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Happy t19a� birthday, Yucu!

Nowanele Mvuza, known as Yucu, is celebrating her 119th birthday today. According to her official South African identity document, Mvuza was born on 24 September 1907. Amathole District Municipality Executive Mayor, Anele Ntsangani, joined Mnquma Local Municipality Mayor, Tunyiswa Manxila-Nkamisa, in honouring Mvuza recently. The municipality has initiated engagement with Guinness World Records to have her age formally assessed and, subject to verification, appropriately recognised. Read the full story on page 4. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

HAPPY HERITAGE DAY MUNICIPAL NEWS OR Tambo Municipality reduces irregular expenditure to R322 million

NEWS Risk reduction measures implemented in disaster-prone areas

MthathaExpress

NEWS

24 September 2026

SODA: OR TAMBO DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Irregular expenditure reduced from R1.7 billion to R322 million ZOLILE MENZELWA THE OR Tambo District Municipality’s 2026 State of the District Address (SODA) was not a record of problems solved but an account of the road taken to stabilise the district and what remained to be done. Executive Mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana delivered the SODA at the Cicira Conference Centre in Mthatha on Thursday, 17 September. The address took stock of the work done since 2021, when the current term of office began, and outlined the 2026/27 financial year’s programme of action, ahead of the handover to the incoming council in November. Ngqondwana said the start of the term had been marked by financial distress, with municipal funds subjected to conditions under Section 216 of the Constitution. Creditors were owed more than R400 million, he said, with service delivery projects stalled due to non-payment. “Irregular expenditure declined from approximately R1.678 billion in 2021/22 to R322 million by the end of 2025/26, while the municipality has maintained an unqualified audit opinion for three consecutive financial years. The municipal budget has grown from approximately R2.6 billion in 2021/22 to more than R3.3 billion in 2026/27 while the collection rate improved from 54% to 66% over the term,” he said. Provincial Treasury had, by July 2026, made a submission for the municipality to progress to the Sustainability Phase of its Financial Recovery Plan. Of the 150 activities in the implementation plan, 71% had been completed, 25% were in progress and 4% had not yet started. Ngqondwana said that during the term, more than 4 372 households had received water through completed and functional water supply schemes. The refurbishment of major schemes, including the Flagstaff Regional Water Supply Scheme and Port St Johns Regional Water Supply Phase 6, had benefited more than 23 000 households, he said, with around 21 708 households provided with rural sanitation through Ventilated Improved Pit facilities. Reliable services depended on functional schemes, preventative maintenance and the ability to respond quickly when systems failed. “For this reason, the operations and maintenance alloca-

tion increased from approximately R44.9 million in 2023/24 to R96.9 million in 2026/27, excluding electricity costs. Additional allocations have been made for fuel and internal water carting capacity. The municipality has also introduced regular operational monitoring of water schemes and dedicated interventions to address sewer spillages,” he said. Ngqondwana said the June 2025 floods, which affected thousands of families and claimed 78 lives across the district, had forced the municipality to strengthen institutional capacity to respond to increasingly severe climate-related emergencies. Ngqondwana acknowledged continuing infrastructure and operational pressures, including wastewater projects in Port St Johns and Mqanduli, where land-related challenges and disputes had affected implementation. Infrastructure vandalism, water reliability, maintenance requirements and remaining service delivery backlogs also required continued intervention. The challenges formed part of the record against which future performance had to be measured. He said the 2026/27 programme shifted focus to accelerating remaining work. Priorities identified by the municipality for the financial year were: • Strengthening governance and compliance; • Improving financial management and municipal viability; • Accelerating sustainable water and sanitation services; • Strengthening operations and maintenance of water schemes; • Improving grant expenditure; • Supporting local economic development and job creation; and • Strengthening fire, municipal health and disaster management services. The municipality has set a target to improve its revenue collection rate to above 72.8% and intends to build on three consecutive unqualified audit outcomes through continued improvements in governance and financial management. “We are not presenting a record that says every challenge has been resolved. We are placing before our communities an account of where this municipality started, what has changed, what remains unfinished and what must now be accelerated,” he said. Council speaker, Nonkoliso Ngqongwa, said councillors would debate the address in 14 days.

