BUFFALO CITY METRO:
Authoritiesurgepubliccautionafterspateoffireincidents
ZAVELA MAKWABE
A RECENT spate of shack fires have injured and killed residents, causing enormous misery and displacement in various shack settlements within the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM)
The recent incidents affected residents in six wards, destroying households and leaving people destitute, but through the coordinated efforts of the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), the Department of Human Settlements and collaboration with social partners such as SASSA, relief measures have been put in place to support the affected communities
Fire victims have received immediate support, which includes the distribution of social relief distress packs, blankets, mattresses and the provision of three meals a day
Speaking to the Express, the Metro’s municipal spokesperson, Bongani Fuzile, said the Executive Mayor and Council of the Metro extend their heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and wish to assure all affected residents that they remain committed to restoring dignity and shelter to all affected families
He told the Express that their teams are working tirelessly to ensure no one is left without support “We are engaging all relevant departments and partners to ensure rebuilding is prioritised, and we call on the public to assist wherever possible In Nompumelelo Township, several good Samaritans have already donated clothes to those affected ”
He said the Buffalo City Metro Municipality urges all residents to remain vigilant and practise fire safety, especially as the dry season continues
GirlEmpowermentMovementcelebratesadecadeofupliftingBCMyoungwomen
ZAVELA MAKWABE
HUNDREDS of girls from across the Buffalo City Metro gathered for the 2025 annual Girls Festival for Teens hosted by This Girl Wins (TGW) at Kingsridge High School in King William’s Town on 4th October 2025
This year’s event also marked the programme’s 10th anniversary TGW is an empowerment programme for girls that was initiated by personal development coach and motivational speaker Thabisa Mrwebi a decade ago to equip them with skills and knowledge to ignite their sense of purpose
The programme also recognises and awards girls who demonstrate great leadership and excellence in various fields, from sport to academics and charity work
She said celebrating the 10year milestone of TGW is significant because, through the programme, many girls have been given their power back “Girls were uplifted and reminded of who they are They were encouraged not to back
concept was brought about by witnessing the social and identity challenges that confront girls and realising that if left unattended, they jeopardise their future So we challenge and empower girls not to be afraid to be unconventional, to dare to dream, to be different, to take the road less travelled so that they become extraordinary young women ” She said the programme is about raising a generation that will choose not to be average and will pursue greatness Mrwebi said she believes it is important for girls from different backgrounds to be given a platform like this to get together and form friendships because they then discover that they are not that different after all They all face the same fears and are striving for similar things in life
“We are grateful to the various communities, schools, parents and friends who helped us make the day a great success Here’s to another 100 years of TGW ”
InauguralImbizoYobugcisaexhibitionahubforcreativity
ZAVELA MAKWABE
THE Ann Bryant Art Gallery in Belgravia, East London, transformed into a hub of creativity and culture as the first ever Imbizo Yobugcisa Exhibition took place on 11 October
Art enthusiasts were in for a treat as more than 30 talented local craft artists and beadwork designers showcased their work through handmade crafts, art displays, captivating demonstrations and unique handmade pieces Live performances from Andile Tsako, Indwe, Totman and the soothing sounds of Buffalo City Metro’s popular a cappella group Amanene The Gents completed the day of stunning cultural showcase and entertainment
In an interview with the Express, exhibitor Sibabalwe Gqosha, creative director of Mthi Leather Crafts based in Mdantsane, said that the event gave them an opportunity to net-
work with creatives from other regions of the province “We had broader market exposure, especially when we were doing radio interviews, which in turn widened our footprint ”
Gqosha, whose enterprise specialises in handmade leather products such as bespoke handbags, wallets, belts and travelling bags, expressed gratitude for the opportunity “We are grateful for the opportunity that Lulama African Services and Projects gave us together with the Department of Arts and Culture,” he said Event organiser and host Buyiswa Mbunjana explained that the exhibition is a creative platform designed to celebrate and promote local artists and crafters from across the Eastern Cape, providing exposure, creating market access and supporting the growth of small creative enterprises
She said organising the event was challenging yet deeply fulfilling “Seeing how art
Ward 15 Councillor, Nwabisa Mcwabeni, with a ward committee member at Nompumelelo Township in Beacon Bay standing at a bare field where houses were destroyed by fire.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Girls from across the Buffalo City Metro gathered for the 2025 annual Girls Festival For Teens. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
More than 30 talented local craft artists and beadwork designers showcased their work. PHOTO: SUPPLIED