Mthatha North E-edtion- 17 April - 2025

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PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA

Boy(10)drowns athazardousriver crossinginMqanduli

BABALWA NDLANYA

THE Nqwelendlela family and members of the Mbozisa community in Mqanduli remain in shock following the recent drowning of 10-year-old Umphile Khon-khoni Nqwelendlela

The child drowned while trying to cross the river from Mbozisa to Mncwasa locality in Mqanduli with his two siblings and their mother His body was recovered by the Search and Rescue team from the Mthatha K-9 Unit last week

According to the local Traditional Leader, Thandile Zwelanele Dengwane, the deceased and his family were returning from a traditional ceremony for Amanda Notununu (18), who also drowned in the same river while on her way to Luthubeni Senior Secondary School on 14 March 2025

“The municipality had been trying to assist us with a bridge while maintaining our gravel road Unfortunately, a large hole was left where the bridge was supposed to be built When it rains, this hole fills with water, putting lives at risk In this incident, the sibling of the deceased was carrying him on his back when he noticed that the water was sweeping their mother, Busiswa Nqwelendlela, away ”

He added that as the sibling tried to help their mother, the deceased fell into the rushing water and drowned Dengwane said the community is often forced to cross the river to access essential services

and schools, which are located on the other side

“Even schoolchildren must cross the river daily, risking their lives The community is outraged and is demanding that the municipality complete the bridge as soon as possible ” The deceased’s grandfather, Sidwell Mhlaba, who is also the Ward Councillor, described the situation as dire

“The family is struggling; no one is working; the mother and all her children suffer from mental health issues We were still in the process of applying for a disability grant for her They rely entirely on social grants Now we do not even know how we’ll manage to bury the child We are grateful that the Mayor of King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality, Councillor Nyaniso Nelani, visited the area and witnessed the problem firsthand ” Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened following what appears to be a fatal drowning incident at KwaNgqawa locality in Mqanduli

“It is alleged that the victim, along with his mother and two siblings, was about to cross the river when a local man offered to assist According to our records, the man successfully crossed the stream with the first child However, while helping the second child, he slipped and fell,” said Nkohli He added that the boy was swept away by the stream and could not be rescued The Search and Rescue team from the Mthatha K-9 Unit later retrieved the body

A member of the Search and Rescue Team from Mthatha K9 unit searching for the body of Umphile Nqwelendlela (10) at Mbozisa River in Mqanduli. PHOTO :SUPPLIED

EasternCapecommitsR70mtocombatchildpoverty

SOCIAL Development in the Eastern Cape has set aside more than R70 million to tackle child poverty, malnutrition and teenage pregnancy in the province

Speaking during the tabling of the department's policy speech in the Eastern Cape Legislature, MEC Bukiwe Fanta said her department is determined to reduce poverty from spreading throughout families and communities

In response to the Human Rights Commission's recent findings on child poverty, Fanta said her department would ensure access and coverage for vulnerable mothers and children in the 39 poorest wards and child malnutrition hotspot areas through holistic services rendered in their Mother and Child Development and Support Programme

"In an effort to reduce poverty, the department during this financial year will establish a Food Bank which will contribute to the Provincial Food and Nutrition Security plan coordinated by the Department of Agriculture and respond to disasters and food shortages

“Food insecurity in this province has increased significantly, with grant-reliant households seeing an increase in moderate to severe food insecurity This underscores the mounting strain on disadvantaged groups, especially children, women and persons with disabilities," said Fanta

She added that the department will implement 138 household and 153 community profiling through integrated social mobilisation programmes, and in addition link social grant

recipients to sustainable livelihood initiatives to promote resilience, empowerment and participation

"Furthermore, we will mobilise 202 integrated community mobilisation structures targeting 36,776 people to coordinate their own development and enhance social inclusion This will contribute to the goal of promoting self-reliance and sustainability within communities, ultimately helping communities overcome poverty "

She added that the department remains committed to addressing food security in the province through implementing food security projects, community nutrition development centres and 345 household food gardens

Fanta added that an additional R8 9 million would be made available for food parcels in the province

In providing social protection to the poor and vulnerable groups, the department will continue providing Social Relief of Distress in the form of material aid, including food parcels, school uniforms, blankets and mattresses, targeting 4,626 people for the 2025/26 financial year

"The department has also set aside more than R46 3 million for Sanitary Dignity Packs for a targeted 138,794 learners The services of social protection will be extended to girl learners from Quintiles 1 to 3 and other children in support, special and farm schools to ensure that they are kept at school as contained in the Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP) 138,794 girl learners will be targeted for the distribution of Sanitary Dignity Packs "

MbhasheLocalMunicipalityspendsR10monavillageroadproject

ZOLILE MENZELWA

IT will soon be a thing of the past for school-going children of Ntilini and Botwe vilages in Gatyana to be unable to go to school during heavy rains after the introduction of a contractor to construct an access road and a bridge

The multi-million rand project Hass been awarded to Mkoko Trading The R9 9 million project will see a number of

local SMMEs benefitting

Municipal Babalwa Magqwanti said the project involved the construction of a spokesperson 5 5km access gravel road designed to have a width of 5 5m

“This road infrastructure initiative is not only aimed at improving connectivity in the region It will also create 20 new job opportunities for members of the Ntilini and Botwe communities The contractor anticipates completing the project

within the next eight months,” she said

A community member from Ntilini villages, Rich Mdunyelwa, applauded the municipality’s efforts to develop such infrastructure in villages

“We appreciate the municipality’s commitment towards enhancing our living conditions and developing infrastructure in our communities The project stands as a testament to the municipality’s commitment to infrastructure development

for and service delivery to the residents of this area,” he said Magqwanti said it was a norm for the local authority to ensure that all communities within its jurisdiction had access to basic service delivery

“This is a basic service delivery initiative that will now allow people to have easy access to public facilities such as clinics and towns School-going children will be able to go to schools,” she said

KumkaniMhlontloLocalMunicipality: CFOsuspendedover‘governanceconcerns’

KUMKANI Mhlontlo Local Municipality's chief financial officer, Nandipha Sibobi, has been placed on precautionary suspension which is linked to the municipality's engagements with a mobile phone network provider

Sibobi is also facing other allegations of contradicting stipulations of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) Municipal spokesperson, Mamela Mangcotywa, said the decision to place Sibobi on precautionary suspension was resolved in a council meeting on 1 April The precautionary suspension is linked

to concerns over the engagements with mobile phone service providers Following the expiration of a previous contract, a new agreement was established with a new one However, it came to light that councillors and certain officials were reinstated with the former service provider, under the directive of the CFO – raising governance concerns "

She said Sibobi, as part of a council resolution, was given seven days effective from April 1 – to state why she should not be on full suspension "In addition, the CFO is also involved in another (alleged) wrongdoing related to the appointment of a VAT recovery service provid-

er This appointment contradicts the stipulations of the MFMA A failure by the accounting officer of a municipality to comply with this duty (tax commitments) constitutes an act of financial misconduct and a financial offence," Mangcotywa said Circular number 74 of the MFMA advises municipalities against engaging tax consultants or external service providers for preparing VAT returns, she said In a previous statement, Mangcotywa said employees had submitted a petition to the office of the CFO demanding answers "However, employees took a further step by visiting the office (of the CFO),

demanding answers since no formal response was provided to their petition We deeply regret the oversight in not engaging our employees and councillors to assess their needs and the impact on the work-life balance " She said it was important to maintain professionalism and composure in moments of disagreement or conflict "The municipality remains committed to upholding good governance, transparency and adherence to procurement framework We assure the public that all necessary steps are being taken to address this matter Further details will be provided as the situation unfolds," Mangcotywa said

