HeavyraintemporarilydisruptburialsinBay
HEAVY rainfall across NelsonMandela Baytemporarily disrupted burial operations at several municipal cemeteries last week, including Despatch Cemetery, as flooding and unstable ground conditions raised serious safety concerns.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM)initially announced the suspension of burials after persistent rainfall caused graves to collapse, erode and fill with water at anumber of cemeteriesacross the metro.
In astatement issued on 8May, Acting Executive Director of PublicHealth Annalisa Dyakala said conditions at several cemeteries were “not conducivefor burials” and urged undertakers to encourage families to considerpostponing funerals untilconditions improved.
“Open graves that have already been prepared forburials are collapsing/eroding and are filledwith water. Some cemeteriesare also experiencing underground water gushinginto graves,” Dyakala said.
Among the cemeteries listed as being in critical condition wasDespatch Cemetery, along with Forest Hill, North End, Motherwell, Matanzima, Bloemendal, Bethelsdorp, Papenkuils, Kabah and Gerald Smith cemeteries.
The municipality later acknowledged the emotional toll the tem-
porary suspension had on grieving families, stating thatthe decision had been taken “solely in theinterest of public health, environmental safety and to protectthe dignity and integrity of the burial process.”
The NMBMspokespersonSithembiso Soyaya said the severe weather conditions hadresulted in “saturated graves, unstablesoil conditions, flooded accessroutes,compromised grave integrity and potentialenvironmentaland occupational health risks.”
Whileconcerns hadbeen raised
regarding additional pumpinginterventions, Soyaya said theremoval of standingwater alone did not immediately restore thestructuralstability of cemetery grounds.
“Technical assessments conducted by municipal officialscontinue to indicate that certain sections remain excessively saturated, posing serious risks of grave collapse, soil displacementand unsafeworking conditions,” he said.
Followinginspectionsconducted after therain subsided, themunicipality confirmed that allaffected
cemeteries, including Despatch Cemetery,had reopened forburials.
ExecutiveMayor Babalwa Lobishe thanked bereaved families, funeral undertakers and communities for theirpatienceduring thetemporary suspension. “We fully understand theemotional strain and uncertainty that this situation placed on many grieving families and affected communities,” Lobishe said OdwaDuru, Public Relations Officerfor the South African Funeral Practitioners Association, also addressed concerns surrounding the
condition of cemeteries following thefloods.
He reassured residentsthat interventions and solutions were being implemented to restore affected areas and ensure cemeteries remained places of “dignity,respect and remembrance” forgrieving families.
Although burial services haveresumed,municipal technical teams and environmental health officials continue to monitor cemetery conditions and conduct ongoing assessmentsinareas affected by waterlogging and ground saturation.
Bridgesunderstrainasheavyrainswreakhavocacrossmetro
SHANTIJAFTA
PERSISTENT heavy rainfall across the Eastern Cape, particularlyin Kariega and Despatch, caused widespread flooding, road closures and hazardous driving conditions over the past week, prompting emergency responses from the NelsonMandela BayMunicipality (NMBM), community organisations and volunteers across the Metro.
One of the major concerns during the flooding was the conditionof key transport routes, including the R367 Ben Schoeman Bridge onthe Old Uitenhage Road. According to Ward 52 Councillor FransSwanepoel,the bridge was closed after concerns were raised aboutdamage following the heavy rainfall.
“This is the double bridge when you turn left on to the R367 from Verwoerd Avenue in Despatch, shortly before the turn-offtoInibos,”
TYDENS die onlangse erge windstorm het AfriForum se Mosel-buurtwag in Kariega vinnig en doeltreffend gereageer bome wat omgewaai het, uit verskeie paaie te verwyder.
Die storm, met ’n windspoed van tot 100 km/h, het wydverspreide ontwrigting reg deurdie dorp veroorsaak.
