Mthatha Express North - E-Edition - 25 June 2026

Toddlerdrownsinpittoilet

BABALWA NDLANYA

AGRIEVING family from Sidwadweni locality in Tsolo is demanding answersaftertheir 14-month-old daughter, Ungentando Yena, drowned in an uncovered pittoilet at Khulangolwazi Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre in Tsolo recently. She was laid to rest at her home in the Sidwadweni area in Tsolo last week.

The toddler was in the careofthe centre when the tragedy occurred. Her uncle, Vusumzi Yena, said he receivedafranticcall fromhis sister, Thabisa,informing himthat the child had drowned.

“She told me they were rushing to Mhlakulo Clinic after teachersatthe centrecalled to say they were taking her there,” he said. Vusumzi said he immediately contacted the centre’s teachers in an attempt to speak with the owner but wasput throughtoanassistant who could not provide the answers he needed.

He added that in his understanding, the pit toilet is very farfromtheir households.That means hisniecewalked that distance with no one noticing her

When he pressed formoredetails,hewas told the children had been playing outsidebecause of the heat, and the staff only realised Ungentando was missing when they began preparing the other children to go home.

“This shows there was no careatall. Thepit was left open, putting every child’s life in danger. Even if there were no children around, it should have been closed.All we want is answers.”

Eastern Cape Department of Education spokesperson, Mali Mtima, confirmed the passing of Ungentando, noting that she drowned in the facility’s unfinished pit toilet.

He said the centreisanewly established programme operating under bronze registration status as part of the ECD Mass Registration pathway.

“Bronze status is part of the registration support process designed to help ECD programmes movetowards full registration. It does not constitute full registration but indicates that the centrehas been identified and is receiving support to resolve outstanding registration issues,” Mtima explained.

He added that the department would work closely with the Mhlontlo Local Municipality and relevant stakeholders to help the facility achieve full compliancewith registration, health, safety andinfrastructurerequirements.

“The circumstances surrounding this tragic incident remain under investigation. It would be premature to draw conclusions or apportion responsibility pending the outcome of that process,”hesaid.

MEC for Education, Fundile Gade, extended his condolences to the family and the ECD centre and confirmed that psychosocial services

had been activated to provide trauma counselling and debriefing. “Since our learner died in this facility, we committoinvestigating the circumstances that led to her death. We will dispatch ateam to the facility and cooperate fully with any law enforcement agencies conducting their own investigations,”saidGade Police spokesperson,CaptainWelile Matyolo, confirmed that an inquestdockethad been opened on 11 June at approximately 13:45, after alittle girl was found floating in apit toiletat adaycarecentreinSidwadweni, Tsolo. “She was removed from the pittoilet and rushed to Mhlakulo Clinic, where she was certified dead on arrival,”saidMatyolo.

GunmenkillANCmember

BABALWA NDLANYA

THEAfrican National Congress (ANC) in the OR Tambo Regional Task Team(RTT) hasexpressed deep sorrow following thefatal shooting of one of its membersasthey entered a pharmacy in Qumbu last week

ANC RTT spokesperson Yanga Zina confirmed that Wonele Gontshi(26),a member of the Branch Executive Committee(BEC) of the General MaqutyanaBranch (Ward14), was killed in the attack, while the Branch Elections Team Co-ordinator,Ngawonke Bulala, sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed facility. Thethird victim escaped unharmed.

“Both were attacked by individuals whose identities remainunknown. Gontshi’s tragic passing has robbed us of adedicated activist who madesterling contributions to the organisational life of the ANC in the Mhlontlo Sub-Region. He was afearless and indomitable leader who rose through the ranks of our youth structures,”saidZina.

He said the ANC has since called for the immediate activation of the 72-Hour Activation Plan, urging the deployment of amultidisciplinary team comprising Hawks investigators and forensic experts to track down those responsible.

MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, assured the publicthat law en-

forcement agencies areworking diligently to bringthe perpetratorstojustice. According to Nqatha, the three victims had arrived at the pharmacy to purchase masks when they came under fire

“As they attempted to enter,gunfire erupted. Thevictims took cover inside the pharmacy as the shootingcontinued beforethe suspect or suspects fled the scene. Nothing was taken from the victims or the premises,”hesaid. Nqathaurged communitymembers to cooperate fully with investigators to help achieve a breakthrough in the case.

Police spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, confirmed that officersfromthe Qumbu Police Station areinvestigating a case of murder following the shootingatthe Sejoseng Business Centre. Upon arrival at the scene, officersfound the deceased lying behind the pharmacy counter.Two other individuals survived the attack; one sustained injury to the lower body and was transported to amedical facility, while the other was physically unharmed.Crimescene investigators recovered multiple rifle cartridges, projectiles, andsealedbullets from the scene. Themotive for the attack has not yet been established, and no arrestshave been made.

Anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStop on 0860 010 111 or reportvia the MySAPS App. All information will be treated with strictconfidentiality.

