Mthatha Express North - E-Edition - 12 March 2026

ALFREDNZODISTRICT:

Communityreceivescleanwater

NCEDOWalaza, Head of Communications from Alfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM), hasconfirmed continued progress on amajor waterinfrastructure project.

The ANDM is making steady advances on the Ntabankulu Water Supply Scheme Zones 2A and3.This vital initiative is amajor step forward in providing safe, reliable drinking water to theresidents of Ward 17 and18.

Walazasaid, for the local community, this project represents more than just infrastructure;itisa commitment to restoring the dignity of families who have long faced water challenges.

“By developing new boreholesystems, amassive 1000KLstorage reservoir and amodern network of pump stations and pipelines, the Municipalityisbuilding a resilient system designed to protect public health andprovide water security for

generations to come,” said Walaza. He added that at its heart,this project is acommunity-driven effort.Byprioritising local involvement, theinitiative has become acatalyst for economic growth within theNtabankuluLocal Municipality.

Walaza said that to date, more than 21 job opportunities have been created for local labourers, providing direct financial support to families and ensuring that theproject’s benefitsare felt immediately in local homes.

“Beyond thetemporary employment, theproject serves as atraining ground where local workers gain hands-on experience in high-level infrastructure development

“This focusonskills sharing ensures that thecommunityisleftwith amore capable andempowered workforce ready to contribute to future development goals.”

ZOLILE MENZELWA

OR TAMBO District Municipality has taken an advanced step towards inclusiveservicedelivery by training the first group of its frontline staff and councillorsinsignlanguage to better equip them to servethe Deafcommunity

Municipal spokesperson, Ncebakazi Kolwane, said OR Tambo District Municipality executive mayor,Mesuli Ngqondwana, had given adirective for the municipality to improve its ability to communicate with theDeafcommunity

“The municipality hassuccessfully trained its first cohort of 70 participants comprising frontlinemunicipal staff and councillors, throughaSign Language Awareness Workshop aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge and practical understanding needed to better engage with Deafresidents accessing municipal services,” Kolwane said.

The initiative, she said,formedpart of the municipality’sbroadercommitment to inclusivegovernance, particularly following the recognitionofSouth African SignLanguage as oneofthe official languages of the Republicof South Africa.

Council speaker, Nonkoliso Ngqongwa,was among the 70 trained participants. The initiativewas areflection of the leadership’s commitment to advancing inclusivecommunicationand accessible servicedelivery acrossthe

institution, she said Ngqondwanaemphasised that inclusivegovernancerequired ensuringthat no resident was excludedfromparticipation or accesstoservices.

“No onedeserves to live unheard. No child shouldbesilenced by barriers they didnot create.Noneighbour shouldfeel invisible in their own community,” Ngqondwanasaid.

During theworkshop, participants were introduced to keyaspects of the Deafcommunityculture andcommunication,includingthe importanceof eyecontact, visualattention, environmental awareness, suchaslighting and vibration,and respectfulengagement with Deafindividuals

Kolwanesaidparticipants alsoreceived practical exposure to basic sign language communication.This included common signs, numbers, simple sentenceconstruction andthe role of facial expressions in conveying tone, meaning andemotion

“Asfrontlinestaff andcouncillors oftenserveasthe first point of contact between communities andthe municipality, thetraining strengthens the institution’s ability to provide services that areaccessible, respectfuland responsivetoall residents. Importantly, this is only thebeginning.

“The municipality will soon roll out additional training throughthe Corporate Services Skills Development Division, expanding signlanguage awarenesstomoreofficials andcouncillors acrossthe institution,” Kolwane said

Memorialstoneunveiledfor 10learnerskilledinfloods

BABALWA NDLANYA

THE Department of Education in the Eastern Cape unveiled amemorial stone bearing the names of learners who were swept away by floods while travelling in scholar transporttoJumba Senior Secondary School in Mthatha on June 10, 2025.

Thisstone has been erected within the premises of thisschool.

The bus was attempting to cross the Efata Bridge in Mthatha when the incident occurred.

There were13people on board; three survived the tragedy. MECfor the Department of Education, Fundile Gade, said they have aresponsibility to meet the ex-

The learnerswho lost their lives in the tragedy wereLihle Gudle (20), Alive Vava (17),Thabisile Khumalo (18), Ongeziwe Mtyhuda (19),Mihlali Makeleni (17), Siyavuya Mkhatshane (15), Simbongile Nomntwana (15), Thandile Jodi (20), Liyema Khobo (18) and Ahlumile Nokhwabuze (17).

pectations of the communities they serve.

He said education is theheartbeat of a nation, and when it is not up to standard, the future of the nation becomesuncertain.

“For us, this is an emotional day, aseason and amoment where we remember the lives of those who have passedaway. However,they havenot died in vain. That is the message that the sector is bringing to the communities. They may have gone, but we havenot forgotten them,”said Gade.

He added that although the school lost ten learners, their memory will always remainpartofthe school.

“Our strategic task today andgoing forward is to strengthen the Triple P(Public-Private Partnership) that we areadvocating for as government. At thesame time, we are calling on the business sector to reinforce these efforts to transform the education landscapeinthe province.”

Gade said the school is oneofthe technical schools in the provinceand that efforts havebeen madetoimprove its outlook.

Anumber of resources have been provided by Shell South Africa, Gift of the Givers and Cell C. He added thatthe school must also install high-security fencingto make it moredifficult for criminal activities to take place on the premises.

Gade said the matter must be treated as urgent and should not take longer than two weeks to address.

Country ChairofShellDownstream South Africa, Aluwani Museisi, saidthe company believes in nation-buildingand sees itself as part of the communities in which it operates.

“When disasters occur,wesee the need to make acontribution because theneed

is always great. We understood that lives were lostand that manypeople were left withouthomesand food. Throughour partnership with Gift of theGivers, we activateddisaster relief support. During ourdiscussions on what morewecould do, we realised that this school was one of thosethathad been badly affected

“Fromaneducation perspective, there was aclear need for supportbecauseeducation is very important.

“Personally, Iknowwhatitislike growing up in avillage,and education is one of theways to change one'slife. That motivatedustocontribute to theschool and take theopportunity to supportit. To supportthe province’srecovery,inpartnership with Gift of theGivers, our disaster relief partner of choice,SDSA donated R4.5 million towards relief and reconstruction efforts.

“The funding assisted affectedfamilies andcommunities throughhot meals providedoverseveralmonths, foodparcels, temporaryshelter, blankets, the rebuilding of three school blocks,school uniforms andstationery,” said Museisi.

One of theparents, Nombulelo Makeleni (62), said they were gratefulthat the department hadshown that their children were important.

“This incident broughtback painful memories. Icould notsleep becauseI kept remembering everything that happened on that day. Afterthe incident, Ilost weight andevenhad to go to the doctor. At home,I do nothave peace,and Iam oftenharsh towards my children. SometimesI feel like my mind is not working properly.I recently went to look for medication because Iforgetthings. Ideveloped these problems afterthe incident,”she said

Agroecologyeventdraws400farmersandpartners

MORE than 400 farmers, young people and community members gathered at Phawu Agri Park on 26 February 2026 for an Agroecology Awareness Day aimed at promotingsustainable farming practices across the Eastern Cape.

The event was organised by Seriti Institute in partnership with several civil society organisations, including the Zingisa Educational Project, Agroecology ActionCollective,Eastern CapeAgroecology Farmers Association, Abanebhongo People with Disabilities and the South African Organic Sector Organisation.

Food and Trees for Africa, the Agricultural ResearchCouncil and the National Department of Agriculture also supported the event, which promoted the National Agroecology Framework for South Africa and strengthened grassroots participation in sustainable food systems.

The strong turnout reflected growing interest in agroecology as aresponse to climate change, food insecurity and rural economic vulnerability across the province. Organisers said the gathering demonstrated what becomes possible when institutions and grassroots movements work together.

Throughoutthe day, the groundsofPhawu Agri Park became ahub of learning and exchange.Farmers exhibited vegetables, herbs, seeds and seedlings grown using agroecological principles. Live demonstrations showcased soilregeneration practices, biodiversity restoration techniques and sustainablefarming methods rooted in indigenous knowledge

Participants shared seeds of rare and locally adapted varieties at dedicated tables, strengthening biodiversity and reinforcing community seedsovereignty. Networking sessions focused on

markets, training opportunities and collaborative projects, with discussions pointing to broader transformation in ruralcommunities

The event highlighted how communities are moving from dependency toward self-reliance and from isolation towardcooperation. Local production for local consumption emerged as a central theme, reinforcing both food security and food sovereignty.

Young farmers,Samkelisiwe Ncedoand SnaweMpisane, said the event filled them with hope.

“Sharing what we grow with our own hands andseeing other farmers excited about our seeds reminds us that we are not alone. People are hungry not only for healthy food, but also for knowledge and connection,” they said.

The farmers described participating in farmer-to-farmer exchanges that created space for practical learning, whilst witnessing hownetworking spaces buzzed with discussions about collaborative agricultural projects.

Bakhusele Mathupha, founder of Phawu Agri Park and chairperson of the South African Organic Sector Organisation, said the platform promoted practical implementation of the National Agroecology Framework.

“What we witnessed here is a remarkable example of the impact of collaboration,” Mathupha said. “The scale of participation demonstrated that agroecology is gaining real traction in the Eastern Cape.”

He emphasisedthat when knowledgeinstitutions, community networks and grassroots farmers share the same space, innovation happens.

“The demonstrations, seed exchanges and farmer-to-farmer learning sessions show that solutions already exist within our communities.Collaboration strengthens those solutions and

Farmersexhibited vegetables,herbs,seeds and seedlingsgrown usingagroecological principles

allows them to grow,” Mathupha said Participants described the day as deeply encouraging, noting how farmerseagerly exchanged ideas, asked questions and shared their experiences. Many said the event represented more than agathering,marking avisible shift toward community-led solutions.

The organiserssaidthe event highlighted the power of collectiveaction in building resilient food systems. They emphasised that local production for local consumption offers apathway to strengthen bothfood security and food sovereignty in rural communities facing economic challenges.

The Agroecology Awareness

and ExhibitionDay forms part of broader efforts to translate national agriculturalpolicy into practical, community-driven action acrossSouth Africa’srural provinces

BlackCoffeeFoundationhandsoverflood-rebuilthomes

ZAVELA MAKWABE

ON 4March 2026, the Black Coffee Foundation, in partnership with Tenco Foundation and Pro Roof, officiallyhanded overnewly rebuilt and furnished homes to families affected by the devastating floods that left many families in Mthatha displaced in June lastyear.

Duringthe handoveratKwaLinkLocation, the CEO of the Black Coffee Foundation, Lungi Maphumulo, said, “After the devastating floodsthat leftmany families displaced, thismomentmarksa steptowardrestoring safety, dignityand hope in this community.” She reflected on the journeytorebuild lives.

The devastating June 2025 floods, which left atrail of destruction, were the result of an overflow of the Mthatha River due to heavy inflows from the Cicira Tributary.

Over 100 lives were lost, homes weredestroyed, and residents struggled to cope with the trauma of losing loved ones and livelihoods. In response,the BlackCoffee Foundation, foundedin2010byMthatha’s ownNkosinathi “DJBlack Coffee” Maphumulo, provided food parcels and support, promising furtherassistance

Through his foundation, Maphumulo focuses on supporting vulnerable South African communities through education,

JumbaSeniorSecond sto d

Cell C, in partnership with Gift of theGivers, officiall Senior SecondarySchoolinthe Mthathaarea

ON 4March 2026, Cell C, in partnershipwith

Gift of the Givers, officially handedover restored infrastructure at Jumba SeniorSecondary School in the Mthathaarea, marking asignificant milestone in the province’s ongoing recovery efforts.

The handover marks ameaningful milestone in the ongoing recoveryefforts followingthe devastating Eastern Cape floodsof June 2025.

This is yet another collaboration between Cell Cand Gift of the Givers to rebuildessential community infrastructure,restore safe learningenvironments, and supportlongterm reconstruction across flood-impacted communities.

JumbaSenior Secondary School was among the institutionshardest hit by the floods. The restorationofits facilities formsacritical step in re-establishing asafe, dignified, andfunctional spacefor teaching and learning,while enabling thebroader school community to rebuildand regain stability

Beyond the physical restoration, Cell C and Gift of the Giversprovided immediate humanitarian aid during thecrisis, including daily hot meals for affectedfamilies. The partnershiphas been intentionally designed to balance emergency reliefwithsustainable rebuilding,ensuringthat communitiescan recover with dignity and resilience

Lethiwe Hlatshwayo,Managing Executive:Corporate AffairsatCell C, said,“After months of dedicatedwork, today’s handover is atestament to what collaboration can achieve. Our partnership with Gift of theGiversreflectsCellC’s commitment to strengthening communities andsupporting long-term socio-economicdevelopment.Wesee this as not only repairing buildings but also restoring hope, creating safe environments for learners, andsupportingcommunities on their path to recovery.”

Dr Imtiaz Sooliman,Founder of Gift of the Givers,highlightedthe importance of sustained collaboration: “Gift of theGivers appreciatesthe partnershipofCell Cinsupportingcommunities affected by theEastern Cape floods. When the private sector works alongside humanitarian organisations, we areable

disability supportand disasterrelief,and this initiativehighlights theDJ’s continued commitment to giving backand up-

DROUGHT CRISIS

YoungTVpresenterpublishes isiXhosabooktoupliftlanguage

BABALWA NDLANYA

AYOUNG, multi-talented television presenter from Mpuma-Kapa Television, Inga Mkalali (20), has published abook titled Hamba Ubuye withthe aim of uplifting the isiXhosa language.

He is athird-year student at Walter Sisulu University, studyingBachelor of Education.

He said he started writing in 2021, but at that time, he never thought of writing abook. His book consists of poems and short stories.

“I wrote my short stories in 2024 when Iarrived at Walter Sisulu University as afirst-year student. Ithen decided to combine everything that Iwrote in 2025, and that led me to write this book,” he said.

He added that he found it challenging because he used to struggle to find publishers,asmostof them did not understandhis language

According to him,hedecided to write in isiXhosa because he loves his language, and in whatever he is doing, he uses this language.

He confirmed that he was also aradio presenter at Unitra Community Radio (UCR),but this year he decided to quit with the aim of focusing on his book.

“I am busy doing interviewsat different radio stations and newspapers because this is whatI am focusing on at themoment. On

MpumaKapa TV, Iampresenting The Art Show,which takes place on Fridays at 18:30

“I am also the KingofBuyambo Yama Mpondo; Iwon thistitle at

the BuyamboYamampondoFoundation. Icompeted in Mr Indoni CulturalSA2024 alongside contestants from11tribes and was crowned Mr Heritage.”

FCRavensandOldGrey FCeyeleaguetitles

ANELE RAZIYA

WITHtwo rounds of league fixtures remaining in bothABC Motsepe League streams, the top teams in each stream, FC Ravens and Old Grey FC,have agreat opportunitytofinish their season at thetop of thelog standings. Both log leaders in thedifferent ABC Motsepe League streams have managed to maintain their top positions after theweekend results.

On Friday, FC Ravens increasedtheir chances of winning the ABC Motsepe League Inland Streamwhen they demolished mid-table sideAmaxesibe FC 4-0 away to increase their pointstally to 41 in 16 games.

The victory for the log leaders opened up asix-point gap between them and second-placed team Spear of the Nation FC, who are trying theirbest to catch up.

Over the weekend, Spear of the Nation FC did not feature in the league, which is one of the reasons the log leadershad an opportunity to further increase the points gap.

Currently, Spear of the Nation FC is behind the log leadersin the standings with 35 points in 15 games, which means the team are still in contention for the top spot.

Meanwhile, in theABC Motsepe League Coastal Stream, Old

Grey FC are currently leading thelog standings with 36 points after they dropped pointsonFriday when they drew 1-1 against Makana Rhini United FC

Withthis draw, second-placed team Komani United FC got an opportunitytoclose thegap slightly to four points between them and thelog leaderswhen they beat Gqeberha United 1-0 over theweekend.

This result made Gqeberha United FC drop from second place to third place with29 points, as Komani United FC displaced them to claim thesecond spot in thelog standings.

Withthese recent league results in bothstreams, it means there are onlytwo clubs in each stream still fighting to finish at thetop, as others are out of the race.

On Saturday, thetitlerace will continue in theInland Stream when second-placed team Spear of theNation FC hosts thelog leadersinahighlyanticipated league clash, whilst in the Coastal Stream, logleaders OldGrey FC will host Gqeberha United FC,and Komani United FC will visit Seven Stars FC.All these games will be played on Saturday afternoon.

Shouldany team in either stream drop points, theothers will target theopportunitytoincrease their chances of finishing at thetop of thelog standings.

Sport

Mnqumayouthteamsprepare forannualfootballcup

ANELERAZIYA

UNDER-17 local teams from Mnquma are preparing to participate in an annual Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup aimed at contributing to the development of football within the area and surrounding areas

This follows after Nozulu YouthLegacy Cup founder LuxoloMatikinca announced the kick-off date of the tournament and venue during an interview with Mthatha Express recently.

“Our fourth edition of Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup will be played at Walter Sisulu University’sBika campus from 27 to 29 March,” said Matikinca.

He made his remarks when he was giving an update about the upcoming sports event.

Matikinca indicated that 16 teams are expected to battle against each other through-

out the event, fighting for top prizes that include sports equipment like kits, soccer balls,trophy, medals, prizemoney and other football-related items

Amongthose 16 clubsthat will be competing for top prizes in the tournament, 10 of them will be coming from outsideMnquma as guestteams who areinvited to participateinthe event.

Last year’s winnersofthe event, Future BoysU-17 from East London, will be part of the tournament to defend theirtrophy, whilsttherewillalso be ateam from Mpumalanga province that will be participating for the second time in the event.

Some teams that will be participating for thefirst timeinthe event include Premier Soccer League side,Chippa United U-17 team andthe Mercy FootballDevelopment Academy, which was founded by Ziyanda “Mercy” Qikani two years ago in Mthatha. Continuingtogive more details about the

preparationsfor the event, Matikinca outlined the programmesthat they will host before the kick-offofthe tournament

“On 25 March, we areplanning to conduct adraw of the teams that will be competing in the event, and then on 26 Marchwewill host agraduation ceremony for coaches who recentlyattended CAF Dand CAF C licence coaching courses,” he said Thevenue that will be hosting these gatherings will be communicated as soon as possible, as event organisers are busy working around the clock to publish postersthisweek.

Matikinca concluded by saying football fanswithinMnquma and surrounding areas can expect another highly entertaining soccer tournament, and he will also bring another soccer legend who will motivate young players duringthe event In previousevents, he invited former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Willard Katsande.

SAFAEasternCapetoselectprovincialyouthteams

ANELE RAZIYA

THE South African Football Association (SAFA) in the Eastern Cape is busy preparing to select under-15 boys and under-15 girls teams that will represent the province in the national tournament to be hosted in Gautengon27March.

Last week, SAFA called upon allregions within theEasternCapeto participate in the games thatwill be organised on 14 March in the Amathole and Alfred Nzo regions.

In the Amathole region, the games will be played at the University of FortHare'sAlice campus

While in the Alfred Nzo region, thematch-

eswillbe staged at Mt AyliffStadium,and at both venues, the registrationofplayers will start at 07:00 in the morning, and between 08:00 and 13:00, games willbeplayed. Between 08:00 and 13:00, selectors areexpected to do their jobs by selecting playersfromboth categories who willbepart of theprovincialsquadthat willrepresent the Eastern Cape at the end of the month in Gauteng Players who are eligible to participate in these games are those who were born between 2010 and 2011, and are required to bring theirbirth certificates with arecent colour IDcopyattached. Those who need more information about these games are advised to contact Mr S.

Papu, who is aprovincial technicalofficer, on 063 604 5615.

SAFA has emphasised that theyhave called all the regions within the province to participate in large numbers in these games,asthe association is aiming to identifythe best talented players who will represent the provinceinthe upcomingnational event.

Finally, teamsfromregions have been urged to arrive on time at both venues to avoid any delays or starting late Theinitiative is agreat opportunityfor upcoming young talented players to showcase their talent in frontofselectorsand also geta chance to play in anationalevent when they areselected

BushBucks extend unbeatenrun tosixmatches

HOSEYAJUBASE

BUSH Bucks’ unbeatenstreak has been extended to six leaguematches in arow in the ABCMotsepe League. This pastSaturday, Imbabala defeated their rivals,MightyEaglesFC, by 3-2 duringthe Mthathaderby.

This is thebest recordfor Bush Bucks FC sincethe 2020/2021 season in theABC Motsepe League. In the2020/2021 season, they played five leaguematches undefeated in a rowand finished theleagueinposition 4with 25 points.

With only two leaguematches remaining this season, Imbabala have a bigadvantage of finishing in position 3ifthey win thetwo remaininggames andMatta Millan FC loseone of their leaguematches.

In theprevious two seasons, Bush Bucks FC were struggling in the league, fightingrelegation,but this seasonthe team have improved in recent leaguematches aftermaking changestotheir technical team

Bush BucksFC’sremaining twoleague games:

• Fast Eleven FC vs Bush Bucks FC

• Bizana PondoCityvsBush BucksFC

Bush BucksFC’srecentsix unbeaten games: Bush Bucks FC 3-2 MightyEaglesFC

• SpearOfThe Nation FC 0-1Bush BucksFC

• Bush Bucks FC 3-0 Amaxesibe

• FC Battalion1-1 Bush BucksFC

• Sinenkani FC 1-1Bush BucksFC

• Bush Bucks FC 0-0 MattaMillan FC

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