Diebuurtwag het met ’n aantal kettingsae nege bome binne vyf uur uit paaie verwyder. Danksy hierdieaksie is belangrike roetes vinnig oopgestel en verkeersvloei minimaal beïnvloed.
Die opruiming van ’n groot Akkerboom wat in Markstraat omgevalhet, was egter tydelikvertraag toe’nswerm byebinne die boomstam ontdek is. Eenvan die buurtwaglede,wat ’n byekenner is, se hulp is ingeroepomdie bye te verwydersodat dieopruiming voortgesit kon word.
“Die vinnige aksie van die Mosel-buurtwag het die gemeenskap se veiligheid op die paaie verseker. Dit is ’n goeie voorbeeld
he said. “The bridge was closed last night, and the situation will be assessed further today.”
The municipality later confirmed this by issuing apublic traffic alert urging residents and motorists to avoid using the R367 BenSchoeman Bridgeuntil further notice owing to structuraldamage identified on the bridge.
Motorists were advisedtomake use of alternative routes, including theR75 between Kariega and Despatch/Gqeberha, Algoa Road (M10/ R368), and OldGrahamstown Road where possible. Traffic officialsremained on site to monitortraffic flow and assistmotorists.
During the heavy rains, concerns among residentsaroseafteracrack wasidentified on the Niven’sBridge. Ward 51 CouncillorRoelfBasson, who wasinvolved in rehabilitation work on the Niven’s Bridge following the 2024 floods, said thevisible
van hoe AfriForum se buurtwagte tydens krisistyereageer om dieveiligheid van menseen infrastruktuur te beskerm,” het Minette vander Vyver,leier van AfriForumseMosel-buurtwag, gesê
Sy het ook haar dankuitgespreek teenoor die Nelson MandelaMetropolitaanseMunisipaliteitseparke-afdelingendie plaaslike brandweer vir hul hulp tydens dieopruiming en beklemtoonhoe belangriksamewerking tussen dieowerhedeendie gemeenskapis. Al die lede van AfriForum se Mosel-buurtwag wat hand bygesit het, is vrywilligers en het hulleeie werksplekke vir tyden wylverlaat het om te kom help. Elke lid het ook hul eiekettingsae, brandstof en tyd bygedra om ’n betekenisvolle verandering te bring
•Omaan te sluit by jou naaste AfriForum-buurtwag, besoek www.afriforumbuurtwag.co.za
crack did notappear serious at first glance, although atechnical assessmentwas still required.
“I sawthe crack in thetar and, in my view, [it is relatedtowhere] the oldand the newtar met;although I am not an expert, therelevant department needs to evaluateitand establish howserious thecrack is,” he said.
NMBM Executive MayorBabalwa Lobishe visited thebridge alongside municipal engineers to inspectthe site.“We came with engineers to inspect the bridge,” shesaid.
Amid growingpublic concern, the municipality also addressed reports circulatingonsocial media claimingthatthe recently reconstructed Matanzima Bridge had cracked.The Metro dismissed theclaimsasfalse and misleading. “The bridge remains structurally sound,and there is currently no confirmedstructural damage reported,” themunicipality
stated.
TheMetro further condemned the spread of misinformation during severe weather events, warning that unverified reportscreate unnecessary panic and may hinder emergency response efforts.
Whilemunicipal officialsmonitoredinfrastructure and road safety, communityorganisations and volunteers mobilised across flood-stricken areas to assist affected residents. Officials thanked Ubomi Foundation SA forits active role throughout theweek during the disasterresponse period.
According to themunicipality, the organisation immediately moved into vulnerable communities across Nelson MandelaBay and Kariega informal settlements to assess conditionsand assist affected residents.
Teams visited flood-stricken households severelyimpacted by heavyrains, flooding and unsafe
livingconditions, with particular attention given to children, theelderly,women and other vulnerable residents.
Lobishe also extended gratitude to non-profit organisations, donors, foundations, businesses, community organisations and volunteers who providedrelief to flood-affected communities.