EASTERNCAPE:

Initiation seasonopens

ZOLILE MENZELWA

THE Eastern Cape provincial government has officially opened the 2026 winter initiation seasonwith emphasisonvigilance regarding keyfactors that could lead to initiation-related deaths and amputations.

Speaking during the provincial event in Komani at theThobi Kula Indoor Sports Centre, Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) executive mayor, Lusanda Sizani,pleaded with parents and guardians of would-beinitiates to ensure that when the boysmeet for asend-off,thereshould be no alcohol. He said consumption of alcohol duringthesesend-offs rendered theboys dehydrated, putting their livesatrisk. Sizani saidthe boys should stay at the initiation schools long enough to complete the requiredtime.

EasternCape Cooperative Governance and TraditionalAffairs MEC, Zolile Williams, said it was important thatall those whogothrough therite of passage during this season should havepermission to do so. It made it easier to track and trace initiates,Williams said, and to save their lives if they were registered. “Parents should takethe boys to health facilities for the necessary tests before theyundergo theinitiationrite,”hesaid. Williams also criticisedthe act of discriminating against boys who develop medical conditionsduring theinitiation period and have to betakento hospitals. “Thelivesand health of initiates take primacy over everything else.Iappeal to allgovernment sector departments to work together to ensure thatthe boys undergothe initiation practice alive and come back alive,” he said.The MEC strongly condemnedthe act of bringing initiates alcohol.

EasternCape Provincial Initiation CoordinatingCommittee chairperson,Nkosi Gwazinamba Matanzima, saiditwas all systems go for the 2026 winter initiation season.“All traditionalsurgeons and traditional nurses working in all the circumcision schools are trained and certified. The police will continue to monitor all circumcision schools to ensure no illegal activities that will risk the lives of theinitiates take place,” he said. During the 2025summer customary initiation season,the EasternCapehad 23 of the national 48 initiationdeaths. The deaths were reportedtobe mostly from dehydration, septicaemia, suicideand drowning.

Cogta flagged illegal initiation schools as a problem as they often operatedwithout medical support, proper facilities or oversight, among other things. Lack of medical intervention was also achallenge as many deaths were due to untreated infections, dehydration and excessive bleeding. Inadequate monitoring and regulation caused weak enforcement of the Customary Initiation Act in some areas. Inexperienced or unqualifiedpractitioners may performproceduresincorrectly. “Under-age or untrained boys sometimes take on roles of caregivers, especially in illegal schools.”

The department saidthere was alack of accesstoclean water, sanitation and food in many initiation sites.There was also exposuretothe elements withoutproper shelter, particularly in harsh winter conditions.Communityinvolvement was highlightedas akey factor in curbinginitiatedeaths.

“Somefamiliesare notfully informedabout thelegal requirements for initiation schools. Parents may unknowingly sendtheir children to illegalorunsafe schools, often lured by lower costs or false promises,” thedepartment said

Therewere challenges of not recognising early signs of medicaldistressorrefusing to seekhelp. “In some cases, initiation becomes criminalised, with reports of sexual assault or exploitation,” the department said.

Apamphlet releasedbyCogta stressednegligenceand physicalabuse, including excessive beatings or punishment, as oneofthe keystumbling blocks to successfultraditional customary initiation. There wasa problem of neglect, such as not recognising early signs of medicaldistress or refusing toseek help. In some cases, the pamphlet said, initiation became criminalised with reports of sexual assault or exploitation.

Partsofthe shopping centre in Qumbu were destroyed by afire. PHOTO:

FiredevastatesQumbushoppingcentre

THE spokesperson for Kumkani Mhlontlo

Local Municipality, Mamela Mangcotywa, confirmed that the municipalityhad learnt withgreat concern of the devastating fire that destroyed parts of the shopping centre in Qumbu during the evening last week.

Mangcotywa saidthe municipality extends its heartfelt sympathy to the business owners, employees, tenants and all those whose livelihoods have been affected by this unfortunate incident.

“Wealso acknowledge the inconvenience caused toresidents who depend on the centre for essential goods and services. We

commend the swiftresponse of the Fire and Rescue Services, the South African Police Service, emergency personnel and all other stakeholders who worked tirelessly to containthe fire and ensure public safety,”said Mangcotywa.

She added that at thisstage, the cause of the fire has not been officially confirmed. She said they thereforeurged members of the public to refrain fromspreading unverified information and to allow the relevant authorities to conduct athorough investigation.

“The municipality will work closely with law enforcement agencies, disaster management structures, affected businesses and other stakeholders to assess the extent of the

damage and determine the necessary support measures. We call on the community to remain calm, cooperate with authorities and keep thoseaffected in theirthoughts during thisdifficulttime.”

Police spokesperson, Captain Majola Nkohli, confirmed that amajor fire that broke out in the shopping centre was successfully contained.

He said that when the incident happened, several emergency personnel were summoned to control the situation.

“Relevant authorities visited the sitetoassess the structural damage. An inquiry has been opened to establish the exact cause of the fire,”said Nkohli.

