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Learners take aim at abuse The Provincial Representative Council of Learners hosted a Women’s Month event in Mthatha, bringing together 12 schools from the O.R. Tambo Inland District to raise awareness of gender-based violence, bullying and abuse in schools. Pictured are Bumnandi Ngcobozi (President, Provincial RCL), Sinako Nkonzombi (learner) and Anele Madolwana (Deputy Chairperson, Provincial RCL). Read the full story on page 3. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
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MthathaExpress
NEWS
20 August 2026
Hawkers and stakeholders marched in the streets of Mthatha with the aim of getting attention from the King Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality. PHOTO:BABALWA NDLANYA
March demands permit process overhaul BABALWA NDLANYA MEMBERS of the Mthatha Hawkers Association marched through the streets of Mthatha recently, demanding that foreign nationals in the country illegally leave, saying they are doing jobs meant for locals. They marched to the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality to hand over their petition to the mayor of the municipality, Councillor Mkanyiseli Dudumayo. The secretary of the Mthatha Hawkers Association, Nolizwi Mthethelwa, said she is one of the people who sell on the streets of Mthatha. She said when they were on patrol as members from the Eastern Cape, they noticed that there were more stalls used by foreigners than by the people of Mthatha. “When we tried to remove those stalls, they showed us permits saying they were issued by KSD. We are here to tell the municipality they must no longer issue permits to foreigners because we are also suffering due to a lack of job opportunities. We want all these small things, like spaza shops, to be run by us,” she said. She said they had already started patrolling the streets of Mthatha and confirmed that they take those involved to Madeira Police Station so that police officers can see what they can do about them. “When you enter this country without a permit, you are breaking the law. We took about 60 of them to Madeira Police Station. We are still patrolling because the spaces they are occupying are supposed to be used by some of us.” Mthethelwa said they understand that they are not safe, but they are forced to do this
because these people are taking their jobs. According to her, they realised that Madeira Street is full of people who come from other countries. Another hawker, Babalwa Mazula, said they are hoping for positive results after this march. She said some of them sew, and the foreigners are also doing the same thing. “They are taking our jobs, and we are doing these things in order to feed our families. Even though we are trying by all means to voice our concerns, nothing is happening because these people are not willing to go,” said Mazula. Among their grievances, they requested that the municipality remove all foreign nationals from small-scale businesses within seven days: • Review the permit-issuing process: Ensuring all applicants for trading permits meet the requirements of the KSD Business by-laws and other applicable laws before permits are issued. • Support for local hawkers: Establish a hawker support desk to assist KSD Hawkers members with registration, training and access to funding. • Regular clean-up and monitoring: Monthly compliance operations in the CBD, taxi ranks and township business nodes. • Feedback: Provide a written response to KSD Hawkers within seven working days and convene a meeting with KSD Hawkers. They said they requested an urgent meeting with the mayor of this municipality to discuss implementation within seven days. The petition was accepted by a Member of the Mayoral Committee, Councillor Noluyolo Mayi. She said she would pass it to the mayor of the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality, Councillor Mkanyiseli Dudumayo.
Hawks arrest grant fraud suspect NOKWAKHA Bana (58) appeared before the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crime Court facing allegations of fraud, uttering and contravening the Justice of the Peace and Commissioners of Oaths Act. Hawks’ spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, said she was granted bail of R1,000. The matter was postponed until 18 August for the disclosure of the docket contents. “The accused was arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) based in Mthatha on 5 August after the execution of an authorised warrant of arrest. The matter emanated from a complaint lodged by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), after irregularities were detected in foster care grant payments administered through the Qumbu Local Office,” said Mhlakuvana. He added that between November 2018 and February 2026, the accused allegedly executed a calculated and systematic scheme designed to unlawfully enrich herself through the fraudulent acquisition of foster care grants intended to safeguard
the welfare of vulnerable children. Mhlakuvana said that it is alleged that Bana intentionally submitted false affidavits and materially misleading information to SASSA and the Department of Justice. It is further alleged that she falsely declared that the biological father of two minor children could not be traced. “These alleged misrepresentations were deliberately crafted to induce SASSA into approving foster care grant applications to which she was never legally entitled. Meticulous investigations conducted by the Hawks disproved every material representation upon which the applications had been approved. Further investigation established that the children’s biological father had always been known by the accused, remained actively involved in their upbringing, and consistently fulfilled his parental obligations by providing support.” According to Mhlakuvana, as a direct consequence of the alleged fraudulent conduct, SASSA suffered actual financial prejudice of over R300,000.
