Mthatha Express South - E-Edition - 29 January 2026

TroubledAmatolaWaterofficiallywelcomesnewboardmembers

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

WATER and SanitationMinister Pemmy Majodina officiallywelcomed thenewly appointed AmatolaWaterBoard members in an attempt to strengthenclean governance, strategic leadership andrestore stabilityatthe troubled EasternCapewaterutility and bulksupplier.

Over the past few months, workersfrom the embattled water utilityhave continued to down tools and embarked on aseries of strike actionsfollowingallegations of fraud, corruption and maladministrationatAmatola Water, which eventually prompted the intervention of Majodina.

There werealso reportsofriftsamongst itssenior executives and board members, leading to the appointmentofthe new board. The workers' protests left many communities in the province withoutwaterfor severaldays.

The former AmatolaWater board chairperson,Pam Yako,resignedearly last year and has been replacedbythe current interim board chairperson, Gaster Sharpley.

Water andSanitationMinisterPemmy Majodina (centre) officially welcomedthe recentlyappointed AmatolaWater boardmembers PHOTO: SUPPLIED

ince,"said Majodina.

Majodina believes that the newly constituted board brings together distinguished professionals with awealth of experience across public administration, engineering, finance, legal advisory and infrastructure delivery—all critical areas for advancing Amatola Water's mandate.

Some of the new board members include Noxolo Abraham, who has deep legislative experience; SimnikiweXawuka, acivil engineer and specialist in water infrastructure; and Thuthuka Songelwa, aproject and construction management professional with legal expertise.

Speaking during the official welcome of thenew board recently, Majodina's speech focusedonaccountability, institutional stability,clean governance and quality leadership.

Majodina emphasisedthe critical role

Theformer CEO, Siyabulela Koyo, left the water utility without finishing his five-yearcontract and has been replaced by LindokuhleNzoyi as actingCEO

the new board will havetoplay in steeringAmatolaWater through the complexitiesofwater servicedelivery, ensuring accountable leadership andeffective governance.

"Our commitment is to provide asound oversightroleand strategic direction that will translate into reliable, quality water servicesfor communities across the prov-

Other members include municipal engineering and infrastructure strategist Bhekuyise Makedama, legal counsel and risk advisory expert Nondumiso Ngonyama, and veteran water sector strategist and adviser Trevor Balzer.

Amatola Water is abulk water supplier providing clean water to several district municipalities in the province, including Buffalo City Metro, Amathole District Municipality, O.R.Tambo, Alfred Nzo, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi and Sarah Baartman districts.

Provincemournslossofthreeeducatorsinshootingtragedy

BABALWA NDLANYA

SPOKESPERSON for the Department of Education, Malibongwe Mtima said the MEC for the Department of Educationin the Eastern Cape, Fundile Gade, together with the entireDepartment of Education and the Ntabankulu Primary School community, mourn the devastating lossof threefemaleeducatorswho tragically died following ashooting incident at theschool on 22 January.

Thedeceased are aGrade1teacher, NonyamekoMatanzima (64), aGrade 3teacher, Buyiswa Nkqayi (52) and aGrades 4and 5 isiXhosa teacher, Ntombizonke Nonkondlo (51).

Mtima said the shocking incident occurred during school hours when the school's former Deputy Principal unlawfully gained access to the school premises and opened fireinthe staff room where educators were gathered.

One educatordied at the scene, whiletwo others latersuccumbed to their injuries at amedical facility. Subsequent to the fatalshooting, the perpetrator turned the firearm on himself and diedonthe school premises.

"The deceased perpetrator had recently been dismissed following adisciplinary process linkedtoallegationsofsexual misconductinvolving learners," saidMtima.

"Atthe time of the incident, he was also facing criminal charges on the same matter at the Mthatha Regional Court

"Furthermore, the school had obtained a court interdict against this former employee due to persistent threatsand intimidation of staff, including sporadic incidents of gunfire in the vicinity of the school," he said.

Immediately following theincident,all learners andeducatorswere safely released from school with thesupport of the South AfricanPolice Services.

