Foundationcontinuespatron’sworkatyouthcentre
BABALWA NDLANYA
MEMBERS of the Aunt Laura Mpahlwa (ALM) Foundation, based in Ncambedlana Farms in Mthatha, recently visited the Siyakhana Youth Outreach and Education Programme as part of their mission to keep the spirit and legacy of their patron alive
Mandlakazi Madaka, a founding board member of the Aunt Laura Mpahlwa Foundation, said the visit was especially meaningful as Siyakhana is one of the many community-based projects established by Aunt Laura in the 1990s that is still in operation today
In addition to being a board member, Madaka is the daughter of the late Aunt Laura
"Siyakhana is one of the projects that were the brainchild of Aunt Laura (that is how she was called) and a few other members of the Mthatha community As the ALM Foundation, we made a conscious decision to continue her legacy through the projects she established and remained involved in until her last days This was our first initiative with Siyakhana We wanted to honour her birthday (March 31) by doing something she would be proud of providing support to the children at Siyakhana," said Madaka
She added that they are in constant communication with Siyakhana's management to understand their needs and see how the Foundation could assist
According to her, this is an ongoing initiative, and they hope to meet some of Siyakhana's broader needs by partnering with other supporters
"We do have other initiatives in the pipeline, which we will share in due course
As the ALM Foundation, we encourage the staff at Siyakhana to continue the incredible work they have been doing since the beginning
“Despite the challenges they may face, they must always remember the organisation s objectives and the children who call this centre their home," she said "Our visit was an opportunity to connect
with the beneficiaries of Siyakhana, most of whom are abandoned children aged between 6 and 18 years and victims of gender-based violence, sexual abuse, and substance abuse The Foundation donated food parcels, toiletries, sanitary pads, and other basic necessities This initiative is part of our commitment to positively impact the lives of the most marginalised and vulnerable members of our communities," Madaka added She confirmed that the foundation was established in 2020, following Aunt Laura s passing in 2019
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, they were unable to launch it at the time but managed to do so on March 27, 2024, at Walter Sisulu University Centre Manager of the Siyakhana Youth Outreach and Education Programme, Mohlomi Lebenya, expressed gratitude for the donation "It reminded us of Aunt Laura's dedication to the organisation as a founder, long-time board member, and trustee It felt as if she were still with us We're looking forward to working with the Foundation in the years ahead The donation in-
cluded groceries and essential items like toiletries This kind of support is crucial for NGOs, as public funding doesn't always cover all expenses," said Lebenya He added that the donation came at a critical time early in the financial year, when funds are typically low before quarterly payments begin "We are truly thankful to the Foundation for its care and support As an organisation, we feel strongly that Aunt Laura's spirit is still with us We thank her family for thinking of us during this crucial time "
Modellingenthusiastencouragespositivepursuits
BABALWA NDLANYA
A GRADE 12 pupil from Qokolweni Senior Secondary School in Mthatha, Azazole Magcaba (16), has demonstrated her passion for modelling by entering various competitions.
She was crowned Miss Sangoni A/A in 2024 and received a participation certificate for Miss Harmonics 2025.
Azazole said she entered the pageants to improve her public speaking skills and boost her self-confidence and because she genuinely loves modelling.
"It was my second time entering a beauty pageant. I first entered one in 2022 and was crowned Miss Qokolweni I felt really happy, like I was on cloud nine. I will continue with modelling because I love it so much, and it gives me the courage to keep going," she said "I encourage my peers to enter these pageants because they're not just about walking on the catwalk they also help us develop good communication skills and think outside the box."
She added that taking drugs is not a solution to any problem, and young people should keep themselves busy with positive activities such as modelling or sport.
According to her, she always makes sure to plan and manage her time well. She balances her schoolwork with modelling classes by cutting down on socialising and focusing more on her studies
"Some pupils usually stay up all night revising, and that's not a good habit. I always remind myself that too much of anything is bad. So, I start by studying, and when I get bored, I switch to modelling," she said.
Azazole Magcaba (16), from Qokolweni Senior Secondary School in Mthatha, is an aspiring model. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Mohlomi Lebenya (Centre Manager for Siyakhana Youth Outreach and Education Programme), Mandisa Mthambeki-Sibinda (Resident Social Worker), Pumla Myeko (Board member at Siyakhana Youth Outreach and Education Programme), Sibusiso Majozi (Administrator) and Mandlakazi Madaka (Board member at Aunt Laura Mpahlwa Foundation) at the handing over held at this centre
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Radiopresenterlaunches sportsclubtocombatcrime
HOSEYA JUBASE
DUE to the high rate of crime and youth involved in drugs at Slovo Park in Mthatha West, INAKO FM radio presenter, Mandlakayise Gcino, has started a football club called GCINO FC
The team consists of Netball U15s, U17s and Football U13s, U15s, U17s, and a senior team which is U19s.
Mandlakayise started this team on March 1, 2025, and their first matches were on April 13 and April 19, at Chris Hane Ground and Link Ground on April 25 and 26.
The team is currently participating in local tournaments and playing friendly matches.
Mandlakayise said he is in the process of registering the team to participate in one of the local leagues in Mthatha
The team does not receive any financial support, with everything depending on the founder.
He has called for anyone to assist the team with kits, balls or any kind of training equipment or transport for players.
Artistscollaborateontribute tomothers
BABALWA
ONE of South Africa's celebrated vocalists, songwriters, and keyboardists, Zandisile Michael Nongqotho, known professionally as Nyanashweme, from Dayimani locality in Mbizana, has joined forces with legendary producer, Songeziwe Roto, known as DJ Deejay Soso, to release a heartfelt dance track just in time for Mother's Day, to be celebrated on May 11.
The new single, Mama, is a powerful tribute to mothers everywhere and is now officially available on all major digital streaming platforms. Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Shweme said he especially wanted his adoptive mother, Getrude Ntombi Ndlovu, to hear it. She and her husband lovingly raised him and his siblings after they lost their biological parents.
"This beautifully crafted song is a celebration of the love, sacrifices, and unwavering support that mothers provide. With moving lyrics, vibrant melodies, and an uplifting beat, it's the perfect dedication to every mother who has played a role in shaping lives," he said. Since its release, the song has received rave reviews from fans and critics alike, being hailed as the ultimate Mother's Day anthem Radio stations across the country are embracing the track, further cementing its role as a must-play tribute this season.
Known for his emotive storytelling and musical depth, Nyanashweme brings his signature sound to the collaboration, while DJ Deejay Soso adds energetic, dance-ready rhythms, creating a track that resonates across generations.
"We encourage everyone to stream, download, share, and dedicate this song to their mothers as a token of love and appreciation. The link is https://nyanashweme.fanlink.
tv/Mama," they urged.
FM radio presenter, Mandlakayise Gcino.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
NDLANYA
DJ Deejay Soso features in a single track of Nyanashweme
PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Zandisile Michael Nongqotho, known as Nyanashweme, from Dayimani locality.
Sport
TitleraceheatsupinSAFA AmatholeRegionalLeague
ANELE RAZIYA
THE three top teams in the SAFA
Amathole Hollywoodbets Regional League Stream E are expected to continue fighting for the top spot position this weekend when the league returns to action
Musketeers FC, Kentane United FC (both from Centane) and WSU Butterworth FC are the teams currently fighting hard for the top spot position
Currently, Musketeers FC is leading the league table with 30 points after 12 games, followed by Kentane United FC with 28 points from 12 matches
WSU Butterworth FC occupies third position in the league table with 24 points after 12 games
In fourth place is Ngqamakhwe City with 22 points, and they
have a game in hand as they have played 11 games this season
The current league standings follow the recent results in SAFA
Amathole Hollywoodbets Regional League Stream E, where some top teams in the division managed to secure maximum points, while others failed to register even a single point
In recent league results, Musketeers FC punished the bottom side, Ndabankulu S S S FC, 4-1 away to remain at the top of the league table, while Kentane United FC punished another bottom side, FC Montego, by 3-0 to keep their second spot in the table
Meanwhile, defending champions, WSU Butterworth FC, dropped important points when they were beaten by Inter City Sports Club 3-0 away, leaving them with a six-point gap behind
the league leaders
This Friday, May 2, when the league continues with its fixtures, all three top teams will be aiming for maximum points to boost their chances of finishing at the top of the league table at the end of the season
League leaders Musketeers FC will be visiting Ngqamakhwe United FC in an important league clash, WSU Butterworth FC will welcome Amakotamane FC, and Kentane United FC will entertain FC Tshabalala
In other fixtures in the division, Ngqamakhwe City FC will host bottom side, Ndabankulu S S S FC, Young Stars United FC will visit FC Relatives, and FC Montego will entertain Inter City Sports Club All these games will be played this Friday afternoon at 15:00
Newlyformedacademyclaimstournamentvictory
HOSEYA JUBASE
MERCY Academy founder Ziyanda
"Mercy" Qikani, said she is happy with the character and display shown by her boys during the Carlos Academy Annual Easter Tournament in East London
During the tournament held last weekend, Mercy Academy U15s were crowned champions after a 1-0 win over Carlos Academy FC
The winning goal for Mercy Academy was scored by Sipahle Mbeka This was the first time Mercy
Academy had competed in a tournament outside Mthatha, and they managed to return home with the gold medal
The Academy was established only in December 2024, and the players have already worked wonders, winning big games and tournaments
"Winning is exciting, but what matters most is the outstanding performance of our boys They showed great hunger, skill, and sportsmanship, gaining valuable exposure and experience," said
Qikani
The U15 champions returned home with a kit, eight football balls, a trophy and gold medals
"Thank you to Carlos Academy for hosting this fantastic tournament! We're proud of our team’s achievements and look forward to more opportunities for growth and success," said Ziyanda
Mercy Academy is already registered with one of the newly established leagues in Mthatha, and their league games are expected to start soon
KAIZER Chiefs and Orlando Pirates FC legends, Siyabonga Nomvete and Siyabonga Sangweni, were impressed with what they saw during the Big 8 Tournament in Mthatha this past Saturday.
The legends both admitted that Mthatha has a lot of talented individuals who deserve to play in the Motsepe Championship League or even the PSL.
The two legends, including former Mamelodi Sundowns legend, Sandile Ndlovu, and former Kaizer Chiefs FC legend, Sithembiso Ngcobo, were among the delegates who attended the Big 8 Tournament at Rotary Stadium this past Saturday.
Royal AM Sporting Club were crowned champions of the tournament after winning on penalties against Mthatha
Photographers FC.
Royal AM Sporting Club walked away with an amount of R50 000, a kit and gold medals, and this is their first time winning the Big 8 Tournament.
The big teams who were favourites to win the tournament, Vobi FC from Ntabankulu and Mcoyile FC from Mqanduli, were knocked out at the quarterfinals and semifinals The tournament started at 07:00 in the morning and continued until 22:00 in the evening.
The eight teams that qualified to participate in the Big 8 Tournament are champions from five different tournaments, including the Ngqutura Tournament, Mjulelwa Tournament, Mpendulo Stoyile Tournament, Khiwa Media Tournament and Sabelo Mgotywa Foundation Tournament.
Mercy Academy players celebrating after winning their first tournament. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
HOSEYA JUBASE
Siyabonga Nomvethe.
PHOTO: HOSEYA JUBASE