THEMinisterofCooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs(CoGTA),Velenkosini Hlabisa,together with Deputy Ministers Dr Namane Masemolaand RevPrince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, tabled the 2026/27 Budget Votesfor the Department of Cooperative Governance(Vote 3) andTraditional Affairs(Vote 15) beforethe National Assembly in Parliament.
According to astatementissuedbythe Minister’sspokesperson, Pearl Maseko-Binqose, Budget Votes are importantinstruments of governanceinSouth Africa, as they grant legal authority forgovernment departments to spend publicfunds and serveasaprimary mechanismthrough which Parliament exercises oversightover service delivery,financial performance, and policy implementation
She said this is more thana financial statement, as it is acalltoactionfor the entire CoGTAsectorand forevery community in South Africa.Itcalls upon all stakeholders to unite in the sharedresponsibility of delivering equitableand sustainable access to basicservices that restore dignity, create opportunities, and empowercommunities to shape their own future
“It also represents adecisivestep from commitment to implementation,and from planning to measurableimpact on the ground.Both Budget Vote 3and Budget Vote 15 were adopted by the House. It outlined strategic priorities andbudgetallocations aimed at strengtheningcooperative governance and the institution of traditional leadership, improving municipal performance, enhancing disaster preparedness and response, and advancing theimplementation of the District DevelopmentModel (DDM),” she said
She added that this BudgetVote reaffirmed the constitutional importance of parliamentary approval in publicspending and demonstrated how CoGTAtranslates nationalpolicypriorities into actionable financial allocations that directly support communities across the country. Guided by the CoGTAtheme 'Every Municipality Must Work', the Budget Vote providesrenewed impetus formunicipalities to deliver services consistently, effectively, andefficiently, recognising localgovernmentas the sphereclosest to the people.
“It furtherensures that departmental expenditure remains alignedwith broader
national priorities such as the National DevelopmentPlan (NDP) andAnnualPerformancePlans(APPs),which outline the outputs,performance indicators,and targets to be achievedduringthe 2026/27 financial year andoverthe Medium-TermExpenditure Framework (MTEF) period.”
• R422.5 billionisallocated to Vote 3: Cooperative Governance
• R900million is allocatedtoVote 15: Traditional Affairs
“These allocationssupport the government'scommitment to strengtheninglocal government, supportingthe institution of traditional leadership, andensuring that cooperative governancefunctionseffectively across all spheresofgovernment. The BudgetVote furtherhighlightedCoGTA’s targeted interventionstosupport municipalities underthe guidingprinciple that ‘EveryMunicipality MustWork’.”
Mangets30yearsforchildrape andkidnapping
SPOKESPERSON for theNational Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Luxolo Tyali, has welcomed the sentencing of Lithemba Manyewu Sikhunana (37) to an effective 30 years’ direct imprisonment by the Centane Regional Court Sikhunana was found guilty of kidnapping and rapinga girl (11). These offences were committed on 29 June 2024 at the Takazi Administrative Area in Centane.
Tyalisaid the courtheard that the victim attended atraditional ceremony with her mother when Sikhunana made inappropriate remarks about her virginity.
“Later,while the child was walking with other children, the accused followed, forciblygrabbedher,and dragged her intoa nearby bush whereheraped her. Despite the victim pleading with him and identifyingherself as aminor, he proceeded with the assault. The child screamed for help, promptingacommunity search that forced himtoflee the scene,”said Tyali.
He added that the victim’sclothing was recovered at the scene. She was taken to the Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC), wherea medical examination confirmed sexual assault. Tyalisaid the State relied on the evidence of the complainant and her mother, supported by aJ88 medico-legal report
“The accused denied the allegations, claiminghemistook the complainant for an adult known to him. The court rejected his version as false beyondareasonable doubt.
Arguing for an appropriate sentence, State Prosecutor Siyabonga Manase submitted that the court should impose the prescribed minimum sentence without deviation. He stressed that the evidence was credible, consistent,and strongly corroborated by medical findings and surrounding circumstances.”
Tyali added that Manase further submitted that courts have consistently warned against deviations based on flimsy or insufficient reasons in serious sexual offences involving children. The court found no reason to deviate from the prescribed sentence and imposed 30 years’ direct imprisonment,citing the seriousness of the offence.
