjoy Our duty is to take them to these spots and make sure they engage in activities they love, such as boating and cycling For tourists, researchers and ecologists, we offer experiences that include exploring caves and waterfalls ”

He emphasised the importance of travel and exposure, stating that they always encourage people to travel so they

can learn new things and experience life beyond their everyday surroundings

Khangela reflected on his upbringing in a rural environment, saying he grew up in a place with forests and mountains, among homesteads with rondavels People lived off the land, practising agriculture Some even used traditional herbs instead of going to the clinic

“There are people who don't know that traditional herbs can be used for healing Even buying groceries is something

new for us we grew up knowing that every homestead had to plough and produce food

“When we share our way of life with tourists from other countries, they love it We also have homestays where visitors can see how we used to live What led me to become more interested in this industry was a desire to understand what tourism really is, and I realised that tourism is the life I was already living all along ”

Ongeziwe Yokwe (Director for Ongie’s Signature in Mthatha) assisting Bertha Peace Mabe (Deputy Minister for Sport, Arts and Culture) to put on her beaded neckpiece, which she bought from her PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA

Director for Ngcambu Tours, Sonwabo Khangela, showing one of the attractive areas in Port St Johns.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

AuthorchampionsIsiMpondolanguageandculture

BABALWA NDLANYA

A STORYTELLER and author, Nobesuthu Moni, from the Sihlitho locality in Lusikisiki, has a passion for preserving and celebrating the IsiMpondo language, culture and history

Besides being an author, she also serves as the inaugural Secretary of the IsiMpondo Language Board Through her performances, she brings IsiMpondo stories to life for both children and adult audiences, carrying forward the wisdom of generations

“I am one of the contributors to a traditional Xhosa recipe book, a cultural project that documents and honours our indigenous culinary heritage Currently, I’m working on an IsiMpondo anthology of short stories – a milestone project that will further anchor my voice as a custodian of AmaMpondo identity and literature," said Moni With her gift for storytelling, Nobesuthu Moni stands as both a cultural guardian and creative innovator, ensuring that IsiMpondo stories remain alive, shared and celebrated

“My most recent work is a contribution to a book of traditional food recipes titled Iresiphi Zokutya Kwesintu We wrote it as the Women of the Eastern Cape Women Writers Association (ECWWA), with the aim of promoting indig-

Mthathaentrepreneursto unlockbroadermarkets

TOWNSHIP entrepreneurs in Mthatha will compete for a grand prize of R50,000 when the Kasi Business Workshop takes place on Saturday, 18 October 2025, at SMJ Butchery and Car Wash

The free workshop, organised by The Entrepreneurship Academy (TEA), aims to address a critical challenge facing South African township businesses: breaking into larger supply chains and broader market opportunities despite their vital role in local economies

Breakingdownmarketbarriers

The event’s theme, “Broadening Market Opportunities”, directly tackles systemic barriers that keep township entrepreneurs locked out of growth opportunities.

Participants will receive practical training on reaching new customers, diversifying products and services, leveraging digital platforms and building strategic partnerships.

“Whether you run a spaza shop, micro-enterprise or a growing small business, the Kasi Business Workshop is designed to meet you where you are and guide you to your next level,” organisers stated.

Competition,networkingopportunities

The day’s highlights include:

Kasi Pitching Challenge: Registered attendees can compete for the R50,000 grand prize (cash and business support) by submitting one-minute pitches along with compliance documents;

Kasi Business Exhibition: Local businesses will showcase products and services to potential customers, collaborators and investors (limited to 10 exhibition spots); Hacking Networking: Problem-solving sessions where entrepreneurs brainstorm solutions for community challenges; Mbawula Chat: Fireside conversations with experienced business leaders sharing township growth strategies

She added that other tribes can benefit by learning about the true identity of AmaMpondo, experiencing their beautiful language and appreciating their rich culture

“I also hope this will give others the courage to overcome the limitations placed on their own languages, and to be proud to tell their own stories Language is a vehicle of culture and heritage Preserving the language means preserving our culture and legacy – creating a future where our children know who they are

“The undermining of AmaMpondo is a remnant of colonisation and apartheid As AmaMpondo, we have nothing to be ashamed of We should speak our language proudly and declare who we are with our heads held high We are a nation that has persevered and held our ground We have our own place in history, and we deserve to be acknowledged and respected ”

Moni noted that there are few, if any, books currently written in IsiMpondo As a result, she said the language cannot be acknowledged if there are no resources to support its existence

“We need to publish books I have realised that we tell our stories best when we tell them in our mother tongue because language is more than just words It’s in how the speaker carries their voice, how they choose certain expressions – all of those matters "

BABALWA NDLANYA

Addressinganationalchallenge

The workshop responds to insights from the World Economic Forum’s research, highlighting that African SMEs need more than just financing to grow – they require better market access, networks and capabilities to scale effectively

Recent 2025 studies show that whilst informal networks and family support help township entrepreneurs survive, these same networks can limit access to formal markets

The workshop aims to help business owners retain informal support strengths whilst accessing formalised systems and funding streams

Proventrackrecord

TEA has demonstrated significant impact over the past decade, with more than 100,000 entrepreneurs benefiting from its training programmes and over 500 township-based businesses receiving funding and growth assistance

The organisation continues its mission to “impact kasi entrepreneurs one township at a time”, creating pathways for lasting economic growth in communities often overlooked by mainstream business platforms

Eventdetails

Date: Saturday 18 October 2025

Time: 09:30 - 14:00

Venue: SMJ Butchery and Car Wash, Mthatha Eastern Cape

Entrance: Free (pre-registration essential) Registration: https://wwweventbritecom

For exhibition space enquiries (limited to 10 spots), contact organisers via WhatsApp at 068 158 9484

The Kasi Business Workshop is part of TEA’s national initiative to strengthen township economic inclusion and create sustainable growth opportunities for local entrepreneurs

A YOUNG poet, Lilitha Mjakuja (20), from Mthombe locality in Libode, says being a poet has given her a broader perspective on life and exposed her to different experiences that continue to inspire her work

Mjakuja is currently a second-year student at Walter Sisulu University, where she is studying towards a Bachelor of Education degree She said her studies are very important to her because education forms the foundation of her future

“I first realised that I was a poet during my high school years At that time, writing was a way for me to express myself whenever I felt overwhelmed or inspired I would write in my notebooks without thinking much about it, but as time went on, my words began to take the form of poems When I started sharing them and saw the reactions from others, I realised that poetry was not just a hobby –it was a talent, and more than that, it was my calling,” she said

Mjakuja added that while many young people are drawn to the music industry because of its pop-

ularity, poetry felt more authentic to her

“I was led to poetry because it is raw and honest It does not require instruments or production – it is simply my voice and my words ”

According to her, poetry has given her a sense of freedom to speak about real-life issues, her emotions and the experiences of those around her She said it allows her to tell stories in a way that feels true to who she is

“That is what drew me in and kept me committed, even when others chose music I strongly believe poetry can open doors for me in the future It is not limited to performing at events – it can lead to opportunities in writing, publishing books and even motivational speaking Through poetry, I am able to connect with people, inspire them and raise awareness about important issues I see poetry as a bridge to many possibilities, and I believe that with dedication, consistency and the right platforms, it will shape my career and my journey ”

Mjakuja believes others can learn that it’s important to embrace their unique talents, no matter how different they may seem

She added that society often pushes young people to follow the same path, but it is vital to understand that each individual has a special gift

“From my journey, people can learn that art in all its forms is valuable and powerful Poetry has taught me discipline, courage and self-expression These are lessons that can be applied to life in general, not just to art At this stage, I am actively working on improving my poetry I write as often as I can because practice sharpens my craft I use social media platforms to share my work with wider audiences In addition, I read the works of other poets and watch spoken-word performances to learn new styles and techniques I believe that learning from others while continuing to develop my own voice is the best way to grow as a poet ”

