Mthatha Express North - E-Edition - 26 February 2026

R10millionsetasidefordysfunctionalwaterschemes

OR Tambo District Municipality has intensified adistrict-wide intervention programme aimed at restoring thefunctionality of water schemes and reducing water losses under what has been termed afocused “War on Leaks” initiative with aR10 million mid-term budget adjustmenttowards theschemes

Municipalspokesperson, Ncebakazi Kolwane, said the intervention followed an institutional assessment presented on February 16, which confirmed thatwhile significant progress was being made in reducing the historical water services backlog through regional bulk infrastructure programmes,approximately 41% of the district’s344 operated

water schemes are currently dysfunctional, affecting hundreds of villagesacross the five local municipalities.

Shesaid the municipalityhad acknowledged that dysfunctional infrastructure contributed to whatwas referredtoasa “reverse backlog”,where existing systems failedand undermined progressmade through new infrastructure rollout.

Keydriversofdysfunctionalitywereidentifiedas: Ageing and dilapidated infrastructure;

• Overstressedsystemsduetodemandexceedingsupply;

• Illegal waterconnections resulting in waterlosses;

• Vandalism and theft of infrastructureassets;

• Insufficient maintenancefunding in previousfinancial cycles;and

• Lack of standbyequipment and operationalcapacity.

“In response, the municipality has implemented astructured intervention programme which includes reallocation of approximately R10 million duringthe mid-term budget adjustment to repair dysfunctional schemes, introduction of weekly reporting on scheme restoration progress, implementation of a 15% restoration target over focused threemonth cycles, and recruitment of skilled technical personnel,including millwrights and artisans,” she said

Othersweredecentralisation of technical teams to workcloser to affected schemes, optimisation of supplyinoverstressed systems and procurement of additional operational machinery to improve response times.

The district authority would also look into strengthened infrastructure protection mea-

sures: fencing, securitylighting, CCTVand alarm systems.

Kolwane said the initiative complemented ongoing long-termregional projects funded through the Rural Bulk Infrastructure Grant and Municipal Infrastructure Grant, including upgrades to major water treatment works and bulk infrastructure development aimed at reducing the district’s overall backlog.

“The municipality reiterates that backlog reduction and functionality restoration must occur simultaneously in order to stabilise water services across the district. Protecting and maintaining existing infrastructure is critical to ensuring that newly developed bulk infrastructure delivers asustainable and reliablewater supply to communities,” she said.

MunicipalitylaunchescemeterybeautificationprogrammeinMthatha

BABALWA NDLANYA

THE Director for Community Services at King SabathaDalindyebo Local Municipality, FundisileGuleni, confirmed that theyhosted acleaningcampaignatMbuqe Cemeteryin Mthatha with the aim of showingrespectto those who rest thereand to keep the environment around thisspace clean

He said his department is dealingwith two divisions: Solid Waste and Environmental QualityManagement (EQM), which includes the cemetery section, so, as the management of this department, they decidedtoshowrespect for the Mbuqe graveyard by hosting a cleaning campaign.

“Our intention is to be closertothe families whohave grave sites here. That is whywe tried to contact them through wardcouncillors andthose who use this grave site, even if they are not fromthis area, such as Ward7 What we want to do is to keepthis area clean andwell-maintained, as we normally do.Peoplewho used to come here will rememberthat it waslike aforest before. Itisthroughthe maintenanceprogramme thatwenow seethe difference,” said Guleni.

He said they want to go further bynot only cleaning the area but also beautifying it through greening programmes.

Guleni added that they will take some trees from their nurseryand plant them thereto create hedges.

He confirmed that they will removetrees that are not suitable for the graveyardand planttrees thatwill help maintain the cleanliness and beauty of the area. According to him, they will continue with this programme not only in Khwezi but also in Northcrest and Mqanduli.

“Our intention is to connect theliving and the deadbecause we want people to seethe

importance of the cemeteryspace andits environment, to the point where it feels like a tourist attraction. We have done researchand found that inother areas, graveyard spaces can be converted into attractive spaces. This also attracts tourists, allowing them to see that theresting places of those who areburied here are well cared for.”

Guleni said they would not do this aloneand have called on families to participate. According tohim, they were pleased thatsome family members attended the clean-up campaign.

He said families were able to voice their views and provide their own input. He added that while the municipality is responsible for maintainingthe passages between the graves, it is the duty of families to maintainthe areas inside theirgrave sites, and any work done there should be with the families’ consent.

