Mthatha Express South - E-Edition - 25 June 2026

Toddlerdrownsinpittoilet

BABALWA NDLANYA

AGRIEVING family from Sidwadweni locality in Tsolo is demanding answersaftertheir 14-month-old daughter, Ungentando Yena, drowned in an uncovered pittoilet at Khulangolwazi Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre in Tsolo recently. She was laid to rest at her home in the Sidwadweni area in Tsolo last week.

The toddler was in the careofthe centre when the tragedy occurred. Her uncle, Vusumzi Yena, said he receivedafranticcall fromhis sister, Thabisa,informing himthat the child had drowned.

“She told me they were rushing to Mhlakulo Clinic after teachersatthe centrecalled to say they were taking her there,” he said. Vusumzi said he immediately contacted the centre’s teachers in an attempt to speak with the owner but wasput throughtoanassistant who could not provide the answers he needed.

He added that in his understanding, the pit toilet is very farfromtheir households.That means hisniecewalked that distance with no one noticing her

When he pressed formoredetails,hewas told the children had been playing outsidebecause of the heat, and the staff only realised Ungentando was missing when they began preparing the other children to go home.

“This shows there was no careatall. Thepit was left open, putting every child’s life in danger. Even if there were no children around, it should have been closed.All we want is answers.”

Eastern Cape Department of Education spokesperson, Mali Mtima, confirmed the passing of Ungentando, noting that she drowned in the facility’s unfinished pit toilet.

He said the centreisanewly established programme operating under bronze registration status as part of the ECD Mass Registration pathway.

“Bronze status is part of the registration support process designed to help ECD programmes movetowards full registration. It does not constitute full registration but indicates that the centrehas been identified and is receiving support to resolve outstanding registration issues,” Mtima explained.

He added that the department would work closely with the Mhlontlo Local Municipality and relevant stakeholders to help the facility achieve full compliancewith registration, health, safety andinfrastructurerequirements.

“The circumstances surrounding this tragic incident remain under investigation. It would be premature to draw conclusions or apportion responsibility pending the outcome of that process,”hesaid.

MEC for Education, Fundile Gade, extended his condolences to the family and the ECD centre and confirmed that psychosocial services

had been activated to provide trauma counselling and debriefing. “Since our learner died in this facility, we committoinvestigating the circumstances that led to her death. We will dispatch ateam to the facility and cooperate fully with any law enforcement agencies conducting their own investigations,”saidGade Police spokesperson,CaptainWelile Matyolo, confirmed that an inquestdockethad been opened on 11 June at approximately 13:45, after alittle girl was found floating in apit toiletat adaycarecentreinSidwadweni, Tsolo. “She was removed from the pittoilet and rushed to Mhlakulo Clinic, where she was certified dead on arrival,”saidMatyolo.

GunmenkillANCmember

BABALWA NDLANYA

THEAfrican National Congress (ANC) in the OR Tambo Regional Task Team(RTT) hasexpressed deep sorrow following thefatal shooting of one of its membersasthey entered a pharmacy in Qumbu last week

ANC RTT spokesperson Yanga Zina confirmed that Wonele Gontshi(26),a member of the Branch Executive Committee(BEC) of the General MaqutyanaBranch (Ward14), was killed in the attack, while the Branch Elections Team Co-ordinator,Ngawonke Bulala, sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed facility. Thethird victim escaped unharmed.

“Both were attacked by individuals whose identities remainunknown. Gontshi’s tragic passing has robbed us of adedicated activist who madesterling contributions to the organisational life of the ANC in the Mhlontlo Sub-Region. He was afearless and indomitable leader who rose through the ranks of our youth structures,”saidZina.

He said the ANC has since called for the immediate activation of the 72-Hour Activation Plan, urging the deployment of amultidisciplinary team comprising Hawks investigators and forensic experts to track down those responsible.

MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, assured the publicthat law en-

forcement agencies areworking diligently to bringthe perpetratorstojustice. According to Nqatha, the three victims had arrived at the pharmacy to purchase masks when they came under fire

“As they attempted to enter,gunfire erupted. Thevictims took cover inside the pharmacy as the shootingcontinued beforethe suspect or suspects fled the scene. Nothing was taken from the victims or the premises,”hesaid. Nqathaurged communitymembers to cooperate fully with investigators to help achieve a breakthrough in the case.

Police spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, confirmed that officersfromthe Qumbu Police Station areinvestigating a case of murder following the shootingatthe Sejoseng Business Centre. Upon arrival at the scene, officersfound the deceased lying behind the pharmacy counter.Two other individuals survived the attack; one sustained injury to the lower body and was transported to amedical facility, while the other was physically unharmed.Crimescene investigators recovered multiple rifle cartridges, projectiles, andsealedbullets from the scene. Themotive for the attack has not yet been established, and no arrestshave been made.

Anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStop on 0860 010 111 or reportvia the MySAPS App. All information will be treated with strictconfidentiality.

EASTERNCAPE:

Initiation seasonopens

ZOLILE MENZELWA

THE Eastern Cape provincial government has officially opened the 2026 winter initiation seasonwith emphasisonvigilance regarding keyfactors that could lead to initiation-related deaths and amputations.

Speaking during the provincial event in Komani at theThobi Kula Indoor Sports Centre, Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) executive mayor, Lusanda Sizani,pleaded with parents and guardians of would-beinitiates to ensure that when the boysmeet for asend-off,thereshould be no alcohol. He said consumption of alcohol duringthesesend-offs rendered theboys dehydrated, putting their livesatrisk. Sizani saidthe boys should stay at the initiation schools long enough to complete the requiredtime.

EasternCape Cooperative Governance and TraditionalAffairs MEC, Zolile Williams, said it was important thatall those whogothrough therite of passage during this season should havepermission to do so. It made it easier to track and trace initiates,Williams said, and to save their lives if they were registered. “Parents should takethe boys to health facilities for the necessary tests before theyundergo theinitiationrite,”hesaid. Williams also criticisedthe act of discriminating against boys who develop medical conditionsduring theinitiation period and have to betakento hospitals. “Thelivesand health of initiates take primacy over everything else.Iappeal to allgovernment sector departments to work together to ensure thatthe boys undergothe initiation practice alive and come back alive,” he said.The MEC strongly condemnedthe act of bringing initiates alcohol.

EasternCape Provincial Initiation CoordinatingCommittee chairperson,Nkosi Gwazinamba Matanzima, saiditwas all systems go for the 2026 winter initiation season.“All traditionalsurgeons and traditional nurses working in all the circumcision schools are trained and certified. The police will continue to monitor all circumcision schools to ensure no illegal activities that will risk the lives of theinitiates take place,” he said. During the 2025summer customary initiation season,the EasternCapehad 23 of the national 48 initiationdeaths. The deaths were reportedtobe mostly from dehydration, septicaemia, suicideand drowning.

Cogta flagged illegal initiation schools as a problem as they often operatedwithout medical support, proper facilities or oversight, among other things. Lack of medical intervention was also achallenge as many deaths were due to untreated infections, dehydration and excessive bleeding. Inadequate monitoring and regulation caused weak enforcement of the Customary Initiation Act in some areas. Inexperienced or unqualifiedpractitioners may performproceduresincorrectly. “Under-age or untrained boys sometimes take on roles of caregivers, especially in illegal schools.”

The department saidthere was alack of accesstoclean water, sanitation and food in many initiation sites.There was also exposuretothe elements withoutproper shelter, particularly in harsh winter conditions.Communityinvolvement was highlightedas akey factor in curbinginitiatedeaths.

“Somefamiliesare notfully informedabout thelegal requirements for initiation schools. Parents may unknowingly sendtheir children to illegalorunsafe schools, often lured by lower costs or false promises,” thedepartment said

Therewere challenges of not recognising early signs of medicaldistressorrefusing to seekhelp. “In some cases, initiation becomes criminalised, with reports of sexual assault or exploitation,” the department said.

