Mthatha Express South - E-Edition - 26 March 2026

Hawkssecurecourtorderin livestocktheftinvestigation

THE Hawks’ Priority CrimeSpecialised Investigation (PCSI) and Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA)successfully secured a Prevention Order from the Mthatha High Court in relationtoa livestock theft matter recently.

The order was securedand officially granted on 4March 2026. The assetwas a motor vehicle worth R80,000.

Hawks’ spokesperson,Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, said on 10 September 2025, at approximately 19:00, members of QumbuSouth AfricanPolice Service were conducting routine patrol duties within their policing precinct when they witnessed amaroon Toyota Corolla and became suspicious of it.

“The vehicle prompted the police to stop it, and they requestedpermission to conduct asearch. During thesearch, the policediscovered eleven sheep tied insideit, acircumstance that immediately raised concerns regardingpossible livestock theft.

“The driver was questioned about the origin and transportation of theanimals,

andhereportedly failedtoprovide asatisfactoryexplanation andsubsequently attemptedtofleefromthe scene,”said Mhlakuvana. He addedthataflock of sheep was thereafterconfiscated andtransported to thelocal stock pound for safekeeping and verification of ownership

He said thevehicle suspected to have been utilised in thecommissionofthe offencewas seized forevidentialpurposes Mhlakuvanaaddedthatthe accused in thematterwas identified as Masithembe Msongelwa (27).

The seized vehicle,estimated to be worth approximately R80,000, has now been preserved by virtue of thecourt order, therebypreventing its sale,transfer, concealment or disposal while legal proceedingsare ongoing

The criminalcaseremains beforethe court, andthe nextcourt appearance was scheduled for 24 March.

The preservation orderensures that the asset remains under thecontrol of the state pending thefinalisation of the criminalproceedingsand anysubsequent forfeiture application

Municipalityopenscattledip tanktosupportlocalfarmers

ZOLILE MENZELWA

MBASHE Local Municipality, as part of its efforts to strengthen supportfor livestock farmersand improve animal health services, officially opened the cattle diptank in MthuviVillage in Dutywa on 18 March.

Thisproject also aims to fosterrelations amongst farmers andwill serve as aplatform for farmers to shareinformation.

They will be providedwith valuable information, supportand practicalinsights to enhance sustainable livestock production within the municipal jurisdiction.

The local authority said theinitiative was asignofhow dedicatedthe municipality was to advancingthe interests of local farmers.

Development planning portfolio head Nomvuyiseko Mgedezi said the dip tank would play asignificantrole in animal disease control, improve animal standards and expand animal produc-

tion for budding as well as established farmers.

She said thedip would helpprevent blood-suckingparasites andprevent diseases that affect animals in rural areas. The municipality, Mgedezi said,had spent R105,300. Mbashe Farmers’ Association chairperson, Mboniso Mntumni, said thelocal farmers had previouslyfacedatough time dipping their animals

“Thatstruggle hasnow come to an end.Wewill nowbeable to dipour animals,and we will make sure we do that on aregular basis. Thatwill help us produce animals of highquality, and in turn, we will be able to make more money when we sellour animals,” he said Mgedezi said theprogramme of supportingfarmers to improve their livestock was notonlyaboutanimalcontrol. The programme was,instead, she said,alsoaboutimproving the local economy of theMbashe municipal area.

LeadersvoicewatercrisistoHumanRightsCommission

BABALWA NDLANYA

THE Secretary for Traditional Leaders in Centane, Chief LulumumbaNgamntwini, confirmedthat traditional leaders from differentlocalities under Centane hosted ameeting withmembers of the South African Human RightsCommission tovoice the challenges they arefacing regarding the CentaneCentral BusinessDistrict.

He said the main problem is that their town does not have publictoilets, which hasled peopletouse openspaces when they want to relievethemselves

“We do not have water in town. This gives us aproblem because even when you are visiting government offices, you will find that they workfor onlyafew hours and then close.

“Remember, they also need to use toilets and have access to clean water. We see that no one cares about our rights.Even when we have visitorsin our town, it is difficultbecause we do nothave theseimportant services,” said Ngamntwini.

