MTHATHA: EAST LONDON EDITION
ChesssensationrepresentsSAinKenya
MANDLENKOSI MXENGI
YOUNG East London chess ace, Tumi Balura of Fort Grey on the outskirts of East London, landed at the King Phalo Airport recently after representing South Africa at the 2025 African Schools Chess Championships held in Kenya
The 10-year-old Balura is following in the footsteps of another young East London chess sensation, Azo Maseti, who also represented the country in national and international chess competitions
Both Balura and Maseti are the products of the Rotary Club of East London’s continued support and development of chess involving school learners in the Buffalo City Metro region
Over the years, the Rotary Club of East London has steadfastly supported the development of chess in Buffalo City, reaching over 2,000 learners in nearly 100 schools, targeting primary schools in rural areas
The chess development initiative has benefitted hundreds of learners from disadvantaged areas, including Fort Grey, Dyam Dyam, Kiwane and Ncera villages Rotary Club of East London (RCEL) Public Image Chairperson Pam Way highlighted the foundational role of veteran coach Clive Delbridge, who helped launch the first chess club in Dyam Dyam village, and later extended his coaching to Fort Grey and Ncera village
Young chess sensation Tumi Balura of Fort Grey in East London represented South Africa at the 2025 African Schools Chess Championships held in Kenya.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
EASTLONDONAQUARIUM:
Planstoreopenthwartedbyyetanotherburglary
ZAVELA MAKWABE
DUE to a recent spate of burglary and vandalism incidents at the East London Aquarium, the historic marine museum is currently closed to the public
The marine wildlife recovery and educational facility on the Esplanade has consistently been a target of criminals
In an interview with the Express, East London Aquarium
FUNDINGBOOST:
manager Siani Tinley said they have encountered burglaries before where burglars broke through their front glass doors or the back windows and targeted things like cash from their tills and their public TV screen, which they used to play presentations for the public for environmental education
However, she described the two recent break-ins (29th May 2025 and 12th June 2025), where the vandals broke in and ripped out copper piping used for water and
electricity lines, affecting holding tanks, freezers, an air compressor and water supply to animals, as a huge setback
"In these particular burglaries, they targeted our cash till but our funds were locked away safely so that was fine, but they got away with a lot of copper piping from our plumbing systems Because ours is such an old aquarium, we are about 94 years old, our electrics are within copper conduit so they targeted our electrics as
well " Tinley said they had emergency repairs done so that they can have running water and electricity for their fish pumps and fish filters with hopes of reopening soon, but vandals struck again
"We had another burglary again on the 12th June
“This time they entered through a similar point on the sea side of the building and they managed to steal more of our equipment and some more of our electrics
‘Kwela-khaya’filmprojectresumes
BABALWA NDLANYA
THE Amagubevu Communications film project, Kwela–khaya, which halted production for a year due to financial difficulties, has received a much-needed boost
An anonymous businessman from Mthatha has stepped in to fund the continuation of the project
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Amagubevu Communications, Dr Yonghama Mrwetyana, said the drama series set in the picturesque town of Lusikisiki was on the verge of being scrapped until this intervention
"This is a 13-episode drama series, with each episode running 48 minutes We are grateful to announce that production will resume later this month, thanks to the support of this entrepreneur The film showcases the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Eastern Cape but was nearly derailed by funding challenges
"We are thrilled that Kwela–khaya has been given a new lease of life We believe this investment will benefit the local economy and showcase the beauty and talent of the Eastern Cape to a global audience," he said Mrwetyana explained that the additional funding will not only ensure the project's completion but will also allow the team to expand its scope
"We plan to scout for raw local talent in neighbouring towns,
including Mthatha (AbaThembu), Tsolo (Amampondomise), and Mount Frere (KwaBhaca)
"Audition dates will be announced soon to provide aspiring actors and creatives with a platform to showcase their skills "
He said this initiative also aims to promote the Isibhaca and Isimpondo languages, celebrating the region's rich cultural identity
With the new resources, the production team expects to deliver a high-quality series that highlights the Eastern Cape's diversity and beauty
"We want people to think of the Eastern Cape as a prime holiday destination If we succeed, B&Bs will be busier, local businesses will see growth, and actors can work closer to home, unlike most productions based in Johannesburg This marks Amagubevu's first full-length series "
Last year, the company produced a 48-minute drama titled Izifungo, which is currently being licensed to national broadcasters
They also competed in the 48hour film challenge with Tatomkhulu, screened at the Mall of Africa Cinema in Johannesburg
Once Kwela–khaya wraps, the team plans to launch a larger project titled Kwa Nomagazi, pursuing it with full focus and ambition
In Kwela–khaya, viewers will explore themes such as the sig-
Chief Executive Officer for Amagubevu Communications Film Project Dr Yongama Mrwetyana.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
“We were planning to open over the long weekend but based on this we are forced to close again before we are able to open," she said
At the time of the interview, Tinley was unable to confirm the exact date of reopening, but she told the Express that they are working diligently, doing their absolute best to resume operations before the school holidays start She said any sponsorships, donations or services are welcome
