Mthatha Express North - E-Edition - 28 August 2025

YoungscientistsshineatMthathafair

KumkaniMhlontlomanagersuspendedamidforensicprobe

ZOLILE MENZELWA

THE Kumkani Mhlontlo Local Municipality has placed its municipal manager, Lungile Ndabeni, on precautionary suspension for three months pending a forensic investigation into the payment of millions of rand for incomplete projects and his alleged non-cooperation with investigators.

The spokesperson for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Zolile Williams, Pheelo Oliphant, confirmed that Cogta had recommended the suspension. “The Municipal Council of the Kumkani Mhlontlo Local Municipality noted the problems of incomplete stadiums in Tsolo and Qumbu. These projects were started in 2013, yet R88 million from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant had already been spent on their construction They wrote to the MEC requesting an investigation in line with Section 106 of the Municipal Systems

Act 32 of 2000,” Oliphant said The Section 106 investigation, authorised by Williams, ran from May to July. During this period, Ndabeni reportedly refused to cooperate with the investigators.

“He flatly refused to provide investigators with the requisite documents, which constituted misconduct. Consequently, the Municipal Council decided to place him on precautionary suspension to prevent interference with the upcoming forensic investigation into bad governance, financial mismanagement, and poor service delivery in the municipality.

“The allegations revolve around corruption, fraud, and systemic collapse of internal controls, especially in the tendering process,” said Oliphant.

The suspension aims to ensure that Ndabeni does not interfere with the investigation or tamper with witnesses. “The MEC concurs with the decision and hopes that due process will be followed to the letter.

Ultimately, the residents of the Kumkani Mhlontlo Local Municipality should not be short-changed in terms of the service delivery they deserve,” Oliphant added.

Mhlontlo municipal spokesperson, Mamela Mangcotywa, stated that the suspension would last three months, effective from 5 August. “The Mhlontlo Local Municipality wishes to inform the public and stakeholders that the Municipal Council has decided to place Municipal Manager, Mr Ndabeni, on precautionary suspension for a period of three (3) months, effective from 5 August 2025,” said Mangcotywa.

During this time, Community Services Director, Mzobanzi Sineke, will act as the accounting officer “The municipality remains committed to the principles of good governance, accountability, and transparency. Further updates will be shared as the matter progresses. We urge all stakeholders to allow due process to unfold and refrain from speculation,” Mangcotywa said.

DeputyPresidentengagesAmaMpondoonkeyserviceissues

BABALWA NDLANYA

THE Deputy President of South Africa, Paul Mashatile, has confirmed his visit to King Ndlovuyezwe Ndamase at the Nyandeni Royal Palace in Libode last week

He reiterated the government’s recognition of the authority of traditional leaders and their critical role in fostering social cohesion and addressing developmental challenges in their communities

“Our government understands that kings and traditional leaders play a major role in driving development in their areas We are here to engage with this community to gain a high-level overview of the service delivery issues affecting the AmaMpondo Kingship and explore how best we can strengthen our collaboration with the Kingdom,” said Mashatile

Mashatile explained that the visit was part of a broader initiative to incorporate traditional leadership in the national development agenda and to foster collaboration between traditional authorities and government

He emphasised the presence of leaders from different spheres of government under the District Development Model (DDM), which aims to provide a platform for direct engagement with King Ndamase on service delivery challenges affecting the region

"Our hope is that by working together, we can accelerate the delivery of services that traditional communities depend on and support the Kingdom in its development efforts " He underscored the significant role traditional leaders play in promoting demo-

KUMKANI MHLONTLO LOCALMUNICIPALITY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: DRAFT LAND USE SCHEME

Notice is hereby given in terms of Sections 20 and 21 of the Mhlontlo Spatial Planning and Land Use ManagementBy-Laws,2017,thattheCouncilhasapprovedtheconsultationprocessoftheDraftLand UseScheme(LUS)forpubliccommentasperResolutionNo.03-2024/2025.

TheDraftLUSappliestotheentireKumkaniMhlontloMunicipalArea,includingQumbu,Tsolo,andrural areas.ItspurposeistoestablishauniformlandusemanagementsysteminlinewithSPLUMA(Act16of 2013). The Draft LUS is available for inspection at Kumkani Mhlontlo Municipal Offices (Qumbu and Tsolo)andonwww.mhlontlo.gov.za.

Anypersonorbodywishingtoprovidecommentsshall:a)dosowithinaperiodof60daysfromthefirst dayofpublicationofthenotice;b)providewrittencomments;andc)providetheircontactdetails.Written comments on the Draft Kumkani Mhlontlo Land Use Scheme must be submitted to the office of the Director: Local Economic Development, Planning and Rural Development, 96 LG Mabindla Street, Qumbu within a period of 60 days from the date of this publication. Alternatively written commentsmaybesubmittedviaemailtoMsBelindaKhoase,Email:bkhoase@mhlontlolm.gov.za,Tel: (047)5537000

MUNICIPALMANAGER:

MR. LUNGILE NDABENI

ISAZISO SOKUTHATHAINXAXHEBAKOLUNTU: ISICWANGCISO SOKUSETYENZISWA KOMHLABAESILUNGISELELWEYO

Esisaziso siqunywe phantsi kwemigaqo yeCandelo 20 no-21, 2017, yemithetho yoKumkani Mhlontlo olawulaucwangcisolokusetyenziswakomhlabanokucwangcisakwendawo,ukubaibhungaLiwuvumile umgaqo-nkqubo wokubonisana noluntu malunga nesicwangciso sokusetyenziswa komhlaba esilungiseleweyoukuzekuphawuleuluntu,ngokwesigqiboinombolo3-2024/2025. Ucwangciso lolawulo lokusetyenziswa komhlaba esiwulungiselelweyo lusebenza kuyo yonke inginqi yomasipala uKumkani Mhlontlo, uquka indawo zakuQumbu, kuTsolo kunye nekwiziphaluka. Injongo yawo kukuseka inkqubo yolawulo lokusetyenziswa komhlaba ehambelana noMthetho weSPLUMA (umthetho16ka-2013).

Isicwangciso esilungiselelweyo solawulo lokusetyenziswa komhlaba sifumaneka ukuza sihlolwe kwiiofisi zikaMasipala, uKumkani Mhlontlo (kuQumbu nakuTsolo) kwaye ungasifumana kwelikhasi lonxibelelwano:www.mhlontlo.gov.za.

Nabaninaokanyeneliphinaiqelaelifunaukunxulumana,licebisalinikaizimvomalunganesicwangciso kufunekalenzenjalokwiintsukuezingamashumiamathandathu(60)ukusukangomhlawokubhengezwa kwesaziso Kwaye izimvo ezibhaliweyo kufuneka ziqulathe amagqabantshithsi nenkcazo enenchukacha zithunyelwe Ku-Umlwawuli: loPhuhliso lwoQoqosho lwengingqi, uncwangciso noPhuhliso lwamaphandle, 96 LG Mabindla Street, Qumbu, kwisithuba sentsuku eziyi60 ukusuka kumhlawokupapashwakwesisaziso.

Okanye izimvo zingathunyelwa ngeEmail kuBelinda Khoase: bkhoase@mhlontlo go za okanye ngonxibelelwanongocingoku:(047)5537000.

MUNICIPALMANAGER: MR.LUNGILENDABENI

cratic governance, stability and sustainable development in rural areas

Quoting the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, 2019 (Act No 3 of 2019), he highlighted the Act’s provision for traditional leadership institutions to advise and participate in development programmes to improve the lives of people in traditional communities

Mashatile shared insights from his discussions with community leaders, which highlighted critical concerns, including:

• Limited access to water at both the Royal Palace and households within Nyandeni Municipality

• The need to upgrade the gravel road to the Royal Palace to a tarred or paved road

Maintenance of critical infrastructure

• Electricity shortages

• Under-resourced police at Libode Police Station and the traditional police station