“Your selfless contributions have madeameaningful difference during this difficulttime,” she said. “From food parcels, blankets, clothing, hygiene packsand medical support to rescue assistance and temporary shelter, your efforts have brought comfort,dignity,and hope to vulnerable families affected by thedisaster.”
Residentswishing to assist affected communities havebeen encouraged to donateessential items at the South EndFire Station and Kariega Fire Station on CuylerStreet
The recent heavy rains damagedseveralgravesacrossthe Metro.
PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
THE Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) cautioned residents, businesses, andmotorists as powerfulwinds wreaked havocacrossthe Metrothis week, tearing roofsoff houses,topplingtrees, and bringingdownboundary walls
The South AfricanWeather Service had issued aLevel 2warningfor damaging winds, valid from Monday, 11 May at 13:00 throughto Tuesday, 12 May at 21:59. According to NMBM spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya, acold frontand an associated low-pressure system movingacrossthe EasternCapedrove gale-force north-westerly winds across the province, with gusts recorded between 40 and 50 knots.
“These strong winds havealready caused disruptions to electricity infrastructure and damage to properties in parts of Nelson Mandela Bay,” Soyaya said.Inresponse, Disaster Management teams, workersfrom theParks Sub-Directorate, and Emergency
Services were deployed across the Metroto assist affected residents and rescue animals caught in the chaos. Soyaya confirmed that,fortunately,noinjuries were reported Motorists were urged to exercise extreme caution on the roads as sudden strong crosswinds,reduced visibility, fallen trees, and debris posed serious hazards. The dangerswere made starkly visible in Kariega, where atree fell on to electricity polewires, leaving live cables strewn across aroad.
Small boat operatorswere also advised to seek immediateshelter and to refrain from venturing out to sea until conditions improved.
The severe weather compounded the difficulties alreadyfaced by communities across Nelson Mandela Bay following heavy rains and strong winds the previous week. Soyaya noted that municipal teams had been working tirelessly in all affected areas toassist communities and limit further flood damage. “As partofongoing
mop-up operations, officials areactivelyextracting floodwater from affected areasto improve conditions, protect infrastructure, and support residents during this challenging time,” he said.
Compounding the crisis, the municipality on Tuesday,12May,announced that low voltage (LV) overhead lines had fallenin several areas as adirectresult of the severe weather, triggering power outages across multipleneighbourhoods. Areas affected included,but were not limited to, Kariega, Soweto on Sea,Missionvale, Motherwell, and Bluewater Bay. Technical teams were deployedtosecure affected sites anddraw up restorationplans.
Residents were encouraged to secure loose outdoor objects, take all necessary precautions to protect theirhomes and properties, and continue monitoringofficial weather updates. Affected residents could also report incidents directlytotheir WardCouncillors.
Anyonerequiringemergencyassistanceorwishingtoreportfallenlinesorrelatedvandalismareurgedtousethe followingcontactdetails:
• NMBMEmergencyResponse:041585 1555
• NMBMSafetyandSecurityWhatsApp: 079490 0480
• NMBMElectricityandEnergy: 041506 5595
SAPS: 10111
DETECTIVES from the South African Police Service(SAPS) in Despatch are appealing to the community for information that could lead to the arrest of suspectsinvolved in the murder of a20-year-old man in Khayamnandi.
The victim, identified as Emihle Busakweage, was at aresidence in Solomon Mahlangu Street at approximately 20:45 on Saturday, 9May 2026, when three unknown male suspectsarrived at the property.
According to awitness, the suspects knocked on the door and called outthe deceased by name When the door was opened, the three men, who were wearing hoodies, entered the room where the victim waslying on the bed andallegedly shothim multiple times before fleeing the scene on foot.
Busakweage sustained multiple gunshot wounds and wasdeclareddead at thescene. Acase of murder has been opened and the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information that could assist police in tracing
thesuspectsisurged to contact SAPS Despatch detectives on 082 441 7900, or Crime Stop on 0860 010 111. Information may also be submitted anonymouslyvia the MySAPS App. Allinformation will be treated with thestrictest confidentiality.
