PHOTO: BABALWA
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StudentsinvitedtoapplyforBCMMMayoralBursaryFund
ZAVELA MAKWABE
The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality is once again inviting students to apply for their annual Mayoral bursary programme for the 2026 academic year
The bursary fund offers financial assistance to students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and covers registration fees, tuition, prescribed books, study material, meals, and accommodation for students in the engineering, planning, science, and finance fields
of study
Speaking to the Express, metro spokesperson, Bongani Fuzile, said, “Because the municipality is committed to developing its young people, every financial year the metro sets aside a multi-million rand fund to assist South African youth, permanently residing in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, to study at any accredited South African tertiary institution However, preference is given to students who have been admitted to TVET colleges ”
Fuzile said that students must have matric
with at least a D symbol in English, a C in Mathematics, Accounting, and Physical Science, or NCV Level 4 with Mathematics, as the selection criteria is based on academic merit
“The municipality is committed to advancing Employment Equity, including persons with disabilities, and encourages students with disabilities to make use of this opportunity and apply as well,” he said
Since the inception of the fund in 2008, many beneficiaries have graduated successfully According to Fuzile, the fund also provides
beneficiaries with an opportunity to participate in experiential learning placements and internships within the Metro without creating an expectation that said beneficiaries would be absorbed as employees within the Metro
For more information and assistance with applying, interested and qualifying candidates are urged to visit their nearest youth advisory centres, libraries, or to download application forms
The closing date for applications is 31st October 2025
SPCA’sJail&BailFundraiserbackbypopulardemand
ZAVELA MAKWABE
THE East London SPCA will host its second Jail and Bail Fundraiser on 17th October, following the huge success of its first edition in October last year.
“This year, the initiative has grown tremendously. We are proud to announce that we now have 15 kennels ready for our brave ‘inmates,’ almost double the number from last year. The response from the Buffalo City Metro community has been overwhelmingly positive, and we can’t wait to see the impact this year’s event will have,” the manager of the organisation, Brent Sanders, told the Express.
“Each of our inmates will spend 12 hours in a kennel, experiencing a small part of what the animals in our care go through every day. Their mission is to raise much-needed funds for the East London SPCA and help us
Cataractsurgeryblitz tolauncheyecare awarenessmonth
ZAVELA MAKWABE
EYE care awareness month was launched with a Cataract Surgery Blitz that saw more than 100 patients receiving surgery to restore their vision at the Sabona Eye Clinic in Komani’s Frontier Regional Hospital from 2nd to 5th October 2025
The two-day cataract surgery marathon was done through a partnership between the Eastern Cape Department of Health, the Al-Imdaad Foundation, social partners, and the local councillor all working together to make this life-changing initiative a reality
The blitz, which was primarily focused on patients with age-related cataracts, also aimed to raise awareness about the connection between cataracts and diabetes mellitus Head Ophthalmologist Dr Gcobani Tuswa explained that while cataract surgery restores sight, uncontrolled diabetes can still cause complications later in life
“As eye health professionals, we see every day how cataracts rob people of their independence, especially the elderly Surgery restores patients’ vision, dignity, and ability to live their lives fully, but we cannot ignore the role of diabetes Poorly controlled diabetes can damage the eyes even after successful surgery, sometimes within months This is why we continue to emphasise the importance of good nutrition, regular exercise, and adhering to treatment plans ”
He said that eye health is not just about treating the disease when it appears but also about prevention, education, and healthy living
Departmental MEC Ntandokazi Capa said the department will continue having more cataract surgeries, working with their reliable partners for better health outcomes
“This demonstrates what can be achieved when government, civil society, and health professionals collaborate Working with our partners, we will continue to roll out more blitzes across the province so that no one is left behind,” she said
continue rescuing, caring for, and rehoming animals in need,” he said
To make their stay a little more comfortable, the inmates need to raise their bail money The more bail money they raise, the more “luxuries” they earn, so every donation helps them survive the night behind bars.
R1,000 gets them food, R2,000 gets them a blanket, R3,000 gets them a bed, R4,000 gets them a mobile phone, and R6,000 and more earns them bragging rights.
The organisation appealed to the Buffalo City Metro community to donate towards their favourite inmate and help them raise funds for the animals in their care. Their banking details are as follows:
• Account Name: EL SPCA
• Bank: Nedbank Account No: 1045108065
• Reference: Jail & Bail + Inmate’s Name Last year’s
BuffaloCityMetrotakespartinsweetgesture &raisesfundsforcancerpatients
ZAVELA MAKWABE
EAST London’s Hemmingways Mall was one of the three Eastern Cape malls that joined 81 malls nationwide in partnering up with Cupcakes of Hope (CoH) and hosting National Cupcake Day on 27th September to raise funds for children battling cancer
CoH is a South African NGO dedicated to supporting children diagnosed with cancer
Their flagship event, National Cupcake Day, is the country’s largest cupcake fundraiser
In 2024, the event mobilised 2,000 volunteer bakers, known as ‘Cupcake Angels,’ and raised over R2 million for children with cancer
“Oncologists, hospitals, social workers, and hospices all contact us with requests to assist,” says CoH founder, Sandy Cipriano “For a donation of R10 to R20, and a cupcake in return, people greatly assist us in supporting little warriors fighting cancer
“Since 2020, the number of children we support has nearly quadrupled In just the last month, we helped over 140 young cancer warriors, the youngest only a year old ” She explained that on National Cupcake Day, participating malls provide space for the bakers to display their home-baked cupcakes, with all proceeds going to CoH to support children affected by cancer
The funds raised help cover essential costs such as medical expenses, nutritional support, nappies, and other vital needs
Cornelia Greef, co-ordinator of the National Cupcake Day in Hemmingways Mall, said the event was a tremendous success because of the incredible support from the Buffalo City Metro community
“Seeing East London come together in such a meaningful way was truly heartwarming I am beyond thankful to everyone who played a part, and I feel so grateful for the amazing team that made it all possible ”
Taking us back to the day, she said, “One of the most moving moments of the day was meeting a brave cancer survivor who had recently completed her last radiation treatment She is now in remission and
ready to embrace the future Being able to speak with her, hold her hand, and celebrate her courage and resilience was an absolute privilege She fought hard, overcame ovarian cancer, and is an inspiring example of strength and hope ” She thanked Ooskus Gymnasium High School, the principal, Mr Barnard, the teachers, and the pupils for their incredible commitment, and a special thank you to each and every volunteer selling cupcakes on the day
“We are also deeply grateful to everyone who pledged, baked, and dropped off cupcakes Your generosity and support were phenomenal A special thank you to Hemmingways Mall for graciously hosting us; it meant the world to us,” she added
Sandrie, Anja and Sulize are amongst those who participated in the National Cupcake day in Hemmingways Mall. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
inmates who were jailed in kennels to raise funds for animals.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED