Mthatha Express North - E-Edition - 5 March 2026

Industrialmachines handedoverto boosttextilesector

THE MECfor the Department of Agriculture in the Eastern Cape, Nonceba Kontsiwe, handed over straightindustrial sewing machines and overlock machines to 20 clothing and textile enterprisesas partofthe department's commitment to the development of enterprises and job creation in the province lastweek.

The event was held at Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (TARDI) in Tsolo.

The programme, which thedepartment allocated over R2.2 million to support103 clothing and textile cooperatives across the province, is atestament to theprovincial government’s focusonempowering local producerswhile strengthening the manufacturingcapacity of the Eastern Cape

Kontsiwe emphasised thecriticalrole of the clothing and textile industry in stimulating the growth of theprovincial Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“One of the reasons we aredistributing these machines is to improve the local enterprises and stimulate jobcreation.

The Eastern Cape specialises in traditional attire, and every season, particularly in December,thereishighdemand for high-quality traditionalgarments. You must positionyourselvestofill that gap,”saidKontsiwe.

She added that the department,working with commercial farmers, hadinstalled surveillance cameras in stock theft hotspots in OR Tambo. Shealsorevealed that one of those camerashad been vandalised.

Kontsiwe also raised awareness about Foot-and-Mouth Disease, whichwas declared anational disasterbyPresident Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this month.

She urged livestock owners to refrain from transporting animals without the necessarypermits and alsoconfirmed the vaccines have been procured by the government, with the department targeting identified hotspots.

Her remarks come just days afterthe central findingsofacomprehensivefeasibility studywerereleased by theLo-

calisation SupportFund whichmaps out apractical pathway to expanddomestic sourcing in linewith theobjectives of the Retail-Clothing,Textile,Footwear and Leather Masterplan

The studyreveals an increasedlatent demandwithin thenational retail sector It says SouthAfrican retailers have indicatedawillingness to sourceupto81 million additional garments locally per year,by2030.

This represents around R7.9 billion in annualmanufacturing outputaccording to thestudy.

The Mayor of Mhlontlo Local Municipality, CouncillorMbulelo Janda, said that leadership was aboutimplementing solutionsrather than just highlighting problems,whilehis Local EconomicDevelopment Portfolio Head, Mbuti Voko, said theindustrialmachines would enable beneficiariestodevelop their business andcreate jobs.

He encouraged thebeneficiariesto work diligently while ensuring that their products reachedretailstores.

Speakingonbehalf of thefarmers’ association in thedistrict, alocal farmer,Xolile Nkompela, welcomedthe initiative, calling for continuousmonitoringofthe machinesand other resources donated by thedepartment to farmers andother agriculturaland ruraldevelopment enterprises.

“Weneed to ensure that theresources giventofarmers andenterprisesserve their intended purposeinorder to avoid theftand misuse. Widows areheldat gunpoint while their livestock is stolen by brazen thieves.

“This is another formofextortion, and we need adedicatedteamtointervene,”said Nkompela.

One of thebeneficiaries, Masiyithathi Madikizela from Ingquza Hill Local Municipality, whostudied at Walter Sisulu University, said themachineswould improve thequality of her work, while another beneficiary,YoliswaMtikrakra, whoseskills were developedatschool, expressed gratitude to thedepartment for investing in their businesses.

Hawksappealforwitnessesinpoliceconstablemurdercase

THEEast London Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime InvestigationUnit has escalated efforts to traceand apprehend those responsiblefor the ruthless murder of Constable Siyabulela Mtsolisi(29).

Thekilling occurred in the earlyhours of September 15, 2024, atNompumelelo InformalSettlement in Beacon Bay, East London Hawks’spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvanasaid the murder of the deceased remains amatter of the highest investigative priority.

At the time of his death, he was attached to theSouth AfricanPoliceService (SAPS) in Beacon Bay andwas offduty.

“Accordingtopreliminary findings, the officer'sparents were asleep at theirresidence when they were abruptly awakened by thesound of astone striking the roof oftheir home.

“Moments later, it wasreported that shouting and commotion were heard emanating from the street. Upon venturing outside, thedeceased's mother apparently discovered her son lying on the roadway.

Communitymembersallegedly indicated that he had been stabbed,” saidMhlakuvana.

He added that although the constable was still alivewhen initially found, he tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene shortly thereafter.

Mhlakuvana said the motive for the killing remains under investigation. The Hawks are systematically analysing all available evidence, followingmultiple leads,and engaging in acoordinated operational strategy

He said these efforts are aimedatidentifying and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The Director for PriorityCrimeInvestigation (DPCI) Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya emphasised that attacks on law enforcement officials represent adirect challenge to the authority of the state and undermine societal stability.

He said the Hawks urgently call upon membersofthe public whomay have wit-

nessed theincident,possess knowledge of theeventsprecedingorfollowing the attack, or hold anyinformation,tocome forward.

Communitycooperation is indispensable in dismantlingcriminalnetworks andrestoring justice.

Anyonewith information is requested to contact thefollowing officers: Colonel RaymondBuysat082 301 1135 or Sergeant Papama Zakade at 071 481 3080, or Crime Stopon0860 010 111.

Alternatively, information may be submittedanonymouslyvia theMySAPS App. All information will be treated with thestrictest confidentiality, and anonymity is guaranteed.

72graduatefrombusinessskillsprogrammeinMthatha

BABALWA NDLANYA

THE Ntinga O.R. Tambo Development Agency, in collaboration with the Small Enterprise Developmentand Finance Agency (SEDFA), hosted agraduation ceremony for 72 learners who participated in aNew Venture Creation SkillsDevelopmentProgramme.

The event was heldatO.R.Tambo Hall in Mthathalast week

This six-month programme was aimedat equipping learners with criticalbusiness development and management skills and preparing them to becomeentrepreneurs, business coaches, and mentors.

According to the Chief ExecutiveOfficer (CEO)ofthe Ntinga O.R. Tambo DevelopmentAgency, Loyiso Mbiko, participants were supportedwith stipends of R3,500.00 per month, as well as laptops with data cards to access online learning resources

He said thetrainingcommenced onJuly 28, 2025, and was scheduled to conclude on November 28,2025, with internalmoderation completedinDecember 2025

“Weare here to close the programme which we started in July 2025. We are talking about new venturecreation. This programmewas designed forthe peopleof the O.R. Tambo District, especiallyyoung people, so that they can learnthe skills to startand manage their ownbusinesses successfully.

“We identified aneed for thegovernment,inpartnershipwith SEDFA, to invest in developing the skills of ourpeople, particularly the youth of this district,” said Mbiko

He said most of the participants had Grade 12 qualifications, while otherswere graduates. Mbiko said what was most important was that they equip themselves with these skillssothat they can become self-reliant.

“We have amanufacturing sectorand an oceaneconomy here in O.R. Tambo thatrequire skilled people. These sectorspresent opportunitiesfor the people ofthisdistrict.

Throughthis programme, we want our peopletoparticipate. We havenoticed that alot of money leaves this districtbecause peoplefromoutside come to take up these opportunities. As the government, we decidedtocollaborate so that localpeople can participate and create jobopportunities,”hesaid.

He added that even if apersonemploys just oneotherperson, it canmakeadifferenceinthat family.Mbiko said that while graduates mayseek employment, it is more important that they starttheir own businesses.

According to him, the government has committedtosupporting them through Ntinga and SEDFA, which also provides grant funding opportunities.

He confirmedthat this is only the beginning forthese graduates, as they aimtosee theirbusinessesgrow.

“Wehaveanevaluation unit at Ntinga

called the Enterprise Development Programme, which playsa role in supporting our participants goingforward. We started with 75 participants, and 72 completed the programme. Only three people left. We arehappy with the commitmentshown by the others.The fact thattheycompleted the programme shows dedication.We willconduct evaluations andensure that, where supportisneeded, participants are referred to the right places. This will be an ongoing programme.Wehavestarted now and willcontinuewalking this journey with them,”saidMbiko.

He confirmed that they areinterested in enrolling another groupbut currently lack funding.Headded that they areseeking more partners to help fulfil their vision.

Member of the Mayoral Committee for RuralEconomic Development andTourism in the O.R. TamboDistrictMunicipality, Councillor Mvuyisi Mbede,saidthe dis-

trict hasaresponsibility to work with the Agencytogrowthe local economy

“Wedonot grow the economy merely by talking about it. We must ensure that growth includesthe people of this district by supportingsmall business enterprises andthose whohaveideastoestablish businesses.Before introducing someoneto business,you must firsttrain themsothey canmanagetheir business financesproperly. As the government, we do notwant to invest moneyinpeople whoare notwell equippedfor what theywill be doing,” said Mbede

He said the programme was implemented to ensure thatlocal people participate in the district’s natural resourcesand economicopportunities.

“Wewantthemtobecomeemployersin this district. We wanttoensure thatour economy is stable andbenefitsour people,” he said

Women’scentrehostsannualHealingDayforGBVsurvivors

BABALWA NDLANYA

OFFICIALS from the Umtata Women’s Support Centre (UWSC), anon-profit organisation in Mthatha, hosted their annual Healing Day session/Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Survivors Appreciation Day at Mthatha West, recently.

Accordingtothe social worker from UWSC, Bukho Sibonda, the event was aheartfelt gathering dedicated to honouring survivors, sharing journeys of healing,and strengthening their collective support network.

She said the purpose of the event was to create asafeand supportivespace where individuals could come together to reflect, receive encouragement, learn about available supportsystems, and begin the journey toward healing from theimpact of GBV. “It was also aimed at raising awareness and promoting open

conversations among our beneficiariesthat healing is ajourney.

The event benefited survivors, families, youth,community members, and anyoneseeking knowledgeabout GBVprevention and support.Italso helped those who wanted to learn how to assist others affected by violence.

“It encouraged community leaders tocome on board to tackle GBV by getting men involvedin conversations and programmes to create aculture whereGBV is not tolerated,for example, the Men’s Forum Enforcement (Masiphungefor Man),” she said

She added that the organisation providesfree psychosocial services to survivors of Gender-BasedViolence andFemicide in the Eastern Cape. UWSC endeavours toplay aleading, proactive,and sustainable roleinthe struggle to reduce acts of GBV bychallenging behaviours,attitudes,and practices that promote violence againstwomen and chil-

dren.

“The organisation focuses on community upliftment through awareness programmes, educational initiatives, and support-drivenevents that address social challenges. Our aimisto empower individuals with knowledge, provide platforms for dialogue, and connect peoplewith relevant resources.

“Our event has been hosted annually fromFebruary 2023 to February 2026 with financial support from the GBVF Response Fund.Wehave managed to host the Healing Day event for four consecutive years for our service beneficiaries, including the Masiphunge Women and Men Empowerment groups,office clients receiving psychosocial support and counselling services, and other focused groups such as young women and Queens of Resistance groups from communities around the King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality and

the Nyandeni Local Municipality,” she said.

Sibonda said that when they started the Healing Day, their service beneficiaries were only women, but now that GBVF affects everyone, men have also had the courage to join theirprogrammes. UWSC has since introduced programmes that focus on men's empowerment.

Sheadded that theirintention is for this to remain an annual event so that continued support, awareness, and education can be provided to communities.

According to her, one of the main challenges is funding, as behavioural change, therapeutic, andinformation-sharing programmes require ongoing financial support to remain sustainable.

“We arealso encouraging men to break the silence about their ownexperiences of GBV. The name Healing Day reflects the intention behind the gathering.

Mthathadancerdreamsofrevivinglocaldancescene

BABALWA NDLANYA

AWELL-KNOWNchoreographer from Mthatha, Zinzi Nkomba (24),who attended theNew Venture Creation SkillsDevelopment programme that was hostedbyNtinga O.R Tambo Development Agency in Mthatha for aduration of six months, said this has given her clarity andshe is willing to chase her dream.

She said she is willing to open herown dance academy because it used to be popular from 2015 to 2018, but it all went downhill.

Nkomba confirmed thatMthatha has talented people, but no oneiswilling to invest in this craft

“The skillsthat Igained from this programme willhelpme build abrand that is recognisable, something that will resonatewith peoplewho always wanted to dance but werenever given achance.

“I willuse the financialmanagement skillstorun this business, register this danceacademy, set achievable goals and be able to uplift the young girls who wereleft out at somepoint in theirlives,” shesaid.

Nkomba said this programme will assist heralot as she has oobtained aDiploma inSmall

Business Management fromWalter Sisulu University (WSU), and she continueswithher studies.

“Thiswill help broaden my thinkingbecause Istarted dancinginGradeRatHoly Cross Education Centre Kiddie Land hereinMthatha. From Grade 6Istarted doing choreography at myschool for my friends. Thatiswheneverything began. Throughout my school years, I was performing at every event thatwas held at school.

“I joined competitions, Ichoreographedfor amodelling agency, and Itaught learners from my school to model. They all won.Iwas also the choreographer forthe majorettes’ dance at Holy Cross Education Centre KiddieLand,”she said.

Sheadded thatshe also co-choreographed for an artist in Johannesburg, Shia LunChoo, and they performedatthe Soweto Zone6Venue.

Accordingtoher, at Walter Sisulu Universityshe joined the cheerleading squadand she was the captain.

“Wejoined an inter-varsitycheerleading competition at Rhodes University.Soever since Iwas born,Iwas drawn to dance, creative direction, styling and beingcreative. It started because Ialways had this

vision of performing.Growing up, Iknew Iwas aspecialchild. Iwas hyper-fixated on teaching whatever knowledge Ihad,and it wassomething Iwas good at and loved. My teachers supported me so much, and my mother played ahugerole. She would buy costumes formyperformances and all.”

She said her programmes help children alot because they feel seen; they feel as thoughthey could learn something new without strict rules.

According to her, dancing keeps them busy and happy, and it gives them energytobeable to sit in class knowing that they will have adancenext.

“This assists children in so many ways. It helpsthem to avoid the streets. Ialso keep them occupied; they do not have time to focus on the wrong things, such as bullying. It helps them to feel recognised, feel loved and havefriends.

“The skills that Igained from this programme will help me build abrand that is recognisable, something that will resonate with people who always wanted to dance but were never givenachance.

“I will use the financial management skills to run this business, register this dance acad-

It was aday dedicated to restoration, hope, and emotional renewal.

“Healing looks different for each person, andthe event was designed to acknowledge that process while encouraging strength and resilience. Survivors share theirpainful experiences of abuse and theirhealing journeys. They learnfrom each other and gain support.They writeabout theirchallenges and memories on small pieces of paper, then burn them to symbolise letting go of pain, anger, and resentment.”

She added that they wereable to reach all thesebeneficiaries through financial support from the GBVF Response Fund, as well as monitoring and evaluation support from the Soul City Institute.

She expressed gratitude for the support,guidance, and opportunity given to the organisation to grow itsprogrammes.

Women’sfootballteamsbeginnewseasonpreparations

ANELE RAZIYA

ALL women’s teams that are featuring in the Hollywoodbets SuperLeague, Sasol League and Regional leagues are expected to start their preparations this month, preparing for thenew season

This followsarecent announcement where theSouth African Football Association (SAFA) has announced thatthe first window period of registration of players is open from 1-31 March, and the second window period will be opened on 1-31 July 2026.

This meansany team that will be featuring in any division of the women’s leagueinthe upcoming season is eligible to start recruiting

newplayers, as the registrationprocess hasalready opened.

EasternCapeteams University of Fort Hare FC and CityLadsFCfromGqeberha, who are currently plying their trade in the HollywoodbetsSuper League,are among the teams expected to beef up their squads priortothe start of the newseason.

UniversityofFortHareFCwas amongthe topfour teams who displayed great performance last season as the Aliceteam finished in fourthplace in the log standings with 52 points, the highest since they joined the divisiona few seasonsago. With their greatperformance last season, the Aliceteamwould obviously be targeting to do

MthathaWestFCreceived brand-newtracksuits

HOSEYAJUBASE

TRANSKEI Yamaha has once againintervenedinassisting football development in MthathaWest. The companyhas bought brand new tracksuits for Mthatha West FC. Thisisnot the first time TranskeiYamaha

port from Mr Branson Bowman-Edgar, owner of Transkei Yamaha, who recognised our potentialand invested over R27,000 in the club.His contributions have included essential training equipment, branded soccer kits, tracksuits, and assistance in entering competitivetournaments.

even better this year,but they will need to bolster their team with more quality playersto increase their chances of challenging for the league title.

Meanwhile, their neighbours,City Lads FC fromGqeberha were already on the hunt for new players to beef up their squad, preparing forthe upcoming season, after they finished abovethe relegationzone last season in 13th positionwith 27 points.

Earlier in January, the Gqeberha team had alreadyorganised open trialslooking for players who can add more value when the season kicks off on an unconfirmed date for now.

City Lads FC is among the teams that have been underway with their pre-season prepa-

rations since January, and they arehoping to improve their lastseason's performance to avoidfighting relegation once againinthe Hollywoodbets Super League.

In other divisions like the Sasol League, everyteam there is expected to recruitplayers to boost their squads because competition is verytight and teams like Executive Ladies, Sophakama Ladies, Ayakha Stars FC, 4800 Ladies’ FC, EasternCape Peace LoversFCand othersalways give each other aserious battle for the league title.

As of now, SAFA have not yet confirmed the starting dates for their women’s leagues, but announced that teams can register playersin everydivision.

Localfootballclubseekssponsorship forbasicequipment

ANELE RAZIYA

SAFAAmathole Hollywoodbets Regional League Stream FsideShiningStars FC from Qoralocation in Mbhashe is busy lookingfor a sponsorshipdeal that can assist the team with things like training equipment andother things related to football Team manager,Bongani Mlatha, speaking

Mlathahas highlighted that they havewritten letters to local businesses, lookingfor assistance from anyone whocan assist them with anything. He said they postedasponsorship request letterontheir club Facebookpage.

Anyoneinterested in assisting theQora team in Mbhashe can contactMlathaon063 440 3334 or send an email to mlathaB55@gmail.