RSON for theHawks, WarNdiphiwe Mhlakuvana, conafemale school principal served withasummons by ased Serious Commercial estigation of theHawks on 5 facing allegationsoffraud
ected to make her first court 25 March 2026, where she the alleged chargesagainst summons has been formally suspect implicated in a ning aRoad Accident Fund ith the potentialestimated ately R2.9 million. emanates from acomplaint RAF followingthe detecirregularities in compensation tted in relation to amotor collision that reportedly occurred on the N2 road near Colonistrative Area in Dutywa,” she that the collisioninvolved Polo, allegedly driven by idual. Mhlakuvanasaidposwho respondedtothe accicompiled an official accident recorded that thesuspect iver of the VolkswagenPolo the incident andthat she bodily injuries duringthe medical documentation corroborated this versionof that on 12 December2017, mandated acertainlaw firm laim against RAFonher beportofthe claim, sheprovidon stating thatshe had been the time of theaccident ought compensation amountoximately R2.9 million,”said
Mhlakuvana.
She addedthat, however, further allegationsestablished that the suspect later terminatedthe mandate with the legal representativesand ostensibly appointed another law firm to pursue aseparate claimwith RAF.
According to her, in this secondsubmission, thesuspectallegedly advanced acontradictory narrative,submitteddocumentation,and her versionindicated that she hadbeen apassenger at the time of theaccident
This alternative claimwas lodged for an amount of over R1.4 million Mhlakuvanasaidfurthermore, the reportuncovered that thesuspecthad also submittedaclaim to Old Mutual iWYZE vehicle insurancedivisionofOld Mutual for damagessustained by theVolkswagenPolo during the collision.
In that claim, she reportedly stated that she hadbeen thedriver of the vehicle,resultinginthe insurer processing anddepositing theclaimedcompensation into her bankaccount
The mutually inconsistent declarations made acrossdifferent institutional platforms andunder oath raised serious concerns regarding theveracity of the representationsmade by theaccused RAFrepudiatedthe claim, andthe matterwas referred to theHawks for investigation
The investigation established that the evidencesuggested that thesuspectdeliberately misrepresented facts in an attempt to secure undue financialbenefit from both theRoad Accident Fund and thevehicle insurer. RAFnearly suffered alossofR2.9 million. Following ameticulousevaluation of documentary evidence, asummons was authorised anddulyserved on 5March 2026, compellingthe accused to appear beforethe MthathaSpecialised Commercial Crimes Courton25March2026.
MENZELWA
million MthathaDam Raw Pump Stationthattransports the dam to treatment facilOR Tambo DistrictMunic77% complete.
spokesperson, Ncebakazi said the O.R. Tambo District ty was making strong progMthatha DamRaw Water Station, akey projectthathelps from the dam to thetreatwhereitiscleaned before our communities. uction started in October2024 ject is now 77% complete. house structure is rising, is being installed, andpipeelectrical systems aretaking
R49.8 million investmentis thening the system that carries the dam so it can be treated ered to homes, schools, clin-
For alongtime, she said,the work to strengthenwaterinfrastructure across theO.R. Tambo Districthas been taking place quietly beneath thesurface, in pipelines buried underground, in treatment works expanding behind secure gates, andinpumpstations moving waterthroughthe system
“Inthe language of ourpeople, we would say: Yasombuluk’ Inamba.The powerful force that once seemed stillis beginning to move.
“The projectisalsocreatinglocal opportunities, with overR1.29 million spent on local labourand skills development supportfor communitymembers,” shesaid.
Whilst some technical challenges were encounteredduring construction, work continues steadily on site Kolwanesaidstepbystep, thesystem that bringswatertoour communities is gettingstronger.
THE death of eight-year-old Imibongo Ntamehlo,who allegedly hanged herself at her family home in Gxulu locality, Libode, has left her mother, Sisipho Ntamehlo,searching for answers.
Imibongo was in Grade 3atGxulu Primary School in Libode.
According to her mother, she was with her younger siblings whenshe took herlife.
Sisipho said her child often spoke about the bullying she experienced from her schoolmates.
“On the day of the incident, Iwoke up and prepared breakfast forthem before goingtochurch. Ileftthem at home becausethere was no transport to Sunday School thatday.
“Whilst Iwas at church, Ireceived acall telling me to rush home. When Iarrived, Ifound her body lying down. Iwas told she had climbed onto the base cupboardand allegedly hanged herself. Iamstill confused because the roof is far from thecupboard, butsomehow, she managed to do this.
“She was found kneeling on top of the base of the cupboard,” shesaid.
She added that her children called
aneighbour who was passing by and told himImibongo was on top of the cupboard and not moving.
“This man, who was with a13-yearold child, came inside and saw her. They took herdown fromthe rope because theythought she was still alive. Theythenasked another neighbour to help take her to the hospital, but unfortunately, she had already passedaway.
“Imibongo did not leave anote.
What Iknowisthatshe always told me aboutthe bullyingshe faced from otherchildrenonthe school transport.Theyused to beat her, but I went to thetransport operator and addressed it.
“At school, no onewanted to play withher or be herfriend because of theconditionofour home,”Sisipho claims.
According toSisipho, children also isolated Imibongo because she only carriedR2whilstothers had more money
“Shehad no one to play with at school, andthat broke her heart. I always told hertoreport everything so Icould be aware of whatwas happening. Thelast incident, whichI think may have led her to this decision,was when shewas beaten by a teacher after erasing work fromthe
chalkboard.
“On that day, she came home very late. When Iasked why, she said she had been cleaning aduster when another learner told her the teacher wanted the boardcleaned. Imibongo did that, but when the teacher arrived, she asked who had erased her work.
“She was told it was Imibongo, and she beather without listening to her side of the story. She then forced her to rewrite the work, whichdelayed her return home,” Sisipho claimed.
She further said thaton2March 2026, she went to school to address the problem,not knowing that on 7 March 2026, her daughter would take her life.
“On that day, her teacher cooperated and asked learners who wanted to be friends with her to raise their hands, and they did. Idid not know she would be gone so soon. It is very painful to be her mother. Iamunemployed and depend on asocial grant, but Itried to close that gap. Even now, Idonot know how we will bury her because we have nothing.”
TheDepartment of Education spokesperson, Mali Mtima, confirmed that the learner had committed suicide.
“The parent’s report of exclusion
CareersexpoopensdoorsforMthathayo
ZAVELA
MAKWABE
THE King Sabatha Dalindyebo College’s Zimbane Campus in Mthatha was ahub of activity as the attendees of thethirdannual Jobs and Careers Expouncoveredhiddenjob opportunities and explored different career options on 13 and 14 March.
The two-day eventoffered avital platformfor youth, students, and job seekers to connect with opportunities, careerguidance, mentorship and networks that can shape their futures.
In acommunity grapplingwith unemploymentand schooldropouts, the Expo served as acrucial link betweenaspiration and access,empowering young people to turn uncertainty into possibility. The expo was agame-changer for both teachers and learners. They
gained hands-onexperience with interactive educational games andworkshops, making learning funand accessible.Itwas also an excellent opportunity to network with potential employers, learning institutions, and public and private sector representatives. During apanel discussion, speakersshared inspiringstories and practical tips on education,skills, and how young people canthrive in the jobmarket.The focus was on empoweringthe next generationtosucceed.
Yolanda SikitifromZamukulungisa High School said the expo opened her eyestodifferentcareer paths andthatshe learned agreat deal
“I learned thatentrepreneurship is alegitimate career option and agoodcareer prospect, not just a backupplan.”
SASSAbringsgrantservicesdirectlytorur
ZAVELA MAKWABE
THE South African SocialSecurity Agency SASSA’sIntegrated CommunityRegistration OutreachProgramme (ICROP)is rolling out across the Eastern Cape, bringing grant services and information directlytocommunities, engaging communities and tacklinggrant-related matters, including the Method of Payment (MOP), Covid-19 SRD (R370),0-2 years Child Support Grant registration,lifecertification, and the BMUproject.
On 12 March 2026, the agency visited Sithabahaba Village in Mount Fletcher inthe Joe Gqabi District
Led by SASSA’s Regional Executive Manager in the Eastern Cape Region,BandileMaqetuka, the programme broughtgovernment services closer to the people,whilst advancing human rights and making human dignity real.Maqetukasaid they are on amission to make government services accessible and fightcor-
MOREthan 25,000Volkswagen Polo Vivo vehicles sold in South Africa between February 2025 and February 2026 have been recalled owing to apotential handbrake defect.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) said in astatement that the recall affects 25,729 vehicles distributed nationally by Volkswagen Group Africa.
According to the commission,the rivetheight on the handbrake lever fitted to the affected vehicles may fall outside the required specification If this occurs, the handbrake may not engage properly or could, in rare
cases,disengageunexpectedly.
"This may pose asafety risk, particularly when the vehicle is parked on an incline," theNCC said.
Owners of theaffected vehicles have beenadvised to take precautionary measuresuntiltheir vehicles have beeninspectedand, wherenecessary, repaired. These include ensuring the vehicle is parked with additional precautions such as selecting first gearin manual vehicles or placing automatic vehicles in "P", as specified in the owner's manual.
Drivers are also advised not to park thevehicles on slopes until inspec-
tions and any necessaryrepairs have been completed.
Acting NCC commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu urged owners to take their vehicles to an authorised Volkswagen dealership as soon as possible.
"Given the highpotential risks of the defect, owners of affected vehicles are urged to immediately take their vehicles to any authorised VW dealership forinspection. Anyinspection and as sociated repairs will be done at no cost to the vehicle owners,"hesaid.
The NCC said it is monitoring the recall to ensurecompliancewith the Consumer Protection Act.
EVEN though siblings from the Mhlabakazilocality in Port St Johns are trying to fight poverty by planting twohectaresof potatoes,they arefacingchallenges because theydonot have enough storage spacefor theirproduce
Thiswas confirmed by the founder of Mpondoland Farm and Primary Cooperative, Alindile Mbila(41), who said this situation worries them because their produce can rot.
He said that after completing two degrees but struggling to find ajob,hedecided to partner with hissiblingsand startthe project in 2021.
“I completed my degree in Sports ManagementatWalter Sisulu University (WSU). After that, Istudied Social Work, which is something Ihave always wanted to do.
“WhilstI was studying for these two degrees, I worked as awaiter at one of the restaurants in East London. After finishing my studies, Idid not geta job; instead, Iwas only offered internships,” said Mbila
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19 March2026 at MbhasheLocal Municipality Budget and Treasury Cashiers'offices, 454Streatfield Road, Dutywauponpaymentof anon-refundabledeposit of R472.05 perdocument. EFT willbeaccepted, When paying through EFT please usethe name of thecompany as a reference. The municipality willonlybe sellingthe hardcopy documentsthe electronic documentswillbe obtainableonthe website www.mbhashemun.gov.za at no charge. ACCOUNT TYPE: PUBLICSECTOR CHEQUE ACCOUNT, ACCOUNT NUMBER:62231175953 FIRST NATIONAL BANK BRANCH CODE: 211121 +BRANCH NAME: DUTYWA SWIFT CODE: FIRNZAJJH
•Bidder must respond in accordance with all the minimum requirements and conditionsofthe tenderasdetailedinthe terms of reference,failuretocomplywillresultindisqualification.
•Where 80/90 points will be allocated for price and 20/10 for specific goals. Bidders must submit therequired documentation to claim preferenceplan •The 80/20 and 90/10 preferential system willbeapplied, where points 80/90 points willbeallocated forprice and20/10 forspecific goals.
SPECIFIC GOALS
Thespecificgoalsallocatedpointsintermsofthistender
/shareholders /members to declarecompanies involvedinunder MBD 4, Item2.11, will result in disqualification
•Electronic tender documents will also be available on the municipalwebsite www.mbhashemun.gov.za
•Bidders must be registered on CSD if the bidder is not registered the bid willbedeemed non-responsive
•Failure to submitJVagreements (where applicable)orConsortium Agreementswilllead toa disqualification.
He said that whilst he was studying, he also rana small grass-cutting business, but he realised it would not help him to focus on only one business, so he decided to startfarming.
Mbila said he knew the project would require assistance and that he would not have enoughcapital, so he decided to partner with his siblingsand form acooperative.
“The reasonwhy we formedthis cooperative wastoincrease our chances of getting funding. Thatishow Istarted this business. Ihave two other businesses that areoperating, so this is the third one. It is not easy, especially forme, who came up with thisidea. When you start abusiness, youneed to have some money so that it can run smoothly.”
He added that he has noticed that the profit is very small compared to themoney he is spending on the business.
According to him,one of thechallenges they face is thatalthough they are ploughing,they do not haveproperequipment.They alsoneed equipment so that their business can run smoothly.
Mbila added that if they hadthe necessary equipment, they would be able to operate efficiently and make aprofiteverymonth. He said they need a4x4 tractor with its implements and an irrigationsystem. Thereason they do not rotate their crops is that they do not have an irrigationsystem.
“We do have aborehole, butwedonot have anything that carries water to our fields These are the challenges that we have. We also need to extend our hectares so that we can rotate our planting. At the moment we are only using two hectares, eventhough we have three.
“We received start-up support from the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) in 2021. They fenced the field and gave us a small tractor. We gotitbecause we met the requirements. They also drilledaborehole for us, but now there is nothingthat brings water to the plants.
“We were lucky because of the rain,althoughthe sun affected us alittle bit, but we still have something that we areharvesting.”
According to him,they sell their products to nearby shops and some supermarkets in town. However, he said it is not easytotransport their producetoPortStJohns because they do not have transport.
He revealed that they have approached different government institutionsfor assistance, but have not had any luck. As aresult, they now prefer to seek help from private institutions rather than government departments. He added that they have knocked on many doors, even in private agencies, and they are still waiting for aresponse.
One of the workers in the project, Sinebhongo Manzana (28), said the project has helped him alot. “I am able to assistmyfamily with the money that Iearnhere, so for me it is a breakthrough. Ialso do otherpiece jobs afterI finish work here,” said Manzana.
Aservice provider fromEmbo South Trading Enterprise, Nombulelo Mhlonyane, said she is their mentor.She explainedthat she was employed by Port St Johns Municipality in the Local EconomicDevelopment (LED) unit and won atender to mentor the owners of the project. She said the programme is an incubation programme that lasts 12 months.
“I have 11 farmers who specialise in vegetables, two farmers who deal with wool sheep and meat sheep, and four people who specialise in chickens. Theproblem of climate
change is affecting our farmers, so they must be taught smartways of farming. Iteach them many things that can help them when they face challenges, such as flooding.”
Shesaidwhen the farmersstart planting, she assists them with preparingthe soil and ensures that everything that needs to be done beforeplanting is completed.
“What Idid was teach them how to make trenches when ploughing their potatoes.I also make surethat they reportpesticide use. Oneofthe mainchallenges they arefacing is storage, because when they harvest, they do not have enough space to storetheirpotatoes This can affect them because they mustharvest beforethe winter rainsstart, as therain can cause thepotatoestorot.
“They also need forkspades becausenormal spadescan damage the produce,”saidMhlonyane. Sheconfirmed that she assists them in termsofgettingmarketaccess.
The Director for EyoluntuProjectMarket from NtingaO.R.Tambo Development Agency, Melinkqubo Ndabokutya, saidthat at Eyoluntu Project Market, they take produce (vegetablesand fruits)fromthe farmersand sell them to their broad growing clientele, including retail, informal traders,tender businesses, wholesalers and the general public, to mention just afew.
“Fromthe farmers, aproduct mustbeof good quality, and the pricemust be competitive and importantly, it must meet the market requirements. For example, on potatoes,they must be washed, graded and properly packaged; potatoes must be uniformand be able to compete with other farmers’ produce on the floor.The best thing is for the farmer to show us their sample first, and we take it from there because what determines the priceisquality, product presentation andlastly, which is important, is supply and demand dynamics.Like now potatoes areall over,everyone is harvesting potatoes, so prices arelow,”hesaid. He addedthatthey train andcapacitate farmerssothat they can meet their requirements even for potatoes. He saidthey had a session about potatoes recently, and it was well attended by the farmers.
“If they areinterested, Ican assist them and take them through, even about washing potatoes manually at home, so that they enter the market. HereatKei Fresh Produce Market, there is aPotato Washing, SortingMachine for farmers.”
FounderofPondolandFarmand PrimaryCooperative, Alindile Mbila, posing with some of hisworkers in hisfield
Someofthe potatoesthatwere harvested by members of Pondoland Farmand PrimaryCooperative. PHOTOS: BABALWA NDLANYA
TARDIgraduates38animalhealthspecialists
EXCITEMENT filled the air at the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture’s Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (TARDI) as 38 graduates receivedtheirdiplomasinAnimal Healthduringthe institute’s 9thgraduation since it opened its doors in 2015.
Since its establishment in 2015, TARDIhas produced 412 graduates who have made valuable contributions to the developmentofthe agricultural sector. Theinstitute’s commitment to excellence in education and training has earned it areputationasacentreofexcellence in animal health.
This year’s ceremony emphasisedthe critical step needed to be taken by the graduates when they leave the institution -thatis, to open theirown animal health enterprises.
MEC for the DepartmentofAgriculture (DoA), Nonceba Kontsiwe, saidthe institute, albeit rural, was aworld-class agricultural institution. She encouraged them to establish theirown veterinary clinics instead of seeking employment and continue supporting communities with their advisory services.
“You carry acritical mandate of safeguardingour livestock and ensuring that our province remainsthe heartbeat of national food security. We are commissioning you today as the vanguardthat willensurethat our commercialisation agendainthe ruralspace is realised,”said Kontsiwe.
Principal from TARDI, Nandi Ndudane, said theinstitute intentionallyadvocates forgreater participation of females in their courses.
“Thisisthe beginning of theirprofessional journey. They are going to be enteringasectorthatisvital. We areaware that currently, thereisfoot-and-mouth disease (FMD) that is ravagingthe livestock industry. They (graduates) are ourhope to help combat the spread of FMD andensurebetter rural economic participation and improve the biosecurity of theEastern Cape and wherever they are.
Shesaid the graduates wouldhelp “strengthenthe animal health services, farmersupport,and in the long termwould be able to run their own animal health enterprises.
The Health and Welfare SETA, AgriSETA
Radiopresenterbringsmental healthsupporttoDutywa
Ayanda Ntsaka.
COMMUNITY members from Dutywa and surrounding areas are expected to restore their mental well-being through an upcoming Mental HealthDay event
The eventwill be hosted by Qaphela Majola, an online entrepreneur from Kith Ngesi Radio. Majolaisbased in based in KuGompo City(formerly known as East London)
The Mental Health Day willtake placeatthe new JS Skenjana Hallin Dutywa on 22 March 2026.
The event, which willstart at 09:00 andrun until 13:00, aims to assist communitymembers who ar facing mental health challenges.
Besides being apresenter, he is also a teacheratZwelidumileSenior Secondary School in Willowvale.
Majola saidhehad always dreamed of hosting this event, but it was difficult for him to get started
Accordingtohim, he met aradio presenter from UmhloboWenene FM, Mzwandile Ntshona, who is also his spiritual father,aswell as psychologist
“I then told them about this dream, and they decided to supportmeinensuringthat it happens. Ihave realised that, as people, we need our minds back because we are now facing alot of challenges in our communities since we have lost our mental clarity.Inmy understanding, if you win yourmind back, it means you win yourlifeback,” he said.
He added that seeing moral degeneration and asociety that is becoming corrupted is very painful. He said this was the reason he decidedtohost the event
This will be the first timethey host such an event, butheiswilling to host it quarterly if he can find sponsors.
“What Iwant to achieve is for people to be healed emotionally,mentally, spiritually and morally.Ihope this continues because thisproblem is affecting even children. Iamexpecting people of all genders to attend.The event is free because you cannot ask people topay whilst saying you want to helpheal them.”
and the Department of Agricultureare instrumental in the success of the programme through financing the studentsand infrastructural development.
One of the graduating students, Phumla Dube, saidtoday is aday of celebration, reflection and of immense gratitude. “We are gath-
ered not only to receive our qualifications but also to celebrate the journey that has brought us to this verymoment,”she said.
Sheadded that whilstthey faced many challenges during theiryears of study, they overcame them with the help of theirfamilies and the TARDI community.
Students from Tsolo Agriculture and RuralDevelopmentInstitute (TARDI) recently graduated.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
BABALWA NDLANYA
Principalbidsfarewellafterdecadesofservice
BABALWA NDLANYA
THE former principal from Candulwande Primary School in Libode, Bongiwe Ngcibi, has encouraged other teachers to equip themselves by expanding their education and always seekingmore knowledge.
Ngcibi retiredatthe age of 61 after serving the department foryears, working at both Candulwande and Coza Primary Schools.
Parents andteachers from the schoolbid farewell to her, describing her as adedicated, humble and down-to-earthperson.
"I started teaching in 1985 at Coza Primary School, which was aJunior Secondary Schoolatthe time.Iwas teaching English and Geography, which are the subjects Ilikevery much. Back then, learners were very respectful. Duetochanges from the department,I later came to Candulwande in 1987, where Ibecamethe Head of Department.Among other things, Imade sure to equip myself by furthering my studies,"she said She added thatshe will always rememberthe relationship she had with the learners
She advised other teachers to continue seeking furtherknowledge and
NATASHA BEZUIDENHOUT
A1200km cycling journey is underway as 19-year-old activist Mivuyo Qabo, originally from KuGompo City (formerly East London), travels from Gqeberha to the Union Buildings in Pretoria in abid to raise awareness aboutgender-based violence (GBV), domestic violence and child abuse
Qabo, founder of the Mivuyo Qabo Foundation and now based in Gqeberha, launched his campaign titled Cycle for Change: Protect the Child, whichwill see the KuGompo Cityborn activist cycling across several parts of the country over thenext week
Thejourney forms partofhis effort to draw national attention tothe ongoingchallenges faced by women and children affected by violence, while also encouraging communities to become more actively involvedin prevention.
Qabo said the campaign was inspired by the experiences of people around him.
"I'm not someone who has family who experienced GBV, but Idohave friends who grew up in homes where violence was present," he shared with the Express
not to grow tiredofincreasing their understanding.Ngcibi saidshe will continue using her knowledge to assist children from her area.
The traditional leader from Ngcolora localityinLibode, ChiefNoma-Afrika Singatha, said their area used to be described as aplace of illiterate people, but after Ngcibi arrived, everything changed.
"We now have professionals in our area because of her. There is alot of development because of her work We are saying farewelltoher,but we will never forget what she did for our community.
"She was everything to our school.
She played the role of asocial worker, teacher and parent at the same time,"said Singatha.
She added that whilst some teachers cause problems in their schools, Ngcibi has never been aproblem.
She said shewishes other teachers could learn something from her
She further said that when Ngcibi arrived at the school, the situation was very difficult, butwhen she came with her group, they brought positive change.
She said Ngcibi leaves them at a difficult time when society is facing thechallengeofdrugs and alcohol.
"The issue of drugsand alcohol is
something we are trying to fight. The problem is that even though they are not sold locally,our childrengoand buythem from other areas. We are doingeverything we can to fightthis problem. We aredeeply pained because this is destroying their future."
The Chairperson of the School Governing Body(SGB), Sicelo Dungwana, saidNgcibi wasveryhumble and respectful.
He saidshe alwaysmade sureshe knew what she wanted and wascommitted to beinga teacher
"If you came to the school to talk about something, she would make sureshe listened to you.She was alwaysinthe classroom because she loved what she wasdoing," said Dungwana.
One of her formerstudents, Welile Ngaveli, saidNgcibi arrived at the school in 1987 at atime when learners werestruggling because they did not haveteachersfor critical subjectssuch as Mathematics and Science.
"Her arrival helped us alot because she managed to boostour confidence. Shewas teaching us Geography, and we had low self-esteem, butshe helpeduspave our way to a brightfuture," said Ngaveli.
teacher at thesameschool, teachinginthe intermediate phase. He confirmed thathewas previouslya
teacher, then became aWardCouncillor, butin2023, he decided to return to teaching
MivuyoQaboiscycling from Gqeberha to Pretoria withthe aimofraising awareness onGBV and childabuse.
"When you look at the statistics, there are more men abusing women than women abusing men. That's why Ibelieve weneed to start working withyoung people and changing the way boys grow up and view relationships."
Qabo mentors young boys through discussions about social norms and healthy behaviour, encouraging them to rejectviolenceand respect women. He believes preventionmust
start early.
"With adults, there is often verylittle we can do to change behaviour, but if we workwith the younger generation, we can startchanging attitudes," he said Qabocompleted matric last year and is currently taking time to improve his resultsbeforepursuing further studies next year
He relocated to Gqeberha in 2022 due to his mother's work. Although he is not aprofessional cyclist,Qabo has spent thepast two months preparing physically for the demanding journey.
"I've been training at Metro Gym forendurance and stamina. Itrain about threetofour times aweek,"he shared.
Theride will not be easy, he admitted, but the challenge itself carries symbolic meaning.
"The1 200km journey represents the pain and struggles people go througheveryday when they experience GBV. It's away of showing that the fight against violence is long and difficult."
Thecampaign was originally scheduled to startonWednesday (11 March) but had to be delayed to Monday (16March) when abicycle
sponsor withdrew support. Despite the setback, Qabo remains determined to complete the journey. Theroute will take himthrough Port Alfred, KuGompo City and Komani beforecontinuing towards Pretoria.
While hisinitial plan was to complete the ridealone, five additional cyclistshave since offered to join himalong parts of the route. Qabo hopes to reach the Union Buildings around Human Rights Day, where he plans to hand over amemorandum to the Presidential Office calling for stronger action and greater protection for women and children. However,heshared that completing the journey safely remains the priority
"This is not arace. If it takes longer than planned, even amonth, the message is still the most important part," he said
TheMivuyo Qabo Foundation was established in 2022 after he organised aboy-child seminar at hisformer high school in the EasternCape. Since then, the group has hosted mentoringsessions and carriedout small charity initiatives, including donating clothing and hygiene packs to thoseinneed.
THE family of struggle stalwartand apartheid activist, the late Steve Tshwete, contributed R50,000 towardsthe annual Steve Vukile Tshwete Games held in KuGompo City (formerly East London) over three days, which concludedonSunday, 8March.
Tshwete’s widow,Pam, accompanied by her children, Mayihlome and Yonda, attended the Steve Vukile Tshwete Games’ opening ceremony held at the SelbornePark Tennis Club
Theprovincial Department of Sport, Recreation,Arts and Culture (DSRAC) initiated the SteveVukile TshweteGames in honour of the legacy of Tshwete, aformer Minister of Sport during the late President Nelson Mandela’sadministration.
DSRACMEC SibuleleNgongo said the games are in honour of the late
Tshwete, former South African Minister of Sport, adding that the games continuetoembodyhis unwavering commitment to transformation, access andexcellence in sport.
“The Steve VukileTshwete Games aremorethanjust acompetition; they area celebration of the legacy, opportunity, andthe power of sport to unite and uplift communities.
“Tshwetewas atowering figure in South African sport whose passion forsport development and sporting activism helped transform the sporting landscape inthe province andacross thecountry,” said Ngongo.
Ngongo confirmed that the family contributedR50,000 towards the games and pledged their commitment to supporting youth development and the growth of sport in honour of their father’s legacy.
About 765 athletesfrom across the provincetook part in this year’s
games,which included table tennis, boxing,volleyball, cricket, goalball, soccer and others.
OR TamboDistrictMunicipality was crowned as the overall champions with the NelsonMandela Bay Metro securing second place and the Buffalo City Metro clinching third spot.
Tshwete wasraised in Nkqonkqweni village outside Qonce and attended school at Forbes Grant High School in Ginsberg.
He moved to KuGompoCity in 1960, where his interest in politics blossomed,becoming the secretary of the Border regional command of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK).
In 1963, he was arrested and found guilty of sabotageand belonging to abanned organisation and sentenced to 15 years on Robben Island Around 1985, he went into exile in Lesotho and Maseru before returning home in 1990.
DSRAC MEC Sibulele Ngongo(left),Pam Tshwete (centre),Yonda andMayihlome attended theSteve Vukile Tshwete Games in KuGompo City. PHOTO: MANDLENKOSI MXENGI
THE Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, through the CommonwealthWomen Parliamentarians (CWP), hosted aDisability Sessionfocusing on albinism at the Legislature’s Raymond Mhlaba Chamber in Bisho on 12 March 2026.
Under the theme, “From Margins to Mainstream: Visibility and Representation of Personswith Albinism”,the session created a platform for the disability sector to engage directly with Members
of the ProvincialLegislature, relevant departments and stakeholders to enhance accountability.
The Disability Sessionwas preceded by district workshops held across the province last month.
These workshops aimed to create spaces where all the stakeholders could come together -persons with albinism, caregivers, disability groups, civil society organisations, and community leaders -inaninclusive and participatory way, grounded in the community.
The workshops brought out real-life stories of the challenges
FOCUSON:WOMEN’SHEALTH
LAUGHING, sneezing, or jumping on atrampoline shouldn’t beembarrassing. Yet for thousandsof women, especially after childbirth, bladder leaks have quietly become part of everyday life.
Urinary incontinence is more commonthan many realise.Studiesshow that more than oneinfour women experience bladder control problems after giving birth, affecting daily activities, exercise,sleep, and confidence. Despite this, many women stay silent, believingitis simply part of motherhood or ageing.
Gqeberha pelvic and women’s health physiotherapist, Danielle Ross, says this belief is one of the biggest misconceptions she sees in her practice.
Manypatients arrive feeling discouraged after trying multiple treatments without success. But improvement is possible.
Ross has trained extensively in this area and is also theEastern Cape branch representativeofthe SouthAfrican Society of Physiotherapy (SASP)’s special interest group, called the Pelvic andWomen’s Health Physiotherapy Group (PWHPG).
She emphasises that women do not have to live with pelvic floor problems. Several treatment options are available to help restore strength and function.
Theseinclude:
•Pelvic floor physiotherapyassessments to determine whether muscles are weak, tight, or not functioning properly.
•Manual physiotherapy techniquestorelease tightness and op-
people living with albinism face and opportunities in different districts.
Allthis was done to help shape the session towards making persons living with albinism more visible and represented,moving them fromthe sidelines to the centre stage.
The Chairpersonofthe CWP, Nozibele Nyalambisa, said their goal is to better understand the challenges people with albinism face.
“The Legislature is focused on deepening understanding of the social, cultural, and structural
challengespersons with albinism face, including myths,stigma, social exclusion,and discrimination.”
She said the sessioncoincides with HumanRightsMonth,and it is imperative for the Legislature and government to committoamplifying voices, supportinclusion and ensure everyperson, regardless of appearance or ability, lives with dignity andhas their rights protected.
Panellists who facilitated the session include Dr Stukie Patricia Montsa,Senator of the Parliament of Eswatini and an
•Biofeedback technology, which helps patientssee how their pelvic floor musclescontract and relax
•External pelvic floor stimulation therapies, such as the Pelvic Care chair, which uses targeted electromagnetic pulsestotrigger thousandsof pelvic floor musclecontractions during eachsession.
Thepelvic chair, recentlyintroduced in SouthAfrica, offersa non-invasive treatment option that
helpswomen rebuildpelvicfloor strength and confidence.
Ross saysthe technology has become an important addition to the treatment options available to patients.
“The chairhas been one of the championsinmytoolbox, because it's really made pelvic carerehabilitation more accessible,” she says.
Understandingthepelvicfloor
The pelvic floor is agroup of muscles that support organs such as the bladder, uterus, and bowel. Ross explainsthat the pelvisacts as a
central support system for much of the body.
“Every functional organ lies within the canister of the pelvic floor and is altered by that system, besides our lungs and our heart.”When these muscles cannot properly contract or relax, it leads to issues like incontinence, pelvic pain and organ prolapse.”
Pelvic floor dysfunction affects bothmen and women and can be caused by arange of factors.
Pregnancy and childbirth can strainthese muscles in women, butothercauses, such as acute
activist for the albinism community, Gibairu Janneh, Director of Communications, ICT and Protocol, Gambian Parliament,Acting Premier, Sibulele Ngongo, and ProfessorMbanga from Nelson Mandela University
Participants received on-site services from various stakeholderswho were exhibiting at the venue.
Theseinclude the Department of Health, South African Social Security Agency, Transnet Health CareTrain -Phelophepha, MasimanyaneWomen’sRights International, and Old Mutual.
and chronic constipation, obesity, and going through normal different life-stages, can affect anyone.
Men can also experience pelvic floor problems, commonly due to prostate surgery, chronic cough, or heavy lifting. Importantly, men can benefit from similar physiotherapy assessments, strengthening exercises, and non-invasive treatments to help restore bladder control and improve quality of life.
“Training the pelvic floor to move effectively and then strengthening it is essential. The pelvic floor is closely connected to other parts of the body. If adequate support is lacking, people may experience pain.”
Recoverytakestime
Ross explains that pelvic floor dysfunction often develops gradually and requires several muscles working together
“(The pelvic floor) is not just one hammock,”Ross says. “There’s a left and aright and afront and a back.”
In other words, the pelvicfloor is made up of multiple muscles that must coordinate properly. If one part is tight or weak, the entire system can be affected.
“The pelvic floor is not like a bodybuilder;itismore akin to a gymnast," Ross says, explaining that thesemuscles require consistent training to regain flexibility and strength.
Don’t suffer in silence. Ross reiterates that improvement is possible. Her advice is simple: if sneezing, laughing, or exercise causes leaks, don’tignore it.Withsupport and treatment, many women can regain comfort, control and confidence.
THE 2024 Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup champions, Young StarsUnited FC Under-17 team, from Mchubakazi in Mnquma, are at an advanced stage with theirpreparationsfor the fourth edition of this tournament, which is scheduled to take place at Walter Sisulu University Bika campus from 27-29 March.
Young Stars United FC coach Nceba Maduntswana, speaking to Mthatha Express,said their preparations are going very well, and they are hopingthat when the NozuluYouth Legacy Cup kicks off later this month, they will be ready for action.
He made his remarks during an interview with this publication when askedabout theirpreparations for the upcoming annual Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup event.
The Mchubakazi team is among 16 teams that will be competing against each other for themajor
prizes during the event
Among these teams, 10 clubs come from the Mnquma Under-17 promotion league, whilst six teams are invited from places such as Mpumalanga province, Mthatha andEast London.
As allteams arecurrently busy preparing for the upcoming tournament,the Mchubakazi teamisalso making intensive preparations.
“All Ican sayisour preparations are going very wellasYoung Stars United FC, and we have av young, good, exciting squad, and believeour boys will perform du the event,” said Maduntswana
Hesaid that although their rent squad will be dominate Under-15 players in theupcomin tournament, they are confident, thetechnical team,that theirb will perform at theirbest.
Furthermore, he said that technicalteam is currently wo on player combinations as they integrating Under-15 players with
fewUnder-17 players who have previously playedinthistournament
He concluded his interviewby sayingall hisplayers are currently injury-free, and he is hopingtheygo to theevent with allplayers available.
The NozuluYouthLegacy Cupis meant to contribute to thedevelopment of sport in Mnquma andsurroundingareas andalso give young players theopportunity to showcase theirtalents in front of scouts and
SAFA Eastern Cape is to launch adevelopment league that will focusongrassroots leveldevelopment, exposing talent in the province.
SAFA EC recently signed a contract with Great Africa Supporters Union (GASU), which will be the mainpartners in theEastern Cape Development League.
This first-ever development league will be launched in East London on 25 May 2026.
According to SAFA provincial executive officer, Sikelela Mtangayi, this Under-15 league will feature schools and local teams, bothboys and girls. This is going to be the first of its kindleague in the EC,asthe provincial SAFA is targeting thedevelopment of players at ayoung age.
Mtangayi said this league is going to protect children from exploitation, as themajority of young players in theEasternCapepreviously travelled to other provinces forsport-related opportunities and ended up being scammed
The league is expected to start in April 2027, butall other logistics will be completed in 2026.
“The launch will be held in May 2026 in EastLondon, and the registrationsofteams and playerswill be done in 2026, also including the designs of kits. We have already started working, and recently we signedthe contract agreement with Great AfricaSupporters Union(GASU),” said Mtangayi.
Everyyear,whenthe league concludes its matches in November,itwill hold an awards ceremony (gala dinner)torecognise players, coaches,and
referees. Mtangayi said top playerswill alsoreceivescholarshipsand getopportunities to play in major academies and teams even outsidethe country.
“The provincial winner will play against other countries that arepartofthisagreement, namely Italy, Ghana, and Nigeria,and it will rotate among thecountries. Within our agreement, we alsohave amajor scoutingagency that will be busyscouting players and referringthemtotop international academies,” added Mtangayi
TheEastern Cape development leaguewill be played in phases, and the first phase will start in April 2027 and runthrough July 2027. It will be played at the regional level. OR Tambo Region, Alfred Nzo,Chris Hani, and Amathole areexpectedtohave 12 teams, both boys and girls, in each region.
Nelson Mandela Bayand Buffalo City will have 14 teams in each Metro for both genders. JoeGqabi Districtand Sarah Baartman will have 10 teams for both boys and girls. Mtangayi emphasised that each region will usetwo venues for control purposes.The leaguewill start from April 2027 to Novemberand will be played in phases.
Phases willbe: April to July2027 (regional games)
• JulytoAugust2027 (regional play-offs)
• August to September (top two teams in each region will play against each other)
• October to November (regional winnerswill play against each other, top8teams)
• November (awardsceremony/ gala dinner)
MIGHTY Eagles FC havebeen relegated back to the Hollywoodbets Regional League after competing for just two seasonsin the Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League.
Mighty Eagles FC made their debut in the ABC Motsepe League in the 2023/2024season, performing admirably by finishing in third position. The team also secured ahistoric spot in the 2025 Nedbank Cup last 32 as one of the amateur teams representing the Eastern Cape.
Despite this strong record in their inaugural ABC Motsepe League season, the Mtha-
tha-based teamhas disappointed their supporters this season. This past Saturday, they committed the worst possible error in football after failing to present players’cards during their mustwinmatch againstBizana Pondo City in Mthatha This has left many Eagles fans extremelyfrustrated. So far this season, Mighty EaglesFChave collected only nine points from 17league matches. Mighty Eagles FC will play their final league match this weekend againstFCRavens, who are at thetop of the table As things stand, FC Ravens will proceed to the provincialplay-off match.
Mchubakazi team Young Stars United FC whoonce wonNozuluYouth Legacy Cupin2024isreadyfor thefourthedition of this tournament
