Mthatha Express North - E-Edition - 23 July 2026

Water scheme brings relief

SeveralvillagesinDutywa are settobenefitfrom theR81 million new Dutywa Water Supply Scheme project unveiledatthe handover ceremonyheld in Drayini village, Mbhashe Municipality on 17 July.Construction of the water scheme started in July 2023 and was fully completed in November2025, supplying clean watertothe town of Dutywa and four villages in Mbhashe. Read more about the project on page5.PicturedisAmathole District Municipality Mayor, Anele Ntsangani,officially unveilingthe project.

Sanitationwin viewedwithcaution

BABALWA NDLANYA

PROVINCIAL ChiefExecutive Officer (CEO) of National Professional Teacher’s Organisation of South Africa(NAPTOSA), Loyiso Mbinda, confirmed that he welcomes the announcement by the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, that the department has reached what it describes as 100% completion in addressing schoolsidentified through the 2018 Sanitation Appropriate for Education Initiative (SAFE) Audit as having unsafe pit toilets, recently.

“The provision of safe, dignified and appropriatesanitation facilities in schoolsisa fundamental human right and acritical component of creating aconducive learning environment. For many years, teachers, learners, parents and school governing bodies have witnessed the unacceptable conditions that compromised the dignity, safetyand well-beingoflearners, particularlyyoung children. However, while we acknowledge the progress made, NAPTOSA in the Eastern Cape believes that the announcement must be viewed with caution,” saidMbinda.

He added that the 2018 SAFE Auditwas dependent on accurate reporting by provincial education departments and districts.

“Our concernisthat some schools that experienced serioussanitation challenges were never included in the audit submissions due to failures, negligence or omissions by certain officialsresponsiblefor consolidating and submitting information.Therefore, reaching 100% completion of the officially identified schoolsdoes not necessarily mean that every school in the country has been completely liberated from unsafesanitation challenges.”

He added that it is regrettable that whereofficialsfailed to submitaccurate information or neglected their responsibilities, thereappears to havebeen littleornoconsequence management. The failure to report aschool requiring urgent intervention has real consequences for learnersand educatorswho continue to suffer in silence.

Mbinda saidthat accountability must accompany service delivery.Officials who fail to execute theirstatutory responsibilities must be held accountable,because administrative negligence can directlyviolate learners’ constitutional rights.

“NAPTOSA further believes that the provision of infrastructure is only the first step.

The sustainabilityofthese facilities depends on propermaintenance, adequate funding, monitoring and accountability. While schools havearesponsibility to maintain infrastructurewithinthe resources allocated to them, we must also recognise that many schools operate under severe financial constraints. The maintenance budgetprovided to schools

is often expected to cover multiple competing priorities, including repairs, security, cleaning, learning resources and other operational needs.”

According to him, it is therefore unfair to place the entire responsibilityonschools when infrastructure maintenance requires acoordinated approach between the Department, districts, circuits, school management teams and school governing bodies. The department must ensure that schools receive adequate resources, proper maintenance plans and technical support to preserve thesefacilities.

“Our position is that no learner should ever again be subjected to undignified sanitation conditions. The department must now move beyond celebrating completion figures and focus on ensuring that all schools, including thosethat may have been excluded from previous audits, have safe, functional and properly maintained sanitation facilities. The real measure of success is not only how many toilets have been built, but whether every learner in every school can access sanitation facilities that uphold theirdignity, safetyand constitutional rights.”

Spokesperson for the Department of Education, Mali Mtima, said not all schools wereincluded on the list,asthe audit was conducted in 2017/18. Over the years, other schools have acquired ablution facilities. However, some of the audited infrastructure needs to be repaired, while other facilities need to be rebuilt from scratch because they do not meet the required norms and standards.

“There is asecond programme that we are currently implementing, called the Replacement Infrastructure Programme (RIP), which is intended to ensure that thesefacilities are demolished and replaced with new ones. Although the maintenance budget may not be sufficient,schools can use the norms-and-standards budget. The Department will reimburse them once all the required documentation has been submitted and the necessary consultations have taken place. Anyone wishing to undertake such workmust first consult the Department through the Education Development Officer (EDO)and the District Director (DD). They must be informed before the workbegins so that they can be part of the decision-making process going forward,”said Mtima.