Welcoming the sentence, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Samkelo Mtwana, said the sentence reinforces that crimes against children will be met with firm consequences.
“We remain committed to protecting vulnerable victims and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable. Iacknowledge the support of Court Preparations Officer, Brenda Tyukala, and the Butterworth Hospital Thuthuzela Care Centre services, whose assistance was instrumental in ensuring a strong and well-prepared case. The NPAremains committed to the protection of children and the relentless pursuit of justice in sexual offence cases. Perpetrators will be prosecuted and held accountable,” said Mtwana.
PATIENTS from Ngcizele Clinic in Centane are reportedly forcedtosweepthe waitingroom themselves duetoa shortage of staff, including nurses
One of the patients, Musa Wesi (22), said she visited the clinic twice this month and was saddened to see that patientswere beingattended to by onlyone professional nurse.
She said that on the first day she visited the clinic for apersonal matter, she noticedthere was onlyone nurse assisting patients. On the second day,whenshe wenttocollect her mother’smedication, she was shocked to find patients leftunattended, awaiting nurses who travel from Butterworth.
“There is no staff here. We are forced to clean the floor before we gethelp because we cannot sit in adirty place like this. No one asks us to do it, butwecan see theconditionofour clinic.Itused to have nurses, but now we do notknow what is happening.”
She added that residents are worriedthe
clinic may eventually close, even though it servesa large number of surrounding communities
Anotherpatient whohelpedsweep the clinic, Nomawethu Katikati(65), saidshe hadgonethere to collect medication for a heart condition.She said that when they arrived, they found the clinic dirtyand decided to sweep while waitingfor assistance
“Weare appealingtothe government to bring more nursestoour clinic. It is averybeautiful clinic and even has accommodation for nurses, butthere are no nurses. Weneed helpwiththissituation,” she said.
The traditional leader of the area, Chief Mxolisi Soga, said they had triedseveral times to seek helpfrom the department, but no onehad been willingtoassist them.
“Weeven went to the Legislature to ask forhelpbecause peopleare sick.Itisvery painful to depend on one nurse.When this nurse is sick, the clinic closes.Wewent to Butterworth Hospital to askfor help, and they gave us one nurse whoonlyarrives around 12:00becausethe area is farfrom whereshe comes from,”said Soga.
According to Soga, the community urgently needsassistance. He added that it is shameful for patients to be treated in adirtyenvironment because thereisno cleaner at the clinic.
Media Liaison Officer and Spokespersonfor the EasternCape MEC for Health, CamagwiniMavovana, saidthe Department of Health is aware of concerns raised regardingstaffingatNgcizele Clinic. She said that, at present, the facility has one professional nurseassigned.
“The district has already submitted aformal motivation requesting the appointment of additional agency nurses to strengthen servicedelivery, and it has been prioritised in thisregard, including consideration for asecond nurse to improve staffing capacity,” she said.
Sheaddedthat regarding staffing norms, aratio of one professional nurse to approximately25to35patients is generally accepted in primary healthcare facilities, although patient volumes may fluctuate duringpeak periods, temporarily increasingwaiting times and staff pressure.
In addition, the Department is implementing broaderinterventions to address
staffing pressures across primary healthcare facilities.
“In the 2026/27 financial year budget speech, theMEC for the Department of Health, Ntandokazi Capa, announced the filling of 1,000 general worker posts across the province, which include cleaners and other essential support staff. Ngcizele Clinic is included withinthe prioritised rollout to benefitfrom theseappointments, which will further strengthen operational capacity at the facility level.
“Regarding concerns raised about facilityconditions, the Department notes that it has not received verified reportsofsustained neglect at the clinic.”
Mavovana said any isolated incidents observed are being taken seriously, and appropriate internal processes will ensure that standards of cleanliness and service delivery are consistently maintained going forward.
“The Department continues to prioritise critical posts within available resources while implementing targeted recruitment, agency support,and phased post-filling to strengthen service delivery at the facility level.”
THEAlfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM)has successfully adopted itsFinalBudgetand Integrated Development Plan (IDP)for the 2026/27 financial year
This landmark decision was taken during the 4th Ordinary Council Meeting, convened last weekbythe Speaker of Council, Councillor Sixolile Mehlomakhulu,atthe RoyalCourtyard Hotel in Matatiele.
Head of Communications at Alfred Nzo DistrictMunicipality, Luncedo Walaza, said that priortoadoption, the Municipality, in partnership with all local municipalities withinthe district, conducted extensive IDP and Budget roadshows across various communities. The issues, concerns, and proposalsraised during these public consultation sessions were duly recorded and considered to ensure the budget addressesthe true needs of the people.
“For the2026/27 Financial Year,the Total Operating Incomeisprojected at R1.745billion, whilethe Total Operating Expenditure is set at R1.735 billion, yieldingapositive budgeted surplus of more than R9 million. To safeguard the
existing infrastructure and improve service reliability,the Council has allocated asubstantial R19 million strictly forrepairs and maintenance. To supportthese ongoing operations and expand water infrastructure,the Water and Sewerage Tariff has been adjusted by amodest 6% increase,” saidWalaza.
He added that in acritical step towards stabilising administrativeleadership, a report was tabled by the Executive Mayor, Councillor Tsileng Sobuthongo, on behalfofthe Mayoral Committee, resolving to approvethe Recruitment Report to appoint Siyasanga Yolani Sityata as the new permanent Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Alfred NzoDistrict.
“Sityata, aseasoned local government professional, is the current CFO of Johannes Phumani Phungula Local Municipality. She holds an impressiveacademic and professional profile, including an ND in Accounting, aBachelor of Technology in Taxation, aPostgraduate Diploma in Risk Management, aMaster of Business Administration, aqualification in Municipal Finance and Supply ChainManagement,and SAICA accreditation.”
He added that her extensive career in financial management and government includes serving as Head of Operations at BonakudeConsulting (Pty)Ltd from April 2018 to June 2020, Assistant CFO at Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality from13 April 2015 to March 2018, during which shealsoserved as Acting CFO fromMay 2017toOctober 2017.
Her prior experienceincludes working as AssistantDirectorofFinancial Services at the Department of Social Development,aConsultant at Bonakude Consulting (Pty) Ltd, an Auditor and Trainee Auditor at the Auditor-General (AG) SA, and aTrainee Accountant at Accounting and Financial Services from March 2008 to 31 December 2008.
He said her appointment fills acritical vacancy thatarosefollowing the resignation of the former CFO, Unathi Mahlasela, whoseposition was formally declared vacant by Councilon31March 2025.
Driven by acommitment to good governance, compliance, and accelerated service delivery, the Council further approved asuite of strategic reports and policies from the Mayoral Committee.
These include:
• Adoption andimplementation of the CoGTA Municipal Non-NegotiableBooklet
Approving thefinancialblueprintsand annual budgets forthe 2026/27cycle,alongside the forward-looking Multi-YearBusiness Plan and Annual Budgetfor 2027–2029,toensureinfrastructure funding is fullymaximised
• Approving the implementation frameworkfor major Bulk WaterSupplyProjects (Bulk Dams)and adopting the proposedPolicyonRural Yard Connections to expand cleanwater access directly to households
• Approving the DisasterManagement Financial Intervention Support Policy
• Approving the appointment of two additional Audit andPerformance Committee (APC) membersspecialising in InfrastructureEngineering and
Information and Communication Technology(ICT) Accepting the recommendation forNtabankulu LocalMunicipalitytoassist the Alfred NzoDistrict MunicipalitywithFinancialMisconductDisciplinary Boardfunctions, reinforcingaccountabilityand cleanadministration.
In further administrative matters, the Council formally notedthe resignation of NathiNqoko. The Municipality expressed its appreciation for his contribution during his tenure with the institution.
THE National YouthDevelopment Agency (NYDA),inpartnership with the Provincial Government of the EasternCape, hosted consultations on the Integrated YouthDevelopment Strategy (IYDS) and the Provincial Youth Development Strategy (PYDS)atthe OR Tambo Hallin Mthatha recently.