20 August 2026
MthathaExpress 3
NEWS
Learners take lead against abuse
BABALWA NDLANYA
DEPUTY Chairperson of the Provincial Representative Council of Learners (RCL) from the Eastern Cape, Anele Madolwana, confirmed that they had celebrated Women’s Day in a different way by hosting an event aimed at educating other learners about the increasing number of abuse cases and bullying complaints in their districts, particularly in their schools. He confirmed that the event was attended by 12 schools from the O.R. Tambo Inland District. It was held in Mthatha last week. He said it was on that basis that they then decided to celebrate Women’s Month differently by encouraging meaningful action and participation from learner leaders to raise awareness of gender-based violence and femicide. “As it stands, the department is not serving our schooling communities adequate justice because of the lack of education and awareness on such issues. It is only after an incident that the stakeholders seem to take action, whereas, as learner leaders, we are demanding action before the community begins to grieve. “We believe that this programme will equip the young leaders to know how to use their voices and enlighten them on their responsibil-
The provincial RCL celebrated Women’s Day by hosting an event aimed at educating other learners about the increasing number of abuse cases and bullying complaints in their districts. PHOTO: SUPPLIED ity to serve and protect,” he said. He added that it also aimed to give women and girls a platform to lead and express themselves in a society that would not discriminate against them. Madolwana said this initiative will have a lasting impact on the learners and definitely on the future of their community. He added that as learners, they are facing the growing challenge of substance abuse, sexual harassment, bullying and assault — difficulties that are threatening young lives and destroying the future potential of the learners. “Schools should instil practices that priori-
tise the constitutional value of respect, human dignity and equality. They should develop a culture that guides how learners treat each other and a thorough understanding of the importance of protecting those around us. “There should be programmes that are aimed at empowering the girl child while not neglecting the male counterpart, creating an equal and balanced society. Awareness should be raised on a regular basis, and subsequently, punishment upon breaching the policy or code of conduct must be non-negotiable.” He added, “It is unfortunate that the victims of such harm are not given the mental and
even physical support they rightfully deserve. They are dismissed as attention seekers when they use their voices instead of being embraced and assisted on their journey of recovery.” Madolwana said more harm is done by people who claim to support the survivors than by the culprits themselves. “It was the first event I coordinated, and as a result, we wish to engage learners in all national holidays through meaningful initiatives like this. We are in the process of forming a junior learner parliament that will be responsible for programme development and policy improvements in schools, which will report directly to the Provincial RCL and the Department of Education in order to solve such problems and coordinate events of this nature annually. This needs support from multiple departments and stakeholders for it to be a success.” He said he would like to give each learner the responsibility of ensuring that they do not keep quiet in the face of injustice. He stated that learners should not merely be activists but should also be the change they desire to see in other people and in their communities. “One person can change everything. If we come together as learners in this fight against gender-based violence and femicide, we will conquer and protect our loved ones.”
King Sabata Dalindyebo Mayor condemns torching of trucks BABALWA NDLANYA THE King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Mkhanyiseli Dudumayo, has noted with great concern the burning of business trucks that occurred on Wednesday, 12 August 2026. The spokesperson for King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality, Sonwabo Mampoza, said that according to the information received, the trucks were delivering goods to various destinations and were set alight on the roads by unknown people. “The unlawful actions committed by the perpetrators have serious implications for the customers who were expecting delivery of their goods, have a serious impact on the economy of this area, and have further implications for the good name, image and brand of the KSD Municipal area,” he said. He added, “Investors and other potential investors who would like to come and invest in KSD Municipality would now be reluctant to do so, as they will not feel safe. Due to these
unlawful actions by certain individuals, the KSD community will lose job opportunities and the economy will deteriorate.” He continued, “Dudumayo and the entire municipality are seriously concerned about the destruction of public infrastructure such as kiosks, as well as cable theft, the burning of electric poles, attacks on economic activity and threats to the safety of people operating within communities. All these unlawful activities are acts of sabotage by reckless individuals who are undermining the development and service delivery being done to improve the lives of the KSD community.” He added that they trust that law enforcement agencies will play their role to bring the perpetrators to book. Police spokesperson, Captain Welile Matyolo, confirmed that two criminal cases — including theft from a motor vehicle, intimidation, and malicious damage to property (MDTP) — were opened at Mthatha Central Police Station recently, when two trucks were blocked by a white Isuzu bakkie on the N2
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road near the Payne locality between 03:10 and 03:30. “One truck was ultimately burnt whilst goods on both trucks were looted. The first truck belonged to a hardware store in the Sibangweni locality and was on its way to King William’s Town, loaded with rolls of net wire. The net wire was loaded into the suspects’ bakkie, and some was allegedly looted by community members. The truck was burnt thereafter,” said Matyolo. He added that the second truck, from Durban, which was loaded with radiators, was also blocked at about 03:20 by a white Isuzu
bakkie. Matyolo said crates of radiators and two batteries were stolen from it. “No one was injured. Investigations are at an advanced, delicate stage as one suspect has already been arrested. He was found in possession of nine rolls of net wire. Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest and successful prosecution of suspects and those who looted must contact their nearest police station’s Head of Detectives, Colonel Miya, at 082 580 9337, or Lieutenant Colonel Ndzamela at 082 442 0743, or the Crime Stop number 086 001 0111. Callers may remain anonymous."
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MthathaExpress
NEWS
20 August 2026
20 August 2026
NEWS
Millions boost Amathole’s small business sector MANDLENKOSI NXENGI SMALL Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni recently handed over much-needed business equipment worth over R14 million to small businesses and cooperatives operating in the Amathole district at a handover ceremony held at the Komga Town Hall in the Great Kei Municipality. About 147 identified and selected emerging business beneficiaries operating in the Amathole district, including Great Kei, Ngqushwa, Mnquma and Amahlathi local municipalities, all under the Amathole District Municipality jurisdiction, received business equipment and machinery. Minister Ndabeni officially handed over productive assets and business equipment to qualifying Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Amathole District, through the Business Infrastructure Support Programme (BISP), Informal and Micro Enterprise Development Programme (IMEDP), the Cooperative Development Support Programme (CDSP) and the Asset Assist Programme (AAP), as part of supporting small businesses. The handover formed part of the Department of Small Business Development’s (DSBD) commitment to advancing inclusive economic growth, supporting emerging entrepreneurs and sustainable livelihoods, providing beneficiaries with critical equipment, machinery and productive assets aimed at improving operational efficiency, increasing production capacity and enhancing business sustainability. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Ndabeni highlighted that the event demonstrated her department’s commitment to supporting small enterprises as a strategic driver of sustainable livelihoods by handing over essential tools and business machinery to 147 informal trading enterprises, including cooperative projects in the district. “Through programmes such as BISP and AAP, the department continues to address challenges faced by MSMEs, particularly those operating in townships, rural areas and underprivileged communities, where access to enterprise productive assets remains a significant barrier to business growth and job cre-
ation,” said Ndabeni. Ndabeni announced enterprise development support valued at more than R14 million through four key funding initiatives. The investment included R4.9 million through the Asset Assist Programme, R3.98 million through the Business Infrastructure Support Programme, R2.9 million through the Cooperative Development Support Programme and a further R2.48 million for the Informal and Micro Enterprise Development Programme. About 87 small businesses operating in the Great Kei Municipality benefited from the business equipment and machinery handover, while 60 emerging enterprises and cooperative projects, selected from Ngqushwa, Mnquma and Amahlathi, were also awarded equipment and funding aimed at sustaining the operational capacity of the businesses. The beneficiaries included women-owned businesses and several businesses owned by people with disabilities. “Working together through an integrated framework will enable us to deliver meaningful and sustainable development for our people. Partnerships between government, municipalities, traditional leaders and the private sector are essential if we are to unlock opportunities and build a thriving small business sector, especially in townships and rural areas,” added Ndabeni. Amathole District Municipality executive mayor, Anele Ntsangani, described the investment as a significant milestone in strengthening the Amathole district’s local economic growth and creating sustainable opportunities for businesses across the district. In his closing remarks, Great Kei Municipality mayor, Ngenisile Tekile, said the handover ceremony reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting emerging entrepreneurs, cooperatives and small enterprises while strengthening partnerships that contribute to local economic development. “We are honoured to have hosted Minister Ndabeni as we continue strengthening the small business sector. The engagement has created meaningful opportunities for our local businesses and further strengthened partnerships between government and the business community,” concluded Tekile.
Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni (centre) during an official handover ceremony of business equipment to emerging businesses at the Komga Town Hall, Great Kei Municipality. PHOTO: MANDLENKOSI NXENGI
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MthathaExpress
NEWS
20 August 2026
Ngqeleni community rallies behind burnt school BABALWA NDLANYA THE founder and director of Ngqeleni Community Radio (NCR) in Ngqeleni, Vusumzi Yase, decided to stand up and try to come up with a solution to assist learners and staff from Ngqeleni Senior Secondary School after it was left without a proper administration block that was burnt to ashes in April 2018. Yase said he is a former student of this school. He said NCR was approached to try to solve the issue of this school that was vandalised before COVID-19. “We are here today to try to see how we can help the school in order for this block to work again. The school felt that they could speak to us and see where we can assist, and anyone who can assist is also welcome. Even the classrooms that are
used are not proper because there are no windows or doors. We gathered the business owners so that we could see the damage and what we can do for the way forward. I can say we have already started because there is someone who has already said he can fix the roofing. We are now going to do an inspection so that we can see if this building is still usable, so that if it is, we continue with our plan,” said Yase. He added that they are aiming to start immediately and continue until July 2027. According to one of the teachers who wanted to remain anonymous, the incident happened in April 2018. He said they were in their homes when they received a call from one of the members of the School Governing Body (SGB) informing them that the school was on fire. He said it was too late for them to
take action because it was on a Sunday evening. He added that on Monday morning they came to school and found the fire had already been extinguished. “We were told that police officers found gas cylinders (big ones). We were told that they suspect the fire was caused by an explosion. Those cylinders belong to our school. Statements were taken by the police officers. Ever since then, we have never received any update about this case. All the important files and other things were destroyed by this fire. This is really affecting us because former learners come to ask for their old reports; we are unable to assist them because we do not have school records,” he said. He added that their results were not good in 2018; learner numbers were dropping; in fact, the school was nearly closed by the Depart-
ment of Education. He said there was a year when the number of learners was below 250, and they had a fear that it would be closed. “But we managed to improve. In 2022 we obtained 65%, in 2023 we obtained 84%, in 2024 we obtained 98%, and in 2025, 93%. This year, we were the best school in the Circuit Management Centre (CMC) of Ngqeleni, as we obtained 93% in the second quarter. Our target is 95%. We believe that we will achieve this percentage because our learners are very dedicated. We have trust in them. We have already implemented revision classes. We have stopped focusing on the normal timetable now because they will write trial exams soon.” He said that, as a school, they are relieved to see the business owners willing to assist them in renovating
their school. According to him, they had received many promises from people they do not know, but it is better now that this is coming from some of the business owners who were once students at this school. The spokesperson for the Department of Education, Malibongwe Mtima, confirmed that the school was vandalised in 2018. He said five classrooms and the admin block were affected. “The department provided the school with two new prefabs in 2023 so that the principal could use one as an admin block and the second one as a classroom. “In 2022, there was someone who started renovating the classrooms as a donor, but because of politics, he abandoned the site. The school is categorised as an inappropriate school and is on our District Priority list,” said Mtima.
