MhlontloMunicipalityoffi
BABALWA NDLANYA
THE Spokesperson for Kumkani Mhlontlo Local Municipality, Mamela Mangcotywa, confirmed that the municipality s main building was recently destroyed by fire
She reported that on-duty security personnel heard a noise near the building and discovered flames emanating from the Council Chambers “They promptly informed their supervisors, who immediately contacted the SAPS and district firefighters for assistance Upon the firefighters' arrival, the blaze was already uncontrollable The fire truck's water supply was exhausted, leading to additional resources being requested from Tsolo SAPS officers actively participated and recorded statements from the security personnel under Case No 13/06/2025,” Mangcotywa explained
Mangcotywa stated that employees based in the main building have been permitted to work from home “Other departments, including Community Services, Pounds, Traffic, and EPWP, will continue operating as usual All necessary reports from SAPS and the Disaster Department are being compiled and will be submitted to the Council for further consideration Employees from the affected departments are expected to work remotely and remain available as required,” she added Mangcotywa emphasised the importance of flexibility and responsibility during this period She also confirmed that there would be no
financial impact on employees' salaries
“The municipality stresses the importance of honesty and accountability among employees working from home Regarding repairs and maintenance, the extent of the damage is yet to be assessed, and the restoration budget has not been determined While service delivery may face slight disruptions, contingency plans are in place to minimise the impact The municipality expresses gratitude to the SAPS, the firefighters, and all first responders for their swift action Further updates will be shared as new information becomes available ”
Police spokesperson, Captain Welile Matyolo, confirmed that the Kumkani Mhlontlo Local Municipality Council Chambers in Qumbu caught fire and that firefighters were summoned to the scene to extinguish the blaze
“The Council Chambers have been severely damaged by the fire Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, and a case of arson has been opened for investigation The financial value of the damages is yet to be determined,” stated Matyolo
The cause of the fire is presently unknown and remains part of an ongoing investigation
Councillor Zakheni Nondaka of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) in Mhlontlo Local Municipality accused the leadership of negligence, drawing attention to the timing of the fire amidst a contentious municipal review
“We made several attempts to request the MEC for the Department of Cooperative Governance and
Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Zolile Williams, to place the municipality under administration These efforts were unsuccessful During his investigation, the offices suddenly caught fire Additionally, we wrote to Mayor Mbulelo Jara requesting clarity on the R374,100 00 spent on training 60 councillors at Dan’s Lodge in Mthatha,” Nondaka asserted
He added that they received no
response and subsequently requested Council Speaker, Eddie Pula, to convene a council meeting to address these concerns
MEC Zolile Williams expressed alarm over the incident According to his spokesperson, Pheello Oliphant, it is suspicious that the fire occurred during the night when security personnel were on duty
"While security personnel were present on site, they could not pro-
vide a credible explanation for the fire's origin Williams has urged a thorough and expedited investigation into the matter This fire arises amidst a Section 106 investigation under the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 Officials found culpable under this Act must be held accountable without delay The provincial government will not tolerate municipalities becoming crime scenes," Oliphant declared
SonaccusedofbrutallykillingelderlymotherinMqanduli
BABALWA NDLANYA
THE Mqengqwa family of Xhurana locality in Mqanduli is grappling with shock and grief after the horrific murder of 81-year-old Nothozamile Mqengqwa, who
was allegedly hacked and stabbed to death by her son, Apheleke Mqengqwa (32), last week
According to the victims brother, Ndludaka Tyabule, the suspect had been living with his mother at the time of this tragic incident