He said they had developed several other intervention programmes, including measures to ensure that infrastructure was prioritised during inspections. This would help ensure that facilities were maintained and that, where intervention was needed, they could quickly engage with all the relevant stakeholders. Mtima said they did thisbecause theirintention was to ensure that all learners received their education in aconducive environment suitable for learning.

14initiatedeathsrecordedinEC

ZOLILE MENZELWA

THEEasternCapeinitiate death toll for the 2026 winter traditional customary initiation season has reached 14 in just amonth and a half since the launch of the season in Komani on June 8, when vigilance on key factorsthat could lead to initiation-relateddeathsand amputations was highlighted.

Eastern Cape DepartmentofCooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) provincial spokesperson, Pheelo Olifant, confirmed the deaths attributing them to dehydration, septicaemia, beatings, neglect of initiates and illegal initiation schools not compliant with the traditional circumcisionprescripts.

“The initiate death toll in the EasternCape since the opening of the initiation season on June 8has risen to 14. OR Tambo DistrictMunicipality accounts forseven deaths,Buffalo City Metro two, Amathole District Municipality two, one in Chris Hani District Municipality and two in AlfredNzo District Municipality. Themaincauses of the deaths areattributed to dehydration, septicaemia, beatings,neglect of initiates and illegalinitiation schools not compliant with the traditional circumcision prescripts,” he said Cogta MEC, Zolile Williams, was troubled by

the deaths of the initiates duringeach initiation season. Williams appealed to the culprits to stop the illegalities adding that the deaths could have been prevented.

“(The deaths) persist because of human behaviour.Atotal of 22 arrestshave been made so far and the cases areongoing in various magistrates’ courts,” Williams said.

Duringthe 2025 summer customaryinitiation season the EasternCape had 23 of the national 48 initiation deaths. Thedeaths were reportedtobemostly from dehydration,septicaemia, suicideand drowning.Inthe province, theORTambo districthas been topping the initiate deaths according to reports

Duringthe Komani initiation season launch, Cogta flagged illegal initiation schools as a problem, as they often operated without medical support, proper facilities or oversight among others. Lack of medical intervention was alsoachallenge as many deaths weredue to untreated infections,dehydration and excessivebleeding.

Inadequate monitoring and regulation caused weak enforcement of the Customary Initiation Act in some areas. Inexperienced or unqualified practitioners were saidtosometimes performprocedures incorrectly.

Healthworkersrobbedonduty

BABALWA NDLANYA

THE Eastern Cape Department of Health strongly condemns the armed robbery and hijackingtargeting health workers whowere on theirway to conduct outreach health programmesatMzoboshe locality in Qumbu, outside Mthatha, last week

MECspokespersonfor the Department of Health,Camagwini Mavovana, saidfourhealth workerswerepart of teams assigned to conduct outreach health programmes forMandela Month. They were on their way to Mzoboshe Village in Qumbu to providerehabilitation servicestothe community ofMhlontlo Local Municipality when theirvehicle was hijacked, andall their belongingswere stolen

“Due to this incident, the community has been deprived of much-neededhealthservices, includingassessments for assistivedevices and wheelchairs,” she said. MECfor theDepartment of Health in the Eastern Cape, Ntandokazi Capa, condemned the attack anddescribed the perpetrators as ruthlessindividualswho showed total disregardfor thewelfareoftheir owncommunities

“These teams were taking health services to people’s doorsteps —agesturethathonours the sacrifices of former President Nelson Mandela and embodies the spirit of Mandela Month. To attack those who serve is an attack on the community itself,” saidCapa.

She called on law enforcementagencies to leave no stone unturned in investigating the hijackingand ensuring that the perpetrators arebrought to justice.

“Wemusteducate communitiesand thecriminalsthemselvesabout theessentialservices health workers provide indiscriminatelytoall ourpeople, includingthose whocommitcrime. The Department calls on communitiestocome together in defence of health workers.Robbing ahealth worker in broad daylight is aheinous actthat must be condemned by everyone.

“Health is abasic right enshrined in the Constitution and no one has the liberty to tamper with the deliveryofsuch an essential public

service.”

She confirmed thatthe affected health workers would receivepsychological support and may be granted leave to recover at home

Spokespersonfor Mhlontlo LocalMunicipality, Mamela Mangcotywa, said they extend their heartfelt sympathies to their colleagues who were victims of thisincident while carrying outtheirduties in Mhlontlo.

