Mthatha Express North E-edition 16 October 2025

R200mNgcobomalltocreate1,600jobs

ZOLILE MENZELWA

Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality mayor Siyabulela Zangqa and property development mogul Dr Sisa Ngebulana held a sod-turning event in Ngcobo, paving the way for the construction of a R200 million shopping mall and over 1,600 jobs

This marks a transformative chapter in the economic and social development of Ngcobo The investment is valued at approximately R200 million

Speaking at the ceremony, Zangqa emphasised the broader socio-economic impact of the mall

"This project will play a critical role in addressing unemployment by looking at the entire value chain, from SMMEs participating in the construction phase to local producers who will supply goods and services It will unlock other economic opportunities, and that is what development is about," Zangqa said

The project is set to bring far-reaching benefits to the local community, including job creation, SMME development, economic growth and expanded retail access, all whilst positioning Ngcobo as an emerging hub for future infrastructure invest-

ment

The development, spearheaded by Ngebulana's Billion Group, will house 41 tenants, with 34 spaces already secured by a mix of international brands and established local businesses

The project is poised to create over 1,000 jobs during the construction phase, with an estimated 600 permanent positions once the mall becomes operational

Ngebulana said the development was more than just a shopping centre; it was a strategic investment in the economic future of Ngcobo

"This mall brings with it not only investment and job creation but also pride to the people of Ngcobo It consolidates the shopping experience, offers convenience and presents an opportunity for the municipality to grow through other infrastructure projects it may attract," Ngebulana stated

The Engcobo Mall promises to be a catalyst for inclusive economic growth, local empowerment and infrastructure expansion, ushering in a new era of development for the town, Ngebulana said Earthworks are scheduled to begin before the end of October 2025, with construction officially commencing in February 2026

Dutywadrivingtestcentrereopensafterupgrades

ZOLILE MENZELWA

MBHASHE Local Municipality has reopened the doors to its Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) in Dutywa, paving the way for more revenue collection for the municipality The centre was closed in 2023 due to infrastructure upgrades following an assessment of the

building by the relevant authorities Municipal spokesperson, Babalwa Magqwanti, said the local authority had invested R400,000 in the upgrades “The community of Mbhashe will no longer be inconvenienced by having to travel to nearby towns for testing This means we are also able to generate revenue through the centre,”she said

Whilst the reopening does not translate into additional job creation, more traffic officers have been trained as examiners and will be included in the DLTC duty roster

“The local driving schools become more operational, and this will enhance their income as they will receive more business There are also nearby villag-

es which belong to other towns as per municipal demarcation, but the distance is closer to us, which makes it more convenient for them to travel to Dutywa,”

Magqwanti said Local driving school owner, Sakhumzi Mhlabeni of Mhlabeni

Driving School, said the reopening of the centre was beneficial for driving schools in the area

Mansentencedtodoublelifetermforcouncillormurderandrape

THE Butterworth Regional Court has sentenced Thembinkosi Dyakophu (39) to two life imprisonment terms for the murder of Ward Councillor from Mbhashe Local Municipality, Mzikayise Saki (45), and for raping his girlfriend (28) on 2 July 2023

According to a spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Luxolo Tyali, Saki was an African National Congress (ANC) representative Saki was found dead in a small dam in the Ngxakaxha area along the N2 highway between Dutywa and Butterworth

“His killing sparked speculation of a political motive Dyakophu and the deceased’s nephew were both arrested on the same day, but the nephew was later acquitted due to insufficient evidence

The court heard that Saki and his girlfriend were ambushed by two men whilst walking home from a local tavern in Kwarini village

“The attackers strangled them before dragging them to an open field where they repeatedly raped her in front of him,” said Tyali

He added that after killing Saki, they moved his girlfriend to different locations and continued

willbeheldonWednesday

Intermsofsection20(1)oftheMunicipalSystemsAct32of2000,membersofthepublic,themediaand otherinterestedbodiesandorganizationswishingtobepartofthismeetingareinvited. ISAZISO SENTLANGANISOYEBHUNGAEKHETHEKILEYO

Mna Mnumzana M. Nako uMlawuli oyintloko kaMasipala waseMbhashe ngokomyalelo kaSomlomo weBhunga loMasipala waseMbhashe uCeba B. Majavu, ndikhupha esi saziso ngokugunyaziswa licandelo 19(b) loMthetho wohlobo lokusebenza kooMasipala, wama-32 ka 2000 ukuba intlanganiso ekhethek eyo yeBhunga lomasipala wengngq yoMbhashe ya kubanjwa ngoLwesithathu 29 EyeDwarha 2025, ngentsimbi yeshumi elinanye (11H00) kusasa, kwindlu yeBhunga likaMasipala eDutywa. Ngokwecandelo20(1)loMthethowohlobolokusebenzakoMasipalawama-32ka2000,amalunguoluntu, oonondaba kunye namanye amaqe a anomdla nemibutho enqwenela ukuba y nxalenye yale ntlanganiso,ayamenywaukubaathatheinxaxheba.

Mr M. NAKO MUNICIPALMANAGER

NM10032291-TE161025

the assault

Tyali said at one point, Dyakophu’s accomplice left to retrieve a cap he had dropped He (Dyakophu) then held her captive in an abandoned house until dawn, where he raped her multiple times

“Before releasing her, he bizarrely professed love, demanded her Facebook details and warned her not to use the route near the murder scene The victim reported the ordeal immediately after reaching home Police traced Dyakophu to a nearby friend’s house, where he was arrested

whilst still watching forensic pathologists processing the crime scene ”

Tyali added that despite his denial and claim of an alibi, forensic and circumstantial evidence linked him to the crimes His co-accused, however, was acquitted due to inconclusive DNA results and poor visibility during the attacks

In aggravation of sentence, Regional Court Prosecutor Wayne Ludick highlighted the severe trauma suffered by the rape survivor who witnessed the deceased’s brutal murder whilst be-

He said that whilst no bookings have been made, once operations start, driving schools would minimise travel costs Travelling to testing centres had been financially taxing, Mhlabeni said He said that local driving schools will be spared the journey to the nearest testing centre in Engcobo, some 66km from Dutywa – a return trip of 132km

ing repeatedly violated

“The court further acknowledged the devastating impact on the victim’s family, friends and community The court found no exceptional circumstances to justify deviating from the prescribed minimum sentences and imposed two life terms for murder and rape

“The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to securing justice for victims of violent crime and ensuring that perpetrators who endanger communities are permanently removed from society ”

Vandalstargetdistrictdisastercentre

ZOLILE MENZELWA

THE OR Tambo District Municipality’s multimillion-rand Disaster Management Centre was vandalised in what the municipality called ‘“sabotage” in the early hours of Wednesday, 8 October

In a released statement, municipal spokesperson, Ncebakazi Kolwane, said criminal intruders had breached the site around 3:10 and tampered with newly installed exterior lights – leaving them hanging from live cables

“OR Tambo District is investing R79 million to complete a world-class Disaster Management Centre, a life-saving hub to cut

response time when floods and storms strike,” she said

The matter is with the SAPS, Kolwane said However, police spokesperson Captain Welile Matyholo, said there was no record of such a case at the Libode police station where the centre is situated

Kolwane said this was not petty theft but sabotage of development

“Every time criminals vandalise public works, budgets meant for new water schemes, clinics, and roads are diverted to repairs and progress stalls, and communities later ask why taps stay dry or services arrive late We have felt this pain before – pumps sto-

len, pipes cut, and water schemes being crippled have left villages without supply and forced costly water trucking,” she said She said the district authority was turning the corner, stabilising finances, restoring water systems, and investing in safety

Kolwane added: “But no government can build while criminals tear down Protect what is ours Report vandalism

“Every stolen pipe, cable, or light delays water, delays safety, and steals hope from your own family ”

The estimated cost of the damages had not been calculated at the time of writing

Activistcompletes600kmwalkforruraleducation

ZOLILE

MENZELWA

ELLIOTDALE activist, Onke Sitwayi, has completed his 27-day 600km walk from Mossel Bay to Dutywa to raise funds for the construction of an EcoLab for village high schools

The EcoLab will serve as a dedicated environmental education and science facility, aimed at improving access to practical learning resources for learners in under-resourced communities Sitwayi was grateful for the warm welcome he received upon his arrival He said that his fundraising campaign aimed not only to build an EcoLab but also to establish computer laboratories in rural schools

“My mission is to bridge the gap in education by bringing digital and scientific learning tools to rural learners This walk was just the beginning I believe in the power of community and collaboration to bring about real change,”

Sitwayi said Sitwayi said the initiative had caused confusion within the family, but now they share his vision

Mbhashe Local Municipality Executive Mayor Samkelo Janda commended Sitwayi’s courage and determination, saying that his actions serve as an example of active citizenship and community empowerment

“In the name of Mbhashe Local Municipality, we are very appreciative of your dream to change the situation in rural areas It is truly encouraging to see people like you taking action to improve their communities You are showing us that government alone cannot do everything without the help of its people,”Janda said Onke’s mother, Nokonwaba, thanked God for her son’s safe completion of the walk She said it had been difficult wondering how far Onke had walked, and at times, where he was Sitwayi is currently looking for sponsors and partners to help make his vision a reality

Premier’sofficedonatesR1.5m trucktoboostyouthenterprise

ZOLILE MENZELWA

AS part of its Integrated Youth Development programme, the Eastern Cape Office of the Premier (OTP) donated a truck worth R1 5 million to a Dutywa businessman

Speaking at the handover in Govan Mbeki township on Thursday, 9 October, OTP official Qaqamba Xalisa said the initiative was part of the Isiqalo Youth Fund, which sought to finance businesses operated by young people

In the Mbhashe Local Municipality area, Sinawo Sidziya of Nawiz Logistics Solutions, had been selected as a beneficiary

“When the window of applications opens and we have received applications, we do evaluations and site visits Finally, we have our successful applicants out of a huge number of applicants We get a lot of applications, but they are not all successful For example, in our current batch of applications, we had about 1,100 applicants, and only 82 were successful Today, we are here as the OTP to hand over what he applied for, as we don’t give out cash Here are the truck and the solar panels

The OTP has invested R1 5 million in his business,” she said

She said her office would work with the municipality, urging the municipality to help where possible Xalisa said the business must be supported to the extent that it creates job opportunities, as jobs were scarce Sidziya said he was currently operating in the Eastern Cape But he said that with the donation of the truck, he would be able to compete nationally

“We are now going to compete with the big boys nationally This will help the expansion of the business and increase employment levels ” Sidziya encouraged young people to continue knocking on doors for funding to start and expand their businesses

Mbhashe Local Municipality Executive

Mayor Samkelo Janda said the programme was helping to fulfil the municipal local economic development strategy He said the economy of the area was dependent on agriculture, tourism, and enterprise development Janda said access to information, the market and finance was key to enterprise development

“I am very delighted because this young man is venturing into what we always talk about, innovation of using technology to advance the development we want I see in your profile that you want to work with people in agriculture They will now stop doing things the traditional way and rather look at how to use technology to grow their businesses,” he said

The local authority was now looking at coordinating the businesses that had received government funding to work together Partnerships such as Isiqalo Youth Fund were important, Janda said, to complement municipal efforts He said the logistics initiative was rare in the area, wishing the growth for the business

“We are happy to see this initiative And I have hope that one step at a time, you will grow ” He said it was difficult to grow the economy, but with such initiatives, there were prospects of success

ArtscouncillaunchesR800k fundingcallforcreatives

THE National Arts Council (NAC), in partnership with Mbhashe Local Municipality, introduced its funding call to local residents in Dutywa on Tuesday, 17 October

The NAC is an agency of the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and is looking at funding creative projects, including artists, musicians, and traditional dancers

Zola Ntlantsana from the NAC said creatives from the Mbhashe municipal area had shown interest in the proceedings She said engagements were fruitful The application, Ntlantsana said, was online at https://nac.praxisgms.co.za/ Those who struggle with their applications may contact Ntlantsana on 083 746 6650

“If there is a project you are working on or that you have been struggling to get funding for a long time, this is your opportunity to apply for funding This will help improve the impact of our projects

We would like to promote the projects that will promote job creation,” she said

Ntlantsana said those applying for funding should ensure that they create as many jobs as possible

The funding, she said, ranged from as little as R300,000 to around R800,000

The disciplines under which applicants may apply for funding are craft, dance, literature, multidiscipline, music, visual arts, and theatre

The council has six critical areas that the applicants must address

These are social cohesion and nation building, unearthing marginalised and indigenous arts in rural areas, and addressing social ills, xenophobia, and gender-based violence

Others are supporting the involvement of women, youth employment opportunities, and people living with disabilities, the creation of new works through digital media, and capacity building and arts entrepreneurship

Projects applied for must be located at the address indicated on the application form Any change of address must be reported to the NAC within seven days of such a change

Municipalitytrainspig farmersinanimalcare

MBHASHE Local Municipality's Local Economic Development unit taught pig farmers and prospective farmers how to care for the animals in a workshop in Bolotwa on Tuesday, 7 October

The main aim of the workshop was to teach the farmers about raising pigs, their nutritional needs and the environment in which they should be kept

One of the stakeholders, Thembelihle Ngiba from the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO), said it was of utmost importance that the animals were fed clean and nutritious food

“The variety of foodstuffs collected from dustbins and various households should be cooked for at least an hour before being fed to the pigs This is to ensure that the germs contained in the food are killed before being fed to the pigs,” he said

Among the many ways to prevent diseases was to ensure hygiene standards were followed by those who made contact with the pigs

He said when pigs arrived at the farms, they should be isolated to ascertain that they contained no diseases Funda Ndibulele, from the animal food manufacturing company Epol, spoke on the nutritional needs of pigs He encouraged farmers to feed their piglets with food specifically designed for them He said piglets should be fed Pig Winner and, as they grow, Pig Growth He condemned those who fed their pigs maize, saying their digestive systems were not meant for such food Dr Sesethu Nyeleka of AfriVet said note should be taken of different germ-killing detergents and the environments they were made for “Farmers should not use detergents that are meant for a household to clean a pigsty,” she said Mbhashe Local Municipality Councillor Mzekelo Ndikinda encouraged pig farming as a source of income Among those present were farmers, councillors and officials from government sector departments

Qunusingerhopestohealworldthroughmusic

BABALWA NDLANYA

AN Afro-soul singer, Yolanda Notes, from the Qunu Administrative Area in Mthatha, shared how her love for music began

She recalls standing in front of the mirror holding a deodorant container as a microphone, singing along whenever a song she loved played on television or the radio

She said that is how she discovered her passion for music, which eventually led her to pursue it professionally

She began singing at the age of nine, performing in church and in talent shows in her area

“I love music so much, and I knew from that age that I wanted to be a singer one day What led me to join this industry is the passion I have for music – that love has driven me to do music,” said Notes

Although she has not released any music yet, Yolanda is currently working on her debut album

“I cannot wait for the world to hear it and be healed by it, because music heals Whilst I cannot reveal the number of songs on the album or details about the project just yet, it is something I am deeply excited about

“I have performed at many events so far –the National Arts Festival, OR Tambo Film Festival, Isinqi Sethu Cultural Festival, weddings and thanksgiving ceremonies ”

LOCAL NEWSPAPER

FREE

O CATCHYOURFAVOURITE

ECbroadcasterinrunningfornationalhonour

HOSEYA JUBASE

SPORTS presenter, Lwazi “Mastermind” Siyothula, has been nominated for the MBA awards

The MBA awards will be held on 6 December 2025 at Durban Blue Waters Hotel (North Beach) in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province

Siyothula has been working as a sports presenter since 2012, beginning his career at Nkonjane FC in Flagstaff In 2022, he moved to UCR FM as a sports presenter

Siyothula said he could hardly believe it when he received an email informing him that he was among the nominees for the sports award category

“I will be competing against other sports presenters from different provinces - it’s not going to be easy at all, and I am appealing to people to vote for me This is the first time I’ve been nominated for awards hosted outside the Eastern Cape province; it will be an honour for me to win the award,” he added Mastermind has been involved

in the sports industry for a considerable time and has already won seven awards since starting his sports presenting career in the Eastern Cape province

This marks his first nomination outside the Eastern Cape province

Since joining UCR FM, Siyothula has excelled in reporting local content and has even attended

branch launches in the province

To vote for Mastermind, supporters should SMS “MBA Lwazi Siyothula Best Radio Presenter”to 47439 at a cost of R3 per message

Voting closes on 30 November 2025, with the MBA Awards ceremony taking place on 6 December 2025 at Durban’s Blue Waters Hotel

Eagles’CupdreamsdashedasMataMilanexactsrevenge

Sport

Read your Mthatha Express online

Scan QR code here

NewRestteamsclaimdoublevictoryatyouthtournament

ANELE RAZIYA

NEW Rest teams, Fingo United FC U/13 and Future United FC U/15 from Butterworth, were both crowned champions of the annual Gqeberha Youth Development tournament, which was held at Brewery sports ground in Mnquma over the weekend

For winning the event, both sides, Fingo United FC U/13 and Future United FC U/15, received impressive trophies plus gold medals each These prizes came after the New Rest team defeated Ambitious FC U/13 from Mchubakazi in the final 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw during normal time

In the U/15 final, Future United FC defeated Ambitious FC 5-4 on penalties after they also played out a 1-1 draw during normal time

Thirty-two teams from Mnquma Local Football Association (Mnquma LFA) participated in the event, with each division having 16 teams competing against each other

necessities

Additionally, he said keeping youth involved in sport means there will be fewer challenges with drug abuse, crime and other antisocial problems, as children will be more focused on their different careers and sport

Makhala thanked Butterworth

Former Stars in partnership with Mnquma LFA for hosting the event and the teams who participated throughout the tournament

One of the organisers, Wanda Mtwa, a former Blackburn Rovers FC player, congratulated all the winning teams and individual award recipients

Players were presented with small trophies to recognise their performance throughout the event

Individual awards:

• U/15 top goalscorer: Mbasa Sikhephu with 8 goals

• U/15 goalkeeper of the tournament: Mivuyo Bhudaza

Speaking to legend Makhala, who attended the tournament, he said he was delighted to see upcoming youngsters from different clubs within Mnquma LFA competing against each other, and

The event was held to celebrate former Blackburn Rovers FC legend Mzothanda "Bhuti Gqeberha" Makhala, who put Mnquma on the map during his playing days and contributed to player development after retiring

hoped this type of event would contribute to young player development

"I'm very happy and excited to see former players I used to coach during my days at Blackburn Rovers FC hosting an annual tournament in my name Their gesture

shows they appreciate what I did for them during their playing days," said Makhala

He said he is passionate about developing young players and would love to see more sponsors assisting local teams with equipment and other football-related

Bush Bucks secure cup semi-final spot

HOSEYA JUBASE

BUSH BUCKS FC have secured their place in the EC ABC Motsepe Nedbank Cup semi-finals, which are scheduled for this coming Saturday.

Imbabala, under the newly ap-

pointed manager Siyabulela Gwambi, surprised many after winning all their Nedbank Cup preliminary matches held at Rotary Stadium in Ngangelizwe at the weekend

On Friday, Bush Bucks FC triumphed 4-3 against local rivals, FC

Battalion, on penalties, before winning twice on Saturday In their first fixture, Bush Bucks defeated Fast Eleven FC 4-1, then overcame experienced Mata Milan FC 4-3.

Football enthusiasts have applauded and congratulated Bush Bucks FC for reaching the provin-

cial semi-finals after several years in the doldrums.

Their Mthatha rivals, Mighty Eagles FC, also offered congratulations on their Facebook page.

• U/15 player of the tournament: Sivelise Dyasi

U/13 top goalscorer: Asivile Mabala with 6 goals

• U/13 goalkeeper of the tournament: Sihle Ndlala

• U/13 player of the tournament: Linathi JamJam

RAZIYA

THE SASOL League Inland Stream is expected to conclude its 2025 season this Saturday with two league fixtures Meanwhile, the Sasol League Coastal Stream wrapped up its season over the weekend when WSU Butterworth Campus Ladies’ FC and Golden Stars Ladies’ Football Development finished their campaigns with victories On Saturday, WSU Butterworth Campus Ladies’ FC defeated relegated side Park United FC 2-0 at home to finish second on the league table with 28 points, behind league champions Sophakama Ladies’ FC, who ended their campaign with 29 points from 12 matches

It appears WSU Butterworth Campus Ladies’ FC and Nav Galaxy Ladies’ FC, who finished third with 27 points, were the only sides to give Sophakama Ladies’ FC serious competition for top spot this season, coming close to the summit

In another fixture played over the weekend, Golden Stars Ladies’ Football Development

week.

against

“Congratulations to our neighbours Bush Bucks FC, on a well-deserved victory against the side that beat us twice Rivalry aside, we respect good football and great spirit,” read the Facebook post from Mighty Eagles FC.

The four clubs set to compete in the semi-finals are Bush Bucks FC, FC Ravens, Amavara FC, and Gqeberha United FC.

ly occupy second position on the league table with 25 points, will play their final fixture against stream winners 4800 Ladies’ FC from Bizana in Mthatha this Saturday

Bizana outfit 4800 Ladies’ FC have already won the Inland Stream with 36 points from 13 matches, and should they win their final match, they will increase their points tally to 39

In other fixtures in the stream, WSU Mthatha Campus Ladies will host Eastern Rangers FC, with both matches taking place this Saturday

Following the weekend fixtures, Coastal Stream winners Sophakama Ladies’ FC and Inland Stream winners 4800 Ladies’ FC will quickly turn their attention to the Eastern Cape Sasol League deciding match, which is scheduled for 25 October at a venue yet to be confirmed

The victorious side in the deciding match will be crowned Eastern Cape Sasol League 2025 champions and earn the opportunity to represent the province in the National Sasol League promotion play-offs