She added that, apart from poetry, she is fully committed to her studies at Walter Sisulu University While her academic work requires a lot of dedication, it also helps keep her focused Mjakuja said that balancing poetry and education can be challenging at times, but she believes both are equally important

“My education builds the foundation of my future, while poetry strengthens my voice and identity To learners who are still uncertain about their future, I want to say that it is completely normal not to have everything figured out right away Life is a journey of discovery, and your passion may not be clear at first My advice is to take your education seriously, try out different activities and pay attention to what excites and inspires you Sometimes your future path is hidden in the small things you do daily, so don’t ignore your natural interests

“Most importantly, don’t compare yourself to others – everyone's journey is unique Trust yourself, stay patient, and your future plans will become clear in time

Storyteller Nobesuthu Moni promotes the IsiMpondo language by writing.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Lilitha Mjakuja is from Mthombe locality in Libode.

PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA

BID NO: MBH/P&D/0001/2025-26

Mbhashe Local Municipality hereby invites service providers to bid for the APPOINTMENT OF PANEL OF SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR FORMULATION OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLANS SUCH AS STRATEGIES, SECTOR PLANS, FEASIBILITY STUDIES, FUNDING PROPOSALS AND BUSINESS PLANS FOR A PERIOD OF THREE(03)CONSECUTIVEYEARS

THEADVERTISISSUEDINCOMPLIANCEPREFERENTIALPROCUREMENTREGULATION2022(PPR)

Stage1:AssessmentofAdministrativeCompliance

· Onlybidderswhoareresponsiveintermsofadministrativecompliancewillbeevaluatedfurthertostage Stage2:Thisstagewillfocusonevaluationofspeciﬁcationandbiddersabilitytoexecutethe projects:

· Biddermustrespondinaccordancewithalltheminimumrequirementsasdetailedinthetermsofreference, failuretocomplywillresultindisqualiﬁcationaspointscoringisnolongerapplicableintheinPPR (Regulationsof2022).

Stage3:Evaluationwillbedonebasedonthe80/20preferentialpointsystem

· Where80pointswillbeallocatedforpriceand20forspeciﬁcgoals Biddersmustsubmittherequired documentationtoclaimpreferenceplan.

· The80/20preferentialsystemwillbeapplied,wherepoints80pointswillbeallocatedforpriceand20for speciﬁcgoals.

SPECIFICGOALS

BIDDERSSHALLTAKENOTEOFTHEFOLLOWING:

· The Validity period of Bids is 90 days from the closing date.

· Bidders to submit aTax Compliance status document with Pin issued by SouthAfrican Revenue Services (SARS) or CSD number to verify tax status.

· All mandatory forms should be ﬁlled but not all will lead to disqualiﬁcation or non-responsiveness except for MBD 4, MBD 8, and MBD 9.

· Electronic tender documents will also be available on the municipal website www.mbhashemun gov.za

· Bidders must be registered on CSD if the bidder is not registered the bid will be deemed non-responsive.

· Failure to submit JV agreements (where applicable) or ConsortiumAgreements will lead to a disqualiﬁcation.

· LatestbillingclearancecertiﬁcateORstatementofmunicipalaccountnotolderthanthreemonthsORa leaseagreementofthebiddingcompanymustbeattached.,Cllrsletterwillnotserveasabillingclearance certiﬁcate.PleasenoteforanyaddressprovidedasthepreferredonCSDandCKtheremustbea leaseagreementorbillingratesclearancewhichwillserveasaproofthatthecompanydoesnotowe ratesfortheaddressesprovidedintheCSDandCK Biddersareadvisedtoensurethattheyalignthe addressesonCSDandCKtotheleaseagreementandbillingclearanceattached

· Allotherpre-requisitesasdetailedinthebiddocumentsshallapply

· AllcertiﬁeddocumentsmustnotbeolderthanSix(06)months.