Youngpeoplebenefit fromgovernmenthouses

ZOLILE MENZELWA

SIPHOKAZI Dumezweni (30) had to share atwo-roomedhouse with her siblings and their children, with some of them having to sleep at neighbours’homes due to a lack of space, but when the Eastern CapeDepartment of Human Settlements handed her the keys to her new home, her dignity had been restored.

The 48 families from the Alfred Nzo District Municipality are beneficiaries of the Ebenezer 1000 (56) Rural Project, which aims to provide decent housing to impoverished households across the Alfred Nzo District Municipality.

The house Dumezweni shared with her family was adilapidated mud housewith the family lackingasource of income except for relying on government social grants

“I am very thankful. We were living in just two rooms withno space, some of my siblings had to sleep at neighbours’ houses, others in the kitchen and our belongings were often stolen. During December, some family members could not even come home because we were overcrowded. Today,everything has changed. We

are safe, andfinally we have a place to stay, aplace we can truly call home,” she said.

Human Settlements MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi, said her departmentwantedtotransform lives through access tosafe and dignified housing.

Thehandover forms part of the Provincial Government’s Youth Month Programme torestore dignity to vulnerable households. Lusithi said thehandover was a meaningful tribute to the youth of 1976

“Weare proudthatamong today'sbeneficiariesare young people whoseliveswill be fundamentallychanged through this programme.Whena young woman like Siphokazi Dumezwenireceivesa decenthome after carrying the responsibilityof16family members, thegovernment is not merely buildinga house. Government is investinginthe future,” she said.

Duringthis phase, Lusithi said, 56 houses willbe constructed for the vulnerable beneficiaries.

“The Ebenezer 1000 (56) Project has restoreddignity to destitute families.Ithas created jobs for local people. It has empowered womenand young people,” said Lusithi.

Grant fuels youth cooperative

AGRANT from the ECDC-managed Imvaba Cooperative Fund is fuelling the commercialisation ambitions of the youth-owned Feeda-Nathi Primary Agricultural Cooperative at Vaalbank in Cacadu.

Acting Manager for Financial Incentives and Business Support at the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), Fikile Mzinyathi, confirmed that the R399,796 incentive was allocatedtoimplement an irrigation scheme.

Operating on a50-hectare farm, theteam currently uses approximately six hectares, producing cabbage, butternut, beetroot, large white pumpkinsand green squash. Today,Feeda-Nathi suppliesestablished markets including Pick nPay in Komani, SPAR Dordrecht, Umfundisi in Queenstown, and the East London Fresh Produce Market.

Although they formalised their business in 2020, today the cooperative is afar cry from 2018, when they started where many agricultural journeys begin, in backyard gardens.

Owned by fiveyouth farmers, aged between 26 and 33, they have built more than afarming operation. They have created jobs and economic activity in their rural community, employing 12 permanent workers and 18 seasonal workers.

“When jobs disappeared and uncertainty arrived in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, they did not wait for opportunity to knock. They planted it.Six yearslater, the cooperative has become an example of what happens when determination meets opportunity.

The R399,796 investment for the procurement of an irrigation scheme unlocked more than water. It strengthened productioncapacity and allowed the cooperative to move from survival farmingtowards commercial ambition,” said Mzinyathi.

He said investinginyouthowned agricultural businesses is an investment in amore inclusive, resilient and prosperous future. “It helps preserve agricultural knowledge and experience

through sustainable enterprises whilestrengthening the long-term growth of the sector. At the same time, it creates opportunities for skills transfer,enabling young peopletodevelop the expertise needed to build, sustain and expand agriculturalvaluechains for generations to come.”

ChairpersonofFeeda-Nathi, Siyamthanda Gatyeni,said one of theturning points in their growth journey came through the implementation of the irrigation system.Hesaidthat for afarming business operating in an environment where rainfall can no longer be relied upon, irrigation changed everything. “Thatsupport made a huge difference. Irrigation is one of themost important things when growing crops. Before that, we depended heavilyonrainfall, and it cost usalot.Now we can water ourcrops with certainty and consistency,” said Gatyeni.

The cooperative has also achieved South African Good Agricultural Practices (SA-GAP) certification, positioning the business to meet formal market standards and compete at alargerscale. Still, theteambelieves this is only thebeginning. Their next growth phase includes expanding irrigationinfrastructure, acquiring a largertractor,investing in bigger planting implements andsecuring afine-seed plantertoimprove efficiencyand scaleproduction.They alsoidentify cold storage and alternativeenergy solutions, whether solar or backupgeneration,as critical investments that would helpprotectproduceand strengthen marketcompetitiveness

“Thereisamyth that young peopleare notinterested in agriculture.Yet in Vaalbank we are proving somethingdifferent, that youth and agriculture may just be oneofthe boldest businesscombinationsinthe EasternCape. “Our long-term vision is clear:tooperate sustainablyata commercial scale,and supplymarkets across thetownssurrounding Vaalbank andbeyond. Wehavealso added alogistics arm toour business where we transport iron ore,” said Gatyeni.