Atree fell on electricity pole wires, leaving wires across the road in Kariega. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Strong winds knocked trees down in Kariega.
Finn’sPawProjectcontinueschanginglives
NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
WHAT began with the adoption of a puppy and adesire to give back has grown into an annual community campaignhelpingshelters and vulnerable animals across Nelson Mandela Bay.
Finn's Furry Friends Paw Project, which started shortly after lockdown, was born from the special bond between Lesa-MaréHarris and her dog Finn, that she adopted as a tiny puppy from alitter born toa miniature pinscher in Port Alfred.
"When we adopted him during lockdown and interprovincial travel restrictions, he was so tiny," Harris recalled. "He changed my life so much. For years, Iwanted adog, and he just came at the right time."
Finn quickly became more than just apet. "Finn is my best friend, travel companion and my baby," Harris shared with the PE Express. "He is more of afriend than apet, andoffers endless love and wagging tail vibestoeveryone who visits."
WhenFinn turnedone, Harris decided to celebratehis birthdayina meaningful way.
"Wehad abirthday party forhim withpupcakes, and insteadofbuyinghim gifts, we collected donations for animals in need," she said. "In thatfirst year, we received so much, which was amazing, and then it doubledinsize the following year."
Nowinits fifthyear, the campaign hasexpandedsignificantly, with five drop-off pointsoperating across the region
"In celebration of Finn'ssixth birthday in June, we have restarted hischarityproject,"Harris said.
"His birthday is on 24 June, so the campaign runsfrom 1May until24 June."
During May and June, residents are encouragedtodonate dogand cat food, blankets, collars, leashes, petbowls and other animal-related supplies. Monetary donations are also welcomed andused to support veterinary care andanimal welfare projects.
The donationsare distributed to
shelters and organisations caring forstray and homeless animals in and around the NelsonMandela Bay area. In 2025, the projectcollected morethan 338kg of dogfood,25kg of cat food,canned food,blankets, pet bowls, dog beds, leashes and pet shampoo, along with R2 500 that went towards vaccinations and sterilisation programmes for animals in need. Harris said many rescue organisations continue to face financial pressure, making community support more important than ever. "This yearweare aiming even higher,"she said.
Residentscan drop off donations at the followinglocations:
• Zbrands—VilliersRoad,Walmer
• JBayToerisme Sentrum —Jeffreys Bay OJ CharityShop —Oosterland Jeug Sentrum,Despatch
• MountPleasantVet—BuffelsfonteinRoad
• Daylee Creations —Lorraine
For more information about the campaign,residents can contact Harris at lesamareharris@gmail.com.
Classic cars drivesupport forSinako Centre
SHANTI JAFTA
THE sound of vintageengines and the spirit of communityrecently cametogether as theMGCar Club
Port Elizabeth Centre hosted its annual charity run in support of the Sinako "We Can" Learning and Care Centre for children and adults with special needsinKariega.
Founded in 1923 by Cecil Kimber, MG, short for Morris Garages,the centre became known for producing affordable sportscars and remains one of the world's most recognised motoring marques.
The Port Elizabeth centre currently has 55 members, withabout 30 actively participating in club activities,including monthly social gatherings and scenic drives.
This year'scharity initiative was inspired by what the Club Chairman,Dirk Putter, described as a chance encounter between aclub memberand aparentofachild attendingthe centre
"This year's beneficiary, Sinako 'We Can', was chosen following achance meetingand conversation between a club member and aparentofa child
at the centre," said Putter."The encounter struck achord,prompting the club toadopt the organisation as its 2026 charity partner."
As part of the outreach, club members delivered hampers and supplies based on aneeds listprovidedbythe centre'smanagement team. In addi-
tion to amonetary donation from the club,memberscontributed personal hamperscontaining requested items.
"We receivedadetailed wish list of needed items,"said Putter. "Our membersenthusiastically started working on various projects which
will benefit the residents."
