Mthatha Express South - E-Edition - 23 April 2026

Mthathatavernsfined fortradingviolations

BABALWA NDLANYA

SPOKESPERSON for theKing Sabatha DalindyeboLocal Municipality, Sonwabo Mampoza, gaveclarity regarding compliance and law enforcement operations at local taverns, particularly in relation to Delamo Tavern and Transkei Hotel (TH) tavern that are in the CentralBusiness District (CBD) of Mthatha

He said Delamo Tavern is alegally licensed establishment, andits liquor licence is renewed annually in accordance with regulatoryrequirements.

Mampoza said there arenostudents regularly visiting the tavern; however,a student accommodation facility is located nearby.

“KSD Law Enforcement conductsongoing inspections across all taverns to ensure adherence to Municipal by-laws and liquor trading regulations. The Transkei Hotel tavern is among the establishments that are regularly inspected.

“On the evening of April 12, 2026, our Law Enforcement Officers conducted an inspection in this hotel. On their arrival, they discovered that thetavern was operating outsidepermitted trading hours. Secondly, the liquor licence was not visibly displayed as required,” said Mampoza.

According to the regulations, taverns close by 23:00. He confirmedthatitwas fined and they ordered it to close

“The municipality wishes to caution the public against relyingsolely on unverified information circulatingonsocial media,which may not always reflect the reality on the ground. Furthermore, it has been established that illegal activities such as drug sales areoften carried out by individuals (peddlers) andnot necessarily by the tavern businessesthemselves.”

He said community members areurged to remain vigilant and reportany suspicious or unlawful activities to therelevantauthorities. Anyone whohas any information about any wrongdoing/unlawful activities can report to thenearest policestation or viathe CustomerCare line on 047 495 1037.

“In addition, the Municipality continues to work closely with the Liquor Board and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to conduct regular compliance inspections. Our municipality calls on all business owners to comply fully with all applicable regulationstoensure safeand lawful operations.”

Spokesperson for Eastern Cape Liquor Board,DrMgwebiMsiya, said for therecord, the tavern is licensedand in good standing in terms of their system

“What we havebeen made awareofis that the KSDwas undertaking its routine compliance inspections in linewith their bylaws, and they found the outlet trading beyondthe regulated tradinghours as determined by the municipality through its bylaws, and for that transgression, they were fined R5,000. Secondly, they didnot display their liquor licence, whichisa legitimate requirement, andfor that they were fined R1,000,” saidMsiya.

He added that lastly,they were also playing loud music, whichisanother transgression and for that they were fined another R1,000. In total they were fined R7,000 for being non-compliantwith the Municipal Liquor by Law.

“With regardtoour records,the outlet is owned by aSouth African andduring our inspectors’ visit to theoutlet, they could also confirm that theappointed managers areSouth African. We have no knowledge of the outlet being runbya foreigner accordingtoour liquor licences; however, only those whoare in the country legally and haveworkpermits or refugee status can obtain liquorlicences. We work very hard to ensure that our liquor traders obey the laws and trade responsibly; however,westill have those who arenon-compliant in some instances, including around Mthatha.” Msiyasaidthey appreciate the work

that is donebythe KSD in enforcing its liquor bylaws andhope other municipalities will follow suit so that theirliquor traders can exercise their rightsresponsibly.

“Wefurther urgemembers of the communitytoalways reportliquoroutlets that arecausing problems for them such as opening thewhole night,selling to underage persons, playing loudmusic, etc. They can reportthroughour toll-free number080000 0420 or send aWhatsApp message to 076 4036223. We aresending astern warning to thoseliquor traders that rent outtheir liquor licences,whether to foreigners or other SouthAfricans, as this is aserious breach of our regulations.”

According to Msiya, they sendout a warning to anyonewho sells liquor withoutavalidliquorlicencetorefrain from that, as it amountstoa serious criminal act andwhere oneisfound trading illegally will face thefullwrath of the law.

RepairsplannedforunsafeMthathaschool

BABALWA NDLANYA

SPOKESPERSON for the Department of Education, Mali Mtima, confirmed that they are on amission to repair and replace disaster-damaged buildings at Ngoswana Primary Schoolin Mthatha

He said that, at this stage, the process initiated by the Mvula Trust(TMT),inviting contractors to submit quotations, is still in theprocurement phase.