OR Tambo District Municipality executive mayor, Mesuli Ngqondwana delivered the district authority’s 2026 State of the District Address on 17 September in Mthatha. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

24 September 2026

NEWS

MthathaExpress 3

Risk reduction measures implemented in disaster-prone areas MANDLENKOSI MXENGI THE Amathole District Municipality (ADM) has identified several disaster-prone areas in its jurisdiction and started implementing disaster risk reduction measures. The areas are in rural parts of Great Kei, Mnquma, Ngqushwa, Raymond Mhlaba and Mbhashe municipalities. Amathole is a rural district that has been hit hard in recent years by heavy rains causing flooding, droughts, runaway veldfires and severe storms. In June 2025, heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds destroyed homes, schools and municipal infrastructure, causing fatalities in the greater Butterworth area, Mnquma. Amathole recorded over 10 fatalities from the floods, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare a national state of disaster under the Disaster Management Act. ADM, through its disaster management unit, in partnership with Amahlathi Local Municipality, launched its 2026 disaster risk reduction campaign in KwaZidenge village, Stutterheim, on Tuesday, 1 September. The launch was the first of ADM’s build-up activities towards the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on 13 October, under the global theme “Resilience Starts at Home.” Amathole chose KwaZidenge for the launch because of the village’s vulnerability to flooding from the nearby Kubusi River. ADM spokesperson, Sisa Msiwa, said the municipality would host further build-up activities in Raymond Mhlaba and Ngqushwa before the end of September, with the final

ADM’s disaster management unit conducted its disaster risk reduction campaign at Silatsha Public School in Great Kei where learners were involved in a tree-planting activity. PHOTO: MANDLENKOSI MXENGI campaign in Mbhashe on Tuesday, 6 October. “The campaign focused on educating and empowering residents in all the identified areas to understand local disaster risks, including flooding, respond appropriately to early

warnings and take practical measures to protect their families, homes and property,” said Msiwa. Msiwa said that ADM was conducting training and engagement sessions with di-

saster management officials and volunteers, focusing on the use of South African National Space Agency (SANSA) Flood Simulation Maps to strengthen understanding of flood risks and support disaster preparedness. The municipality recently held campaigns in Sikiti village, Mnquma, and at Silatsha Public School in Great Kei. Sikiti is among several rural areas in Mnquma that were heavily affected by the June 2025 floods, which led to deaths and displaced residents. The floods caused extensive damage to municipal infrastructure in the greater Mnquma area, including the multimillion-rand Butterworth Water Treatment Works, where key water equipment was damaged and the water supply was disrupted. “Sikiti village is among areas in the Amathole district that remain vulnerable to natural disasters, particularly flooding. The area has experienced the devastating effects of severe weather events, highlighting the need for continued disaster preparedness, risk awareness and community-based disaster risk reduction initiatives,” said Msiwa. Msiwa said that through engagements with Sikiti village residents, the Amathole disaster management unit focused on raising awareness of local disaster risks and encouraged residents to take proactive measures to reduce the impact of future disasters. The campaign at Silatsha Public School focused on equipping learners with knowledge of disaster risks and encouraging them to continue planting trees at their homes and school.

Two suspects appear in court, three fatally wounded after murder of police officers TWO suspects briefly appeared before the Libode Magistrate’s Court in connection with the murder of two police officers at Ngolo Location in Libode on 18 September. The deceased are Warrant Officer Thando Magoxo (51) from the Mthatha National Intervention Unit and Constable Ntlahla Tyhali (30) from Mthatha Public Order Policing. “The two were responding to a call for assistance after armed suspects attacked a spaza shop and demanded money from the shop operator. Both their service pistols were stolen during the attack. On September 18, an intelligence-driven operation was conducted by Mthatha Crime Intelligence in conjunction with Mthatha K9 at Ngolo Location, Sibangweni. Two suspects were arrested after being found in possession of an AK-47 rifle and assorted ammunition,” said police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana. Hawks’ spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, confirmed that Sheila Nxulu (29) is facing charges of possession of an unlicensed AK-47 rifle with live rounds of ammunition, and Jongikhaya Dlani (29) is facing charges of possession of live rounds of ammunition. “Both suspects were released on R1 500 bail, and their matter was postponed to 1 December for further investigation,” said Mhlakuvana. Gantana said National Intervention Unit