The department has activated itsWellness Services to providepsycho-social support andtrauma counselling to affected learners,staff, and the broader school community. The services will be provided in conjunction with Social Development and

other sector departments.

Eastern Cape Premier, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, has expressed profound shock, sorrow and outrage at the tragicshooting incident which happened in this school.

Heextends hisdeepest condolences to the families, colleagues, learnersand the broaderschool community who havebeen traumatised by this horrific act of violence.

"This is adevastating loss of life in a space that should be asanctuary of learning, safety and hope. Our hearts are with the families who arenow left to carry unbearablegrief,"hesaid.

Mabuyane further expressed grave concern thatthe alleged perpetrator was a former deputy principalwho had been dismissed in 2020 forserious misconduct involving the sexual abuse of learnersand whose criminal case has been ongoing since2023.

"This tragedyraises painful but necessaryquestions about institutional accountability, the protection of whistleblowers, the responsiveness of law enforcement and the safeguarding of our schools. No child and no educator should ever feel unsafein aschool environment."

He has stronglycondemned the abuse

of children by those entrusted with their care, describing it as abetrayal of thehighest order.

Mabuyane added that teachersoccupy a sacred positioninsociety."When that trust is violated through abuse, violence or exploitation, the full might of the lawmust act swiftly and decisively."

He has called on the South African Police Services and all relevant authoritiestoensure that acomprehensive investigation is conducted,including areviewofhow previous warnings and reports were handled.

Mabuyane also urged the Department of Education, Social Development and Health to provideimmediate psycho-social support to affected learners, educators and families.

"We must honour the memory of theeducators who lost their livesbystrengthening our systems of protection, accountability and early intervention.Weowe it to every child in the EasternCape to build schoolsthat are safe, nurturingand free fromfear."

Provincial Secretary for the South African DemocraticTeachers' Union in the Eastern Cape, Malibongwe Ntame, said as aunion, they areshocked, disturbed and

FarmersurgedtostopdangerousFMDtreatments

BABALWA NDLANYA

FARMERS in Mbozisa VillageinMqanduli have been strongly urged to immediatelystop usingpetrol and madubula as atreatment for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), following growing concern over unsafe practices being applied to infected livestock and those suspected of having the disease.

This comes after suspectedcases of FMD were reported in the area.

Authorities expressed alarmthat some farmershad resortedtomixingpetrol with mad-

ubula, while others used rough salt and traditional beerinanattempttotreat infected cattle.

The Department of Agriculture (DoA) warned that these methodsare dangerous and can worsen the condition of animals and pose health risks to them.

Addressingfarmersduring the awareness session, Controller of the Department of Agriculture at King Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality Office, Litha Gqokoma, emphasised thatisolation is one of the most critical measures in controlling the spread of FMD.

"Farmersmust immediately isolate any animal showing symptoms of Foot and Mouth Disease and report such cases to veterinary officials. Using petrol, madubula or any other unapproved substances is harmful to animals," said Gqokoma.

The outreach team was led by Deputy Director, Coordination at Department of AgricultureinKing Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality Office, Zolile Kantolo, who reiterated the importance of cooperation between farmers and authorities.

"We areappealing to farmers to workwith

perturbed by the tragic incident of three innocent female teachersfromthis school

Thepassing of these educatorsisa huge losstothe school and the communityof Ntabankulu

"Wedeclared ourschools as saferhavens for teaching andlearning, and theymust remainlike that.

"Having strong fencing as abaseline, employment of security guards/personnel, installation of CCTV cameras andpanic buttons can strengthen and guaranteethe safety and security of teachers, learners and supportstaff, parents etc.inall our schools," said Ntame. He added that proper and quality teachingand learning can only take place when the environment is conducive.

"Weare calling upon all State Departments to urgently provide psycho-social services to theentire school communityof Ntabankulu Primary.

"We furtherurgethe Law Enforcement Agencies to fast-track the investigation processes. Lastly, we extend oursincere and deepestcondolences to the school community of Ntabankulu Primary and theaffected families in particular."

Police spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, confirmed that the third educator succumbed to her injurieswhilebeing transported by ambulancetoMthatha Hospital.