He explained that this process(from quotation, evaluation,appointment, and site handover) may take approximately four to eight weeks, depending on compliance and administrative requirements “Once acontractor has been appointed, the duration of the work will depend on the scope. We acknowledge that the community was previouslypromised the provision of temporary structures for this school,and the concernregarding delays is fully understood, particularly given the unsafe condition of the current facilities “Based on the latest developments,the MvulaTrust has initiated aprocurement process for the repair and replacement of disaster-damaged infrastructure at the school. While this is apositive step toward along-term solution, it does not automaticallyconfirm that temporary structures will be providedimmediately. However, given the current riskposed by the existingmud structures, the provision of temporary structures remains a necessary and strongly recommended interim measure,” said Mtima

He added thatthe matter is being raised with the relevant authorities to ensure that learner safetyisprioritised while permanent solutions are being finalised. Mtimasaid that adefinitive confirmation on the delivery and timeline of temporary structures is still awaited, and follow-up engagements are ongoing to secure clarity and urgency on this commitment.

“Usually, the department merges schools that have alow number of learners.This school has previously been identified as small and non-viable due to its low learn-

er enrolment. Under normal circumstances,the Department of Education (DoE) would consider rationalisation or merging such schools to improve efficiency and resource allocation. In this particular case, the decision not to close or merge the school is primarily influenced by its geographic location.”

Headded that the school is isolated and surrounded by ariver, which makes it difficult and potentially unsafefor learners to access alternativeschools.

According to him, thisconstraint is also reflected in the Circuit School Landscape Plan.

As aresult, while the school may not meet standardviability criteria,itcontinues to operate to ensureaccess to education for learnersinthat community.

“The current intervention to repairor replace infrastructure is thereforenot a change in policy, butrather aresponse to an urgent safety concern. Theexisting mud structures posea serious risk to learners, and the Department has a responsibility to ensurea safe learning environment, regardless of theschool’s long-termstatus. In summary, theschool remains operational duetoits unique access challenges, and the planned work

Ministerconcludesdisastermanagementsummit

THEMinisterofCooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, concluded the National Disaster Management Strategic Indaba, convened under thetheme “Strengthening Disaster Management Functions Acrossthe Country”

His spokesperson, Pearl Maseko-Binqose, said the Indaba underscored the urgent need to enhance South Africa’s ability to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.

Critical focus areas included strengthening early warning systems, improving emergency response planning,advancing climate-resilientinfrastructure, and promoting communitypreparednessand resilience.

“Againstthe backdropof South Africa’s increasing vulnerability to droughts, floods, extreme weather events and other natural and human-induced disasters, the Indaba provideda timelyand strategic platform for robust,inclusive and coordinatedengagement on disaster risk management.

“The StrategicIndaba brought together abroad range of stakeholders to collectively shape astrengthened, integrated national approach to disaster management. Participantsincluded executive leadership, disaster management experts and practitioners, representatives from all spheres of government,academia and the private sector,”she said

Sheadded that the Indaba forms part of the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening thecountry’s disaster managementsystem andenhancing preparedness and response capabilities in the faceofescalating climate-related and human-induced risks.

Deliberations focused on strengthening institutional capacity, coordination,

compliance and accountability in disaster risk governance, while advancing prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, andrecovery capabilities across national, provincial and municipal spheres of government.

Keyareas of engagement included:

• Thestateofdisastermanagement in SA

• Disasterresponsecapabilityand capacity Implementation of disasterresponseand recovery measures

Disastermanagement support programmes formunicipalitiesand communications towards institutional reforms, strategic partnerships and improvedgovernancearrangements

The South African LocalGovernment Association (SALGA) emphasisedthe urgent need for awhole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to support municipalities in respondingtoescalating environmental and disaster-related challenges.

is aimedataddressing immediate safety risks rather than reversing the broader approach to school rationalisation.”

MthathaExpress wrote an article about this school in January 2024, when parentswantedanswers from theDoE about apromise made in 2025 that the school would receivetemporarystructures.

The chairpersonofthe School Governing Body (SGB), Nocawe Mxinwa, said the school was started in 1992 by parents afterthey realised that their childrenwere struggling to access education

“Each homesteadcontributed mud blocks,accompaniedbya donation of R100. The mainproblemwas that our children used to start school when they were already olderand ended up dropping out. By building this school, we were trying to avoidthat. We managedtobuild two blocks

“The first onemight collapseatany time duetoits poor condition.The second onewas renovatedafterwereceived sponsorship from BuildIt. It is nowbuilt with cement blocks,” she said

One of thecommunitymembers, NdiphiweMakaula, said they were happy that thedepartmenthad decidedtorenovate theschool because its conditionwas one of theissues that hadled parentstowithdraw their children.

“Their decisionmakesushappy because nowthe enrolment will increase.Weeven hadameeting with theschool management when we discussed that thereshould be programmestobring back learners. This will alsoencourage parentstosend their children to this school,”hesaid. He addedthattheir area is oftenaffected by disasters, andthe structure was very dangerous, puttingchildren at risk.

“Wewould like to thankall thosewho playedamajor part, including Express, for publishingour concerns. Icannot forgetour teachers, whochose to stayeven though thesituation was very bad. They didnot leave ourschool; instead, they stood with us. We alsothank Langeni Forest for donating 200 polessothatwecan fencethe school.”