Putter also acknowledged support from the ladies of MOTHWA, who donated soup hampers for the winter season.
The MG Car Club PortElizabeth Centre's charitable workhas long formed part of the organisation's ac-
tivities, reflecting abroader culture withinthe international MG community.
"Over the years, the MG Car Club PortElizabethCentre has supported numerous charitable causes, continuing aglobal tradition among MG enthusiasts," said Putter. "MG is known as 'The Marque of Friendship'."
Beyond the donations, the club hoped the display of classic vehicles would provide amemorable experience for residentsatthe centre.
"For the children and adults at Sinako, the visit promises more than material support," Putter said. "Our cars always attract attention wherever we go. We hope thisday brings happiness to the residentsand creates lasting memories."
The club also expressed hope that the initiative would encourage other community organisations and classic car clubs to become involved in charitable outreach projects across Gqeberha and Kariega.
"We hope that the exposure around thisevent may inspire the general public, but more so other classic car clubs," Putterconcluded.
DalroseFullServiceSchoolhostsinformationsessionforGrade7parents
SHANTI JAFTA
DALROSE Full Service School recently hosted ahigh school information sessionfor parents of its Grade7 learners at the Roslane Church Hall, as part of the school’s ongoinglearner supportand transition planning initiatives.
The session, organised by the school’s Learner Support Agent, Marodene Jacobs,brought together parents and representatives from several local high schools to provide guidance on application processes, subject offerings and school programmes ahead of the 2027 academic year.
Participating schools included Hoërskool Brandwag, Hoërskool DanielPienaar, Gamble Street Secondary School, John Walton Secondary School, McCarthy Comprehensive School, Strelitzia High School, Verité Primary School and Uitenhage HighSchool. Representatives from each school engagedwith parents and answered questions regarding admissions and learner expectations.
According to the school, the initiativewas introduced after noticing that some parents begin thehigh
school application process only later in the year, negatively affecting placement opportunities at the start of the academic year.
Jacobs said the session aimed to equipparents with the information needed to make informed decisions abouttheirchildren’s education. “The event was carefully organised to give parentsdirect access to key information andguidance regarding high school applications and expectations,” she said.
She added thatthe school also plans to arrange guidedvisits forGrade 7 learners tovarious highschools to exposelearners todifferent school environmentsbefore theytransition to secondary education.
Beyond organisingthe information session,Jacobs is actively involved in several learner wellbeing initiativesatthe school, including awareness campaignsfocused on bullying, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.“As aLearner Support Agent,myinvolvementinawareness campaignsatthe school has focused on promoting learner wellbeing, safety andinformed decision-making,”
Jacobs said Speaking on theschool’s anti-bullying initiatives, Jacobs said work-
shops, classroom talks and peer-led discussions are regularly held to educate learners about physical, verbaland cyber bullying. “We also promote reporting systemsand emphasise kindness, empathy and standing up forothers,”she said. “Activities like ‘No Bullying Week’ encourage learners to pledge against bullying and support one another.”
On substance abuse awareness, Jacobssaidlearnersare educated about the dangersand long-term consequences of drug use through talks and engagements with health professionals and community officers. “We provide guidance on resistingpeer pressure and making positive life choices,”she said Jacobsadded that the school’s
HIV/AIDS and TB awareness programmes focus on prevention, reducingstigma and encouraging healthy behaviour among learners. “These initiatives work together to support learners holistically, emotionally, socially and physically, ensuringthey areinformed, empowered and supported in making healthy life choices,”she said.
Pictured arethe representatives of the several localhighschools whoprovided guidance on applicationprocesses, subject
In 2025, Finn’sFurryFriends PawProject collected more than 338kgofdog food, 25kgofcat food, cannedfood, blankets,pet bowls,dog beds, leashesand pet shampoo, alongwithR2,500.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
TheMGCar Club Port Elizabethrecently hostedits annual charity run.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