He added that their town does not even have traffic lights or cameras,which makes it easy for criminals to do whatever they want.

Accordingtohim,itistheir responsibility as traditional leaders to standupand fight for their communitymembers.

The President of the Batho PeleMovement, Veliswa Mvenya, said that as a movementdealing withservice delivery, she usedtovisit the Centane area and noticed that there was aproblem.

She said that she heardthat traditional leaders were hosting meetingsthere dis-

cussing the challenges they are facing,so shedecided to take her memberstointroduce themselves.

“I then decided to visit the RDP houses nexttothe town. That is how Isaw that there is no water, and the toilets arenot working, even though they were built in 2007. Even outside, thereare no taps.

“There are only standsfor tanks, but there are no tanks on them. Thosewho have them are those who can affordto buy them. It would be better if they at least hadabucket system, even though that would also bring its own challenges,” she said.

She added that she wrote aletter to the MEC for theDepartment of Human Settlements, Siphokazi Mani-Lusithi, informing her about the situation, butshe never received feedback.

She then contacted the South African HumanRights Commission, which recently visitedthe area.

“Thisisputting the lives of community members in dangerbecause when they wanttorelieve themselves, they go to the bushes,”she said

ASpokesperson for Amathole District Municipality, Sisa Msiwa, said Amathole District Municipality (ADM) acknowledges the concerns raised by traditional and community leaders regarding water supplyand the absence of public ablution facilities in the Centane Business District.

“ADM takes seriously the impact these conditions have on the dignity,safety and daily lives of residents, particularly elderly community memberswho travel to town to access social grants and government services,” she said

Current watersupplystatus

Centane town and the surroundingareas are currently supplied through two borehole sources. The Ngqanda borehole (Ward 31) is presently non-operational duetomechanical and electrical faults and is undergoing assessment for repair.

TheTeko Kona high-yield borehole (Ward 24) is currently the sole operational source, supplying boththe town anda number of surroundingvillages.

Due to the reduced supply capacity, water rationing measures are in place, including the temporaryclosure of sections of the distributionnetwork, suchasthe upperMacibe reservoir, to ensureequitabledistribution across supply areas

Aburst pipe affecting the systemwas repaired on 19 March 2026, andsupply is expected to stabilise from 20 March2026.

ADM acknowledges that theexisting infrastructure(which reliesprimarily on boreholes rather thanapiped reticulation network) is under significant pressure, compounded by vandalism, electrical faults and equipment failures. These arechallenges ADM is actively working to address.

Watersupply-long-term intervention

As the Water Service Authority and Water Service Provider for thedistrict, ADM has developed along-term solutionfor the Centane area through the proposed Crouches Bush Water Supply Project. Thisproject will abstract rawwater from the Kei River, treat it at anew Water Treatment Works, anddistribute it to Centane town and surroundingareas viaarising mainpipeline connected to a

commandreservoir.

Afunding application hasbeen submittedtothe DWSfor recommendation and will thereafterbeforwardedtothe Department of Cooperative Governancefor approval.

Sanitation infrastructure

ADMhas planned aWastewater Treatment Works andSewer Upgrade project for Centane, currently at theplanning stage

The technical reportisbeing finalised for funding submission. Once funded and implemented, this projectwill introduce awaterborne sewage system in Centane town,providing asustainable anddignified solution to existing sanitationchallenges.

CoordinationwithMnqumaLocalMunicipality

ADMand MnqumaLocal Municipality heldajoint sitemeeting in Centane approximately two weeksago, attended by theADM Portfolio Councillorand the affectedWardCouncillor.

Servicedelivery challenges andplanned interventions were tabledatthis meeting.

ADMhas said that it recognisesthat communitiesare experiencing real hardship whilst longer-term solutions arebeing secured.

The ADMaddedthatthe situation in Centane, includingthe conditions presented at theSouth African Human Rights Commissionsitting,reinforces their commitment to acceleratingthese interventions andworkingwith all relevantstakeholders to restore dignity and ensure reliable access to basic services.

MinisterengagesKingsonEasternSeaboardDevelopment

THEMinister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA),VelenkosiniHlabisa, convened aMinisterial Engagement with Kingships,with afocus on the Eastern Seaboard Development (ESD) Programme that washeldatWild Coast Sun in Mbizana recently.

