Joyisigned Joy bytopteam
Sikhusele ‘Khusta’ Joyi, pictured wearing the Mighty Eagles FC colours, expressed his gratitude to Milford FC for the opportunity to play in the ABC Motsepe Championship, formerly known as the National First Division (NFD). Last season, Joyi was a key player for Mighty Eagles FC, who finished third in the ABC Motsepe League Inland Stream. Previously, he played for FC Ravens during the 2023 season before rejoining Mighty Eagles FC. Read the full story on page 8. PHOTO: HOSEYA JUBASE
Fiveinitiatesdie fromillegalschools
ZOLILE MENZELWA
THE Eastern Cape has recorded five initiate deaths so far in the 2025 winter initiation season from illegal initiation schools in three different municipal areas, shattering the provincial target of zero deaths
In a recent report prepared by the Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs for the National Initiation Oversight Committee, it was revealed that two of the deaths occurred in the Nyandeni Local Municipality on June 30 and July 4, respectively
One death was recorded in Kumkani Mhlontlo Local Municipality on July 3, and one in Lusikisiki (Ingquza Hill Local Municipality) on July 9
Buffalo City Metro Municipality recorded its first death earlier on May 12, even though the initiation season officially opened on June 14
The causes of death, according to the report, remain unknown, “as post-mortems have not been conducted ”
The report, shared by Cogta provincial spokesperson, Pheelo Oliphant, stated that no deaths had been reported at legal initiation schools
A total of 41 cases have been opened with the police, resulting in 37 arrests
“The number of identified illegal schools stands at six since the opening of the season on June 14 ”
The report confirmed that all six schools were closed but did not provide details about what happened to initiates from those closed schools
A total of 14 initiates died in the Eastern Cape during the 2024 winter initiation season
During the summer initiation season of the same year, this number doubled to 28, with causes of death including dehydration and septicaemia
On January 23, Cogta Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa met with kings in East London to chart a roadmap towards safer customary initiation and achieving a zero-death target
According to the departmental website, the meeting centred on seeking advice from the kings as custodians of customary practices
“Additionally, the engagement presented an opportunity to strengthen multi-disciplinary stakeholder collaboration and solidify an all-inclusive approach to protecting and promoting culture,” the statement said
Infrastructureprojectslaunched tobenefitcommunities
ZOLILE MENZELWA
THE Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality has officially introduced contractors for two major initiatives: installing electricity and constructing a bridge alongside an access road
According to the municipality, the electrification project aims to enhance access to electricity
Sandiso Ngxangu, the portfolio head of Municipal Technical Services, stated that the project includes the electrification of a 10km link line and a 17km link line connecting Manzana to All Saints, both scheduled to be completed within six months
“As part of the rollout, the work will involve the installation of electricity poles, testing and commissioning the new infrastructure, and dismantling the ageing, reticulated power lines,” he explained These initiatives are expected to greatly improve the reliability and accessibility of energy for the affected villages
Shifting focus to the road infrastructure project, Ngxangu emphasised that constructing the Qitsi Bridge and access road is a critical undertaking aimed at improving mobility and connectivity in Ward 7
“The scope of this project includes the construction of a 1 9km road and a 60m-long bridge Beyond delivering vital infrastructure, both projects will create much-needed job opportunities for local community members,” Ngxangu noted
He confirmed that the electricity project will provide employment for approximately 15 local labourers, who will be paid no less than R180 per day
Meanwhile, the road project will engage around 20 employees at an approximate rate of R220 per day
YG Solutions will oversee the electricity project, while KKG Investments will manage the road infrastructure construction
Ngxangu underscored the significance of these initiatives in empowering communities and enhancing their quality of life
“We are committed to providing services that not only uplift our people but also include them in the process We are confident that these projects will bring meaningful, positive change,” he said
The municipality has encouraged residents to support the implementation process and to consult local leadership should they have any concerns or queries during the construction phase
Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality Technical Services Portfolio Head, Sandiso Ngxangu.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
THE Eastern Cape province will receive the largest share of the disaster grants from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) after being severely affected by the June floods and heavy snowfalls