• Support for agricultural initiatives through targeted interventions

ic efforts Harmful attitudes and behaviours, even casual jokes that demean women, shouldn’t be tolerated," he said He highlighted government efforts, including establishing desks at police stations in hotspot areas, implementing the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on GBVF, and launching initiatives like the Men’s Parliament to promote positive masculinity King Ndlovuyezwe Ndamase raised concerns about increasing crime levels and inadequate police staffing

“We face a shortage of police officers at our stations, and crime is rising Our hospitals are far away, forcing people to make long journeys, often taking three taxis just to access care Development in agriculture is lagging as well,” said King Ndamase

He added that the same issues were raised with former Deputy President

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Women’sdialoguechampionsculturalidentity,genderequality

BABALWA NDLANYA

THE Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha hosted a compelling women's dialogue aimed at empowering women and girls to speak out about their roles in their communities and families, while challenging cultural norms that have historically excluded them

This event took place at the Nelson Mandela Museum Youth and Heritage Centre in Mthatha last week Among the speakers was Unathi Lutshaba, Executive Director of the South African Cultural Observatory at Nelson Mandela University, who spoke about preserving cultural heritage, and Ziyanda Mavumengwana, a clinical psychologist from Walter Sisulu University, who presented “The Matriarch’s Mantle: Women as Carriers of Culture ” The theme of the dialogue was “Challenges of Preserving Culture, Tradition, and Heritage for Future Posterity ”

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nel-

son Mandela Museum, Dr Vuyani Booi, stated that the event encouraged women to reflect not only on their contributions but also on how African heritage has limited their participation in important discussions and decision-making

"We want women to speak freely and not be sidelined because of their gender As a museum honouring the legacy of the late Dr Nelson Mandela, who fought for human rights, including women’s rights, we have a responsibility to continue that mission We cannot fold our arms; we must keep alive what Mandela was fighting for," Booi said

Dr Booi emphasised that the goal was to empower women through education and awareness and to position the museum as a hub for championing women’s rights

“We want the Nelson Mandela Museum to be seen as an institution that protects and upholds the rights of women and girls, not just as victims of gender-based violence, but as active participants in shaping society ”

Deputy Minister of Cooperative Gover-

nance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, highlighted the historical marginalisation of women, particularly in education

“Our parents used to prioritise boys’ education because they believed girls would just get married and leave them We must respect ourselves, or our children will one day ask why we failed to protect our heritage ”

Eastern Cape MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture (DSRAC), Sibulele Ngongo, delivered a heartfelt reflection on the impact of apartheid on African identity, particularly language and heritage

“Apartheid didn’t just take our land or rights; it took our language and sense of humanity It made us believe we needed to abandon our roots and speak English to be seen as educated That’s why this dialogue is so essential for reclaiming our dignity and identity,” said Ngongo Ngongo encouraged attendees to take pride in their cultural identities

“If you are Mpondo, know your culture and be proud The problem is that our minds were manipulated long ago In order to change anything, we must first change ourselves We are in a time of transformation, and our traditions must adapt without losing their essence ” She shared her experience of growing up in a family where daughters were seen as potential dowries rather than individuals who deserved equal education

“No one prepared the boys they were meant to marry for life Women have always had to prepare themselves Now, they are beginning to stand up, especially during Women’s Month ” Educator Nosipho Lubando Dlwati, from St John’s College, noted that language is a critical issue today “People have lost their mother tongue and are using Western languages

“This will negatively affect our children, as they may completely lose connection with our language If we aim to return to our culture, we must not leave our language behind,” she said

YoungscientistsshineatEskomMthathaSciencefair

LEARNERS participating in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists' Mthatha regional science fair were recognised for their ingenuity, dedication, and strong commitment to making a positive impact on their communities and the environment

The regional science fair, held at Khanyisa High School on 15 August, featured 118 projects presented by 166 young scientists from Grades 4 to 12, as well as students from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) NC(V) Level 2 to NC(V) Level 4