The engagement forms part of the government’s ongoing effortstostrengthen collaboration withtraditional leadership in advancing regional development, unlocking economicopportunities and improving livelihoods in rural communities along the Eastern Seaboard coastline.

ernments, and membersofthe National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders.

According to the statement issued by MediaLiaison Officer to the Minister of CoGTA,Pearl Maseko-Binqose, the meeting brought together key stakeholders, including leadershipfromthe Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provincial gov-

The session provideda platform for their Majesties to share perspectivesondevelopment priorities whilst aligning traditional leadership with thegovernment’s vision for integrated and inclusivedevelopment under the District Development Model.

“The engagement brings together their Majesties from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal,namely, King Mangaliso Ndlovuyezwe NdamasefromAmampondo ase Nyandeni Great Place (Eastern Cape), King MisuZulu kaZwelithinifromAmaZulu Kingship(KwaZulu-Natal) and Acting King Dumelani Sigcau from Amampondo Kingship(Eastern Cape),” she said

The objectives of the engagementare to:

•Strengthen coordination with traditional leadership in the regiontofoster ownership and active participation in theEastern Seaboard Development Programme

•Present ahigh-level overviewofthe Eastern Seaboard Development Programme and its intended outcomestothe

Kingships.

•Outlinethe nextphase of theESD Programme,highlighting thecritical role of traditional leadership in its implementation

Theimplementation of theESD Programme focuses on:

•ProjectPreparation:Advancing catalytic projects in bulk infrastructure, agriculture andtourism to supportfunding mobilisation

•ResourceMobilisation:Intensifying efforts to secure funding for endorsedregional catalyticinfrastructureprojects whilst building asustainable projectpipeline.

•StakeholderMobilisation:Strengthening partnershipstoelevate theprofile and impact of theEastern SeaboardDevelopment Initiatives.

“Furthermore, theengagement seeks to solicit guidance andinputsfromthe Kingships in theregiontoenhancecoordination andensure community-centred implementation of theEastern Seaboard Development Programme,” she concluded.

R2.8minvestmentboostsPortStJohnsLobsterFarming

AN R2.8 million investment by theEastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC)in seven lobster-farming primary cooperatives in Port St Johns is expected to boost production, improve product quality andstrengthen exportcompetitiveness as theproject prepares to increase outputinthe upcomingfishing season.

Thefunding supports theTsweleniRock Lobster Project, which is targeting production of seven tonnes in the March–October 2026season as part of alonger-term plan to scaleoutput to between 10 and12tonnes.

ECDCActing Manager for Financial Incentives and Business Report, Fikile Mzinyati, said that of the totalinvestment, R1.7 millionwas allocated to the acquisition of alobster holding facility comprisedof10 holdingtanks.A12-metre freezing facility wasalso donated by the OR Tambo District Municipality.

“The infrastructure is designedtopreservethe qualityand value of the catch by keepinglobsters aliveinseawater-filled pools that replicate their natural environment until they are sold and transported The remaining funds are beingused for operationalsupport, includingstockpurchases,salaries, security, electrical upgrades, transport logistics and fishing permit acquisitions,” she said.

The project operates under the Singabalobi Secondary Cooperative,whichbrings together seven primary cooperatives:Lower LuphokoPrimary Fishing Cooperative, ALBZ Industries Primary Cooperative, Manxokweni Fishing Primary Cooperative,Ndluzula Fishing Primary Cooperative, Rhebu Fishing Primary Cooperative, Nxonxa Fishing Primary Cooperativeand MhadiniFishing Primary Cooperative.

During the2025 season,whichran from Marchto October, the cooperatives produced more than1.8 tonnesof lobster. Of this total, 370kg of live lobsterwas exported

to Asian markets, including Hong Kong and Taiwan

The cooperatives have also formedajoint venture, RS Foods, with aggregator Rekaseed,tomanage the commercial aspectsof the operation and facilitate access to international markets.

“Under the secondary cooperative, the partners established RS FoodswithRekaseed to support exports to international markets such as the European Union,” she said.