MEC for Department of Social Development Bukiwe Fanta tabling first policy speech at Bisho Legislature PHOTO: SUPPLIED

UpholsteryCo-Operativetransformslives

BABALWA NDLANYA

YOUNG people from various localities around Mthatha have confirmed that starting their co-operative, Siyazakha Upholstery, has helped them stay away from crime and other risky behaviour

One of the members, Sipho Mtselu (36), said the company belongs to his brother, Daniel Phukuza, who gave them the opportunity to work together in this co-operative He confirmed that they began working in 2008, although they did not have a physical space or registration as a co-op at the time "We did not know which route to take until we met the founder of Zamukuphula Piggery Farming Co-operative, Michael Sofika, who showed us how to register a co-operative That is when we named it Siyazakha Upholstery and officially started operating under that name We specialise in car interiors and also make seat covers for different businesses," said Mtselu He added that they hope to grow the business and start working with big companies "We also want to own our own machines and be able to add our branding to the products we create," he said "But right now, we can't afford the machines we need We re thankful to King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality for donating a sewing machine

worth R28,000 It will help us when sewing seat material This support shows that we are making progress

“The municipality gave us the machine and material thanks to

the efforts of Sofika Since we spend all our time working here, we do not have time to roam around we are always tired when we go home "

Mtselu said the initiative has

changed his life for the better, allowing him to support himself independently He confirmed that he even manages to pay for his own funeral policy

He encouraged other young peo-

ple to use their skills to create opportunities, especially in light of the high unemployment rate

"We named the company Siyazakha because we believe the name will take us far When we started, we were four members now we are five "

Another employee, Siphelele Mavonyela (35), said they hope to eventually secure a larger space to serve as their warehouse

"The container we are using now is very small, and it's especially difficult to work when it rains," he said

"We do not have enough space

Sometimes, when we get many clients at once, it becomes difficult to park their cars in front of the container without disturbing nearby businesses "

Michael Sofika, the founder of Zamukuphila Piggery Farming Co-operative, said he was inspired to help when he saw how dedicated the Siyazakha members were

"Since we live in the same area, they had seen me receiving support from various departments They came to me for advice, and I helped them with the paperwork What made me even more interested in helping was the fact that they are young people who are serious about their work," he said

He mentioned that the group owns land in Highbury, and the plan is to use that land to build a warehouse

"They can use the container they are working from now as a space to sell their products "

Some of the members of Siyazakha Upholstery in Mthatha, Siphelele Mavonyela posing with his colleagues Nosicelo Mphehlwana and Sipho Mtselu in their container PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA

Mbizanaartistreleases debutbook,newalbum

BABALWA NDLANYA

AN Afrobeat, young and dynamic vocalist known for his House/ Dance music, Sinelizwi Mbidana, from Magusheni locality in Mbizana, is on a mission to release his first book titled The Innocent Present Moment

The book talks about his life and how he overcame trials and tribulations

"My book is about the situations I have been through It is a biography meant to inspire young people who are still chasing their dreams," said Mbidana He confirmed that it took him two months to complete it

In addition to his book, Mbidana has also released a new album

titled Ukholo Lwam, which consists of eight songs

The album was released on March 27, 2025, and it is his second project to date

According to him, the extended play (EP) is available on all major online music platforms

"Much of this project was intended to be released in 2024 But I was not able to release it due to certain reasons One of them was the investor I was hoping to collaborate with to market the EP properly and reach a wider audience

“Even though that collaboration did not happen, Muso Production decided to release the project anyway, with the hope that music lovers out there will show their support I worked

hard to ensure this music connects with the people, and I believe it will serve its purpose," said Mbidana

He added that the songs on the EP are not only personal but are meant to resonate with everyone

"Even though it is titled Ukholo Lwam (My Faith), it is not just about me; it is about encouraging people to keep hustling and never give up on what they're doing "

