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YoungcycliststackleGBVawarenessaheadofMpondoFestival
BABALWA NDLANYA
ONE of the organisers of the Mpondo Cultural and Heritage Festival, Princess Stella Sigcau II, has confirmed that the Mzinduku Youth Development Cycling Club will cycle from Phuthi, near Ntsizwa Mountain, to Lwandlolubomvu Great Place in Matshona Village, Ntabankulu
The cycling event will take place from 13 to 14 September 2025, as part of the festival's celebrations this weekend
Princess Sigcau said the initiative aims to raise awareness about pressing issues such as gender-based violence (GBV), substance abuse (including drug abuse and trafficking), femicide, child and women abuse, child and human trafficking, rape, and other forms of abuse that undermine fundamental human rights
"These issues also include cultural practices like forced marriages which have been hijacked by criminal elements
"This theme will be central throughout the festival, including the Reed Dance, where maidens will be educated about these societal ills and atrocities Additionally, an empowerment session will be held for young males and boys in the communities to educate them about these issues, how to protect themselves, and how to avoid becoming perpetrators
Network and the Mathli Foundation
an organisation that operates in Mbizana and extends outreach to rural areas in the Eastern Cape, working to promote positive life choices and personal development through:
• Participationingrassrootssportsandrecreationalactivities including cycling ladies' football and tug-of-war;
• Performing arts poetry and cultural activities; Basic computer skills and entrepreneurial initiatives;
• Tourism youth leadership camps and programmes addressing social challenges
Princess Sigcau noted that their analysis and informal interactions with youth from rural and disadvantaged communities highlighted the critical need for sports as a vehicle for development
"The session will also address the psychological impact and effects of these practices, their influence on societies and communities, self-esteem, and positive initiatives to empower young people without subjecting them to harm," said Princess Sigcau
This session will focus on the same issues and will also serve to motivate matric students as they prepare for their final examinations
Amampondo King Silosohlanga kaDakhile Sigcau, from Lwandlolubomvu Great Place, addressed the critical issue of GBV, saying: "GBV is a pervasive issue in South Africa, affecting countless individuals and communities It is a violation of human rights, a threat to dignity, and a barrier to equality We must work together to challenge the norms and attitudes that perpetuate GBV and create a culture of respect, empathy, and understanding
In the same spirit, on 12 September 2025, a session will be organised at Ntsikayezwe Senior Secondary School in Ntabankulu through the Khuthaza Ukufunda Initiative, in partnership with the South African Royal Princesses
Princess Sigcau added that these events are among the activities leading up to the Mpondo Festival
The cycling club, comprising over 400 youth cyclists from the Mpondo Kingdom, is part of
"The impact of GBV is far-reaching, causing physical, emotional, and psychological harm to survivors It is essential that we provide support and resources to those affected, while also holding perpetrators accountable for their actions By doing so, we can create a safer and more just society for all "
ImpoloYabahloboreturnstothemetro,biggerandbetter
ZAVELA MAKWABE
ONE of the biggest events in the national social calendar, Impolo Yabahlobo Family Day, made its return to the Buffalo City Metro on Saturday, 6th September Hundreds of people gathered at the Jan Smuts Stadium in East London for the third edition of the event, which was hosted by Umhlobo Wenene FM
The sold-out event, which coincides with the station’s 65th anniversary celebrations, featured much-loved entertainers like Ringo Madlingozi, Lloyiso, Mr Vee Sholo, Ziyanda Tshangana and many other DJs and artists, including Umhlobo Wenene FM presenters such as Mafa Bavuma, Pastor The DJ, Amaza Ntshanga, Blaq Maci and Zintle BabyZee Mbusi
On this occasion, the event boasted two performance stages: a main stage for headline acts and a second stage dedicated to children’s entertainment, ensuring fun for the whole family There was face painting, water slides, jumping castles and appearances from the kiddies’ favou-
rite Takalani Sesame characters Umhlobo Wenene business manager Loyiso Bala said placing children at the centre of the event underlined its broader purpose “We must create safe, nurturing spaces for children and young people ” He said: as the event continues to grow, the station is committed to anchoring Impolo Yabahlobo Family Day as a permanent annual fixture, helping sponsors and audiences plan ahead and invest emotionally and economically in what is fast becoming a cornerstone of Umhlobo Wenene FM’s signature events Patron Anitha Vooi from eQonce said the event was a phenomenal experience “Besides the almost-stampede at the gates in the morning, the event was a thrill I was glad I could even take my daughter with me for a fun day out ” Event organiser Luthando Bara said he was grateful for the love and support “Thank you for the love, support and encouragement We don’t take it for granted You make us strive to improve and be better in every respect ”
Literacydaycelebrationspromoteliteracyinthedigitalera
ZAVELA MAKWABE
BOOK readings and quiz competitions, book reviews and storytelling: the Zandisa Kilwa Community Multipurpose Centre in Deberha was transformed into a hub of learning, knowledge and fun, as part of International Literacy Day celebrations
Under the theme “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era”, the two-day event hosted by the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and its stakeholders was held on 8th and 9th September and was aimed at promoting the culture of reading and lifelong learning International Literacy Day is a global campaign, annually observed on 8th September, that raises awareness of literacy challenges within local communities
The existence of book clubs was both encouraged and celebrated, as well as the revitalisation of existing ones
Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality Mayor, Councillor Siyabulela Zangqa, stressed the importance of reading and encouraged learners and community members to make use of libraries that are located within the municipality, as they are foundational sources of learning and support educational success “Reading broadens our minds and enhances critical thinking Reading books also helps us keep up with developing news and trends in the ever-changing