Apamphlet releasedbyCogta stressednegligenceand physicalabuse, including excessive beatings or punishment, as oneofthe keystumbling blocks to successfultraditional customary initiation. There wasa problem of neglect, such as not recognising early signs of medicaldistress or refusing toseek help. In some cases, the pamphlet said, initiation became criminalised with reports of sexual assault or exploitation.

Partsofthe shopping centre in Qumbu were destroyed by afire. PHOTO:

FiredevastatesQumbushoppingcentre

THE spokesperson for Kumkani Mhlontlo

Local Municipality, Mamela Mangcotywa, confirmed that the municipalityhad learnt withgreat concern of the devastating fire that destroyed parts of the shopping centre in Qumbu during the evening last week.

Mangcotywa saidthe municipality extends its heartfelt sympathy to the business owners, employees, tenants and all those whose livelihoods have been affected by this unfortunate incident.

“Wealso acknowledge the inconvenience caused toresidents who depend on the centre for essential goods and services. We

commend the swiftresponse of the Fire and Rescue Services, the South African Police Service, emergency personnel and all other stakeholders who worked tirelessly to containthe fire and ensure public safety,”said Mangcotywa.

She added that at thisstage, the cause of the fire has not been officially confirmed. She said they thereforeurged members of the public to refrain fromspreading unverified information and to allow the relevant authorities to conduct athorough investigation.

“The municipality will work closely with law enforcement agencies, disaster management structures, affected businesses and other stakeholders to assess the extent of the

damage and determine the necessary support measures. We call on the community to remain calm, cooperate with authorities and keep thoseaffected in theirthoughts during thisdifficulttime.”

Police spokesperson, Captain Majola Nkohli, confirmed that amajor fire that broke out in the shopping centre was successfully contained.

He said that when the incident happened, several emergency personnel were summoned to control the situation.

“Relevant authorities visited the sitetoassess the structural damage. An inquiry has been opened to establish the exact cause of the fire,”said Nkohli.

BUFFALOCITY:

AI-poweredsmartglassesinventorjetsofftoChina

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

AYOUNG innovator from Nxamnkwana village near Mdantsane, Elihle Amahle Stali, will be jetting off to Hong Kong,China,to compete at the prestigious LeapStartUp global competition scheduled to take place in July.

Stali, through his company Spectacles4TheBlind SA, in partnership with ANation of Light, invented and developed AI-powered smart glasses for people withvisual impairments.

The spectacles enable the visuallyimpaired users to navigate theirsurroundings more independently, guided by abuilt-in assistant artificial intelligence(AI)devicethat communicates directly usingpopular South African languages,includingEnglish, Afrikaans,IsiXhosa, IsiZuluand Sesotho,thus enabling the blind person to reachtheirdestination without any assistance.

Stali’s innovation has beenshortlisted as oneofthe Top 150 Global Innovatorstocompete andexhibit among other international innovators at the global LeapStart Up competition in China.

However, preparations for thetriptoHong Kong were notsmooth sailingfor Stali as he haddifficulty raising funds for his plane ticket, accommodation, and other related costs.

He took to social media pages, related his story while begging for fundingdonations to fulfilhis dream of competingatthe world stage

His pleas were instantly noticed as good Samaritans started donatingmoney to make hisChina trip possible by contributing throughhis Back-A-Buddycampaign.

Buffalo City Metro has officiallypledged its full support for Stali, pledging to cover all associated travel costs, including plane ticketsand accommodation costs during his stay in HongKong.

Stali said that to transition theirworking

softwareinto mass-produced smart frames, they needed to clear their finaltravel and international exhibition fees, adding that

getting to China is their direct pipelineto secure the precisionmanufacturers and global venture capital needed to make the

technology smartglasses fully builtand accessible when theyreturn home to South Africa.

“Bybacking this campaign, youare not just funding aplane ticket. Youare investingina world-classSouth African breakthrough invention andbacking agrandson’s promisetochangelives.Thank youfor standingwith us andcarryingour flagto the world stage,” said Stali.

Buffalo City Metro Executive Mayor Princess Faku said in line with the municipality’s support programmesfor local economic development andappreciating the anticipated economicspin-offs,the Metro will be coveringall associatedtravelcosts forthe upcomingjourney to China, including air traveland accommodation

“The initiativeseeks to bringlife-changing, AI-poweredsmarttechnology glasses to South Africatoempowervisually impaired individuals, acause inspired by Stali’s childhood commitment to assist hisgrandmother in Zwelitsha,” said Faku.

Faku believes thatthisinitiativeisaligned with the Metro’s broader vision of leveraginginnovation to solve real-world socio-economicand accessibility challengeswithin local communities

“Buffalo City Metro encouragescivil society andbusinesspartnerstocontinuerallyingbehindthisworthycause to maximise its reachand sustainable impact across the provinceand the country. This is aworthy causethatweshould all support,” concluded Faku.

Stali’s AI-poweredtechnology glasses innovation was inspired by the dailystrugglesofhis visually impaired grandmother, whom he hadtoassist sincehewas achild growing up in the dustystreets of Zwelitsha township

He made asolemnpromise to find asolution thatwould give hisgrandmotherand millionsofvisually impaired South Africans their ultimate dignityand independence back.

BuffaloCityMetroempowersyouth-ownedenterprises

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

SEVERAL youth-owned small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) operating in the Buffalo City regionreceived much-needed operational equipment in an attempttoboost and empower local emerging businesses as part of theJune Youth Month commemoration.

The BuffaloCity Metro (BCM),through itsEconomic Development and Agencies directorate, handed over operational equipment to 25 creative industry enterprises and 15 tourism sector businesses operating in the Buffalo City area.

The handover programmeis aimedat empowering and developing informal traders to become skilled andadequately equipped to managetheirbusinesses through the informal micro-enterprise development initiative.

Meanwhile, the Bhisho Legislature’s portfoliocommittee on Economic Development, Environmental Affairsand Tourism deliveredoperational equipment to five small businesses in BCM's Ward 7, including DuncanVillage.

Some of the small businesses that benefited from the project included Wagga’s Hair Salon, Amanda Mnyaka’s catering business, Imonti Skills Enterprise, Mfundo Velaphi and Sivuyile Sopotela trading companies.

Committee chairperson, Mawethu Rune, said the aim is to empower youth-owned local businesses, create jobsand stimulate township economic growth.

The committee embarked on an oversight visit to the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) to evaluate whether the digitaleconomyinvestments are commerciallyviable,inclusive and capableofcreatingsustainablejobsand enterprise opportunitiesfor young people in the Buffalo Cityregion.

Speakingatthe handoverceremony in KuGompo City, Buffalo City MetroMay-

or Princess Faku said thismarks yetanother important milestone in the Metro’s collective effortstobuild astronger local economy andcreate sustainable opportunities for local businesses, targeting youth-owned enterprises.

“Through the municipality’s Directorate forEconomic Development and Agencies, we haveallocated funds towards the tourism recovery support and creative industrysupport programmes. These resources are being invested directlyinto our people

and businesses becausewebelieve that smallenterprises arethe backbone of local economicdevelopment,” said Faku

Faku said the chosen 15 tourism sector businessesand 25 creative industry enterprisesdemonstrated commitment, resilience and awillingnesstocontribute towards the Metro’s economic growth.

The Bhisho Legislature portfolio committee recently conducted oversight visits to severalmultimillion-rand development projects in Buffalo Cityand Nelson Mande-

la Bay metros and the Chris Hani district. The oversight visit formed part of the committee’sprogramme to assess the state of service delivery and developmental impact in theseregions.

Rune stressed that the committee’s oversight workplays acritical rolein strengthening accountability, improving service delivery and ensuring that government programmes translate intotangible socio-economic benefits for communities across the Eastern Cape.

Volunteersembarkonmassivecleanupalongcoastline

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

AMATOLA Water employees, in partnership with the Eastern Cape Chapter of Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) Young Water Professionals, together with volunteers, braved the cold, rainy weather and embarked on amassivecleanup campaignalong the Eastern Cape Beach coastline in Quigney on Tuesday, 16 June.

The beachfront cleanup campaignformed part of Amatola Waterand WISA’s June youthmonth celebrationasitwas conducted on the day South Africa commemorated the June 16 Youth Day.

The group collected litter and debris,including plastics,empty bottles and cans, along the Eastern Cape beachfront,one of thepopular andmostvisited areasin the BuffaloCityMetro coastal region.

EasternCapeWisa Young Water Professionals’ leader, Charlene Sibanda,highlightedthe important role young people could play in advancing environmental stewardship, sustainable water resource management and active citizenship.

Sibanda encouraged volunteers to continueusing theirpassion, innovation and leadership to respond to environmental challenges in theirrespective communities.

“The cleanup initiative brought together passionate young professionals and stakeholders united by ashared purpose of protecting the environment, preserving ourcoastal ecosystems and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Despite the rain, the volunteers arrived with determination, energyand astrong sense of responsibility to make ameaningful difference,” said Sibanda.

AmatolaWater Environmental Specialist, Dr Nikita Muller, encouraged the cleanup volunteers to continue protecting the environment throughvarious campaigns, includingthe cleanup initiatives Mullerreminded the participating volunteers that initiatives such as the beach-

campaignalong the EasternBeachfront.

front cleanup playsanimportant rolein reducing pollution, protecting marinelife and protecting the natural beauty of coastlines.

“Throughoutthe clean-up,the volunteers workedwith dedication, collecting litter and debris that threaten marineecosystems, water quality and coastal health. This served as apractical reminder of the direct linkbetween responsible waste management, healthy water resources and en-

vironmental sustainability,” said Muller. She said the initiative reflected the power of collaboration, youth leadership and collective action, adding that everypiece of litter removed from the beach represented acommitment to cleaner coastlines, healthier oceans and more resilient communities.

Muller extended sincere appreciation to all volunteers, partnersand stakeholders who contributed to the success of the cleanup initiative.

“Your willingnesstoserve, even under challenging weather conditions, truly reflects the spirit of June Youth Month leadership,actionand positivechange,” concluded Muller.

WISAisa professional, independent volunteer watersector community insitution that provides diverse membership benefits and supportthe African water sectorina comprehensiveand effective way.

Young peoplebenefitfromgovernment houses

ZOLILE MENZELWA

SIPHOKAZI Dumezweni(30) hadtoshare atwo-roomed house with her siblings and their children, withsome of them having to sleep at neighbours' homes due to alack of space,but when the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements handed her the keys to her new home, her dignityhad been restored.

The 48 families from the Alfred Nzo DistrictMunicipality are beneficiaries of the Ebenezer 1000 (56) Rural Project, which aims to provide decent housing to impoverished householdsacrossthe Al-

fred NzoDistrictMunicipality

The house Dumezweni shared with her family was adilapidated mud house with the familylacking asource of income except for relying on government social grants.

"I am very thankful. We wereliving in just tworooms with no space, some of my siblingshad to sleep at neighbours' houses, others in the kitchen and our belongings were often stolen. During December, some family memberscould not even come home because we were overcrowded. Today, everything has changed We are safe, and finally we haveaplace

to stay,aplace we can truly call home," she said.

Human Settlements MEC, Siphokazi Lusithi, said her department wanted to transform lives through access to safe and dignified housing.

The handover forms part of the Provincial Government's Youth Month Programme to restore dignity to vulnerable households. Lusithi said thehandover wasameaningful tribute to the youth of 1976.

"We areproud that among today's beneficiaries areyoung people whoselives will be fundamentally changed through

this programme.When ayoung woman like Siphokazi Dumezweni receives a decent home aftercarrying theresponsibility of 16 family members, thegovernment is notmerelybuilding ahouse. Government is investing in thefuture," she said During this phase, Lusithi said,56 houses will be constructedfor thevulnerable beneficiaries.

"The Ebenezer 1000 (56) Project has restored dignity to destitute families.It hascreatedjobs for local people. It has empowered womenand young people," said Lusithi.

VAALBANK,CACADU:Grantfuelsyouthcooperative

AGRANT from the ECDC-managed Imvaba Cooperative Fundisfuelling the commercialisation ambitions of the youthowned Feeda-Nathi Primary Agricultural CooperativeatVaalbank in Cacadu.

Acting Manager for Financial Incentives and Business Support at the Eastern Cape Development Corporation(ECDC),Fikile Mzinyathi,confirmedthat the R399,796 incentivewas allocated to implement an irrigationscheme.

Operatingona50-hectare farm,the team currently uses approximatelysix hectares, producing cabbage, butternut, beetroot, large white pumpkins and green squash.

Today, Feeda-Nathi supplies established markets including Pick nPay in Komani, SPAR Dordrecht, UmfundisiinQueenstown, and the East London FreshProduce Market.

Although they formalised their business in 2020, today the cooperative is afar cry from2018, when theystarted wheremany agricultural journeys begin, in backyard gardens.

Owned by five youth farmers, aged between 26 and 33, they havebuilt more than afarming operation.

They have created jobs and economicactivity in their rural community, employing 12 permanent workers and 18 seasonal workers.

"Whenjobsdisappeared and uncertainty arrived in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, they didnot wait for opportunitytoknock. They planted it. Six years later,the cooperativehas become an example of what happens when determination meets opportunity.

The R399,796investment for the procurement of an irrigation scheme unlocked more than water. It strengthened production capacity and allowed the cooperative to move from survival farming towards commercial ambition," saidMzinyathi

He saidinvesting in youth-owned agricultural businesses is an investment in a more inclusive,resilient and prosperous future.

"It helps preserve agricultural knowledgeand experiencethrough sustainable

enterprises while strengthening the longterm growth of the sector. At the same time, it creates opportunities for skills transfer, enabling young people to develop the expertise needed to build,sustain and expand agricultural valuechains for generations to come."

Chairperson of Feeda-Nathi, Siyamthanda Gatyeni, said oneofthe turningpoints in their growth journey came through the implementation of theirrigation system

He said that for afarming business operating in an environmentwhere rainfall can no longer be relied upon,irrigation changed everything

"That support made ahugedifference. Irrigation is one of the mostimportant things when growing crops. Beforethat, we depended heavily on rainfall, and it cost us alot. Now we can waterour crops with certainty and consistency," said Gatyeni.

The cooperative has also achieved South African Good Agricultural Practices (SAGAP) certification, positioning the business to meet formal market standards and

compete at alargerscale.Still, the team believes this is only thebeginning Their nextgrowth phaseincludes expanding irrigation infrastructure,acquiring alargertractor,investing in bigger plantingimplementsand securing afineseed plantertoimprove efficiency and scale production

They alsoidentifycold storage andalternative energysolutions, whether solar or backupgeneration,ascritical investmentsthatwould helpprotect produce andstrengthen marketcompetitiveness. "There is amyth that young people are notinterested in agriculture. YetinVaalbankweare proving somethingdifferent, that youth andagriculture mayjustbe oneofthe boldest business combinations in theEastern Cape.

"Our long-term visionisclear: to operate sustainably at acommercialscale, andsupply markets acrossthe towns surrounding Vaalbank andbeyond. We have alsoaddedalogisticsarm to ourbusiness where we transportironore," said Gatyeni.