Mthatha young scientists awarded at Eskom Expo Regional Science Fair
Lilitha Gebhuza and Lesedi Mazaleni from Gebuza Secondary School received the Best Female award.
Freda Ofori Boateng and Muhammad Anwar Ali from Umtata High School took home Best Development Project.
A GRADE 12 learner from Umtata High School received a Rhodes University Faculty of Science bursary worth R75,000 at the Eskom Expo Mthatha Regional Science Fair, held at Walter Sisulu University’s Nelson Mandela Drive Campus on 7 August. Daniel Owusu-Ansah was awarded the bursary, which covered the first year of any degree within the Faculty of Science at Rhodes University. The fair featured 109 research projects presented by 152 learners from Grades 4 to 12, as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students at NC(V) Level 2–4. Participants advanced to the regional event after taking part in workshops and compulsory District Expos throughout the year, where they received guidance from judges, mentors and STEMI professionals. Projects spanned the 13 Eskom Expo categories, with Engineering drawing the most entries at 62, followed by Social Sciences with 11 and Computer Sciences and Software Development with 10. Eskom Expo’s Eastern Cape Provincial Coordinator, Saskia Ess, said the event showcased the energy and passion of learners from across the region despite differences in resources and the distances many travelled. “The projects reflected a strong understanding of the needs and challenges within their communities, with many presenting practical, cost-effective solutions aimed at making a positive difference and contributing to the upliftment of the Mthatha region,” she said. During the awards ceremony, 15
Daniel Owusu-Ansah from Umtata High School received a Rhodes University Faculty of Science bursary worth R75,000. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED Gold, 27 Silver and 38 Bronze medals were presented. Special Awards sponsored by Eskom, which included smartwatches, were given to several outstanding young scientists. Lilitha Gebhuza and Lesedi Mazaleni from Gebuza Secondary School received Best Female awards, Ibanathi Mkhize from Tholang Secondary School won Best Energy Project, Ayema Siyo from Maclear High School earned Best Innovation, and Freda Ofori Boateng and Muhammad Anwar Ali from Umtata High School took home Best Development Project.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Eskom Development Foundation, Mologadi Motshele, said the Regional Science Fairs provided an important platform for learners to showcase research that addressed the needs of their communities. “Through its support of Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, the Eskom Development Foundation was fostering scientific inquiry, innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving among South Africa’s youth.” Umtata High School received the award for the Highest Number of Entries at the District Expo, while Tholang Secondary School was recognised as the Best Performing School at the Regional Science Fair. Eskom Expo Executive Director Parthy Chetty applauded the participants and said the regional fairs served as the official gateway for school-level innovation, jointly implemented with the Departments of Basic Education and Science, Technology, and Innovation. “It was inspiring to see more schools participating in Expo activities and an increase in female learners, expanding access and representation in previously disadvantaged communities.” Chetty added that the overall quality of projects had improved noticeably, reflecting stronger mentorship and better access to Expo resources. He extended gratitude to the regional committee, volunteers and Eskom as title sponsor, and wished those advancing to the International Science Fair well.
Ibanathi Mkhize from Tholang Secondary School won Best Energy Project.
Ayema Siyo from Maclear High School earned Best Innovation.