Throughits Local Government Support Initiative,SALGA calledfor coordinated intergovernmental action,streamlined supportmechanisms, data-driven decision-making andstrengthened municipal capacity, in linewith theconstitutional mandate to supportand strengthen local government

“National Treasury reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening fiscal governanceand sustainable financinginlocal government with aparticular focus on improvedoversight of disaster-related andinfrastructure funding,climate-resilient investmentsand theprofessionalisation of municipal financialmanagement to ensure theefficient,transparent andaccountable use of publicresources.”

She addedthatthe Indaba culminated in tangible outcomes, includingstrengthened partnerships, shared accountability frameworks andaclear roadmap to enhancethe effectiveness, sustainability, andimpact of disaster management functionsacrossthe country

In his closing remarks, Deputy Minister Reverend Prince Burns-Ncamashe emphasisedthatthe Indaba represented adecisivesteptowards strengthening SouthAfrica’sdisasterrisk governance. He calledonall stakeholders to translate commitmentsintosustained and coordinatedaction,underscoringthe importance of strengthened institutional capability, enhanced accountability, anddecisiveleadership —particularly at thelocal government level, where the impact of disasters is mostacutely felt. He concludedbyurging aunified, whole-of-society approach to protecting lives, livelihoods anddevelopment gains throughresilientand responsivedisastermanagement systems.

Traditionalleaders backeconomic developmentsummit

THE NationalHouse of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders(NHTKL) has affirmed its full supportfor the National Local Economic Development (LED)Summit Declaration,while calling on allSouth Africans to play an active role inholding leadership accountable to ensurethat the commitmentsmadetranslate into meaningful and measurablechange.

Theparticipationofthe NHTKL,led by Chairperson Kgosi Thabo Seatlholoat the 2026 National LED Summit, underscored the recognition of traditional leadership as acritical partner in shaping inclusive, sustainable and community-driven economicdevelopment

Convened under the theme "Re-engineering Local Economies: Acollaborative Blueprint forSmall Enterprise Growthand Ease of Doing Business," the summit brought togetherthe government, theprivate sectorand civil society to craft aunified path towardslocal economic transformation

In his closing remarks, Kgosi Seatlholo described the summit as both timelyand necessary, emphasising that theadoption of thedeclaration places acollective responsibility on all leaders to ensure its implementation for tangible outcomes

He reaffirmedthat traditional leadership is not aperipheral observer, but a central force in advancingdevelopment, particularly within rural communities, where poverty and underdevelopmentremain most severe.

"Traditional leaders stand ready to support and drive initiatives that unlock economic potential in ourcommunities. However, the true testofthe declaration will not lie in itsadoption,but in its implementation and impact on the lives of ourpeople,"saidKgosi Seatlholo.

He saidthat the NHTKL believesthat localeconomic development must be groundedinthe lived realitiesoftraditional communities, moving from consumers to producers.

Traditional leaders are uniquely positionedtofacilitategrassrootsdevelopment, enable access to economic opportunities and bridge the gap between policy and implementation.

Critically, Kgosi Seatlholo called on citizens, entrepreneurs and community

structures to take an active role in monitoringprogress and demanding results.

"Communities must not be passive recipients of development but rather active agents of economic transformation. They must become active participants in ensuringthat leaders deliver on their commitments. Accountability is ashared responsibility, anditisthrough this collective vigilance that we will ensure that the declarationleads to real change."

Accordingtohim,the NHTKL reiterates that without active citizen engagement andconsequencemanagement, even the most well-intentioned policies risk failingtoaddress the urgent socio-economic challenges facing the country, particularly in rural areas, where poverty, unemployment and inequality remain deeply entrenched.

The institutionreaffirms its unwaveringcommitment to working collaboratively with the government and allsocial partners todrive implementationofthe summit declaration.

The ultimate measureofsuccess will be seen in reduced poverty, improved economic conditions and expanded opportunities,especially in rural communities thathavehistorically been left behind.

In delivering closing remarks, Minister for the Department of Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs, VelenkosiniHlabisa, reaffirmed the government's full support forthe declaration, emphasising that the success of localeconomic development hinges on functional, capable and accountable municipalities.

He underscored the need to move beyond dialogue and ensurethatresolutionsadopted at the summit are translated intoconcrete actions that improve the lives of communities.

"Local government remains the engine of economic development,"stressing that strengthened collaboration acrossall threespheres of government, alongside a whole of society approach, is essentialto unlocking growth," said Hlabisa

He further pointed to the ongoing review ofthe White Paper on LocalGovernment, the introduction of anew funding model,and adifferentiated approachto municipal support as key interventions thatwill reshape the local governance landscape

Policeissuewarningabout rising‘cashsend’scams

THE SouthAfrican Police Service (SAPS) is warning the public to exercise caution when receiving urgent requests for money from friends or family members, particularly when asked to send funds through cashtransfer services.