The consultation provided an important platform for the youthofthe province to shape an advanced and inclusive future for young people in South Africa, while also ensuring that governmentpolicies are translated intomeaningful action.
This opportunity is expected to strengthen the country’s youth development landscape by improving access to empowerment initiatives, skills developmentopportunities,
and government programmesaimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of young people.The first consultation was held at theNelson MandelaMetro City HallinGqeberha on 27 May, followed by thesecond consultation held at theORTambo District Municipality in Mthatha.
Head of Economic Research at the NYDA, Tshepo Moloi, confirmed that the agency partnered with the Provincial Government of theEastern Cape to consult young people on theIntegrated Youth Development Strategy.
He said the strategy was adopted by the government in 2020 to address several challenges. The first challenge was creating aframework that would allow government departments to work together effectively.
“The second challenge wasdealing with fragmentation, duplication,and
uncoordinated youth programmes. Manydepartments, businesses, and civil society organisations were conducting youth development programmes, but theywere alloperatinginsilos. The framework and strategy seektoconsolidate allof those interventions.
“Thethird challenge wasthatthe government realisedthere was no single integratedmonitoring and evaluation framework that would allowustodetermine which government departments, businesses, andcivil society institutions are implementing youth development programmes, how we measure their impact, andhow we ensure thatthe interventions they undertake are sustainable.
“That is why the Integrated Youth Development Strategy was put in place. It is aproduct of theNational YouthPolicy andserves as the im-
AHIGH-LEVEL Eastern Cape delegationled by Premier LubabaloMabuyane embarked on aweek-long diplomatic visit to the Lazio regioninItaly, aimed at strengthening and unlocking new trade and investment opportunities.
The province’s delegation included high-ranking officials from theDepartmentofEconomic Development, Environmental Affairsand Tourism (DEDEAT), the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), the EastLondon Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ), and the Coega Industrial Development Zone.
The delegation, which also included the province’s business leadership, jettedoff to Italy on Tuesday, 26 May, and is expectedtospend aweek strengthening trade and economic relationswhile alsoexploring potential investment partnerships.
The South African Ambassador to Italy, Nosipho Jezile, hosted abusiness roundtable discussion where the
province’sbusiness representatives andtheir Italian counterparts explored collaborationopportunities in key economic sectors, including port logistics, renewable energy, bunkering,aquaculture,and agro-processing.
Mabuyane confirmed that the roundtable discussion was asuccess, with about 20 Italian companies, including financial institutions, expressing strong interest in investing in the Eastern Cape.
Businessengagements with ECDC, ELIDZ,and Coega leadership are expected to unlock potential investment partnerships withthe country.
Notably, the Italian maritime sector businesses extended invitations to EasternCape enterprises and maritime clusterstoparticipate in atrade fair scheduled totake placethis October.
In herclosing remarks, DEDEAT MEC Nonkqubela Pieters officially invited Italian investors to attend the much-anticipated Eastern Cape InvestmentConference scheduled forSeptember.
plementation framework that allows us to deliver on youth priorities,” said Moloi. He added that one of the main goals is to ensure that thereisanational framework that allows youth development initiatives to be implemented in acoordinated manner. Moloi said that thisisimportant because every year government, civil society organisations, businesses, and other stakeholders spend money on youth initiatives, but they are often unable to measurethe impact of thoseinitiatives.
“This framework allows us to bringall of thoseinitiatives together, holdpeople accountable, and ensure that the priorities of young people are fulfilled,” he said.
Noluntu Mthwa (31),from the Nyandeni Local Municipality, said many young people are facing challenges, especially because of the
Mabuyane undertook avisit to ITS Academy,a technological institute and maritimecentre of excellence based in Gaeta, Italy,aspartofhis official state visit programme, where he was briefed on the academy's institutional framework, strategic priorities, and its role in driving economic development throughspecialised training programmes.
“ITSAcademy stands as one of the most advanced andstrategically significant institutions within Italy’seducation and vocational training system, playing akey role in shaping the future of maritimeeducation across Italy and Europe,”saidMabuyane.
Mabuyane also metwith the President of the Lazio Regional Council, Antonio Aurigemma, discussing diplomaticties and strengthening bilateral cooperation.
