Mthatha Express North - E-Edition - 5 February 2026

ECopensfirstpublicIVFclinictoserveruralcommunities

BABALWA NDLANYA

THE MEC for the Department of Health,Ntandokazi Capa, officially opened an In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) Clinic at Nelson Mandela AcademicHospital in Mthatha, positioning theinstitution as one of only four public hospitalsinSouth Africatooffer IVF services, last week.

This groundbreakingservice expands access to specialised reproductive healthcare, offering hope to individuals and families who require fertility support within thepublic health system.

Capa said the hospital is the only one in the Eastern Cape that plays acritical roleasa referral facility for rural and remote communities acrossthe north-eastern part of the province.

“The introduction of IVFservices within the public health sector offers renewedhope to families who previouslyfaced significant financialand geographical barriers to accessing treatment. There arepeople who are desperatelyinneed of

this service. We have already received anumber of enquiries since we circulated aposter.The feedback weare getting shows that people need thisserviceand they are excited to havethis facilityhere,”she said.

She added that approximately R12 million was spent on infrastructure and that specialists had been employed, meaning the facilityis now fully staffed.

The department is now planning toemploy non-clinical staffwho will focus on revenue generation andadministration, ensuring these functions are separated from other departmental duties and dedicated to the facility.

Capa said that whilst the department aims to generate revenue, it fully understandsthat IVF is an expensiveprocedure.

However, the service will be made accessiblebecause it is offered at apublic facility,particularly for local communities.

According toher, priority will be given to peoplefrom rural areas.

“Asa facility, we have adevelopment plan in place, and the infrastructure department is part of our planning.Wewant to en-

sure that whatever needstobe maintained or purchased using the grant is donequickly.Most of the specialists employed are from the EasternCape, and we want to providethem with aconducive working environment so that they remainatthe facility.”

She added that IVF specialists possess scarce skills and that the department is committed to retaining them. Where necessary, accommodation will be provided to ensure specialists remain in the province.

Capa said when the government decidedtoestablish acentral hospitalinthe province, the intentionwas to ensure that highly specialised services were accessible to communities. That is why Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital is expected to function fully as acentral academic hospital, bringing services closer to the people.

She said the decision to introduce the service in arural area such as Mthatha was aimed at ensuring that people do not have to travel long distances to access specialised healthcare.

She confirmed that patients ac-

cessing the servicewill pay for it. Those with medical aidwho choose to use thefacility will be charged significantly less than what theywould pay in theprivatesector.

“In the private sector, patients may payaround R100,000. At this facility,they will pay less. However, as apublic institution, there willbeexceptional cases, particularly for people from ruralareas.Wewill assess how best to assist them as adepartment.”

Capa addedthatthere arealready patientsonthe waiting list. “We currently have about 10 patientsfromNelsonMandela Academic Hospital andfourfrom Frere Hospital in EastLondon, making atotal of 14. There are also about300 people whohave alreadyundergone preliminary tests.”

Provincial DeputyDirector-Generalfor Clinical Services in the DepartmentofHealth, MtandekiXhamlashe,saidthe initiative was conceptualised10 yearsago by formerMECs and senior officials

“Although some people are

already awareofthis service, manymorewill use it, which meansadditional capacity will be needed.Being in aruralarea shouldnot mean deprivation of services. ‘Rural’ shouldbea geographic description,not asocio-economicone. We arecommittedtochanging that,”hesaid. He addedthatwhilst theinfrastructure andequipment were completedwithin 12 months, the visionhad takenadecade to realise. “This is theresultofgenerationsofleadership,” he said

Eligibilitycriteria areoutlined on official posters and include:

• Agelimitsand number of treatment cycles

• Referral pathways throughthe public health system

• Required documents and medical tests

• Clinic operating timesand indicative costs

Members of thepublic areencouragedtoreview theinformation carefully andtofollow the official referralprocess, starting at their nearest Primary Health Carefacility.

NAPTOSAdemandsurgentschoolsafetymeasuresafterNtabankulushooting

BABALWA NDLANYA

PROVINCIAL ChiefExecutive Officer (CEO) for National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA), Loyiso Mbinda, confirmed that they have called for urgent strengthening of school safety following the incident which happened at Ntabankulu Primary School in Ntabankulu, where three teachers were shot inside the school premises recently.

He said this organisation has expressed serious concern regarding the state of safety in schools, particularly in the Eastern Cape, following the recent incident

“The incident whichhappened in this school is deeply troubling and underscores the urgent need to strengthensafety measures in

our schools.

“Many schools in the Eastern Cape continue tooperate without adequatesecurity, access control, or effective safety protocols, leavinglearners andeducators vulnerable,” he said.

He emphasised that NAPTOSA has repeatedly raised concerns about school safety with the Eastern Cape Department of Education.

He stated that on February 27, 2025, they formally submitted amemorandum to the Department proposing acomprehensive School SafetyAwareness Campaign aligned to the National School SafetyFramework.

“The department undertook to respond within 14 days; to date, no formal responsehas been received. This lack of urgencyis concerning,given the serious-

ness of the challenge we face NAPTOSA maintains thatcurrent security arrangements in manyschoolsare insufficient andcalls on the Department of Education to take decisive action. School safety cannotbe treated as an optional extra.

“Weare calling forthe urgent strengthening of access control measures, the provision of security personnel where necessary, the consistent implementation of the National School Safety Framework, andimprovedcoordination amongthe Department, SAPS, Social Development and community safety structures.”

AccordingtoMbinda,when addressing concerns around the conduct of educators, NAPTOSA is unequivocal: anyform of abuse, harassment, or unprofessional conductbyeducators is

unacceptableand has no place in their schools.

Educators are entrusted with the care and protection of learners, andthose whoviolate this trust must face thefullconsequences of thelaw and applicable disciplinary processes, whilst due process is respected

“On the issue of suspects being released on bail and theprotection of school communities during investigations, NAPTOSA stressed theimportance of safeguardingmeasures.

“Where serious allegations arise, particularly when suspects are released on bail,there must be clearprecautionary measures to ensurethat learners, educators andwitnesses are protected. This includes risk assessments, alternative placement or suspensioninline with labour laws,

confidentiality and access to psychosocial support.

“Witnesses must feel safe to report incidents without fear of intimidation or victimisation.”

He said their protection is essential if they are serious about accountability and justice in their schools.

Spokesperson for theDepartment of Education, Malibongwe Mtima, said thedepartment is already in theprocess of ensuring that allschoolsare safe.

He said this is an ongoing process as they are busy providing theschoolswith security fencing, CCTVcameras, etc.

“We have already started to ensure that our schoolsare safe; even NtabankuluPrimary School wasonthe listofthe schoolsthat were going to receive security fencing,”said Mtima.

Localauthortackles youthdrugprevention

BABALWA NDLANYA

AN authorfrom Zimbane Valley in Mthatha, LizoGwebityala, has released abooklet titled Roots and Awareness,aimed at educatingchildren about substance abuse

He began writing the booklet in November 2025 and completed it in early January 2026. Gwebityala said the booklet is designed to help children understand substance abuse, its dangers, and ways to protect themselves.

“Basically, it is asubstance abuse prevention booklet for children. Isaw how this behaviour affects children in our community, breaking families and futures. Iwanted to give them tools to make healthy choices and buildresilience,”hesaid.

The booklet is suitable forchildren aged between6and 12 years, but Gwebityala noted that people of different agescan also relate to its message.

This is his firstpublished work; however, he has long been involvedinsubstance abuseawareness campaigns, which gave him experience working with children and helped him identify the need for aresource that speaks directly to them.

“I am now working on translations to accommodatechildrenwho speak different languages.Thisversion uses code-switching between isiXhosa and English.Myplan is toproduce separate English-only and isiXhosa-only versionsand then expand further.”

He hopes the booklet will be made available free of charge in schools, community centres, libraries, churches and at local events. He is currentlyseeking partnerships, sponsorships or funding to support bulk printing and distribution.

The Roots and Awareness book is also available online at: www.rootsandawareness. b12sites.com/index#home

PSJ musician releases newEP

AMULTIFACETED musician, Lucky Ndamase, knownasKisto from PortSt Johns, is on amission to release his two-song EP titled Nono and Uvalo He saidthat although he is stillfinalisingthe releaseprocess, the songs are already availableononline music platforms such as Spotify.

He is an artistand producer who has madeanindelible mark on the music industry. With apassionfor music spanning over adecade, he said his journey has been nothing short of remarkable.

“Mytalent, dedication and perseverance have earned me recognition and accolades, solidifyingmyposition as a respected figure in theSouth African music scene. Iparticipated in Season 8ofthe popular realityTVshow Idols SouthAfrica.Myexceptional vocal skills and captivatingstage presence impressed the judges,earning me acov-

eted GoldenTicket. This achievement not only showcased my talent but also opened doors to new opportunities,” he said.

He added that, as amusician, his genre-bending style blends traditional SouthAfrican rhythms with modern influences, creating aunique sound that resonates with diverse audiences. His music often carries themes of hope, love and inspiration, reflecting his optimisticoutlook on life.

In addition to his workasaperforming artist, he is also askilled producer who has worked with various artists and projects. His production style is characterised by innovative beats, infectious melodies and attention to detail.

“Throughout my career, Ihave performed at numerous events, festivals and concerts, sharing the stage with prominent artists. My energy, charisma and passion for music have endeared me to fans and fellow musicians alike.”

Teachers’unionseekstalksonextendedschoolhours

BABALWA NDLANYA

CHIEF Executive Officer of the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA) in the Eastern Cape, LoyisoMbinda, requests formal engagementwith the EasternCapeDepartment of Education (ECDoE)regardingthe implementation of the 24/7 schoolingmodel in selected schoolswithin the province. He said they recognised that the model was introduced as astrategicintervention intendedtosupport learner performance in specific contexts.

“At the same time, feedbackreceived from educatorsand school communities has highlighted the need for ongoing monitoring and review of its implementation, particularly in relation to learner well-being, educator workload, and long-termsustainability.Accordingly,NAPTOSA adopted aconference resolutionproviding for structured engagement with the department on this matter,” said Mbinda.

He added that this resolution was scheduled to be presentedduring the last quarter of 2025, including aplannedengagement withthe Head of Department (HoD) Sharon Maasdorp.

Due to the Department’s operational programmes and scheduling constraints, these engagementshave not yettakenplace. Mbinda saidNAPTOSA acknowledges the department’s extensive responsibilities and remains respectful of its planning processes.

“The organisation nonethelesssubmits thatthismatter warrants dedicated consultation, given its implications for teachingand learning. We remain committed to cooperative and evidence-informed engagement withthe department. Our intention is to contributeconstructivelytopolicy discussionsinamanner that supportsboth educational outcomes and institutional sustainability.”

According to him, the organisation respectfully requests an opportunity to formally table its resolution and to participate inastructured review process, informed by implementation experience and relevant educational considerations.

Mbinda said that should formal engagements continue to be delayed, NAPTOSA will, in linewith its consultative mandate, engage relevant education stakeholders to consolidate perspectives and inputs forfuturediscussions.

“Thisprocess is intended to support, rather thansubstitute, directengagement with the Department. NAPTOSA reiterates its commitment to professional collaboration andtothe shared objective of improving the qualityofeducation in the Eastern Cape.”

Spokesperson forthe Department of Education,Malibongwe Mtima, said they are notaware of any 24/7 Schooling Model, as they do nothaverecords of any school that hasclasses24/7.

He saidtheywould appreciate it if NAPTO-

SA could provide them witha list of schools in each district that teach learners 24/7

“The Department of Education respects thatteachers are employed under theEmployment of Educators’ Act, dictating their legal rights as employees. In this value chain, teachersare directlyworking with learners and thereforedirectlyprovide five curriculum transactions of teaching, learning, assessment, diagnosis and remediation.

“We have noted with appreciation lately that teachers are utilising dataprovided by the department and are increasinglyunderstanding the diagnosis and remediation side of the education business,”said Mtima.

He added that they are noting this through reports fromdistricts and schools as they have learner profiles based on diagnostic analysis of tests and examinations, and remedialprogrammes provided in many of theirschools aredifferentiated and targeted.

MtimasaidSubject Improvement Plans aredeveloped as aPlan of Action where teachers and schools decide to do what will work for them to ensure performance is maintained or improved.

“The reality is thatasthe learners move fromone gradetothe other, they do not have to master all the content to be promoted, with some even progressing to ensure as many as possible reach Grade 12. In Grade 12, it is important to fill all thegaps that havebeen there in previous grades to ensure they have agood chance of succeeding in all subjects. Using Extended Hours

Programmes is used to close gaps, ensure Curriculum Coverage and prepare learners to be ready for exams.

“This is apractice done by all provinces, not only theEastern Cape. Oncemore, there is no school we know of that has classes 24/7.”

According to him, thedepartment is guided by legislation and/or policies, and there is no policy issued to schools compelling teachers to teach beyond normal teaching hours.

He confirmed that teachers do analysis voluntarilyand their decisions arerespected,and thedepartment always providesnecessary support.

