Mthatha Express South - E-Edition - 16 July 2026

Pitlatrinebacklog finallycleared

Hawksconvictburial societyfraudsters

THE Mthatha-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) of the Hawks has secured the conviction of four former employees of Thuso Fund Burial Society on charges of fraudatthe Mthatha SpecialisedCommercial Crimes Court last week.

Spokesperson for the Hawks, Warrant OfficerNdiphiwe Mhlakuvana, said the accused —Nandipha Mfobeza (52),Busisiwe Nondudule(52),Faniswa Nobambela (44) and Nommiselo Solani (47) —were implicated in asophisticated internal fraud scheme that resulted in their employer sufferingafinancial loss of R800,000.

“The matter originated from acase reported by the complainant on behalf of Thuso Fund BurialSociety, headquartered in Orkney, NorthWest Province, and wassubsequentlyreferred to the Hawks for further investigation. During May2025, the organisation detected irregularitiesinvolvingbank deposit slips submitted by fourEastern Cape branches,” said Mhlakuvana.

He addedthat acomprehensive forensic audit and reconciliation of First National Bank (FNB) deposit records against the company’s official bank statements revealed that severaldeposit slips submitted by employees at the Mthatha Main Branch were fraudulent.

Mhlakuvana addedthat the investigation established that the deposit slips reflected

transactions that werenever credited into the company’sbank account, thereby concealing the unlawful misappropriation of company funds.

As aresult, the burial societyincurred a financial loss of R800,000.

“Following ameticulous investigation by the Hawks, warrantsofarrest wereauthorised by the court on 18 February 2026.

“All four accused werearrested and appeared before the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on the same day. They wereeach released on bail of R1,500 and subsequently made several court appearances before the matter was finalised.”

Mhlakuvana said the court convicted all four accused on charges of fraud and imposed the following sentences. Mfobeza and Nondudule wereeach sentenced to pay afine of R40,000 or undergo three years’ direct imprisonment Nobambelawas sentenced to pay afine of R35,000 or undergo three years’ direct imprisonment Solani was sentenced to pay afine of R30,000 or undergo three years’ direct imprisonment.

“In addition, the court ordered all four convicted persons to immediately pay R5,000 each towards compensation and thereafter make monthly instalments of R1,500 as directed by the court, commencing on or before 31 July2026, until the outstanding amount has been settled.”

BoostforMbhasheLocal MunicipalitySMMEs,co-ops

MBHASHE Local Municipality hassupported localSMMEs, cooperativesand farmers with tools of trade to the value of more than R400,000 at two separate events.

Theinitiativewas aimedataddressing key challenges facing local businesses and farmers, including limited access to essential resources, funding opportunities and business development skills, enabling them to grow sustainable enterprises and create employment opportunities withintheir communities

Themunicipality has identified SMME and cooperative supportasa key pillar of its localeconomicdevelopment programme.

Thelocalauthority said its IDPlisted agriculture, tourism,construction,the manufacturing sector andretailasareas that have economic potential forthe region.

Social servicesand small enterprise developmentwere other contributorsto Mbhashe’s grossdomestic product. The municipality identified thatthe existing potentialinthese comparative and competitive advantages hadnot yetbeen realised;asaresult, more needed to be invested in unleashing the potential for localeconomicdevelopment benefits

Speaking at the handover in Dutywa, ExecutiveMayor Dr Samkelo Jandasaid the beneficiaries had been givenanopportunity to apply so that the municipality couldhelp their businessesgrow. Janda encouraged localbusinessestowork together, adding that they could find markets among themselves if theysupported eachother.

“Today we are investing in the future of our localeconomy.These tools arenot just equipment but also an opportunity forour entrepreneurs andfarmers to grow their businesses, create jobs andimprovethe lives of their communities. We hope their businesses will grow so we can fight povertyand sufferinginthe areas where we reside,” said Janda.

Atotalofseven beneficiariesbenefit-

ed in the two-prongedprogramme.The equipment received, tailoredfor specific businesses,includedautomotive diagnostic andrepair tools,poultry farming equipment andagricultural machinery andequipment to strengthen crop production. It was budgeted at R412,794. One of the cooperativesisowned by five young people,while the other is runby sixwomen

PortfolioHeadofDevelopmentPlanning,CouncillorNomvuyiseko Mgedezi, andwardcouncillors were amongthose presentatthe event. Theinitiativeaims to equiplocal entrepreneurs andagricultural producers with the resourcesthey need to grow their businesses whileaddressing challengessuch as limited access to equipment, funding andbusiness development support,the municipality said Khanyisa Bele of M&BProjects runs a chicken farm andanabattoir supplying the local Spar andschools with broiler chickens. “Wereceived freezers that usebothelectricity andgas.Theywill come in handy during electricity outages andhelpsave ourchickens. We also gotequipment to help grow ourchickens, as we have asection of the business that focuses on growing broiler chickens. We encourage farmerstocollaborate with us so we canhelpeachother find ourrespective markets,”she said

From Elite Auto Electrical andAlarms, SiphoRulumenisaidhewas grateful to the municipalityfor the opportunityto grow hisbusiness. He said the equipment will help puthis business on another level as growth was hindered by alackof such tools

“The potential foragriculture, manufacturing, retail andmotor services co-operativesand SMMEshas notbeenrealised as theylackcapacityand marketing capabilities.Theyare without tools of trade,money,accesstofunding opportunities andbusinessskills. Hence, there is reason forthe MbhasheLocal Municipality to start assisting themwith tools of trade,” amunicipal concept document said

NationalTreasuryfreezesfundsforBCM,fiveothermunicipalities

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

NATIONAL Treasuryhas temporarilywithheld the July 2026 equitable share fundsfor Buffalo CityMetro and five other EasternCape municipalities due to persistent failures to comply with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) andits supportingregulations

Other provincialmunicipalities affectedby the freezing of July equitable share funding include Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Makana, Sundays River Valley, Inxuba Yethembaand PortStJohns.

The National Treasuryannouncedthe withholdingofthe July equitable share transfersto 69 municipalities countrywide at amedia briefing led by Deputy Minister of Finance Ashor Sarupen, held at theRonnieMamoepa Media Centre in Tshwane on Wednesday, 8July.

Someofthe reasons cited for the withholding of the funds include failure to comply with the provisions of the MFMAregulationsand persistentunauthorised, irregular,fruitless and wastefulexpenditure (UIFWE).

The decision follows persistent andserious

non-compliance with the MFMA and its supportingregulations, despite support provided by the National Treasurythroughguidance, engagement,and formal or informal communication

Theaffected municipalities were givensufficient noticeinwriting and urgedtotakemeasurestochangetheir financial management positionsahead of the withholding of funds. Municipalities were also given aplatform to send,inwriting, reasons why their funds should notbewithheld.

The temporary withholding of funds is taken interms of section216(2) of the Constitution, read withsection 38 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act56of2003 (MFMA).

National Treasury MFMA Regulatory OversightDirector, Khensani Makaneta,confirmed that prior to the withholding of the funds, Treasury provided support to affected municipalities throughthe issuance of MFMA circulars, one-on-one municipalengagements andvarious training interventions.

“Despitethese support interventions, many municipalities arestill failing to complywith the provisions of the MFMA and its supporting

regulations insofarasthey relate to adopting funded budgets, addressing UIFWE and ensuring thatstatutory commitments aremet when due,” noted Makaneta Non-compliance with the legislation is not only adereliction of fiduciaryduties by the political and administrativeleadership of municipalities, but is also threatening the financial sustainability of bulk suppliersincluding water boards and Eskom. In addition, failureto paythird parties negatively affects the ability of statutory bodies to continue operating optimally.Those statutory bodies include the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA),SARS and the Financial SectorConduct Authority (FSCA).

IntergovernmentalRelationsDeputy Director-General (DDG), Ogalaletseng Gaarekwe, confirmed that the transfer of funds will resume once the affected municipalitiesmeet the required conditions and submitproperproof of the conditions being met, addingthat National Treasurywill keep working with municipalities, provincialtreasuries andcooperative governance structures to strengthen sound financial management.

Buffalo City Metro mayoral spokesperson,

Luzuko Buku, noted the intention of National Treasurytotemporarily withhold the transfer of the July 2026 equitable sharetothe Metro.

“We wish to assureresidents,stakeholders, employees and other consumersthat we are fully co-operating with the National Treasury regarding the ongoing management of historical unauthorised, irregular,fruitless and wastefulexpenditure (UIFWE).Weare thereforeconfident that there will be no disruption to servicedelivery,” said Buku Buku saidthe Metro is actively implementingconsequence management procedures and fully applying theMunicipal Finance Misconduct Regulations, adding that the municipality was working to resolve historical mattersthat will clear thebacklog in an attempt to meet the requirementsrequestedbyTreasury

The SouthAfrican Local Government Association (SALGA) welcomed Treasury’s indication that thewithholdingprocess is corrective, notpunitive, andthatallocationscan be released once conditionsare met. SALGA vowed to continue supporting affected municipalities to improve recoveryplans, governance, compliance, expenditure controls and financial sustainability.

Progress madeineradication of pit latrinesinschools

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

EASTERN Cape DepartmentofEducation

(ECDoE) MEC Fundile Gadehas welcomed the progress made on the completion of thepit latrineeradication project identified through the2018Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE)initiative audit backlog.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) Minister Siviwe Gwarube announced the full completion of allpit toilet eradication projects identified throughthe SAFE initiativeaudit backlogduringher school infrastructure and sanitation oversight visit to Dimbaza Primary Schooloutside Qonceearlier thisweek.

Speaking duringher school sanitation visit at Dimbaza Primary School in theBuffaloCity education district, Gwarube confirmedthatall 3,372 schools identified in the 2018 SAFEaudit have nowbeen provided with safe and appropriate sanitation facilities.

"The completion of the SAFE Initiativehas changedthe daily reality of millionsoflearnersand thousandsofteachers. Morethan3 million learners have benefitedfromsafer sanitation facilities, while more than 48,000 teachers now work in healthierand moredignified environments," saidGwarube.

Responding to Gwarube'sannouncement, MECGade welcomed the report detailing the successful completion of the SAFE initiative aimedatthe eradication of pit toilets in schools throughout the Eastern Cape andother ruralprovinces.

"As the ECDoE, we extend our gratitude to the Department of Basic Education forinstituting the SAFE Initiative sinceits initial2018 proclamation by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Thisinitiativehas substantially elevated the dignity,security and scholastic environment for learners and educators by replacing perilouspit latrines with suitable sanitationfacilities," said Gade However,Gade noted that while the SAFE initiative hasconcluded the projects identified inits preliminary assessments, thereare still lingering pit latrines to be eradicated in the EasternCape.

"The Eastern Cape remains steadfast in its pursuit of this aim, notwithstanding considerablefinanciallimitations. This sanitation oversight visit by the Minister provides an opportunityfor us to showcase progress made by the ECDoE in eradicating unsafe pit latrines in theprovince, while also outlining remaining challenges and future plans,"added Gade

Adelaideresidentsreceivetitledeeds

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

AS part of the Mandela Month community development initiative, Eastern Cape Department of Public Works andHuman Settlements MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi, handed over titledeeds to 182 home beneficiariesin Adelaide, Raymond Mhlaba Municipality, on Friday, 10 July.

Shortly after the title deedhandoverceremony, Lusithi embarked on an oversight visit to monitor renovation work at the newly builtsocial development offices in Seymour, also in the RaymondMhlabamunicipal area.

The long-awaited title deed transfer to housingbeneficiaries represented asignificant step towardseradicatingthe housing titlebacklog and restoring securityoftenuretoelderly Adelaide residentswho had patiently waited foryears for the official handover of their title deeds.

The new titleholders included people with disabilities and elderly community members, among them old-age pensioners, Eric Mbambeni andNondwe Makhenyana.

The title deed transfer and handoverforms part of the human settlements' ongoingtitle deeds restoration project, aimed at restoring and securinglegal property ownership Lusithi,who personally visitedold and frail Mbambeni and Makhenyanaat their homes, remarkedthat the handoverceremony sought to address the backlog in the issuing of title deeds, ensuring that beneficiaries of government housing projects obtain full legal ownership of their homes and enjoy security of tenure.

"A title deed is more than just adocument; it is proof that thishome is the legal property ofthe titleholder,and that no personcan ever take it away from you or yourchildren. We are not justhanding over title deeds, but we are restoring dignityand securing property rights of legal homeowners," said Lusithi.

RaymondMhlabaLocal Municipality Mayor Nomhle Sango thanked Lusithi, adding that the beneficiarieshad waited for many years for their title deedstobeissued

"Today, we are restoring the dignityofthe beneficiaries of the Adelaide housing development project. These housing beneficiaries have waited for years for the transfer of their title deeds, and Iwould like to thank MECLusithi for ensuringthat they get their legalpapers as proof of property ownership," said Sango.

Amathole District Municipality Executive Mayor Anele Ntsangani urged residents to registerfor the municipal indigent support programme, noting that formal ownership does not exclude qualifyinghouseholds from accessingthisvital municipal support.

Pensioner Lydia Mbambeni saidshe was overwhelmed with joy, havingpatiently waited for many years for her title deed

Lusithialso conducted an oversight visit to thesocial development facility in Seymour, currently undergoing renovations and upgrades aimed at improving itsfunctionality, expanding office space and creating amore conducive working environment

The facility,which also houses social workers,isexpected to be fully completed in August.

TheECDoE has been allocated R2 billion for the current financial year towards the schools' pittoilet eradication project.

Theuntimely death of young learners, Michael Komape, Lumka Mkhethwa and Langalam Viki, remains aconstantreminder about pit toilets and unsafe sanitation facilities in schools.

Gwarube emphasised that the announcement confirmsthe successful completion of the backlogidentified throughthe 2018 SAFE Initiative audit and does not suggest that everypit toilet in the country has disappeared.

She noted that some schools may have developed sanitation challenges after the original 2018 audit, others may have been unintention-

ally omitted, while some communities have retainedold pit toiletstructures despite receiving new facilities

"I am pleased to announce that we have reached 100% completion of the 2018 Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) Initiative backlog. We have ensured that every school identified in theoriginal2018 auditashaving unsafe pittoilets has now received safe and appropriate sanitation facilities," said Gwarube

While celebrating this significant milestone, Gwarube noted that South Africacontinues to face abroader school infrastructurebacklog exceeding R120 billion, with many schools still requiring classrooms, libraries, laboratories, fencing andother essentialfacilities.

ProvincetohonourthreeliberationiconsonMandelaDay

ZAVELA MAKWABE

THIS year’s Nelson Mandela International Day will reach far beyond the traditional 67 minutes of service.

On 18 July, government, communities and the private sector will gather in the heartlandofSouth Africa’s liberation heritage to honour the lives and legacies of Nelson Mandela, Oliver ReginaldTambo,and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

The provincial commemoration willbe hosted at Meje Senior PrimarySchool, just ashort distance from the birthplace of Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

In choosing this place,the day becomes more than aceremony.

It becomes asymbolic comingtogether of three icons whose courage, sacrifice and love for the people helped shape the

democracyand freedomSouth Africans enjoy today. The timingmakes it even more meaningful.Asthe country marks 50 years since the 1976 Soweto Uprising and70 years since the historic 1956 Women’s Marchto theUnion Buildings, the event willbe areminder that freedom was not given but earned throughbravery,unity andordinarypeople doing extraordinary things.

Led by the Deputy Minister of Sport, Artsand Culture, the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Membersofthe Executive Council, Executive Mayors andother government leaders, the programme will bring together morethan eightgovernment departments, municipalities, state entities andprivate-sector partners.

NontlahlaTandwa Dalindyebo,Senior Manager for Public Engagement andMar-

keting at the Nelson Mandela Museum, told the Express that the focus this year is on leaving alasting legacy.

“The school’svegetable garden will be revitalised with seedlings and gardening equipment to help feed learners and teach them about growing their own food. Tentrees will be planted on thegrounds, five indigenous and five fruit trees, to nurture both the environment and future food security.

“The learning environment will also get alift throughcorporate donations of paint to brighten classrooms and corridors.”

For the wider community, “Services on Wheels” will bring the government closer to the people. Officials from Home Affairs, Health, Education, Social Development, NSFAS and other departments will be on site to assist learners, parents and

residentswith theservices they need, right wherethey live.

The celebrations will beginaday earlier, on 17 July, withaninter-school sports tournament featuring eight schools. It is atributetoyouth development and healthy living, and thewinning schools will receive their awards during the official commemorations on Mandela Day.

“More than an event,this is ahomecoming of values. In acommunity deeply connected to Mandela, Tambo, and Mama Winnie, people will come together to celebratefreedom, service, education, environmental care and social justice,” said Dalindyebo.

“It is going to be ahistoric moment of leadership, service and community upliftment.And at its heart is asimple truth that all three icons lived by: when we give of ourselves, we build anation.”

ECDepartmentofHealthequipsnursestostrengthenschoolhealthservices

FROM 6to10July 2026,Adante Guesthouse in Mthathabecame ahub for learning and collaboration as theEastern Cape Department of Health hosted aweek-long Integrated SchoolHealth Programme (ISHP)training —aninvestment aimed at empoweringthe professionalsatthe heart of learnerhealth andwellbeing.

About40Professional Nurses from O.R Tambo,Alfred Nzo, Joe Gqabi and Chris Hani districts gathered for the training, which was done in collaboration with the Department of BasicEducation andthe Department of Social Development at district level.

Thesharedcommitment acrossdepartments was clear: to strengthen the implementation and outcomes of the ISHP so that everylearner has accesstoquality, comprehensive healthservices at school.

The programmeopenedwith engaging presentationsthat were followed by open and constructive discussions.Nurses used the space to share therealities,challenges and complexities they encounter daily when delivering schoolhealthservices.

Thoseconversations became one of the most valuableparts of theworkshop, as participantsexchangedpractical experiencesand workable solutions drawn from theschools they serve.

Speaking to the Express,Nokuthula Sopiseka, Director of Re-Engineering of PrimaryHealth Careatthe Department, said the training was specifically designed to equipProfessional Nurses with the skills to providequalityprimaryhealth care in schools, during community outreach, and in fixed PHC facilities.

Over the course of theweek, the sessions covered thefull scope of the ISHP service package. Presentations from Rehabilita-

tion Services —Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech Therapyand Audiology —highlighted the critical role these disciplines play in early childhood development and in identifying learners with barriers to learning.

Therapists walked nurses throughhow tospot concerns in their field and explained the referral criteria,including cut-off ages and the importance of early intervention for learners with hearing problems or ear discharge.

Anew point of learning for many was information on cochlear implants and the referral pathways available to learners whoneed them.

From Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, nurses also receivedupdates

on the core pillars of the TB programme and its implementation within schools, and they were introduced to new prevention tools, including the recently available Lenacapivirinjection.

The training also covered PEP andPrEP, disclosure criteria for children, and the role nurses play in supportinglearners living with HIV. Mental health,oralhygiene, ophthalmicservices, growth monitoring,the cervical cancer elimination strategy,child protection,gender-based violence and sexuality education were all included in the curriculum. Participants worked throughpractical demonstrations that clarified concepts andreinforcedkey skills.

Nurses were taken through theproper

use of consent forms,the tools for recording andreportingateach point of care, thepsychosocial assessment for learners, andwhatinterventions or referrals shouldfollow.

Reflecting on theweek,Sister Nombuso Zondo from theChris HaniDistrict said thetraining reminded nursesofthe Department of Basic Education’srole in ISHP andofthe policies that guide service delivery in schools.“We were reminded to work with principals,educatorsand SGBs to ensure theprogramme is implemented correctly,” she noted. For her,the sessions on therapists, HAST, DMOC, and thenew tools for screening and referral were particularly valuable By theend of thefivedays,nursesleft with updatedknowledge,practicalskills andrenewed commitment.The workshop reinforced best practicesand strengthened their capacity to deliver school health services that notonlytreat illness, butalsopromote healthylifestyles,learner wellbeingand educationalsuccess.

Mphahamiseng Happiness Khalata and Nkaiseng Mathabela, Professional Nurses from Maluti Sub-Districtinthe Alfred Nzo District, saidthe training was exactly what they needed

“Welearnt alot aboutintegrated health services. We arenow confident to serve notonlyinschools butalsoinour clinics, because we were trained on TB, HIV, women’s health andmore. With thefull team of therapists anddentists nowsupportingus, we know where and how to refer. We believethingswill improve,” they said.

As theEastern Cape continues to roll outthe ISHP, themessage was consistent: when nurses areequipped, learnersare healthier —and healthierlearnersare betterable to learn.

HolidayreadingfunbringsstoriesandsmilestoECcommunities

SCHOOL holidaysare made forslowing down,playingand getting lost in agood book —and this year, childrenacrossthe Eastern Cape from Cacadu to Bathurst, Nkowankowa and Ncora Village didexactly that.

Withbooks in hand and imaginationswide open,children came togethertoread, share storiesand talk about the adventures they discovered on the page. When children read for enjoyment, they do not just buildvocabularyand confidence —they build alifelong love of learning.

In NcoraVillage, the Nalibali team visited families across the community, turning living rooms into story corners. Caregivers and children sat together, reading aloud and connecting overthe books. Every visitcreated aspace to bond, to laughand to dream.

In Cacadu, the JojweniReading Clubs came alivewith the support of the Sakhisizwe Digital Education Programme. Together, they hosted aholiday programme filled with reading, storytelling and laughter

Children gathered to listen, take turns readingand imagine new worlds, allled by

passionatevolunteersnow formally placed through Ripples of Change. These volunteersare helpingtogrowalasting culture of reading and family literacy, one story at atime.

Meanwhile, in Bathurst, the Nalibali team tookthe joyofreading straight to people's front doors. During homevisits, families shared stories together, flipped through new books and found small, everyday moments tokeep reading aliveoutsidethe classroom

Abedtimestory here, ashared book there —eachvisit wasareminder that literacy grows in the quiet,lovingmoments at home. Childrenwere encouraged to explore, ask questions and interact with every story. It wasnot just about keeping busy during the break—itwas about keepingcurious minds engaged, building confidenceand nurturing alove of readingthat lasts farbeyondthe holidays

Enjoying aholidayfull of rest, play and the magicofstories, 11-year-old book lover, Angani Makwabe, told the Express that reading opensupher world

“Reading is fun and it teaches me about things andplaces Iwould never know about otherwise,” she said

BuffaloCityMetrohostssuccessfulannualAlfredMtsiGames

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

THE Buffalo City Metro hosted asuccessful annualAlfred Mtsi Games honouringthe legacy of theMetro’s former Executive Mayor Mtsi, playedatthe Sisa DukasheStadium in Mdantsane from Saturday, 4July until Sunday evening.

Previously knownasthe Buffalo City Metro Mayor’s Cup, the sports tournamentwas renamed in 2022 in memory andhonour of the former Buffalo City Metro Executive Mayor and CouncilSpeaker, the late Alfred Mtsi. “Skuta”, as Mtsi was affectionately known in sports circles, was rushed tothe Life Beacon Bay Hospital in KuGompoCityafter contracting COVID-19 on 7July 2020. Helost the fight against the virus and passed away five days after being admitted to hospital.

The Metro hosted an evening gala dinner for theannual Alfred Mtsi Games at theKuGompo City Hall in preparation for the official start of the games at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium.

The gala dinner was attendedbyMtsi’s family members, sports legends in the Buffalo City region, the ProvincialDepartment of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture officials, the BCM Sports Council, boxing legends including Vuyani Bungu and Welcome Ncitha, and the Border-KeiChamber of Business (BKCOB) CEO, Lizelle Maurice,amongothers.

Speakingatthe gala dinner, Buffalo City Metro Executive Mayor Princess Faku described Mtsi as adisciplined activist, afreedom fighter and avisionary leader.

theMtsi family membersbefore thestartofthe Alfred MtsiGames in KuGompoCity

“The lateCouncillor AlfredMtsi was not simply aformer executive mayor and speaker of council. He was afreedomfighter, a disciplined activist, aservant of the people and avisionary leader who understood that buildingcommunities requires morethan providing infrastructure; it requires investing in people,”saidFaku.

Fakusaid Mtsi’slifelong commitment to theideals of justice, equality and community development reflected the values forwhich

so many leaders had strived.

“He believed deeply that young people deserved opportunities to realisetheirfull potential and that sport was one of the most powerful vehicles to achieve this,” noted Faku.

On behalf of Buffalo City Metro,Faku thanked every athlete who participated in the sports tournament, adding that every athlete displayed courage, commitment and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

Elliotdale: Eco-tourism lodgenears completion

BABALWA NDLANYA

MUNICIPAL Manager of Mbhashe Local Municipality,Mkhululeki Nako, joined by the Senior Managerfor Development Planning, Sikhusele Cobokana, and other municipal officials, conducted an oversight visit to the Qatywa Eco-Tourism Development in Elliotdale, a flagship project of the Eastern Cape Department of Tourism,last week.

He said the development is 98%complete, with only minor touches remaining before the facility is ready for operation. As part of the visit, Nako met with members of the Qatywa Trust to discuss the progress of theproject and plans for the future management of the eco-tourism lodge.

The meeting provided an opportunitytoreflect on the journey of the development and the collaborative efforts that have brought the project to this importantmilestone. He commended the dedication of thetraditional leadership and theQatywa Trust fortheir continued commitment to ensuring the successful completion of the development. He also recognised the positive impact the projecthas already had by creatingemployment opportunities for local residents during the construction phase. Nako emphasisedthe importance of communityparticipation, notingthat the long-term

success of the facility will depend on strong partnerships and mutual trust between all stakeholders. He reaffirmed the municipality's commitment to supporting the development by making use of its conference and accommodation facilities whenever possible, helping to strengthen its long-termsustainability

"Theprocess of appointing an operator to manage the lodge is currently under way.This processisbeing undertaken collaboratively bythe EasternCape Department of Tourism, MbhasheLocal Municipality and the Qatywa Trust toensure that the facility is managed effectively and deliverslasting benefits to the surrounding communities. Discussions also

explored opportunities to expand the facility in the future, with ashared vision of growing the development into aleading tourism destination that will attract more visitors and unlock additional economicopportunities for the area," he said

He added that once operational, the Qatywa Eco-Tourism Development is expected to boost tourism, stimulate local economic growth, create sustainable employment opportunities and showcase the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Mbhashe, positioning the municipality as an attractive destination for visitors from across South Africaand beyond.

Spokesperson for Mbhashe Local Munici-

“As we come to the close of another successful edition of the Alfred Mtsi Games, Istand beforeyou with aheartfull of prideand gratitude. Today has been acelebration of talent, determination, discipline and unity. It has reminded us that sporthas the remarkable ability to bring people together, to inspire hope and to unlock the potential that exists within our young people,” concluded Faku

TheAlfred Mtsi Gamesbrought together adiverse range of sporting codes, reflecting the municipality’s commitment to inclusive youth development, talent identification and community participation.

Thetournament featured sporting action from under-19 athletes from acrossthe Metro competing in various sporting codes includingsoccer,netball, boxing, basketball, volleyball, tennis,karate and rugby.

Mtsi grew up in Nceravillage just outside KuGompo City. He graduated with amaster’s degree in publicadministration from the University of FortHare.

In 1983, he started working for the Mercedes-Benz SA manufacturingplant in KuGompo City and served as ashop stewardfor the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa(NUMSA)

He served as chairman of COSATU in the Border Region between 1991 and 1993. He also served as aMember of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) in the EasternCape from 1999 to 2014.

In June 2015, Mtsi was inaugurated as mayor of Buffalo City Metro following the resignation of Zukiswa Ncitha. He served as mayor untilAugust 2016 and was later elected to serve as the Metro’scouncilspeaker

pality, Babalwa Magqwanti, said the community of Qatywa initiated the project with the support of the Department of Tourism and Mbhashe Local Municipality. According to her, the Qatywa Community Development Trust manages the establishment and liaises with the community and government "The community will benefitasthe establishment will attract tourists, and thiswill benefit people through job creation and small business establishment. This establishment will promote beautiful coastline estuaries and forestry through acommunity development project. The community are the beneficiaries of the project through the establishment of the Qatywa Community Development Trust, which will manage the project and report back to the community," said Magqwanti. She added that they will also benefit by being employed at the lodge, and ever since the project started, almost 80% of thiscommunity has benefited. The project started on 16 January 2023.

Magqwanticonfirmed that it is currently at 98% completion and is expected to be completed in August. "This area is regarded as one of the top tourist destinations of choice in Mbhashe, which is unique in terms of eco and adventure tourism —estuaries, forestry, beach, sporting activities, marine activities and aboat launch site."

CareerguidanceboostformatriculantsasADMhostsCareerExpo

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

AMATHOLE District Municipality, in partnership with thenational Department of Human Settlementsand the province’s various higher education institutions,hosted asuccessful Civic Education and Career Expo at two schools in Keiskammahoek, AmahlathiMunicipality on Monday, 6July.

The Civic Education and Career Expo targeted matric learners from theSteve Vukile Tshwete and St Matthew’shighschools in Keiskammahoek. The career expo was aimed at empowering matriculants in Amahlathi by exposing the learners to diverse career opportunities within the human settlements sector and related fields.

The expo provided aplatform for learners to engage directly with professionals, gaininsightsinto available education programmes and explore pathways that can assist them to build meaningful career pathsfocusing on scarce skills and the importance of vocational studies.

Thematriculants were also provided with relevant information on career choices, mentorship programmes and employment opportunities.

Deliveringhis keynote address at both schools,Amathole District Municipality (ADM) Council Speaker, Onke Mgunculu, highlighted theimportanceofexposing learners to career guidance at an early stage, describing the initiative as avitalinvestment in the future of the Amathole district’syouth.

Mgunculu emphasised that selecting appropriatesubjects and aligningthem with career aspirationsisfundamental to creating pathways towards meaningful employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods

“This career expo formed part of ADM’s broader visionofequipping the youth of Amathole with knowledge, guidanceand confidence needed to make informed educational and career decisions,”saidMgunculu.

Mgunculu encouraged learners to pursue careers thatrespond to the evolving demands of thelabour market while also embracing oppor-

tunities to become jobcreators and employers.

“While we encourageeverylearner to pursue education with determination,weequally encourageyou to choose careers that arerelevant, in demand and capable of opening doors to employment or entrepreneurship. It would be unfortunate to dedicate years to your studies only to find yourself withoutopportunities upon graduation. Take full advantage of today’s programme to make informed decisions that will shape your future,”added Mgunculu.

While admission to university studies was strongly promoted, speakers also highlighted the importance of artisan and vocational training provided throughtechnical and vocational education and training (TVET)colleges and community education and training (CET) institutions.

Learnerswere also equipped with much-needed information on bursaries, scholarships, learnerships, internships andvarious other funding opportunities designed to assist them in achieving their academic and career ambitions.

Speaking on behalf of the learners, St Matthew’s High School Grade 12 learner, Olothando Mlatsha, described the career expo as a life-changing experience that instilledrenewed hope and confidence among learners,adding that the initiative has provided meaningful guidance on career choices, educational opportunities and the practical steps required to transformdreams into achievable goals

“Thisprogramme has shown us that even though we come from deep ruralareasofAmathole,our dreams matter.Ithas reminded us that we areseen, valued and capable of achievinggreat things.Wenow have aclearer understanding of the opportunities available to us and what we need to do to make our aspirations areality,” saidMlatsha.

TheDepartment of BasicEducation, Higher Education and Training, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Walter Sisulu University (WSU), KingHintsaTVET College, Lovedale TVET College and other relevant stakeholderswerealso part of the career guidance.

WinterCupmovestoButterworth

HOSEYAJUBASE

THE Winter Cup will be hostedinButterworthfor thefirst time on 25 and 26July2026 afterrelocating from its traditional home in Mthatha.

The founder of the Winter Cuptournament, Jongabantu Ngcuthushe, saidthe movewill not affect the logistics or standard of thetournament

Ngcuthushe said there is already strong in-

terest in Butterworth and the surrounding areasofMnquma Local Municipality, with a significantnumber of teams having registered toparticipate. Explaining the reasons behind the relocation, he said that the tournament is in the process of professionalising to alignwith national competitions. “Weare in the process of securingland forground facilities forabout foursporting codes,”Ngcuthushe said. “We are also in the process of developing the brand. We have been financially audited since2025

and now have an official website.Wemoved because we see development opportunities in other areas. We were never meant to settle within one region,” he added.

TheWinter Cup is currently regarded as one of the biggest and most respected tournaments in the Eastern Cape.This year will markthe sixth edition of the Winter Cup.

Ngcuthushe told the Mthatha Express that preparations are100% complete and that fixtures have already been finalised for the 2026 edition.

Sogcwayisuffersfirstprofessionaldefeat

HANNES SCHOEMAN

RISING Mdantsane boxing star, Sanele Sogcwayi, unexpectedly lost his undefeatedprofessional featherweight recordwhen he suffered hisfirst defeat against Zimbabwe’s Pritchard Dube at theGolden Gloves tournament at Emperor’sPalace last Saturday.

It was Sogcwayi’s first loss in six fights, while Dube only recorded his second win from six outings. Hisrisetostardom came to asudden standstillashedid not fire on all cylinders Withsuch apoor record, it was amuch-improved performancebythe Zimbabwean, who was awell-deserved winner.

Judge Duduzile Dlamini made thefight a draw at 56-56, while David VanNiewenhuizen (57-56) and Phumeza Zinakile (58-55) both voted Dube as thewinner.

Dube,who had little chance of upsetting the Mdantsaneboxer,was the aggressorthroughout andneverallowed Sogcwayi to take control. Forthe local boxer, it is now backtothe drawingboard to determine how he lost afight he was expected to win easily. However, Dube wasnot the only Zimbabweanfighter to shine. FemalestarMonica Mkandla produced the best performance ever by awoman in South Africa witha world-class performance to knock out Simamkele Tutsheni fromthe WesternCape in the sixth and final round Mkandlawas devastating with powerful punchesthat never allowed the highly-rated Capetonian to find her rhythm.She hasnow firmly crept into the hearts of thousands of SouthAfrican boxing fans, and it looks certain thatpromoter Rodney Berman will get her a titlefightsooner rather than later.

Dona Tournament adds women’s football

HOSEYAJUBASE

THE founder of Dona’s Tournament, Mpumzi “Dona” Siqwala, says the 2026 edition will be bigger and will prioritise giving young players the opportunity to compete alongside experienced players to accelerate their development. This year, the tournament will mark the third edition since it was launched in August 2024. tournament will also assist in the fightagainst teenage pregnancy; football shouldnot be only for men; women must also be included,” said Siqwala. “Sport is assisting alot in shaping the futureofyoung people, even myself. If it was not for football, Iwouldbe iphara today, but duetomyinvolvement in football, that did nothappen, and that is whyIamproud to give back to the community, because Iknow the

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Mnqumahosts coachinglicencecourse

ANELE RAZIYA

NOZULU YouthLegacy Cup (NYLC),inpartnershipwith Mnquma Local Football Association (Mnquma LFA), is once againhosting acoaching course in Butterworth to assist aspiringcoaches in obtaining their coaching badges.

Theorganisationhas announced that aCAF Clicence course will be hosted at the Walter Sisulu University Ibika campus in Mnquma in two phases. Thefirstphase will runfrom 22 to 29 September and the second phasefrom 10 to 16 November.

NYLC, Mnquma LFA and Walter Sisulu University areinviting all interested coaches to register for the course. Thecourse fee is R6,500. Coaches must hold aSAFA Dlicence coaching certificate, and will need acopy of their ID or passport(in colour), acoaching activity report, amedical certificate, atraining kit and asafeguarding certificate. For moreinformation, contact NYLC founder Luxolo Matikinca on 073 513 0549 or at luxmfoundation@gmail.com.

This will not be the firsttimeNYLC, Mnquma LFA and Walter Sisulu University have hosted this kind of event, as they do so annually to contribute to the development of sport in the province and beyond.

In previous years, the organisershosted aSAFA Dlicencecoaching course and other licences aimed at helping coaches obtain qualifications. Those eventswereattended by coaches who travelled from outside the province.