“We appeal to families to continue visiting their loved ones who areburied here, as some tombstones fell during the recent disaster. They mustalways come and check whether everything is still in order. We have also noticedthat some tombshavedeveloped holes. It is the responsibility of the families to address thoseissues. Our responsibility as the municipalityis to ensure that this site is secure. That is why wehavetight security at the gate. You cannot just enter anyhow. We have improved our securitysystem to prevent vandalism.”

Guleni said thatdamagecaused by natural factors is theresponsibility of families, who mustrepair and maintain the tombs.

He further explained that they have noticed that the manual administrationsystem for the graveyardis no longer sufficient, especially for familiessearching fortheir relatives’ graves.

He added that they assist families by checking records and archives when trying to locate graves.

He confirmed that they have introduced an

NinechargedinR75mfleetdealcorruptioncase

THE spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Luxolo Tyali, confirmed that nine accused persons andtwo business entities recently appeared before the Mount Ayliff (Maxesibeni) Magistrate’s Courton charges of fraud, corruption, moneylaunderingand contravention of theMunicipalFinance Management Act(MFMA).

He said the charges relate to aR75 million yellowand white fleet lease agreement between Kwane Capital and the Alfred NzoDistrictMunicipality(ANDM).

“Theaccused include Kwane Capitaldirector Mcebisi Rudolf Mlonzi, company employee Bambangazibini Tabita, former ANDMsenior official Xolani Mani and formerAvis and Barloworld employees Clive Else and Shawn Govender.Theybriefly appeared in court and were grantedbail of R10,000 each. Thematter has beenpostponed to 30 April 2026 for enrolment in the Mthatha SpecialisedCommercial Crimes Court,” said Tyali.

He added that they appearedalongsideMonalitho Mubaand Xola Bomela, as well as their business entity, Chumani WaterSolutions, who werealso released on thesame bail conditions. Tyali said the accused, agedbetween 43 and73, werearrested by the HawksSerious Corruption Investigationand SeriousCommercial Crime Investigation units, in collaborationwiththe Tactical Response Team and

theNational Intervention Unit.

“The arrests follow investigations emanating from areferral fromthe SpecialInvestigating Unit into thecontract entered into between the municipality and Kwane Capitalfrom 2015 to2018. The investigations revealed an alleged elaborate scheme in which Mlonzi misrepresented Kwane Capitalasthe legitimateowner of vehicles, plant, machineryand equipment when thelease contract was awarded. It is allegedthatthe company insteadrelied on hired or leasedassets sourced by third-party service providers, namely Avis andBarloworld.”

According to Tyali, it is further alleged that senior ANDM officials received gratuities to contravene provisions of the MFMA in furtherance of the unlawful contract. Former officials from Avis and Barloworld allegedly participated in the scheme to favour Kwane Capital and received payments fortheir roles. Associates of the former municipal manager,and procurement manager,together with their companies, allegedly received payments which were laundered for the benefit of the executives

The NPAand the Hawks remaincommitted to working collaboratively to ensure accountability andtosecure convictions in matters involvingcorruptionand financial misconduct thatundermine service delivery and prejudice communities.

electronic cemetery management system. This system allows officials to enter information digitally, making it easier to assist families in tracing graves.

“It is not easy to trace old graves because some arenolonger visible. In some cases,our

personnel arenew and have no memoryof past burials. Even if there were staff members who were present before, families arethe ones who usually have information that can help us This will make it easier to assist those who are searching for their loved ones.”

Learnerkilledbylightningstrike

BABALWA NDLANYA

AGRADE 12 learner from Buhlanyanga Senior Secondary School, LathithaNako (18),was struck by lightning while sleeping with her twosiblingsintheir home at Buhlanga locality in Lusikisikirecently.

She was laid to rest at herhome last weekend. Besides being a Grade12learner, she wasone of thegirls attending virginity testing under the supervision of Nophelo Sigaba.

Family spokesperson, Lungiswa Nako (25), said the incident happened on February 4, 2026, around 20:30. The trio was sleepingwhen thelightning struck.

“Lathitha was sleeping with her youngest brother, while the third sibling was sleeping on the floor. What is mysterious is that it struck only her and did not harm theothers. She was aloving girl who always dreamed of building ahouse for her mother when she finished school. It is painful now that she is no more and did not fulfil her dream,” said Lungiswa.