nificance of a will, the instability caused by its absence, and the ultimate triumph of light over darkness despite greed "This project is expected to
opportunities for local actors, crew members, and extras, contributing to the Eastern Cape's economy," added Mrwetyana
Mens’conferencetoaddressmentalhealth
ZAVELA MAKWABE
JUNE is designated as Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of men's mental health and encourage open conversations about it
While men's physical health is often prioritised, their mental wellbeing can be overlooked, leading to mental conditions like depression, anxiety, addictive behaviours and sometimes
suicide
To commemorate this, Buffalo City Metro Reverend Thando Ngwekazi is breaking the silence around this subject, fighting the stigma and encouraging men to speak up
Through his foundation, "Ndibize Foundation", he is hosting a men s conference to raise awareness on men's mental health in Zwelitsha's OR Tambo Hall on the 26th July 2025
Ngwekazi said this conference is about restoring and healing
broken families and encouraging discouraged men
"We want to provide a safe space for frank and constructive discussions, and address the complicated challenges men face
“The attendees will also get to engage with the speakers as we will have time set aside for comments, questions and answers "
He said men have moved from their position of power and authority, making them hopeless and weak
"We want them to reclaim their role of leadership in their families and be good examples in society so as to produce more leaders and fathers with good characters " With a jam-packed line-up that promises a transformative experience, the conference will feature the Chairperson of the Public Participation, Petitions and Education Portfolio Committee, the Honourable Mlibo Qoboshiyane; Chief Mpumalanga Gwadiso, Chairperson of the
MetrocelebratesYouthMonthdifferentlyin2025
ZAVELA MAKWABE
THE Buffalo City Metro Municipality celebrated the power of youth by unlocking the potential of its young people through a jam-packed Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) Youth Skills Development Programme held at Embekweni Field on 18 June
In partnership with the National Youth Development Agency and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, the programme provided a platform for skills development, empowerment, and meaningful economic participation, equipping young people of the Metro with knowledge and skills that could help them start their
own small businesses to curb unemployment and improve their livelihoods
The main attraction was the Skills Demonstration and Interactive Booths where each booth featured a professional showcasing their trade, offering hands-on learning opportunities where possible, and advice
Participants were given an opportunity to go through different stalls, learning from already existing SMMEs how to navigate different industries
These include: barbering and hairdressing where demonstrations on modern haircuts and styling were done; makeup artistry and beauty services where basic makeup
techniques and skincare were showcased; fashion, design and tailoring where a basic introduction to sewing and garment repair was given; digital skills and freelancing about the basics of graphic design, content creation, or online gigs; as well as food catering, arts and crafts and so much more Genie-yus AI founder Chuma Memela advised the youth to take it upon themselves to learn new skills because jobs are scarce He spoke to young people on how they can leverage digital tools and artificial intelligence to unlock new income streams, build personal brands and access opportunities in the digital economy
House of Traditional Leaders; seasoned medical doctor and life coach Dr Mthembeni Tebelele; Dr Sivuyile Ngaphi from the South African Police Services (SAPS); and religious leaders: Reverend Lubabalo Quluba, District Secretary of the Methodist Church District of South Africa, and Reverend Mzwabantu Jibilili, who will give testimony, sharing his personal story of the anger and frustration he harboured because of never having met his own mother
Servingwithpurposedespitebreak-insatEastLondon’spopularrestaurant
ZAVELA MAKWABE
EVER heard of a chicken quarter-leg that slaps harder than a break-in alarm or "ceiling entry cocktail" to start your evening in a jazz bar?
This is an East London-based restaurant's unusual and cheeky response to a burglary at his restaurant, during the early hours of the morning a few weeks ago
Thando Thomas did not simply fix things so that he was back in business by nightfall, but his business s social media page not only addressed the incident, but it now boasts a cocktail named after the burglary
This, despite burglars entering his restaurant through the ceiling, making off with cash, three smart TVs, an iPad, three laptops, a MacBook Pro, a DVR, the house security system as well as a large
amount of premium alcohol –mainly whiskies and cognacs
On their social media pages, a series of messages was posted to the thieves with a seeming penchant for rather expensive booze, and less for the culture offered by the establishment favoured by East London s jazz lovers
Speaking to the Express, the establishment's events manager Nqabayethu Makaula said he turned the setback into creativ-
ity – the "ceiling entry cocktail" was crafted from the bottles that survived the looting of the bar's contents
"You tiptoed past the piano, dodged our House of Legends exhibition You had front row access to living history and you still left it
mering, the jazz is still playing, and our ancestors are definitely side-eying you from the walls," he lambasted the burglars on his social media page, adding that they could walk in during operating hours and order "umleqwa" or "umngqusho" which, unlike chaos, are on the menu
The pots are still sim-
“Truly a masterclass in how to fumble greatness But don't worry – House 87 still stands, proud and spicy
The Quigney-based restaurant boasts live music and visual art and serves South African braai and traditional food
BCM Youth who attended the BCM SMME Youth Skills Development Programme held at Embekweni Field
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
House 87, a chic eatery in Caxton Street, Quingney