Mthatha Express North - E-Edition - 19 February 2026

Billboards fightcrime

SeverestormsdamageRaymondMhlabainfrastructure

BABALWA NDLANYA

THE Communications Manager at Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, Sivenkosi Mtiya, confirmed that severe thunderstorms haveresulted in extensive damage across various locations, including KwaMqoma, Alice andnearby communities.

Numerous homes were significantly impacted in Ward3,Ward19, and Ward 20 “A public clinic (Hillside Clinic) in Golf Course, Lingelabantu Primary School in Daweti, and aMethodist Church of Southern Africa in Ward 18 have suffered structuraldamage

Roads in multiple areas havealso been severely affected, including the newly constructed Temleft Street in Ward 6, whichwas under construction and has been washed away, as well as the Gxwenderha Bridge in Ward 18, which has been washed away.InWard 5, five bridges were washed away, particularly in Memela, Roxani, Lalini, and Gaga, and allroads in the ward areseverely damaged,rendering thearealargely inaccessible,”saidMtiya

Headdedthat five residents fromWard 20 have beenreported injuredand are currently receivingtreatment in hospital.

TheDirector of Communications for the EasternCape Department of Health, Siyanda

Manana, said the department confirmed that no consulting rooms or medicine storewas affected. He said all clinical service areas remain fully functional and patient carecontinues without disruption.

“The areas impacted are limitedtothe front section of the facility,includingthe waiting area, patient toilets, administration offices, and storage rooms. To ensure continuity of services, the department has implemented interim measures. Patients are currently being assisted using the unaffected consulting rooms, whilst the local municipality has been engaged to secure temporary additional space at the nearby community hall. The wardcouncillor

has been asked to write to the municipality to facilitate this arrangement,”said Manana. He added that, in the meantime, services are continuing as normal, with staff reorganising internal spaces to accommodate patients safely and efficiently. According to Manana, the department is conducting atechnical assessment to determine thefullextent of thedamage and associated repaircosts.

“Once this process is finalised, aconfirmed cost estimate will be provided, and the necessaryrepairs will be prioritised. Thedepartment remains committed to ensuring uninterruptedaccess to healthcareservices for the community.”

Heavydownpoursdevastate OR TamboDistrictcommunities

ZOLILE MENZELWA

DISASTER management structures were activatedbythe OR Tambo District Municipality

Executive Mayor, Mesuli Ngqondwana,following heavy downpours recentlyacrossthe district, leading to the deaths of five peopleand the destruction of property.

Heavy rains, strong winds and floodinghave severely impacted communities acrossthe IngquzaHill, Kumkani Mhlontlo, King Sabata Dalindyebo, Nyandeni, and Port St Johns local municipalities.ORTambo DistrictMunicipality spokesperson, Ncebakazi Kolwane, saidcommunities in these municipalities have reported damage to residential structures anddifficulty accessingroads

Kolwanesaid a64-year-old manfrom Matheko village diedafter astructure collapsed onhim whilst he was at aneighbour’s house.

“In Ingquza Hill Local Municipality,an 18-year-old womandied after being struckby lightning. In Nyandeni Local Municipality, two weather-relatedfatalities were confirmed. An adult was struck by lightning in ward 5, whilst aseven-year-old lost his life after beingstruck

by lightning,”she said.

Ngqondwana confirmed that disaster management structures havebeen activated following heavy rains and strong windsthat have affected several local municipalities across the district.

“The ORTambo District Municipality extends its deepest condolences to the families who have losttheir loved ones following the severe weather conditions that have affected parts of our district,” he said.

Ngqondwana said preliminary assessments are ongoing to determine the full extent of the impact. “As the ExecutiveMayor,I speak not only as apublic representativebut as amember of this community.Weare not untouched by this loss. These are our people. These areour families. We mourn with them.”

Early reports indicated that anumber of people were lefthomeless, with additional damage tolivestock and local infrastructure.

Theseimmediatesupportneedshavebeenidentified:

• Temporaryshelter

• Foodparcels

• Blanketsandmattresses

Hygienepacksandsanitarytowels

• Basiccookingequipment

“These requirements are being consolidated and coordinated throughthe DistrictDisaster Management Centre in collaboration with affected local municipalities and relevant sector departments. Themunicipality urges residents to remain vigilant, avoidflooded areas,and report emergencies throughtheirrespective local municipalities. Further updates will be issued once assessments arefinalised and verified.”

Initial reports indicate several people have been left homeless or houses have been partially damaged in the affected areas. Thereis also damagereported to access roads, bridges and other infrastructure,aswell as electricity supply interruptions,crop destruction and lightning-related livestocklosses

“Assessments are still ongoingacrossall affected wards in line with provincial disaster management protocols. Figures remainpreliminary and may changeasmorereports are submitted and verified.Disaster management structures at the local municipal level were activated immediately. Satellite centres have submitted early reports to the OR Tambo Dis-

trict DisasterManagement Centre, whichis coordinatinga district-wide response,” he said

Planned interventions include temporary shelter,food parcels, blankets, mattresses, hygiene packs and essential household items.

Ngqondwana said, “Let me assurethe people of OR Tambo that your municipality is present. Your municipality is working. Your municipality will not turn away from any family in distress.”

Residents areurged to avoidflooded areas and unstable structures,reportemergencies through local municipal offices and remain alertand assist vulnerable community members.

“Thismoment tests us. It tests our systems, it tests our resilience, and it tests ourunity. ButORTambo has endured storms before. We risenot because challenges do not exist, but because we face them together.

“Toeveryaffected family, we see you. We stand with you. We will walk this road of recoverywith you. We will respond, we will support, and together we will rebuild. Thesafety and dignity of our communities remainour highest priority,” he said

Medicalnegligence costsR4.2million

ZOLILE MENZELWA

THE Eastern Cape Health MEC, Ntandokazi Capa, will have to pay R4.2 million in amedical negligencecase involving anineyear-old childwho was born with cerebral palsy, as ordered by the Mthatha High Court.

According to Justice Laing, the child, described as B, wasborn on 14 April2016, with alife expectancy of 26.5years. “This is aclaim for damages arising from the negligence of the medical staff at the Idutywa Clinic and Butterworth Hospital. The plaintiff’s child,B, was born on 14 April 2016, with cerebral palsy and suffers from permanent brain damage. The defendant has already been found liable on the merits. The parties subsequently settled the claim for general damages and architectural costs, and the matter proceeded to trial for the determination of B’s mobility costs and loss of earning capacity,” Laing said.

Laing said the joint minute prepared by the parties’ respective occupational therapists recorded that Bisdevelopmentally and cognitively disabled, compounded by visual deficits and totallyreliant on caregivers for survival. “B presents with aprofound disability, characterisedbyspasticquadriplegia, deficient hand functions and eating efficiency, and difficulties with communication.”

Laingruled that therapists agreed that she would require a wheelchair and amulti-purpose vehicle for transportation. In terms of ajoint minute, the occupational therapists agreed that the costsofsuch avehicle –for

example,aVWCaddy or Ford Transit Connect– are similar, at aroundR455,000–R509,000, and that each vehicleoffers similar features.The court is satisfied that B’s mobility costs must include provision for two vehicles, he said

“Havingread the papers filed of record and having heard the evidencepresented and the argument thereon, it is ordered that thedefendantisliable topay the plaintiff theamount of R4,171,356 in respect of theminor child’s claims,” Laing said.

Theheadsofdamageswere:

• Architectural costs at R1,112,485.00

• Mobility costsatR1,539,221.00

• Loss of income at R1,519,650.00

“Inaddition to theabove, the defendant is to pay interest on the aforementionedamounts, at the prevailing legal rate,from 30 days from the dateofjudgementtothe dateoffinal payment thereof. The defendantshall paythe plaintiff’s costs of the trialinrespect of the abovementionedissues,” Laing ruled

He said the parties’ respective industrial psychologists agreed that Bwas uneducable,unemployable and that shewould require afulltime caregiver. They also agreed, he said, that shewould probably achieve Grade 12, butdisagreed on herprobable earnings.

Advocates AD Schoeman SC and HelenAyerstappeared for theplaintiff, instructed by Mjulelwa Inc. Attorneys, with advocateBraunsfor thedefendant as instructed by Norton Rose Fullbright SA Inc. Therulingwas deliveredon3 February

Fishersreceiveequipment amidcompliancereminders

ZOLILEMENZELWA

WHILST the donationoffishing gear was lauded as ahuge stepin the right directionbyHobeni village fishers, the laws governing fishing –including restrictions –remained the same, and transgressors would be arrested and their gear confiscated.

Mbhashe Local Municipality Executive Mayor Dr Samkelo Janda handed over fishing equipment worth R95,000 to 50 fishers on Tuesday, 3February. Janda encouraged the fishers to organise themselves into cooperatives and SMMEs.

He said tourism was one of the economic drivers of the area, and the municipality would continue to encourage and support tourism.

“But communities must benefit from tourism in their areas for tourism to be effective. Some people fish to promote tourism; they catch and release. We must develop tourism if we want this area to develop. We are always fighting for roads leading to tourism attraction areas to be upgraded,” he said.

The local authority held aBeach Festival in December.

“Tourism also includes our history, heritage and culture –what is beingdone in that particular area. Do we utilise those assets? People must take advantage of available support opportunities.”

Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency Acting Manager Nicholas

Ngcathu emphasised the importanceofabiding by existing laws governing fishing and beaches.

“Our beach is amarine protected area. There are areas where fishing is restricted; they are called nursery grounds.Due to the rare kinds of fishfound in those areas, we want toprotect them. Fishers musthave fishing permits before they go fishing. The permits help fishers understand the laws governing fishing. Some permits are free, especiallyfor thosefishing for subsistence,” Ngcathu said.

He commended the municipality for the initiative, adding that many fishing rods had been confiscated from people fishing in restricted areas.Hesaid therewere areas that no longer had fish.

“Wehave had challenges previously where fishers feel they can fishanywhere following amunicipal visit, believing the law has stopped working. We won’t stop arresting people–compliance and enforcement are government law.Remember, the law remains the same. We hope thesefishing rods will be used appropriately.”

Speaking on behalfofthe beneficiaries, MalibongweGongqose saidpeoplewere poor, but there was abundant natural wealth.

“Some peoplehave even retired withoutever benefiting from fishing.Executive Mayor,you have shared awealth of knowledge with usabout cooperatives and SMMEs. We are grateful as the fishersfrom Hobeni village,” Gongqosesaid.

Crimeawarenessbillboardcampaignlaunched

ZOLILE MENZELWA

IN an effort to bolster the fight against crime, the Dutywa Community Policing Forum (CPF) tookabold stepwith the official launch of billboards along the N2 highway to raise awareness aboutcrime in theareaand to reinforce theimportanceofcommunity partnerships in creating asafer environment.

Thebillboardsserve as avisiblereminderofthe collective responsibilityto combat crime.

The project is ajoint effort between theDutywa CommunityPolicing Forum (CPF), the Police and MbhasheLaw Enforcement andTraffic Services.

Speaking during the launch,Ward 1 Councillor Ayabonga Tyatyaza emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing crime.

He said crime could not befought by lawenforcement agencies alone but requiredthe active participation of the entirecommunity “Partnership is the cornerstoneofsaf-

er communities. When government,law enforcement, businessesand residents work together, we strengthen ourability to preventand combat crime,”hesaid.

The CPF continues to playacritical roleinbridging the gapbetween the community and lawenforcement agencies.

Tyatyaza said through awareness campaigns, community engagements and partnerships, the forum remains committed to promoting safety and accountabilityinDutywa

The billboards were sponsored by Spargs Fuel, he said,demonstrating the importantrole the private sectorplays in community development initiatives.

“Their contributionunderscores the powerofbusiness partnerships in supportingcrimepreventionefforts,” he said.

The launch was attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from the taxi industry, ratepayers’ associations, NGOs and the church fraternity Theirpresencereaffirmed the shared commitment across sectors to address

crimeand promote social cohesion in Dutywa.

Dutywa policerepresentative, Lieutenant Colonel Mlindeli Higa, called on residents to report criminal activities, cooperate with law enforcement agencies and actively participate in community safety initiatives.

He said among the crimes that were highinthe area were assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) and rape.

“Rape is rife in Dutywa. Every day, there is acase of rape, and sometimes break-ins arenot to steal. People break into ahouse, rapesomeoneand leave. We need to see how we can solve this problem socially and how the Social Development Department can intervene,” he said.

Duringthe period betweenOctober2024and now, lawenforcement agenciesinDutywaarrested:

• 42 suspectsondrug-related offences

• 71 suspectsondrunk-driving charges

• 68 illegal shebeen owners

• 47 alleged rape perpetrators

The billboards serve not only as awareness tools but also as asymbol of unity and determination to reclaim thestreets of Dutywafrom criminal elements.

As Dutywa continues to confront crime challenges, initiatives such as these highlight theimportance of sustained partnerships and community-driven solutions in building asafer and more secure future for all.

Speaking on behalf of theDutywa taxi industry, Tovey Gwangqa said thetaxi industry was started by their grandfathers, who had not gone to school He said thetaxi industry is often regarded as an industry of rude people.

“The taxi industry could not be transformed, but it is now slowly starting to transform.

“But when we look at crime, it is difficult to fight crime when law enforcement officers start to commit crimes. When law enforcement officers start to commit acrime, it is easier for civilians to follow suit,” he said.

KSDM highlightsprogress tbacks

decisively addressed. Drastic meabe implemented to eradicate this culture.”

the media, Nelani saidone of they had approached the Minister ttlements,Thembi Simelane, was so that they could work together hat flood victims currently living sheltersatMaiden Farm receive ng. He saidthey areassessing manently house the victims and suitable areas.

forward.

ed for temporary housing in Old Nkululekweni, which has been to

some of thereasons that ledus nisterSimelane’s intervention. to sitdown with her so that we work together and take this matter ward. We do have land allocatfor temporary housing in Old Nkululekweni, which has been released to the municipality. However,weare waiting for a courtjudgement to be issued.

However, we are for a pro-

vide housing solutions. This includes consideration of the different levels residents. That is I asked Min-

“I also spokeabout precinct developments that could provide housing solutions. This includes consideration of the fferent income levels of affected dents. That is why Iasked Minister Simelane to work with us to supportdevelopments that can provide sustainable solutions.”

He added that developthe N2 Junction at UltraCity,SilBedfordCity have housingunits potentially accommodate people the floods.

one of the precincts at Bedford developersare undertaking aprivate development that includes housing income levels, from low-income come earners, with subsidisedopdevelopment will include all necesties such as schools and shopping Theproposal has been submitted pality, and what remains is bulk re support. Thatiswhy Isaidto tthe shortest routetoaddressing fflood victims is to supportthis

further stated that there areplans to Mamela Rank area in Mthatha. ement was issued seekinga develtner; however,the initialadvert ve aresponsive bid. Themunicice re-advertised the project. sinitiative includes all stakeholdng the taxi industry. Nelani conmunicipal representatives,togethassociation leaders, visitedCape udy atransporthub model. Their plan, including the re-advertised porates amoderntransporthub benefiting the transport industry.

VeteransreflectonMandela’shistorichomecoming

BABALWA NDLANYA

THE Nelson Mandela Museum, in partnership with the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC), the Eastern Cape NationalYouthDevelopment Agency (NYDA), Vodacom, and Athletics Transkei, hostedthe 36th Anniversary Commemoration of theReleaseofNelson Mandela through aHomecoming Memorial Dialogue at theNelsonMandela Museum Administrative Offices, Bhunga Building in Mthatha, last week.

The dialogue was held under thetheme: “Echoesofthe Soil: Reflectingonthe 36th Anniversary of theReleaseand the Historic Homecoming of Mandela.”

NelsonMandela Museum Council Member, Dr Andile Nontso, saidthe occasionwas markedthrough areflective dialogue honouring Mandela's historic homecomingtoMthatha following hisrelease from prison in 1990. He said the Museum had made adecision that everyyear on 11 February, therewould be acommemoration across the country remembering hisrelease

“WecelebratedhereinMthathathis year. ThisHomecoming MemorialDialogue featuredmembers of the originalTranskei Reception Committee, who played apivotal role in organising Nelson Mandela’s homecomingrally in Mthatha, including Struggle Veterans of Umkhonto weSizwe. We also invited learners andother dignitaries to share their knowledge aboutthis day,” said Nontso.

The panel included Umkhonto weSizwe Veteran andformer bodyguard of Nelson Mandela, Mzwandile Vena; Struggle veteran andDirectorfor Informationand CommunicationTechnology (ICT) at the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works, Phambili Jizana; Council Chairperson from Eastern Cape Development Corporation, Vuyani Jarana; and Community Activist,Lwazi Mahlaka.

Chairperson for Public Participation, Petitions and Education Portfolio Committee,

Mandela from Prisonin1990, which washeld at Nelson MandelaMuseuminBhungaBuilding, Mthatha.

Mlibo Qoboshiyane, said Mandela left alegacy that education must be prioritised in orderto take the country outofpoverty

He said they had seen Mandela doing allhe could, engaging with the private sectorwith the aim of building schools, and they are still following in those footsteps.

“Remember, we used to have alarge number of schools madeofmud structures. In 2009, a decision was taken to implement adedicated programme to eradicate those schools. Forinstance,we have seen new, modernised schools in areas under the Nyandeni Local Municipality. Those schools are improving conditions as we continuetoeliminate mud structures, especially in the Eastern Cape. Secondly, people withdisabilities and the poor were notincluded in the integrated system,but now there are specialised schools to ensure that they receive education despite their conditions, closer to their homes,” said Qoboshiyane.

He added that the curriculum and syllabus were changed, and learners are now performingata national pass rate of 87 per cent, 36

years after Mandela’s release. Qoboshiyane said this had never happened before, stating thatitshows progressinSouth Africa’seducation system. Whether in previously privileged schools or ruralareas,Mathematics and Physical Sciences areamong the key subjects being taught despite challenging conditions.

“Asa Member of Parliament, Iknow that when youtalk about Quintile One, Two and Three schools, these are schools serving less fortunate communities who depend on social grants. Thegovernment takesresponsibility forproviding asubsidy per learner per annum so that they can havedesks, books,and other essentials. Their circumstances areknown, and learners receive two meals perday.

“Yes, there are schools with extramural activities where additional contributions may be requested to sustain programmes, but in terms of government policy, it is only Quintile Four and Five schools where parents arerequiredto payschool fees.”

He added that the dialogue was agood effort

PUBLICNOTICE

to connect the past and the present in order to propel the future.

Oneofthe Struggle veterans of Umkhonto weSizwe, Mzwandile Vena, saidhewas released on aFriday, whilstMandela was released on aSunday.

“I was happy to be released from jail, but I became even happier when he was released because hisrelease meant that we would be free. Theexcitement around hisrelease was greater because Iknew it was advantageous for the whole country.Iwas arrested in Cape Town on 15 September1987. Iwas in detention for a year,then stayed for another year.I was later transferred here, in Transkei (as it was called then),tocontinue with my sentence. Ispent time in Wellington Correctional Services in Mthatha until my release in 1990,” saidVena. He added that people arefreeand should not say that nothing has changed. Thosewho grew up with electricity and water may saynothing has happened, but thosewho lived through earlier times understand the conditions communities once faced.

According to him, when there were severe storms recently, and electricity was cutoff, people felt disempowered because they now depend on electricity,which shows progress.

“Wecannotsay thecountry hasdone nothing.Our children arenow going to university, andNSFASpays for them; alot has been done. We cannotsay we have done nothing as the government,but it is never enough, even in other countries.

“Yes, we arestill lacking in service delivery because we have not reached all the areas we want to reach. Thereare still areas without water and proper roads. For that, we can also blame some individuals within the government. We must not blame the government and the African National Congress (ANC) alone. If aroad is constructed and within weeks it is damaged, wherewerethe inspectorsbefore theconstruction companywas paid? That is notthe ANC—itisindividuals within government who aredoing this.”

Notice is hereby giveninterms of section49(1) (a)(i)(ii) of the LocalGovernment: Municipal Property RatesAct,2004(Act No.6 of 2004) as amended ,herein afterreferred to as the “Act”, that theGeneralValuationRoll effective for the period of 01 July 2026to30June 2031 is open forpublic inspection in the designated Municipal offices situated in Dutywa, Willowvale andElliotdale and on the municipal websitewww.mbhashemun.gov.za.TheRoll can be viewedduring office hours between 08:00to16:30fromMonday to Friday,from 13 February 2026 to 10April 2026atthe following venues:

•Customer CareCentre(Dutywa)

•Municipal Offices (Willowvale)

•Municipal Officer (Elliotdale)

An invitation is hereby made in termsofsection49(1) (a)(i)(ii) of theAct, that the ownerof an immovable property or otherperson who so desires should lodgeanobjection with the Municipal Managerinthe prescribedmanner in respect of any matter reflected in, or omitted from theValuation Roll within the abovementioned period.

Attentionisspecifically drawn to the fact that in terms of section50(2) of theAct, an objectionmust be in relation to aspecific individual property and not against the Valuation Roll as such.