The first track on the album, Sizophumelela (We Will Succeed), is particularly meaningful to him

"It is the first song I recorded with DJ Teddy after I decided to work on a full project It's not just for me; it is meant to inspire others as well "

Formerradiostarreleasestraditional‘igwijo’song

BABALWA NDLANYA

FORMER award-winning radio presenter Azole Jezile, from Njakazi locality in Centane, is making a musical comeback with a new song titled Wawu Kuphi Jezile confirmed that the track is an igwijo a traditional song once sung by their forefathers He shared that he collaborated with well-known artist, Vuyisani Sholo, popularly known as Vee Sholo, from East London, and was inspired to venture into this genre after encouragement from his supporters long

ago

"These songs bring back memories because they were used during traditional ceremonies by our forefathers The song that we have released is about thanking former South African football referee, Ace Ngcobo, for playing a major role in changing the lives of people in different ways," he said He added that in June last year, Sholo invited him to his studio to work on a project Jezile visited him this March, and that is when they created the song "Even though we have sung

many songs before, this is the first time we are officially releasing one We are working towards completing eight tracks so we

can drop a full album I can also confirm I'm currently working on another song titled Ndibiziwe, " he added

He confirmed that the song will be available on all social media platforms and music streaming services

Multi-talented Sinelizwi Mbidana known as Snerah, is busy with his book while releasing his new album. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

EmergencybridgerepairworkstotakeplacealongN2

THE South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has begun repairs to seven structures along the N2 national road between Mdantsane and Great Kei River Bridge in the Eastern Cape

The project is located in the Amathole District Municipality, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and the Great Kei Local Municipality

Repair work will be undertaken by the contractor, Makali Plant and Construction, together with local sub-contractors The contract started on June 21 last year, and the estimated completion date is October 14

this year

Remedial works to the bridges comprise works to repair/correct defects detailed be-

low:

(a) Cracking and spalling of concrete;

(b) Cracking of concrete due to Alkali Aggregate Reaction (AAR);

(c) Erosion under piers and abutments;

(d) Various structural defects;

(e) Damage to parapets;

(f) Lack of guardrails;

(g) Damage to existing road surface at approaches to structures;

(h) Damage to existing wing walls;

(i) Replacement of bridge joints and asphalt surfac-

ing repairs

“To undertake the required bridge and culvert repairs, road users approaching the affected structures along the N2 will be restricted to a reduced road width with delineators, warning signs and flagmen

“Where necessary, the N2 Section 16 will be reduced to a single lane, with the necessary temporary traffic accommodation signage Stop and Go traffic control facilities will also be in place and operational for the duration of repairs to the respective structures,” said Kayakazi Mafuta, SANRAL's Acting Eastern Cape Provincial Head

Where necessary, temporary traffic accommodation signage and Stop and Go traffic control facilities will also be in place on the local crossing roads on the Bonza Bay Bridge, Gonubie access road under the N2, and the Abattoir access road The speed within the work areas will be reduced to 60km per hour

“SANRAL appeals to motorists to be patient and adhere to the temporary signage, control facilities and speed limit, and to not overtake within the single lane zones,” added Mafuta

SAMIYA Waza, a Grade 12 pupil from Umtata High School in Mthatha, has earned international recognition at the prestigious Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition (BYSCC) held in China

Waza was awarded a Second Prize (the South African equivalent of a silver medal) for her innovative research project, "Med-Net: A Comprehensive and Robust Information Management System for Healthcare Facilities " Waza described the achievement as a humbling experience and a dream come true

"To anyone starting their science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI) journey, believe in yourself, take risks, and never give up on your dreams Your unique perspective and passion can change the world Learn from failures, and push beyond your limits You got this!" she said Her success formed part of Team South Africa's impressive showing at the competition, where local pupils competed against some of the brightest young scientists from around the world