The founder of Masakhane NkciyoCulturalSchool, Nophelo

Sogaba, described Lathitha as a girl whoalways had high dreams abouther future.

Shesaid Lathitha used to motivate other young girls and loved participating in traditional dances.

“EvenwhenI hadsomething that botheredme, and she visited me at home, she would make sureshe left me with asmile. Shealways brought smilestoothers because of her jokes. Ihave not felt okay ever since this tragedy happened. It is very painfulfor the other girls in my groupbecause this feels like adream. It was even morepainfulwhenwewereclosing her file, knowing that shewould never be among us again

“She grew up in Mvimvane locality here in Lusikisiki, and she arrived in ourarea in 2019. Even then, she was attending virginity testing, so Iamthe second person whosupervised her. Iwas very proudofher andknew that she hadabright future, not knowing that God hadother plans for her,” said Sogaba.

She added that one of the things theywill miss most about her is when they hosted camps whereshe would give her testimonywhen Bi-

Grade12learner from Buhlanyanga Senior SecondarySchoolinLusikisiki, LathithaNako(18),was struck by lightning while sleeping at herhome.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

ble scripturewas read, supporting it withthe Book of Timothy, chapter three, verse seven.

2,000litresofalcoholdisposedofinMbhashe

ZOLILEMENZELWA

FOLLOWING the confiscation of alcohol from unauthorised taverns acrossMbhashe Local Municipality’s jurisdiction, the local authority, in partnershipwith police and environmentalhealth services, disposed of 2,000 litres of alcohol on February 13.

Executive Mayor Dr Samkelo Janda said the initiative formed part of the municipality’s ongoing efforts to strengthenlaw enforcement, promote compliance with trading regulations, and protect communities from thesocial harms associated withillegal alcohol trading. The disposal exercise demonstrateda strongand coordinated approach between law enforcementagencies, environmental health officials and the municipality to ensure that liquor trading laws were respected and upheld “This operation sends astrong message that illegal alcohol trading willnot be tolerated in Mbhashe We are committed to protecting our communities, particularly our youth, fromthe negative social and safety impacts linked to unauthorised taverns. By working together withSAPS and our law enforcement teams, we are building saferand

more responsible communities,” Janda said. He said the municipalitywould continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with municipal by-laws and national regulations while encouragingcommunity members to support initiatives that promote responsible and lawful businessoperations

Mthatha Express previouslyreported that Dutywapolice repre-

sentative,Lieutenant Colonel Mlindeli Higa, saidalcohol played arole in crimes happening in the Dutywa area.

He saidthat duringthe period between October 2025 and early February, law enforcement agencies in Dutywa arrested:

• 42 suspects on drug-related offences;

• 71 suspects on drink-driving charges;

• 68 illegalshebeen owners; and 47 alleged rape perpetrators.

91%passratedespite classroomcrisis

BABALWA NDLANYA

THE Chairpersonofthe School Governing Body (SGB), Mziwamandla Gelenja, from Vukayibambe SeniorSecondary School in Mbizana,confirmed that the school achieved 91.2% in the2025 matric results, placing it first in Circuit 8District, despite facing ashortage of classrooms

He explained that, in order to ensure that learners have proper classrooms,the school decided that parentsshould pay R300 at thebeginning of the school year to helpbuild additionalclassrooms

“The situation here is very bad; we only have oneblock and prefabs that areunusable because they do nothave proper flooring.

“As aresult, we have started building athree-roomed classroom. In 2025, we decided that ourchildren must use tents for safety reasons. Our ward councillorbrought some boards so that we could put them on the floor,” he said He further explained that the school is notfenced,and parents patrol thepremises during evening classes to ensure thesafety of teachers and learners.

He addedthatthey arefortunate to receiveassistancefrom policeofficers at theKuQhasa Police Station,whichislocated near theschool.

Gelenja said they have made several attempts to engage with theDepartment of Education, butwere informed that the departmentdoesnot have sufficientfunds.

Speakingaboutthe school's performance, the principal, Sibonakaliso Khumalo,said that when he arrived at the school in 2017, it was underperforming. However,inthe same year,the matric results improved to 80.5%, and the school began receiving awards.