Completedprescribedobjection forms must be returnedtothe address as indicated below before 15:00onthe closingdate of 10April 2026, pleasenote that objections lodgedafter theclosingdatewill notbeconsidered.

For further details andenquires pleasecontact MrY. Dyonase at 047 489 5872oremail: dyonasey@mbhashemun.gov.za OfficeAddress: No 454 Streatfield Road,Dutywa, 5000

Issued by MunicipalManager Mr M.Nako

NovaNewslaunchestheSchoolSportsZone

THEelectric atmosphere ofa Saturday morning derby:deafening war cries echo acrosspacked grandstands; thesea of supporters, draped in school colours, ready to back their boys and girls to the final whistle. The traditions run deeper than any trophy cabinet.

School sport in South Africaisn't just about what happens on the field—it's about the entire experience, the culture,the passion that splits townsinhalf and creates heroes overnight.

From 19 February, NovaNews is about to revolutionise how we celebrate it all.

NovaNews is launching The School Sports Zone, adynamic, one-stop destination dedicated entirely to school sportacross South Africa. This isn't your typicalresults-and-rankings coverage. This is the full package: the stories behind the scorelines, the supporters who bring the gees, the flashes and war criesthat make school sport the most emotionally charged spectacle in the country.

The School Sports Zone will be the authoritative destinationcelebrating emerging talent, preserv-

inglegendaryrivalries, and buildingthe foundation forthe future of South Africansport. Because every Springbok,every Protea, everynational representativestarted somewhere, and that somewhere is usually aschoolfield on aSaturdaymorning.

NovaNewsisn't stopping at written coverage. Accompanying the launchis The Rugby Factory,a dedicatedvod–and podcast that dives deeper thanever beforeinto the heartbeat of school rugby in South Africa.

Thisisstorytelling with substance. Thisisabouttracking tomorrow'sSpringboks from the grassroots to the bigleagues, capturing the journey,the sacrifice, the rivalries, andthe moments thatdefine young athletes before the professionalcontracts arrive.

"School sport isatthe heart of so many communitiesinSouth Africa," says DustinWetdewich, NationalSportsEditor of NovaNews.

"With TheRugby Factory,we're notjust covering matches; we're tellingthe storiesoftomorrow's Springboks."

Wetdewich is clear —whilst rugbywillfeatureprominently,

TheSchoolSportsZone'sambition stretches across every code,every discipline,everyschool, making noise on the sporting landscape.

"Beyond rugby, if it has anything to do with school sport, we want to be talking about it," Wetdewich explains."There are greatstories to tell aroundschool sport. Supporters and school communities aren'tjust engaged; they are emotionally and, in many cases, financially invested. Small towns split in half when derby weekends come around. Heroes areborn, and superstars aremade. Allthis makes foramazing storytelling."

Whatsets TheSchoolSportsZone apartisits understanding that school sport is never just about the athletes. It'sabout the supporters who travel hours to scream themselves hoarse. It'sabout the flashes choreographed with military precision. It'sabout the school chants passed down throughgenerations. It'sabout the communities that liveand breathe every result.

NovaNews is changing the game by reporting beyondthe scoreboard, capturing the atmosphere, the emotion,and the culture that makesschool sport uniquely South

African.

Thestage is set. Thewhistle is about to blow. From 19 February, TheSchoolSports Zonebecomes the home of everything thatmakes school sportunforgettable.

Schools areinvited to send all their sport news to dustin@novusmedia.co.za.

FindThe School Sports Zone: Website: https://novanews.co.za/

Follow TheRugbyFactory: TikTok: @therugbyfactoryza

X: RugbyFactory_sa

Instagram: therugbyfactory_sa

Facebook: The RugbyFactory

Annualnetball tournamentto returnstoNgolo

HOSEYAJUBASE

KWAKHANYA eAfricaand Entertainment has already started preparingfor their upcoming annual netball tournament. Thetournament has been happening for the past five yearsnow, and it will be hosted in April 2026. One of the organisers, Thulani Hlongwane, saidthey really appreciate the supportthey aregetting from the community of Ngolo. Hlongwane saidthey areexpectingmorethan 10 netball teams this year,but not morethan 20 teams.“What we aredoing is for the development of sport in ruralareas, and we arestill looking for sponsorssothat we can increase the prizemoney.”