SAPS has identified aconcerning trend where criminalsare gaining unauthorised access to individuals'mobile phones and messaging platforms.Once access is obtained, these fraudsters impersonate the phone owner and contact people from their contact list, typically claiming to be in an emergency requiring urgent financialassistance.

These scams are particularly effective because the requests appear to come from trusted contacts. Victims are often persuaded to transfer funds throughinstantcash transfer services,which are extremely difficult to trace or reverse once transactions have been completed, making recovery of stolen funds nearly impossible.

Members of the public are strongly advisedtoverify all financial requests

before acting, regardless of who appears to be sendingthem.

SAPS recommends:

• Make avoicecalltothe persondirectlyusing aknown telephonenumber

• Usealternative, trustedcommunication methods to confirm the request's legitimacy

• Neverrelysolelyontextmessages or instant messaging forverification

SAPS further said that the public shouldbeparticularly cautious of urgent or emotional messages requesting immediate financial assistance, requests to send money to unknown or unverified recipients, pressure to act quickly without time for properverification, and unusual languageorphrasing that doesn'tmatch the supposed sender's typical communication style.

Members of the public who suspect they have been targeted by such scams, or who have fallen victimtothese crimes, are encouraged to report the incidents to their nearest policestation immediately.

FLAGSTAFF:

Rapperturnsretrenchment intosocialmediasuccess

ZAVELA MAKWABE

PHIKO Lomzi, a30-year-old content creator and entrepreneur from Flagstaff, started Meet the Tribein2020 after being retrenched during COVID-19.

"I started as arapper,and content creation happened accidentally," he told the Mthatha Express

He initially posted random things to promote hismusic and clothing brand on social media,but soon noticed his stories were ahit.

"I was doing it for fun to invite peopletomypage so they could discover my musicand clothing brand. Iwould postanything that came to mind until Inoticed that the storieswere getting more engagement and people were in lovewith them

“At that time content creation wasn't apopular thing, so it was avery uncomfortable journey at first until around 2023 when Istarted gettingfollowers, that's when Istarted takingitseriously."

Phikolomzi studied B.A.Psychology, initially aiming to be aClinicalPsychologist. He even completed hishonoursin2017 butcould notfind employment and ended up workingataretail store in Durban after being unemployed for avery long time.

Now,he's crushing it as acontent creator and an entrepreneur, showing how adapting to change can lead to success. Hiscontent creation journey took off, and hisfollowing skyrocketedfromunder500 Facebook friends to over 370k followers.

"Writing long stories in IsiXhosa was abig risk, butithas paid off,"hesays

Hisdiverse audiencespansage groups andethnicities, united by ashared love for humour. "Wemight be from different backgrounds, butweall laugh together -that's what keepsusconnected."

Hishumour-based content resonates with thousands, tacklingeveryday life andrelationshipsina way people can relate to.

He described his content creation process as organic andintuitive.

"I draw inspiration from real-life experiences andrandom ideas, just typing away when themood strikes. But what really fuelsmypassionare the messagesfromfollowers whohave been impactedbymycontent.KnowingI've helpedsomeonethroughtough times or made them laugh is what keeps me going."

He said he remindshimself that even if only onepersonsees his post, it could be thepersonwho needsitmost.

"The thoughtthatmycontent might bring laughter andbrighten someone's day is what drives me."

He admittedthatkeeping up with shrinkingattentionspansand shifting trendsistough,though.

"Weliveina digital world wherepeople's attentionspansare limited, people preferwatching onetotwo-minute reels andmove on to somethingelse."

Despite thenumbers he pulls,heis frustratedbecause he feelsthe industry doesn'trecognise his valueasa real content creator, justbecause he does notdovideos.

"I've built aloyal following with my high-quality writing, andthat's something to be proudof," he said

FROM interpreting legal conversations in a rural village for no pay to helping reshape SouthAfrica’s judiciary, Justice Cecil Mpho Somyalo’s life reflectsquiet determination,moral clarity and alegacy of historic firsts.

Nelson Mandela University recently conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws on JusticeSomyalo, recognising alegal career spanning morethan fourdecades andhis contribution to transforming the country’s justice system.

Born in Qumbu in the Eastern Cape, Somyalo’s introduction to law came far from lecture halls.

“My interest in law began not in alecture hall, but in avillage in the 1950s,” he said. “As astudent, duringthe school holidays, Iwould act as an interpreter for alocal attorney in my village of Qumbu.

“I was not paid acent for this, andyet Ithoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. There is something about the law, even when encountered informally, that captures the imagination. It speakstojustice, to thedignity of ordinary people navigating extraordinary circumstances.”

That early exposure sparked alifelong calling. After completing aBachelor of Arts degree at the UniversityofFort Hare and working as ateacher, he pursued legal studiesthrough the University of South Africa (UNISA), entering aprofession that remained largely inaccessible to black South Africans under apartheid.

Admitted as an attorney in 1971,hepractised law in Gqeberha for more than two decades, serving communities during one of the country’s most turbulent periods

His appointment to the bench in 1995 marked asignificant shift in South African legal history. As ajudgeofthe Transkei Divisionofthe HighCourt,hebecame the first attorney to be permanently appointed to the bench,challenging long-standing traditionsthat favoured senioradvocates.

His risewas swift. In 1997, he became the first black jurist appointed JudgePresident of the Transkei Division, and two years later, Judge President of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court.

At atime when thejudiciary was fragmented along apartheid-eralines,Somyalo played akey role in unifying courtsacross Makhanda, Bhisho and Mthatha, helping lay the foundation for amoreintegrated judicial system in theprovince.

In 2001, he served two terms as an acting justice of the ConstitutionalCourt,contributing to the developmentofconstitutional jurisprudence in South Africa’searly democratic years.

While his institutional impact is significant, Somyalo’s reflectionson integrity and ethics resonatedstrongly.

He recalled an early case that tested his

moral compass. After successfully defending aclient, the man attempted to settle his legal fees with stolengoods.

“He looked me in the eye andtoldme he would paymeinfull. He disappeared briefly and then returned, holding afax machine as his form of payment —a fax machine that he hadclearly notpurchased legally,”hesaid.

“I want you to hold thatmoment in your minds, for what it taught me.The law brings you into contact with people at their most vulnerable, their mostdesperate, and their mosthuman.You will be tested —not justintellectually,but morally

“And how you respond in those moments, when no one is watching, when the temptation may be simply to look away —thatis the measure of alawyer. Forthe record, I declined the fax machine.”

For Somyalo, integrity remains centralto the legalprofession.

“Integrity is notsomething you applyselectively. It is nota policyyou followwhen it is convenient andset aside when it is costly. It is acompass. And if you allowit to guide you consistently —even when it is uncomfortable—you will never truly lose your way.

“The mostvaluable attributes of alawyer are notfound in the sophistication of their arguments, but in the unshakeablequality of their character.”

Addressing graduates, he urged them to think beyond geographic and psychological boundaries.

“Thingsare different for you —profoundly, beautifully different. When Iwas starting out, the boundaries of one’s career were largely the boundaries of one’s geography,” he said.

“Youpractised where you lived. Your clients were your neighbours. Your world was, in manyways,yourimmediatesur-

Socialgrant recipientsexcel in matricexams

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

THE Department of Social Development has honoured agroup of Grade 12 social grant beneficiaries who, despitehardshipsand challenges, were among the top-performing matriculants in the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) matric examinations.

Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, recognised and acknowledged the 15 top-performingsocial grant beneficiaries at the launch of the 2025Grade 12 Educational OutcomesReport event held in Mdantsane in KuGompo City.

Tolashesaid the 15 social grant beneficiaries were among the Eastern Cape's top-performing matriculantsduring the 2025 NSC matric examinations and were recognised and honoured for their academicachievements.

“The launch seeks to profile the work and impact of the country’s social protection system, its importance and contribution to improving the living conditions of many families in need of basic care and support.

“It is also about encouraging other Grade 12 social grant beneficiaries to em-

ulate these successes by performing beyond expectations in their academicstudies,” saidTolashe.

The EasternCape matric class of 2025 achievedanimproved 84% passrate. A former social grant beneficiarywho was alsohonoured in Mdantsane, Awonge Makhetshe, shared her journey of losing both her parents at ayoung age, being supported through the foster care grant, passing matric with seven distinctions.

“Through hardwork and determination, Imanaged to obtainseven distinctions, and Iamnow studying medicine at NelsonMandela University,” said Makhetshe.

Speaking at the launch, National Student Financial AidScheme (NSFAS) representative Xolani Gobelosaidthe financial aid scheme remains acommitted partner in ensuring thatnodeserving learner is denied access to higher education dueto financial constraints.

“As part of this commitment, NSFAS will be donating laptops to the top-performing social grant beneficiaries, equipping them with essential tools to support their transition into institutions of higher learning,” said Gobelo.

roundings. That is no longer true.”

He emphasised theglobal standing of South African legal education.

“The legal education you have received… is world-class. South African legal educationisrespected globally,and rightly so,” he said.

Encouraging graduates to be bold, he added: “Do not confine your ambitions to what is familiar or comfortable… Go anyway. Stand there anyway. And do it with thefull confidence that youbelong.”

In awarding thehonorary doctorate, the universityrecognised not onlySomyalo’s distinguished career, but his role in advancing judicial transformation, ethical governance and mentorship

“I wishtoexpress my deepest and most sincere gratitude to theUniversityfor this extraordinary honour. Iwill carry it humbly, and Iwill do my best to remain worthy of it,” he said.

Actor’sone-man showtacklesGBV andmentalhealth

BABALWA NDLANYA

AN actor, Sindile Mankayi Maxwele (22), from Mandlovini locality in Mthatha, recently performed at the Mthatha Community Art Centre in Mthatha. His powerful one-man show, titled, How IKilled My Father, captivatedaudiences last week.

Maxwelesaid his intention in hosting this production was to encourage mentoconfront trauma and to raise awareness about gender-basedviolence (GBV), mental health, and substanceabuse. He uses performing arts as aplatform to telluntoldand often difficult stories

“I joined this industry back in 2018, whilst Iwas still in high school, so it has been eight years for me. One of my highlights is that Iamnow a creative arts facilitator. Ihave facilitated at St John’s College and later at Maxwele Senior Secondary School, where I produced afilm called School Bullies.Inthat film, Ieven featured teachers whohad apassion for the arts,” he said. He advised youngpeople who aspire to follow in hisfootsteps

to“follow his rules, nothis roles,” emphasising that he is more than one character and considers himself alifelong student of the craft

“They must start now, work when no one is watching, and be brave enoughtotell the truth,”headded.

Maxwele described himself as ascriptwriter, creative artsfacilitator, graphic designer, and film producer. He explained that all theseskills are interconnected.

“I use writing, design, teaching, and producing to tell stories and createopportunities, not justwait for them. Having theseskills keeps me working between acting jobs and allows me tohelp other youngcreatives, too.”

He further encouraged aspiring actors to startwhere they are, using what they have

“Join adrama group, record monologues on your phone, study actors you admire, and rehearse every day. Acting is a skill -itgrows when youuse it.Donot wait for permission. Create, fail, takenotes,and try again. You become an actor by acting,not by waiting.”

Howtospotand avoid online romance scams

HELENA BARNARD

ONLINE romance scams,it seems,are notonly trending duringevents such as Valentine’sDay, but allyearround.

It is arapidlygrowing, highstakes fraud in SouthAfrica, often involvingsophisticated criminalsposing as romantic partners to extort money, with reported losses exceeding millions of rands in single cases.

South Africansare once again cautioned to beware of onlineromance scams,accordingtoarecent post on theFacebook page of theSouth African Government

“Always approach new online connectionswith caution. Criminalsuse fake profiles to build emotional connectionsand exploit trust,”the post warns.

Victims are manipulated emotionally via dating apps and social media, with fraudsters frequently usingartificial intelligence (AI)toenhance fake identitiesand createfalse,long-term relationships before demanding funds.

What is the modus operandi of onlineromance fraudsters?

The approach: Acharming stranger, soldier, or even celebrity reaches outtoyou online. Theyhave apolished profile and aconvincing background. They portray themselves, amongothers, as wealthy businesspeople, workingorvisiting abroad, or deployed in themilitary or other securityservices.

The hook: They build arelationship with you overtime –even months –gaining your trust. Fraudsters target vulnerable individuals, including those mourningorseeking companionship.

The sting: This is where they askyou for help. They urgently need money to coverthe costof some kind of emergency. Amedical bill, travel cost, or possibly business trouble. Theyask you to transferthe money via bank transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, promisingtorepay you Butonce you pay, they vanish,

or in some cases, ask formore. Losses are oftensubstantial, with victims losing life savings or facing blackmail (sextortion).

What arethe redflags?

•Someone youhavenever met in person declares love or states they havestrong feelings foryou.

•You are “love-bombed”by messages, and youfeel special

•Refusal to videochat –there always seemstobesome reason they cannotmeet in person or videochat. Often, they say they are overseas, somewhere remote or their technologyisnot working. However, fraudsters arenow even using AI for realistic video chats, andevenvoice cloning

•Request forsensitive personal information –which they will later usetoblackmail you.

•They want youtoonlytrust them andkeep your relationship asecret.They may try to cut you off from family and friends.

•You may also be advised to invest yourmoney,oftenincryptocurrency, with thefraudster offering to assist.Orthe person offers to show youhow to make “easymoney” online.

•Sudden “emergencies” where thefraudster will ask youfor money. These emergencies vary –from death and funerals, to beingstuck in aplace duetotransport cancellations, or having to pay the “last instalment”before they can resettle.

•You may also be asked to set up accountsortransfer money that he or she gives to you. Never agree to this –you might become involved in acrime called moneylaundering.

What aretypical “emergencies” theymightuse?

•“I’m stranded abroad and urgently need helptoget home.”

•“I’m facing amedical emergency andcan’t afford treatment.”

•“I’ve discovered aunique investment opportunity,and you’d be the perfect partner to share it with.”

•“Iwork overseas or on an oil rig and Ihaven’t got access to

banking facilities. Ineed helpfor travelorashort-term loan.”

•“Isent youagift, butit’s stuck in customs.”

What youshoulddo, and notdo

Do notsend money: Never transfermoney,purchase giftcards, or providebank details to someone youhavenot met in person, no matterhow long youhave been in contact

Verify profiles if thepersonprovidesaphoto: Perform areverse image search on their profile pictures to see if they are stolen. Photosonafakeprofile may look tooprofessional may be blurry and unclear. The social media account has not been activevery long, with very little personal information, and fewcomments, likesorshares from other people

Ask questions: If their story feelsinconsistent or toogood to be true, ask direct questions and look forsigns of anger or deflection.

Stay sceptical: Be wary of new online connections whoquickly moveconversations to private, encryptedapps.

Neversend nudesorsexually intimatephotosorvideos Fraudsters can use them to threaten and blackmail you.

Do notkeepanonline relationship secret. Tell people youtrust about it. It can be easier for someone else to spot things that don’t seem right.

Think carefully about sharing information about your hobbies, job or familyonline. Fraudsters can use this to hurt you, or steal your identity

What to do if scammed

•Stopall communication immediately.

•Report theprofile to thedating site/platform.

•Report thescam to theSouth African PoliceService (SAPS).

•Contact your bank immediately if youhaveshared financial details or transferred funds.

Sources: scamwatch.gov.au / nedbankprivatewealth.com

Sport

FCRavensreachnationalplayoffs

HOSEYAJUBASE

DESPITE losing the crucial provincialdecider matchagainst FC Ravens,Old Grey FC coach Calvin Marlin said he is pleased with theperformance of his young players during thebiggest provincialmatch this past Saturday.

CoachCalvinMarlinwas speakingafter his side lost 1-0 against FC Ravensfrom Bizana. Thewin meansFCRavens will represent theEastern Cape at the national ABC Motsepe League playoffs.

Coach Marlin said even though they didn’t have many goal-scoring chances, he is happy with histeam’sperformance

“Wedidn’tcreate as many chances as they did. In big games like this, onegoal is enough. Technically,wewere good in thefirsthalf, butunfortunately,inthe second halfitwas notour game.”

Marlinadded,“It’s agreat learning experiencefor theyoung stars and for the team to be where weare today.For thefirstseason at this level, the guys did very well, and we are proud of them.

“CongratulationstoFCRavens. Good luck to theboys–keep up the effort, keep yourspirits high, do it for the EasternCape because we needfootballinthisprovince to grow and become stronger. There are many people who canuse football to haveagood life;thereis money to be made in football. You can see in the NFD andPSL that there is good money to be made. Clubsneed to be seriousaboutwhat they are doing, look after the players,and develop the players.”

In theleague, Old Grey FC played 18 games anddidn’t lose asingle game, but unfortunately, they lost the finalmatch –the provincial decider against FC Ravens this past weekend.

The provincial ABCMotsepeLeague decid-

er match between FC Ravensand OldGrey FC was held at Ssa DukasheStadium in KuGompoCity this past Saturday.

Meanwhile, FC Ravens’ head coach, Sibusiso PopoMapompo, said he is veryhappy that his team has booked aplace in the national playoffs.

Sibusiso Mapomposaidheisconfident that his team will be able to competeagainst other provinces’ champions.

Reflecting on the match against OldGrey FC,Mapomposaidthe win against theGqeberha team was not easy.

“It was atoughgame. Old Grey FC is avery good team; they playwinning football; they are not that different fromus; they defend very well and then immediately attack,and that’s how youwin the championship,” added Mapompo.

At this stage, it is not known wherethe national playoffs will be held.

ANELE RAZIYA

AFTER 15 league matches this season in the SAFA Amathole Hollywoodbets Regional League Stream EinMnquma, the Centane team, MusketeersFC, arestill the only side who stand agood chance of winning the title race, judging by their recent positive league results.

Since the startofthe season in November last year,MusketeersFChave made their intentions clear on the pitch that they want to win Stream E.

This follows agood runthat has been shown by the Centane side since the start of the season. They have now played 15 games, won 14 and drawn one.

With theseleague results, MusketeersFC arethe only side who remainundefeated in the division, and they arestill in first position with 43 points after they defeated Zeny SportClub 3-0 at home over the weekend to maintaintheireight-point lead over second-placed WSUButterworth FC.

Bothtop teams,MusketeersFCand WSU Butterworth FC, areseven games away from wrapping up the season and the title race is expected to intensifyasleague fixtures come to an end.

Currently, WSUButterworth FC occupy second position on the log with 35 points after their recent 1-0 win againstAmakotamane FC at home. Third position is occupied by Ngqamakwe City FC with 32 points, and they have agame in hand, so they arenot out of contention for the top spot.Thisfollows after Ngqamakwe City FC defeated Wongama FC 2-0 at home over the weekend.

TurningtoSAFA Amathole Hollywoodbets Regional League Stream FinMbhashe, things changed last weekend as Abahlobo FC displaced Bm FC from the top position. Currently, Abahlobo FC areleading the log with 30 points, followed by Bm FC with 28 points after playing 11 matches. Bothtop teams have one game remaining this season to determine the winner of the stream, and that fixturewill be between Abahlobo FC and Bm FC this Saturday in Mbhashe. Thewinner between these two top teams this weekend will be crowned champion of the stream. Stream Efixturesare expected to continue this weekend as Ezikaxhamela FC will visitNdabankulu SSS FC this Friday. Then on Saturday afternoon, WSUButterworth FC will host Ngqamakwe United FC, MusketeersFCwill visitWongama FC, and Amakotamane FC will entertain Ngqamakwe City FC.

MqanduliFootballLeagueexpandstoincludeseniordivision

ANELE RAZIYA

EARLIER this month, junior to senior teams from Mqanduli and surrounding areas kicked off their season for promotion leagues under the Mqanduli Football League Association.

It is the first time the Mqanduli Football League Association has had all divisions from juniors to seniors operating since the inception of the association.

Four years ago, junior teams like U13, U15 and U17 were the only effective divisions that were competing in the league at Mqanduli.

But this year, the association, whichisled by chairperson Sibusiso Gecwa,has decided to establisha senior divisiontogive an opportunity to senior teamstocompete against each other in the league.

Fortunately, six seniorteams from different areas in Mqanduli have managed to register to participate in the senior divisionleague, and early this month, leaguefixtures began.

The association’s aiminestablishing another divisionwas to continue contributing towards the development of local football and to keep youth away from drugs, alcohol abuse and crime

Though the association continues to play a meaningful role in the development of football around Mqanduli, theyare still strugglingtosecure asponsorshipdeal that can assist or contribute to their leagues

In arecent interview with the Mthatha Express,Gecwa made it clear that they would love to getasponsorship deal that can contribute by sponsoring them with sports equipment like soccerballs, corner flags, prizes for winners, kits andother things that are related to football.

He said they would appreciate anything thatcan be sponsored by anyone for the pur-

pose of contributing to local football development.

He also highlighted that they have been approaching different businesses looking for sponsorship assistance, but they arestill unable to securesomething concrete.

In conclusion, he made arequest that anyone who can assist them with sponsorship, as the Mqanduli Football League Association, should contact him on 083 210 3096. Their league matches from the junior division to the senior division areexpected to continue thisweekend, and he urged football supporterstosupport their teams

FootballtournamentaimstoendfactionfightinginCentane

ANELE RAZIYA

FOOTBALL teams in Mnquma and surrounding areas are invited toparticipatein aJacaranda Shipwreck tournament, which will be hosted at Ngcizela sports field in Centane on 1May.

The aim of the tournament is to contribute to the development of sports, keep youth awayfrom drugs and alcohol abuse, and fight crime around the villages in Centane.

Speaking to one of the event organisers, Iva Nqothani, he said the tournament is open for everyone as they have invited all

interested teams to comeand participate in the event.

“Another aim of hosting the tournament was toend the faction fights amongstthe young boys from different villages around Centane,” said Nqothani

In Mnquma, the Centane areaisknown for young boys who carry sharp objects likelarge knives anddangerous weapons, preparing for faction fights, which happen anywhere, even in schools.

Withthis kind of event, Nqothaniand his crew are trying their best to end these regular faction fights andbring peace amongst Centane villages.

During the event, Nqothaniindicated that they will invite the South African Police Service (SAPS) members to maintain order throughout the proceedings of thetournament.

Theorganisers also plantoand they also plan to give SAPSmembers an opportunity to do crime awareness by speaking about the dangers of committing crime.

Speaking abouthow to join thetournament, he said allclubs who are interested in participating in the event need to register nowbefore 27 April.

Each teamwill need to pay aR400 joiningfee for the event andthe winner of the

tournament will go home with asheep and aballasfirst prize, whilst second place will receive asheep only

It will be thefirst timethe Jacaranda Shipwreck tournament will be hosted, so it means it is thefirst edition of theevent

So far, 14 teams from different places around Mnquma and Mbhashe have already confirmed that they will be part of theevent,and thedraw for theteams will be done on 27 April,soclubs are encouraged to register as soon as possible

Formore information about theevent, teams can contact Nqothani on 065 5675 140 or 078 363 8916.