As part of astrategic drive to attract international investment into the oceans economy, Mabuyane also visited Fiart in Naples, aglobally recognised boat manufacturer with alegacy dating back to 1960 and markets spanning the European Union (EU), the ader key nced energy, inprove otpordeveloplima ecosystem gy, line
high unemployment rate.
“We are hoping that thisinitiative will bring change to our problems as young people. We are facing a high rateofunemployment, and this leads some of us to abuse drugs and alcohol because we have nothing to do. If government can create job opportunities for us, we will be happy,” she said.
Alulutho Silangwe (28),from the King Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality, said they hope that all the points raised during the gathering will bring positive change to society.
“We have many problems that need to be addressed. We need solutions so that even future generations can benefit from them. Thehigh rateofteenage pregnancy is one of the challenges we need to deal with as young people. Boys and girls need to be educated about theseissues,” said Silangwe.
ZetDeefindsnew homeat047Radio
FORMER radiopresenter from Unitra Community Radio(UCR FM), Zukiswa Dorcas Gege, popularly known as ZetDee, from Ntabethemba Village in Komani,has joined 047 Radio, an online radiostation based in Mthatha.
Apartfrombeing aradiopresenter,Gege is also aDevelopment Facilitator at the Development Bank of SouthernAfrica (DBSA).
Shesaidthat radiohas always been her firstlove. Shebegan her broadcasting journey at VukaniCommunity Radioaround 2000, where she hosted R&B and Gospel musicshows.
Shelater joined UCR FM in 2012 after being headhunted by the station. Upon joining, she introduced aGospel music show called Amandla Endumiso,which airedeverySunday morning from 02:00 to 06:00.
Shewas later given another Sunday morning programme titled Ubunzulu Benkolo,which airedfrom06:00 to 09:00 until March 2023.
“Unfortunately, Imoved back to Johannesburg, and that is how Ileft UCR FM.I was then approached by 047 Radio, an online radiostation based in Mthatha, to host aSunday morning show from 06:00 to
09:00. Iamcurrently hosting Gcobani kuYehova everySunday morning, broadcasting all the way from Johannesburg,” saidGege.
Shebelieves that being aGospel radiopresenter is partof her calling.
“I can host most radioshows, but Gospel shows feel different. Maybe Iwas blessed by my name, Zukiswa, which means my life must be for God’s glory.Ithumbles me to know that there arepeople who see me as their role model. Igiveall the gloryback to God because it is not about me, but Him.” Gege added that she is not perfect and encouraged people not to be too hardonthemselves. Shesaidthat she is also human, just like everyone else, stating that people should allow God to be God in theirlives.
Speaking about her professional career,Gege saidshe had always dreamt of working in community development and initially thought Parliament was the right place to pursue her passion.
However,she later discovered that the DBSAaligned more closely with her aspirations Shejoined DBSAin2009 and currently works in stakeholder management on various community development projects across the country.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
1. The Western CapeDepartment of Social Development Gugulethu,local office,is requesting anyonewho wasin a relationshipwith MamphoMosie, last seenin 2010 in the Eastern Capearea,toplease contactsocial worker: NMapeyi on 021 8315948.
2. The Western CapeDepartment of Social Development Gugulethu,local office,is requesting anyonewho wasin a relationshipwith Nosipho Tonga, last seeninthe Eastern Cape Cala area,toplease contact socialworker: NMapeyi on 021 8315948.
BABALWA NDLANYA
Fromgrieftograduation,Simanyekeepshispromise
ZAVELA MAKWABE
ON 30 May 2026, the ParishHall in Dutywa overflowed with supporters who travelled to celebrate ayoung man whose story of resiliencemovedthe nation.
Earlierthis month,Simanye Tonono graduated from the UniversityofFortHarewith a Bachelor of Agriculture and 22 distinctions. His achievement is more than academic. It is the fulfilment of avow made at the lowest pointofhis life.
Afew months into his first year, Simanye returned home to Chizela village to bury his entire immediate family. Standing before his mother and siblings’ graves as the onlysurviving child,hepromised to hold on, to study, and to make asuccess of himself.
“It is personal,” he said of his graduation. “It is acontinuation of apromise Imade at the graveside.”
That promise carried him through collapse and rebuilding. Whengrief shattered hisfocus and he faileda module, he refused to stop. “I was studying for them now,” he said.
He returned withrenewed discipline, earned distinctions,tutored peers, and became amentor to others.
His graduation party was itself acommunity triumph. The mood in the Parish Hall was electric and emotional, filled with ululation, tears and celebration.
Friends and supporters came from across the province, with some travellingall the way from Cape Town to honour Simanye’s journey.
The crowd includedaward-winning gospelstar Bethusile Mcinga,social entrepreneur and motivational speaker Babalwa Mbuku, renownedMCKeke
Mthathi, and popular TikTok entertainer LonwaboSiyo. Majorettes led the procession, praise poets paidtribute to his resilience, and live performances kept the hall alive as the communitydanced in honour of apromise fulfilled.
Mostofthe funds for the celebrationwere raised by Eastern Cape socialmedia influencer Mandisi Tshingana through his foundation, the Mandisi Tshingana Foundation, which received an Activism Award at the Engineer YourLife Awards as one of the Top 10Young Leadersearlier
this year
The foundation raised over R17 000 to make the day possible. Tshingana extended his heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed,supported,and attended the celebration.
“Your generosity,whether through time, resources, mentorship, or simply showing up,has made areal difference. Thank you for helping make the Eastern Cape aplace wherewecelebrate one another’s victories and lifteach other in times of need.”
Avery grateful Simanye said he had never expected the out-
pouring of support.
“It really meansa lot. It shows I’m not alone. Ithought Iwas justsurvivingand keeping my promise,but nowIsee that my journey giveshope to others. My graduation isn’t just about getting adegree. It honours my mother andsiblings.Their sacrifices live on throughme,” he said He thanked everyonewho supportedhim,especially the Mandisi TshinganaFoundation “Mandisi didn’t have to help, buthedid.Thatshowedmethe power of community. To every-
Businesses eyeglobalmarketsatexportworkshop
ZAVELA MAKWABE
LOCAL entrepreneurs and business owners gathered at the Alfred Nzo District Municipality Conference Centre on 28 May 2026 for an Export Awareness Workshop aimed at unlocking international trade opportunities for the region.
Hosted by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC),
in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competitionand the Alfred Nzo District Municipality,the workshop brought together emerging entrepreneurs, established business owners, government stakeholders and trade experts.
The session provided practical guidance on exportregulations, compliance requirements, international trade instruments,
incentiveschemes, priority sectors, and market access opportunities.
The focuswas on equipping businesses with the knowledge and networks needed to compete beyondSouth Africa’s borders.
ECDCTrade Promotion Specialist, LindaLubengu, who served as programme director, said initiatives like this arekey to regional growth. “Workshops
such as these arecritical in empowering local businesses with the knowledge,networks and tools required to participate meaningfully in global markets.
Through collaboration andinformation-sharing,weare creating pathways for businesses in the region to grow beyondour borders.”
For attendees, theimpact was immediate.“Icame notknow-
onewho donated, shared,orsent amessage,thank you for celebratingthis milestone with me.” Simanye’s nextchapterisalready in motion.
He said he would pursue postgraduate studies in agribusiness, holdingfasttothe lessonforged in his darkest year:“Don’t be deterred.Trust theprocess and keep going.”
He hasnot forgotten thesecond partofhis vow. He planstobuildabig family house, ahome where thememoryofhis mother andsiblings will live on.
ing where to start with exporting.I’m leaving with aplan,” said Nambita Mdudi, founder of Luna Fragrances, based in the Alfred Nzo region.
The workshop forms partof ongoing efforts by thegovernment andits agencies to drive economicparticipation by helping Eastern Cape businesses access international markets and scale theiroperations.
SimanyeTonono’sgraduation partywas itself acommunity triumph. The crowdincludedaward-winninggospelstarBethusileMcinga, social entrepreneurand motivational speakerBabalwa Mbuku,renowned MC Keke Mthathi,and popular TikTok entertainer Lonwabo Siyo, while majorettes led theprocession.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
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Nyandeni Municipality. Thecrash course targeted young people between the ages of 15 and21.