Apheleke, the fifth of Nothozamile's six children, reportedly accused his mother of witchcraft before the attack "After he killed her, he covered her body with a blanket When we asked him why he did it, he said he suspected her of bewitching him because he imagined seeing her entering through the window due to the drugs he was using This is incredibly painful for us I am only speaking because I must, but this breaks my heart every time I talk about it," said Tyabule
The Mqengqwa family believes that substance abuse played a significant role in Apheleke's violent behaviour He was unemployed and only took on occasional odd jobs Tyabule expressed concerns over the possibility of the suspect being granted bail, fearing for the safety of other family members
Funeral arrangements are still pending, as some of the deceased's children are travelling from Gauteng
The local community is deeply disturbed by the incident Traditional
leader, Chief Ngwenya Tanduvuyo, shared his shock, stating, "This is very sad The homestead is quite isolated, which made it harder for neighbours to know what was happening We must make sure this never happens again " Eastern Cape MEC for Social Development, Bukiwe Fanta, visited the grieving family to offer condolences and support
"It is with profound sadness that I extend my sympathies to the Mqengqwa family Losing a loved one in such a horrific way is unimaginable This is not just a personal loss; it is a loss for the whole community," said Fanta She underlined the importance of addressing the root causes of domestic violence and urged communities to break the silence and seek help when faced with family disputes
"We must create a culture of understanding and ensure that people, especially the elderly, are protected Domestic violence should never be
tolerated "
Fanta assured the family that the Department of Social Development would provide emotional and psychological support She further emphasised the importance of justice, stating, "Acts of violence must not go unpunished Accountability is essential to restoring faith in our justice system "
Police spokesperson, Captain Welile Matyolo, confirmed the incident, stating, "A woman, aged 81, from Xhurana in Mqanduli, was brutally hacked to death by her son using a panga The suspect was arrested the following day
"The murder weapon has been recovered, and the motive is not known at this stage as it forms part of the ongoing investigation " Matyolo revealed that the suspect, Apheleke Mqengqwa, briefly appeared before the Mqanduli Magistrate's Court, and his case has been postponed to June 9, 2025, for a formal bail application
Manincourtinconnectionwithmurderofgirlfriend
THE dealer principal of a Mthatha car dealership, Mauritz Andries Rheeder (57), briefly appeared in the Mthatha Magistrate's Court on Monday, June 9, in connection with the death of his partner Riana Nel (50) from East London.
Mthatha Express reported on Sunday on Nel's death in a private Mthatha hospital. According to the police report, Nel died shortly after a visit from him during which he brought refreshments to her hospital bed She was recovering from injuries he had allegedly inflicted days earlier, on Saturday, 31 May 2025, at the automotive dealership in Nelson Mandela Drive. Police investigations revealed
that Nel had visited Rheeder, who was her partner, at the automotive dealership where he worked. Following a quarrel, Rheeder allegedly assaulted her at his workplace He later transported her to hospital on Sunday, 1 June, where she was admitted for treatment. At that time, Rheeder reportedly claimed that she had been attacked by "unknown thugs" near the dealership.
Rheeder visited her in hospital on Friday, 6 June, bringing refreshments. Shortly after consuming these items, she became severely ill and died at approximately 13:55 that same day. "Based on preliminary investigations utilising available electronic
evidence, the 57-year-old male suspect was arrested on Friday, 6 June 2025, at approximately 19:00," the SAPS statement confirmed
The official cause of death will be determined following a comprehensive post-mortem examination
During Monday's court proceedings before Magistrate Melikaya Dyakobi, it was confirmed that Rheeder was facing a murder charge He confirmed in court that he is the father of two and was working in a dealership as a dealer principal He said he could afford to pay R3000 for bail.
The bail application was postponed until June 17. Rheeder remains in custody.