A standout moment from the event was Endinakho Klaas, a Grade 12 learner from Jamangile High School, securing a one-year Rhodes University bursary for the mathematics project titled, “The Proof of the Goldbach Conjecture ”

This year’s most popular category was Engineering, with 74 entries, followed by Computer Sciences and Software Development (12), Social Science (nine), Energy (eight) and Environmental Studies (eight)

Eskom Expo’s Mthatha Regional Science Fair Director, Nomaledi Mbambisa, highlighted the growing impact of the programme, noting that 15 of the 32 participating schools were firsttime entrants

“This expansion underscores the increasing visibility of the Expo across six Eastern Cape Department of Education Districts, supported by partnerships with implementing agents, Infundo Consulting, and PG Gibson, Mgobozi Developmental Initiatives (MDI), and the Albertina Nonsikelelo Sisulu Science and Technology Centre," she said

Mbambisa also announced a new collaboration with Eskom Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, represented at the event by Jongi Dyabaza and his team, who shared insights into nuclear energy and future research opportunities

Eskom’s commitment to skills development shone through the involvement of young engineers on the judging panel, led by Zwel-

itsha Magugwana, alongside students from Walter Sisulu University, staff from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, partner representatives and dedicated teachers

During the awards ceremony, several learners were lauded for their excellence in research and innovation, receiving 12 Gold medals, 29 Silver medals, and

27 Bronze medals Eskom also presented prestigious Special Awards, accompanied by Bluetooth wireless speakers with wireless chargers

Award recipients included:

• Best Female Project: Simikahle Magqitha Grade 10 Ngwayibanjwa Senior Secondary School

• Best Energy Project: Landa Ngqengqeza Grade 12 Jamangile Senior

Secondary School

• Best Innovation Project: Aqhama Jiholo Grade 7 Model Private School

• Best Innovation Project: Wange Mahintsho, Grade 7, Model Private School

• 2nd Best Innovation Project: Tabita Nthunywa Grade 11 Zimele High School

• Best Development Project (Q1–3): Kwakho Treasurer Grade 7 Enduku Full-Service School

The Chief Executive Officer of Eskom Development Foundation (Acting), Mologadi Motshele, encouraged greater participation in the Expo, particularly from schools, educators and parents

"Participation goes far beyond winning prizes It unlocks potential, builds confidence, and exposes young people to a world of possibilities It says to learners, 'Your idea matters Your voice in science is needed,'" said Motshele

Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, praised the event’s contribution to advancing South Africa’s STEMI (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Innovation) skills development agenda

“The remarkable projects showcased, especially those from previously disadvantaged communities and by young girls breaking barriers in science, remind us that innovation knows no limits They are the future engineers, researchers and leaders of this country,” said Chetty Parents, teachers, and learners are encouraged to attend upcoming regional science fairs and be inspired to participate in next year’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists

For more information on dates and venues, visit www exposcience.co.za

UCRFM’s‘Top20Soundz’wins bigatNationalRadioAwards

BABALWA NDLANYA

UNITRA Community Radio (UCR) from Mthatha has proudly clinched the title of Best Weekend Radio Show for its popular programme, Top 20 Soundz, at the 2025 South African National Community Radio Awards, held recently at the Johannesburg Theatre

The show, hosted by the dynamic Bongani “KFB” Kuzani, has become a weekend favourite, blending chart-topping local and international music with lively listener engagement

Airing on Saturdays from 10:00 to 12:00, its

unique approach has earned both a loyal fan base and national recognition

“This award is not just for me, but for the UCR FM family and every single listener who tunes in Our community is our heartbeat, and this recognition proves that local radio has the power to unite and inspire,” Kuzani said

Founded by Motseke Mabuya, a former SABC Lesedi FM radio personality, UCR FM has steadily grown into a cornerstone of community engagement and cultural expression in the Eastern Cape Top 20 Soundz, in particular, has been pivotal in highlighting emerging talent and giving a platform to young local artists Kuzani, no stranger to accolades, revealed that this is not his first recognition Among his past honours is the Telkom Radio Award for Best Music Show, which he received in 2024, as well as several internal awards from UCR FM over the years

