The Eastern Cape MEC for Transport, Xolile Nqatha, has recently
FormerTranskeiofficerchargedwith1985murder
SPOKESPERSON for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Luxolo Tyali, confirmed that the former Transkei Police Officer who was attached to the notorious Transkei Security Branch (SB), Gcinisiko Dandala (67), appeared before the Cala Magistrate’s Court charged with the 1985 murder of anti-apartheid activist, Bathandwa Ndondo, last week
He said the case was postponed to 11 December 2025 for the accused to confirm his le-
gal representation He is out on warning
“The 24 September 1985 murder of Ndondo remains one of the unsolved cases of anti-apartheid activists who died in the hands of the then authorities
“The accused in the case did apply for amnesty before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) However, his application was rejected, as he had claimed that they shot and killed Ndondo because they feared that if they did not, they would be killed by Askaris,”
said Tyali
He added that it is the state’s case that the accused, together with another member of the SB who has since passed away, and two Askaris who have also died, were given the task of arresting Ndondo by the then Transkei homeland government
Tyali said that on the fateful day, they proceeded to Ndondo’s home in Cala Village, driving a combi
“On arrival, they allegedly found him in the same room as the late activist, Thobile Bam
They allegedly took Ndondo away in the combi, saying they were taking him for questioning at the Cala Police Station,”
Tyali added “As the combi was driving through Cala Village, witnesses saw Ndondo struggling to get out of the combi through the window, naked on the upper body ”
He said Ndondo ultimately fell off the moving car and started running, with the accused and his accomplices giving chase whilst firing shots towards him
The activist ran into a certain homestead where he fell upon entering, as his pursuers continued shooting
They then loaded him into the combi and took him to the Cala Police Station and later to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries
With the enrolment of this criminal matter and the subsequent trial, the NPA hopes that the envisaged conviction will provide the much-needed closure to the victim’s family and the broader public
Fatherhauntedbyimagesofson’sburntremains
BABALWA NDLANYA
BONGANI Mlanjeni (68) from Ntshele locality in Mthatha said his life will never be the same, as the image of pieces of his son's body, Andile Mlanjeni (38), keeps appearing when he tries to sleep at night, making it difficult for him to rest since the incident occurred recently
Body parts of Andile were found burnt in the yard of his neighbour, Siphenathi Gqira (31), who was last seen leaving a tavern with him on the night he disappeared He was laid to rest at his home in Kwa Ntshele locality last weekend
“It was hard for me to watch officials from Forensic Pathology collecting his remains in front of me, knowing that he was my son, whom I was still hoping would be the one to bury me one day I still do not believe that he is no more He was a dedicated person who loved his family
“When he disappeared, we thought he had gone to his piece job, but we were shocked when we received a call from the neighbours saying we must rush to the scene I never pictured myself witnessing such a traumatising thing one day Seeing his body parts was very traumatising to the extent that I cannot sleep at night,” he said
He added that some of his neighbours had
taken several days before they could eat because of the image they saw on that day
The friend of the deceased, Asivile Tuswa (32), said he is one of the people who went to look for him at the accused’s house after they noticed they had not seen him around for a couple of days
“We became worried because the person (Gqira) he left the tavern with was known to our community, but we did not know him that well We decided to go and look for him at his homestead When we arrived, the door was closed and there were blood stains on it
We shouted, calling Andile’s name, but there was no response I rushed to check the toilet
I could not believe my eyes when I saw a lot of blood and Andile’s clothes, including his hat, next to it
“I called the other people I was with to come and see When we looked further, we saw his body parts burnt in the yard, not far from the toilet I am one of the people who first saw his lower body and other parts, including ribs and backbone, but the head and arms were missing All these parts were burnt Ever since then, I have not slept at night; I have thoughts that have no answers
It is hard to believe that he is no more, especially as he was my close friend Even on the day he went missing, I was with him, but I left him in the tavern with other people and Gqira,” he said
According to his cousin, Mandilakhe Twazi, Andile was allegedly drinking alcohol with his friends in one of the local taverns when he disappeared on the night of the incident
“It is alleged that he went with Gqira, but they do not know what happened after that After three days, they (his friends) noticed that they had not seen him for a long time, so they decided to look for him They allegedly went to his (Gqira’s) homestead and found the door locked but with some blood stains They went to check the outside toilet and found some of his clothes and his hat, and there was a lot of blood in the toilet,” said Twazi
“After I heard this, we called the police, who came and assisted us I decided to call Gqira, but he lied, saying he was in a nearby tavern When we went there, we did not find him After we managed to trace him, we told the police officers, who accompanied us, to find him in one of the taverns at Mqanduli Police found a bush knife and a knife on him ”
Twazi said they will never forget this pain because his cousin was not a problematic person He said they still do not believe that he is no more “We appeal to our justice system to be on our side and ensure that the perpetrator rots in jail ”
Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Luxolo Tyali, confirmed
MangetslifeforWillowvalerapeattack
THE Willowvale Regional Court sentenced Khanyisa Golivi (30) to life imprisonment for rape and 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances last week
According to the spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Luxolo Tyali, Golivi attacked the victim (37) in the sanctuary of her home in the town of Willowvale in broad daylight
On the morning of 31 May 2021, the victim was in her flat preparing to go to work when
bered seeing someone on their way to the scene who was wearing the same attire and matching the description of the assailant as described by the complainant They were able to track that person and arrested him, still with the items he had taken from the complainant’s place, including the cellphone,” said Tyali
He added that the complainant was taken to Butterworth Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC), where a specimen was taken from her When
ficer (CPO) Brenda Kapa The VIS stated that the victim had started drowning and numbing her pain by heavily drinking alcohol and had stopped taking her chronic medication ”
He continued: “She lived in fear, anger and frustration Because the incident occurred during the COVID period and the perpetrator was wearing a mask on the day, she gets triggered whenever she comes across someone wearing a mask ”
The court found no compelling circumstances for deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence and described Golivi as unremorseful
The NPA welcomes this sentence, which delivers justice for the victim and sends a strong message that violence against women can never be tolerated Cases of this nature reaffirm the NPA’s commitment to fighting gender-based violence and ensuring that perpetrators are removed from their communities
that Siphenathi Gqira (31) briefly appeared before the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court in connection with murdering Andile
The late Andile Mlanjeni (38) from Kwa Ntshele locality in Mthatha, whose body parts were found at one of the homesteads in his locality PHOTO: SUPPLIED
NewbridgeendsyearsofisolationforFolokwecommunity
BABALWA NDLANYA
THE Eastern Cape MEC for Transport, Xolile Nqatha, recently officially handed over a newly constructed Bailey Bridge to the community of Folokwe in Elliotdale
The bridge brings long-awaited relief to residents who, for years, have struggled to access schools, clinics and local markets, especially during the rainy season when river crossings became treacherous or completely impassable
Nqatha said the bridge is one of 19 Bailey Bridges that the Eastern Cape Department of Transport has con-
structed over the past year in floodprone areas across the province, as part of ongoing efforts to restore mobility and strengthen resilience in rural communities
“This investment forms part of the government’s broader commitment to connect rural communities and build safer, more inclusive infrastructure networks By investing in durable, climate-resilient infrastructure, we are not only reconnecting communities but also reviving local economies and restoring dignity
Every bridge we build is a bridge towards opportunity,” said Nqatha
He added that as the effects of climate change continue to threaten
road infrastructure, particularly in rural and low-lying areas, the department remains committed to developing adaptable, long-lasting solutions that safeguard mobility and livelihoods across the province
“This is another milestone we have just handed over a bridge to these communities at a cost of no less than R20 million Working together with members of the National Defence Force and the National Department of Public Works, this project is another example of restoring the dignity of our people They will now be able to link villages more easily and access education, health and other social services The communi-
ties here have expressed great relief, as this bridge will help improve their living conditions,” Nqatha said
He further noted that before the bridge was built, it had been difficult for residents to access essential facilities or travel to neighbouring areas
He also expressed appreciation for the community’s cooperation during the construction process
One of the beneficiaries from the Folokwe community, Mzayifani Dalindyebo, said residents were very happy because they had faced great challenges before “Our children will now be able to cross this bridge safely, even during rainy days It will make things much easier for us ”
The leader of the area, Chieftaincy Nophazamile Gwebindlala, said their situation had been very painful because, in order to get help, they were forced to cross the river
“When it was full, we had to sit next to it so that we could help our children cross safely, or make sure they did not try to cross when going to or coming from school This is a great achievement, and the department took only a year to complete it,” she said
She added that although they are happy, they still appeal to the government to fix their roads because they continue to struggle when it rains
TwolocalArchbishops graduateinSouthKorea
BABALWA NDLANYA
TWO archbishops from the Nyandeni Local Municipality, Dr Patrick Maqungqulu, Bishop of the Zion Evangelical Movement Church of Southern Africa (ZEMSA), and Archbishop Sabelo Mjajubana, from the Christian Apostolic Rainbow Church in Zion, were awarded certificates at a graduation ceremony held in South Korea last week after completing a three-year Bible study programme
Maqungqulu confirmed that both men, who are from Ngqeleni, received their certificates at the graduation ceremony held at The Temple of the Tabernacle of Testimony in South Korea
He said his church partnered with the reverends of the Temple of the Tabernacle of Testimony in Gqeberha in 2023 He explained that the intention was to give church members, as well as himself, an opportunity to learn more about the Bible through a three-year course
“As a reverend, when you finish your first year, you are given an opportunity to become a facilitator and train your church members When they complete the course, they graduate in Port Elizabeth Every year, this school produces more than 15,000 graduates worldwide This year, 10 pastors from South Africa graduated, and from the Eastern Cape, it was Mjajubana and me,” he said He added that all expenses were covered by the college as a way of thanking them for being among the best facilitators and excelling in their studies
He confirmed that they also met other pastors from across the continent “I still
cannot believe it because I come from a poor background and was raised by parents who never went to school I lead a church that is often undermined because it is Zion But today, I have graduated in Asia it feels like a dream to me ”
He said that South Africa is a country where many young people destroy their lives with alcohol, adding that joining the church could help them see a positive difference
He also mentioned that his church runs various programmes, including awareness campaigns, youth empowerment initiatives, and charity drives to support the less fortunate with food and clothing
“This certificate is a testimony that anything is possible If you want to achieve something, you must show dedication ”
Meanwhile, Bishop Mjajubana said that he started his church in 1969 In 2023, he was part of the Zion Missionary Board in ZEMSA, where he learnt about the school in Gqeberha
“We registered and began our studies along with our church members We have now returned from South Korea What we received there was respect, love and hospitality Their food is also very different from what we know We learnt a lot from them We could not believe it when they told us about this journey They said we could fellowship together even though we come from different churches The answer I got was that we are doing one thing the fulfilment of the Reality Revelation so we must be one,” said Mjajubana
He added that it will not be easy to engage other churches about this, but they will try by all means, as there should be unity amongst churches
Sabelo Mjajubana (Archbishop for Christian Apostolic Rainbow Church in Zion) and Patrick Maqungqulu (Archbishop for Zion Evangelical Movement Church of Southern Africa), both from Ngqeleni, ready to graduate at The Temple of the Tabernacle of Testimony in South Korea. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
ORTamboDistrictMunicipality‘mostimproved’intheprovince
ZOLILE MENZELWA
OR Tambo District Municipality was recognised as the Most Improved Municipality in the Eastern Cape at the Annual Strategic Leadership Engagement event hosted by Premier Oscar Mabuyane on November 5
Municipal Manager, Basil Mase, said recognition was more than a trophy but proof that the district authority had improved
"For years, our district walked a difficult road marked by financial strain, governance instability and the erosion of public trust However, through discipline, accountability and teamwork, we have rebuilt the foundations of a stable, credible institution," he said
The municipality, he said, had progressed to the second phase of its Financial Recovery Plan, calling it a milestone many institutions never reach
"Our budget is now fully funded, signalling restored financial health and credibility For two consecutive financial years, the municipality has achieved un-
qualified audit outcomes, an unprecedented achievement in our history and clear evidence that good governance has taken root," Mase said
Executive Mayor, Mesuli Ngqondwana, said the municipality was moving forward with a renewed purpose, unity and pride
"Because of the state the municipality had been in for years, we once felt unworthy of being associated with the name of the giant, Oliver Reginald Tambo But this year, we dare say that we now stand in a place where we can proudly carry that name with dignity and honour
"This honour belongs to the collective, to the leadership that stayed the course, the officials who worked tirelessly, and the communities who never stopped believing in our capacity to rise again," he said
Mabuyane said the province continued to lead with integrity and accountability
"Together, we are building a province that thrives on transparency, teamwork, and excellence proving that when we lead with integrity, progress follows," he said
EswatinidelegationstudiesEasternCapeeducationmodel
BABALWA NDLANYA
THE Deputy Director-General for the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE), Thembani Mtyida, confirmed that the department welcomed a study group from the Eswatini Ministry of Education at the Trinset Education Leadership Institute in Mthatha last week
He said the study group was visiting to benchmark the ECDoE primary schooling system, specifically focusing on the Teaching at the Right Level (TARL) programme Mtyida explained that the provincial department, under the National Department of Basic Education (DBE), had been tasked with hosting the delegation from the Kingdom of Eswatini for a three-day benchmarking exercise in the province
"This assignment is about us as a province because we are one of the provinces that has a majority of rural schools The focus of the benchmarking exercise is really about sharing experiences on how we
support and deliver education in our rural schools We are a province that has quite a number of small, often under-resourced schools that still participate in all our learning programmes," said Mtyida
He added that this was the reason the national department chose the Eastern Cape to host the Eswatini delegates According to Mtyida, the Eastern Cape has led the country in implementing programmes that support early grade reading and is also leading in the introduction of mother-tongue bilingual education
"We are amongs the first provinces to have developed our own reading and writing strategy in the entire country Today, we are meeting in the boardroom to take our visitors through what our programmes look like and how they support early reading, particularly in the foundation phase We are exchanging experiences and have also visited some schools where these programmes are implemented "
He added that although the delegates
were learning from them, the local department was also learning and gaining insights from the Eswatini team
"This is an exchange and benchmarking programme both countries are learning from each other We feel honoured that, amongst all nine provinces, ours was chosen by the DBE to showcase some of the best practices in education We are truly humbled that Eswatini was directed to our province to learn "
He further mentioned that visiting Eswatini should also be part of future discussions, noting that this was not the first country to visit them, as they had recently hosted delegations from Lesotho and other nations "I believe this is the beginning of a relationship and partnership with Eswatini We cannot rule out the possibility that in the near future we shall also visit their country to learn from them "
The Director for Education and Training in Eswatini's Ministry of Education and Training, Dr Tholakele Mngometulu-Dlamini, said there were many reasons for their visit to the Eastern Cape She explained that Eswatini is currently transforming its curriculum and implementing important projects funded by the World Bank, aimed at strengthening early childhood development and basic education
"We realised that we are facing a number of challenges with learners strug-
gling with numeracy and literacy You find a Grade 8 learner unable to do basic arithmetic or read simple text We heard that Mthatha is very strong in the Teaching at the Right Level project The World Bank advised us to come here so that we can learn from the best I just want to give Mtyida credit because we were told they are doing very well, especially considering that the region is largely rural yet continues to make great progress We want the same for our children back home we want them to be able to read and do basic arithmetic," said Mngometulu-Dlamini
She emphasised that foundational learning is the base for future learning, adding that if learners are unable to read and write at an early age, they will face academic challenges later on Dr Mngometulu-Dlamini said their intention in visiting schools in the OR Tambo Inland district was to observe how the TARL model is implemented in classrooms "We wanted to see teachers on the ground implementing the programme Hearing about it is different from seeing it in action We wanted to observe teachers, understand the challenges they face, and learn how they overcome them " She concluded by saying that the visit had helped them build strong relationships and that they were confident they could return for further collaboration in the future
Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, with OR Tambo District Municipality Municipal Manager, Basil Mase, at the Annual Strategic Leadership Engagement event.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Thembani Mtyida (Deputy Director-General for the Eastern Cape Department of Education) shaking hands with Dr Tholakele Mngometulu-Dlamini (Director for Education and Training in Eswatini’s Ministry of Education and Training) at Trinset Education Leadership Institute. PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA
FightersFCtohosttop32tournament
ANELE RAZIYA
FIGHTERS FC from Mqanduli near Mthatha are busy preparing to host a major sporting event to fight drugs and crime, and contribute to the development of various sporting codes in the area
This follows the recent announcement from Fighters FC that they are going to host the first edition of a Club's World Cup Top 32 tournament on 29 November at Mqanduli sports ground
Two sporting codes, such as football and netball, are expected to feature in the tournament, and the event is open to any team that is interested in participating in it
In speaking with one of the event organisers, Kwanga Nkquze, he said that their aim in establishing the Club's World Cup Top 32 tournament was to contribute to the development of sport in Mqanduli and to keep young people away from drugs, alcohol abuse and crime
"The tournament is open to any team; even teams that are based outside Mqanduli can come and participate in it Our main aim is to contribute to the development of sport and keep young people away from wrongdoings like drugs and crime,"said Nkquze
He said the kick-off of the tournament will be on 29th of November until the following day, where the teams will be competing in a knockout format
Then, those teams who manage to progress to the semi-finals in football and netball will have their games played on 6 and 7 December at the same sports ground
Teams that will be crowned as champions in their respective sporting codes are expected to receive great prizes In football, the champions will walk away with R80,000 prize money, a trophy, plus 18 gold medals
The second prize will be R50,000 prize money plus 18 silver medals, and the third prize is R30,000 plus 18 bronze medals In netball, the first prize would be R10,000, a trophy plus gold medals, and the second prize is R5,000 plus silver medals
Clubs that are interested in being part
of the tournament would need to pay a R6,000 affiliation fee for football, while in netball it is R1,000
The draw of the teams that will be participating in the event would be conducted on 25 November at 13:00, and clubs are encouraged to register as soon as possible so they don't miss out on this major event
For more information about the tournament, teams should call Nkquze on 079 226 5600
Event organisers have already indicated that they have invited different government departments, including their municipality, to embrace the tournament and give speeches where needed, as they are trying to fight drugs, crime and alcohol abuse
Athletes from Mnquma and surrounding areas are gearing up to compete against each other in the annual Spargs SuperSpar 5km race in Butterworth this weekend.
PHOTO: ANELE RAZIYA