Growingcommunities,cultivatingfutures
KEISKAMMAHOEK's Qobo Qobo Essential Oils, formally registered in 2014, is more than just a business it is a transformative force for the community
Focused not only on distilling plants but also on distilling potential, the company has turned a once-overlooked area with land, water, and limited economic opportunities into an inspiring example of what can be achieved through investment in people rather than pity
Today, Qobo Qobo Essential Oils cultivates 63 hectares of land, producing rosemary for oil and chamomile for extraction
This includes 23 hectares owned by the company and 40 hectares farmed by communal farmers All operations, from the nursery and distillery to planting and drying, are conducted in Keiskammahoek, with marketing headquarters in East London
According to Tafara Shuro, Chief Executive Officer of Qobo Qobo Essential Oils, their products are used in cosmetics, cooking, and cardio-friendly preservatives, reaching markets across the globe, from Midrand to Mumbai What began as a small initiative with a handful of community workers has grown to provide employment for 20 full-time and 65 part-time staff
"The company aims to automate its processing line, increase on-site oil extraction, and achieve R6 million in sales this financial year Sales have already reached R3 million, with five containers of rosemary oil en route to the United States," Shuro explained
"Funding in agriculture is often shortterm in a long-term world Many funders want results within two years, but plants d t Q b Q b E ti l Oil h access to land and provides training in cultivating rosemary, vetiver grass, and chamomile The company then purchases the crops for processing into essential oils
"The model might appear simple on paper, but it is revolutionary in practice We assist aspiring farmers from the t t F th ith t l d h l
and families Women, such as Nokulunga Quma, are among the many empowered through this initiative Once earning a modest R1,900 a month, Quma now earns over R100,000 annually while staying close to her family
"She isn't just growing rosemary and
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chamomile; she's cultivating independence and farming dignity," Shuro emphasised By blending agriculture with community upliftment, Qobo Qobo Essential Oils continues to prove that investment in people can yield success for both individuals and the broader economy
Businessownercontactperson: SisandaSirobo Cell:0721489823 | Email:Csanda.sirobo@gmail.com
Some of the employees who work at Qobo-Qobo Essential Oils.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Mthatha’sSpargsSupersparrewardsluckycustomers
BABALWA NDLANYA
NOMALIZO Mjanyelwa from Tyumbu locality in Mthatha was left speechless after her dream of owning a car became a reality, thanks to Spargs Superspar in Mthatha Last week, she won a Hyundai as part of a nationwide competition run by Spar
A mother of four, Mjanyelwa shared her disbelief and joy with Mthatha Express, recounting the moment her life changed "I always shop at this supermarket using my reward card I never thought that would one day make my dream come true When I received a call from one of the managers asking for my ID number, I thought it was a scam But something told me to ignore my doubts and just give it," she said Mjanyelwa added that, although she has entered competitions before, this was her first win and what an incredible win it was "I am so excited, I do not think I will be able to sleep My whole body is shaking To go to bed thinking you do not have a car, and then to suddenly own one without spending a cent, is unbelievable It still feels like a dream "
She encouraged local residents to shop at Spar, praising the store for caring about its customers through regular competitions
"I used to see other people winning and never thought I would be one of them one day," she said
While Mjanyelwa went home with a brandnew car, another customer, Asive Mabokwe from Misty Mount, won groceries worth R2,000 after participating in a trolley dash Mabokwe explained that she had purchased three Betavites and a few other items when Spar staff advised her to enter the competition by submitting her details on a till slip "I got a call the same evening telling me to come to Spar I could not believe that I had won All the groceries I received were
things I did not have at home My children are coming back now that schools are closing, and at least I will have food to cook for them," said Mabokwe
Besides the winners of the car and trolley dash, several other customers went home with prizes For Mabokwe, entering the competition marked her first attempt at such events, and her win has inspired her to participate in more competitions
"To those who have not won yet, do not lose hope Your turn might be next," she added Spargs Superspar manager Namhla Ntuli revealed that the celebrations were not only for the lucky winners but also marked the store s 10-year anniversary with Spar
Store Manager Willem Schoeman and staff were delighted with the occasion, which coincided with the national car giveaway campaign
"It was beautiful to see Willem said that, since this year marks 60 years of Spargs, we should celebrate, and that's exactly what we did," shared Ntuli
She explained that the car giveaway was part of Spar's national competition, organised by Head Office, where 50 cars are distributed to participating stores
"For a customer to win, they needed to shop at Spar and use their reward card
That's exactly what Mjanyelwa did Although we are in the Eastern Cape, our store operates under Spar KZN, which made us fortunate to have one of the winning entries "
This is the third time a customer has won a car at Spargs Superspar in Mthatha Ntuli highlighted that the car giveaway celebrations are customised by local stores and attended by officials from the Spar Head Office in KwaZulu-Natal
Store Manager Willem Schoeman emphasised Spar's commitment to supporting the local economy
"Spar is truly a locally owned business
INGA Makosonke, Director of New Motion Casting Agency, has announced that their latest film, Dark Shadow, will soon be broadcast on one of the local television channels
Although the exact premiere date has not yet been finalised, Makosonke confirmed that they are awaiting confirmation from the broadcaster.