She added that RS Foods manages the business side of the operation, whilst Rekaseed holds the permitsrequired to transport lobster from fishermen to market and assists in sourcing buyers.Atpresent,exports are facilitated through an agent in Gqeberha, as the secondarycooperative is stillin the process of securingthe necessary export certifications.

For the 2026 season, the project plans to sellthe expected 7-tonne harvest primarily as frozen lobster

“Although frozen lobster generates lower revenues than live exports, it has alonger shelf life and provides more flexibility in accessing markets,” she said.

She said the project also intends to diversify intoother fish species and expand the holding facility to service additional cooperatives in the PortStJohns area. Plans are also underway to introduce seafood processing activities at thefacility.

“The PortStJohns operation recently received further exposure following aFebruary visit by aGerman delegation participating in aSeafood Sourcing Mission to SouthAfrica. The mission aimed to identify seafood producers capable of supplying European markets and to assess the support required for emerging producerstomeet international standards,” she said.

Conducted in partnership with the ECDC, the visit formed part of abroader initiative to assess the export readiness of Eastern Cape producers, strengthen compliance, and link local seafood businesses with European buyers. The EasternCape has agrowing seafood industry, supported by abundant marine resources, experienced processors and an expanding value chain with strong potential for sustainable exports to Europe.

Rekaseed director, Duncan Sejosengoe, said the initiative representsanimportant step in building afully integrated seafood value chain.

“Over the past few years, we have invested significantly in developing the required infrastructure. The next step is securing the necessary certifications. Once that is achieved, we are confident that we will be able to meet the Import Promotion Desk’s standards and move to the next level.

“The workweare doing restores dignity and economic agency to local fishing communities. Completing the seafood value chain is not only amilestone for our business but also for the communities we serve,”Sejosengoe added.

Churchesprayfor road safetyafter fatalaccidents

BABALWA NDLANYA

CHURCH ministers from different denominations under the Nyandeni Council of Churches and other fraternals gathered on the T30 road near Mampondo Cash and Carry in the Lujecweni area in Ngqeleni, with

the aim of praying about the accidents that frequently occur at this spot.

According to the chairperson of the Nyandeni Council of Churches, Pastor Tembani Ndamase, the last accident took place on 15 December, leaving six people deadand 16 others injured,according to astatement issued by the Department of Transport.

He addedthat they later hosted a pre-Easter serviceinthe Kopshop area in Ngqeleni.

Ndamasesaidthey chose that area because it is busy,surrounded by senior secondary schools, and is thecentreof Ngqeleni. It also has ataxi rank.

Ndamasesaidthereisa lot happening in schools, communities, andthe taxi in-

Ntaphane, said these incidentshave left scarsonhis community. He said they hope that affectedfamilieswill find peace,aspeople are stillgrieving.

“Westill feel their pain, butweare hoping that afterthis prayer, they will find peace.The mainproblemnow is the remains of theashes at theaccident site We arethinking that afterthis prayer,

Rurallibrariesget digitalmakeover

ZAVELA MAKWABE

IMAGINE asmall rural town libraryinthe EasternCapethat is not only equipped with computers, butalso offers e-gaming, an Xbox and access to tablets –this is what the provincialgovernmenthas recentlydonefor the Mount Ayliff LibraryinEmaXesibeni.

Thedonation was part of athree-day event –theLibraries of the Future Expo,heldaspart of South African Library Weekatthe East London ICCaweek ago.

Theevent highlighted how libraries are adapting to the digital age whilst continuing to serve as important centres for knowledge, learning andcommunity engagement,and washeld under the theme “Reclaiming Knowledge and Empowering the Future”

The Expo, whichshowcasedhow libraries areusing technologysuch as digitalisation, automation and artificial intelligence to improveaccesstoinformation,also brought together leaders from government, technology and the library sector to discuss newwaysto strengthen modern library services.

DSRAC MEC Sibulele Nongongo said, “There is acrime that is taking place where

some students come across criminals when travelling toand fromthe library. We are moving towards digitalisationtoensure that even when you areathome, you aresafe

“Let us move towards digitalisationsothat even whenyou are at home youcan access the booksthat areprovided in ourlibraries.”