20 August 2026
MthathaExpress
NEWS
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Gospel quartet marks milestone album BABALWA NDLANYA TO continue healing the hearts of those who are broken and bringing hope to their supporters, the Evangelical Best Men Quartet (EBMQ) from Mthatha has released a new album titled Umgibe Uqhawukile, consisting of 11 songs. The group was formed in 2001 by a group of passionate musicians, Mava Mafumba, Mxolisi Jejane, Tembinkosi Bavuma, the late Kwandiwe Maqokolo and Sandisiwe Maqokolo. Maqokolo said Kwandiwe’s contribution remains an important part of their story and identity. “This album, titled Umgibe Uqhawukile, is EBMQ’s seventh studio album," he said. "The album also includes one of EBMQ’s hit songs 'Josefa'. This album is particularly important because, in the Bible, the
number seven represents completeness and God’s perfect work. Reaching our seventh studio album is a milestone that reminds us of God’s faithfulness from the beginning of our journey to this moment.” According to Maqokolo the album is inspired by Psalm 124:7, “the snare has been broken and we have escaped”, which celebrates God’s deliverance and the freedom He gives. He said it is both a reflection on where He has brought them from and, beyond that, a reminder to EBMQ’s listeners they are not prisoners, but those who have escaped. It is also a message of hope. “For EBMQ gospel music is not a category we happened to choose; it is the foundation of who we are. Every song we write and every stage we step onto is driven by a desire to inspire hope, strengthen faith and remind people that God is still at work. Different avenues come and
go, but purpose remains. As long as our music continues to touch lives and point people to Christ we know we are exactly where we are meant to be. We have never seen gospel music as a limitation.” The group recently travelled to Turkey with AirRose for their first international performance, sharing their music and message of hope with diverse audiences. Maqokolo said they are involved in community outreach and believe their ministry is also reflected in how they serve their communities. “Over the years we have participated in various outreach initiatives; recent ones include the handover of blankets and essentials to families affected by devastating floods. We have partnered with organisations and businesses such as the Mthatha Taxi Association to distribute food and other essential goods to those in need. We also perform at outreach
Members of the Evangelical Best Men Quarter Tembinkosi Bavuma, Sandisiwe Maqokolo, Mxolisi Mafumba from Mthatha released seventh album. PHOTO:SUPPLIED events for underprivileged communities and bereaved families, and support churches through fundraising initiatives. "Giving back is an important part
of who we are, and we remain committed to using our platform to uplift and serve others.” Their music is available on all online platforms.
Local poet shines at National Arts Festival BABALWA NDLANYA
Thandeka Vabaza, known as Nkqo.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
THANDEKA Vabaza, a prominent Eastern Cape-based poet, creative manager and founder of the Soul Clap Session from Mthatha, recently performed at the Imbizo Sessions and the Tshintsha Sessions at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda. Vabaza, known as Nkqo, is known for hosting Arts and High School Poetry Challenges in and around the Mthatha and Makhanda areas. He said both events were organised by local artists, who wanted to take
advantage of the National Arts Festival in their hometown. "It was great to be part of the local music scene and to share the stage with different artists from different places. Artists from the O.R. Tambo District Municipality (ORTDM) do benefit from performing at the National Arts Festival, especially the Fringe," Vabaza said. "This year I saw young school actors from ORTDM, under the leadership of Dion and Siyabulela Ngewu, present a theatre production at the town hall. Also, crafters and fashion designers from OR-
TDM benefit from exhibiting their artworks at the Green Village Stall. I saw Aphiwe Mtendeni from ORTDM screen his film at the Eastern Cape Film Expo during NAF 2026. This year at the Dakawa Jazz Festival, during the National Arts Festival, ORTDM was also represented by a gospel group." Vabaza confirmed that it was not his first time performing at this festival. According to him, the most memorable one was sharing the stage with MXO & Liq Angel at the Graham Hotel.