Shesaidthe ambulance personneldiverted to Madzikane Hospital in Mount Frere after sheexperienced medical complications,whereshe was declared deceased by the attending doctor

"This development meansall three educators shotinthe attack have now been declared deceased.All victims were female educators," said Gantana.

"Thesuspect, aformer teacheratthe school whowas dismissedin2023 following sexual assaultchargesand was out on bail, was declareddeceased at the scene

"The investigation has now beenrevised to the following caseclassifications: three counts of murderand an inquestdocket," concluded Gantana.

According to Gantana, the investigation into thefull circumstances continues.

the government and follow veterinary guidance. FMDhas serious economic consequences, and ignoring regulations will only deepen the crisis in our communities," said Kantolo. Oneofthe affected farmers, Reuben Mpondombini, whose cattle show signs of FMD, shared his concern about the impact of the disease on his livelihood.

"This disease is painful for us as farmers because cattle are our source of income and support for our families. Losing them means losing everything. Iamcalling on fellow farmers to follow the advice given by officials."

AbathembuKingpartnerswithIsraelonhealth,education

BABALWA NDLANYA

THE Abathembu King BuyelekhayaDalindyebo haspartnered withIsrael with the aimof improvinghealth and education locally Dalindyebo confirmedthis during ameeting he hosted with an Israeli delegation at Nkululekweni in Mthatha last week.

He said health facilities are in poor condition, and what he wants to see is anation that is well-securedinterms of healthcare.

“Thisiswhat Iwould love to see. We usually describe freedomasaccess to landand minerals, butIbelieve the best form of freedomis access to good health, good services, anda protected nation,” said Dalindyebo.

He added that when everyonehas access to education, true freedom will be within reach

He said there is no need to free people who are ignorant and lack knowledge,who cannot take care of theirown assets and wealth; therefore, education is important.

Dalindyebo added that Israel was the first country toreach outand offer assistance when theMthatha community was affected by floods on 10 June2025.

“During our desperate time when we suffered from floods, Iasked for no assistance. They felt in their hearts thatthey needed to help us, and from thathelp, they are now extending more support so that we can stand.”

Israeli Ambassador and Director for Digital Diplomacy in the Office of Home Affairs in Israel, David Saranga, said this was his second visit to theEasternCape. Hisfirst visit was in August 2025, during whichheinvited Dalin-

dyebo to visit Israel because thereare many fields in whichthe two can cooperate.

“Water, agriculture, technology, education Iamhere to build bridges between Israel and the people of South Africa. When Icame here in August, Iinvited the King to come and see what Israel is good at. In December,hevisited us and met with different people, wherewe presented areas in whichwecan cooperate.

That is why we arehere today,” said Saranga.

He added that they came with representatives fromInnovation Africa, an organisation that brings water to remote villages across Africa, including South Africa, usingIsraeli technology.

Sarangasaidthey came togethertoidentify villages where they canprovide clean water to communities.

“We also look to cooperate in the field of agriculture, given the richland we have here. I hope that soon we will see cooperation in the field of health. We aregoing to cover all the expenses because we want to help the people of this area. Iamhappy to be here, and we are going to startverysoon,”hesaid.

TheChief Executive Officer(CEO) of Nelson Mandela AcademicHospital, Nomkhita Mtonjana,saidmanyissues were discussedduring the meeting, particularly regarding Frere Hospital, as they want to see it reach asimilarlevel.

“We agreed that in terms of collaboration, we need to write down our needs in various areas, whether infrastructureorcapacity building in our specialised fields. We will then look at how we can work with the Israelis,”saidMtonjana.

GovernmentClusterdeliversschoolsupportinMthatha

THE JusticeCrime Prevention andSecurity (JCPS) Clusterconducted asuccessful back-toschoolcampaign at A.V. Plaatjies SeniorSecondary School in Mthatha last week.

Various dignitaries from theEastern Cape Provincial Government and HeadsofDepartment from theJCPS Cluster visited thisschool to support the countrywide back-to-school campaign and, for this school in particular,tofulfil thecommitments made duringthe previous visitbythe cluster.