Fellow Second Prize winner, Cady De Koker, a Grade 11 pupil from Northern Cape High School in Kimberley, was recognised for her project, "A Mathematician's Guide to Neuroscience: Classifying and Diagnosing Brain Tumours Using Fractal-Analysis Morphometrics " De Koker said winning an award at the BYSCC was an honour and a privilege "I would have never imagined when I first started at Eskom Expo that one day I would be able to stand on an international stage and accept an award of such stature I'm grateful for the opportunity that I've been provided The highlight of the trip to China was being able to meet with such a diverse group of people, with such different perspectives on life with the same passion and curiosity for science and innovation," she said Christopher Collier-Reed and Adam Gibbon, both Grade 12 pupils at Pinelands High School in Cape Town, were

awarded the First Prize (South African equivalent of a Gold medal) for their group research project, "Flies to the rescue: Innovating food waste management using Black Soldier fly larvae"

The 44th BYSCC, hosted at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, aimed to promote the advancement of youth scientific and technological endeavours Participants also had the op-

portunity to explore iconic landmarks, including Olympic Park, the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, and the Museum of the Communist Party of China

The Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation (Acting), Mologadi Motshele, said, "Congratulations to Team South Africa for making an incredible impact at the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition (BYSCC)

in China Eskom encourages young people to think innovatively and explore new ways to solve real-world problems

Promoting creativity within the STEMI fields allows the next generation of scientists and engineers to drive technological advancements and contribute to our country's development "

- ISSUED BY EXPO SCIENCE

The four learners comprising Team South Africa were Samiya Waza (Umtata High School), Cady de Koker (Northern Cape High School in Kimberley) and Christopher Collier-Reed and Adam Gibbon (Pinelands High School in Cape Town). PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Samiya Waza, a Grade 12 pupil from Umtata High School in Mthatha, participated in the prestigious Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition (BYSCC) held in China. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Last year’s edition of the Imiganu Easter tournament drew packed crowds at all sporting grounds hosting games. This Saturday, event organisers are anticipating supporters to turn out in large numbers.

MusketeersFCmaintain two-pointleadinregionalleague

CENTANE-BASED team Musketeers FC are enjoying a two-point gap at the top of the SAFA Amathole Hollywoodbets Regional League Stream E table after they registered another important victory over the weekend

On Saturday afternoon, Musketeers FC defeated bottom-placed Ndabankulu S S S FC 4-1 to maintain the two-point advantage over second-position side and local rivals Kentane United FC Currently, Musketeers FC are leading the SAFA Amathole Hollywoodbets Regional League Stream E with 30 points after 12 matches, followed by Kentane United FC with 28 points having played the same number of fixtures

FC took full advantage to climb to the top of the table when they defeated Young Stars United FC 2-0 at home

Since then, the top three teams’ order has changed with Musketeers FC leading, followed by Kentane United FC, whilst WSU Butterworth FC remained in third place with 24 points after 12 matches

Over the weekend, former table-toppers Kentane United FC bounced back to winning ways when they beat FC Montego 3-0 at home to keep their title challenge alive

SASOLLeaguekickoff suspendedamidpaymentcrisis

THE start of the Eastern Cape Sasol League 2025 season has been suspended indefinitely after teams competing in the division protested the non-payment of their travelling allowances, referee subsidies, and prize money from the 2024 season

Initially, the Sasol league’s new season was expected to start on March 29, but teams requested the opening fixtures be postponed while they awaited the South African Football Association (SAFA) to pay their outstanding monies by the end of March 2025 SAFA subsequently rescheduled the start of the season to April 12, as teams indicated they were struggling financially to transport their players, pay match officials, and book sports fields

However, on April 9, Sasol league teams wrote to SAFA informing the association that they had yet to receive the promised payments In their letter, the teams requested SAFA to postpone the league kickoff again while they waited for their outstanding monies