Event participants took part in interactive demonstrations anddiscussions on digital resources,inclusive access and digital literacy. These engagements showed how libraries are evolving into community hubsthatsupport creativity, learning and innovation.

Nongongo, who delivered the closing address, presided over the handover of digital equipment and assured the attendees of the Department’scommitment to modernising librariesand expanding access to knowledge.

Two libraries, Mdantsane NU 14 Library and Mt AyliffPublic Library, were also equipped for e-gaming and digitallearning,eachreceiving tablets, computers, coding and robotics kits, andanXbox.

TheKirkwoodPublic Library was honoured with the MEC Special Award following its recognition as Library of the Year at the 2025 LIASA Conference, receiving tablets and an Xbox to support itscontinued excellence

MEC Sibulele Ngongo,joinedby Cllr VaniaDavids, dignitaries fromBuffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, representatives of Traditional Leadership, andsenior management from variousinstitutions, officially opened the Librariesof theFutureExpoatthe EastLondonInternationalConvention Centre on 18 March2026.

KuGompoartistreleasesnewAfro-SoulEP

BABALWA NDLANYA

AN Afro-soul artist, Nokubonga Jikwana, known as Jolakazi (35),originallyfrom Tsholomnqa in KuGompo (formerly East London) and currently residing in Gauteng, hasreleasedanew EP titled Ndibizwa Embo, which consists of five tracks producedby Zipho Sigcau, known as DJ Teddy.

Sheconfirmed thatonthis proj ect, she worked with Thandanan Xaba, known as MTK, and Jabulani Hlathi, known as Jbee Forest, and also featured DJ Teddy.

She previously released an EP titled Lizophuma iLanga on 15 February 2025, which she worked on with DJ Teddy. She later released asingle titled Ekhay' eMonti,featuringP la Madlingozi, on 25 November 2025

itwas my way of connecting with my emotions, mycultural roots, and my identity as a woman. This commitment to my craft culminated in the release of my debut EP, LizophumaiLanga,abody of work that showcases my unique sound blending soulful melodies, Afro-soul rhythms, and heartfelt lyricism.The title loosely translates to ‘bringinghope and havingfaith,’encapsulating the central es of the EP:perseverance, self-reflection, and courageinthe face of life’suncertainties.”

having faith,’ encapsulating the central hemes of the EP: perseverance, courage in the life’s uncertainties.” entertainment; a spiritual and Her are inspired storyAfroSoul artist,Nokubonga Jikwana. PHOTO:SUPPLIED

Shesaid her earliest memories are filled withmelodies that stirred her imagination and sparked herpassion forsinging.

“Thispassion became the foundation of my artistic journey, as Ispent much of my youth performing in choirs, developing not only my vocal ability but also aprofound understandingofharmony, rhythm, andthe emotional power of music. My formativeyears were marked by adeep curiosity andadesire to balance both intellect and creativity,” shesaid.

Sheadded thatwhilst studyingInformation Technology (IT) at the BostonCityCampus, sheexcelledacademically, but her heart remained firmly anchored in music.

According to her, the structured and analytical natureofIThelped her develop skills in discipline,focus, and problem-solving-qualitiesshe now channels into hersongwriting and production process.

“For me, music became more than ahobby;

She added that each track is ajourney,inviting listeners to reflectontheir own challenges and triumphs whilst finding strength in their personal narratives.

Jolakazi’s music is not just entertainment; it is aspiritual cultural experience. Her songs areinspired by African storytelling traditions, drawing from the continent’shistory and spiritual depth to create artthat speakstothe soul.

“Whetherperforming live or recording in thestudio, my mission is to inspire, uplift, and create aspace where listeners canfeel seen and understood. My inspirationgoes beyond music chartsand streams. Iamcommitted to growing as an artist while using my platform to make ameaningful impact on the cultural landscape. Ienvision collaborations with like-mindedcreatives, community-drivenperformances,and projects that preserve andcelebrateAfrican identity in amodern world.”

She continues to build her career with passion and purpose, reaching audiences through streamingplatforms, live performances, and digital media.She is actively seeking sponsorship andpartnership opportunities to help her scaleher vision, expand her reach, andshare her message of hopewith an even wider audience

Sport

AHHDilizintabatournamentreturns

ANELE RAZIYA

ALL football teams around Mnquma and surrounding areas are invited to participateinthe AHH Dilizintaba annual tournament, which will be hosted at Zingqayi A/A village in Butterworth on 28 March.

