Mthatha Express North - E-Edition - 6 November 2025

Educatordeniedbailonhumantraffickingcharges

THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Eastern Cape has successfully opposed the bail application of an educator, Vuyokazi Gana (52), who faces serious charges including trafficking in persons, living on the earnings of prostitution and running a brothel

The matter was remanded to 28 November 2025 in the East London Magistrate's Court for further investigation She will remain in custody until her next court appearance

According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Lux-

olo Tyali, the matter was heard in the East London Magistrate's Court, where the magistrate ruled that no exceptional circumstances existed to justify her release on bail

He said Gana was arrested on 15 October 2025, following an investigation by the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit in East London

"The investigation, which began in September 2023, revealed allegations that Gana recruited young women and coerced them into prostitution According to the state's evidence, the victims were allegedly transported to

East London and housed at Gana's property in Quigney

“There, Gana or senior women at the brothel reportedly instructed recruits on how to dress and where to stand at night to attract clients," said Tyali He added that the accused is alleged to have profited from the operation by charging daily accommodation fees ranging between R250 and R300, and by taking a portion of the victims earnings directly or through her bank account

Victims who failed to make enough money to pay rent were allegedly evicted and left destitute, reinforcing

their vulnerability and dependence

"During the bail proceedings, the defence argued that Gana had been a teacher since 2001, had no previous convictions or pending cases, and held positions of leadership as a deputy principal and church leader It was also submitted that she suffered from six chronic ailments which should constitute exceptional circumstances for bail "

Tyali added that the state opposed bail, arguing that the offences are serious Schedule 6 crimes and that releasing her would undermine the interests of justice The investigating

DBSAd li

officer testified that Gana's release could endanger victims, compromise investigations and erode public confidence in the criminal justice system, noting that she had allegedly threatened victims and shown disregard for law enforcement

"The court upheld the prosecution's arguments, finding that the accused failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances The court further emphasised the gravity and prevalence of human trafficking, the need to protect vulnerable victims and the importance of maintaining public trust in the justice process "

FloodheroeshonouredforMthatharescue

BABALWA NDLANYA

TWO brave community members who played a major role in rescuing people from heavy floods in Mthatha West on 10 June 2025 received awards from Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) management last week

Thandeka Nkomonye from Slovo Park in Mthatha said it was her first time receiving a certificate of appreciation, despite helping to retrieve bodies of drowning victims for many years

She said she used to think no one noticed her hard work, but DBSA had shown they cared Nkomonye said that since the incident, they worry whenever it rains

"Even when you are not at home, you are always worried and keep checking on your family I become anxious that if these

floods come again, who will rescue my family? What happened on that day was very painful, and it keeps playing in our minds It was painful to see people being swept away by water I even left my home without anyone noticing because my family was trying to stop me from going They knew I would try to save people because that is my calling," said Nkomonye

She added that she went to an area called Masimini wearing only her pyjamas

When she arrived, she borrowed shorts from a young girl she found there

"When I was about to enter the water, one of the elders tried to stop me, but I told him I had to save the victims who were still alive I then went into the water

When they saw me helping one woman and noticed nothing bad was happening to me, the elders also joined in to assist

"We were told that there were six people, including a toddler, standing on a rooftop

At first, we could not see them, but when we looked up, we saw a mother crying and holding her eight-week-old baby We found an empty bucket and asked her to throw the baby to me, but she was afraid I told her I was there to save them She eventually threw the baby, and I managed to catch and wrap him before placing him safely in the bucket I then handed him to the diver who was assisting me," said Nkomonye

She added that she asked the remaining victims to grab her arm and hold on to each other Together, they managed to reach a rope that was already in the water

"There were six of them They would fall, and I would lift them until we reached a safe place I saved many people that day I slept well that night because I am used to doing this, but later I got the flu "

Another swimmer, Sizwe Madikizela (49)

from the Dycolin area, said he was happy to receive a certificate of appreciation, even though he had not expected anything

"This has made my day very special because I never thought I would be recognised When I think about that day, it is still painful and hard to forget Whenever it rains, our minds go back to that morning What pushed me to rescue the victims was my neighbour, who was crying helplessly for help I could not ignore her I told myself that if it was my calling to drown that day, so be it," said Madikizela He said he managed to rescue three people: a woman and her two children

Madikizela, who is an experienced swimmer, said it was not his first time entering floodwaters

He thanked DBSA for recognising their efforts, saying, "No one thought of us, but we were not expecting anything because we were helping the children of God "

MEClaunchesR100Millionagricultureprogramme

BABALWA NDLANYA

THE MEC for the Department of Agriculture in the Eastern Cape, Nonceba Kontsiwe, officially launched the R100 million 2025/26 Cropping Season in Bhaziya Village, outside Mthatha, last week

The event, held during World Food Security Month, served as a platform for MEC Kontsiwe to champion the role of youth in agriculture and to outline the provincial government's multi-pronged approach to tackling food insecurity and poverty

Kontsiwe is committed to encouraging and supporting young people to join the agricultural sector

She deliberately used the youth-owned agribusiness, Jay Jay Farming, based in Mputi Village near Mthatha, to showcase excellence and the opportunities available in the sector

"We are here to show farmers that if they start something, the Department is here to support them We are using these young farmers, who have achieved so much, to showcase excellence I am glad to see young men and women working so hard," she said

She further stated that agriculture is the only way forward and that young people should view the sector as the province's

key economic driver

Addressing the perception that agriculture is only for the uneducated, Kontsiwe urged young people to change their mindset

She highlighted mentorship programmes designed to assist new entrants in producing high-quality yields for a better income

She noted that the owners of Jay Jay Farming have not relied solely on the Department, although it supports them significantly, but have also sought assistance from the private sector for mentorship and other resources

"The key priority of the Department is to fight and eradicate poverty, and farmers like these are helping us achieve that " Jay Jay Farming co-owner, Sipho Joyi, shared their success story, explaining that the enterprise produces grains such as yellow and white maize and soybeans, as well as vegetables including potatoes, cabbages, spinach, and green mealies

"It has been seven years since we started farming We have faced many challenges, but we stood firm and continued Today, we are proud that we can put food on the table for ourselves and for the families of those we employ," said Joyi

The farm currently employs 12 perma-

nent workers and up to 50 seasonal workers during planting and harvesting seasons, and it leases ploughing fields from the local community

For the current season, Jay Jay Farming plans to plant 130 hectares of soybeans (supported by Land Bank and DoA partner, Ukhanyo Development Farmer), 500 hectares of maize (supported by the Department), and 2 hectares of potatoes (through a partnership with the DoA and Potato SA)

"It has not been an easy journey, but we are happy that many families benefit from this We lease land from community members

“At first, there were challenges when livestock damaged our crops We expected compensation, which caused tensions But after engaging with the landowners, we have built good working relationships " Chairperson of the Community Development Committee under Chief Minenkulu Joy's Great Place, Mbuzeli Ngoloti, said traditional leaders play an active role in supporting agricultural initiatives

"As you have seen, our fields are supported by our Great Place Our farmers do not always have their own land, so they lease fields from community members through agreements that promote coop-

eration This also helps fight hunger, as farmers employ many young people We are happy because this shows progress," said Ngoloti

He added that fencing the fields would be a great help, as many community members do not have children to look after their livestock

Provincial representative of the African Farmers' Association of South Africa (AFASA) in the Eastern Cape, Joe Mnyengo, said the organisation represents farmers at both national and provincial levels as an umbrella body for various commodity groups

"Farmers often raise concerns about a lack of support, but we understand that the Eastern Cape's funding comes from the national allocation Even though the budget is small, they make sure that farmers benefit We continue engaging with the national office to increase the budget so it can meet farmers' needs," said Mnyengo

He added that he had attended this event to applaud the Department

"We represent more than 15 commodities, and when you check our WhatsApp groups, almost 99% of farmers speak positively about the service delivery happening here in our province "

Mthathalearnersexcelinprovincialmathscompetition

BABALWA NDLANYA

A GRADE 7 learner, Paul Mkhefelele (13), from St Martin's Private School in Mthatha, lifted the flag of the O R Tambo District high as he achieved 8th place out of 44,181 participants in the Provincial Mental Maths Quiz Competition held recently in East London

He was awarded a gold medal, a certificate, and a tablet in recognition of his outstanding performance

Paul said he had participated in the competition because taking part in maths contests helps develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking and analytical abilities, all valuable

his prizes from the Provincial Mental Maths Quiz Competition held in East London. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

for future academic and professional pursuits

"I started preparing for this competition in November 2024, when my maths teacher introduced it to me, so I took about six months to prepare I felt extremely excited to the point where I had to hold back tears It was my first time entering this particular competition," said Paul

He added that in the future, he plans to become either a doctor or an engineer

"I would like to say that mathematics is a valuable subject I encourage my peers to approach maths with curiosity and persistence, as it can be beneficial for their academic and professional growth "

His teacher, Dennis Manyora, said he chose Paul to participate in the Horizon Maths Competition because Paul has consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of mathematical concepts and a keen interest in the subject

Manyora added that Paul's problem-solving and analytical thinking skills have impressed him, and he believes Paul has the potential to excel in such competitions

"The first round of the Horizon Mathematics Competition was held on 2 March 2025 at our school Learners participated with enthusiasm and commitment, demonstrating strong mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills

Following their commendable performance, 17 of our learners advanced to the second round, which took place on 2 May 2025 at Trinset, under the supervision of the Department of Education This round brought together participants from several leading private and independent schools across Mthatha and surrounding areas," said Manyora

He added that Paul performed exceptionally well, representing St Martin's Private School with confidence and distinction His achievement reflects both his personal dedication and the school's ongoing focus on academic excellence in mathematics

According to Manyora, the Horizon Mathematics Programme provides a comprehensive and structured maths education that builds a strong foundation through step-by-step learning, spiral reinforcement and ample practice

He explained that it caters for different learning styles, boosts confidence, and prepares students for advanced mathematics, incorporating an optional Christian perspective

"This approach enables learners to develop a strong maths foundation and confidence in their abilities My learners have won this com-

Grade 7 learner, Paul Mkhefelele from St Martin’s Private School in Mthatha, and his maths teacher, Dennis Manyora, demonstrating the awards he won from the Provincial Mental Maths Quiz Competition held in East London

petition twice before, so this is my third time winning I felt incredibly happy and excited when Paul's name was announced as a winner It is always wonderful to see hard work and dedication pay off I was beaming with joy for him "

He said the programme helps learners build a solid foundation in maths, develop problem-solving skills and boost confidence Its rigorous approach also prepares them for advanced maths courses and standardised tests, setting them up for academic success

Manyora said learners preparing for the Horizon Mathematics Competition often face challenges such as time management, understanding complex concepts, limited access to resources, language barriers, insufficient practice, a fast-paced curriculum and limited feedback opportunities

"To overcome these challenges, learners can

JUSTONETHING: SouthAfrica’sChildren’sMonthchallenge

create a study plan, seek help from teachers or mentors, use online resources, and join study groups to stay on track and improve their maths skills To succeed in this competition, learners should start preparing early, practise consistently, and focus on understanding mathematical concepts rather than just memorising formulas "

He added that it is also essential for learners to seek help when needed and stay motivated by reminding themselves of their goals "By following these tips, learners can build problem-solving skills, gain confidence, and have a positive experience participating in the competition," he concluded

Manyora also expressed appreciation for the Department of Education's efforts in hosting the competition, noting that it helps learners develop mathematical skills and self-confidence

THIS November, as South Africa marks National Children's Day on 1 November and World Children's Day on 20 November, the Hold My Hand campaign issues a simple challenge: What's one thing you will do for children?

The "Just One Thing" initiative recognises that whilst the scale of children's needs can feel overwhelming, small actions create meaningful change.

Examples include starting a reading corner at your local Early Childhood Development centre, speaking out against abuse, buying nutritious food for a family in need, or simply letting a child know they are loved and safe.

"Over the past year, children have spoken up through summits, dialogues and competitions, sharing their stories and frustrations," said Angela Stewart-Buchanan, Communications Lead for Hold My Hand. "They told us what they want: to feel safe, to be seen, listened to and supported. Most of all, they want to participate at all levels."

This Children's Month holds special significance as South Africa becomes the first country to include Children20 as an engagement group in the G20 Social Summit (18-20 November).

Children will actively participate in discussions covering health and well-being, digital safety, environmental issues, and protection matters. They're involved in thematic working groups and will participate in a pre-summit to ensure that their voices shape the declaration presented to the President.

The campaign acknowledges that children are unique individuals with different dreams and needs. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

just one thing."

The campaign acknowledges that children are unique individuals with different dreams and needs

What impacts one child may differ for another, making personalised action essential

Hold My Hand supports the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children and Teens (NSAAC), a Presidency-led initiative to prioritise children in every policy, budget and programme

"Progress won't come from government alone It takes parents, teachers, social workers, neighbours, artists, shopkeepers, faith leaders and businesses: everyone," said Mesuli Kama, Network and Mobilisation Lead.

"That's what Hold My Hand stands for –walking together with children to create the future they deserve."

Throughout November and beyond, the campaign encourages every South African to consider what they can do, discuss possibilities with family and community, and implement small actions with intent.

Mental health struggles are increasing, whilst young people face limited future job opportunities.

"These issues seem insurmountable, but through awareness and small actions by

The timing is critical. South Africa is witnessing a reversal of developmental gains for women, children and adolescents. Daily news carries stories of bullying, sexual abuse and violence against children.

everyone, we can change this trajectory," the campaign emphasises. You don't need to be a parent or caregiver – everyone can make a difference, from politicians to business leaders and civil society activists," said Lebo Motshegoa, Hold My Hand's Content Lead "Even children themselves, as older siblings or 'deputy' parents, can do

This Children's Month, the question remains: What is your Just One Thing?

Share your ideas and stories by tagging Hold My Hand or contacting the WhatsApp line: 060 041 1111. For more information, visit www.holdmyhand.org.za

-ISSUED BY ISUPPORT CREATIVE BUSINESS

WinterCuporganisersdeliver foodparcelsto275families

HOSEYA JUBASE

THE organisers of the Winter Cup, in partnership with Gold Rush and the South African Community Food Bank, distributed food parcels to 275 families in Ngangelizwe location, Mthatha, over the weekend

According to the organiser, Lutho Mhlonitshwa, the beneficiaries were identified by the teams that participated in the Winter Cup tournament

The Winter Cup is an annual tournament that has been held in Mthatha since 2022 This year's tournament was won by Mcoyile FC

The food parcel distribution was originally scheduled to take place immediately following

the final match in July, but was subsequently delayed

Thirty-two soccer teams participated in this year's tournament, with the winners, Mcoyile FC from Mqanduli, receiving R42,000 in prize money, which was shared amongst the players

"The programme was initially scheduled to follow the final match," explained Mhlonitshwa "We requested the 32 participating teams to identify 300 beneficiary households They provided 275 names, and we invited these families to collect their parcels on Saturday It was heartwarming to see both young and old faces smiling This successful event has reinforced our commitment to giving back to the community "

Essentialtipsforsafewet-weatherdriving

THE tread and pressure of your tyres are important at any time you're on the road, but more so when you hit wet weather conditions

TEPA (Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association), a proud affiliate of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), homes in on the subject of wet-weather driving in the run-up to the festive season because many provinces are already experiencing a lot of rain and flooding

Dylan Petzer, TEPA National and Regional Vice Chair Central, said ignorance costs lives when it comes to vehicle maintenance and road conditions

"The biggest mistake is complacency People drive the same route every day and assume their car is fine, ignoring a little squeak from the brakes or the fact that the tyres are looking a bit smooth The second mistake is underestimating road conditions A speed limit is a limit for perfect conditions, not a target for wet, windy or low-visibility situations Slowing down is the single most effective safety measure you can take in the rain," he says It's easy to check if your tyres are safe for a long-distance trip in wet weather Gauge tread wear by looking inside the main grooves of the tyre for small, raised blocks of rubber If the surface of your tyre tread is level with these little blocks, your tyres are legally done for and should be replaced The legal minimum tread depth in South Africa is 1 6 mm

"But for wet weather, you want much more than that to effectively clear water If you're not sure, pop into any TEPA-accredited fitment centre for a free check," Petzer says Aquaplaning is a reality if tyres are under-inflated "Think of your tyre's tread grooves as channels to push water out from under the tyre When a tyre is under-inflated, its shape distorts The middle of the tread can lift away from the road, and the channels can close up

"This makes it much harder to clear water, meaning the tyre starts surfing on a layer of water instead of gripping the road That's aquaplaning, and it's a terrifying experience where you have zero steering or braking control Proper inflation is your number one defence against it "

This also speaks to the car's stopping power

It takes significantly longer to stop on a wet road compared to on a dry road

"While exact figures depend on your speed, tyres and the condition of the road surface, a good rule of thumb is that stopping distances

on a wet road can be double to what they are on a dry road

"At 100 km/h, your dry stopping distance is around 70 metres On a wet road that can easily stretch to 140 metres or more That's the length of a rugby field!" Petzer warns “The message is simple: slow down and increase your following distance Don't be that person tailgating in the fast lane during a downpour "

Another critical component for wet-weather driving is proper brakes, so listen for the warning signs that they may need to be checked or replaced

Brakesontheirwayoutgivethesewarningsigns:

• High-pitched squealing: This could be the built-in wear indicatorstellingyouthepadsarelow

• Grinding or rumbling: This is a red alert! It often means your brake pads are completely worn away and you have metalgrindingonmetal

• A"spongy"orsoftbrakepedal:Thismightindicateairor moistureinthebrakelines

• The car pulling to one side when you brake: This could be a stuck caliper or uneven wear,and is especially dangerousonwetroads

Petzer concludes with sound advice on tyre replacement before a road trip "Replacing all four is best for balanced handling However, if your budget only allows for two, always fit the new tyres to the rear axle, regardless of whether your car is front- or rear-wheel drive Your back tyres provide stability

"If your front tyres lose grip, the car tends to push straight on (understeer), which is relatively intuitive to control If your rear tyres lose grip (oversteer), the car can spin out of control New tyres on the back keep the car's rear end planted and stable, which is exactly what you want on a slippery N3 heading to Durbs "

He recommends a "wet weather safety check" focusing on the "big three" for grip and visibility: Tyres, brakes and wipers

"Get your tread depth and pressure checked, have the brakes inspected for wear and pop on a new set of wiper blades It's a simple, affordable check that prepares your car for the most challenging conditions When you visit a TEPA-accredited fitment centre, you're visiting a business that has committed to high standards of workmanship, quality parts and ethical service Our members are accountable This gives you peace of mind that the advice you're getting is for your safety, not just to make a sale "

Sport

XDUnitedFCwinsruraldevelopmentgamesinNqabara

ANELE RAZIYA

XD United FC assistant coach, Lupho Dyomfana, has praised Mbhashe Local Municipality and the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture from Amathole for hosting successful rural development games in Nqabara village, Ward 29, recently

Dyomfana’s remarks follow his team XD United FC from

Nqabara village being crowned Rural Development Games champions in Ward 29 on 25 November, after they defeated Bush Bucks FC 4-2 on penalties at Mlandeli Mahobe Sports Ground in Willowvale

For winning the tournament, XD United FC were presented with a brand new football kit, gold medals and a trophy as the first prize

The event was scheduled to feature two sporting codes

football and netball but unfortunately, due to heavy rainfall, the netball games were postponed until further notice

The event was supported by Mbhashe Local Municipality and the Department of Sport in Amathole, who provided prizes and other essential resources

Speaking after the event, Dyomfana said they greatly appreciated the support from the Mbhashe Local Municipality and the Department of Sport

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the municipality and the Department of Sport for supporting our event We really appreciated their support,” said Dyomfana He added that it was the first time they had received such substantial support and also expressed his hope that the municipality and the Department of Sport would continue supporting their event next year Dyomfana also highlighted

that events like the rural development games motivate young people to pursue their dreams of becoming professional players, whilst helping to keep them away from drugs and alcohol

In his closing remarks, he said they would like to see more people supporting sport so that young people could stay away from substances like drugs and alcohol and focus more on their future

CAFDLicencecoachingcoursesetforDecemberinMnquma

ANELE RAZIYA

THE Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup, in collaboration with Mnquma Local Football Association (Mnquma LFA), continues its efforts to improve local football in Mnquma and surrounding areas

Following their ongoing initiatives, Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup and Mnquma LFA have announced they will host a CAF D Licence coaching course from 11-18 December

On Sunday, 2 November, Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup, Mnquma LFA, and Walter Sisulu University Ibika Campus hosted a National Talent Identification Workshop at the WSU Ibika campus

The workshop’s primary purpose was to train aspiring coaches in scouting techniques and talent identification methods Dr Walter Steenbok, former head of the scouting department at Kaizer Chiefs, was the main speaker at the event Following the workshop, the Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup and Mnquma LFA have turned their

attention to the upcoming CAF D coaching course

Luxolo Matikinca, founder of the Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup, said that registration is open for coaches interested in attending the CAF D coaching course next month

Matikinca said registration costs R3,000, and the course will be held at Walter Sisulu University Ibika Campus between 11-18 December

He explained that by hosting coaching courses, they aim to ensure local coaches are wellequipped with football knowledge and relevant qualifications

In November last year, the Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup and Mnquma LFA hosted a CAF D coaching course in Butterworth, with more than 30 coaches from Mnquma and surrounding areas attending the training

This year, in July, they hosted a CAF C Licence coaching diploma course in Butterworth, with 26 coaches attending the training

For the upcoming coaching course, Mnquma LFA and Nozulu Youth Legacy expect to

register a significant number of coaches, as modern football requires qualified coaches Coaches interested in par-

ticipating should contact Mr Matikinca on 073 513 0549 or via email at luxmfoundation@ gmail com

concluded by saying they are currently busy with preparations for next month s event

MatchcommissionerdreamsofNationalLeagueprogression

“MY mission is to reach the National First Division or Premier League that is my dream

“Being a match commissioner is rewarding and I am enjoying it, though it involves considerable paperwork I am also committed to developing young boys and girls,” said Lundi Simcelaphile Nyingwa, who currently works as a Match Commissioner in the EC ABC Motsepe League

Nyingwa, originally from Mvumelwano locality near Qumbu, began officiating in 2009 in school sports under the supervision of Mr Ben Mjanyelwa

“To officiate in organised football, it was the Castle League, currently known as the Hollywood Bet Regional League, where I spent only one season In the 2009/2010 season, I attended a Level 1 to 6 referee course, completed a fitness test, and passed

with flying colours ” Nyingwa said he was inspired by officials such as Zolile Mthetho, Kulasande Qongqo, Andile Ncobo, and the renowned Ian MacLeod

“I officiated as a referee until the 2019/2020 season and achieved numerous accolades, including Referee of the Tournament at the Under-17 Metropolitan National Tournament in East London

“I also officiated in the COSAFA SALGA Tournament during the 2016/17 season and served as a referee at the SA Games in Polokwane, Limpopo

“In the 2021/22 season, I hung up my boots at 34 years old Then, in the 2022/23 season, I resumed my career as a Match Commissioner and Referee's Assessor in the Regional League O R Tambo under president Sandile Nowalaza

“I spent just one season there before being promoted to pro-