LuyandaZitulele Luyand
EASTERNCAPEFLOODS:
Recoveryeffortsongoing
BABALWA NDLANYA
THE Eastern Cape Provincial Government hosted a media briefing last week at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha, providing updates on disaster management and relief efforts in response to the tragic flooding that occurred on June 9 and June 10, 2025
MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Zolile Williams, noted the immense emotional toll the
rising fatalities have placed on government officials
Williams revealed that the floods have claimed 101 lives to date, with O R Tambo and Amathole districts being the hardest hit
Among the victims were 63 adults and 38 children, with 32 of the children identified as learners
Two children remain missing, and seven bodies are yet to be identified, with DNA testing required due to decomposition
The disaster also caused signif-
icant infrastructure damage, affecting roads, schools, utilities, healthcare facilities, and homes
An estimated R5 1 billion is required for repairs, with 6,869 households impacted and 4,724 people left homeless
The province currently only has R120 million to address temporary housing needs but requires R461 million, prompting appeals to the national government for intervention Temporary accommodations, such as mass-care shelters and community halls, have been ac-
tivated in partnership with the O R Tambo District Municipality and Department of Human Settlements
Meanwhile, land has been identified to facilitate the delivery of approximately 1,100 Temporary Residential Units (TRUs) and permanent housing, while social facilitation efforts continue to assist families who may need to relocate
Additionally, 431 schools and 69 health facilities were damaged, along with losses in agriculture, including over 1,300
livestock and 1,803 hectares of crops
Efforts to provide veterinary services, technical advice, and machinery replacement are underway
Williams urged the public and media to refrain from prematurely reporting recovered bodies to allow for proper identification through forensic pathology services
This approach ensures accuracy, sensitivity, and adherence to international best practices for disaster victim identification
ZOLILE MENZELWA
MBHASHE Local Municipality
continued its support for SMMEs and cooperatives by providing tools of trade worth nearly R2 million across its three rural towns on Tuesday, June 24
The municipality stated it was committed to maximising the region's economic potential while enhancing macro-economic resilience through increased local economic growth, employment creation, and developmental initiatives
The Executive Mayor, Samkelo Janda, highlighted that the programme aimed to fulfil the aspirations of local businesses
He noted that the government alone could not address the world's challenges, but with active collaboration from the public, these hurdles could be mit-
igated
“Issues like poverty, inequality, and unemployment are not solely for the government to solve The people must bring their initiatives forward, and the government must support these Small businesses are critical to sustaining our economy While big businesses play a role, sustainability relies on the efforts of SMMEs, which were started by people who understand their community’s needs,” he said
Mayor Janda added that the government’s intention was to encourage communities to set aside petty differences and collaborate to overcome the country’s challenges
“Social cohesion is a prerequisite for development, and without it, communities cannot move forward Since you are already engaged in these busi-
nesses, we must work together to grow them ”
He further elaborated on three key areas of focus for government support: access to information, access to funding, and access to markets
“A major issue is that people don’t attend Integrated Development Plan (IDP) meetings but still expect support It's vital to engage, share ideas, and avoid working in silos,” he emphasised
The handover ceremony began in Willowvale, where 12 tourism operators received tools of trade valued at an impressive R680,000
The equipment provided included fishing gear, sewing machines, accommodation materials, kitchen supplies, office equipment, and sound systems, among other items
- Executive Mayor, Samkelo Janda
In Dutywa, the municipality spent R952,065 to recapitalise 15 recipients’ businesses with equipment such as heavy-duty bandsaws, egg incubators, and power mixers
The final leg of the initiative took place in Rwantsini, where R160,860 was allocated for mechanisation and irrigation equip-
ment
In total, the investment amounted to a staggering R1,792,925
One of the beneficiaries, Asanda Hlakuhle from Sanda H Projects and Entertainment, expressed gratitude: “This is not the first or last time the municipality has supported local SMMEs and cooperatives It is up to us to make good use of this support Business requires persistence it does not favour greed or quick success We will continue to work hard as we were before, now with the added resources This support is like giving us wheels to move further We will also share information with those who do not have access to it, ensuring the support has a ripple effect Even if we stumble, don’t give up on us,” he said
Ntandokazi Capa (MEC for Health), Zolile Williams (MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs), and Fundile Gade (MEC for Education) shared updates on the devastating Eastern Cape floods, which have significantly impacted many community members.
PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA
ThreelifesentencesforWillowvalekiller
THE High Court of South Africa, Eastern Cape Division of Mthatha, sentenced Thando Mgqobhozi (30) to three life imprisonment terms for two counts of murder and rape, as well as 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and an additional five years for kidnapping
The crimes were committed against two sisters, Siyamthanda (12) and Cordelia Koli (16), ten years ago According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, the sisters were last seen with Mgqobhozi after attending a traditional ceremony in the Lower Nqadu Administrative Area of Willowvale on December 1, 2015
The next day, their half-naked bodies, with multiple stab
wounds and their hands tied, were discovered in a nearby forest DNA evidence and the recovery of Cordelia's phone from Mgqobhozi's residence linked him to the crime, resulting in his same-day arrest
Although Senior State Advocate Mbulelo Nyendwana presented overwhelming evidence, Mgqobhozi maintained his innocence throughout, using delaying tactics such as changing his legal representation twice While awaiting trial, he was released on R1,500 bail and subsequently committed further violent offences, including robbery, murder, and unlawful possession of a firearm, for which he received another life sentence in October 2023
Delivering the sentence, Judge
Mbulelo Jolwana condemned Mgqobhozi s actions and lack of remorse Jolwana described him as a "hardened criminal" with no chance of rehabilitation "He sees nothing wrong with brutalising young girls for personal gratification and then murdering them to conceal his crimes," the judge stated Barry Madolo, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, praised the prosecution team and all involved in ensuring that justice was served "This case highlights the gravity with which our courts address violent crimes, especially against vulnerable victims," Madolo said "The National Prosecuting Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to securing justice for victims of senseless violence "
Stakeholdersgatheratsummittofind solutionsforunderagedrinking
ZAVELA MAKWABE
A POWERFUL panel discussion shed light on the root causes of underage drinking at the Eastern Cape Underage Drinking Summit held at the Abbotsford Christian Centre in East London on 28 June 2025
These root causes varied from taverns operating next to schools and the lack of recreational spaces, to harmful social media trends and limited parental guidance
Under the theme: “Together for Tomorrow, adopting a collective approach to mitigate and prevent the scourge of underage drinking in our communities”, the event served as a call for the province to learn from past tragedies and commit to real change Experts, educators, parents, and young people came together with one common goal of finding an integrated approach to dealing with the scourge and engaging in strategic conversations to alleviate it
As part of the discussions, students came up with bold ideas, calling for impactful social media campaigns, more youth programmes during school holidays, and the creation of an anonymous hotline to report underage drinking
“This initiative comes as the province ramps up its #NoToPensionDownParties campaign It is a vital step towards safeguarding our youth and shaping the future leaders of our nation,
as it is intended to be a strategic platform to stimulate much-desired debate on the impact of underage drinking and how to collaboratively tackle this repugnant and nascent behaviour in communities,” Eastern Cape Liquor Board spokesperson Mgwebi Msiya told the Express He said they are working hard to reduce the availability and accessibility of alcohol to minors and to enforce compliance with laws on the sale of alcohol to minors
BishopNzalisekoNgcolacelebrateshis100thbirthday
BABALWA NDLANYA
MEMBERS of The New Holy Apostolic Church in Zion (TNHACZ) in Port St Johns gathered last week to celebrate the 100th birthday of their founder, Bishop Nzaliseko Ngcola
The event took place in Maqebevu locality, honouring the bishop's life, contributions, and teachings Nothemba Ncaphayi, one of the organisers and a long-time church member, shared that Bishop Ngcola had been their Reverend for many years, shaping generations under his guid-
ance
"We've learned so much from him When he retired, we decided to host this special ceremony to thank him It's rare to find someone who reaches 100 years of age while still actively living among us We feel blessed to have him," Ncaphayi said She added that he played a significant role in teaching respect and how church members should conduct themselves
"We pray that God continues to bless him with more years He remains healthy and strong, only requiring chronic medication in the past two years," she high-
lighted
Lessons of Respect and Simplicity Bishop Ngcola attributed his remarkable long life to respect, discipline, and simplicity Reflecting on his upbringing, he said, "When I was growing up, if an elder asked me to do something, I would obey Disrespect was not allowed, and discipline taught us respect "
He also shared his simple dietary habits as a key to his health "I eat traditional foods, like white samp, and avoid fancy meals I gave up alcohol in 1962, and that's when I joined evange-
lism," he revealed Bishop Ngcola urged younger generations to uphold respect and avoid destructive behaviours: "Respect your elders and avoid actions they wouldn't approve of Alcohol and drugs destroy your future and self-respect When you live without discipline, God shortens your years on Earth "
He also called out a lack of respect in modern youth, saying: "If a couple stands holding hands as an elder approaches, both are indifferent This reflects a broader issue of young people losing respect for themselves and others "
In the Mthatha Express published on June 26, on page 5, an error occurred in the article about the Mall of Mthatha assisting flood victims in the Eastern Cape The headline incorrectly referred to it as "Mthatha Mall " We unreservedly apologise for this oversight
Journey of Faith and Leadership Challenges
Bishop Ngcola became a Christian at a young age, with his faith strengthening during trials while seeking work in Gauteng Despite his dedication, he candidly reflected on the hardships he faced as a church leader, including being dismissed from the very church he founded "Leading people is not easy some followers can turn against you," he concluded The celebration was a testament to his lasting legacy and the deep respect he continues to command among his congregation
Thando Mgqobhozi from Lower Nqadu in Willowvale sentenced to three life sentences after murdering two sisters.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Nomini Madikida (The New Holy Apostolic Church in Zion) helping Bishop Nzaliseko Ngcola cut his cake.