members followed information later on 18 September that one of the suspects was along the N2 at Sibangweni in Libode towards Tsolo. Gantana said that on arrival, the suspect allegedly opened fire on police. Police returned fire, and the male suspect (35) was fatally wounded. A pistol with three rounds of ammunition was recovered. “Further follow-up operations led to two other male suspects, also linked to the murder of the police officers, being fatally wounded at Ngolo Village. Two handguns were recovered from them. This brings the total number of suspects fatally wounded to three. In total, one AK-47 rifle and three handguns have been recovered in connection with the case. “The Independent Police Investigative Directorate attended the scenes,” said Gantana. Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata said he commended his teams for working to ensure the breakthrough. “Through swift, intelligence-driven operations, two suspects have been arrested, and three others linked to this crime were fatally wounded during confrontations with police. We will not rest until every remaining role player is held accountable and the full might of the law takes its course. We send

our deepest condolences to their families and colleagues; we will support them through this difficult time,” said Ncata. MEC for Transport and Community Safety Xolile Nqatha’s spokesperson, Makaya Komisa, said Nqatha had commended police for their efforts to defend communities.

“He has also issued a stern warning to criminals to refrain from attacking police, as police will defend themselves when attacked. He hopes that the arrest of the two suspects will lead to a successful prosecution so that the bereaved families can find closure and justice,” said Komisa.

MthathaExpress

NEWS

24 September 2026

Amathole honours 118-year-old Centane woman AMATHOLE District Municipality (ADM) Executive Mayor, Anele Ntsangani, joined Mnquma Local Municipality Mayor, Tunyiswa Manxila-Nkamisa, in honouring Nowanele Mvuza, known as Yucu, (118) at Teko Kona Village in Centane last week. According to her official South African identity document, Mvuza was born on 24 September 1907 and turns 119 today. ADM spokesperson, Sisa Msiwa, said the municipality had initiated engagement with Guinness World Records to have her age formally assessed and, subject to veri-

fication, appropriately recognised. The occasion, held as part of ADM’s Heritage Month programme, brought together Mvuza’s family, community members and government representatives. “Surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and members of her community, Mvuza was honoured as a living connection between the past and present. Her life unfolded across more than a century of social, cultural and historical change, including South Africa’s journey towards democracy,” said Msiwa. Ntsangani commended the Mvuza family and the Teko Kona community for the

care and respect they continue to show her. “She has been blessed with many years, but this milestone also speaks to the love and care shown by her family and community. Their support has enabled her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to continue sharing life with her and to witness this extraordinary milestone. Our elders are custodians of our history. We have a collective responsibility to protect, respect and cherish them,” said Ntsangani. Community members described Mvuza as the only surviving elder of her gener-

ation in Teko Kona. They pledged to continue supporting and caring for her while ensuring that older residents are protected from abuse, neglect and crime. ADM and Mnquma Local Municipality have previously supported the community by providing building materials for its sheep and wool farming initiatives. “Through collaborative planning and the District Development Model’s One Plan approach, the two municipalities will continue coordinating resources to strengthen service delivery. As part of the next phase, ADM will work with Mvuza’s family and relevant institutions,” said Msiwa.

EC signs renewable energy agreement with Northern Cape province MANDLENKOSI MXENGI THE Eastern Cape and Northern Cape governments recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen inter-provincial cooperation on renewable energy projects across the two provinces. The agreement was signed at the Phezukomoya Wind Energy Farm in Noupoort, Umsobomvu Local Municipality, in the Pixley Ka Seme district of the Northern Cape. The MoU, signed in collaboration with Envusa Energy, will support a coordinated approach to addressing regulatory and implementation challenges, unlocking investment, creating jobs and strengthening energy security across provincial borders. The agreement covers the Koruson Renewable Energy Cluster, comprising Koruson 1 and Koruson 2, developed by EDF Power Solutions and Envusa Energy, respectively. The

two projects span both provinces. The MoU was signed by Eastern Cape acting Director-General Mahlubandile Qwase and Northern Cape Director-General Justice Bekebeke. Work leading up to the signing began in February this year, bringing the two provincial governments, affected municipalities and the private sector together to unlock the regions’ energy potential. The agreement covers the Pixley Ka Seme District Municipality in the Northern Cape and the Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Representing Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) Nonkqubela Pieters said the transition to clean energy must translate into tangible investment, job creation and economic opportunities for communities.