“We are deeply saddened that while dedicated to serving our communities and reaching those most in need, youwere subjected to such atraumatic experience. No public servant should face such danger in the course of their work. We recognise the emotional andphysical impact this incident may havehad on you, and we standinsolidarity with youduring this difficulttime.Your commitment to improving the livesof our residents, particularly those in hard-to-reach and vulnerable communities, is sincerely appreciated and does not go unnoticed,”saidMangcotywa.

She added thatthey wish them strength, healing anda full recovery from thisordeal.

“Please know thatyour safety and well-being remain apriority, and we hope thattogether wecan create safer conditions that will allow these vital outreach services to resumeinthe future.Our thoughts are with you, andwe thank you for your courage, dedication and selfless service.”

Police spokesperson, Captain Welile Matyolo, confirmed that Thina Falls Police, under Qumbu, had opened acase of carjacking and pointingofafirearm after an Isuzu double-cab bakkietransporting Department of Health employeeswas hijacked at Newstead Residential Area, near Qumbu town, but falling under the ThinaFalls policing precinct.

“Personal belongings of the victims were taken atgunpoint by two male suspects who ultimatelydrove offwith the Isuzu bakkie, leavingbehind the stranded employees who wenttoThina Falls Police Stationtoopena case of carjacking and pointing with afirearm. No one hasbeen arrested yet, and policeare still investigating to apprehend the culprits,” saidMatyolo.

Hospital‘shack’renovationsparksconcern

BABALWA NDLANYA

ONEcommunity memberfromTlokoeng (formerly Mount Fletcher) raised concerns about astructure beingrenovated at Taylor Bequest HospitalinTlokoeng, which willbeused as adental section

He said the amount to be spentisallegedly close to R400,000. According to him, this money should be used to build anew structure that would accommodate adentist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist and social worker.

“The dentistwas operatinginthisstructure; behind it there aresome prefabs used by the physiotherapist andoccupational therapist, but they arenot currently in use.

rary structure, buta conventional brickand-mortar building thathousesdental services

Shesaidthe building sustained damage during recent storm events,prompting the hospital to requestinfrastructure intervention in terms of the applicable disaster managementprocesses andgovernancerequirements.

“The dentistwas operating in this shack, but management realised thatthe structure was not in agoodenoughcondition forsomeone to work in.The dentist was relocated to Matatiele, meaning peoplefromTlokoeng have to travelthere when they need help. They have to use their own money forthis and, sincetransport is an issue, they have to book in advance,”hesaid.

He addedthat the dentistisfromTlokoeng but cannot work there because there is no suitablespace. Accordingtohim, this shackisnot aproperbuildingthat meets building standards.

“My questionis: why does the departmentnot use thismoney to builda proper structure that would accommodate other sections? Even if the funds runout before the structure is finished, they could seek additionalfunding to complete it.”

MEC spokesperson for the Department of Health, Camagwini Mavovana,saidthe Eastern Cape Department of Health wishes to clarifythat the structureinquestion at thishospitalisnot ashackortempo-

“Following this request, the Department appointeda professionalteamcomprising an architect, engineersand aquantity surveyortoassessthe extent of the damage, definethe required scope of work and prepare the Bill of Quantities forprocurement purposes. TheProvincialOffice is aware of andsupportsthe intervention,” said Mavovana Sheadded thatitisimportanttonote thatthisproject falls within the Disaster ManagementProgramme. As such,the allocated funding is specifically intended forthe rehabilitation andrestoration of infrastructure damaged during the storm eventand cannot be utilisedfor the construction of anew facility.

“The currentintervention is therefore aimedatrestoring the existing building to afunctional state, in line with the approvedscope of work. Therestoration formspartofaclustereddisastermanagement projectinthe JoeGqabiDistrict,which includedthe dental facility at TaylorBequest Hospital andthreeother health facilities affected by the same storm event. Whilethe overall cluster hasanimplementation period of nine months, work hasalready commenced at TaylorBequestHospitaland is expected to be completed during August2026,” said Mavovana

Mavovana confirmed thatthe contract value forthe restoration works at this hospital is R340,082.60.

· The Validity period of Bids is 90 days from the closing date.

· Bidders to submit aTax Compliancestatus document withPin issued by SouthAfrican Revenue Services (SARS)orCSD number to verify tax status

· Failure to complete, date and sign MBD4,MBD 8, and MBD9 willrender thebidder non-responsive

· Failure of directors /trustees /shareholders /members to declare companiesinvolved in under MBD 4, Item 2.11,will resultindisqualification

· Electronic tender documentswillalso be available on the municipalwebsite www.mbhashemun.gov.za

· Bidders must be registered on CSDifthe bidder is not registered the bid will be deemed non-responsive.

· Failuretosubmit JV agreements (where applicable)orConsortiumAgreements will lead to a disqualification.

· LatestbillingclearancecertificateORstatementofmunicipalaccountnotolderthanthreemonthsORalease agreementofthebiddingcompanymustbeattached.,Cllrsletterwillnotserveasabillingclearance certificate.PleasenoteforanyaddressprovidedasthepreferredonCSDandCKtheremustbealease agreementorbillingratesclearancewhichwillserveasaproofthatthecompanydoesnotowerates fortheaddressesprovidedintheCSDandCK.Biddersareadvisedtoensurethattheyalignthe addressesonCSDandCKtotheleaseagreementandbillingclearanceattached

· AllcertifieddocumentsmustnotbeolderthanSix(06)months.

· Late,telegraphic,facsimile,emailed,electroniccopy,incompleteorunsignedbidswillnotbeconsidered.

· Non-disclosurebytheserviceproviderswhoareintheserviceofstateandserviceproviderslistedontender defaulterswillleadtodisqualification.

· CompletedBidsandsupportingdocumentation,placedinasealedenvelopeclearlywrittenontheoutsideof theenvelopewithbiddetailsofprojectmustbedroppedinthemarked tenderbidboxplacedatthereception oftheMbhasheLocalMunicipalityofficesat454StreatfieldRoadinDutywaDuring07h30to16h30from Monday to Friday,nolater than Tuesday,25August 2026 before 11H00 am on thedateasmentioned above. AllthereceivedbidswillbeopenedinPublicatthesametimeanddate.

· MbhasheLocalMunicipalitydoesnotbinditselftoacceptthelowestoranybidandreservestherightnotto acceptthewholeoranypartofthebid.

· ThemunicipalitywillnotbeliableforanymisplacedorlatetenderdocumentdeliveredbyCourier Company

· BidderswillbeevaluatedinaccordancewiththeMunicipality'sSupplyChainManagementPolicyandin termsofPreferentialProcurementPolicyFrameworkActnewregulationsof2022andwillbebasedon80/20 pointssystem.

Issued by M. NAKO

BID RE-ADVERTISEMENT

BID NO: MBH/P&D/0013/2025-26(RE-ADVERT)

Mbhashe Local Municipality hereby invitesservice providers to bidfor the PANELOFMBHASHE LOCALCATERERSFORAPERIOD OF TWO(2)YEARS

THEADVERTISISSUEDINCOMPLIANCEPREFERENTIALPROCUREMENTREGULATION2022(PPR)

Stage1:AssessmentofAdministrativeCompliance

· Only bidderswho are responsive in terms of administrative compliance will be evaluated further to stage2.

Stage2:Thisstagewillfocusonevaluationofspecificationandbiddersabilitytoexecutetheprojects:

· Biddermustrespondinaccordancewithalltheminimumrequirementsandconditionsofthetender asdetailedinthetermsofreference,failuretocomplywillresultindisqualification

Stage3:Evaluationwillbedonebasedonthe80/20preferentialpointsystem.

· Where80pointswillbeallocatedforpriceand20forspecificgoals.Biddersmustsubmittherequired documentationtoclaimpreferenceplan.

· The80/20preferentialsystemwillbeapplied,wherepoints80pointswillbeallocatedforpriceand20 forspecificgoals.

SPECIFICGOALS

BIDDERSSHALLTAKENOTEOFTHEFOLLOWINGCONDITIONSOFTHETENDER:

· The Validityperiod of Bids is 90 days from theclosing date

· Bidderstosubmit aTax Compliance statusdocument with PinissuedbySouthAfricanRevenueServices (SARS) or CSDnumber to verify taxstatus.

· Failuretocomplete, dateand sign MBD 4, MBD 8, andMBD 9 will render thebiddernon-responsive

· Failure of directors /trustees/shareholders/ members to declare companiesinvolvedinunder MBD 4, Item 2.11 ,willresult in disqualification

· Electronictender documents will also be availableonthe municipalwebsite www.mbhashemun.gov.za

· Biddersmust be registered on CSDifthe bidder is notregistered thebid will be deemed non-responsive.

· Failuretosubmit JV agreements(where applicable) or ConsortiumAgreementswillleadtoa disqualification.

· LatestbillingclearancecertificateORstatementofmunicipalaccountnotolderthanthreemonthsORalease agreementofthebiddingcompanymustbeattached ,Cllrsletterwillnotserveasabillingclearance certificate.PleasenoteforanyaddressprovidedasthepreferredonCSDandCKtheremustbealease agreementorbillingratesclearancewhichwillserveasaproofthatthecompanydoesnotowerates fortheaddressesprovidedintheCSDandCK.Biddersareadvisedtoensurethattheyalignthe addressesonCSDandCKtotheleaseagreementandbillingclearanceattached

· AllcertifieddocumentsmustnotbeolderthanSix(06)months.

· Late,telegraphic,facsimile,emailed,electroniccopy,incompleteorunsignedbidswillnotbeconsidered.

· Non-disclosurebytheserviceproviderswhoareintheserviceofstateandserviceproviderslistedontender defaulterswillleadtodisqualification.

· CompletedBidsandsupportingdocumentation,placedinasealedenvelopeclearlywrittenontheoutsideof theenvelopewithbiddetailsofprojectmustbedroppedinthemarked tenderbidboxplacedatthereception oftheMbhasheLocalMunicipalityofficesat454StreatfieldRoadinDutywaDuring07h30to16h30from MondaytoFriday,nolaterthanTuesday,25August2026before11H00amonthedateasmentioned above.AllthereceivedbidswillbeopenedinPublicatthesametimeanddate

· MbhasheLocalMunicipalitydoesnotbinditselftoacceptthelowestoranybidandreservestherightnotto acceptthewholeoranypartofthebid

· ThemunicipalitywillnotbeliableforanymisplacedorlatetenderdocumentdeliveredbyCourier Company

· BidderswillbeevaluatedinaccordancewiththeMunicipality'sSupplyChainManagementPolicyandin termsofPreferentialProcurementPolicyFrameworkActnewregulationsof2022andwillbebasedon80/20 pointssystem.

Issued by M. NAKO

Dutywavillagestobenefitfromnewwatersupplyscheme

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

SEVERAL villages in Dutywa which have been experiencing severe andlong standing water supply challengesare set to benefit fromthe R81 million new DutywaWater SupplySchemeproject unveiled at the handover ceremony held in Drayini village, Mbhashe MunicipalityonFriday, 17 July

Themultimillion-rand Dutywa water schemeisexpected to addresslongstanding watersupplychallengesinthe area

Rapidpopulation growth and recurring low dam levels, particularly during the winter season,had placed significant pressure on existing water supply infrastructure, triggering water shortagesand supply interruptions affecting thousandsofresidents.

The bulk water supply projectwas funded

throughthe Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) and implementedbySimunyeconstructioncompany.

Construction of thewater scheme started in July2023 and wasfully completed in November 2025, supplying clean watertothe town of Dutywaand four villagesinMbhashe, includingDrayini, Newtown,Lencani and Ndakeni.

The scheme’s operation was disrupted and delayed when an electrical cableconnecting the water pump to theEskomgrid wasstolen, resulting in wateroutages acrossall four beneficiary villages

Following actsofvandalism and theft, Amathole District Municipality (ADM) deployed security personnel to safeguard thescheme’s pump waterinfrastructure, whichresultedin the restoration and full operation of the project.

Speaking at ahandoverceremony,ADM

executive mayor,AneleNtsangani, urged communities to protect thepublic waterinfrastructure, adding that theftofelectrical cables and vandalism of pump stations do not only damage municipal assets, butalsodeprive communitiesofaccesstowater.

“The municipality will continue to work with community structures, lawenforcement and Eskom to safeguard operational water schemes acrossthe AmatholeDistrict,” said Ntsangani.

Speaking on behalfoftraditional leadership, Nkosi Noluvuyo Sigcawu told residents to protect the waterscheme from theft and vandalism.

“Formany years, ourcommunities experienced challengesinaccessing water, and this project will makea meaningfuldifference in our daily lives. We urge residentstoprotect this water infrastructure, refrain from van-

dalism and work closelywith lawenforcement agencies to report criminal activities,” said Sigcawu.

The scheme includes therefurbishment of three pump stations at Golf Course, Ngxakaxha and Mputhi, as well as upgrades to mechanical and electrical infrastructure, including theinstallationofsubmersiblepumps, control panelsand backup generators.

The last phase of theproject included the equipping of four boreholes, theconstruction of anew pump house, theinstallationofelevated steel reservoirs, approximately 11 kilometres of bulkwater conveyance pipelines and 56 standpipes. The infrastructure will servethe communities of Drayini, Newtown, Lencani and Ndakeni. Atotal of 2,203 households,representing an estimated 10,741 residents, are expected to benefit from thecompletedscheme.

HouseofTraditionalandKhoiSanLeadersprovincialchairpersonNkosiGwadisodies

ZOLILE MENZELWA

THE Eastern Cape has lost arespected leader,aunifier and acustodian of its rich cultural heritage who dedicated his life to preserving the dignity of traditional leaders while simultaneously embracing itsindispensable role in buildinga democratic, united andprosperous South Africafollowing the passing of the HouseofTraditional and KhoiSan Leaders provincial Chairperson, Nkosi Mpumalanga Gwadiso on July 16 EasternCapePremier, Oscar Mabuyane, expressed profound sadness at the passing of Gwadiso. Mabuyane describedGwadiso as adistinguished traditional leaderwhose unwavering commitment to preservingthe customs, traditions and cultural heritageof the Eastern Cape earned him the admiration andrespect

“The Eastern Cape has lost arespected leader,a unifier and acustodian of ourrich cultural heritage.Nkosi Gwadiso dedicated his lifetoserving his people with dignity, humility and integrity. His passingleaves avoid that will be deeply felt bythe institution of traditional leadershipand by all

those who had the privilege of working alongside him,” Mabuyane said.

As Chairperson of the EasternCape House of Traditional and Khoisan leaders, Mabuyane said,Gwadisoplayed apivotal role in strengthening the relationship betweengovernmentand traditional leadership, while championing the advancement of rural communities and the preservation of indigenous customs and values.

Gwadisofirmly believed in theimportant role traditional leadershipcontinued to play in promoting social cohesion,community development and nation-building.

“He understood the significance of traditionalinstitutions in fosteringunity, resolvingcommunitychallenges and preserving the identityofour people. His leadership was characterised by wisdom, compassion and an unwaveringcommitment to serving hiscommunities,” Mabuyane said.

Onbehalfofthe EasternCape Provincial Government and the people of the province, Mabuyane conveyed his heartfelt condolencestothe Gwadisofamily,the AmaKhonjwayo Traditional Community, the EasternCape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders,the broaderinstitution of

traditional leadership and everyone whose livesweretouched by Gwadiso’s leadership.

“As we mourn this great loss, we also celebrate alife dedicated to selfless service, unity and the preservation of our cultural heritage. May hislegacy continue to inspire present and futuregenerations of traditional leaders to lead with courage, compassion and wisdom,” he said.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Zolile Williams, said the passingofGwadisowas aloss of adistinguished traditional leader, ahumble servant of his communities and acustodian of the rich cultural heritage.

“Nkosi Gwadiso dedicated his life to preservingthe dignityoftraditional leaders while simultaneously embracing theirindispensable role in building ademocratic, united and prosperousSouth Africa. His calmdemeanour,disposition and wisdom earned him therespect of Kings, Queens… and the peopleofthe province.”

Williams describedGwadiso as atrusted trustee whose counsel enriched the collective attempts to strengthen governance and improve the livesofthe people who live in villages.

Agriculturedepartmentrefurbishesageolddippingtank

ZOLILE MENZELWA

THE Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture has invested close to R500,000 in renovations of the Mangathi Dip Tank in Mbhashe Local Municipality as part of itseffortstoenhance livestockmanagement, improveagricultural productivity andcontribute to the livelihoods of localfarming communities

The dip tank, handed over byAgriculture MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe, on July 9, will benefit 10 other villages. Mbhashe Local Municipality executive mayor,DrSamkelo Janda,said farmers in the municipalarea welcomedthe initiative

“The initiative speaks directly to our planning as the municipality. When wereviewed ourlocal economic development strategy in 2023, the results came out showingthatour economywas below the baseline. We then looked at howwecould grow our economy by the required2.5 percentage points. To achieve that, we needed to work together in livestock and crop farming. Some of the most important things to do when focussing on agriculture is

to invest in infrastructure,” he said.

Janda said to getvalue fromlivestock, the wellbeing of the animals had to be looked at Thedippingtank, he said, was an essential part of themuch-needed infrastructure. He said if thesheep were not taken good care of, the wool they producewould be sub-standard.