Vabaza said there is a great advantage to performing and even just attending other artists' shows. "You get to learn from other industry players the standard of best practices and the level of execution. Networking is a key part of the industry, and that is when you are able to have collaborations and partnerships. "As an artist, one learns every day, so the National Arts Festival is an awesome platform to learn how to be the best at your art form and also get to understand the business of your art form."
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MthathaExpress
Sport
SPORT
20 August 2026
Three sides stake early title claims ANELE RAZIYA
Tournament bridges football generations HOSEYA JUBASE THE founder of the DONA Tournament, Mpumzi “DONA” Siqwala, says this year’s event achieved its target of giving young footballers the opportunity to share experiences with professional players competing at a high level in the ABC Motsepe League and the NFD. Siqwala expressed his delight when top scouts from ABC Motsepe League teams attended the tournament to identify new talent. In the third edition, the men’s title was won by Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital FC (NMAH FC) 2-1 against Jacaranda FC in the final. In the women’s division, Sapphire Ladies’ FC were crowned champions after a 3-0 victory over Jubase
Youth Academy. Siqwala said he was impressed with the standard displayed by the women’s teams and pledged to invite more teams for the 2027 edition. The inclusion of women’s teams also served to commemorate Women’s Month, as the country marked 70 years since the 1956 march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against pass laws. “The DONA 2026 Tournament was more than just a competition; it brought the football fraternity together, legends and the current generation,” Siqwala said. The tournament was originally scheduled for 1-2 August but was postponed due to the EC Regional League Provincial Playoffs, which were held in East London. The DONA tournament was then held this past weekend, 15-16 August, at KSD TVET
College in Mthatha. “Thank you to everyone who supported the tournament. I am delighted with what I have seen this year. People were here for two days,” Siqwala said. “Congratulations to the winners, but most importantly, this was not about winners. It was about bringing the football fraternity together and giving young players an opportunity to showcase their talents. “Thank you to our sponsors,” Siqwala concluded. The men’s champions received R10,000 cash, a kit, gold medals and a trophy. The runners-up, Jacaranda FC, received R5,000, silver medals, one ball and a kit. In the women’s category, Sapphire Ladies’ FC received a trophy, gold medals, two balls and a kit. The runners-up, JYA, received three soccer balls.
Tete eyes comeback as suspension ends HANNES SCHOEMAN Local hero Zolani Tete is set for a comeback after a fouryear absence. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
FORMER Mdantsane world boxing champion Zolani Tete is set to return to the ring as his four-year suspension has ended. Tete, a two-division champion with a huge following, was suspended in 2022, following his world title fight against Jason Cunningham at Wembley in the United Kingdom on 2 July 2022. After the fight he was suspended under an anti-doping rule for the presence and use of a prohibited substance, specifically stanozolol, an anabolic steroid. Tete then claimed the positive test was due to contamination and argued that he didn't intentionally ingest the substance. However, the national anti-doping panel didn't find his explanation convincing. At that stage Tete had won 29 of his 33 fights, including 22 knockouts. The news that
his suspension had ended was met with huge jubilation by his followers, who expect him to be on top of the world once again. Earlier, Boxing South Africa's CEO, Tsholofelo Lejaka, said BSA would be happy to grant him a new licence. "Our attitude is positive. We might not necessarily give him a hero's welcome, but we assume he has learnt his lesson and will come back a better man." But returning to the ring at the age of 38 won't be easy. Boxing SA demands that boxers older than 35 must apply for a licence renewal at their own expense and also undergo medical tests. Tete made history in Belfast in 2018, when he defended his WBO bantamweight title in just 11 seconds — the quickest world title defence ever. It is believed Tete has stayed active in the gymnasium and is not completely rusty.