“The value of the MoU extends beyond the Koruson Renewable Energy Cluster. EDF Power Solutions has existing and prospective projects across both provinces, creating opportunities for coordinated planning, investment and development across provincial borders,” said Pieters. Pieters said through partnerships, the Eastern Cape was unlocking investment and driving economic growth. At the beginning of September, the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Free State held the first Tri-Province Tourism Month media launch at Chargo River Lodge in Colesberg. This year’s Tourism Month theme is “Growing South Africa’s Tourism Sector in the Digital Era.” The collaboration positions the three provinces as a single tourism region, centred on Lake Gariep, South Africa’s largest reservoir. The Tri-Province Tourism Month was launched by Pieters, Northern Cape Tourism

MEC Venus Blennies Magage and Free State counterpart, Ketso Makume. Speaking at the launch, Pieters said that by breaking provincial boundaries, the initiative invited domestic travellers to experience culture, heritage, adventure, stargazing and wildlife across all three destinations. A tourism collaboration MoU was signed by the chief executives of the three provincial tourism entities: Eastern Cape Tourism CEO Nokubonga Mnqeta, Shawn Modise of the Northern Cape and the Free State’s Obakeng Seseane. Modise hailed the initiative as a historic moment for rural tourism growth, urging tour operators and the travel trade to present joint itineraries that encourage inter-provincial travel. Tourism Month is celebrated in September and encourages South Africans to explore their own country.

Villages receive dip tank, nursery inputs ZOLILE MENZELWA IN a move to promote self-sufficiency among residents of Ward 20, Manganyela and Ntlekiseni villages, Mbhashe Local Municipality handed over a refurbished cattle dip tank, nursery inputs and building material on Monday, 13 September. The municipality said the material would help get the seedling project running. Mbhashe Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Dr Samkelo

Janda, speaking at the handover in Ntlekiseni village, said Ward 20 had many opportunities to fight poverty and that the residents were taking advantage of them. Janda encouraged the community to keep building on the good work already taking place across the ward. “Ward 20 has maize, herbs, poultry (both eggs and meat), a grinding machine (for converting maize into mealie meal), fishermen and craftwork. That speaks to tourism and heritage. This is just the tip of the iceberg because there

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are many other opportunities,” he said. He said the formation of cooperatives in the area would help fight poverty, adding that government had a budget to fund cooperatives. Janda urged the community to make a ward-based plan so that when a new councillor speaks to them after the elections about what they would like, they already have the plan in writing. “We need to change our mindset to saying what can I do rather than what can government do for me. We must look around and see what we can use to get where we want to be. A time must come when primary cooperatives need to grow into secondary cooperatives,” said Janda. The municipality invested R128,430 in UBuhle BamaXhosa Nursery in the form of production inputs and building materials. The support will help start the Nursery Seedling Production Project, strengthening local food production while creating opportunities for community participation and sustainable livelihoods. UBuhle BamaXhosa co-founder, Phumla Mbelepetshe, said the material and inputs donated by the local authority would go a long

way to bolster the operations of the start-up nursery. Started in 2024 as a personal project, the nursery has started selling its seedlings to local homes. “I was happy with the donation, and it will make a huge difference. We are too far from East London where we could stock, so the material will really help us. I started alone in 2024 for myself, but I have started selling to local people. So, there are no employees so far. We are still growing and have not started selling to major shops,” she said. With this support, Mbelepetshe said, UBuhle BamaXhosa Nursery is better positioned to grow its production and contribute to the continued agricultural development of Ward 20. The municipality also spent R186,020 on refurbishing a cattle dip tank in Manganyela village in the same ward, which was handed over by Janda. “The cattle dip tank is more than just infrastructure; it is an investment in the livelihoods of local livestock owners and the future of farming in the community. The facility will help farmers manage the health of their cattle, protect their livestock and strengthen their farming activities,” he said.

