Uniquetournamentrevives Uniq footballspirit
Football enthusiasts across the Eastern Cape have applauded Wanda Mcoyile Mto and his organisers for introducing
marks a significant effort to revive sport in Mthatha. Pictured are Bush Bucks FC legend, Mzawuthethi Nogwaza, and Wanda Mcoyile Mto.
PHOTO: HOSEYA JUBASE
BishopMachaeacelebrates60thwithMthathafloodvictims
BABALWA NDLANYA
THE founder of the Ibandla Lase Mthini Evangelical Movement in Mthatha, Bishop Tshepo Machaea, celebrated his 60th birthday last week alongside some flood victims he recently accommodated in his home in Callaway, Mthatha
Machaea shared that it was his wife, Feziwe Machaea, who suggested celebrating his special day with the victims, as they hold a special place in his heart
“I took that advice because I knew these people needed love and psychosocial support They are traumatised by the disaster that left some of them homeless, with others losing loved ones I believe this gathering was therapeutic for them; even if just for a few moments, they forgot their troubles,” said Machaea
Widely known for his philanthropic efforts across the Eastern Cape, Machaea described his life as “a tar road with potholes,” reflecting on the challenges he has faced
Frequently ill as a child, he remembers teachers bringing schoolwork to his home
His journey of helping others began in 2005, following the tragic rape and murder of a young girl walking home from school
Retired police spokesperson, Nondumiso Jafta, approached him to assist the victim’s family with the burial
The funeral was even attended by the then Deputy President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma Later, Machaea helped build a two-roomed house for the girl’s family
At the time, a member of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Machaea was encouraged by the late retired Bishop of the Clarkebury District, Abel Mnaba, to attend Bible college
He enrolled at Theological Education by Extension College (TEEC), which marked the start of his journey in ministry
“Mnaba once told me that I did not belong in the Methodist Church; that I had a different calling I, too, felt that there was something unique about me Since then, I have assisted so many people that I have lost count Whether they needed help to bury their loved ones or other support, I have always found a way ”
MallofMthathawelcomes shopperstonewShopritestore
Ivenkile entsha yakwaShoprite ivuliwe ngoku, kwayeungongakakhulu
Afreshnewchapterbegins
Thebrand-newgrocerystoreopeneditsdoorson
Thursday,31July2025,withalivelyGrandOpening that brought the community together in celebration of freshness, convenience, and real savings From early morning, excited shoppers poured in toexploregreatdeals freshproduce andeveryday essentials,allinamodernandwelcomingenvironment designed for the Mthatha community
Whatshoppersareloving
• Amaxabiso afikelelekayo egrosari nakwizinto zasekhaya
• Iziqhamoezitsha,imifuno,inyama,kunyene-bakerytreats
•Abasebenziabanobuhlobo abaluncedobakulungeleukunceda
• Weekly specials that make your money go further
Grandopeninghighlights
The launch event featured a ribbon-cu ing ceremony, a live DJ, cake-cu ing, and giveaways Abathengi bawonwabele umculo, bafota iifoto kwi-balloon arch kwaye bafumana umoya odlamkileyo imini yonke
Congratulationstoourcompetitionwinners
As part of the build-up Mall of Mthatha hosted a Shoprite Grand Opening Social Media Competition Abaphumeleleyo abanethamsanqa bafu-
mene Shoprite gi vouchers and hampers filled with everyday favourites Sithanda ukubulela kuwo wonke umntu ongenele and helped spread the excitement
Balancingnewadditionswithlocalloyalty
While Mall of Mthathas retail offering has grown and evolved, our much-loved established tenants continue to serve our loyal customer base These include Dischem Tip Top Tailor Burger King, and Net Nine Nine trading from the new mezzanine, and long-time favourites like Spur, News Café, and Assupol relocated to the new store opposite the Post Office Our new additions have also enhanced the centre’s strength, and these include Steers Volpes, Partisan, Clothing Junction and Cream Car Wash continuing to meet our communitys diverse shopping needs
This exciting development speaks directly to the centre’s commitment to growth, value, and local impact Mall of Mthatha continues to evolve to meet the needs of its shoppers while remaining a central part of the community’s heartbeat
YizaUsindwendwele
If uye waphoswa luVulo oluKhulu, usenako ukonwabela yonke into efumaneka kwaShoprite From unbeatable prices to fresh finds and friendly service, the new store at Mall of Mthatha is here to serve you Sakubona apho!
Despite not having a permanent church, Machaea’s ministry has expanded with branches in multiple locations
His priority, however, remains helping the less fortunate, often building houses for those in need rather than constructing a church for his followers
His wife, Feziwe Machaea, confirmed it was her idea to spend his birthday with the flood victims
“It was an unplanned event, but I knew in my heart that this was the right thing to do I know his vision of helping the less fortunate, and I felt this would be the best birthday gift for him It was my way of returning the love he always gives to others by helping him bring hope to those who need it most,” she said
Founder of Ibandla Lase Mthini Evangelical Movement in Mthatha, Bishop Tshepo Machaea, posing with his wife, Fezuwe Machaea, while celebrating his 60th birthday in his home at Callaway in Mthatha.
PHOTO:SUPPLIED
EMPOWERING WOMEN: TembisaZihlangushares journeyofperseverance
BABALWA NDLANYA
AS the country celebrates Women’s Month, director and business owner of Shoes Guest House and Catering Services in Mthatha, Tembisa Zihlangu (70), is encouraging women to explore every possible avenue to achieve success in life
Zihlangu has held various leadership roles within the Methodist Church of Southern Africa and has assisted many community members in different capacities As a mother, community builder, and formidable businesswoman in the Eastern Cape, she is a beacon of inspiration
Although currently residing in Airport Extension/Mdeni locality in Mthatha, she was born and raised in Nabileyo locality in Ngquthura village under the AB Xuma Local Municipality in Dutywa
Reflecting on her journey
“Before my business became successful, I went through a lot That is why I advise women never to give up I tried many business ventures that failed, but I kept going
“It was not easy, but eventually, I began to see progress As a woman, you must never give up You can stand on your own without relying on a man Just because things aren’t going well doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel,” she said
Zihlangu emphasises that the key lessons from her story are perseverance and the importance of fighting for what you want
She believes women should remain hopeful even during challenging times
She adds that success starts from the bottom: “When some-
one wants to be successful, they start at the bottom and work their way up When you finally reach the top, do not forget where you came from Stay humble and follow God’s teachings,” she noted
Zihlangu attributes her entrepreneurial skills to her late mother, Nontuthuzelo Zihlangu, who sold sweets and fat cakes
Witnessing her mother’s hard work shaped her own aspirations, though she admits it was not an easy path
An advocate for independence
To broaden her life perspective, Zihlangu has travelled to countries like Mauritius, Namibia and Mozambique She hopes to inspire young girls to become independent, urging them to avoid reliance on men for financial stability
“Many young girls believe having a man with money solves everything Some even enter relationships or marriages without love, purely for financial support This can lead to abuse That’s why I urge young women to be self-reliant,” she said Zihlangu recently turned 70 and expressed gratitude to God for her life Although retired and mostly at home, she still manages her responsibilities, including those related to her church congregation, using her phone
Her vision for a better future
Her final wish is to see a drug-free South Africa
“Many of our children are being destroyed by drug use I hope one day our country can be free from this crisis because if it continues, we won’t have leaders emerging from the next generation,” she stated
Director and Business Owner from Shoes Guest House in Mthatha, Tembisa Zihlangu, advised women to be independent.
Brotherhoodbringshopewithsoupkitchen
BABALWA NDLANYA
MEMBERS of the Mthatha Brotherhood Social Club (Amapantsula) in Mthatha spent Mandela Day in a different way as they engaged in humanitarian work by hosting a soup kitchen for the needy residents of Mthatha
This was confirmed by the Executive Secretary of the Mthatha Brotherhood Social Club, Yanda Makhongwana, who said their target was car guards, trolley porters, street children, and all those who might require a meal for the day
“This year’s programme was unique because Mthatha is under a dark cloud, heavily affected by disasters Homeless people are the most vulnerable, hence we decided to move it from the usual place at Owen Street to a central venue, MUNITATA Freedom Square The aim was to reach as many people as possible, and our target was 100 individuals,” said Makhongwana
He added that the programme was successful, and they managed to serve everyone who was present there, as people turned out in large numbers
“They were so happy and appreciative of this free lunch, which we served with love and compassion ”
According to him, the goal was to unite men who identify as Pantsulas by style, under the vision and mission of promoting Ubuntu
He said it was most important to play a meaningful role in society by addressing all sorts of social ills
“It was started in 2019, and currently we have 20 registered members from the
townships and villages of Mthatha, such as Ngangelizwe, Bhongweni, Slovo, Mandela, Chris Hani, Ngolo, Sibangweni, Link, and
Payne, etc We wanted to help other men who are not organised, especially the poorest of the poor, to form co-operatives in order to develop a sense of purpose in life ”
Makhongwana added that they also ith other men in varo come up with workcombat crime, GBV ence), and substance
NPO (Non-Profit Or-
ganisation) is self-funded from our own pockets We are facing a high rate of GBV, crime, drug abuse, and violence in general For example, crime often takes place in Mthatha in broad daylight Our police and law enforcement need to intensify operations to combat it
“As a Brotherhood, we believe that if professional psychologists and the government can work together, they can overcome these challenges, such as GBV ”
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Xceptional Aquatics, rmed that swimming ed at Umtata Health
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attend three times per week Wolff noted that swimming helps children lose weight and relieve stress, among many other benefits
“Besides training children, we also work with officers from various institutions, including the South African Police Service,” she said
Wolff emphasised that swimming is a crucial life skill that should be accessible to everyone According to her, it not only saves lives but also enables swimmers to save others
She highlighted that many people lose their lives in rivers, dams, and seas, but learning to swim can prevent numerous deaths in the country
For more information, interested individuals can email xceptionalgym@gmail com or call 081 739 772
Lulama Mabusela (Deputy Chairperson for Brotherhood Social Club), Columbus Ngcayi (Member of the Brotherhood Social Club), Simphiwe Mpumlwana (Member for Brotherhood Social Club), Sigqibo Goqwana (Member for Brotherhood Social Club) and Yanda Makhongwana (Secretary for Brotherhood Social Club).
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
PulaNalacelebratedforexcellenceinagriculture
BABALWA NDLANYA
A 100% African women-owned and youth-majority-owned agricultural enterprise, Pula Nala Enterprises, was recognised with a prestigious award at the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture (DoA) Women Entrepreneur Awards held in the Alfred Nzo District last week
Initiated in 1999, the awards aim to encourage and increase women's equal participation in agriculture while celebrating their contributions to job creation, economic growth and poverty alleviation In her policy speech earlier this year, the MEC for the Department of Agriculture, Nonceba Kontsiwe, emphasised the department's commitment to supporting women-led enterprises, with mechanisation identified as a key driver of agricultural productivity
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kabelo
Pullings shared the journey of Pula Nala, which was established in 2020, following family discussions about creating employment
"We started with over 50 hectares of land, but now we have cultivated 250 hectares Over that period, we have employed more than 500 people When I started this journey, I thought it would be easy I believed that with the financial muscle I had, and a bit of hard work, things would just work out, but they did not However, it is incredibly rewarding to create jobs and see our company grow My company is contributing positively to the national agenda of creating jobs," she said Pula Nala primarily cultivates soya beans and maize, which are sold to export markets
Pullings explained their sales model: "Traders come to our village and take our produce to the harbour They export our
uct quality and raising pigs for the white meat market Their dynamic approach demonstrates their comprehensive involvement in agricultural value chains
"It is always affirming to be acknowledged for the work we do to drive positive change in society While we do not work for recognition, being recognised motivates and inspires us to do more I am relatively new to agriculture; in 2023, we were awarded a scholarship through the Soil Sista Programme at GIBS (University of Pretoria Business School), sponsored by Corteva Agriscience That programme, specifically for women agri-preneurs, significantly shaped our growth," Pullings shared
In the same year, Pula Nala was incubated by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to pilot South Africa's Hemp and Cannabis Master Plan
"We worked hard to meet compliance requirements, submit necessary documentation, and present our business professionally For many farmers, the administrative and financial burdens are significant barriers However, participating in such opportunities creates valuable networks and fosters inspiration that often outweighs the challenges," Pullings said
She stressed the importance of advocating for rural women and youth in agriculture
"These women and youth farm with passion and purpose, often with minimal support or recognition We aim to amplify their voices and advocate for inclusive and tailored support systems that meet rural entrepreneurs where they are "
maize and soya beans We also sell to the local market, but those sales are not as significant " Beyond crop cultivation, Pula Nala is involved in diversified agriculture They
grow spinach and lettuce, rear broiler chicks, and manage 300-layer hens, whose eggs are sold to major retailers They are also exploring indigenous chicken crossbreeding to enhance prod-
Other notable winners at the event included Nolandu Mbinda Milling, which won Best Agro-Processor, and Ndikhoyo Trading, awarded as the Best Smallholder Producer
TO give recognition to businesses with an excellent track record of providing good service, Mthatha Express is running a competition where readers can win their share of R10 000 in cash
The winning businesses will receive bragging rights, having been chosen by their customers as the Best Biz
All readers have to do to stand a chance of winning weekly cash prizes of R500 each is fill in a survey (which should not take longer than five minutes) where they nominate the business of their choice in various categories
In addition to the weekly prizes for those who nominate businesses, there
Some of the female farmers won in the Women Entrepreneur Awards that were hosted by the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture in Alfred Nzo District Municipality PHOTO:SUPPLIED
Z.BlackAcesFCkicksoffregistration
ANELE RAZIYA
ALL soccer teams in Mbhashe, Mnquma, and surrounding areas interested in participating in the annual Z Black Aces FC tournament, scheduled to take place later this month at Qwaninga Village in Willowvale, are encouraged to register as soon as possible
This follows an announcement by the Z Black Aces FC tournament organisers that they will conduct the team draw on 14 Au-
gust The draw will feature teams that have registered to participate in the event, which is set to take place on 23–24 August
One of the event organisers, Sihle Yoko, stated that the draw will be conducted at Qwaninga Sports Grounds in Willowvale Komkhulu at 1:00 pm
He urged all soccer teams interested in participating to register promptly to ensure their inclusion in the draw
In last year’s edition of the tournament, 20 teams from various areas in Mnquma,
Mbhashe and surrounding regions took part
Yoko mentioned that they are targeting the same level of participation this year
The aim of the tournament organised by Z Black Aces FC is to contribute to the development of sport, especially in rural areas, while also helping to keep young people away from drugs and alcohol abuse
The event is open to all teams, including those outside the Mbhashe jurisdiction
A registration fee of R600 is required for teams wishing to participate
The winning team will receive a brand-new
soccer kit, a trophy, gold medals and R5,000 in prize money
The runners-up will be awarded a brandnew soccer kit, silver medals and R2,000 in prize money
In addition to the main prizes, individual awards will be presented for the goalkeeper of the tournament, player of the tournament and top goal scorer
For more information about the event, teams can contact Yoko at 063 008 1570 or send a WhatsApp message to the same number
Sport
UniqueMthathaTournamentrevivesfootballspirit
HOSEYA JUBASE
FOOTBALL enthusiasts across the Eastern Cape have applauded Wanda Mcoyile Mto and his organisers for introducing a unique pre-season tournament, held this past Saturday at Mthatha Stadium
This initiative marks a significant effort to revive sport in Mthatha
The pre-season tournament was attended by Kaizer Chiefs FC Head of Recruitment and Scouting, Tera Maliwa, and Eastern Cape Department of Sport MEC, Sibulele Ngongo The event showcased exceptional talent from the region
The final match featured NDF, Milford FC and Highbury FC Milford FC emerged as champions after defeating Highbury FC 5–4 on penalties
Earlier in the day, Highbury FC dominated Sinenkani FC with a 3–0 victory, while Milford FC won their semi-final match on penalties against Mcoyile FC
After the matches, Mcoyile Mto expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the tournament
He also announced plans to bring two PSL teams to next year’s tournament This year featured NFD teams competing against ABC Motsepe League teams
Both Milford FC and Highbury FC have committed to bringing some of their NFD League games to Mthatha, impressed by the large turnout of supporters at the pre-season event The tournament was organised by Wanda Mcoyile Mto in collaboration with Highbury FC
HOSEYA JUBASE
TWO Mthatha teams playing in the Sasol League, Ayakha Stars and Coastal Ladies, collected maximum points this weekend
Ayakha Stars shocked Executive Ladies by defeating them 2–1, while Coastal Ladies’ won 2–0 against Eastern Rangers Ladies FC
Both games were held at Rotary Stadium
Ayakha Stars appear to be the only team posing a challenge to Executive Ladies’ in the Inland Stream
In the 2024 season, Executive won all their league games, and in the 2023 season, they only lost to Ayakha Stars by 3 goals to 2 (3–2)
It is not expected to be an easy season for both Ayakha Stars and Executive Ladies this year, as another team, 48 00 Ladies FC (Sinenkani FC), is also eyeing the title
48 00 Ladies’ FC consists of top players from across the Eastern Cape, having gained partnership support from Sinenkani FC
The head coach of 48 00 Ladies’ FC has made it clear that they aim to defeat Executive
Ladies’ in their first leg
The much-anticipated game between the rivals, Executive Ladies’ FC and 48 00 Ladies’ FC, will take place on 16 August in Ntabankulu
This coming Saturday, Ayakha Stars will face their Mthatha rivals, Coastal Ladies’ FC
EC Sasol League results Saturday (Inland and Coastal Streams):
• Ayakha Stars
MEC Sibulele Ngongo, organiser of the Pre-season Tournament Wanda Mcoyile Mto shaking hands with Highbury FC and Milford FC players during the final at Mthatha stadium.
PHOTO: HOSEYA JUBASE
Pictured are the players of Coastal Ladies’ FC.
PHOTO: HOSEYA JUBASE