world that we live in ”
The MEC for the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture also weighed in on the importance of libraries and the role they play in addressing literacy challenges across the province “Libraries remain hubs of information for
our citizens They serve as vital community institutions by providing essential educational resources free of charge, from books and newspapers to internet access and educational programmes ”
She said learners can conveniently complete their homework, conduct research and stay
informed about current events using reading materials and public Wi-Fi
The Department of Home Affairs, Department of Health and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) also brought much-needed services to the community of Deberha and surrounding areas
Deberha community celebrates International Literacy Day with book readings, quiz competitions and storytelling events promoting digital-era learning. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Impolo Yabahlobo Family Day returned to Jan Smuts Stadium with a sold-out crowd enjoying performances by Ringo Madlingozi, Lloyiso, and Umhlobo Wenene FM stars PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Members of the Mzinduku Youth Development Cycling Club will ride at the Mpondo Cultural and Heritage Festival, taking place at Lwandlolubomvu Great Place in Ntabankulu this weekend. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
EasternCapebusinessexcellencehonored
ZAVELA MAKWABE
THE inaugural Eastern Cape Bambelela Business Awards ceremony, hosted by the Hollywood Foundation to honour local businesses for their hard work and contribution to their communities, was held in East London over three days of fun, learning and opportunities
From 2nd to 4th September, the ceremony kicked off with an SMME workshop, where business owners gathered to learn about the award processes, funding opportunities, and ways to grow their ventures sustainably
On the second day, an informative exhibition and seminar were hosted where SMMEs were given the opportunity to showcase their products and services by either exhibiting or pitching for funding
The day also featured an interactive panel discussion, inspiring success stories, and motivational speeches
The event concluded with an elegant Gala Dinner at the beautiful Hemingways Hotel in East London, where a total of R1 million was awarded to 20 deserving businesses, with the grand prize winner taking home an impressive R130,000
In his keynote address, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane commended the Hollywood Foundation for structuring the funding to directly procure essential resources that help winners expand capacity and create jobs
ners, this is not the destination, it is a launching pad Use this recognition to deepen your customer base, sharpen your business models and mentor others coming behind you
with one another,” he said
He also encouraged the winners and finalists of the awards and said: “To our finalists and win-
ELBoxerpreparestoface WBCstrawweightchampion
HANNES SCHOEMAN
IT’S the moment of truth for popular East London boxer Siyakholwa Kuse, when he steps into the ring on 29 October to face WBC strawweight champion Melvin Jerusalem in Manila in the Philippines
The title fight was confirmed by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman
A lack of experience could be Kuse’s biggest hurdle He comes in with only 12 professional fights compared to Jerusalem’s 27 This huge advantage, as well as fighting in front of his home crowd, will see
Jerusalem starting as the big favourite
However, Kuse won’t go down without a fight If he were not confident of becoming the new champion, he would not have accepted taking on the defending champion
He won nine of his 12 bouts with four knockouts He lost twice, and one fight ended in a draw Kuse won all of his last six bouts, with his last defeat in 2021 against Bangile Nyangani in East London Jerusalem won 24 of his 27 fights, boasting 12 knockouts He is undefeated in his last four fights
“Let us build a culture of co-operative growth where businesses collaborate, share skills and trade
One of the winners, Sinoxolo Manengela of Ndimbi Clothing, said: “We are honoured to have received the R40,000 investment from the Hollywood Foundation Hollywoodbets SA, Dream Business Hub - Bambelela Business Awards, enabling us to expand our manufacturing unit ” He said that this milestone is only the first step toward his vision of reindustrialising local fashion manufacturing, creating sustainable jobs and enterprise opportunities and developing an export-ready South African fashion brand that competes globally
ZAVELA MAKWABE
CURRENTLY in the top 17 of the Miss Charm SA pageant, finalist Chumasande Somazembe is inviting her community to join her on her journey to the grand finale by rallying behind her and voting for her to push her to the top
The 27-year-old model and activist from Dimbaza started her modelling journey in 2012 and has bagged over 30 titles, including Miss Universities of South Africa 2022 and Miss Youth Impact Eastern Cape 2022
She told the Express that what began as a hobby in high school became a meaningful journey of self-expression and a deeper understanding of what true pageantry represents
She said that for her, modelling is so much more than the pretty dresses and shiny tiaras
“It is about discovering my purpose and making a meaningful impact on my community I want to inspire young girls to dream beyond their circumstances ”
Speaking about the Miss Charm SA pageant, the bold beauty said: “I am embarking on this journey not because I am perfect, but because I dared to believe that my imperfections are my power From being bullied for my round features to embracing the beauty of my melanin skin, I am here to prove that worth is not defined by anyone’s standards but your own ” She expressed excitement about the upcoming grand finale
“My Miss Charm journey has been both graceful and transformative With the competition taking place soon, I feel excited, prepared, and deeply
The event concluded with an elegant Gala Dinner where a total of R1 million was awarded to 20 deserving businesses
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Siyakholwa Kuse carries
The Miss Charm SA pageant finalist, Chumasande Somazembe. PHOTO: SUPPLIED