· Late,telegraphic,facsimile,incompleteorunsignedbidswillnotbeconsidered.

· Non-disclosurebytheserviceproviderswhoareintheemployofstatemayleadtodisqualiﬁcation.

· CompletedBidsandsupportingdocumentation,placedinasealedenvelopeclearlywrittenontheoutsideof theenvelopewithbiddetailsofprojectmustbedroppedinthemarked tenderbidboxplacedatthereception oftheMbhasheLocalMunicipalityoﬃcesat454StreatﬁeldRoadinDutywaDuring07h30to16h30from MondaytoFriday,nolaterthanThursday,13November2025before11H00amonthedateasmentioned above.AllthereceivedbidswillbeopenedinPublicatthesametimeanddate.

· MbhasheLocalMunicipalitydoesnotbinditselftoacceptthelowestoranybidandreservestherightnotto acceptthewholeoranypartofthebid.

· ThemunicipalitywillnotbeliableforanymisplacedorlatetenderdocumentdeliveredbyCourier Company

· BidderswillbeadjudicatedinaccordancewiththeMunicipality'sSupplyChainManagementPolicyandin termsofPreferentialProcurementPolicyFrameworkActnewregulationsof2022andwillbebasedon80/20 pointssystem.

Issued by M. NAKO MUNICIPALMANAGER

MBHASHE LOCALMUNICIPALITY

454

THEADVERTISISSUEDINCOMPLIANCEPREFERENTIALPROCUREMENTREGULATION2022(PPR)

Stage1:AssessmentofAdministrativeCompliance

· Onlybidderswhoareresponsiveintermsofadministrativecompliancewillbeevaluatedfurthertostage Stage2:Thisstagewillfocusonevaluationofspeciﬁcationandbiddersabilitytoexecutethe projects:

· Biddermustrespondinaccordancewithalltheminimumrequirementsasdetailedinthetermsofreference failuretocomplywillresultindisqualiﬁcationaspointscoringisnolongerapplicableintheinPPR (Regulationsof2022).

Stage3:Evaluationwillbedonebasedonthe80/20preferentialpointsystem.

· Where80pointswillbeallocatedforpriceand20forspeciﬁcgoals.Biddersmustsubmittherequired documentationtoclaimpreferenceplan

· The80/20preferentialsystemwillbeapplied,wherepoints80pointswillbeallocatedforpriceand20for speciﬁcgoals.

SPECIFICGOALS

BIDDERSSHALLTAKENOTEOFTHEFOLLOWING:

· The Validity period of Bids is 90 days from the closing date.

· Bidders to submit aTax Compliance status document with Pin issued by SouthAfrican Revenue Services (SARS) or CSD number to verify tax status.

· All mandatory forms should be ﬁlled but not all will lead to disqualiﬁcation or non-responsiveness except for MBD 4, MBD 8, and MBD 9.

· Electronic tender documents will also be available on the municipal website www.mbhashemun gov.za

· Bidders must be registered on CSD if the bidder is not registered the bid will be deemed non-responsive.

· Failure to submit JV agreements (where applicable) or ConsortiumAgreements will lead to a disqualiﬁcation.

· LatestbillingclearancecertiﬁcateORstatementofmunicipalaccountnotolderthanthreemonthsORa leaseagreementofthebiddingcompanymustbeattached.,Cllrsletterwillnotserveasabillingclearance certiﬁcate PleasenoteforanyaddressprovidedasthepreferredonCSDandCKtheremustbea leaseagreementorbillingratesclearancewhichwillserveasaproofthatthecompanydoesnotowe ratesfortheaddressesprovidedintheCSDandCK Biddersareadvisedtoensurethattheyalignthe addressesonCSDandCKtotheleaseagreementandbillingclearanceattached

· Allotherpre-requisitesasdetailedinthebiddocumentsshallapply

· AllcertiﬁeddocumentsmustnotbeolderthanSix(06)months.