This was revealed by Cogta Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa during a media briefing on July 7 Hlabisa stated that the funds released to municipalities and provinces followed the devastating weather in the “severely affected” Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Free State “Out of these, 103 were in the Eastern Cape, three in KwaZulu-Natal, and one in the Western Cape The government urges communities in affected areas to remain alert and follow early warning advisories issued by the South African Weather Service, as a critical measure to safeguard lives, property, and livelihoods,” he said
In accordance with the applicable legislation, the following municipal disaster recovery grants will be transferred on August 28, Hlabi-
sa added
“The total allocations for the 2025/2026 financial year will amount to R1 3 billion, consisting of the July 2025 Provincial Response Grant of R151 3 million, the Municipal Response Grant of R395 million, and the August 2025 Recovery of R708 9 million, of which R504 million is allocated to the Eastern Cape,” Hlabisa said
O R Tambo District Municipality received R30 million, Amathole District Municipality R20 million, while Chris Hani District Municipality received R21 million
In the O R Tambo district,local municipalities were allocatedfundsasfollows:
• King Sabata Dalindyebo: R392 million
• Nyandeni: R35 3 million
• Mhlontlo: R25 million
Port St Johns: R26 million
• Ingquza Hill: R8 million
Hlabisa expressed his department's appreciation for efforts made to use the grants appropriately despite several key areas of concern being identified
“These include poor infrastructure planning and execution, inadequate workmanship, di-
version or alteration of the scope of work, delays in appointing service providers that result in municipalities underperforming, and the misallocation of funds to operational matters instead of the designated projects ”
Hlabisa noted a significant lack of monitoring and contract management by implementing agents
Projects were being under-designed, he said, which made the infrastructure vulnerable to further damage Other local municipalities (LMs) receiving substantial amounts included Umzimvubu with R27 million, Matatiele with R25 million, and Sakhisizwe with R36 million
Intsika Yethu was allocated R30 million, Raymond Mhlaba R27 million, Emalahleni R32 million, and Enoch Mgijima R32 million among the LMs in the province
The allocation of disaster grants is governed by rigorous reporting and compliance measures designed to ensure complete transparency and accountability in the use of funds
It is crucial to understand that any organs of state failing to adhere to the disaster grants frameworks would be denied allocations, he said
He added that state organs are required to
KingMhlontloLocalMunicipalitydismissesCFO
ZOLILE MENZELWA
THE King Mhlontlo Local Municipality has dismissed its embattled Chief Financial Officer, Nandipha Sibobi, for gross dishonesty and violating Section 2 of her employment contract after her suspension by the municipality in April Mthatha Express reported on April 17 that the council had resolved during its meeting on April 1 to suspend Sibobi after she reinstated a mobile phone contract with a service provider following the expiry of its initial contract This was done despite a new contract already being entered into by the munic-
ipality with a different service provider
Responding to questions from Mthatha Express, municipal spokesperson, Mamela Mangcotywa, confirmed that Sibobi was dismissed following an independent disciplinary process
“[You are dismissed for] gross dishonesty and violation of Section 2 of your employment contract, in that you misled and/or caused the accounting officer to believe that the appointment of a service provider for VAT collection services would assist the municipality in resolving some of its service delivery challenges as it would generate a substantial amount of money Based on your advice,
a tender was advertised and a service provider appointed,” Mangcotywa said She added that the second of the four charges against Sibobi involved non-compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) Circular 74
“[You] caused an irregular procurement process by advising on the appointment of the service provider for VAT collection, contrary to the clear provisions of Circular 74 of the MFMA, which prohibits such conduct,” she said In the third charge, Sibobi was found guilty of causing the municipality to incur, or be subjected to, potential avoid-
submit comprehensive monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC)
“Recognising the critical need for technical expertise to accurately assess damages and lead reconstruction efforts, the NDMC forges strong collaborations with the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency (MISA) and various sector departments By utilising MISA's engineering resources, we ensure a thorough assessment and verification of damages, as well as essential technical advice required for funding approval,” the minister said Cogta is undertaking a thorough evaluation and refinement of the disaster management systems to strengthen intergovernmental relations, enhance response times, and improve damage assessments