Originally from Futye locality in Mqanduli, Makosonke now resides in Mthatha. He explained that he founded New Motion Casting Agency in March 2023 with the mission of supporting both aspiring and established actors, particularly from rural areas The agency seeks to educate actors about their rights and protect them from exploitation within the industry.
"Coming from the deep rural areas of Mqanduli, I understand the challenges people face, including mismanaging their earnings, which often leaves them struggling financially. To make a difference, I began training both young and older individuals who are passionate about acting," Makosonke shared
Currently, the agency trains 40 students across two locations: Norwood in Mthatha and the local library in Elliotdale. Earlier this year, several students graduated and were awarded certificates during a ceremony held in March.
The training programme offered by the agency spans six months, after which graduates are automatically enrolled in the casting agency. While New Motion Casting Agency is working on securing professional roles for its graduates, for now, they are gaining valuable experience by performing in the agency's own film productions
Anyone interested in learning more about the training programme or agency services can contact Inga Makosonke on
Nomalizo Mjanyelwa from Tymbu locality in Mthatha, went home with her brand-new car which she won at Spargs Superspar in Mthatha. PHOTOS: BABALWA NDLANYA
BABALWA NDLANYA
Mpumzi Guzana, handing over the car key to the win-
Showcasing CoffeeBay’s beautyandculture
BABALWA NDLANYA
SIBONGISENI Sidelo, Director of the Nzuzo Yethu Project, has announced two upcoming events on June 14, 2025, aimed at showcasing the natural beauty and rich culture of Coffee Bay to those unfamiliar with the area
Named Nzuzo Yethu, the event seeks to promote and develop tourism in Coffee Bay by highlighting its unique landscapes, vibrant community, and distinct cultural heritage
According to Sidelo, the event is held annually, and this year’s guests will arrive on June 13 at the Hole in the Wall Hotel
From there, they will be transported by shuttle to Coffee Bay, where they will begin an 11-kilometre hike back to the Hole in the Wall
“During the hike, participants will experience the beauty of our area and visit tourist attractions like Maphuzi Cave, an important historical site where community members sought refuge
“Another unique aspect of our region is that we have three police stations: Mqanduli, Kwaaiman and Coffee Bay Both Kwaaiman and Coffee Bay were military camps during the civil war," said Sidelo
After the hike, there will be an event with local stakeholders to discuss the beauty and tourism potential of Coffee Bay In addition, local vendors will have the opportunity to showcase and sell their products
Sidelo highlighted that the event will also include cultural education about the Amabomvana people The Nzuzo Yethu Project aims to expand beyond its current location by creating facilities and branches in disadvantaged or rural areas while promoting the untouched beauty of the Wild Coast
“We aim to raise awareness about historical sites, educate hikers about their significance, and preserve our natural and cultural heritage We bring a positive vibe, keep our participants entertained, and offer incredible networking opportunities
“All of this creates remarkable memories while con-
tributing to our town's GDP by helping local businesses thrive," Sidelo explained Sidelo emphasised that the initiative also contributes to job creation for local youth who may work as seasonal employees
“This project connects people from all walks of life, inspiring participants to rediscover themselves, reawaken their dreams, and regain lost hope,” he added Nzuzo Yethu’s efforts started in October 2022 with a hike focused on raising awareness about Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and drug abuse The event, attended by 85 participants, followed an 11-kilometre hike from Coffee Bay to the Hole in the Wall
It included discussions on various topics, such as:
• Accessing channels of help within and beyond Coffee Bay
• Managing one’s environment to align with progress and encouraging locals to start businesses
• Engaging in meaningful and progressive activities
• Promoting reading mindfulness physical wellness, and mental health
Sidelo described wellness as a holistic state of being physically, mentally, and emotionally and shared that the programme encouraged participants to practise healthy habits daily to improve their quality of life
“The goal is not just to survive but to thrive,” he said
The Nzuzo Yethu Project has organised several hiking events highlighting different routes and distances along the Wild Coast, including:
• From Hole in the Wall Mountain to Lubanzi (8 km)
• Coffee Bay to Hole in the Wall (11 km)
Coffee Bay to Mdumbi (10 km)
• Mdumbi to Hluleka Village (21 km)
Hluleka Village to Mpande Village (18 km)
• Mpande Village to Mngazana Village (14 km)
Mngazana Village to Port St Johns (18 km)
Through these activities, the project seeks not only to promote tourism and preserve heritage but also to empower communities and celebrate the unique identity of Coffee Bay and its surrounding areas
Sport
ZazulwanaJune16tourney
invitesteamsfor3rdedition
ANELE RAZIYA
ALL football teams and netball clubs in the Mnquma area are invited to participate in the annual Zazulwana June 16 Tournament, now in its third edition
The tournament will be held at the Zazulwana Sports Ground, near Komkhulu, Butterworth, starting this Saturday
The event aims to promote sports development in rural areas like Zazulwana Village and to steer young people away from alcohol abuse, drugs, and crime
Over 16 teams from areas such as Butterworth, Ngqamakhwe, and Centane are expected to compete in netball and soccer
Speaking to Mthatha Express, one of the organisers, Odwa Magadlela, confirmed that the Butterworth SAPS Sport Against Crime Unit will be present during the tournament to raise crime awareness
Magadlela also mentioned that the organisers anticipate that more than 16 teams in both soccer and netball will take part in the event
Teams interested in participating must
pay an affiliation fee of R350 for soccer and R250 for netball
Prizes for soccer include:
• Champions: A brand-new soccer kit worth R5,000, a trophy, and gold medals
• Runners-up: Silver medals (20) and a cash prize (amount to be announced)
• Third place: Bronze medals and a cash prize (amount to be announced)
For netball, the prizes are:
Champions: A brand-new netball kit worth R5,000, a trophy, and gold medals
• Runners-up: Silver medals (15) and a cash prize (amount to be announced)
For more information, interested teams can call Odwa Magadlela on 065 575 6601
Magadlela encouraged sports supporters to show up in large numbers to cheer for the teams during the event, which starts this Saturday and concludes on Monday, 16 June, with the final matches
The tournament is supported by Zazulwana Villagers, in partnership with Ayakha Security Company
CityStrikersFCtorepresentOR TamboatprovincialEngenchamps
HOSEYA JUBASE
THE City Strikers FC U18 male team will proudly represent the OR Tambo Region at the Engen Provincial Championships
The provincial games are scheduled to take place on 12 and 13 July 2025 in East London under the Buffalo City Municipality The winning male and female teams will advance to represent the province at the national championships in September 2025
This past Saturday, City Strikers FC secured a commanding 3-0 victory against Galili Eagles FC during the elimination games held at the Mthatha Sports Field
In 2024, the provincial Engen Championships were hosted in Gqeberha, where Nav Galaxy Ladies from East London and eBhayi FC from Gqeberha emerged as the champions of the Engen Knockout Challenge They represented the province at the National Championship of Champions, competing against prominent teams such
as Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns FC
However, neither succeeded in advancing past the initial phases of the national championship This year, Eastern Cape teams are determined not only to qualify but also to significantly improve from the previous year’s results
