Mthatha Express South - E-Edition - 14 May 2026

39Matriclearners hospitalisedafter eatingatrevisioncentre

BABALWA NDLANYA

THE ProvincialChief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA),Loyiso Mbinda, expressed outrage and concernatreports that approximately 39 learnersfromEkuphumleni Matric Revision Centre were rushed to hospital after allegedly suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea linked to food consumed at the centre.

“Thisincident is not merely unfortunate; it is unacceptable andreflects a serious failure of duty of carebythose entrusted with the well-being of learners We place it on recordthatany environment sanctioned by the education authorities to host learners carriesa full and non-negotiable responsibility to guarantee their safety,including theprovision of safe, hygienic and properly monitored nutrition,” said Mbinda.

He said they demanded an independent and transparent investigation involving boththe Department of Education and the Department of Health,with findings made public Mbindacalled for the immediate suspension of any serviceprovidersimplicated,pending the outcome of such an investigation.

“[Theremust be]clear identification and accountability of officials responsiblefor oversight failures, [together with] aprovince-wideaudit of all matric revision centres to ensure compliance with health, safety and nutritionstandards

“This incident exposeswhatappears to be asystemic weakness in monitoring and quality assurance,particularly in programmes that operate outside the normal school environment butremain under the authority of the state. We will not hesitate to pursue further action,including legal avenues, should it emerge that negligence or dereliction of duty contributed to this incident.”

He added that it is deeply troubling that this occursata time when Grade 12 learners, Class of 2026, are preparingfor their crucial June examinations Mbindasaidthat learners shouldbefocusing on theiracademic readiness, not

recoveringfrompreventable health incidentscaused by administrative failures.

“Weremind theDoE that learners’ safety is aconstitutionaland legal obligation, notadiscretionary matter. Anycompromise on basic standards suchasfood safety represents aserious breach of public trust. We call on theMEC for Education, Fundile Gade, andseniordepartmental leadership to personally intervene and ensure swiftcorrective measuresand restore confidence in themanagement of learner supportprogrammes.”

He confirmed that they standfirmly with theaffectedlearners and their families andwill continue to advocate withoutfearorfavourfor safe, dignified andaccountable learning environments acrossthe province.

The spokespersonfor theDepartment of Education,Malibongwe Mtima, confirmed this incident,statingthat it occurred afterthey consumed their supper He said thelearners arepartofthe 194 matric candidatesattending the Learner Attainment Improvement Strategy (LAIS) Grade 12 Level1and Level2incubation programme heldatEkuphumleni High School.

“The Ekuphumleni Centre is one of theseven KomaniCircuit Management RevisionCentres heldfromThursday, 30 April to Sunday, 3May 2026, across theChris HaniEastEducation District. These centres aremeant to boostthe performance of these Level1and 2learners in their upcoming mid-year examinations,” said Mtima.

He addedthatofthe 39 learnerswho were rushed to thehospital, only two were admitted, as 37 were discharged afterbeing monitoredfor afew hours.

The 37 stable ones were laterdischarged thesame night to join their peersatthe centre. Samplesofthe food they consumed for supper(pap andlong-life milk) were takenfor testing by theDepartment of Health.

“The 194 learners arefromthe following highschools,namely Ekuphumleni (host centre), Funda, Zolani, Nompumelelo and Zamokuhle.”

He addedthatboth theHealth and Education departmentshave monitoredthe learners.

HawksfreezeR800000after LibodemanisrobbedofRAFpayout

THE Hawks Priority CrimeSpecialised Investigation (PCSI),together with the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of theNational Prosecuting Authority (NPA), ensured that apreservation orderfor over R800 000 was granted by theMthatha HighCourt.

According to the Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, it is alleged that on 12 April 2026, at approximately 22:00, avictim was abducted at hisresidence in Libode by four unidentified individuals who falselypresented themselves as members of theSouth African Police Service.

“One of the perpetrators, reportedly in full policeattire, forcibly entered the premises. Subsequently, duringthe forced entry, the victimwas allegedly restrained,blindfolded and removedfrom the residence under coercive conditions.

“The victim was ostensibly transported in avehicle described as aVolkswagen Polo to an isolated locationbelieved to be within the Maqanyeniforest area. During this period, the victim was apparently subjected to physical assault and sustained intimidation aimedatextracting confidential financial credentials,” said Mhlakuvana.

He added that further allegations revealed that the perpetrators compelled

thevictim to access his mobile banking application andtoauthenticate transactionsthroughbiometric verification processes conductedunder duress.

Mhlakuvanaaddedthatfinancialanalysisconfirmed that overR984 000, originatingfromcompensation paidtothe victimbythe Road Accident Fund (RAF), was unlawfully transferred during the incident It was further reportedthatthe victim was kept overnight andlaterabandoned in an area during theearly hours of the following day.

“Anintensiveinvestigation by the Hawks ledtothe arrest of Lubabalo Gift Mofokeng (40), whowas identifiedasa suspectand positivelylinked to the offence. The criminalcaseiscurrently active as theinvestigation continues, and theanticipation of morearrests cannot be ruled out.

“A coordinatedfinancialinvestigation was conductedbythe Hawks,which resulted in thesuccessful identification andsecuring of overR800 000 of the misappropriatedfunds. An urgent application was broughtbeforethe court, which culminatedinthe grantingofa preservation ordertoprohibit theutilisation of thefundspending thefinalisation of the matter.”

PrincipaldeniedbailoverKuGompoCitymurder

THENational Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomesthe decisionbythe KuGompoCity Magistrate’s Court to deny thereleaseonbail of school principal and pastor, George Jude Plaatjies (52), who is facing chargesincluding premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder and defeating the ends of justice

His case was postponed until June 3, 2026 for further investigation. He will remainincustody alongsidehis three co-accused,Temoso Manamela(29), Aviwe Jilingisa (40) and Gladys Rethabile Ramodi (28)who previously abandoned their bail applications.

Regional Spokespersonfor National Prosecut-

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

THE Buffalo City Metro executive mayor,PrincessFaku, embarked on an oversight visitto Cambridge West to monitor progress madeon the housing project meant for families affected by the former Ciskei government’s forced evictions, which happened shortly beforethe dawn of democracy Faku, accompanied by hernewly appointed memberofthe mayoral committee (MMC) for human settlements, Councillor Sakhumzi Caga,visited the housing project situated in Cambridge West, KuGompo City, formerly East London,onWednesday, 6May

About 275 families, mostly from Mdantsane township,were forcefully removedfromtheir houses by thethen Ciskei National Independent Party (CNIP), led by the late Lennox Sebe.

The multi-million-rand Cambridge West housing project, locatedinBuffalo City’sward 16, is seen as asignificant apartheid-era redress initiative aimed at restoring dignity to the 275 families who were dispossessed of their homes over 30 yearsago.

The construction of theCambridge West housing project, currently underway,isexpected to be completed in the upcoming2026-27 financialyear. The housing project beneficiaries lost their homes following evictionslinked to alleged non-payment of rent, municipalservicesand other related disputes.

ing Authority,Luxolo Tyali said Plaatjies, who is allegedtohaveorchestrated and financed themurderofhis lover, Zovuyo Mbana applied for bail in thisMagistrate’s Court.

Accordingtoevidenceplaced before the court, theaccused allegedly played acentral role in the commission of the offence, including financing and coordinating activities linked to themurder.

“TheState argued that the accused poses a significant risk should he be released, citing concerns that he may interfere with witnesses, tamperwithevidence, evade trial or commit furtheroffence. Thecourtheard that the deceasedwas allegedly strangled and suffocated

before her body wasburnt beyond recognition and abandoned in aforest along the N6 highway towards Stutterheim in late March 2026.

“In opposing bail State Prosecutor Lerato Ngqinileyo submitted that releasingthe accused would undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system, given the gravity and disturbing nature of the allegations,” said Tyali.

He added that the court had agreed with the State’ssubmissions and denied the accused bail in the interests of justice. “The NPA remains committed to ensuringaccountability, upholding the rule of law andpursuing justice forvictimsofviolent crime.”

School

andpastor,

from KuGompo City PHOTO: SUPPLIED

The Buffalo City MetroExecutive Mayor,Princess Faku,recentlyvisited ahousingprojectfor families

by forced

After years of appealprocesses, averificationprocess commissioned by the Department of Local Government and TraditionalAffairs confirmed 275 legitimate claimants, paving the wayfor thestart of the housing development. Constructionofthe housing units is underway, withseveral structures already completed andready to be occupied by the legitimate beneficiaries. The projecthas already achieved

key infrastructure milestones, including the completion of internal roads, kerbs,a channelling system, and water andsewer systems Faku expressed satisfaction with the progress alreadymade, highlighting the housing projectasacritical step towards addressing historical injustices and restoring thedignity of the affected families.

“This project is aclear demonstration of our commitment to ensuringthat communities affected by injustices of the past receive the redress they deserve. While we cannot reverse the past injustices,weare building afuture where people can live with dignity and security,” saidFaku. Theproject has contributed to local economic development, jobcreation, inclusivegrowth and community participation.

MECcondemnsmurderofwomanwhosoughtmaintenance

ZAVELAMAKWABE

THEEastern Cape Social Development MEC, Bukiwe Fanta, visited the family of 42-year-old Tembisa Ntonga in Jekezi village, Ngqamakhwe, on 5May, following her murder allegedly at the hands of her estranged husband.

Thetragedy has sent shock waves through thequietcommunity, not only because of the loss of life but also because of the circumstances surrounding it. Ntongawas reportedly killedshortly after she opened amaintenance case against her husband —alegal step many womentake to secure financial support for themselves and their children.

Theincident has reignited anger and grief in Ngqamakhwe, with residents expressing outrageoverthe ongoing scourgeofgender-based violenceinthe province. Local lawenforcement hasopened an investigationand confirmedthatefforts areunderway to apprehend thesuspect.

At the Ntonga familyhome, Fanta offered her condolences and stood in solidarity with the bereavedrelatives. She described the killing as botha personaltragedy and abroader societal failure.“This senseless act is apainful reminder of the deep-rooted violencethat continues to affect our society,” Fanta said

“No woman should ever fear for her safety when she seeks help for herself or her children.Tembisa’sdeath is not only her family’s loss—itisa loss for all of us.”

Fantawentontoemphasise that criminal arrestsalone cannot resolve the crisis.

“Thearrests of perpetrators in cases like thisare necessary, but they arenot enough to address thedeeply entrenched problem of violence againstwomen,”she stressed.“We need stronger community intervention, better support systemsfor survivors, and aculturalshift that rejects violenceasasolution to conflict.”

Providingdetails on the investigation, the policespokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, confirmed that Ntongahad been found witha stab wound to her upper body. Author-

ities believe she wasattacked by her estranged husband, who allegedly fled the scene immediately after the incident.

“A manhunt is currently underway, and we have received reports that the suspect's arrest

is imminent,” Gantanasaid.

Thecase has added to mounting calls for urgent action to protect women in the Eastern Cape, wheregender-based violence remains one of the most pressing social challenges

SADTUbranchrenamedtohonourlateprincipal

BABALWA NDLANYA

MEMBERS of the South African Democratic TeachersUnion (SADTU) in Elliotdale last week renamed the Elliotdale Branch theTabileKunene Branch, with the aim of keeping his name alive. He was the principal at GxuluPrimary School in Libode. He passed away on 15 April 2023, after ashort illness.

The DirectorofStakeholder Management and Citizen Care Services at the Department of Education, Chris Mdingi,said Kunene had passed away at a time when the Eastern Cape was proud of its Grade 12 results, adding that the province was no longer labelled as underperforming.

Mdingi said theprovince was doing well because of the contribution made by leaders like Kunene, who continually motivated teachers to perform better.

“He used to say thatwemust fight andteach; we must not focus on one thing because, at the end of the day, there are learners who needtobetaught. He passed away at atime when everything was improvinginthe Eastern Cape,and we were counted amongthe provinces that aredoing well when it comes to Grade 12 results,” said Mdingi.

He added that, as SADTU, they do notwish forany learner to fail andare therefore targeting a100% pass rate inthe Classof 2026.

According to him, they are workingvery hard to ensure that they achieve their goals. Mdingi said the sacrifices made by teach-

erstoensurethey achieved their targets wouldnever go unnoticed.

“We aresupportingthem, and we will continue doingsoinorderfor the province to remain a shiningstar among other provinces.”

The Provincial Secretary for COSATU in the EasternCape,

Mkhawuleli Maleki, said members of the organisation were happy that the name of one of theirleaders had been chosen to renamethe SADTU branch in the Eastern Cape, where he had servedasboth amember and a leader.

“This shows that the qualities

of his leadership wererecognised and appreciated. Those who still ask why thisbranch was given his name should be told that it was named after TabileKunene because he was ahumble and selfless leader.Heunderstood that true leadersmust sacrifice and be the lasttobenefit. He was aperson who carried out his duties diligently,” said Maleki.

He added that Kunene was aunifying figure who always ensured therewas unity among them.

Malekisaid that if aperson’s name continues to live on after theirdeath, it is not because of what they left behind, but because of the impact they made on the hearts of others.

Oneofthe family members, Zola Kunene, said they appreciated what the organisation had done. He said he could not fully express how the family felt when they saw how Kunene was remembered for his work.

“This branch has brought smiles to us. It shows that he did not drag our family name through the mud. The leadership skills he showed at home are the same qualities people are speaking about here. We appeal to members of thisorganisation to continue treating his name with respect because he was arespectful person.”

EasternCapetrainsitsfirstchemicalpathologyspecialist

ZAVELA

MAKWABE

FOR rural patients in the Eastern Cape, getting accurate lab results often meant waiting days, sometimes weeks, while samples were sent to other provinces.

That is about to change, thanks to Dr Phathiswa Sifuba-Makapela, who has just become the province’sfirst locally trained chemical pathology specialist.

The National Health Laboratory Service announced the milestone on 4May 2026,calling it amajor breakthrough for medical training and healthcare delivery in the region. Dr Sifuba-Makapela completed her qualification through Walter Sisulu University and the National Health Laboratory Service, marking ahistoric first for theEastern Cape.

Her journey to this pointisas inspiring as the achievementitself. Dr Sifuba-Makapela grew up in Ngqamakhwe andcompleted her early education in therural Eastern Cape. She went on to earn

ascience degreeatthe then UniversityofTranskei, now known as Walter Sisulu University.

Before entering the medical field, she spentsix years in the classroom as ateacher— an experience shesays shapedher commitment to servingunderserved communities.Later, shepursued her medical degreeand began her specialist traininginPretoria. Shereturned hometo complete the final stages of her qualification at the Nelson Mandela Academic Laboratory andWalter Sisulu University.

For Dr Sifuba-Makapela, the achievement is about more than personal success. It is proof that world-class specialist training can happen right hereinthe Eastern Cape.

“For many years, doctors from rural andunder-resourced areas have hadtoleave the province to complete specialist training,” shesaid.“This shows that we can build local skills andbringbetter services directly to the peoplewho need them most.”

Her passion for laboratory medicine began duringmedical school, when she saw firsthand how timely and accurate test results influence treatment decisions.Now, she wants to strengthen laboratorysystems across the province and mentor the next generation of specialists. “Every result belongs to apatient whodependsontimely and accurate answers,” she said “Working withrural communities has taught me that correct diagnostics can literally change lives.”

Dr Sifuba-Makapela hopes her storyencourages young people from rural areas to pursue careers in medicine and science, no matter the obstacles.“The journey may be long and challenging, but withresilience, hardwork, and support,itispossible to achieve yourgoals,” she said.

Her work is expected to improve diagnostic capacity in rural clinics and hospitals, giving local doctorsfaster access to results and helpingpatients receive treatment sooner

Dr Phathiswa Sifuba-Makapela.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK

AmatholeDistrictbringsrelieftoEthembenifloodvictims

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

AS the Eastern Cape experienced torrential rains and floods this month of May,the Amathole DistrictMunicipality’s (ADM) disaster management unit delivered food parcels to 20 poverty-stricken families affected by the Februaryheavy rainsin Ethembeni village, Amahlathi Local Municipality, on Friday, May 8.

Several homes in Ethembeni village were severely damaged by the Februaryfloods causedby heavy rains, and the recent intervention formed part of ADM’s coordinated relief across the Amatholedistrict, following the recent heavy rains andflooding in ADMand Buffalo City Metro, affecting several areas in Qonce and KuGompo City.

ADM has embarked on ongoing assessments in Amahlathi, Ngqushwa andRaymond Mhlaba, the localmunicipalities under the ADM’s jurisdiction, believed to be heavily impacted by therecent floods.

The Amathole district, in partnership with Amahlathi municipality leadership, handed over food parcels to 20 families that were severely affected by the February floods in Ethembeni village, while the recent heavy rains caused extensive damage in several villages in Qonce and KuGompoCityareas.

Speaking at thehandover ceremony, theAmahlathi Local Municipality mayor, Nomakhosazana Nongqayi, welcomed ADM’s support and notedthat this was the third occasion this yearthat the district had returned to Ethembeni village in response to disaster-related incidents linked tochanging climateconditions, addingthatdistressed residents whohad notyet received assistancewould have their details recordedfor future support.

Amahlathi’s ward 7councillor, Zani Ngozi, notedthatEthembeni and Mbaxa village residents continue to experience recurring disasterswhenever heavy rainshit the area, while also expressingappreciationfor ADM’s intervention

One of ADM’s disaster relief beneficiaries, Nozuko Zahele of ward 7, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to ADM leadership for the groceries and blankets, adding that it came at acritical timeduringthe cold winter season

“Life hasnot been easy forus duringthe past fewmonths, but Iamtruly grateful forthe food parcels andthe blankets because they will help my family and me duringthisdifficult time,”said Zahele

As theinclement and chilly weatheris expected to continue thiswinter,the Amathole

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

FOLLOWINGits successful digitaleconomy summit, the EastLondon Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) unveiled R330 million digital infrastructure projects aimed at the province’s economic growth at the ELIDZ conference centre in KuGompo City.

The ELIDZ hosted the digital economy summit under the theme, “Powering the Eastern Cape’s Digital Future,” attended by Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, and key stakeholders from the ICT, telecommunications, investment, innovation and skills development sectors.

ELIDZ acting manager for corporate communications, SiphosethuTikana,confirmed that the ELIDZ, an entity of the provincial Department of Economic Development,EnvironmentalAffairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), unveiled aportfolio of digital economy infrastructureprojects withacombined investmentvalued at R330 million, at the provincial digital economysummit,inlinewith theprovince’s broader digital transformation agenda, led by the Office of the Premier(OTP).

“The investments include a R76million Tier III-aligned Data Centrefunded by the Eastern Cape Provincial Government, aR65 million Business ProcessOutsourcing (BPO) and shared services facility supported by the Department of Trade, Industryand Competition, and R181 million in broadband and underseacable enablement driven through private sector investment.

“This is complemented by

aR2.8 million digital hub implemented by ELIDZ through apublic-privatepartnership, and aR5 million CiscoEDGE Centrefunded by private sector partners,” said Tikana

In hisaddress, ELIDZ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) TembelaZweni outlined the zone’s transition into azone 4.0operatingmodel,where industrial capabilityand digital infrastructure function as asingle, coordinated system, and pre-

sented five flagship projects anchoring this transition.

“The TierIII-aligned Data Centre, developed at acost of R76 million, serves as the digitalbackbone of the zone. Designed to meet international standards, it delivers over 99% uptime, operates on acarrier-neutral architecture, and has ascalable capacity of up to 1MW across six data halls, aligned with ISO 27001, 27017 and 27018 standards.

“The facilityenables secure, local hosting of government andenterprise systems, strengthens datasovereignty and supports data-driven industries.

“Government institutions, state-owned entities, and digitalservice providers are encouraged to localise and host systems within this facility,” said Zweni.

TheR2.6 million Digital Hub is focused on innovation, in-

cubation, and SMME development within theELIDZ Science and Technology Park. It provides prototyping, testing, and commercialisation pathways, linking emerging enterprises to market opportunities.

Meanwhile, theR65 million 800-seat BPO and Shared Services facilityisdesigned for global service delivery and integrated with thezone's digital infrastructure.

It is expected to generateapproximately 2,400 direct jobs through multi-shift operations, providing structured employment pathways for graduates and young professionals.

“The R181 million broadband and undersea cable enablement initiative strengthens connectivity through increased bandwidth, reduced latency, and resilient infrastructure.

“It enables direct integration into global digital networks, supporting high-performance operations across sectors,” added Zweni.

Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane welcomed Zweni’s announcement of thezone 4.0 platform, noting its significance in strengthening the province’sposition in theglobal digital economy.

“This milestone signals more than thestart of construction; it represents abold investment in youthemployment,digital service delivery, and inclusive economic growth.

“The facilityisexpected to createapproximately2,400 direct jobsfor graduates and young professionals while enabling an 800-seat,operations-ready environment for global and domestic business services,” concluded Mabuyane.

Constructionsummitdrivesdialogueon infrastructureandinclusivegrowth

ZAVELA MAKWABE

INDUSTRY leaders, policymakers, and infrastructure professionals converged at Hotel Osner in KuGompo City on 6May 2026 for thethird Annual Construction &Infrastructure Summit & Expo, hostedbyImbizo Events.

Held underthe theme “Constructing South Africa’s Growth: Innovation, Infrastructureand Inclusive Growth,” the flagship event aimed to spark practical dialogue and collaboration across theentire construction value chain.

From sector challenges to innovative solutions, the summitwas designedtodrive meaningful conversations that support South Africa’s infrastructure development and inclusive economic growth. Alongside the summit, theexpo showcased awide range ofproducts,services, andtechnologies shaping the futureofthe sector. It offereddelegates ahands-on opportunity to explore innovations while building connections that could translate into real partnerships.

Akey highlight of the opening programme was the address by

MECSiphokaziLusithifromthe EasternCapeDepartment of PublicWorks, Infrastructure and HumanSettlements making her address. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

the MEC Siphokazi Lusithi from the Eastern CapeDepartment of Public Works, Infrastructure and Human Settlements.

Herinsights brought avaluable perspective on therole of infrastructure in advancing socio-economic transformationinthe province.

In her remarks, the MEC underscored how infrastructure development serves as afoundation for economic growth, job creation, and improved servicedelivery forcommunities across the province.

She also emphasised that building aresilient and inclusive economy requires strong collaboration between government,established industry leaders, and emerging contractors.

“Infrastructure development remains one of themost power-

ful instruments at our disposal to drive economic growth, create jobs, and redress thestructural inequalities of our past.Itis through infrastructure that we connect communities to opportunities, enable economic activity, and restore dignitytoour people,”said Lusithi.

She added that one of themost pressing issues is thepersistence of project delays and inefficiencies.

“Too many projectsexperience cost overruns, missed deadlines, and qualitychallenges. These inefficiencies not only erode public confidence but also increase the cost of delivery and reduce the overall impact of infrastructure investment,” said Lusithi.

The summit was strengthened by industry partnerships like the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL), which joined as an official partner, bringing practical expertise that enhanced thetechnical depthofdiscussions.

The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) also partnered with theevent,underscoring SAICE’s focus on professional standards and engineering excellence.

Landreform,farmersupporttakecentrestageatAFASAsummit

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

EASTERN CapePremier

Lubabalo Mabuyanestrongly believes that land reform policy should prioritise the country’s “pressing issues” including poverty, inequality, unemployment, accesstoland and support for emerging farmers.

Mabuyane was delivering his opening address at the two-day African Farmers’ Association of South Africa (AFASA) land summit held at the East London International Convention Centre (ELICC), KuGompo City on Thursday,8May.

The AFASA land summit was

attended by the Minister of RuralDevelopment and Land Reform, MzwaneleNyhontso,the Buffalo City Metromayor, Princess Faku, government stakeholders, academics, policy-makers andthe farming community.

The summit, held under the theme “Secure Tenure–Unlockingthe Potential andMoving from AccesstoSuccess,” aimed at transforming land access into tangibleopportunities foreconomic growth,sustainabilityand communitydevelopment

Mabuyane saidthe summit was acriticalplatform for developing practical solutions

that ensure land reform leads to meaningful impact andlastingchange.

“The AFASA land summit is grounded in asimple buturgent truth land reform only matters if it leads to real,measurable change in people’s lives. Access to land alone is not enough.

“Without secure tenure, infrastructure, finance and coordinated support,land cannot deliverdignity, livelihoods or sustainableeconomic growth,” said Mabuyane.

Mabuyane outlined the province’s keypriorities, which included strengthening security

ECLBambassadorstackleunderagedrinking

AGROUP of Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) Ambassadors from Zimele High School in Mthatha recently hosted an underagedrinking awareness culturalevent, using artand performance to spark honest conversations abouta growing problem in their community

The ambassadors—Hlumisa Gontshi, Nkosana Matyolo, Inako Fatyi, LimiseMatomela, and Unako Mpotye —organised the event as part of the ECLB'speer education initiative.

Instead of relying on lectures, they turnedtomusic, drama and poetry to reachtheir fellow learners in away that felt relatable andmemorable.

Grade 11 learner and organiser, HlumisaGontshi, explained the purpose behind the event. "Our goal was to createsomething thatpeople won't forget, something that really drivesthe message home,"she said. "Underage drinkinghas become normalised in many spaces, and we hope this

event leaves an impact and encourages real change in the way learners think and act."

Fellow ambassadorand classmate, Nkosana Matyolo, also in Grade 11, said the performances were the highlight for him and many learners

"The actors put on playsthat showed real-life consequences,singers performed original songs, and poets recited pieces about underagedrinking," he said.

"It wasn't justentertainment —itwas areminder of what's at stake and acallfor responsible choices."

The event reflects the core role of the ECLB Ambassador Programme, which was established by the EasternCape Liquor Board to address alcohol abuseand underage drinking in schools and communities across the province.

ECLB spokesperson, Mgwebi Msiya, said ambassadors were young volunteers appointed and trained by the Board to act as advocates for responsible drinking

and alcohol safety

"They lead peer-to-peer education, empowering other learners with accurate information and carrying that message beyond the school gates to their families and communities," Msiya explained

The ambassador programme is akey part of the ECLB's broader Alcohol HarmReduction Strategy. It acknowledges that alcohol misuse doesn'tjust affect health —italso undermines academic performance, increases safety risks, and contributes to devastating incidents such as the 2022 Enyobeni Tavern tragedy.

By placing trusted young voices at the centre of the conversation, the ECLBhopes ambassadorscan identifyissues early, challenge harmful norms, and promote safer choices from within their own circles.

For the learners at Zimele High School, the cultural event was more than aschool activity —it was astep towards changing attitudes and protecting the next generation.

of tenure, investment in rural economic development, support for emerging farmers, economic participation and improving rural infrastructure.

Mabuyane told delegates that theimportance of the summit is its focus on moving beyond policy andintention towards practical, sustainable solutions, including support for farmers, connecting rural communities to opportunities and building systems that make land productive,resilient and inclusive.

“A strong theme throughout thesummit is the need to shift theconversation from access to success, whereland reform

is measured not only by land transferred but by jobs created, food securityand communities empowered,”added Mabuyane. Nyhontso, aleader of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) in the government of national unity (GNU), welcomed the resolutions taken at the summit, adding that his department and AFASA need to sign aMemorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at benefiting and empowering farmers.

AFASA is aregistered notfor-profit company (NPC) representing and advancing the interests of developing farmers in the country.

Sport

JubaseYouthAcademywinsde

ANELE RAZIYA

JUBASE Youth Academy (JYA) from Mthatha were crowned champions of the inaugural JUBASE Youth Academy Women's Football DevelopmentTournament, whichwas hosted at Marambeni sports ground in Mthatha over the weekend.

This came after the hosts, JYA, defeated aNgqeleni-based team,Welese Junior School,3–1 during the final on Saturday afternoon

JYA received abrand-new footballkit, gold medals, aball,sanitary pads and a trophy as the first prize of the competition.

The founder of JYA and organiser of the competition, Hoseya Jubase, said the tournament was asuccess as five women’s teams from different towns participated in it and got an opportunity to showcase theirtalent.

“Duringthe event, everything went well, and we appreciateeveryonewho contributed to the event,” saidJubase.

Onlyfive teams competed throughout the tournament, namelyKhanyisaSchool fromMthatha, Welese School from Ngqeleni,Gxulu Schoolfrom Libode, PSG Ladies from Xhora (Elliotdale) and hosts JYA.

The whole tournamentwas played in aknockout format, and JYA and Welese were the only teams that managed to reach the final after playing very well during the qualifying rounds.

The aim of the tournament was to contribute to the development of women's football, particularlyinpredominantly rural areas.

Jubase Youth AcademyfromMthatha were crownedthe over theweekend.

After the event, Jubase said he wasvery pleased with the number of supporters who came out to supporttheir teams and women’sfootball. He alsosaidheplans to host the second edition of the tournament next year, as he aims tocontinue giving young players an opportunity to further showcase their talentsinfront of scouts.

MusketeersFCremain undefeatedinregionalleague

ANELE RAZIYA

AFTER 16 games in SAFA AmatholeHollywoodbets Regional League Stream Ein Mnquma, Musketeers FC from Centane are still the only side who are yet to taste adefeat sincethe start of the season last year,and they are currently topping the log standings.

Meanwhile, in the SAFA Amathole Hollywoodbets Regional League Stream F in Mbhashe, Abahlobo FC were recently crowned as the stream champions after they finished the season sitting on top of the logstandings with 33 points after 12 matches.

With four matches remaining for the log leaders, Musketeers FC are the only side in the divisionthat are stillenjoying an unbeaten run this season since the commencement of the league fixtures last year.

This comes after the log leaders managed to continue maintaining their long unbeatenrecord over the weekend when they beat Ngqamakhwe City FC 2-0 at home

The victory helpedthe Centane-based team to increase their points tallyto46 in 16 leaguegames, and the win alsohelped the log leaders to keepa five-point gap between them andWSU Butterworth FC, who are currently workinghard chasing the top spot.

Over the weekend,WSU Butterworth FC kept their hopes of winning the stream

alive when they thrashed Inter City Sports Club 8-0 away to increase their points to 41, with three games remaining

This Friday (15 May), division fixtures are expected to continue as Ezikaxhamela FC will host Ngqamakhwe United FC and Ngqamakhwe City FC will visit Ndabankulu SSS FC

On Saturday, FC Tshabalala will entertain log leaders MusketeersFC, and on Sunday, top-spot chasersWSU ButterworthFCwill visit Zeny Sports Club, while Inter City Sports Club will battle against Amakotamane FC

Duringthe weekend fixtures, bothteams from the top of the log standings areexpected to aim for maximum points as their title race is heating up and every victory counts as the league games wind down.

Meanwhile, in Mbhashe, the regional league was wrappeduplate last month, and Abahlobo FC finished their league campaignsitting on top of the log standings with 33 points.

In the 12 games they played throughout the entire season in Stream F, Abahlobo FC lost only one game and won 11 to be crowned champions in the division.

Stream Fwas made up of seven teams from Mbhashe, and that is one of the reasonstheir season was short.

Thewinnersofeach stream will progress tothe promotion play-offs, and teams who perform well during the play-offs will bepromoted to the ABC Motsepe League.

During from Vuyolwethu dan Th lese and