With UCR FM soon celebrating its 29th anniversary, Kuzani reflected on nearly three decades of dedication to community-focused broadcasting He extended heartfelt thanks to the O R Tambo District and the broader Eastern Cape community for their unwavering support

“To my fellow radio presenters and those aspiring to join this beautiful industry, radio is more than just a microphone and a playlist It’s about connection, impact, and passion,” Kuzani said

Encouraging newcomers, he stressed the importance of patience, consistency, and purpose

“Your voice has the power to inspire, educate, and heal Start small, embrace every opportunity, and believe in the power of your voice,” he added

With Top 20 Soundz leading the charge, UCR FM continues to set the benchmark for excellence in community radio, celebrating music, empowering voices, and building a legacy that resonates far beyond the airwaves

Youngstar‘Napoleon’joins SAFAAcademy

HOSEYA JUBASE

14-year-old superstar, Banele "Napoleon" Mawaba, has joined the SAFA Academy

The young star was playing for Sapphire Ladies’ FC, competing in the EC Sasol League this season The player was identified through videos posted to a TikTok page run by sports activist, Ziyanda Qikani, called Mercy According to Sapphire Ladies’ FC chairman, Xolani Velem, the agreement happened very quickly a few weeks ago In August 2025, both the team and parents agreed to release the player, and now she is currently studying at one of the schools on a scholarship in Gauteng

"They called me from the SAFA Academy, stating that they are impressed with the players they have been following on TikTok

and asked for more videos They recommended her and I asked them to take her by next year in 2026, but they said they will get her a school and everything, and indeed they did that As we speak, she is in Pretoria studying and playing football "

"This agreement just happened two weeks ago She played all the past four games in the Sasol League; it's only last week that she was not available due to this "

"I am very happy about the player's progress, and this will motivate other young girls from the Eastern Cape," added Velem "Even her parents were very happy about this achievement "

This is Sapphire Ladies' first season in the Sasol League after being promoted in 2024 Banele is from Ngolo locality under Libode outside Mthatha

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DanPasiya’sannualtournamenttokickoffthisweekend

HOSEYA JUBASE

THE Dan Pasiya Foundation is to host its 4th annual tournament this coming weekend

The Dan Pasiya Legacy games this year will include football, rugby, boxing and netball

The tournament, which focuses on sports development and providing opportunities to youth, was launched in 2022 to honour the contribution of the late businessman, philanthropist and sports enthusiast, Dr Dan Pasiya, who died at the age of 88

According to the organiser Afika Sodo, this year's event will be centred on the theme, "Hope in the face of adversity"

"It will see school sport participation on 29 August and local clubs participation on 30 August

"This year's edition includes boxing The tournament will also serve as the Cadet and Junior District Championship, meaning the winners will go and represent OR Tambo at the Provincial Championships "OR Tambo has produced many great boxers in the past The Dan

Pasiya Foundation is very intentional in trying to make sure that the region continues to produce great boxers in the future," said Sodo

"For the first time, we will also have special schools participating in netball," he added

YoungAfricansFCwinZ.BlackAcessoccertournament

ANELE

RAZIYA

YOUNG Africans FC from Ngadla village in Gatyane (Willowvale) were crowned champions of the second edition of the Z Black Aces football tournament, which was held at Qwaninga Komkhulu village in Mbhashe over the weekend

On Sunday at Komkhulu sports ground in Gatyane, Young Africans FC defeated Qwaninga village team, Abatshana FC 1-0, during the final game to claim the top prize of R5,000 prize money, a new kit, a trophy and gold medals

The Z Black Aces' annual tournament started on Saturday with 17 football teams from Mbhashe and Mnquma competing against each other for the top prizes

Abatshana FC, Qora Tigers FC, Young Africans FC and Bhantinti FC were the only teams that man-

aged to reach the last four in the event

During the first semi-final, Abatshana FC defeated Qora Tigers FC 5-4 on penalties after they played to a goalless draw in regulation time and the win helped them to book their place in the final