“In 2023, we achieved 93%; in 2024, 83%; andin2025, 91.2%, which consisted of 13% Higher Certificate passes, 23% Diplomas, and54% Bachelor’s passes. Thereasonfor thedecline in 2024 was thehighrate of

teenage pregnancy. This createschallenges because pregnant learners struggle to attend classes. Secondly, when learners areabouttowrite their finalexams,their behaviourchanges because they know we will nottake strict action against them.Ifthey choosenot to attend extra classes, they do so knowing there will be no consequences,” said Khumalo

He addedthatthey areproud that, despite thepoor condition of theschool’sinfrastructure, they continue to achieve excellent results

“I cannotsay it is only me whoisresponsible for this success; my teachers andparents cooperate well. Ihave even askedsome teachers from my previous school, Mhlabi SeniorSecondarySchool, to come andassist us when necessary.There is nothing attractive aboutour school because of its condition,but parentsstill trust us because they see ourgood results every year.”

Amonglearners whowere awardedbythe Alfred Nzo EastDistrictCircuit 8was a formerVukayibambe learner, ZiziphoBhilitile, whowas the secondtop achiever in theAlfred Nzo EastDistrictCircuit 8. She enrolledfor aBachelor of Arts in English in theFaculty of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences at WalterSisulu Universityunder Zamukulungisa Site in Mthatha.

The spokespersonfor theDepartment of Education,Mali Mtima, said thedepartmentis in theprocess of advertisinga Request for Quotation (RFQ) for theschool so that remedial work on theprefabricated classrooms can be carried out in the2026/27 financial year

“Youmust understandthat theschool’sprefabs arestill new,less than five yearsold. They only require floor repairs. Regarding fencing,itis scheduled for thenextfinancial year,2026/2027.

“Itshouldbenotedthatmeasuring,survey andassessment were done, with theprocesses awaitingthe tender stage,” said Mtima.

Lesothoproducer offersmusiccareer advicetoyouth

BABALWA NDLANYA

COMPOSER, remixer, and aspiring DJ, producer, and engineer, Sempe Bernard Qacha, also known as BernieCue(30), from Lesotho but residing in Port St Johns, advises young people who want to follow in his path to remain focused. Besides being aproducer, he is also a musician.

“I am also amusician. To me, aproducer who is not amusician is likeachef who cannot taste.While Iamknown for my technicalwork behind the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), my foundation is built on melody and emotion. Idonot just clicknotes; Icompose. Whether it is an expressive piano progression or adeep,melodic synth, it comesfrom aplace of musicality. My goal is always to balance technical mastery with heartfeltstorytelling,”said Qacha. He has worked with different artists so far.

He said his journeyasBernieCue really solidified in his 20s. He added that he was drawn to the Afro House and Deep House scenes because they are more than just club music –they are soundscapes.

“I felt acalling to create music that could move adance floorwhile simultaneouslyoffering an intimate, spiritual experience for someone listening alone on their headphones. The ability to shape asignature sound that resonates across borders is what keeps me in this category.”

He said young people who want to follow in his path must master the fundamentals. They must not onlylearnthe soft-

ware,but also learn musicand understand rhythm,phrasing, andharmony.

“Growth happenswhenyou try soundsthatscare you. Do notbeafraid to experiment with unusual textures. Patience is askill.Ina worldofinstant gratification,remember that it takes timetorefine your ear Do not rush your debut; make sureyourfirst signatureisone youare proud of

“I stilladviseyoung peopleto become musicians, but on conditionthatthey do it because they lovethe intrinsicjoy of creation.Ifyou aredoing it only forthe fame or the lifestyle, you will burn out when the challenges hit. But if youdo it because youmusttellastory through sound, then there is no betterlife.”

He said musicisone of the few things in the worldwhere the betteryou get, themore youenjoyit. It isalifelong companion.

Accordingtohim,manyyoung artists arebrilliant at making beats but have no idea howroyaltiesorcontractswork.

He said artists whoare worried about AImustunderstand thatitisanew instrument, not areplacement.“AI cangenerate amelody, but it cannot share your specific cultural heritage or your personal heartbreak. Use AI to handlethe grunt work or to sparkideas when you have writer’sblock, butnever let it takethe soulout of atrack.

As an artist fromLesotho,my soundisinfluencedbymyenvironment andmyancestors –things an algorithmcannot truly replicate. Stayhuman, stay soulful, andstayauthentic. Thatishow youthrive when the machines are watching.”

MqanduliLeagueaddsseniordivision

ANELE RAZIYA

MQANDULI League FootballAssociation

in Mqanduli near Mthatha has started to prepare for the upcoming new seasonby preparing all their league divisions, which range from juniors up to seniorteams.