“The department’s ESSS officialsare available to provide support to teachers whomay feel thepressure in their endeavour to improvelearner performance. It must be noted that it is evident that targeted extra support is adding valuetolearners’ performance and many schoolswith good results are having good plans to drivetheir extra-tuition programmes.

“There is no doubtthat theProvincial Performance (which is informed by Individual School Performance in districts) is where it is because of thecontribution of hardworking teachers and officialswho use Regulated Time plusExtra Time to support children. Many children benefit from support provided during extra time. Once more, no teacher is forced to work beyond working hours as stipulated by regulation.”

EasternCapeSAPScallsforK9support

ZAVELA MAKWABE

THE South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape is making acall to the public for donations of dogs tojoin its esteemed K9 units.

The province’spoliceforce is facing a critical shortage of suitable canine partners, hinderingtheir ability to effectively combat crime, conduct search and rescue

operations,and detectthreats.

Police Spokesperson, Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating, “A critical shortage of suitable dogs is currently impairing essential crime fighting, search and rescue, and detection operations across the province. Your contribution can directly support frontline policing and save lives.”

The SAPSisseeking healthy,confident, and energeticdogs with astrong work

ethic.

Preferred breeds include German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retrievers, and others. If your dog haswhat it takes to be ahero, the SAPS wants to hear from you

Selection criteria areasfollows:

• Fordetection andsearchroles: Dogs intended fornarcotics, explosives,firearms detection, or search andrescue,mustdemonstrateahigh play/

prey drive, shown by an intensefocus on and desire to chaseballs or toys

• Forpatroland apprehension roles: Dogs to be trained forpatrol dutiesmustdisplay controlled, predatorypreydrive, whichisassociatedwiththe controlledaggression necessaryfor suspectapprehension and protection work.

To donate yourcanine companion, contact Warrant Officer Chris Heggieat072 735 0116.

Propellabusinessincubatoruncovershiddengems

ZAVELA MAKWABE

THE South Africa National Cleantech Innovation Challenge (NCIC) recently embarked on aWaste-To-Value roadshow in the Eastern Cape, targeting urbanand rural areas

Throughthe Propella Business Incubator, one of the eightregional hubs addressing the province’s waste management challenges, the NCIC, aimed to engage cleantech entrepreneurs and encourage innovative solutions.

Making stops in Makhanda, East London, Qonce,Mthatha, Nxuba (formerly Cradock), and Graaff-Reinet, the initiative provided insightfulinformation sessions on opportunities to transform wasteinto value Thisprogramme supported South Africa's transition to acarbon-neutral and greeneconomy.

Zandile Silo, Marketing Communications Managerfor Propella Business Incubator, told the Express that during their roadshowacross the province, they were met with strong ideas that have the potential to progress to the national rounds of the NCIC.

“The Eastern Cape is extremely rich in innovation that is not yet fully explored, even though there are many opportunities waiting for its people.

“Part of the roadshow was toidentify innovators who canhelp close the pipelinegap within the innovation ecosystem, and we came across several interesting and sound ideas that may be ready for the challenge.

“We also gained adeeper understanding of how important it is to have partners and structures in place thatnot only support innovators through funding, but also cultivatepeople to develop creative ideas that can solve waste challenges in their communities.”

She said during their stop in Mthatha, they were thrilled to hearabout medical waste innovationprojects at WalterSisulu University, andthe challenges they shared really resonated withthem.

“At theWalterSisulu University's Mthathacampus, we had theopportunityto hear about projectsfrom innovators in the medical waste industry, which truly excited us. These are some of thechallenges we are particularly interested in,” she said

Sport

ECrefereewinsnational awardforexcellence

HOSEYAJUBASE

RURAL referee, Nolitha Mhlomi, was crowned the winner of the 2025 Hollywood Bet SuperLeague as the best assistant refereeofthe season

In this category, Mhlomi was competing against the best refereesinSouthAfrica, namely Samkelo Ngwane and Nothando Zulu.

She was crowned thewinner during the Hollywood Bet Super League Awardsheld in Gauteng on Sundaynight, 1February

2026. Mhlomi, who grew up in the deep rural areas of Zifonondile in Cala, said she isvery excited to win thisaward.

“I am feeling so excited,this means alot tome. I’m really grateful and honoured.”

During herchildhood in rural areas, Mhlomi never thought that one dayshe would become among the best referees in SouthAfrica. She started her career playingfootballwith young boys and participating in athletics.

Mhlomi said this awardisadreamthat came true for her, and this is justthe beginning ofgood things in her career.

MusketeersFCmaintainperfectrecord

ANELE RAZIYA

THE Centane-based team MusketeersFC continue to enjoy an unbeaten run in the SAFAAmathole Hollywoodbets Regional league division since the start of the season last year

In arecent league result, Musketeers FC onceagain registered an important victory when they beat Zeny Sport Club 1-0 away to maintain their top position with four consecutivevictories

Withthis recent leagueresult it means theCentane-based team arecurrently leading the SAFA Amathole Hollywoodbets Regionalleague StreamElog standings in Mnquma with 12 points after 4 games.

NgqamakhweCity FC, in second position on the log standings,are trying to catch the log leaders as they have 9points in 4games.

This follows arecent result where NgqamakhweCity FC defeated mid-tableside Young Stars UnitedFC3-0 away to keep athree-point gap between them and the log leaders.

Third position in StreamE log standings is currently occupied by Zeny Sports Club who losttothe log leaders recently Zeny Sports Club have9points in 4 games and they arelooking to bounce back this weekend when they will be playing their fifth fixtures of the season.

With the Hollywoodbets Regional league StreamESaturday league fixtures, the log leaders MusketeersFCwill visit Ngqamakhwe City FC in ahighly anticipated league clash whereboth teams arefighting for the top spot.

Amakotamane FC will host Ngqamakhwe United FC, Inter City SportsClub will visit the former champions of StreamE, WSUButterworth FC,Wongama FC will battle against FC Tshabalala, Young Stars United FCwill entertain Ezikaxhamela FC at home, and Zeny SportsClub will lock horns against Ndabankulu Sss FC.

All these league fixtures will be played this Saturday afternoon and teams will be aimingfor maximum points to improve their current log standings

SAFAopenstransfer windowforamateurleagues

ANELE RAZIYA

WHILE some teamsthat playindifferent amateur leagues are entering their second round of the season, the South African Football Association(SAFA) has announced that the windowperiodfor registrationofnew players is open

In arecent announcement, SAFA has indicated on its website thatthe window period for registration of playersstarted on 15 January this yearand will close on 14 February

This window periodmeans all teams in regionalleagues and the ABCMotsepe leagues who areinterestedinbolstering their squads candosoduringthisperiod.

Most teamsinthe ABCMotsepe leagues and in the regionalleaguesindifferent provinces, particularly from the Eastern Cape, have already completedall their first-roundleague fixturesofthe season

This month, they arestarting the second round fixtures, and every team is aiming to improvetheir log standings.

In the Eastern Cape ABCMotsepe league Coastal Stream, FC Buffalo City

Relativesare leading the log standings with 25 points after 11 games,followedby Old GreyFCinsecond position with 23 points from 11 matches

GqeberhaUnited FC arecurrently sitting in third position with 21 points after 11 matches

In the EasternCapeABC MotsepeInlandStream, FC Ravens areleading the log standings with 28 points anda better goal difference, as theyare tied on points with SA SpearOfthe Nation FC whocurrently occupy second position with 28 points

Both teams toppingthe log standings played 11 matches in the firsthalfofthe season andare nowenteringthe second roundofthe season

Bizana Pondo Chiefs areamong the teams whoare trying to chasethe log leaders as theycurrently have 16 points from 11 games andoccupy third place. This meansthe ABCMotsepe leaguein the provinceisexpected to be more interestingasall teams will be looking to improve their log standings by bolstering their squads with quality players.

Bush BucksFCparts ways with head coach

HOSEYAJUBASE

BUSH Bucks FC has confirmed thatthe club has parted ways with its head coach, Siyabulela Gwambi.Gwambi left the club after ten league matches.

During his stint, Gwambi lostfive games, won two, and drew three.

During his time at Imbabala, Gwambi also led the team to victoryintheir Nedbank Cup matches in the EasternCape. However, Imbabala unfortunately lost in Bloemfontein during the Nedbank Cup nationalmini-playoffsmatch against Luthuli BrigadesFCfromMpumalanga

province. Coach Glenn Minnie will take charge of the remainingleaguegames. In astatementreleased by Bush Bucks FC, theclubconfirmed the departure: “We wish to inform the Imbabala faithful that the cluband head coach,Siya Gwambi, have mutually agreed to part ways. The clubwould like to thank Coach Gwambi forhis contribution, commitment, and serviceduringhis time with Bush Bucks andwishhim well in hisfutureendeavours “The clubfurther confirmsthatCoach Glenn Minnie will take charge of the team in an interimcapacity.”