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Mbhashe Local Municipality handed over nursery inputs and building material to UBuhle Bamaxhosa Nursery in Ward 20, Ntlekiseni to the value of R128 430. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

24 September 2026

NEWS

MthathaExpress 5

MthathaExpress

NEWS

24 September 2026

NEWS

Ngonyama Woolgrowers receive shearing shed ZOLILE MENZELWA AFTER nearly a decade of shearing sheep at home, Masibambisane Woolgrowers Association in Ngonyama Village has received a shearing shed to help increase the quality and quantity of its wool production. Agriculture MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe, and Mbhashe Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Dr Samkelo Janda, handed over the R1.4 million shed to the association on Thursday, 17 September. In cold and wet weather, the association also received 10 Dohne Merino rams from the department to boost the quality of the wool clip. The shed is fully equipped with a plunge dipping tank, ablution facilities, an office, removable animal handling facilities and fencing. Formed in 2017, the association has 48 members comprising 23 women and 25 men. Kontsiwe encouraged farmers to keep producing quality wool, adding that the investment should help them become commercial and independent farmers. “Farmers should produce and be able to export their own wool for even better returns instead of only supplying other people. This structure should encourage you to roll up your sleeves and work for the development of the community and participate in the economic growth of the province,” she said. Kontsiwe urged community members to work with police to fight stock theft, saying residents should not be afraid to report suspicious activities. Janda urged the community to protect the facility and use it for shearing, not other purposes.

“The community should not convert the sheds into churches and crèches; you should use them for what they were intended for,” he said. Janda said villages could develop through ploughing and livestock, as set out in the integrated development plan and the local economic development strategy. “If we want to develop our area, let us concentrate on ploughing and livestock. To achieve this, let us build the necessary infrastructure. We are here to hand over infrastructure that will contribute to the good health of the animals,” said Janda. Association chairman, Mtutuzeli Vayisi, said in the last shearing season the farmers had sheared 3 409 sheep, producing 19 wool bales that were sold for R98 342. Previously, when they needed a shearing shed, the farmers had to travel more than 15km to one in the Xeni location. The department and Mbhashe Local Municipality were supporting the farmers with vaccinations to prevent disease. “We are very happy that the government has provided us with a shed. Over the past nine to 10 years, we were using our houses to shear sheep. We are hopeful that using this shed will increase the quality and quantity of wool. We are also happy that the youth and women are starting to show interest in wool production because as an elderly man, I want to pass the baton to younger people to continue,” Vayisi said. The rams provided by the department in 2022, Vayisi said, had changed the quality of their flock and they were now producing good quality wool.

DJ Teddy drops new album BABALWA NDLANYA SOUTH African DJ, producer and creative, Zipho Sigcau, known as DJ Teddy from Debese locality in Flagstaff, has produced his new album titled King Zanengoma, which consists of 10 songs. He said he started selling

Zipho Sigcau, known as DJ Teddy, released a new album. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

records in 2010 and is influenced by the journey itself — the people he has met, the relationships he has built, the struggles he has experienced and the moments that reminded him why he started making music in the first place. “There are songs that come from celebration, songs that reflect on life, and songs inspired by the people who have been part of my journey. In many ways, the album is a reflection of my experience and the different chapters that have shaped me,” he said. He added that he is working on launching the album and shooting a music video, planned for next year (2027). He said he wants young people to understand that their background does not limit their future. “My album is about believing in yourself, embracing your identity and continuing to work towards your goals even when the journey is difficult. I hope the album inspires young South Africans to be proud of where they come from and to use their creativity to build something meaningful. If someone listens to this album and feels motivated to chase their own dream, then I have achieved something bigger than just making music.” His music is available on all digital stores.