· Late,telegraphic,facsimile,incompleteorunsignedbidswillnotbeconsidered.

· Non-disclosurebytheserviceproviderswhoareintheemployofstatemayleadtodisqualiﬁcation

· MbhasheLocalMunicipalitydoesnotbinditselftoacceptthelowestoranybidandreservestherightnotto acceptthewholeoranypartofthebid.

· ThemunicipalitywillnotbeliableforanymisplacedorlatetenderdocumentdeliveredbyCourier Company

· BidderswillbeadjudicatedinaccordancewiththeMunicipality'sSupplyChainManagementPolicyandin termsofPreferentialProcurementPolicyFrameworkActnewregulationsof2022andwillbebasedon80/20 pointssystem.

Issued by M.

NAKO

MUNICIPALMANAGER

MBHASHE LOCALMUNICIPALITY 454 Streatﬁeld Road, P.O Box 25, Dutywa, SouthAfrica, 5000

Mbhashe Local Municipality hereby invites service providers to bid for the CONSULTANTSFORSOURCINGOFFUNDSFORIMPLEMENTATIONOF MLMUNFUNDEDPROJECTSFORAPERIODOFTHREE(03)YEARS.

THEADVERTISISSUEDINCOMPLIANCEPREFERENTIALPROCUREMENTREGULATION2022(PPR)

Stage1:AssessmentofAdministrativeCompliance

· Onlybidderswhoareresponsiveintermsofadministrativecompliancewillbeevaluatedfurthertostage Stage2:Thisstagewillfocusonevaluationofspeciﬁcationandbiddersabilitytoexecutethe projects:

Stage3:Evaluationwillbedonebasedonthe80/20preferentialpointsystem

· Where80pointswillbeallocatedforpriceand20forspeciﬁcgoals Biddersmustsubmittherequired documentationtoclaimpreferenceplan.

· The80/20preferentialsystemwillbeapplied,wherepoints80pointswillbeallocatedforpriceand20for speciﬁcgoals.

SPECIFICGOALS

BIDDERSSHALLTAKENOTEOFTHEFOLLOWING:

· The Validity period of Bids is 90 days from the closing date.

· Bidders to submit aTax Compliance status document with Pin issued by SouthAfrican Revenue Services (SARS) or CSD number to verify tax status.

· All mandatory forms should be ﬁlled but not all will lead to disqualiﬁcation or non-responsiveness except for MBD 4, MBD 8, and MBD 9.

· Electronic tender documents will also be available on the municipal website www.mbhashemun gov.za

· Bidders must be registered on CSD if the bidder is not registered the bid will be deemed non-responsive.

· Failure to submit JV agreements (where applicable) or ConsortiumAgreements will lead to a disqualiﬁcation.

· Allotherpre-requisitesasdetailedinthebiddocumentsshallapply

· AllcertiﬁeddocumentsmustnotbeolderthanSix(06)months.

· Late,telegraphic,facsimile,incompleteorunsignedbidswillnotbeconsidered.

· Non-disclosurebytheserviceproviderswhoareintheemployofstatemayleadtodisqualiﬁcation.

· MbhasheLocalMunicipalitydoesnotbinditselftoacceptthelowestoranybidandreservestherightnotto acceptthewholeoranypartofthebid.

· ThemunicipalitywillnotbeliableforanymisplacedorlatetenderdocumentdeliveredbyCourier Company

· BidderswillbeadjudicatedinaccordancewiththeMunicipality'sSupplyChainManagementPolicyandin termsofPreferentialProcurementPolicyFrameworkActnewregulationsof2022andwillbebasedon80/20 pointssystem.

Issued by M. NAKO MUNICIPALMANAGER

MBHASHE LOCALMUNICIPALITY 454