“We recognise the frustrations that communities often face during these trying times, and we are committed to addressing the significant challenges and uncertainties that may arise Our dedication to improving systems and processes for disaster response reflects our understanding of the vital role that effective support plays in assisting communities during crises,” Hlabisa concluded
able wasteful and fruitless expenditure amounting to R3 4 million by the end of the “unlawful contract ” At the time of her suspension, Sibobi also faced a charge of contradicting the stipulations of the MFMA
“[You] usurped the accounting officer's powers to appoint a service provider by appointing Vodacom, while the municipality had already appointed MTN to provide the same services to the municipality’s councillors This caused the municipality to pay two service providers for the same services, resulting in fruitless and wasteful expenditure,” Mangcotywa explained
ADMlaunchesartisantraininginitiativetoaddressskillsshortages
THE Amathole District Municipality (ADM), in collaboration with the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA), has launched a landmark skills development programme aimed at addressing critical skills shortages in the local workforce
In a media statement, ADM stated that the programme was officially launched on July 7 at the Mdantsane Border Training Centre This fully funded initiative targets 40 artisans, with 30 participants currently employed and 10 unemployed, representing all local municipalities within the Amathole District
The Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) programme is set to run over eight months and is structured into three key phases designed for comprehensive skills development The first phase entails theoretical and practical assessments to evaluate participants current competencies This is followed by a second phase of targeted training to bridge any skill gaps identified during the evaluations The final phase focuses on practical workplace application, allowing participants to implement their newly learned skills in real-world scenarios The programme places particular em-
phasis on advanced household plumbing techniques, such as sanitary ware installation, which are essential for expanding the range of services that artisans can offer
Upon completion, participants will receive a nationally recognised Trade Test Certificate, a highly regarded qualification expected to enhance career prospects This certification not only validates their expertise but also equips artisans with the credentials needed to explore new job opportunities or even embark on entrepreneurial ventures, ultimately boosting the regional economy
ADM emphasised that this initiative highlights its unwavering commitment to creating a skilled and adaptable workforce capable of meeting the district's infrastructure needs By investing in the professional growth of artisans, ADM aims to enhance service delivery and promote sustainable development across all local municipalities within the district The inclusiveness of the programme, which offers opportunities to both employed and unemployed artisans, ensures a transformative impact on the local workforce by fostering a more capable and well-rounded pool of talent
ZOLILE MENZELWA
ESKOMEXPO:
Learnersinspired byregionalscience fairsacrossSA
THE Eskom Expo for Young Scientists is set to host a series of Regional Science Fairs in 35 regions across South Africa, providing a unique platform for school learners to showcase their innovative ideas, scientific research, and problem-solving skills
This year, participants were pre-selected after participating in activities designed to develop their scientific abilities
These include skill-enhancing workshops and mandatory district expos, where young scientists receive expert guidance on conducting impactful research
Over 17,500 learners presented their research projects in School and District Expos as part of the selection process
Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation, Mologadi Motshele, emphasised the importance of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI) in driving South Africa’s growth and innovation
“By cultivating interest and excellence in STEMI from an early age, the Eskom Expo not only develops individual potential but also contributes to economic growth, innovation, and social equity These young scientists are the future problem-solvers who will confront challenges like energy, climate change, healthcare, and food security Supporting the Eskom Expo reflects our commitment to investing in young minds to ensure a sustainable, skills-driven South Africa,” she said
Regional Science Fairs will provide learners with opportunities to engage with peers, educators, and professionals from various fields, fostering critical thinking, research skills, and effective communication Alongside showcasing their projects, participants stand a chance to win prestigious awards, including the Best Female Project, Best Innovation
Project, Best Energy Project, and Best Development Project
Speaking on the initiative, Eskom Expo Executive Director Parthy Chetty said, “The Eskom Expo is South Africa’s only national initiative aimed at nurturing future scientists and engineers These regional science fairs are the starting point for young scientists to engage meaningfully with professionals, further developing their research ideas and innovations We wish them well in the judging process and encourage them to refine their projects continuously ”