The mainpurpose of the eventorganisers in hosting this tournament was to contribute to the development of sport, particularly in Zingqayi village, and also keep youth away from alcohol and drug abuse.

The event is expected to feature two sporting codes, which are soccer and netball. Football teams and netball clubs who are interested in participating in this annual tournament are requested to register their teams as soon as possible, before Friday

Oneofthe event organisers, Feziwe Mtotoyi, said everyteamiswelcome to come and participate in the tournament as they wanted to contribute tothe development of sport, particularly in rural areas.

“By organisingthe annual tournament, we wanted ouryouth to stay away from crime,drugs, alcohol and focusonsport sothat they can have abrightfuture,” said Mtotoyi.

She said the tournament is open for everyteam, and the teams that areinterested in participating in the event will need to pay aR300 registration feefor football, whilst it is R250 for netball. In addition, she said teams can contact heron067 356 6289 for further information about the upcoming event.

Teams that perform well during theeventinboth sporting codes are

expected to receive kits, gold medals and trophies as topprizes.

The tournament is named after Zingqayi VillageChief Dilizintaba, who is strongly committed to contributing to the development of sport in his area and the surrounding areas.

More than ten football teams, including their netball clubs fromdifferent areas like Mbhashe and Mnquma, areexpected to be part of the event. Parents and sports supporters areurged to come out in large numbers to support the event, and dangerous weapons are not welcome at the Zingqayi sports grounds.

Thetiming of the finalgame will be determined by the number of teams that join the event, but matches are expected to kick off before 10:00 in the morning on Saturday.

EasternCapeFootballLeague titleracereachesclimax

HOSEYAJUBASE

THEEastern Cape ABC Motsepe League is expected to conclude their matches this Saturday.

The League was expected to be concluded last week,but the matches werepostponed to this coming Saturday, 28 March 2026.

At this stage in theCoastal Stream, it is not clear who is going to proceed to theprovincial decider match.

Old Grey FC and Komani United FC in theCoastal Stream are separated by only 2points, with OldGrey FC in first position with 37 points, then Komani United FC in second position with35points.

In order for OldGrey FC to maintain their first position, they need to defeat Seven Stars FC in their last match.

This is agood start for Komani United FC,asthey are newcomersinthe ABC Motsepe League after buying astatus before thestart of the season.

Meanwhile, in theInland

Stream, FC Ravens stands a huge chance of winning the league as they are going to face therelegated MightyEagles FC in their last match.

FC Ravens is in first positionwith 42 points, while SA Spear of theNation FC is sittinginsecond position with 36 points, and they have one game in hand.

The winner of theCoastal Stream will face theInland Stream winner at theprovincial decider match.

Inland Stream fixtures:

• Bizana Pondo City vs BushBucks FC

• FC Ravens vs Mighty Eagles FC

• FC Battalion vs Fast Eleven FC

• Amaxesibe FC vs Sinenkani FC

• SA Spearofthe Nation FC vs Matta Millan FC

CoastalStream:

• SundayRiver FC vs Amavarara FC

• Makana Rhini United FC vs Camdeboo Football Academy

• KomaniUnitedFCvsEmi FC

• GqeberhaUnitedvsFCBuffalo CityFC OldGreyFCvsSeven StarsFC.

FootballcoachesgraduateaheadofNozuluYouthLegacyCup

BEFORE the main event of theNozulu Youth Legacy Cup tournament this Friday, coaches who were part of theCAF Dand CAF Clicence coaching courses lastyear will be receiving their coaching qualifications in agraduation function which will be hosted at Walter Sisulu University Bika Campus on Thursday afternoon.

The main aim of the eventisto encourage upcoming coaches to ensure that they continue to equip themselves with football knowledge and coaching skills, as modern football requires qualified coaches.

Nozulu Youth LegacyCup found-

er, Luxolo Matikinca, has said they are expected to hosttwo events prior to themain event, which is scheduled to take placeatWalter Sisulu University Bika Campus sport grounds from Friday to Sunday.

He said on 25 March they will host the draw of the 16 teams who will be competing in theU/17 Nozulu Youth Legacy Cup,and then the followingday they willhost agraduation ceremonyfor coaches who were part of coaching courses last year.

Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper,Brighton Mhlongo, is among the coacheswho attended the CAFDlicence coachingcourse last year, and he is expected to receivehis qualifi-

cation along with other coaches.

Thegraduationevent is scheduled to take place at WSUBika Campus on Thursday afternoon while the drawfor the teams will be happening late on Wednesday (18:00) at Butterworth town hall.

Tenteams fromthe Mnquma promotion league and six teams from Mpumalanga, East London and Mthatha will be put together, and the first stage of the competition will be group stages followed by knockout stages.

Teams that perform well throughout the event will stand achance to win top prizes like soccer equipment, prize money,trophies and individualawards for players.

YouthFootballTournamenttacklesgangprevention

THE organisers of City Strikers’ Under-19 tournament saidthey are very pleased with how the teams responded to register for the upcoming tournament, whichisset forFriday next week, 3April 2026. One of the organisers,Bonga

THE Centane-based team, Musketeers FC, have increased their chances of winning the SAFA Amathole Hollywoodbets Regional League Stream EinMnquma, after extending their lead to eight points clear at the top of the log standings Meanwhile, in the SAFA Amathole Hollywoodbets Regional League Stream FinMbhashe, BM FChave maintained their top position after their recent convincing victory against Excell BoysFC. Musketeers FC increased their chances of winning Stream Ewhen

Dywili, said they are now finalising some of the arrangements aheadofthe upcoming tournament. Already, 16 football teams have registered to participate in the tournament.

Dywili said they organise the tournament to educate young people about the dangers ofjoining criminal gangs

and the importance of football.

Coach Dywili said that, as coaches, they have lost many talented players to drugs, and now they are doing everything as coaches to prevent this fromhappening again. The tournament will be held from 3to6April 2026, at Mthatha Sports Field. Group A: Atletico LeopardFC Umthatha High School Falcon Knights FC Goodwill FC Group B: MthathaWest FC Rob Academy FC Young Hearts FC AfroAcademy

they defeated second-placed WSU Butterworth FC 3-0 away last weekend.

The result helped the logleaders increase their pointsfrom28to31and open an eight-point gap between first and secondplace

Since thestartofthe season, the log leaders in the division have yet to drop points, as they have played elevengames, won ten and drawn one. The teamschasing the top spot, WSUButterworthFC, arecurrently on 23 points in elevengames, having won seven,drawn two and suffered two defeats since the league started.

In third positiononthe log standings is Ngqamakwe City FC with 23 points in eleven games after winning seven, drawing two and losing two matches since the start of the season. Both chasing teams in StreamE aretrying their best to catch up to the log leaders, but it seems very difficult to achieve, as Musketeers FC currently look unstoppable against any opponent.

This weekend, on Saturday(28 March), teams will getanother opportunity to try to reduce the gapbetween them and the log leaders when Stream Eenters its second round of the season.

As Stream Eismade up of eleven teams and all teams in the division have already played eleven games, this means they have completed half of the league fixtures for the season

On Saturday, log leaders Musketeers FC will host Inter City Sports Club, Ndabankulu SSS FC will visit WSUButterworth FC, Ezikaxhamela FC will visit Ngqamakwe FC, Young Stars UnitedFCwill play against AmakotamaneFC, Ngqamakwe United FC will host FC Tshabalala, and Wongama FC will battle against Zeny Sport Club. Meanwhile,SAFA Amathole Hollywoodbets Regional League Stream F

log leaders BM FC areenjoying sitting at the top of the log standings in Mbhashe.

This follows after BM FC thrashed the second-placed team, Excell Boys, 5-0 to maintainthe top spot. Currently, BM FC areleading Stream Fwith 25 points after ten games, followed by Abahlobo FC on 18 points.

Thesecond-placed team have three games in hand, as they have only played seven games since the start of the season. Excell Boys FC occupy third position with 13 points in nine games, and league fixtures are expected to continue this Saturday.