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Local’s paintbrush turns eyesores into art Tolo LikaKheswa, a budding muralist from Dimbaza, has taken his paintbrush in a crusade to transform shabbiness to beauty in an attempt to pay homage to the area’s rich history. The self-taught 35-year-old says he is determined to use his brush and his passion to boost local morale. His work can be seen in the township’s bridge, the local small business centre and at one of the old and now vandalised factories. What was once Ciskei’s economic hub now has the face of Bantustan leader, and former Ciskei Chief, Lennox Sebe painted on it with a side comment to the state of the once prized industrial zone. Read the full story on page 7. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
The Mthatha Express wishes our readers, advertisers and contributors a blessed and safe festive season. Today is the last edition of 2025. Our first edition of 2026 will be on 8 January.
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18 December 2025
Three arrested for detective’s brutal murder THE Mthatha-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation under the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), in partnership with various South African Police Services units in Ngcobo, has effected the swift arrest of three suspects following the brutal murder of an off-duty SAPS detective Sergeant, Luxolo Ndaba, in the early hours of December 7, 2025. Hawks’ spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, confirmed that two foreign nationals aged 23 and 24 years old, and a 16-year-old minor, appeared before the Ngcobo Magistrate’s Court on allegations of murdering Ndaba. He confirmed that their matter was remanded to December 18, 2025, for legal representation. “The accused were arrested by the police on December 8, 2025. Due to an ongoing investigation, their identity will not be divulged at this stage. However, the minor was handed over to her parent, and others were remanded in custody,” said Mhlakuvana. He added that the lifeless body of Ndaba was discovered next to his vehicle, a black Opel Astra. “Preliminary investigation at the scene revealed a profoundly violent attack. The officer had suffered a fatal incised wound to the throat and fourteen stab wounds to the upper back
and neck. The callous nature of the killing has deeply unsettled the policing community and underscored the inherent risks faced daily by law enforcement officers,” said Mhlakuvana. He added that in response to this heinous act, a multidisciplinary and intelligence-driven operation was launched on December 8, 2025, at around 11:00. The operation consisted of various police unit members. “Through coordinated tactics and the effective utilisation of actionable intelligence information, the team successfully traced and apprehended three suspects who were positively linked to the said murder. During the arrests, investigators seized critical exhibits, including the deceased’s vehicle keys and a pair of trainers stained with what is suspected to be the deceased’s blood.” Mhlakuvana said all recovered items were confiscated for comprehensive forensic processing to strengthen the evidentiary chain. The Provincial Head of Hawks, Major General Mboiki Ngwenya, commended the outstanding collaboration demonstrated by the involved units. He reiterated that attacks on law-enforcement personnel constitute direct assaults on the authority of the state and will be met with uncompromising enforcement measures.
Mbhashe festive safety blitz nets R66,750 in fines and warrants ZOLILE MENZELWA THOUSANDS of rands in fines were issued and warrants of arrest executed, with a number of vehicles impounded during the joint operation to kick off the Mbhashe Local Municipality Festive Season Arrive Alive campaign along the N2 route in Dutywa on Wednesday, December 10. The municipality said all operational systems were in place as the Provincial Traffic Services, Mbhashe Local Municipality Traffic and Law Enforcement, the Provincial Department of Transport and the Police joined forces for the campaign. Mbhashe LM executive mayor, Dr Samkelo Janda, said the collaborative effort aimed to curb road crashes and save lives by promoting safe driving, ensuring driver and vehicle compliance, increasing law enforcement visibility and raising public awareness during this busy holiday season. The campaign also sought to encourage responsible behaviour among motorists, pedestrians and public transport operators, especially at a time when increased long-distance travel and higher passenger volumes are expected. The joint operation resulted in 56 summonses being issued. Offences discovered included 14 driving licences, six lamps and
four safety belts. Others were six unlicensed motor vehicles, nine operating licences and five public road driving permits. There were three charges of overloading. Janda said total fines issued on the day were R24 950, 10 vehicles were impounded, and warrants of arrest worth R41 800 were executed. Janda stressed the importance of enhanced and integrated traffic law enforcement, supported by road safety education initiatives. “With higher traffic volumes expected on all major routes within the municipality, a coordinated approach is essential to maintain safety and ensure the smooth flow of vehicles. Our traffic and law enforcement officials play a crucial role in safeguarding lives during the festive season. Anyone who violates road regulations must face the full consequences of the law because careless driving can cost lives,” he said. The joint operation, Janda said, not only focuses on unlicensed drivers, vehicle roadworthiness and drunk driving but also reflects the municipality’s commitment to working closely with all stakeholders. Said Janda, “The goal is to promote safer roads and ensure that both residents and visitors reach their destinations safely throughout the festive season.”
EC Education delivers learning materials ahead of 2026 ZOLILE MENZELWA THE Eastern Cape Department of Education has said it has delivered Learner Teacher Support Material (LTSM) to schools to ensure that learners and teachers have essential learning materials ready for effective teaching and learning from the first day of the 2026 academic year. Departmental spokesperson, Mali Mtima, said the department was pleased with the significant progress made in the timely provision of the LTSM. “The Department successfully completed the delivery of scholastic stationery to all schools by November 7, ensuring that learners and teachers have essential learning materials ready for effective teaching and learning from the first day of school. Furthermore, the delivery of top-up textbooks for all schools offering Grades 8–12 was completed on December 8, marking an
important milestone in the Department’s LTSM readiness programme.” Mtima said that due to the delays in finalising the requisition catalogue for primary schools offering Grades 1-3, the top-up textbook procurement programme had to be divided into two phases, as primary schools and secondary schools. “Despite this challenge, the Department has maintained strong progress, and the procurement of top-up textbooks for Grades 1–7 is currently in progress. The Department assures the public that the top-up textbooks for Grades 1-7 will be delivered to schools by the opening of schools in January 2026,” he said. Mtima said the Department of Education remained committed to ensuring that no learner was left without the necessary resources. The timely and efficient delivery of LTSM, he said, was a key priority in supporting quality teaching and learning across the province.
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Municipality mourns Traditional Leader’s death BABALWA NDLANYA THE Mbhashe Local Municipality is saddened by the tragic passing of Nkosi Xolilizwe Zunguzane of the Amakiti Traditional Council in Elliotdale. His memorial service was held at Elliotdale Town Hall, and he will be laid to rest at his home at Thwalimofu Administrative Area in Elliotdale on December 19 (tomorrow). According to the Council Speaker from Mbhashe Local Municipality, Councillor Babalwa Majavu, he served as a traditional leader in the Mbhashe Local Municipality Council. He
tragically passed away in a car accident along the N2 in Dutywa on December 7, 2025. The Council Speaker from Mbhashe Local Municipality, Councillor Babalwa Majavu, has expressed sincere condolences to the Amakiti Traditional Council, the Zunguzane Family and the entire community of Mbhashe. “The passing of Zunguzane is a tragic loss for the municipality and the communities he served. The municipality will honour his memory as a reminder that he served his community with so much integrity. We remember him as one of those traditional leaders who was very assertive in his work and
ensured that community development was prioritised,” said Majavu. Secretary for Contralesa, Chief Dalisizwe Dudumayo, said they were still shocked about the passing of Zunguzane. He said Zunguzane was one of the traditional leaders who served under three Kings of the Amaxhosa Kingdom. “He fought for our rights as traditional leaders, and it is painful that he died in an accident. We are appealing to Amakiti to follow their tradition and customs when conducting his burial proceedings, and we will respect whatever decisions they make in accordance with their traditional practices,” said Dudumayo.
The late Traditional Leader for Amakiti Traditional Council, Chief Xolilizwe Zunguzane. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Principal appeals for help for flood tragedy survivors BABALWA NDLANYA THE principal of Jumba Senior Secondary School in Mthatha, Fezile Fuzile, has appealed to the government and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to assist two learners who survived the tragic accident in which their scholar transport was swept away by heavy floods at the Efata Bridge on 10 June 2025, leaving 10 learners dead. Fuzile said the first survivor, a Grade 10 girl learner (whose name is being withheld), has recently been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She is unable to move or do anything for herself and is currently bedridden. He added that the second survivor is struggling to sleep at night, as he continually relives the events of the tragedy. Fuzile made the appeal when a Development Facilitator from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), Zukiswa Gege, together with members of other NGOs, visited the school last week to hand over school uniforms. “Our school lost 10 learners who were swept away by heavy floods at the Efata Bridge while they were travelling to school in their scholar transport on 10 June. There were 13 learners in total,
but three survived the ordeal. As teachers, we have done everything we could to comfort the survivors so that they can return to normal life,” said Fuzile. He added that the Department of Education had also done its best to support the learners through psychosocial services and assistance from various NGOs. According to him, as time went on, teachers believed that the survivors were coping and had reintegrated with other learners. “We thought they were fine all along, but now in November, after writing their final exams, they began experiencing serious challenges. “One of them has developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which affected her physically and led to her becoming bedridden. Remember, this incident happened in June – it is almost six months now. Her condition started during the exam period, but it worsened after she finished writing.” He said that when he went to check her results, he discovered that she had passed despite her condition. Fuzile appealed to anyone who may be able to assist the affected learners. He added that a second learner, a Grade 9 learner, is also facing challenges to the
extent that they requested intervention from the Department of Education. Unfortunately, the learner was not in Mthatha at the time to receive immediate help. The department has since arranged for a psychologist to support him. Fuzile said the tragedy had also affected the school’s academic performance. “Our school was performing very well in the Grade 12 results – we had a 90.6% pass rate. But after the incident in June, it dropped to 87%, and in September it dropped further to 80%. We were unhappy with this, but we fought hard and hoped to return to 90.6%, even though we had set a higher target,” he said. “We had aimed to reach 95% in the final exams, but some of our learners are relatives or close friends of the deceased, which made it difficult for them to focus on their studies.” Speaking about the uniforms they received from DBSA, Fuzile said the school was grateful for the organisation’s support. He added that many parents in the
area are struggling financially, and some learners come from child-headed households, making it difficult for them to afford proper school uniforms. “I am very emotional about this because it will bring a smile to our learners’ faces and boost their confidence, as they will no longer feel different from other learners.” The Department of Education spokesperson, Mali Mtima, said that when cases of this nature are reported, the department provides psychosocial support by sending departmental social workers and psychologists to conduct sessions to help learners regain their strength. Support is also extended to the entire class, parents, and educators. “In cases like this, Eastern Cape Education works with Social Development to provide ongoing social support, not just one session, but until the learners have fully regained their strength. This matter has been forwarded to the OR Tambo Psychosocial team with detailed information,” said Mtima.
holiday magic Mall of Mthatha transforms into the Home of Holiday Magic this festive season:
Great Santa’s Wish Drop I 10 – 22 Dec Yiza nabantwana bakho ukuba babhalele uSanta kwaye ubukele njengoko i-10 yeminqweno engenisiweyo izaliseka.
Spend & Win I 10 – 24 Dec Spend R350+ and drop your stamped receipt in the entry box for a chance to win: Instant surprises | Weekly festive gift packs | A grand prize
iiholide eziqaqambileyo:
Chitha kancinci. Phumelela kakhulu.
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18 December 2025
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R700k investment boosts Matatiele youth,women cooperatives ZOLILE MENZELWA THE Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture handed two of its 14 newly acquired hand-held tractors, a pottery wheel, a free-standing slab roller and industrial sewing machines to cooperatives led by young people and women in Matatiele. MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe said the aim was to promote the local economy through food production, sales of arts and crafts items and clothing. An investment of R504,224 was made for the sewing machines, pottery wheel and a free-standing slab roller that benefited 16 enterprises. For the tractors, R198,000 was spent. The 14 hand-held tractors will be distributed across districts, and the two handed
over formed part of the pilot project. Kontsiwe said she was inspired by young people who were involved in farming, adding she was hopeful that other youths would follow suit. Kontsiwe said the industrial machines were meant to improve the quality of garments and products produced by mostly women. “My dream is to see their clothes being sold by reputable clothing stores,” she said. “Tractors are in demand, but they expensive, so we decided to explore the hand-held tillers. With these machines, it is easy to cover large tracts of land. We are piloting it, and I am happy that the young people are appreciating it, and we hope the communities across the province will love them.
Kontsiwe said that the Department wanted to enhance food security with programmes such as Ilima Lokulima that encouraged people to get together, plant their gardens and eradicate poverty. Owner of Mthimkhulu Enterprise, Ntombizodwa Lithole, said that the industrial and overlocker sewing machine would improve the quality of her work. “I have been battling to keep up with the demand, but now the machines will be a relief. I will also be able to hire someone to assist me in business; hence, I am thankful to the department,” Lithole said. Luvo Mxhakaza of Shiya’s and Son Enterprise is planting a variety of vegetables in a 4-hectare piece of land. He started farming in 2022 and during the planting and harvesting
seasons, he employs three people. Mxhakaza sells his products to hawkers and supermarkets in Matatiele. “This will assist me in planting, ploughing and removing weeds. I previously used spades and forks to plough. This machine will make my work easier, and it has inspired me to grow more vegetables,” said Mxhakaza. Kontsiwe said the programmes were designed to boost the production of grains, vegetables, livestock, increase food security and promote clothing and textile development as sectors that focus more on the development of farmers and rural small businesses. “The department has identified these commodities which are a source of employment for the majority of unemployed women, youth and people living with disabilities.”
KSD launches flea market to boost local entrepreneurs BABALWA NDLANYA THE mayor of King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality, Councillor Nyaniso Nelani, launched the King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Flea Market, a vibrant marketplace where local entrepreneurs, artisans and traders can showcase their goods and services, last week. He said the initiative aligns with the G20 summit resolutions on supporting small businesses, which emphasise access to finance, digital connectivity and green transition. “Our municipality is committed to creating an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive. The Department of Small Business Development has introduced initiatives like the Business Infrastructure Support Programme (BISP), Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Program (TREP), and She Trades-ZA to empower entrepreneurs. We will leverage these opportunities to support
our local businesses,” he said. The key support initiatives include BISP, which provides funding for infrastructure development, equipment and technology, and TREP, which offers grants and loans for entrepreneurs in townships and rural areas. The G20 resolutions focus on three main areas: access to finance through affordable credit for small businesses, digital connectivity that enables digital transformation and e-commerce opportunities, and green transition towards sustainable practices and renewable energy. “To drive business expansion and retention, we will implement reforms to improve the ease of doing business in KSD. Our strategy includes streamlined processes to simplify licensing and permit applications, reduced bureaucracy by minimising red tape and corruption, investment incentives through tax breaks and other benefits to investors, and infrastructure development by upgrading
roads, utilities and digital infrastructure. “We will partner with organisations like Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) and National Empowerment Fund (NEF) to provide business advisory services, training and mentorship to our entrepreneurs.” He added that the KSD Flea Market will be a hub of activity, creativity and innovation, showcasing local products and services, and they invite them to support their vendors and entrepreneurs. Nelani added that they should work together to build a thriving economy, promote entrepreneurship and create jobs. He said they were grateful for the growth that is shown by this municipality, stating that this programme was started in 2022 and each and every year it is growing. He said the difference in this year as compared to the past years is that the previous
ones were driven by the government from the National, Provincial and local sectors; now this year they have opened it and have included private sector: “So that we can conceptualise it with them, so that we go together on the way. Indeed, we have done that this year, receiving support from the private sector, and we even have a business owner who comes from Gqeberha. This shows that it is open to others. We want to improve it, and we are free to get advisors from other people on how we can make it more attractive.” He said that in order for them to fulfil the big project of changing Owen Street to be a Flea Market, they need the government to meet them halfway. He confirmed that they have service providers that are looking for funding, and they have made their business plan, and now they are waiting for funding so that they can finalise the idea of changing this street to be a flea market.
18 December 2025
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18 December 2025
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Mbhashe Municipality launches annual beach festival in Elliotdale BABALWA NDLANYA PORTFOLIO Head of Developmental Planning from Mbhashe Local Municipality, Councillor Nomvuyiseko Mgedezi, confirmed that this municipality had successfully held a two-day Beach Festival in Elliotdale recently, which took place across two locations on December 4 and 5, 2025. The first day was held at Heaven’s Beach, while the second day was hosted at Mbhanyane Waterfalls in the Cwebe Nature Reserve, both situated in Elliotdale. The festival’s objectives included promoting the municipality’s coast, marketing tourism in the area, encouraging local communities to get involved in and benefit from tourism, creating awareness about
Participants enjoying themselves at the Mbhashe Beach Festival in Elliotdale. PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA environmental preservation, and providing an opportunity for local artists to showcase their talents. “On the first day, the event featured exciting kayak races and engaging sports activ-
ities, including netball, volleyball, and soccer games, as well as a vibrant beach music festival. These activities aimed to promote active lifestyles, encourage coastal recreation, and at-
Princess honoured for her good work
ADVERTORIAL: MTN SOUTH AFRICA
A connected Eastern Cape is rising
BABALWA NDLANYA
MTN is leading the charge FROM the Wild Coast to the rural heartlands of Qumbu, the Eastern Cape is rising, and MTN South Africa is helping power the move forward. With a R220 million mobile network modernisation and expansion drive, MTN is delivering a future where no community is le! behind. More than 250 network sites have been upgraded, and new base stations have been deployed in 2025 as part of MTN’s mobile network modernisation programme, strengthening 4G coverage, accelerating the 5G rollout, and bringing world-class service to places long overlooked. The mobile network modernisation programme is already transforming lives in over 90 rural communities. Residents who previously relied on patchy connectivity now have access to high-speed internet, enabling online education, telemedicine and e-commerce.
With a R220 million mobile network modernisation and expansion drive, MTN is delivering a future where no community is left behind.
To ensure that connectivity translates into real inclusion, MTN’s Smartphones4All initiative is a key catalyst, making affordable, affordable, quality smartphones accessible to more South Africans. By bridging the device gap, MTN is helping communities unlock the full potential of digital services, from learning and healthcare to mobile banking and beyond. This is not just a technology upgrade; it is a lifeline, powered by connectivity and access to smart devices, opening doors to education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and opportunity. Why the Eastern Cape? The province faces some of South Africa’s toughest socio-economic pressures: • Unemployment of close to 40% • One of the highest poverty levels and dependence on social grants • Slow economic growth • Many female-headed households support extended families. However, it is MTN’s firm belief that where inequality disconnects people from opportunities, connectivity becomes a catalyst for hope. “For MTN, this is not just an investment in towers - it’s an investment in people. We are connecting the unconnected, unlocking potential and partnering with communities to build a be!er tomorrow,” says Songezo Masiso, General Manager, Regional Operations, MTN Eastern Cape. Bridging the rural digital divide In the previously unserved rural villages of Libode, Lusikisiki, Mt Fletcher, Duncan, and many more, connectivity is transforming everyday life. For example, a learner in Lusikisiki now revises for matric using the MTN Online School, instead of travelling kilometres for study resources. This is the reality when the world finally reaches rural communities. Education: Empowering the next generation The MTN SA Foundation supports schools in the province with ICT labs and multimedia centres, providing zero-rated access to curriculum-aligned digital resources, and enabling device access for disadvantaged learners through its Connecting Every Child initiative. Another example of the power of connectivity in action is taking place in Qumbu, where a dedicated teacher speaks of how zero-rated STEM platforms are helping to improve science pass rates — because fast internet has made dreams bigger than the village boundaries. Local businesses go digital From roadside spaza shops to township salons, cashless payments are becoming the norm. MTN MoMo helps small businesses reduce cash-related crime, expand customer reach, and build a traceable financial footprint to access capital, thus deepening financial inclusion.
tract tourists. Participants showcased their talents through dancing and various beach games. The day concluded with an awards ceremony, where prizes were presented to those who excelled in their respective activities,” she said. The second day of the festival was spent at Mbhanyane Waterfalls in the Cwebe Nature Reserve. Mgedezi confirmed that the Beach Festival will now be an annual event and will rotate across all Mbhashe beaches. “Talented individuals were given a platform to showcase their abilities by performing at the Beach Festival. Our activities included hiking along the beach, water sport activities such as kayak competitions, beach games, a beach music festival, and exploring Mbhanyane Waterfalls,” she concluded.
Songezo Masiso, General Manager, Regional Operations, MTN Eastern Cape. Along with MTN’s network rollout supply chain, over R200 million in local partner opportunities are unlocking new jobs and boosting township economies. This is best reflected on the ground where it ma!ers most, like the spaza shop owner in Libode using MoMo for safe, seamless payments. Transformation you can see Take Nangamso Mark Ntlemeza, a symbol of MTN’s empowerment philosophy. Starting from frontline customer service, he has built a broad franchise network with five MTN stores across the Eastern Cape. Guided by MTN’s Branded Retail Channel (BRC) programme, he is now creating jobs, mentoring young talent and showing future entrepreneurs what is possible. His journey is proof that when people are empowered, communities thrive. Protecting Progress: Safer communities, stronger networks Network vandalism and the" threaten critical connectivity, especially in rural areas. MTN spends between R400 - and R450 million each year countrywide on repairing damage, with 25% of the total cost being spent in the Eastern Cape. In response, MTN is working closely with SAPS and Community Police Forums to protect infrastructure and keep communities connected, including community patrols with radios and panic bu!ons and mobile licence plate technologies, as well as connectivity support for SAPS centres. When networks stay online, education continues, businesses trade, and families stay safe. Connected Eastern Cape is a stronger Eastern Cape MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategy is driving a South Africa where digital inclusion is the foundation for economic inclusion; where every rural home can learn, earn and dream online; where the power of technology reaches every child, not only those in major cities. The Eastern Cape has the heart, and MTN is delivering the network that lets it beat louder because when communities rise, South Africa rises.
PRINCESS Stella Sigcau II of Amampondo Kingdom in Ntabankulu was honoured with the prestigious Iconic Royal Heritage and Cultural Preservation Award at Capital on the Park in Sandton last week. She received this award to celebrate her contribution to South Africa, the African continent and globally at the Iconic Summit and Honours 2025 by Ambassador for Women African Tourism Board (WATB), Maleboheng Matli. According to Matli, Sigcau's continued commitment to the promotion of culture and heritage, including the Mpondo Festival, stands as an exceptional contribution to heritage preservation, cultural identity and traditional leadership excellence. “Even while serving abroad as South Africa’s Consul-General in Hong Kong, she remained deeply rooted in issues pertaining to heritage, championing African cultural pride. Her excellent work in promoting cultural diplomacy and uplifting communities has been outstanding,” said Matli. She was honoured for her enduring hard work, dedication and commitment over a number of years to making a difference in communities, making her mark globally as well as her contribution in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Sigcau said she founded the South African Royal Princess Network (SARPN), which, amongst others, is committed to the fight against GBVF. “I was also honoured for my role as a cultural activist, including my role in promoting cultural diplomacy as well as unity in diversity of cultures. I am the founder of the Mpondo Culture and Heritage Festival, which was started in 2006. I am very excited and honoured for this award and grateful. This award is a dedication to other women in the same space who are committed to advancing women and youth empowerment and development in their communities, in the fight against GBV, promotion of rural and cultural development in their communities, and fellow female diplomats who are flying South Africa’s flag proudly in the international sphere,” she said. She added that it is indeed a motivation to upcoming changemakers that it is possible to be recognised for one’s hard work. “I am humbled, truly honoured and deeply grateful for this recognition. The belief in my abilities, the impactful journey and the acknowledgement of my work are deeply meaningful. The recognition motivates and reinforces my commitment to making a more positive impact and inspires me to pursue even greater heights, making a positive and impactful difference.”
Princess Stella Sigcau II was honoured for her good work. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
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Young entrepreneurs,innovators win at IEW competition launch MANDLENKOSI MXENGI EASTERN Cape’s young entrepreneurs and innovators went home with substantial cash prizes for their participation and winning ideas at the recently concluded 2025 provincial Innovation and Entrepreneurship Week (IEW) launch held at the East London Industrial Development Zone’s Science and Technology Park. The East London IDZ also unveiled over R1.5 million in funding that will support young entrepreneurs and innovators. Young entrepreneurs and innovators, including university students, participated in the week-long official launch of the 2025 provincial IEW, where they competed in the Eastern Cape Innovation Challenge and the province’s 48-hour Hackathon Challenge. The Innovation Challenge encouraged participants to develop solu-
tions tackling barriers such as youth unemployment, food insecurity, unequal access to healthcare and education, slow industrial modernisation, and limited commercialisation of research. They had to submit proposals across five strategic sectors, including agri-business and aquaculture, automotive, digital economy, sustainable energy, and advanced manufacturing. The Hackathon Challenge focused on bridging critical digital gaps, and participants had to find ideas to produce functioning prototypes that could immediately address challenges such as fragmented youth information systems, limited SMME support tools, and inaccessible industrial data. Innovator24 team leader Chuma Memela, who led his team to victory in the Hackathon Challenge, could not hide his excitement, saying it was a big achievement for his team.
“We were one of the four winning teams, competing against more than 30 teams and over 200 participants across the province. We took first place in the theme focused on designing a youth portal that centralises opportunities for the youth. Our team won R100,000, and the ELIDZ has pledged a further R240,000 towards developing the solution in the coming year. The final product will be handed over to the ELIDZ to fully own and roll out for public use. I am grateful to my team, the mentors, and organisers who created a space for ideas to grow, and we are excited for what comes next,” said Memela. ELIDZ Science and Technology Park (STP) director Ludwe Macingwane said the province is now visible on the global innovation map. “By connecting local innovators with international best practices, mentorship, and networks, we are equipping our youth and entrepre-
Young entrepreneurs and innovators went home with substantial cash prizes for their participation and winning ideas at the East London Industrial Development Zone’s launch of the 2025 provincial Innovation and Entrepreneurship Week. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
neurs to compete globally. This week’s launch has showcased solutions that are not only relevant locally but also have the potential to attract investment beyond South Africa’s borders,” said Macingwane.
The ELIDZ collaborated with China-based TusHoldings and Technopark Ankara of Turkey, bringing global expertise, mentorship, and opportunities for cross-border technology partnerships.
Buffalo City Metro targets road traffic offenders over festive season MANDLENKOSI MXENGI THE Buffalo City Metro (BCM) has vowed to strengthen and beef up its security cluster, especially its law enforcement directorate, in an attempt to ensure the safety of its residents and visitors during this festive season. The Metro recently launched its safer festive season campaign at the N2 Blaney Junction in Ntabozuko,
formerly Berlin, to mark the start of the festive season activities. Last month, the Metro unveiled a R3.3 million new vehicle fleet that is attached to the municipality’s Law Enforcement and Traffic Services directorate. The newly purchased six law enforcement vans form part of a much-needed addition to an already existing law enforcement fleet comprising seven high-speed VW GTIs secured by the Metro in October 2023.
Film Festival celebrates a decade of storytelling ZAVELA MAKWABE A DECADE of storytelling excellence was celebrated at the 10th annual Eastern Cape Film Festival (ECFF), which took place from 1st to 6th December at the Eastern Cape Film Hub in East London. This dynamic six-day event provided a vibrant platform that showcased the province's bold potential as a global film destination. The festival featured a jam-packed lineup of screenings, masterclasses, networking sessions, and scriptwriting workshops aimed at empowering emerging filmmakers to understand the value of owning their intellectual property, building self-driven production pathways, and leveraging alternative distribution models that preserve creative control and long-term revenue potential. Under the theme "It all starts with a dream... wake up and make it real," this year's festival featured celebrated actress and voice artist Soso Runqu, acclaimed storytell-
er and filmmaker Siya Sityana, award-winning filmmaker and festival director of the Zanzibar International Film Festival Hatibu Madudu, and other amazing talents in the African film industry. "The 10th ECFF is more than just a screening event; it's an economic catalyst," said the founder of the event, film producer and director Nceba Mqolomba. He said the theme is a direct challenge to filmmakers to "wake up and make it real" by translating their cinematic visions into profitable enterprises in this Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) era. Attendee Siviwe Klaas from Mdantsane explained it as a meaningful learning experience that he was excited to be part of. He told the Express that his highlight of the entire festival was the screening of Ian Jonker's documentary titled The First Man. "The concept of the film is so authentic. It takes us back in time and tells a compelling story about identity and culture. We need more of those," he said.
Some of the attendees of the 10th Eastern Cape Film Festival.PHOTO: SUPPLIED
The Metro council also approved a R4.8 million budget allocation for the current 2025-26 financial year to replace decommissioned and auctioned law enforcement vehicles with the purchase of a new vehicle fleet. Speaking at the launch of the safer festive season campaign in Ntabozuko, the Metro’s Public Safety and Emergency Services directorate chairperson Amanda Mnyute said the aim is to ensure the safety of res-
idents and visitors, including motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists during the busy festive season. “As the leadership of the Metro, it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone is safe and protected on our roads, in our communities, and in public spaces during this time of the year,” said Mnyute. A joint operation led by police, assisted by traffic officers, disaster management, and emergency med-
ical services (EMS), is expected to conduct several roadblocks and police patrols throughout the Metro. Some of the stakeholders who were part of the launch included the South African Breweries (SAB) and Total Client Services (TCS), which recently donated a bus to the Metro that assisted in the collection of outstanding traffic fines, execution of warrants of arrest, and the finalisation of traffic ticket cases.
Paint-wizz turns local eyesores into works of art ZAVELA MAKWABE BUDDING muralist from the dusty township of Dimbaza, outside Qonce, has taken his paintbrush on a crusade to transform shabbiness into beauty in an attempt to pay homage to the area’s rich history. The self-taught 35-year-old, born and bred in Dimbaza, who calls himself “Tolo LikaKheswa”, says that whilst art runs in the family, he is determined to use his brush and his passion to boost local morale. “After 2000, Dimbaza became quite a desolate place, besides being built on a tragic backstory. Economically, a large percentage of its population is underprivileged, yet culturally it is rich with its mix of people from different ends of the country who descended here for work at the height of [the township’s] industrial fame.” “There were also the first fami-
lies who were dumped here during apartheid’s resettlement schemes,” he added in explanation of the rich history he wishes to document through his work. His captivating work can be seen on the township’s bridge, at the local small business centre and at one of the old and now vandalised factories which once placed the township on the map as the former Ciskei’s economic hub that attracted a lot of migrant workers – here, he has painted the face of Bantustan leader and former Ciskei Chief Lennox Sebe, with a side comment on the state of the once-prised industrial zone. The Express caught up with him for a chat after he completed a work he called “Umculo Liyeza” (music is medicinal), which he did at the local Dimbaza United Rugby Stadium’s dilapidated toilets, where he said
that his next target is the equally shabby “kit room” – a room that young local rugby players use frequently – which he described as an “eyesore”. “Relaying a message is only a small part of the intention behind the work. Sometimes I just paint because I can’t do anything else, but the work touches the audience in a different way, which is proof enough for me that the work is speaking through me and not necessarily me speaking through it,” he said. “I do have works I would regard as better, like the Nature Preserves mural I did in Gqeberha, funded by the Nelson Mandela Development Agency in 2020. I also have other works in Makhanda, Xhora, and outside the province in Salt River, Cape Town, and Sandton at Henley Business School that were commissioned works I did pre-COVID-19.”
Early Christmas surprise for ECDOE general workers ZAVELA MAKWABE CHRISTMAS came early for 122 Eastern Cape Department of Education general workers who received an early Christmas surprise when Eastern Cape Department of Education MEC Fundile Gade and Head of Department Sharon Maasdorp spread some early holiday cheer by handing over food parcels at the Provincial Office in Zwelitsha on 27 November. This heartfelt gesture acknowledges the tireless efforts of the workers, including cleaners, gardeners, and drivers of the department, in maintaining a healthy work environment. Each of them received a food parcel consisting of rice, sugar, cake flour, maize meal, cooking oil, vegetables, and an R300 cash voucher. Whilst handing over the parcels, Maasdorp said kind words of gratitude to the staffers, whom she called behind-the-scenes “heroes”. She said they play a vital role in keeping the workplace running smoothly.
Eastern Cape Department of Education MEC Fundile Gade and Head of Department Sharon Maasdorp spread some early holiday cheer by handing over food parcels to the department’s general workers in Zwelitsha. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Appreciative recipient Vuyiswa Vola from Zwelitsha, who has been a cleaner at the Department for over 15 years, told the Express that this gesture of goodwill has made her feel recognised and valued. “This kind
deed means so much to me. It is exactly what I need right now, with our friends and families coming home for the holidays. And I know I speak for every one of us when I say we truly appreciate this,” she said.
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MthathaExpress
SPORT
18 December 2025
Rural talent shines at inaugural tournament HOSEYA JUBASE MERCY Football Development Academy hosted its first tournament last week for four divisions: U/13, U/15, U/17 and U/21. The academy was established by female sports enthusiast, Ziyanda “Mercy” Qikani in December 2024, with the aim of nurturing rural talent. Speaking to Express, Qikani said the tournament is part of the academy’s pillars to ensure football development in rural areas and keep the children playing regularly. The tournament ran from Tuesday, 9 December to Friday, 12 December 2025. “The tournament was designed to motivate the players. It went very well and was a sig-
nificant event, especially considering we only organised it within a short period of time. We had teams from Matatiele, Port St Johns, Mqanduli, and other towns within the OR Tambo region.” “What also excited me was that scouts from ABC Motsepe League teams were there to scout players in our U/21 and U/17 divisions, and that is exactly what we want to see.” Ziyanda Qikani calls upon local businesses to support this tournament. “We just need equipment for the children; we don’t need money. Instead, businesses should buy us equipment so that we can give it to the winners. Some of the players from other teams were playing barefoot, and whilst we had good goalkeepers, they didn’t have gloves. As an academy, we are doing every-
thing possible to expose our talent. We recently played against Stars of Africa Academy in Gauteng to give these young stars a platform to showcase their talents.” Qikani thanked all the people who supported the tournament and the parents who turned out in large numbers to support their children. Final results: • U/21: Mercy Academy vs Bombers Eleven FC – Bombers Eleven FC were crowned champions • U/17: Mercy Academy FC vs Viedgesville FC – Mercy Academy FC were crowned champions • U/15: Viedgesville FC vs Mthabalala FC – Viedgesville FC were champions • U/13: Ghetto Rovers FC vs Mercy Academy – Mercy Academy won the division.
Local commentator wins R200k SuperSport contract HOSEYA JUBASE A LOCAL sports commentator, Anelisa “Stanza” Jaxa, has achieved his childhood dream of working at SuperSport TV. On Sunday night, 14 December, Jaxa was crowned the winner of the 2025 SuperSport MVP Talent Search, walking away with R200,000 in prize money, an R5,000 Edgars voucher, and a one-year contract with SuperSport. Stanza had been working as a sports commentator at Khiwa Media TV, covering local tournament games and the EC ABC Motsepe League, and was also a sports presenter at Ngcobo FM. More than 2,500 individuals entered the competition, with the field narrowed down to 10 candidates. Last Sunday, Jaxa was officially announced as the winner after being voted for by a majority of South African viewers. Stanza has previously said that he would work hard to fulfil his dream and change his family’s circumstances, hoping that one day he would become one of the world’s most recognised commentators.
Anelisa Jaxa.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
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City Lads FC hosts trials after disappointing season ANELE RAZIYA AFTER finishing the 2025 Hollywoodbets Super League season outside the top ten teams last month, Eastern Cape-based City Lads FC are now planning to strengthen their squad in preparation for next year. The Gqeberha team recently announced on their Facebook page that they would host open trials. The trials are scheduled to take place on 2 January 2026 at NU2 Stadium, Motherwell, starting at 10:00. Players interested in participating are requested to bring their own shorts, football boots, socks, shin guards, water and lunch. They must also bring copies of their identity documents, whilst jerseys will be provided. For more information about the trials, players should contact the team on 082 439 6408. City Lads FC finished the Hollywoodbets Super League season in 13th position with 27 points, having recorded seven victories, drawn six matches, and suffered 17 defeats. The Gqeberha team will be aiming for a significantly improved performance next year as they begin their preparations early.
With the inux of holiday makers and people returing home for the holidays.water and sanitation systems. many of which are already running at capacity. will be put under severe strain. which may result in more breakdowns than usual It is also the "rainy" season. where the probability of electric storms and tornadoes can be on the increase which often lead to damage to electrical equipment and power outages thus contribute to system failures during this period. To ensure that operations continue and service disruptions are kept to mini-mum. ADM has the following plan in place: Operations Managers will be on duty/standby during this period to oversee operations and deal with any emergencies Operational staff will be on duty and standby during the shutdown period and public holidays to ensure that services are renderend Operational staff include the process controllers at treatments facilities. artisan plumbers to address pipe leaks. bursts and sewage spillages and mechanical and electrical artisans to attend to pumps etc: The superintendents who manage the day-to-day operational activities will also be on duty during this period: Chemicals have been preordered to ensure no chemical shortages occur during the shutdown period: Arrangements have been made with key service providers to assist with any major breakdowns: In addition to the Divisional Head, the following teams of staff will also be on duty during this period: Managers ( Civil. Mechanical & Electrical and Water Care); Superintendents, Mechanical and Electrical Artisans, Identied Plumbing Teams (Plumber/ Foreman+ GA's) Process Controllers - will continue with their normal shifts
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