SAFA responded to the teams’ request by sending a message confirming the suspension: “Good morning, Team managers This communication refers to the communication received on April 9 The Sasol League kick-off has been suspended until further notice Card collection will be on hold Please monitor your registrations via the online app accordingly during this period We apologise for any inconvenience to our clubs, sponsors, media and supporters ”

National crisis and ministerial appeal

The payment crisis extends beyond just the Eastern Cape, with Sasol teams from all nine provinces in South Africa requesting an urgent meeting with the Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, to intervene in their ongoing unpaid salaries crisis The teams have also written to SAFA president Danny Jordaan seeking clarity over their unpaid grant money

Team owners who spoke to Mthatha Express on condition of anonymity revealed that in the Eastern Cape they have been owed money since last season “Due to this payment delay, as teams we still owe service providers the transport money from last season, so we can’t risk continuing again as if things are normal,” one anonymous source said The teams alleged that they were not even paid the prize money and referee subsidies for the 2024 season “In the meeting, we had with SAFA earlier this year, we were promised to be paid by the end of March 2025, but up to this date no payment has been made ”

Direct Payment Request

In their letter to the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, the teams stated: “We wish to place on record that as of the date of this letter, no team has received any grant payments for the current year, and some teams are owed even for previous seasons ” The teams rely on these funds to attend games and transport their players, many of whom live in different towns With resources depleted, the teams have requested that “payment of full outstanding grants be made to all teams without further delays ”

Significantly, they have also requested that “grant payments be made directly to the clubs, not via SAFA,” suggesting a breakdown in trust with the football association’s payment processes

The Sasol League teams claim that SAFA’s payment delays are damaging the image of women’s football in South Africa While the league remains suspended, teams were seen playing friendly matches this past weekend to maintain their match fitness

All Sasol League teams are expected to continue with their preparations for the new season while waiting to receive their outstanding monies from SAFA, though no definite timeline for payments or league resumption has been provided

ECleaguedeciderhaltedbycourtruling

HOSEYA JUBASE

THE Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe league decider match, which was scheduled to be played last Saturday, April 12, between Amavarara FC and FC Ravens has been cancelled until further notice following a court interdict

This comes after the Mthatha High Court ruled in favour of Sinenkani FC in their case against SAFA Sinenkani FC brought the case to court alleging that SAFA violated rule 30 1 of SAFA Competition and Uniform Rules

The club claimed that during their match against FC Ravens on January

25, 2025, the match commissioner s son was playing for FC Ravens, which they assert contravenes SAFA regulations In last week's ruling, the Mthatha High Court ordered SAFA to investigate the matter and pay court costs

The decision about what will happen to the match between Sinenkani FC and FC Ravens played on March 25, 2025, now rests with SAFA FC Ravens won that match 1-nil

Supporters of both Sinenkani FC and FC Ravens attended the court proceedings to hear the judgement firsthand Currently, FC Ravens sit in first position with 36 points, whilst Sinenkani FC occupy second place with 35 points

In recent weeks, Kentane United FC were enjoying their position as table leaders in the division until 5 April when they suffered a 4-0 defeat away against defending champions WSU Butterworth FC That same day, Musketeers

In other league results, FC Tshabalala defeated FC Relatives 4-2, WSU Butterworth FC were beaten by Inter City Sport Club 3-0, Young Stars United FC suffered a 2-0 loss at the hands of Ngqamakhwe United FC, and Amakotamane FC were defeated 2-1 by Ngqamakhwe City FC This weekend there will be no fixtures in the SAFA Amathole Hollywoodbets Regional League Stream E as all teams are given a break for the Easter holidays They will return to league action on April 26

Sinenkani FC vs FC Ravens player during the match earlier this year, January 25, 2025 The match ended 1 nil in favour of FC Ravens but Sinenkani FC lodged court papers complaining about the match Commissioner of that Bizana derby. PHOTO: HOSEYA JUBASE
PHOTO: ANELE RAZIYA

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