Amongthe dignitariesinattendance were thetwo Heads of Departmentfrom the JCPS Cluster: Thulani Sibuyi, whoisthe Director General of the CivilianSecretariat for Police, and the National Commissioner,Makgothi Thobakgale

The founder of the school, AlvenVuyisa Plaatjie, expressedhis greatappreciation for thesupport that the government hasprovided for thedevelopment of the school.“Let this school continue to be asafeplace forteaching and learningtobetter the future of ourcountry,” he said.

The interventions that were undertaken during thisvisit were identified as challenges in thelast imbizo thatwas conducted by the cluster inSeptember 2024. Among others, these included thehanding over of bursaries and uniforms to selected pupils, the repair of some damaged school infrastructure, as well as the cutting ofgrass in and around the school yard.

Following awalkabout by the delegation to inspect progress thathas been made in addressing theidentified challenges at the school,

the Director General of Civilian Secretariatfor Police, Sibuyi, expressed their satisfaction with the work that was undertaken by the team.

“We arereally impressed with the progress made, and whilst we acknowledge that alot still needs to be done, the team has done tremendous work in fixing the broken windows, plastering of walls, repairing of the broken tables and chairs, and electrical wiring in the classrooms, amongst other things,”hesaid.

He also pledged to addressthe escalating challengeofwater shortages in theschool.

Correctional Services Commissioner,Makgothi Thobakgale, emphasised the importance of safety in communities, which alsomakes the teaching and learning process easier in schools.

“The Cabinet of South Africaapproved the

integrated crimeand violence prevention strategy which emphasises that we work with and amongst communities to prevent crime. Once our efforts of crimeprevention increase, safety levels increase in communities,businesses improve, our children areable to go to school without fear, and teachers do their work without fear,” saidThobakgale.

Theprincipal of the school, Xolisa Maqude, also appreciated the work that was undertaken by the cluster.“Theperformance of learners is influenced by prevailing conditions under whichteaching and learning occur.Ifwecontinue on this path, whereweimprove notonly the infrastructureinand around the school but also thewell-being of students, we will maintain the good resultsthat we always obtainas A.V. PlaatjiesSecondarySchool,”saidMaqude

Artandtalentinthespotlight

ZAVELA MAKWABE

THE All Saints Hall in Mthatha was avibrant hub of activity as art and talent were showcased at the inaugural O.R. Tambo Dance and Drama Festival on 24 January Artists from across all five lo-

cal municipalities of the district took part in the festivities, which included traditional and contemporary dance performances, drama, music and poetry.

Curating the festival through his company Khanyiso Social Enterprise, legendarySouth African playwright and award-win-

ning performer Billy Dakada told the Express that he was excited to launch this colourful event.

"Thisfestival was the firstof its kind in the area. We crafted it with the specific aimofpromoting tourism, creating jobs and empowering the youth through the creativeindustries, making it agame-changerfor Mthatha. It was also afantastic way for peopletoimmerse themselvesinthe community's heritage andhave a great time."

Fromsetbackstoservingupsuccess

ZAVELA MAKWABE

WHEN theCovid-19 redundancies cut shorther Support Analyst role at the logistics company she used to workfor in 2020,Siyamthanda Mahabeni transformed the setback into arecipe for success—she launched Siya Meals, her catering business venture. She started serving up delicious braais, salads, and "seven-colour meals" from her kitchen, with pre-ordersand delivery on Saturdays and Sundays

As thebusiness grew, so did the team! She had to bring in extra help as she now caters for weddings, funerals,parties, and more. But the real game-changerwas addingher famouskotastothe

menu acoupleofweeksago.

Business isnow booming.

Shetold the Express that thedecline in eventsduring January meantlessmoney coming in, but the bills didn't stopcoming, andthe staff still needed to be paid.

"Wehad to devise aplanto keep the money coming in," Mahabeni said. "My team and Ibrainstormed some ideas and we hit the bull's-eye with the kotas."

They tried them out and filmed apromotional video thatwent viralonTikTok and Facebook andwas so effective theynow sell no fewer than 200 kotas aday

Introducingher signature toastedkotas, loaded with a mixofmeats, tangy sauces andfresh vegetables, proved

to be amasterstroke for Siya Meals.