• Registration fees forthe tournament:R350

• Prizes: R2000 (first place),R1000 (second place) and R500 (third place)

• Contactnumberforthetournament: 071701 7744.

KhulaniBoxingClubhonourssponsorswithappreciationevent

HOSEYAJUBASE

THE founder of Khulani Boxing Club, Mthetho Dumezweni, has repeatedly expressed his gratitude to all the sponsors who supported this institutionlast year during the 29thanniversary.

Lastweek, KhulaniBoxing Club hostedanevent to awardall thoseindividuals and sponsors

with certificates of appreciation

Speaking to the Express,Dumezweni said thatasmanagement, they sawaneed to appreciate these sponsors as they played acrucial role in making sure that last year’s event wasasuccess.

Among those who received appreciation certificates wasthe gospel artist Betusile Mcinga, who entertained thecrowd on the day. “Yes,Betusile is one of the people whom we appreciate. Last year, he sacrificed his time to perform at our event, and he stopped everything to honour our event; he did that for free. He supported the event big time; he even went beyond in making other arrangements, assistingus. We also want to take thistime to express our

gratitude to the Mthatha Health Clubfor assisting us in everything we are doing.”

Theevent was held at Mthatha Health Club.

Thelegendary boxer Dumezweni said they are now going to shift theirfocus to thisyear’sKhulani BoxingClub’s 30th anniversary, whichisexpected to be held on 12 September 2026.

OldGreyextendsleadastitlerivalsdroppoints

ANELE RAZIYA

OLD Grey have boosted their chances of winning the Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League Coastal Stream when they collectedthe much-needed three points over the weekend

This comes after current log leaders Old Grey beat bottom side Amavarara FC by 2-1 away on Saturday to remain on top of the log standingswith 29 points in 13 matches.

Thevictorygave log leaders an opportunity to open athree-point gap between them and seriouscontenders for the top spot, FC Buffalo City Relatives, who dropped important points overthe weekend

against Komani United FC.

Prior toweekend fixtures, Old Grey and second-placed sideFC Buffalo CityRelatives were the joint log leaders butthey were separated by goal difference, which favoured the currentlog leaders.

Going intoSaturday’s games on 14 February, top threeteams in ABC Motsepe League Coastal Stream were aiming for maximum points to keep competing forthe top spot.

Butunfortunately,itisonly the second-placedteam, FC Buffalo City, who droppedpoints over the weekend whenthey lost2-1 against KomaniUnitedFC.

While third-placedteam Gqeberha UnitedFCalsograbbedthree

valuable points, like log leaders, when they beat Seven StarsFCby 2-1 at home on Friday afternoon. With these weekend results, it means FC BuffaloCityRelatives still occupysecond position with 26 points in 13 games,followed by Gqeberha United FC with 25 points in 13 matches.

Another team that still standsa slight chance to compete for the top spot is Komani United FC,which currently occupiesfourth place on the log standings.All ten teams in the ABCMotsepe League Coastal Stream have played 13 matches, and the remaining five roundsof league fixtures are expected to produce highly competitive footballas

each club will be aiming for maximumpoints to improve theirlog standinginorder to winthe stream or escape relegation.

Meanwhile, in the ABC Motsepe League Inland Stream, SA Spear of the Nation FC continues to lead the divisional log standings after weekend results.

SA Spear of the Nation FC defeated Fast Eleven FC by 2-0away to remain on top of the log standings with 34 points in 13 games, while top spot chasers, FC Ravens, had theirtitle race slightly dented when they playeda2-2 draw against Matta Milan FC at home over the weekend

Currently, FC Ravens still occupy

Other sponsorswho received appreciationcertificateslastweekinclude: OR Tambo RuralDevelopment Panarotis Savoy

NetNine Nine Mthatha Mall FNB Mthatha Branch BetusileMcinga Dr MntonintshiMen’s Clinic Department of Health MsintsiniCulturalGroup Alunamda SecurityServices

second position with 32 points in 13 matches and should the log leaders drop points in the remaining league fixtures, top spot chasers will be looking to capitalise on that opportunity.

In the ABC Motsepe League Inland Stream, SA Spear of the Nation FC and FC Ravens are the only teams who are standing agood chance to compete against each other, to finish in the top position compared to theirthird-placed team, Matta Milan FC, who currently have 18 points in 13 matches.

In thisdivision, five rounds of league fixtures remain, and the matches will continue thisweekend in both streams.