More than 6,000 projects will be presented at regional fairs this year Outstanding participants will qualify for the internationally renowned Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF), scheduled to take place from 6 to 10 October 2025 at the Emperors Palace Conference Centre in Kempton Park
At the ISF, participants will compete for awards, bursaries, opportunities, and even the chance to showcase their work at international science fairs in the USA, Asia, Europe, and Africa Eskom Expo has also called on professionals, including engineers, doctors, veterinarians, teachers, lecturers, scientists and IT specialists, to apply as judges for the upcoming regional science fairs Judging offers professionals the opportunity to gain experience in evaluating research projects and earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points through their respective professional bodies
Teachers can acquire SACE CPD points, while scientists registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) can receive CPD credits Interested judges can apply via the Eskom Expo website at www.exposcience.co.za The science fair in Mthatha is scheduled to take place at Khanyisa High School on August 15
BABALWA NDLANYA
IN an effort to support the community, members of the Welcome All Bishops Forum in Mthatha will host an awareness campaign in the Bhongweni area of Mthatha on July 19
The forum has planned a two-day event, running from July 19 to July 20, 2025, in this area
According to the President of the Welcome All Bishops Forum, Archbishop Tembisile Dipha, the first day will focus on educating community members about the proper treatment of women and children
“We have realised that this problem is widespread in our area In fact, one community member was nearly robbed twice while returning from work This prompted us, as church leaders, to take action To ensure the success of this day, we have invited police officers and other stakeholders to join us,” said Dipha
He added that they will also be praying for the various challenges facing community members
Dipha stated that on the second day, July 20, they will appoint one of the bishops, Bishop Madilemo Mabali, as the Provincial Presiding Archbishop of the Welcome All Bishops Forum
Dipha also confirmed their plans to distribute clothing and offer hope to community members recently affected by floods
Speaking about the forum, Dipha explained that it was established to collaborate with government departments and provide assistance to the community
“We are working with various departments, and this forum was founded in 2021 We started it because we noticed that people are often suffering, and as church leaders we are called to help ”
He added that all church ministers wishing to join the forum are welcome Dipha confirmed that the forum currently has 200 members from various districts, not just in the O R Tambo District He also noted that they have an online link for those interested in joining
Newseasontokickoffthisweekend
ANELE RAZIYA
THE new season of the Sasol League in the Eastern Cape is expected to kick off this weekend, after the opening fixtures were postponed more than twice this year
This follows the South African Football Association (SAFA) publishing the opening league fixtures for the Eastern Cape Sasol League on its website, which are scheduled to be played on July 19 at different venues
The Sasol League new season was sup-
posed to start in March this year, but there were delays as all teams in the division were waiting for their last season’s travelling grant money and prizes from SAFA Then on April 9, the season was expected to start, but it was postponed again as SAFA was yet to pay all teams and also give them their last season’s prizes The opening fixtures ended up being rescheduled to June 14
But in June, there were still some teams who had not received their travelling money from the association, and again the start of the new season was delayed as all teams agreed not to play until SAFA
opening league fixtures for both streams, which are scheduled for this Saturday
In the Sasol League Inland Stream, defending champions Executive Ladies’ FC, are expected to play their opening fixture against Eastern Cape Peace Lovers FC at home
Ayakha Stars FC will host WSU Mthatha Campus Ladies in a Mthatha derby, while Sapphire Ladies’ FC will visit Coastal United Ladies FC
Meanwhile, in the Sasol League Coastal Stream, Park United will entertain Phoenix Birds Ladies’ FC at home, defending champions Sophakama Ladies’ FC will
BusisiwePiyoseto launchnewalbum
BABALWA NDLANYA
MASKANDI artist, Busisiwe Piyose, from the Tyelebana locality in Mthatha, is gearing up for the release of her new album titled Ixilongo lika Bhubhane, scheduled to launch on August 30, 2025
Piyose announced that the album launch will take place on the same day at the Ngolo Administrative Area in Libode “I started singing in East Coast, Western Cape, and I had role models such as Mlindelwa Mralatya, known as Nkunzemdaka, and Mfaniseni Njemboqo, both renowned for their Maskandi music I listened to their music while growing up which inspired
Sport
The trials will take place at Rotary Stadium from 08:00 in the morning until the afternoon Participants are advised to bring their training kit and arrange their own accommodation
Afika Sodo, Bush Bucks FC's team manager, described the trials as a golden opportunity for budding football stars, as the team is actively seeking excepg , Sodo
"These trials have proven to bring excellent results, which is why we decided to host open trials again We are receiving calls from all over the country This is a big club, and we are committed to restoring it to its rightful place "
Although Imbabala faced challenges in the previous ABC Mo-
tsepe League season, the team has created opportunities for young players from rural areas of the Eastern Cape, many of whom now represent top sides in both the ABC Motsepe League and the NFD
Bush Bucks also proudly supports players' educational ambitions
One notable example is Feza Ngcotsha, selected from last season's trials
Ngcotsha played a key role for
the club before pursuing further studies in Gauteng Sodo expressed pride in the player s achievements and reiterated the team's commitment to prioritising education alongside football
AmabungaFCtriumphinSportAgainstCrimetournament
ANELE RAZIYA
AMABUNGA FC were crowned champions of the inaugural "Sport Against Crime" tournament, organised by former Matta Milan FC player, Julius Jonga, at Sonwabile Sports Ground in Qaqarhu over the weekend
This came after Amabunga FC defeated Aston Villa FC 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw during regulation time at Sonwabile Sports Ground
For winning the Sport Against Crime tournament, Amabunga FC were presented with a brandnew soccer kit, a trophy, and gold medals
The runners-up, Aston Villa FC, received R1,500 and silver medals as a prize for their loss in the final
A total of 18 teams from different areas of Qaqarhu participated in the event, which began on 5th June However, only Amabunga FC and Aston Villa FC managed to reach the final, showcasing excellent football throughout the competition, which concluded on Sunday
The event organiser and founder, Julius "Juju" Jonga, said the tournament was aimed at contributing to the development of sport in Qaqarhu, while also steering youth away from drugs and alcohol abuse
“The idea of hosting the Sport Against Crime tournament was to contribute to the development of sport here in Qaqarhu while encouraging young people to stay away from drugs and al-
Sikhuselesignstwo-yeardealwithNFDteam
SIKHUSELE "Khusta" Joyi has signed a two-year contract with Motsepe Foundation Championship side Milford FC Milford is based in Richards Bay in the KwaZulu-Natal province
This is a dream come true for Joyi, who has been working very
hard for this opportunity over the past few years
In 2018, Joyi was playing for FCV International Football Academy in England
After returning from England, he played for Mighty Eagles FC and later moved to the Chippa United MDDC team for the 2021/22 season Joyi told Express that he is
grateful for the opportunity given by Milford FC, which competes in the ABC Motsepe Championship, previously known as the National First Division (NFD)
Last season, Joyi played for Mighty Eagles FC, based in Mthatha, in the ABC Motsepe League He was one of the team s key players, contributing to their
third-place finish in the ABC Motsepe League Inland Stream
Khusta also played for FC Ravens during the 2023 season before returning to Mighty Eagles FC
Joyi said the time he spent in England helped him significantly in terms of football fundamentals
"It's been a long journey It was
cohol,” Jonga told Mthatha Express Jonga invited SAPS members, local municipality officials, and other government departments to engage with young people during the event, encouraging them to focus on positive life choices
“I was very happy and excited to see local SAPS members and various government officials speaking to the youth of Qaqarhu about important topics such as discipline, education, and other critical matters I think the young people learnt a lot from these speeches,” Jonga said Furthermore, Jonga announced the selection of a squad of 20 players who will have the opportunity to tour around South Africa, playing friendlies against Premier Soccer League teams and ABC Motsepe League clubs He hopes this will help expose the players' talents to bigger teams
During the trophy presentation, Jonga also thanked all the residents of Qaqarhu who came out in large numbers to support his event He promised to continue working hard to assist youth in staying away from drugs and alcohol
not easy, but I have managed to remain disciplined You need to be patient in life, and today I have received the opportunity I have been waiting for for many years
“This means a lot to me – this is my lifetime opportunity, and I can t afford to lose it
“I'll need to work even harder," said Joyi
From the left, wearing a black t-shirt, are team manager Afika Sodo, assistant coach Mondli “Mooi” Funani, and head coach Glen Minnie Coaches are the ones who are going to conduct the trials and look for potential players.
PHOTO: HOSEYA JUBASE
HOSEYA JUBASE
Amabunga FC won the Sport Against Crime tournament at Qaqarhu over the weekend. PHOTO: SUPPLIED