MthathaExpress

Sport

SPORT

24 September 2026

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Centane U/17 teams set for Ngcizela Heritage soccer tournament ANELE RAZIYA U/17 soccer teams around Centane in Mnquma are expected to celebrate Heritage Day by participating in a Ngcizela heritage soccer tournament, which is scheduled for 2-27 September. The event is expected to be hosted at Ngcizela sports ground in Centane starting today (Thursday), and the tournament is open to every team to come and be part of it. With some of the reasons for hosting the event annually, organisers wanted to make a significant contribution to the development of sport in Centane villages and surrounding

areas, and also keep youth away from any wrongdoings. Speaking with one of the event organisers, Iva Qothani, he said the event is open to everyone, and teams who are interested in participating in it are expected to pay a R300 joining fee. “Teams that are interested in participating in our heritage tournament will need to pay the joining fee, and the winners of the event will walk away with great prizes,” said Qothani. He said the first prizes of the event will be a trophy, gold medals and a brand soccer kit, and the runners-up will receive silver medals. Furthermore, Qothani has emphasised that the tournament is meant for U/17 teams strict-

ly and they require players to bring their identity documents or certificates for verification purposes during the event. For more information about the event, interested teams should contact Qothani via his phone number on 065 5675140. On Thursday, teams are urged to arrive early at the Ngcizela sports ground so that the draw of the participating clubs can be conducted before the kick-off of the event. In recent reports from the police, Centane was counted among the areas that are experiencing faction fights, with young boys beating each other with dangerous weapons, even at school, so by hosting this kind of event, organisers want to eliminate that bad behaviour.

ABC MOTSEPE LEAGUE:

SAFA publishes opening ﬁxtures for new season ANELE RAZIYA AFTER weeks of preparation by ABC Motsepe League teams in both streams, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has published the opening fixtures for the 2026/27 season. SAFA has announced that the league campaign will kick off this weekend with 10 matches scheduled across the Eastern Cape. The division is made up of two streams, the Inland Stream and the Coastal Stream, with

all teams in both streams in action on Saturday, 26 September. In the Inland Stream, Spear of the Nation FC will host Bush Bucks FC, University of Fort Hare FC will welcome Bizana Pondo City FC, Sinenkani FC will face Matta Milan FC, Komani United FC will visit AmaXesibe FC, and FC Ravens will take on United FC. In the Coastal Stream, Makana Rhini United FC will open against Gqeberha United FC, Prides FC will host Camdeboo Football Academy development, Amavarara FC will travel

to Seven Stars FC, Old Grey will host Sundays River Valley Academy, and GQ Cavaliers FC will play FC Buffalo City Relatives. All fixtures kick off at 15:00 on Saturday, 26 September. Last season, Old Grey and FC Ravens topped their respective streams and went on to the provincial decider, which was won by FC Ravens. This season, the league is expected to be more competitive, with every team aiming to win its stream to reach the provincial decider.

Wavecrest United hosts Heritage soccer tournament in Centane ANELE RAZIYA WAVECREST United FC from Centane has invited local teams from Mnquma and surrounding areas to participate in an annual Heritage soccer tournament at Nombanjana sports ground this weekend. The tournament will run from 24 to 27 September at Nombanjana village in Centane. Teams wishing to participate must pay a R2,000 entry fee. Wavecrest United FC said the purpose of

the event was to celebrate Heritage Month and encourage young people to keep participating in sport, particularly football, which is popular in the Centane area. The organisers have announced the prizes. The champions will win a trophy and a cow, the second-placed team will receive silver medals and R2,000, and the third-placed team will get bronze medals and R1,500. Matches will be played at two grounds, Naughty Boys ground and Ocean Eleven ground. Teams interested in competing

should contact one of the organisers, Asali, on 063 915 8272. The tournament is open to all clubs. Centane has a rich history of tradition and politics, as well as natural attractions such as Mazepa Beach and Wave Crest Beach. Hosting the event provides an opportunity to showcase Centane's heritage and tourism. Residents have been urged to come out in numbers to support their teams during the four-day tournament. The draw will be conducted on Thursday before kick-off.