In the 2025 provincial Engen Knockout Challenge Championship in East London, the OR Tambo Region will field both male and female teams City Strikers FC will compete in the male U18 category, while Coastal Ladies’ FC will represent the region in the female U20 division
At the 2024 National Engen Champ of Champs held in Gauteng, Kaizer Chiefs FC (male category) and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC were crowned champions Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies triumphed over Durban Ladies in the final, while Kaizer Chiefs defeated Stellenbosch FC to take the title
ECSasolLeaguereturnsaftergrantdelay
ANELE RAZIYA
ALL 18 Sasol League teams in the Eastern Cape are set to kick off their 2025 league campaign this Saturday, June 14
The start of the season was initially scheduled for March 31 but was postponed after several teams complained that they had not received their grant payments from the South African Football Association (SAFA) for the previous season
In response, SAFA delayed the commencement of the 2025 Sasol League season to address the issue
Over the past week, SAFA began paying some of the outstanding grants to the teams in the division and announced that the league would officially start this weekend
Many teams have confirmed receiving partial payments and stated that they are ready to begin the new season while awaiting the re-
RuraltalentshinesatMbhashe Mayor’sCupTournament
HOSEYA JUBASE
Mbhashe Local Municipality Mayor, Samkelo Janda, hailed the success of the 2025 Mayor's Cup Tournament, held this past Saturday, which attracted numerous sponsors
The tournament featured various sports, including soccer, rugby, netball, softball and volleyball Teams participating came from all wards within the Mbhashe Municipality, with a focus on unlocking talent in rural areas
"Our initiatives start from the wards, and it was heartening to see the kids' happiness and their enjoyment playing in this facility, which we built as a government for them," said Mayor Janda
In the Ladies' soccer final, PSG Ladies’ FC were crowned champions after defeating Mbhashe Ladies’ FC 5-4 in a penalty shootout The match ended in a goalless draw during regular time Inam Mahlamvu (17), awarded Player of the Match for her stellar performance, expressed her excitement at the
team's achievement
"It was not an easy final A goalless draw shows the opponent was tough, but we are thrilled to have won," said Mahlamvu, who plays as a centre-back for PSG Ladies based in Elliotdale
She added that the team is now shifting its focus to upcoming league matches and tournaments
PSG Ladies’ FC head coach, Zolani Bungu, commended the team on their hard work and dedication
"Competing in the Mayor s Cup for the first time and winning is an incredible achievement I am very proud of my team," said Bungu
The Mbhashe Mayor's Cup Tournament was graced by the presence of Mayor Samkelo Janda and Eastern Cape MEC of Sport, Sibulele Ngongo
MEC Ngongo expressed her enthusiasm for the sportsmanship and commitment displayed by the teams "It’s inspiring to see the dedication and passion shown by all participants in this tournament," she said
mainder of their grants
Thisweekend’sfixtures:
InlandStream:
• Executive Ladies (defending champions, Ntabankulu) vs Eastern Cape Peace Lovers FC (Ngcobo)
• Red Roses Ladies FC vs Eastern Rangers FC
Coastal United Ladies’FC vs Sapphire Ladies’FC
• Ayakha Stars FC vs WSU Mthatha Campus Ladies (Mthatha derby)
CoastalStream:
• Golden Stars Ladies’Football Development vs Volcano Ladies FC
WSUButterworthCampusLadies’FCvsMadibazFootball
• Nav Galaxy Ladies vs Sophakama Ladies FC
• Park United FC vs Phoenix Birds Ladies FC
All matches are scheduled for Saturday afternoon at various venues across the province
Eastern Cape MEC of Sport, Sibulele Ngongo.
EC MEC of Sport, Sibulele Ngongo, and Mbashe Local Municipality Mayor, Samkelo Janda, shaking hands with the players during the Mbashe Mayor’s Cup tournament. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED