Uniquetournamentrevives Uniqu footballspirit f
Football enthusiasts across the Eastern Cape have applauded Wanda Mcoyile Mto and his organisers
in Mthatha. Pictured are Bush Bucks
legend, Mzawuthethi Nogwaza, and Wanda Mcoyile Mto.
PHOTO: HOSEYA JUBASE
SlainstudentrememberedatopeningofGBVPreventionO
ZAVELA MAKWABE
UNDER the theme “Reclaiming a Safer UFH For All”, the University of Fort Hare officially opened its University Gender Based Violence Prevention and Gender Diversity Office (GBVGD Office) at the East London campus at the Miriam Makeba Centre of Performing Arts, marking a significant step forward in its commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for all
Opening the event and welcoming the guests, Nonhlanhla Sibanda Moyo, Director of the UFH GBV Prevention Unit, said “We should not need to be opening an office like this Not in 2025, not on a university campus and not anywhere Dare I say we should not even be living in a society where we are fighting gender-based violence It should not exist, it should not be the norm and gender injustice and gender inequality should not be a part of our lives and yet here we are ”
Sibanda Moyo said gender-based violence is woven into the fabric of our existence and institutions like Fort Hare are not immune to this reality She remembered Nosicelo Mtebeni, a 23-year-old Fort Hare student who was brutally murdered by her boyfriend in August 2021
“Her name is not just a part of a tragic
history, it is a part of our story as the university A final-year law student, a daughter and a friend whose life was taken bru-
tally and her body dismembered and found in a suitcase not far from where she was supposed to be preparing for her future ”
AmatolaWaterlaunches‘EmpoweringDoekFriday’initiative
EMPOWERING WOMEN:
ZAVELA MAKWABE
TO kick off Women’s Month, Amatola Water proudly launched its Doek Friday activity, a build-up initiative which will lead to the Women’s Day celebration event to be held on the 20th August 2025
Under the leadership of Acting CEO Ms Lindokuhle Nzoyi, the inspiring initiative was set to empower and motivate women within the organisation The event brought together women to celebrate their unique contributions to both the company and society Under the theme: “Girls compete, Women empower,” the session set the stage for meaningful exchanges and connections among its participants
The event kicked off with a lively photo shoot, celebrating the unique styles and cultures represented by each lady in attendance It was not just about looking great but also about fostering a sisterhood where women can share ideas, collaborate and uplift one another
The participants, adorned in vibrant doeks, gathered to engage in meaningful discussions about the challenges they encounter in both their professional and personal lives
The heartfelt conversations that followed were filled with energy and determination, allowing everyone to voice their experiences and aspirations
TembisaZihlangusharesjourneyofperseverance
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
Reflectingonherjourney
"Before my business became successful, I went through a lot That is why I advise wom-
en 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 someone 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 Gods 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
Anadvocateforindependence
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
Hervisionforabetterfuture
Her final wish is to see a drug-free South
rica
"Many of our children are being destroyed
The atmosphere was charged with powerful messages advocating for balance, mutual empowerment, and the importance of respecting personal boundaries Attendees left the session with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to be women of integrity
The gathering went beyond mere dialogue; it served as an invigorating reminder of the strength found in female connections The spirit of unity and celebration created an unforgettable experience for all involved, showcasing the potential for women to thrive when they come together
Nzoyi said that Doek Friday is not just a celebration of our culture but a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of women
“As we approach Women’s Day, let us embrace our identities, lift each other up, and continue to inspire one another Together, we can create a world where every woman feels empowered to chase her dreams ” She encouraged everyone at Amatola Water to unite in this spirit of solidarity and support beyond this month, fostering a workplace where all voices are heard and valued
As the event concluded, she called for peace and calmness as the women navigate through Women’s Month and beyond, reinforcing a collective commitment to uplift and empower each other in the journey ahead
She said Mtebeni’s death was proof that being young and brilliant does not keep one safe
UFH students marching against GBV outside the East London Court.
PHOTO: FACEBOOK
All dolled up in their doeks, women at Amatola Water kicked off the Womens Month in style PHOTO: SUPPLIED
stated Director and Business Owner from Shoes Guest House in Mthatha, Tembisa Zihlangu, advised women to be independent. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Female-ledN yieldsR42,10
BUFFALO City law enforcement agencies opened Women's Month by netting R42,100 in traffic fines during a major roadblock operation on Friday, August 1
Police spokesperson, Captain Hazel Mqala, said different stakeholders such as Provincial Traffic, South African Police Service (Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU) and stock theft units), the liquor board and immigration officials conducted a roadblock on the N2 road as part of many operations during August Mqala said that the East London Station Commander Brigadier Zanele Baninzi led the operation, and it had a positive impact as motorists were pleased to see female officials working in full force to ensure safety for all citizens
InauguralAfroso gospelexperienc
ZAVELA MAKWABE
ABOUT a thousand people checked in at the Buffalo City Stadium for a fun-filled day of music and entertainment at the inaugural AfroSoul Meets Gospel Experience on 2 August.
The all-white themed music event which blended Afrosoul and Gospel was hosted by East London’s DJ and event organiser Sikelela Molefe, popularly known as Groovie Christ, bringing some of the best local performers including Betusile Mcinga, Nathi Mankayi, Vusi Nova, Ikhona and Zuko SA.
In an interview with the Express, Molefe said he was rather pleased with the turnout of the event. “It was our first try, but we are quite happy with turnout because we got the numbers we were aiming for. The performances were exceptional, the support we got from our community was amazing, and we also had people coming down from Ngcobo, Mthatha, Gqeberha and other areas as well
He said his team planned the event to a tee, so he was not nervous about technical glitches or last-minute cancellations, only the allocated performance times, but the performing artists were punctual and professional and the event ran on schedule.
“Also, it was heartening to see people all clad in white, sticking to the theme. They made the show beautiful.”
“It was an amazing experience, the energy was real and refreshing, and we really had a good time. All the perfor-
Buffalo City law enforcement agencies opened Women during a major roadblock operation on Friday, August