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS NTSONYINI-NGQONGWENI REGIONAL WATER SUPPLY SCHEME IN LIBODE AND PORT ST JOHNS, NYANDENI AND PORT ST JOHNS LOCAL MUNICIPALTIES, OR TAMBO DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, EASTERN CAPE The Ntsonyini-Ngqongweni Regional Water Supply Scheme (WSS) is a strategic regional water infrastructure project intended to address the persistent shortage of reliable and safe potable water within communities of the OR Tambo District Municipality (ORTDM), in the Ntsonyini and Ngqongweni area. The project received Environmental Authorisation (EA) in 2014, and construction of the main project components subsequentlycommenced in 2019. Construction was interrupted in 2023 which resulted in the termination of the appointed contractors and the suspension of construction activities before all components of the scheme could be completed. Consequently, the timeframes contained in the original EA were not met and the EA has subsequently lapsed. ORTDM intends to submit an application for exemption to apply for Environmental Authorisation to continue the originally approved work. The project scope includes the following: • A storage dam with a wall height of 35m, dam wall length of 285m and a full supply level of 15.7ha. Centre of Dam Wall (31°27'3.82"S; 29°17'16.18"E), top of ﬂood zone (31°27'36.81"S; 29°17'20.71"E). • A 12.7km pumping main. Start (31°26'43.30"S, 29°17'23.39"E), middle (31°27'28.15"S; 29°18'50.38"E), end (31°29'11.17"S; 29°18'34.27"E). • 15ML WTW Facility (31°26'42.97"S; 29°17'20.99"E). • Abstraction point in the Mzimvubu River (31°26'38.89"S; 29°16'59.30"E). • 22ML Command Reservoir (31°29'11.17"S; 29°18'34.27"E). Notice is given in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) that an Application for exemption in terms of Regulation 3 of the National Exemption Regulations of 2014 will be submitted to the Department of Economic Development, Environmental A�airs and Tourism (OR Tambo Region). Listed activities triggered include • GNR. R. 327 Activities 9, 12, 19, 24 & 27 • GNR. R. 325 Activities 15 & 16 • GNR. R. 324 Activities 2, 4 & 14 Indwe Environmental Consulting has been appointed as the environmental consultancy to undertake the application for exemption process. If you or your organisation would like to register as an Interested & A�ected Party and take the opportunity to comment on the submission, then please ensure that you contact the EAP with your details. All comments must be in writing and sent to the EAP member within 30 days of the appearance this advert. Contact:

Megan Hugo Indwe Environmental Consulting 2 Ayr Place, Bonnie Doon, East London, 5241 t: 043 555 0656 |E: megan@indwecon.co.za www.indwecon.co.za 24 September 2026 NM10074093-TE240926

NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR A PROPOSED QUARRY ASSOCIATED WITH THE UPGRADING OF APPROXIMATELY 20 KM OF DISTRICT ROAD DR08035 FROM THE INTERSECTION WITH THE N2 TO THE INTERSECTION WITH THE R61, CLARKEBURY, EASTERN CAPE

ISAZISO SOVAVANYO LWEMPEMBELELO KWINDALO ESINXULUMENE NESIPHAKAMISO SOKUVULWA KWENDAWO YOKOMBA AMATYE (QUARRY), NJENGENXALENYE YOKUPHUCULWA KWENDLELA YESITHILI I-DR08035 (EMALUNGA NEEKHILOMITHA EZINGAMA-20 UBUDE UKUSUKA KWINDAWO EDIBANA NAYO NE-N2 UKUYA KWINDAWO EDIBANA NAYO NE R61, ECLARKEBURY, EMPUMA KOLONI.

Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 41(2) of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, 2014 (as amended), promulgated under the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA), that an application for Environmental Authorisation (EA) will be submitted to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), Eastern Cape Region.

NgokweMigaqo yoLawulo 41(2) yoMthetho woLawulo lweNdalo kaZwelonke (National Environmental Management Act, Act 107 of 1998) kunye neMigaqo yoVavanyo lweMpembelelo kokusiNgqongileyo (EIA Regulations, 2014, njengoko ilungisiwe), kunikwa esi saziso sokuba kuya kufakwa isicelo seGunyaziso lokusiNgqongileyo (Environmental Authorisation – EA) kwiSebe lezeMigodi neMithombo yePetroleum (DMPR), kwiNgingqi yeMpuma Koloni.