The news was revealed last week by the Mqanduli LeagueFootball Association chairperson, Sibusiso Gecwa,when speakingtothe MthathaExpress about thepreparation for the new season. Since the formation of the league around 2022, the association has never had adivision for senior teams, but startingthis season, the association willadd anew divisionfor senior teams.

In previous years, the association used to haveUnder-13s, Under-15s andUnder-17s league divisions only, but this yearthey decided to add anotherimport-

antdivision.

“I can confirm thatwehavestarted to prepare forour new season as we are currently registering senior teamsthat will be competing in our new division,” said Gecwa

He said that, as fornow, they havealready registered nine teamsfor the senior division, andthey are also waiting for other interested teamstoregister

Black SailsSportsClub, BlackStars FC, Celta Vigo FC, Green LoversFC, Ground Walkers FC, Mqanduli Young Giants FC, Premier United FC,Young Betis FC and Youngsters FC arethe teamsthat have already registered to participate in the senior division league.

Gecwa has highlighted that next week they are targeting to start another registration process forUnder-13s, Under-15s andUnder-17s divisionsand then in midMarch, the leagues should start their sea-

son, particularlythe senior division He also tookanopportunity once again to make arequest to anyone whocan assist them by sponsoring their leaguewith sports equipment or anything that could assist their teams.

In arecent edition,Gecwa made apleato everyone who canassist them in their visionofdeveloping their league andkeeping youth away from drugsand alcohol to come and sponsor them with anything that cancontribute to the developmentof football in thatarea

As fornow, they haveyet to receiveany typeofsupport, but they will continuerequesting support.

Themainaim of the association is to organise these leagues every year.They want to contribute to the development of football in thatarea,produce future soccer stars and also keep youth awayfrom alcohol abuse and drugs.

NgcuthusheelectedSAFAKSDchairperson

HOSEYAJUBASE

JONGABANTU Ngcuthushe has been elected as thenew chairperson of SAFAKSD Local FootballAssociation (LFA). Theelective conference was held thispast Sunday at theSavoy Hotel,Mthatha, and the newly electedleadership has committed to transforminglocal football.

Speaking to the Express afterhis lection, Ngcuthushe said he is humbled to serve as chai KSD “Footballismore than nities; it represents hope, opportunity for our young to bring leadership closer centralising the SAFA card empowering each assoc responsibility while supp structured workshops “When we strengthen we create asystem that able and responsive to ers and administrators. grow the game boldlyand

BmFC’sunbe

ANELE RAZIYA

THE four-match unbeaten Mbhashe team Bm FC Amathole Hollywoodbets League Stream Fhas come this pastweekend.

This comes after the current ers Bm FC suffered a2-0 against top-three side, Abahlob Sunday afternoon.

Ahead of this league encounter, log leaders were enjoying sive victories since the start son last year, but Abahlo currently occupy third posit log standings, disturbed streak of Bm FC.

With their recent vict FC has improved its point nine points in the four ma played since the season log leaders Bm FC still top of the log standingsw after fivegames, followed Eagles FC in second place points in fourmatches. Meanwhile,inSAFA Amathol

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Ruralacademypartners withStarsofAfrica

HOSEYAJUBASE

MERCY Football Development Academy, led by chairwoman Ziyanda Mercy Qikani, has signed asignificant partnershipagreement with Stars of AfricaFootball Academy. Stars of AfricaAcademy is one of the leading football academies in South Africaand is recognised globally. It hasanextensivenetwork both locally and internationally.

Speaking to the Express,Mercy Football Academy founder,Ziyanda Qikani, saidshe is very excitedaboutthis opportunity, as this will open doorsfor many ruraltalents.

“As partofour agreement, everyyear,some of our playerswill go to the Stars of AfricaAcademy for assessment. Stars of Africawill alsotake our coaches for aweek to train them on how things aredone at aprofessional level. They will also come to Mthatha for our annual December tournament,” saidQikani

“As arural academy, we aregoing to benefita lot because even some of us, as management, are going to receive training from them on football management.”

Mercy Football Development Academy was founded in January2025, with the aimofnurturingthe next generation of footballersasitoperates to develop young talent in the region.

Sinceits establishment in 2025, the academy has made significant progress in providing opportunities for young talent, and recently, one of the academy players, Tumelo Ncangayi (13), joined the TS Galaxy FC development team after hisimpressive performance duringthe trials held in January2025.