Then, in the second semi-final, Young Africans FC won 1-0 against Bhantinti FC to progress to the final game

In the final game, both teams, Abatshana FC and Young Africans FC, displayed good football, entertaining the parents, local chiefs and football fans who came out in big numbers to support the event

Both clubs created more than four clear chances during the final match, but they failed to convert all of them into goals as Young Africans FC won 1-0

Abatshana FC went home with

R2,000 prize money, a new kit and silver medals as a prize for finishing in second place at the event

Meanwhile, Qora Tigers FC received R1,000 prize money and bronze medals for finishing in third place and event organiser Sihle Yoko thanked all the teams who participated in the event

Yoko also indicated that the tournament was a successful event as local chiefs, parents and football fans came out in great numbers to support their clubs and the event

He said that their main aim to organise the event annually in Mbhashe was that they wanted to contribute to the development of sport and take young people away from drugs, alcohol abuse and other social ills

The Z Black Aces' tournament is expected to be back once again next year for its third edition

MthathaHighshinesatSPARKZNSchoolgirls’Fast5’sNetballChallenge

CONTINUING their dominance, Shayamoya Area Secondary School defended their title for the fourth time in the KZN Southern Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls' Fast 5's Netball Challenge that took place at King Edward High School on Saturday, 23 August

Led by captain Kwanele Lamane, who was celebrating her 15th birthday, Shayamoya entertained the vibrant vocal crowds surrounding the courts in Matatiele as they took on the travelling team, Mthatha High School, in the regional final Undeterred by the gusts of wind blowing

across the court, Lamane was adventurous in her attacks Filling the role of Goal Attack, together with her fellow forward Tinomuda Mkhanya, she put some points on the board

The scoreline see-sawed with Shayamoya opening their account 15 seconds into the game after four sure passes found Mkhanya camped under the net Mthatha responded 30 seconds later with a determined surge into Shayamoya's circle Shayamoya nudged their score up by another point, with Mthatha responding down the other side Nearing midway through the first half, Mtha-

tha faltered, missing a relatively easy shot Pouncing on Mthatha's loss of momentum, Shayamoya upped their tempo and unleashed their flamboyant flair

Shortly after Mkhanya netted her team's third point, Lamane floated in a bold two-pointer, followed by two more long-range shots that ricocheted off the rim Both forwards pocketed one more goal going into half-time, with the scoreline sitting on 7-2

In the second half, Shayamoya continued their colourful attack, only allowing Mthatha's Goal Attack, Buhle Noto, to add one point to their tally Meanwhile, their daring charges, spurred on by playmaker, Zibuyile Dlembula, feeding her teammates down the other end, resulted in netting another eight more points, including a couple more two-pointers by Lamane Rounding off her birthday, Lamane's intrepid play found her outside the circle, looping in a three-pointer that was slightly off target, rebounding generously for the captain who had stepped inside the circle With the full-time whistle almost blowing, she sent the ball towards the hoop, successfully sinking her third two-pointer of the final Leading up to the final, Shayamoya met newcomer, Zamokuhle Secondary School, in their semi-final, while Mthatha took on host school, King Edward High School Similar to their round-robin game, Shayamoya controlled play with an impressive result of 15-1, snuffing out any of Zamokuhle's plays with impressive intercepts and turnovers, sending play down to Zamokuhle's circle In the second semi-final, the conclusion was more riveting Having met

on Saturday, 23 August at King Edward

two games prior in the round robin, in a defender-heavy, low-scoring game, Mthatha edged King Edward, who had played for the title in the last two years, out by a mere one point In the semi-final, both teams dug deep to fire the ball up to the goals, with points raining down Mthatha took the semi 10-7 and advanced to the final for the first time

This weekend, the challenge heads to the picturesque inner-city setting of St Henry's Marist College, which welcomes Durban Central teams on Saturday, 30 August