“Weare grateful because the contribution you have made impacts positively on ourmission. We need to produce quality animals to prosper in the farming industry. We need farmers to organisethemselves to be able to grow themselves as businesspeople,”hesaid.

Thehandover formspartofongoing efforts tostrengthen livestock health, improve animal disease control, and support agricultural development in the area. Local chief,Nkosi Nosizwe Gosani, said the handover was a reminderofthe work government wasdoing for people in ruralareas. She said the dipping tankhad served the local communities for generations and had been used by their forefathers

Among those present were councilspeaker, Babalwa Majavu, MunicipalPublic Accounts

Committee chairperson, Nosipho Ganda, and Amathole District Municipality’s Celiwe Genyane, who represented executive mayor,Anele Ntsangani.

Delivering her keynote address, Kontsiwe said the tank reflected her department’s commitment to improving livestock health, supporting communal and emerging farmers, and promoting sustainable agricultural development. She said the facility would benefit more than 10 surrounding villages by improving access to essential livestock health services “I would like to thank the farmersfor being patient with us. Reviving of the dipping tank that was used by your grandfatherswill bring

you blessings. It is important that livestock is always in good health. We believe, as thedepartment,thatlivestock translates to dignity for black people.Our aimistodevelop the livestock of the people. EasternCape is known internationally for thebestbeef in theworld. But we arenot lookingonlyatlivestock,” she said Kontsiwe,turning her focusondrugabuse, she saidparents of drug addicts needed to supporteach other.She saideven those parents whose children were not using drugs needed to supportrather than judge. The country would be taken, shesaid, while people watched on as drugs were destroying the future of the country.

Sport

SAFAWOMEN’SPROVINCIALLEAGUE:

Teamsreadytostartnewseason

ANELE RAZIYA

ALL teams featuring in the SAFA Women’sProvincial League in the Eastern Cape are gearing up to kick-start their brand-new2026seasonthisweekend.

About19teams from various areas in the province are ready to competeagainst each other in the new season of the SAFA Women’s ProvincialLeague

This season, the women’s league is expected to be more interesting andentertaining, as teams aregrouped into three smallgroups to cut travelling costsand other expenses.

This means there are no longer Inland and Coastalstreamleagues; instead, thereare theSAFAWomen’s Provincial

League StreamA,Stream B, andStream C.

Each stream, such as StreamA,ismade up of seven teams, while Streams Band Cconsist of six teams each.

Judging by this new format, the league is expected to be morecompetitive, as everyonewill be fighting to toptheir group.

Only the three teams that finish the seasonatthe top of the log standingswill qualify toplay in the provincialdecider, andthe winner will progress to thenationalpromotionplayoffs.

As thewomen’s league starts this weekend,all the teams —Executive Ladies from Ntabankulu, Sophakama Ladies, Madibaz Football, andBay Stars Ladies, allfrom Gqeberha, andother clubs —are readyfor action

Stream Afixtures (hostsfirst):

• ExecutiveLadies FC vs AyakhaStars WSUMthathaCampus LadiesvsEastern RangersFC

• SapphireLadies vs CoastalUnited LadiesFC

Stream Bfixtures (hostsfirst):

• Eastern Cape PeaceLovers FC vs NavGalaxyLadies

• Shining StarsFCvsWSBuffaloCityCampus FC

• Phoenix Birds LadiesvsWSU Butterworth Campus Ladies

Stream Cfixtures (hostsfirst): BayStars FC vs SophakamaLadies

• Park United vs Golden StarsLadiesFootballDevelopment

• Madibaz Football vs Caledonian AFC

Allopening fixtures will be played this Saturday, 25 July.

LocalplayerstrainwithKaizerChiefsreserveteam

HOSEYAJUBASE

MXOLISI Hoboyi, founder of the Mxolisi Hoboyi Foundation, said he was very proud of how his three players performed during apre-assessment training session with the Kaizer Chiefs Development team in Gauteng last week

The three players, Sivile Nomlala, Asanele Thungatha, and Khanya Thungatha, from Tsoloand Qumbu, spent five days training with the Kaizer Chiefs reserve team after being scouted earlier this year during the Hoboyi Foundation Tournament in Tsolo.

“The players are very good. Iwas at Naturena with them, and they did very well. I wish them all the best,” said Hoboyi. “This is agreat opportunityfor them, an opportunity thatnot everyone gets.Even for me, this was my first time visiting Naturena, and it’s all thanks to them,”said Hoboyi. Hoboyi said he was hopeful that the young players wouldbeofficially signed by the Chiefs development structures next year. The players are now expected to return to the Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena during the September school holidays for another week of training sessions.

“We are still waiting for official feedback from the coaches who assessed the players. But Iamhappy to see young players being scoutedfrommyannual tournament,” Hoboyi said.

The three boys were scouted by Kaizer Chiefs scout, Terra Maliwa, earlier this year during the Mxolisi Hoboyi FoundationTournament held in Tsolo, Eastern Cape.

MECconductssite visittoNomcamba SportsField

HOSEYA

JUBASE

THEEastern Cape MECfor Sport, Recreation,Arts andCulture, Sibulele Ngongo, conducteda site visittothe Nomcamba Sports Field recently to assess progressonthe facility currently underconstruction.

MECNgongo was accompaniedbyofficials from NyandeniLocal Municipality andthe O.R.TamboDistrictMunicipality

Thevisit formspartofthe department’songoing commitment to ensuringthatsports infrastructure projects aredelivered effectively andontime.

Speaking during the visit, MECNgongo expressed satisfaction with the progress

“Weare here to seethe progressofthe construction,aswehavepumpedmoney into this project. When youput money in,you need to do afollow-up,and thatiswhatweare doingtoday,”said Ngongo.

TheMEC warnedthatifthe construction company failstocomplete the work, legal action will be taken.

“Our responsibility is to respondto players’ complaints;theyhavebeen playingwithoutpropersports grounds, andbybuildingthisfacility we are answering those complaints,” Ngongo said

Sheadded thatshe was approached afew days after taking officebyBulelani“Khiwa”Mancotywa,who requested hertocomeand seethe work being done at Nomcamba.

“Players were in dangerofgetting injuredwhile playing on these grounds We went back to seewhatwecould do, andin2024 we managed to secure R9.9 million to developthisground,” she added.

MECNgongo emphasisedthatthe department would open acaseagainst the contractor if the work paid forwas not completed.

In related news,Khiwa Mediawill host its 7th annual Khiwa MediaTournament on 8and 9August2026, and, accordingtofounder,BulelaniMancotywa, alternative sports grounds around Nomcamba will be used this year as the main ground is still underconstruction Khiwa Media, in partnershipwith Home Depot Hardware, haslauncheda charitydrive in Nomcamba, wherethey donatedbuildingmaterials, blankets andother items to people in need

SuperRiseStreamteamsreturntothedrawingboardduringbreak

ANELE RAZIYA

EASTERN Cape teams whoplayinthe Hollywoodbets SuperLeague in the SuperRise Stream areexpected to use the current FIFA breaktofind solutions to theirunconvincing performances,as they have been struggling to collect maximumpoints in recent games.

Since the start of the season,the UniversityofFort Hare FC arethe only EasternCape side that hasmanaged to registera victory in the Hollywoodbets Super League. Their neighbours, City Lads FC from Gqeberha,are still searchingfor their

first win of the season after playingfive gamesinthe division Currently, CityLads FC are rootedat the bottom of the logstandings in position number eight, withzeropoints in the Super Risestream.

Thisfollowsafterthe Gqeberha team failedtopick up even asingle pointin theirfive opening matches of theseason, having lost allofthem.

Withthiscurrent poor runofform, City Lads FC are expected to turn things around when the league restarts on 29 August, as they play at home against another bottom-placed side,Ezemvelo Women's FC, whosit above them with

three points. Among thethings that are expected to be fixedorcorrected by the Gqeberha team duringthis FIFA break are their players' ability to score goals and defend.

Since the startofthe season, City Lads FC areyet to scoreevenasinglegoal but haveconceded 13.

Meanwhile, their neighbours, the UniversityofFort Hare FC from Alice, are workinghard to try to get intothe top three.

Currently, the University of FortHare FC are sitting in position number five withsix points from five matches in the logstandings, and shouldthe Alice team

winanother game, they will move into the top four.

Log leaders, JVWFC, are leading the Super Rise stream with 13 points, followed by the University of JHB FC and TUT FC, both on 10 points. In the five games played by the University of Fort Hare FC since the startof the season, the Alice team have won one, drawn three, and suffered one defeat. So, judging by thisperformance, it showsthe Alice team are trying theirbest to wingames, but the league is tough. The Alice team will return to league action on 30 August, when they will face TUT FC away.