Proponent, Activities and Location: The Eastern Cape Department of Transport (ECDT) proposes to establish and operate a temporary quarry to provide construction material for the upgrading of approximately 20 km of District Road DR08035 between Clarkebury and Mjanyana Hospital. The proposed quarry will have a footprint of approximately 10.2 hectares and is located within Ward 4 of the Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality (formerly Engcobo Local Municipality), within the Chris Hani District Municipality, Eastern Cape Province. NEMA Listed Activities: • Listing Notice 1 (Government Notice R.983 of 2014, as amended): Activity 21E Competent Authority: The competent authority for the EA is the DMPR, Eastern Cape Region. Coastal and Environmental Services (CES) has been appointed by MBSA Consulting, on behalf of ECDT, to undertake the Basic Assessment Process in terms of NEMA EIA Regulations, 2014. Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) are hereby invited to register and participate in the Basic Assessment process. Please submit your name, contact information and any comments to the contact person below. For more information, registration as an I&AP or submission of written comments, please contact CES via post, phone, or e-mail: Ms. Z Makapela, PostNet Suite #09, PO Box 432, East London, 5200 | Tel: 046 622 2364 / 043 726 7809 | Email: cesppp@cesnet.co.za

Umfaki-sicelo, Imisebenzi kunye neNdawo: ISebe lezoThutho leMpuma Koloni (ECDT) liceba ukuseka nokusebenzisa indawo yexeshana yokomba amatye (quarry) ukuze kubonelelwe ngezinto zokwakha eziza kusetyenziswa ekuphuculeni umgama omalunga nama-20 km woMendo weSithili i-DR08035, ophakathi kweClarkebury neSibhedlele saseMjanyana. Le ndawo icetywayo yokomba amatye iza kuthatha indawo engange-hektare ezili-10.2, kwaye ikwiWadi yesi-4 kaMasipala weNgingqi i-Dr AB Xuma (owawusaziwa njengoMasipala weNgingqi i-Engcobo), phantsi koMasipala weSithili iChris Hani, kwiPhondo leMpuma Koloni. Imisebenzi Edweliswe phantsi kwe-NEMA: • Listing Notice 1 (Government Notice R.983 of 2014, njengoko silungisiwe): Activity 21E Igunya Elinoxanduva: Igunya elinoxanduva lokuqwalasela esi sicelo seGunyaziso lokusiNgqongileyo liSebe lezeMigodi neMithombo yePetroleum (DMPR), iNgingqi yeMpuma Koloni. Inkampani iCoastal and Environmental Services (CES) iqeshwe yiMBSA Consulting egameni lomfaki-sicelo (ECDT) ukuba iqhube le Nkqubo yoVavanyo oluSiseko ngokwemimiselo yeNEMA. Abantu abanomdla nabachaphazelekayo (Interested and Affected Parties – I&APs) yile projekthi luyamenywa ukuba lubhalise kwaye lungenise izimvo zalo malunga nolu phuhliso lucetywayo. Ngolwazi oluthe vetshe, ukubhalisa njenge-I&AP okanye ukuthumela izimvo ezibhaliweyo, qhagamshelana no: Nksz Z Makapela, PostNet Suite #09, PO Box 432, East London, 5200 | Umnxeba: 046 622 2364 / 043 726 7809 | I-imeyile: cesppp@cesnet.co.za

*Please include the project reference in all correspondence: QuarryAssociated with the 20 km District Road DR08035 Upgrade near Clarkebury.

*Nceda ufake esi salathiso seprojekthi kuyo yonke imbalelwano: Ikwarhi ehambelana nokuphuculwa kwendlela emalunga neekhilomitha eziyi-20 eClarkebury

Notiﬁcation of protection of personal information notice: All personal information will be managed in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA). CES’s POPIA policy is available at www.cesnet.co.za or on request.

Isaziso Ngokhuseleko Lolwazi Lobuqu (POPIA): Lonke ulwazi lobuqu luya kulawulwa ngokungqinelana noMthetho woKhuseleko loLwazi loBuqu ka-2013 (Protection of Personal InformationAct, Act No. 4 of 2013 – POPIA). Umgaqo-nkqubo wePOPIAweCES uyafumaneka ku www.cesnet.co.za okanye unokucelwa kwaCES. MEXHS240926-TE240926