SINCE the start of the SAFA Women's Provincial League in the Eastern Cape, three teams in the division from different streams have already shown their intention to win the league title at the end of the season. Sinenkani Ladies, Sophakama Ladies’ FC and WSU Butterworth Campus Ladies’ FC are the teams that have made their intentions clear in the division as they are currently topping the log standings in their streams. WSU Butterworth Campus Ladies’ FC is currently leading stream B with six points after they beat Nav Galaxy Ladies 2-1 to make back-to-back victories over the weekend. In Stream C, Sophakama Ladies’ FC is on top of the log with nine points after they thrashed bottom side Park United 9-0 to register three successive victories since the start of the season. In Stream A, Sinenkani Ladies FC is enjoying position one with six points after they beat Ayakha Stars FC 2-0 to register back-to-back victories over the weekend. Though these three top teams are currently doing well, other teams are also working hard to challenge them for the top spot. Executive Ladies’ FC is sitting behind Sinenkani Ladies with five points after they played a 1-1 draw against WSU Mthatha Campus Ladies’ FC over the weekend. In Stream B, WS Buffalo City Campus Ladies’ FC is following log leaders WSU Butterworth Campus Ladies FC with three points after they lost 2-0 against Eastern Cape Peace Lovers FC over the weekend. In Stream C, Madibaz Football is trying their best to chase log leaders, Sophakama Ladies’ FC, by six points after they thrashed Golden Stars Ladies’ Football Development 4-1 over the weekend. The battle for top spot in the division is expected to continue this Saturday in Stream C when Sophakama Ladies’ FC visits Caledonian AFC, Park United hosts Madibaz Football, and Bay Stars Ladies FC entertains Golden Stars Ladies’ Football Development. In Stream B, Phoenix Birds Ladies will visit WS Buffalo City Campus Ladies’ FC, Nav Galaxy Ladies will host Shining Stars, and Eastern Cape Peace Lovers FC will entertain WSU Butterworth Campus Ladies’ FC. In Stream A, Coastal United Ladies will lock horns with Sinenkani Ladies, Executive Ladies’ FC will host Eastern Rangers FC, and Ayakha Stars FC will travel to Sapphire Ladies. All these fixtures will be played on Saturday, 22 August.
Hollywoodbets Super League: EC sides gear up for league return ANELE RAZIYA EASTERN Cape teams who play in the Hollywoodbets Super League are expected to intensify their preparations from this week onwards, as the league will resume next weekend. Both EC teams, City Lads FC from Gqeberha and University of Fort Hare FC from Alice, have gone on their FIFA break that started in early July, sitting outside the top four teams in the log standings. University of Fort Hare FC went into the FIFA break sitting in position five with six points after five games since the start of the season. With those five matches they have played so far this season, the Alice team has managed to register only one victory, has drawn three and lost one. Their neighbours, City Lads FC from Gqeberha, are rooted at the bottom of the log standings in position eight with zero points. Since the start of the league campaign in the Super Rise stream, the Gqeberha team is yet to register even a single victory; instead, they have suffered five consecutive defeats. Now, when the league resumes on 29 Au-
gust, EC teams are expected to work harder to collect maximum points so that they can move to decent positions in the log standings. City Lads FC in particular is expected to work extra hard to collect maximum points so that it can move out of the relegation zone. As things currently stand in the Super Rise stream, the Gqeberha team is a serious candidate to be relegated at the end of the season if they do not turn things around when the league resumes. With the resumption of the league, City Lads FC is expected to host Ezemvelo Women’s FC on Saturday next week, and both teams are bottom-dwellers, so it means their match will be tough as each side will be avoiding dropping points. Their neighbours from Alice will be visiting third-placed side TUT FC on Sunday, and their match is expected to produce some fireworks as University of Fort Hare FC is aiming to improve their log standings, while the home team will look to displace University of JHB FC from second place. In other league fixtures, University of JHB FC will host log leaders JVW FC on Saturday, then on Sunday, First Touch Ladies will visit Ramatlaohle Ladies’ FC.
University of Fort Hare FC is preparing for the resumption of the Hollywoodbets Super League next week. PHOTO: FACEBOOK