PHOTOS: BABALWA NDLANYA
Thumeka Mgojo (Church member from The New Holy Apostolic Church in Zion), Reverend Siphiwo Dila (from The New Holy Apostolic Church in Zion) and Nothemba Ncaphayi (church member from The New Holy Apostolic Church in Zion) posing with Bishop (Nzaliseko Ngcola) at Maqubevu locality in Port St Johns
ArtsfestkicksoffinMakhanda
ZAVELA MAKWABE
THE flag was hoisted and the small town of Makhanda morphed into a hive of colour, creativity and activity as the National Arts Festival officially opened on 26 June 2025
Artists, performers, and excited festival-goers came together to transform the town into a hub of expression and imagination
Founded by Professor Roy Sargent and Professor Guy Butler in 1974, the National Arts Festival is South Africa’s oldest and the continent’s biggest arts festival, held annually in June and July in Makhanda to offer the arts community a platform to showcase their works without any middlemen who would take a cut of their earnings Much to the delight of festival-goers, the eleven-day programme of unfiltered entertainment is jam-packed with live performances, arts and crafts, and visual arts exhibitions, as well as the Eastern Cape Showcase, which features the Eastern Cape Indigenous Music and Dance Ensemble, the Dakawa Music Festival, the Literacy Festival, and so much more
One of the main attractions of the event, The Village Green, presented a vibrant mix of arts and crafts stalls, showcasing pieces from talented craftspeople, bringing a dynamic energy to the space and turning it into a living celebration of local skill and expression
Author and storyteller Sihle Isipho Nontshokweni Bikitsha, who facilitated an authors’ panel discussion at the Eastern Cape Literary Festival, described her experience as amazing “It is such a gift to trace the
makings and unmakings of a writer through the pages of their books The courage, the honesty, the valour to lay your truth on the page, and open your heart bare on the stage, taking
the audiences of Makhanda into terrains of healing and self-discovery through your stories,” she said The festival is set to run until 6 July
ZAVELA MAKWABE
FASHION designers had the audience enthralled at the 2025 Annual Buffalo City Metro Fashion Show held in East London in June 2025.
The Hemingway’s Mall Rooftop was transformed into a glitzy catwalk as models strutted their stuff on the runway, showing off chic designs from some of the metro’s popular names in fashion, which include Sibo Next Level, Sisanda Mbali Fashion House, Khustar Designs, Limani Gallery, and Thee Black and White.
Welcoming the guests, the General Manager for Trade, Industry and Sector Development in the metro, Xoli Majiza, said the Buffalo City Metro Municipality is proud to have collaborated with Limani Gallery to host the event showcasing opportunities for its young designers.
“As part of our Youth Month celebrations, we are happy to give this opportunity to the youth of the city to showcase their exquisite work. They have delivered with their beautiful garments and artworks on display from Limani Gallery.”
Model showcasing MSABA’s “NotForTheOrdinary” range by designer Thakie Bilal Marley PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Author and storyteller Sihle Isipho Nontshokweni-Bikitsha captivated the audience at the Literacy Festival.
Bongeziwe Mabandla delivering a performance that stirred hearts and moved spirits. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED