Mthatha Express South - E-Edition - 21 May 2026

Scoreslefthomelessbyraging windsinORTambodistrict

ZOLILE MENZELWA

ATOTAL of 62 families have been left homeless in the OR Tambo Districtinthe aftermath of the recent strong windsthatswept through the province during the past week,with an additional 33 homes sustaining partial damage

OR Tambo DistrictMunicipality spokesperson, NcebakaziKolwane, said themunicipalityhad noted with deep concern thewidespread damage.Kolwane said that thestrong windshad affected communities across all five local municipalities within thedistrict. These areIngquza Hill, King Sabata Dalindyebo, Kumkani Mhlontlo, Nyandeni andPortSt Johns local municipalities.

“A total of 32 wardsacrossthe district have experienced severe weather-related damage to properties. Preliminary reports indicate that 95 households havebeen impacted, with 62 householdslefthomeless andafurther 33 householdssustaining partialdamage to their

homes. Families displacedbythe disaster are currently being accommodatedbyneighbours andrelativeswhilemunicipal disaster management teams continue with verification and data-capturing processes,” she said Assessments were ongoing,Kolwanesaid, andthe number of affectedhouseholds may increase as moreinformation becomesavailable

“The municipality,together with relevant stakeholders anddisaster management teams, is coordinatingrelief interventions andworking tirelesslytoprovide thenecessary support to affectedcommunities,” she said Residentswere urged to remainvigilant during adverse weather conditions, avoid damagedstructures andreport emergencies to therelevant authorities.

“The OR Tambo District Municipality extendsits sincere sympathies to allaffected families andcommunities during this difficult time.Further updateswill be communicated as assessments continue,” Kolwanesaid

Manhanded20-yearsentence formurderinghismother

THE Chris HaniDistrict Commissioner, Major GeneralRudolph Adolph, has welcomed thesubstantial sentence handed down to murderer, Samuel Ndesi (47), whowas sentenced in theMthatha HighCourt for murderinghis biological mother, Retui Ndesi (68), at Dalasile in Ngcobo in 2025.

Police spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said thecourt heard that Ndesi had arrivedathis homestead in CalaLocation while the familywas preparing for atraditional ceremony.

“Whenhearrived, he was under theinfluence of alcohol and confronted his mother and accused her of bewitching him and other family members. He then took out aknife and fatally stabbedher.Hewas arrested and remandedincustody until his sentencing on

May 8, 2026.”

According to Mgolodela, thecourt convicted and sentenced him to eight years’ imprisonment forimputing witchcraft(Contravention of theWitchcraftSuppression Act 3of1957) and 20 years’ direct imprisonment for murder, amounting to acumulative 28 years’ imprisonment.

Mgolodelaaddedthat thecourt ordered that thesentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective20years of direct imprisonment. He wasfurther declared unfit to possess a firearm.

“The sentence will serveasadeterrent to would-be offenders. Hefty sentences are necessary in order to curb despicable and heinous crimes against elderly people,” said Adolph Oneofthe

AlfredNzomunicipalityappointsactingCFO

SPOKESPERSON forAlfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM), Luncedo Walaza, confirmed that the council of this municipality appointed Mthokozisi Khambula as the Acting Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for aperiodnot exceeding three months, effective from May8, 2026, to August 8, 2026, or untilthe positionis permanently filled.

“The appointment was approved during the 18th Special Council Meeting, convened by Speaker Councillor Sixolile Mehlomakulu in terms of Section29(1)ofthe Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998, as amended.Hecurrently serves as ANDM’s Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and takes overfrom Sakhiwo Nelani, who has now been appointed as the Acting Director forStrategic Governance,”saidWalaza.

He added that the CFOposition has been vacantsinceMarch 31, 2025, and recruitment processes to permanently fill the postare underway.

While tabling the Mayoral Committee report before Council, Executive Mayor Councillor Tsileng Sobuthongoemphasised the urgency of filling the CFOposition on apermanent basis to ensure financial stability and strengthen service delivery.

He added that during the same sitting, Councilalso approved an urgent request for bridging finance interventions for additional fund-

ingand received the MPAC reportonANDM and ANDA mid-termassessments.

MECurgedtoactonovercrowdingcrisisatNqwathiClinic

BABALWA NDLANYA

CHAIRPERSON for Nqwathi Clinic outside Mthatha, Daniel Ngqola, appeals to the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape torespond to thegrievances they have senttothe MEC for this department, Ntandokazi Capa, complaining about the situationoftheir clinic.

He said they had decided to submita letter to her asking for her intervention in assisting them, but up until now, they havenot received feedback.

“We are requesting our clinic be extended because it is too small to accommodate some of theservices.Weare requesting two consulting rooms to add to the two that we have.Nurses from ourclinic are sharing rooms because there is no nurses’ home. We are appealingto you to extend it to at least sixrooms.

told to wait for seven days, but untilnow there has been no response. We want them to extend this clinicsothat we can be able to have enough space. We came to you, Express,toask for help regarding this problem.” Director for Communications in the Eastern Cape Department of Health, Siyanda Manana, saidthisclinic consistsofone Operational Manager,two Professional Nurses,two Enrolled NursingAssistants, one Data Capturer, three Lay Counsellors, sixCommunity Health Workers and no General Assistant.

“The total headcount per month is 500; clients seen per day is 25. Thenormis25to30clients per day for aProfessional Nurse. Theplan was to do grass cutting last week, but the weather affected thoseplans. It will now be done this week. Therewerealso other commitments. TheNurses’ Home does not have enough rooms,”saidManana. TheNqwathiClinicoutsideMthatha

“Theyhave three rooms which they use as anurses’ home; they do not fit because the rooms are not enough and they areforced to share despite the differences in their beliefs. No one is cutting grass because we do nothave acaretaker. When patients come to the clinic, they sitoutside even during rainy days be-

cause thereisnot enoughspace wherewecan accommodate them,” said Ngqola.

He added that this clinic serves anumber of localities which include Mancotsheni locality, eMampondo locality, eMandlaneni locality, eMamfeneni locality, Kulu-Dwele locality, etc.

“When we went to the Bisho offices,wewere

OnlinesystemsettoendlongschooladmissionqueuesinEasternCape

BABALWA NDLANYA

SPOKESPERSONfor the Department of Education in theEastern Cape, Mali Mtima, confirmed thatthe department is on amissionto introduce an Online Public-School Admission Programmewith the aim of endingthe long queues thatare normally seeninthe four hotspot districts in January and ensuring that all learners aregetting tuition Mtima said that the Heads of Education Department’s Committee (HEDCOM) meetings of April 11, 2017,and August 15, 2017, resolved that all ProvincialEducationDepartments (PEDs) must consider the implementation of theonline learner admissions system.

“The Eastern Cape DepartmentofEducation (ECDoE), in line with that resolution, has embarked on the implementation of theOnline LearnerAdmissionsSystem for entry-level

grades such as GradeR,Grade 1and Grade 8.

Thisprogramme will be piloted with four districts at the beginning of the project, namely, Buffalo City Metropolitan, OR TamboInland, JoeGqabi and Nelson Mandela Bay District.

“Theaim of the system is to end the long queuesthatare normally seen in the four hotspot districts in January, but also to ensure that alllearners aregetting tuition,” said Mtima.

He addedthat training sessions are currentlytakingplace in the four piloting districts to ensurethatthe districts and school managers responsible forlearner admissions are able to usethe system.

“TheECDoEhas also created walk-in centres withtrained officials to assist the parents who are strugglingtoconnect with the system On thesystem’spart, the super admin will be making sure on the back end that the system

is alwaysupand running, making sure it is accessible. However,the programme is apilot programme; as such, the department, in collaboration with the service provider, will receive feedback on the areas of strength and weakness during the implementation and address those as recommended.”

According to Mtima, as soon as the training sessions are over and the MEC for Education, Fundile Gade, launches the system, it will be rolled out into the four piloting districts

Theapplicationprocesswillentailthefollowing:

• Go to https://ecschoolsadmissions.org.za

• TheparentwillthenseetheTermsandConditions,and theyhavetoacceptthem.

• The the systemwill then allow the parent to register, thus creating aprofile.

• Aftercreation of the profile,the parent cancontinue with the child’sapplication.

• The system will then allowdocumentstobeuploaded individually,e.g.birth certificate,ID copies,etc

The systemwill showaSubmit button.

• Areferencenumberwillthenbegenerated,andamessagewill be sent to the parent’s email address, via short messageservice(SMS)orWhatsApp,toindicate that the application has been successful

“The walk-in centres aredesigned to assist parents who arenot familiar with technology. Thetoll-free number of the ECDoE Call Centre: 080 1212570. Beforehe(Gade)launches the system,there will be toll-freecentres in each of thefourpilotingdistricts;added to that are physical walk-in centres with personnel to assist such parents.

“The parents have been made awarethrough consultations with the DistrictEducation Forum and Labour. Advocacy has alsobeen conducted through the department’s social media.”

AmatolaWatercompletesLaingDaminfrastructureupgrade

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

AMATOLA Water, the province’sbulk watersupplier, hassuccessfully completed the upgrade and maintenanceofthe ageing Laing Dam bulk water infrastructuresystem, which has ledtoprolonged and persistent wateroutages affecting several parts of theBuffalo City Metro’s (BCM) inland region.

Over the past weeks, residents of the BCM inland region, including Qonce, the capital Bhisho, Ntabozuko and Mdantsane,experienced prolonged, persistentwater outages, which led to Amatola Water and BCM jointlyannouncing a

planned three-day water shutdown in an attempt tofix the Laing bulk water infrastructure system.

AmatolaWater has confirmedthat all planned upgrades and maintenance work at the Laing Dam water system has been completed; however,the startup of the plant and water supplysystem has been delayed due to an electrical fault affecting operations.

Someofthe upgrades included the replacement of steel pipes, Qongqotha scour valve replacement, Zwelitsha-Ndevana booster pump outlet, Zwelitsha pump station leaks, Ndevana-Ntabozuko pipeline repairs and the removal of damagedclarifiers, among others.

Amatola Water acting spokesperson, Nolitha Mbangcolo, confirmed that thewater supplyremained temporarily interrupted while teams continued workingtosafely complete the shutdown periodand restore the water supply as quicklyaspossible According to Mbangcolo, theLaing Dam water shutdown was neededinanattempt to prevent prolonged water outagesand improve supply reliability.

“The project was implemented in phases, allowing critical sections of thepipeline to be repaired and replaced systematically while minimising waterdisruptions,” said Mbangcolo.

She said in additiontoinfrastructureimprovement, the project hascreated about

10 temporaryjobs for Ndevana residents, thus contributingtolocal economicparticipation andcommunitydevelopment

The Buffalo City Metro hasdelivered watertankers to severalareas affected by theplanned shutdown, with priority giventohealthcarefacilities, including Bhisho andGrey hospitals andlocal clinics. In 2024, Amatola Watercompleted a major infrastructureupgrade projectat Laing Dam, oneofthe keywater resources in theregion. The upgrade included rehabilitation of thedam wall, installation of new monitoring equipment and improvementstothe waterabstraction systems.

Fakureflectson8.6%dropinunemploymentrateinBuffaloCityregion

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

BUFFALO City Metro Executive Mayor

Princess Faku has welcomed the latest results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by StatisticsSouth Africa (Stats SA), whichshowed asignificant 8.6%year-on-year drop in unemployment in the Buffalo City region.

Stats SA Statistician-General Risenga Malulekereleasedthe latestquarterly unemployment survey on Tuesday, 12 May.

The latestdata showed that the official unemployment rate in thecountry had increased by 1.3 percentage points, from 31.4%inthe fourth quarter of 2025 to 32.7%inthe first quarter of 2026.

The Eastern Cape recorded a49% increase in unemploymentfigures. Buffalo City is the only metropolitan municipality in the country that has seen anominal decrease in unemployment

While welcomingthe drop in BCM’s latest unemployment figures, Fakuexpressed caution, noting that the local success sits against asombre broader context of high unemployment acrossthe Eastern Cape and the country at large.

“While we are encouraged by the fact that BuffaloCity remains aprimary employment region in the Eastern Cape, we remain mindful of the challenges facing our province,” saidFaku.

Fakuhighlightedthat the Metro’s economicgrowth hasmade it an attractive destination for job-seekers from other areas of the province relocating toBuffalo City in search of greenerpastures

“While we embrace our role as an attractive economiczone, thisinward migration continues to putimmense pressure on our municipal services and infrastructure,”saidFaku.

The East London Development Zone (ELIDZ)and the Mercedes-Benz SA East Londoncar manufacturing plant continue toplay asignificant role in job creation in Buffalo City

“To notice adropinunemployment duringaperiod of heightened geopolitical tensionsand high fuel prices is atestament to the resilienceofmanufacturing industries and the business sector operating in our region. However,our statistics show thatwemust continue to movebeyond the formal sector and provide dedicated support to the informal economy, which remains acornerstone of the overall employment in BuffaloCity,”noted Faku.

Despitethe positivetrajectory, Faku reminded stakeholdersthat the unemployment rate remains high and the Metro will continue to workwith the business communitytoaddress the scourge of unemployment.

“We celebrate this 8.6% reduction, but we do so with the knowledge that there is still much worktobedone. Our rate is currently lower than boththe provincial and national average, butour goal remains the total economictransformation of the Metro to ensure everycitizen has accesstojob opportunities. We arecalling on the business sector to continue to play itsrole in these efforts,” concluded Faku.

BuffaloCity Metro mayor, Princess Faku,has welcomed the latest 8.6 percentyear-on-yearreduction in unemployment in theBuffalo City region.

MemorialsiteinhonourofKingHintsaunveiledinButterworth

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

DEPUTY PresidentPaul Mashatileand Premier Oscar Mabuyaneofficiallyunveiled the King Hintsa kaKhawuta memorial during the commemoration ceremony of Hintsa’s legacy held at the Butterworth TVET College, MnqumaMunicipality, on Tuesday, 12 May.

The commemoration of King Hintsa’s legacy was held underthe theme, “Honouring aLegend: Aaah! Zanzolo! 191 Years of KumkaniHintsa kaKhawuta’s Enduring Legacy in the Eastern Cape.”

The commemoration and unveiling of the King Hintsa memorial was attended by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Deputy Minister Zolile Burns-Ncamashe;Deputy Minister of Defence General BantuHolomisa; provincialDepartment of Sport,Recreation, Arts and Culture(DSRAC) MEC Sibulele Nongogo; and traditional leaders.

King Hintsa, an AmaXhosaleader and warrior, was widely known for his continued resistance against colonial rule in the Eastern Cape.Hewas murdered on the banks of the Nqabarha River by British colonial forcesunder Colonel Harry Smith on 12 May 1835.

Delivering his keynote address, Mashatile reflected on the significanceof commemorating Hintsa’slegacy, describing him as acourageous and visionary leader who sacrificed his life defending the sovereignty, land, identity and dignityofthe Xhosa nation against colonial

expansion.

Mashatile saidthe commemoration is aligned with the broadersignificance of Africa Month, celebrated in May, serving as an important reminder of the continent’shistory,resilience, identity and

ongoing journey towards unityand restoration.

The anniversary celebration came amid widespread protests over undocumented foreign nationals believed to be in the country illegally,anaction whichhas

sparkedxenophobicdebate in SouthAfrica.

“Today’s commemoration stood not only as aremembrance of thepast, but also as areaffirmation of theidentity, heritage andenduring spirit of apeople who continue to shape thefuture. Traditional leaders must continue honouringthe legacy of resistanceand self-determination, andadvancing thedecolonisation of education in thespirit of King Hintsa’s leadership and sacrifice,” said Mashatile.

He said theceremonymarked191 years sincethe passing of thefearless Xhosa warrior whosecourage andcolonial resistance continue to inspire generations.

“Aswereflect on thesacrifices of our forebears, we arereminded that true freedom must include opportunities, development andsafety for all communities,” addedMashatile

In his address, Mabuyaneemphasised that honouring Hintsa’s legacy goes beyondremembrance butrequiresservice delivery,includingthe building of schools,upgrading of roads,expanding waterinfrastructure, combating crime andpromoting ruraleconomicgrowth in theGcuwa andiDutywa areas.

Amathole DistrictMunicipality (ADM) mayoral committee member(MMC), Fumanekile Phumaphi, aligned theoccasion with ADM’s ongoing commitment to heritage revival andpreservation within the district, highlighting its contribution to local economicdevelopment throughtourism

SANSAlaunchesnaturalresourcesproject

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

THE South African National SpaceAgency (SANSA), in partnership with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, officially launchedthe National Resources Developmentproject in honouroflegendary KingHintsa, heldatthe Nqadu Great Place in Mbashe Municipality on Friday, 8May.

The launch formed part of aseriesof build-up activities leading to the commemoration of King Hintsa’s legacy in Butterworth, Mnquma Local Municipality,on Tuesday,12May.

The natural resources initiative seeks to create and develop insights derived from

earth observation data through collaborativepartnerships aimed at supporting local communities and municipalities in makinginformed, evidence-based decisions.

Theinitiative further focusesonskills development,trainingopportunitiesand the creation of sustainablebusinessopportunities within rural communities.

Deliveringhis keynote address, Science, Technology and Innovation, Minister ProfessorBlade Nzimande cited the importanceofscience and earth observation technologies in areas such as water detection, sanitation, climatechange mitigation and agricultural crop evaluation

Nzimande noted that science remains centraltodevelopment and innovation,

and that collaborative engagement with communities is essential in driving education, awarenessand technological advancement in rural areas.

“Take this initiative and maximise the opportunities it offers,asthey do not come so often. This is the future, and you are the future,” said Nzimande.

SANSA CEO, Humbulani Mudau, explained that the initiative seekstounlock local economic development opportunities through agriculture and earth intelligence technologies,incorporating social sciences,Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) innovations and robotics, among other features

Mudaustressed the importance of collaborative participation in the space pro-

gramme, noting that partnerships with municipalities, communities, academia and various stakeholders are critical to improving service delivery and ensuring economic inclusion.

Amathole District Municipality Mayor Anele Ntsangani drew attention to the district’s extraordinary biodiversity, its flora, fauna and medicinal plants as one of the district’s most significant and underutilised assets.

Ntsangani said that the Amathole District had formally submitted an application to UNESCO for the district’s biosphere to be recognised as aBiosphere Reserve, citing the region’sexceptional and largely untouched natural heritage as deserving of international recognition and protection.

ECRDAcontinuetoempoweremergingfarmersinEasternCape

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

THE Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA), an entity of the provincial Department of Agriculture, continues to empower and support emerging farmers, targeting those operating in rural areas throughout the province.

The ECRDA recently delivered abrandnew tractor, together with much-needed farming equipment, to emergingfarmer, Gcinuhlanga Silunga, of Mgomanzivillage, Butterworth,inMnquma Local Municipality.

The agriculture development agencyalso

delivered two mobilehempdecorticator machines to Pinedene Farm, which is one of ECRDA’s supported hemp farms in the province.

Ayoung emerging farmer, 33-year-old Wandile Khave, of Ndaleni village, iDutywa, now the owner of Karoo Farming Enterprise (Pty) Limited, is the latest beneficiary of the ECRDA funding programme. Khave’s dreamofbeing afarmerwas made possible through the ECRDA funding model.

“I always knew that Iwanted to be alivestock farmer, but Idid nothave land or money. All Ihad wasa dream andpas-

sion,”said Khave.

Determined to carve outa future in farming, Khave pursued aNational Diploma in Agriculture.

In 2020, Khave began farming on asmall piece of land, growingvegetables such as cabbages, spinach,tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, beetroot, lettuce, broccoli and cauliflowers.

Ayearlater, his efforts began to bear fruit, andheregistered his owncompany, Karoo Farming Enterprise. When his vegetable cropsflourished, he decided to pursue livestock farming and applied for the ECRDA funding assistance.

BanksstepintobridgeHomeAffairsSmartIDgap

BABALWA NDLANYA

MANAGER for Mobile Servicesatthe Department of Home Affairs in Mthatha, Zuko Ntso, confirmed that the principals of this department in the Eastern Cape arestill trying to address the issueofalternativeaccommodationsince the office they areusing nowhas asmallspace He added that theyare working together with theHome Affairs StakeholdersForum, which also includes their National Officeand Department of Public Works. "We are focusing on Mthatha andMqanduli. When matters involve procurement, it is not something that happens easily because there are procedures that need to be followed. At least it is better because somethingisbeing done about thisissue. Once it is finalised, community members will be informed.

"When it comes to the Mqanduli office, whichisstill issuinggreen barcoded ID

books instead of smart ID cards, fornow, we are depending on ourmobileoffice, which is focusing on thatarea in terms of identity documents andother services.

We arealso appealing to other offices that have mobile units to assist in that area.

We are now on amission to askbanks to also assist us by helping ourpeople obtain smart ID cards," said Ntso.

He added thatwhile they are still trying to upgrade offices to alevel where they can issue smart ID cards in Mqanduli, they have already partnered with First National Bank and Capitec Bank to work together

Now, clients can applyatthese banks when they want to obtain smart ID cards.

FNB clients pay R140.00 andCapitec clients pay R150.00.

Chairperson of the Department of Home Affairs Stakeholders Forum,Zwelithobile Mtikrakra, said thatsincethe collaboration began, they have felt relieved becausebanks are nowassisting communities in applyingfor smartIDcards

He said that althoughthe programme is currently operating only in Mthatha, they hope it will expand to otherdistricts.

"We are hoping thatother banks will also join this initiative. Although we are worriedabout officespaceinMthatha, the situation at the Mqanduli officeisaneven bigger problem because they are still issuinggreen barcodedidentity documents.

"This is disturbing community members because they are notsupposed to applyfor those kinds of IDs, but rather forsmart ID cards," said Mtikrakra He added thateven thoughthey have not yet secured officespace, the interventions by the banks will help minimise the problem.

According to him,working together with stakeholders such as the KingSabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality has helpedthem solve several challenges.

"If we were working individually, surely, we would notachievethese things. Now there is hope because we are working together."

Speaker for the KingSabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality, Councillor Nomamfengu Siyo-Sokutu, expressed

His application wasapproved, and ECRDA delivered aherd of 16 Bonsmara cattle to his farm. Khaveisnow asuccessful emerging farmer in Ndaleni village.

The ECRDA recently donated atractorand farming equipment to Silunga, a member of EthikaAgricultural Primary Co-operative, which collectively operates on 20 hectares of land.

The newly acquired tractor will not only support Silunga’s farming activities but will also strengthen operations within thefarming co-operative, improving efficiency and productivity for farmers in the area.

gratitude to allstakeholders and participants, highlighting the importance of collaborationbetween government departments, businesses, and communities to ensure quality services are delivered to residents.

"Therelationship between us and this department makes me happybecause they are making things easier. We are now able to identify the challenges we face, and once we do that, we look for solutions.

"We believe thatthis partnership must benefit ourcommunities because we have identified that manypeople are unable to obtain identity documents. This becomes aproblem because they cannot register andare unable to access benefitsthey are entitled to simply because they do not have these documents,"said Siyo-Sokutu.

She said they nowunderstand whyIDs are taking along time to be issued by

Home Affairs and whymany peoplestill do not havethem.

Siyo-Sokutu said that after identifying these issues, they looked at where the municipality couldassist. She added that registration is not only important for voting purposes but also helps in determining thepopulation living within the municipality.

"This also helps because themunicipality receives an equitableshare according to thenumber of peopleliving here. I think we must move closer to thepeople as agovernment so that communities can understand themany things thegovernment has done forthem.

"Some of thethings that lead peopleto protest are caused by alack of knowledge, but if thegovernment works together with thepeople, it will be easier for them to understand what is happening."

Mandela’s‘GiftsoftheNation’declaredprotectedHeritageCollection

ZAVELA MAKWABE

ON 18 May 2026, International Museum Day took on historic significance at the Nelson Mandela Museum as Nelson Mandela’s gift collectionwas officially declared aSpecifically Declared Heritage Collection under South African law.

The declarationceremony, hosted by the Nelson Mandela Museum in partnershipwith the South AfricanHeritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, saw Minister Gayton McKenzie formally hand over the declara-

tion certificate at themuseum’s BhungaBuilding in Mthatha.

Themove cements the collection, affectionatelyknown as the “Giftsof theNation”, as aprotectednational treasure. Gazetted under Section 32 of the National Heritage ResourcesAct (No. 25 of 1999), thedeclaration safeguards thecollection against sale, loss, damage or fragmentation.

The stepfollows previous concerns overattempts to auction Madiba’s personal items and ensures that thegiftsremainintact for futuregenerations.

Thecollection comprises approximately 3,900 objects —beadwork,textiles,sculptures, med-

als, paintings, handcrafted items and heartfeltgiftsfrom children across the world.

Theitems were presented to Mandelabyheadsofstate, royalty, traditional leadersand ordinarycitizens, reflecting the global reach of hislegacy

Morethan artefacts, the gifts tella material storyofinternational unity and South Africa’s re-entry into the global community after apartheid.

They stand as symbols of the solidaritythat supported the country’s strugglefor freedom, with Mandelaasits moral compass.

“Thisdeclaration honours

Madiba’s vision —aliving museum that celebrates the global community who stood with South Africa in itsstruggle for freedom,”the museum’sSenior Manager of Public Engagement and Marketing, Nontlantla Dalindyebo, told the Express Shesaidthe Bhunga Building was established specifically to house, protect and share these symbolsofsolidarity.

Acting CEO Mandisi Msongelwa saidthe declaration marks amilestone for the museum and the region.

“Thisdeclaration is asignificant milestone for the Museum. It strengthens our positioning

locally, nationally and globally, while unlocking opportunities for tourism and economic growth withinthe King SabataDalindyebo Local Municipalityand the OR TamboDistrict,” Msongelwa said.

He added that the recognition would elevate the Nelson Mandela Museum as adestination of choice, attracting visitors from across SouthAfrica and abroad. The ceremony brought together government, heritage authorities and the museum in amoment described as “one for the history books,”securing Madiba’s gifts as part of the nation’s enduring heritage.

LusikisikigraduateearnsdistinctionforOrganicFarmingresearch

WHEN Awabo Manyaku walked across the Autumn Graduation stage at the University of Fort Hare, she carriedmorethan a master’s degree.

She carried the memory of red soil under herbare feet, thequiet strength of her mother in the fields, and the smell of plain boiled potatoes cooling on the kitchen table. It was a full-circle moment for ayoung woman from Lusikisikiinthe rural Eastern Cape,whose love forthe land began longbefore she ever heardthe word ‘horticulture’.

Awabo’s childhood was shaped by subsistence farming.Like many families in hercommunity, her household depended on what they could coax from the soil. She spentafternoons helpingher mother in the fields, learning through observation and small, patienttasks.

When harvest came,the meals weresimple. “My favourite was plain boiled potatoes,”Awabo recalls with alaugh. At the time, she neverimagined that those humble potatoes would become the focusofher life's work.

“I neverthought I’d focus on potatoes,” she says. But the connectionwas alreadythere, quietlygrowingbeneath the surface,just likethe crops she once helpedtend.

For her MSc in Horticulture, Awabo turned her attention to a problem close to home: degraded soil and the challengesfaced

by smallholder farmers. Under the supervision of Dr HildegardWitbooi-Masayiti, she designed astudy comparing how anorganic fertiliser performed against more conventional, synthetic methods when growing a specific potatovariety

The question mattered.In rural areas, limited access to knowledge often means that farmers rely on chemical inputs that can harm the soil and produce less healthy food over time. Awabo wanted to test whether areturn to organic practices many of which echo traditional farming methods —could offer ahealthier, more sustainable path forward.

So shetook her research back to where it started. In Lusikisiki and other communities, she workedalongside small-scale farmers, setting up experiments in real fields, on real land,with real stakes. “It wasagreatexperience,” she said. “I enjoyed working with those old ladies back at home.”

The work was not without challenges.“One of my serious worries was that thelocal goats and sheep wouldtry to eat my experiment,”she jokes. “But they respected my thing, and they were wishing me well.”

Beyond the data, Awabo found something equallyvaluable: the chance toshare knowledge. As sheran her trials, she explained to farmers what was happening in their soil, whyorganic fertilisers workedthe way they did, and how thesemethodsconnected tothe farming practices

theirgrandparents once used.

“I believeithad agreat impact,because on the journey, Iwas educating them on what is happening on theirland,” she says. The farmers listened, asked questions, and expressed interest in making the shift.

Awabo’s results werepromising,and her work is already resonating beyond the Eastern Cape.Her thesis has produced morethan six academic publications.

Awabo is alreadyregistered for her PhD, where she hopes to explore hydroponicsand continue pushing the boundaries of sustainable agriculture in South Africa. For now, though, she’s savouring the moment. Graduating with distinction is an achievement, butfor Awabo, the realreward has been seeing her researchtake root —both in academicjournals and in the fieldsofLusikisiki

“I’m also surprised,”she says with alaugh, reflecting on how far the work has gone. She is quicktothank her supervisor for her unwavering support, especially during the difficult stretches.

From achild helping her mother in the fields to aresearcher publishing nationally and internationally, Awabo’s storyisone of quiet determination, deep connection to community and the belief that science can grow from home.

And at the heart of it all, still, arethose plainboiled potatoes —the simple taste that started it all.

JezilebackonairafterwinningTru FMTalentSearch

BABALWA NDLANYA

SINGER,master of ceremonies, and former radiopresenter, AzoleJezile, from KwaNjakazi locality in Willowvale, has joined TruFMasone of the new presenterswho won the radio presenter competition that has been taking place since February 23, 2026.

Jezile said he is overwhelmed with gratitudeand joy after being announced as one of the winners of the search. He said they arestill finalising the preparations, so he is not sureyet when he will start, butitwill be next month.

“This moment means so much to me, and Iknow Iwould never have reached it without your

incredible support. Thank you to every personwho votedfor me, prayed for me,and encouraged me throughout this journey

“Some offered me transport, accommodation andsupportin every form possible.Some of you gave your time,energy, resources, and unwaveringbelief in me, even when thejourney felt challenging. Idonot take anyofit for granted,” said Jezile.

He added that the love andsupportfrom his supporters carried him through every stage of the competition andthatthis victory belongstoall of them

Jezile confirmed that he started working in radioin2014 at Kanya FM in Butterworth, where he hostedashowcalled Midday Connection from 12:00 to 15:00.

“I then left in 2018 andjoined Downtown Radio, based in Durban andJohannesburg There, Ihostedthe Poetic Sunday Show,whichwas an award-winning programme.I left radio in 2023, butIwantedtoreturn throughthe SABC Tru FM talent search,” he said He alsoconfirmed that, besides being aradiopresenter, he has released asongtitled Wawukuphi,featuring Vee Sholo. The song hasearnedhim recognition in themusic industry.

Jezile alsoplays amajor role in supporting thoseinneed.In 2023, he andhis friendsdonated morethan600 jackets to an orphanage andtochildren from theSkietInformal Settlementin Butterworth

BusinessesmaketheirmarkatFlorencecraftfair

TENcreative enterprises from the Eastern Cape exhibited at the Mostra Internazionale dell’Artigianato (MIDA) at the Fortezza da Basso in Florence, Italy, from 25 April to 3May 2026.

The fairfeatured over 500 artisans from around the world. Participating Eastern Cape brands included Komani’s Bau Instyle and iRhali, Gqeberha’s La Mohair, Soyama Trading and NC Upholsters, kuGompo City’s Infix Creations, Ozzys Eco Décor, Zazi Clothing, and Castellano Beltrame, as well as Bathurst’s Leafline.

The delegationwas led by the EasternCape DevelopmentCorporation(ECDC),representedby Trade Promotion Specialist Linda Lubengu.

Lubengu said the presence of these companies underscored a commitment to elevating Eastern Cape talent, unlocking global market opportunities, andforging trade connections between SouthAfrica and Italy.

“These companies were being connected with their international peers, and they learntwhat it takestocompete on aglobal scale. The objective is for them to connect with buyers and potential customerssothey can take advantage of the opportunities presented by the export market We wanttomake Eastern Cape enterprisesglobal, while supporting their international competitiveness and sustainability,” said Lubengu.

South Africa’s Ambassador to Italy, Nosipho Jezile, supported by Assistant Consul Camilla Sarra, conducted awalkabout of the exhibition area on the secondday of the fair, interacting with the

businessowners andtheir craftsmanship.

Visitors browsed products rangingfrom fashion and accessories tofurniture design, craftsmanship,wellness products, andjewellery. Theexhibitionalso featured foodand wine.

ZiphoRapiya,owner of Komani’s Bau Instyle andiRhali, said exhibitinginItaly was amilestonefor thebrandand arepresentation of their growth.

“It’s atestament to the creativity,craftsmanshipand exclusivity of Irhali, andthe vibrant culture of South Africa. We are excited to share ourunique voicewith

the world, and by learning from different cultures, we could draw inspiration from. We are hoping to leave Florence having established long-term business partnerships which will allowusto take our brand global,”Rapiya said.

Also fromKomani,Luyolo Dlikilili, the inspiration behind Bau Instyle, said exhibiting in Florence provided an opportunity to assess the global resonance of the brand’s visionbeyond their local market, enabling them to determine whether their brand not only honoursits South African heritage, but also engagesa glob-

Afro-Popsingerpublishesfirstbook

AFRO-Pop Singer Sinelizwi

Mbidana (originally from Mbizana) has recently published his first book, titled Innocent President Moment

He said this bookdwells on the secretofhow psychologicaltimes operateand have an effect on people’s everyday lives, to the point where they can give an overall picture of someone’scharacter or how someone lived his or herlife entirely

He said his findingsled him to writethis down so that he could express his views on how the world operates, including knowledge of each of these psychological times, which are the past, the present andthe future

“Thetitle of the book explains clearly that he figured out that the present moment is innocent, all of which hasbeen proven through hislife’s trials and tribulations.

“I believe thatwetend to bringthoughts, or rather experiences of the past, into the now, or rather the present moment, in which we forget that this present moment is actually innocent.

“I have done absolutely nothing; instead, we can endure it without labelling it according to how it is supposed to be, according to the images we proj-

ect into our minds as asortof vision or dream, which is the future. Remember,the present moment is purelyinnocent; it is likea white cloth without a stain,” said Mbidana.

He addedthatthe drive behind thisbook, as an artist, is an understanding thatthey are historians whocapture the moment andstoreitasasong or apainting so that the current andnextgenerations will experiencethe narrative.

Giventhisunderstanding,he feltthata song only takes five minutes or less, meaning he cannot tell thewhole story.

“This is my first book and notthe last one. Even though Ihavenot startedwriting the secondone, Ican assureyou thatthisjourney of being an author is an ongoing thing. I am lookingforward to starting to write thesecond; it will be of the same nature.

“Themission here is to get peopleonthe verylongest journey thatany human can ever take, whichisfinding self,getting alignedwithourselves, understandingself, and being awakened and enlightened.”

AccordingtoMbidana, it is all aboutencouraging people to find themselves,regardless of theirreligion, andtoaccess basic humankind spiritual teachings while allowing everything to unfold as it should.

Manyconsider this as preordination.

He said there is no need to worry about the future or to be stressed about past experiences; instead, one should be present and allow everything to unfold as it should.

He added that there is no age specification, but he would encouragethose who are at astageoftrying to find their own path to readit.

Mbidana said that forthose who are striving forindependencebut are still living under the watch of aparent, it is not that vitaltobother themselves with it, depending on the individual’sintelligence, though.

“Asthe book says, the InnocentPresentMoment,itmeans I immerse myself in the moment without thinking about something else.

“I basically focus on everything Iamdoing at that particular time, as well as appreciate everything Iachieve, no matter how little it seems.

“Gratitude is the gateway to abundance.

“The very first chapter of thisbook is titled Magnitude of Gratitude,where Iexplain how being grateful can enhance and attract many great thingsto happen in life.”

•For moreinformation and to order this book, send a WhatsApp messageto069 724 4217. It costs R250.

al clientele and transcends denim street culturalboundaries.

“We are deeply encouraged by the exceptional responsetoour exhibition stand, the significant growth in our international social media following, and the substantial order volumes we have received from new markets,” he said.

Zazi Clothing founder, Onwaba Mleve, from KuGompo, said exhibitingonaninternational platform is amilestone that reinforces theirposition as aleading voiceinAfrican luxury fashion

“Platforms of this scale open strategic doors for trade, invest-

ment, and collaboration, allowing us to expand our footprintand contribute meaningfully to the global fashion economy,”said Mleve.

Operating from KuGompo City, Castellano Beltrame’sClaudia Heywood saidparticipation in MIDA opens direct access to a wider, global audience of highend specifiers, designers, retailersand other potential buyers.

“It builds networking opportunities that can evolve intothe representation of the brand in other countriesthat can lead to exportopportunities,” said Heywood.