It wasa move that paid off big time.

Shesaid sheisblown away by the incrediblesupport they havereceivedfrom the people of Gqeberha.

"I am in aweofthe amazing support,the orders for the kotas pourinevery day and we havetoturnsome away, all thanks to the powerofsocial media marketing."

Mahabeni's culinary passionstems from her beautifulmemoriesofwatching her great-grandmother and grandmother in the kitchen whippingupdeliciousmealsfor their family.

"I've always been passionate about cooking, alove inspired by my family," she shared.

Dakada, who cultivates local talent throughdrama, dance and creative arts classes at theMthatha Community Arts Centre, has

longexpressed frustration that local artists oftenhave to relocate to other provinces to make aname for themselves.

"Wehave so much talent in the Eastern Cape," he said,adding that he hopesthe government will do moretoassist artists and keep them home

ADMassessesschoolinfrastructurechallengesinruralschools

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

AMATHOLE District Municipality leadership has been criss-crossingthe district, monitoring and assessingschool infrastructure challenges targeting rural schools and assessing the schools' readiness for the 2026 academic year, as part of theback-to-school campaign.

Eastern Cape government officials, in partnership with municipalities andother relevant stakeholders, are expected to visitschools in all education districts in theprovince, assessing and monitoring school infrastructure challenges throughout January and February

The Amathole education district achieved good matric results in the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, with Amathole East recording an improved 85.1 per centand Amathole West obtaining an 80.3 per cent passrate. Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, accompanied by Amathole District Municipality (ADM) executive mayor Anele Ntsangani and Mbhashe Local Municipality mayor Samkelo Janda, recently visited Zwelenqaba Senior Secondary School at KwaNtshunqe village in Elliotdale.

Elliotdale falls under theMbhashe Municipality jurisdiction,and theaim of the visitwas to assess the school's infrastruc-

ture challenges and its readiness forthe 2026 academic year.

The school, situated in adeep rural area in Amathole East, achieved a72.5 per cent matric pass rate.

The ADM leadership also visited PhandulwaziAgricultural School under the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in the Amathole West education district. Phandulwazi Agricultural School recorded an improved 90 per cent passrate compared to the 77 per cent achieved by the 2024 matric class.

Both Zwelenqaba and Phandulwazi face similar school infrastructurechallenges, including infrastructure backlogs, theft and vandalism, poor school equipment, security constraints and other operational matters.

Addressing teachers and learnersat Zwelenqaba High School, Burns-Ncamashe promised that educational materials and school uniformswould soon be donated to the school in an attempt to assist and supportlearners frompoor backgrounds

"Our responsibilityistoensure that not asinglelearner is deprived of education due totheir personal circumstances," he said.

At Phandulwazi, ADM committed to providing three water storage tanks, supplementing the school'sexisting water tank in an attempttomitigate ongoing water challenges

MinisterplantsseedofgrowthatZamokuhleSpecialSchool

ZAVELA MAKWABE

AS apowerful symbolof growth and development, andstaying true to the department'skey objective of fostering sustainabledevelopmentthroughinitiatives like gardening and encouraging sustainable land use and management, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso handed over seedlings and gardening tools to Zamokuhle Special School in Bizana during the2026back-to-school campaign last week

Speaking on behalf of the department, spokespersonLinda Page said the department encourages the productive useofarableland, especially in rural areas.

"Zamokuhle Special School has a boarding facility andlearnersare provided withmeals.Inhanding over the seedlings,the department wishestoencouragethe production of healthy food on available land in theschool'sgarden to contribute to food security for the learners," shesaid.

Minister Nyhontso handed over beetroot, spinach,onion andcabbage seedlings to the school principal, emphasising sustainabilityand education.

He encouraged learners to stay in school, saying:"Education is crucial as it opensdoors to endless possibilities." He also donated variousessential school supplies, including stationery, school shoes and rucksacks, to provide learner support and facilitate school readiness

Zamokuhle Special School, established in 1986,provides education to learners fromacross the province who are blind

or partially sighted.

Duringher presentation, the principal reported that, althoughthe school is

achieving good academic results—with 13 out of 14 matric learners recently passing—they face significant infra-

Policewarnofscamrisksaftertragicincident

ZAVELA MAKWABE

OR TAMBO District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishanawould liketosend awarning to members of the public to be extra carefulwhendealing with social networks, as peopleare oftenbeing scammed and fall prey to these scams.

This wasafter a33-year-old suspectwas fatally shot by the police in Mbutho locality on Friday, 16 January 2026. It is alleged that the suspect lured a

24-year-old woman into aloveaffair on social media. Thenthe two met in Mthatha on Thursday, 15 January 2026, andproceeded to Tsoloin ataxi On theirway to Mbutho locality on foot, themale suspect threatened the victim with aknife and raped her in an open field.

On arrival at Mbutho locality, thesuspectraped the woman again, and she managed to report the horrific ordeal telephonically to her relatives.

Thepolice were alerted and, upon their arrival, the male suspect charged at the policewith aknife.

Thesuspect was shot and succumbed to his injuries.

Preliminary investigations revealed that three women aged between 25 and 29 years were reported missing at TsoloPolice Station from 24 December 2025 until 15 January 2026, and were all found dead in open fields.

Police are busy establishing thelink between their deaths and thesuspect

structural challenges, including leaking roofs and poor road conditions leading to theschool,which require attention.

through thesuspect’s cell phone records, as he had contacted thethree deceased victims before theirdeaths.

Major GeneralModishana urged theinvestigating teams to identify any direct linkages between thedeceased victims and thesuspect to ensure closure for all affected families.

An inquest docket was also opened with charges ranging from rape, abduction, resisting arrest to attack on police, while further investigation has been handed over to IPID.

Sport

WinterCupadds women’sdivision

HOSEYAJUBASE

WINTER Cup founder, Jongabantu Ngcuthushe, has confirmed that, for the firsttime this year, they aregoing to introduce awomen’s cup.

“Thisisgoing to be the first editionfor women's football, and we are going to include women's football every year from now on,” said Ngcuthushe.

“We decided to include women because there are notournaments for them in the province. Theyonly play league games, then after that, they do nothing. We are trying to promote gender equality in football;wedon’t want to leave women behind,” saidNgcuthushe.

The women’s football tournamentwillfea-

ture eightteams or more, and the Winter Cup women'stournament is expected to take place in August or September 2026. Theoverall winnerwill gohome with R20,000.

This year, on the men’sside, Winter Cup will hostthe tournament forthe sixth timesince the tournament started in 2021.

Thirty-twomale teams participated in the men’s tournament each year since 2021.

The prizes have increased drastically this year. Themen’swinners will go home with R50,000, whilst secondplacereceivesR25,000.

Ngcuthushe said he is proud that since they started thetournament in 2021, they have managed to pay winners on time.

The men’s tournament will take placebetween 13 and 14 June 2026 and conclude on 20 and21June 2026.

Musketeersleadunbeatenstreak

ANELE RAZIYA

THE Centane-based team,MusketeersFC, are expected to maintain their winning streak when the SAFA Amathole Hollywoodbets RegionalStream Eleague fixtures continue this weekend.

Since the start of the season last year, MusketeersFCfrom Centane are among threeteams that are still enjoying an unbeaten run. Currently, the Centane team are leadingthe Stream Estandings in Mnquma with nine points after three games, and they are followed by Amakotamane FC with six pointsin two games.Ngqamakhwe City FC occupy third position in the standingswith six pointsafter threeleaguegames,whilst ZenySport Club still maintain their winning run with sixpoints in twomatches.

In recent league games played by theseteams, whoare yet to taste defeat this season, logleadersMusketeersFCpunished Ezikaxhamela FC 5-0toremain on top. Zeny Sport Club beat Ngqamakhwe City FC 2-1 away, and Amakotamane FC demolished WongamaFC6-1 to claimsecond position

In other Stream Eaction, WSU Butterworth FC drew 1-1 against Young Stars UnitedFC, and FC Tshabalala surprised Inter City SportsClub

bybeating them 5-1 away.Looking ahead to this Saturday’sleague fixtures, some teams willbe gunning to bounce back,whilst others willbe aiming tomaintain their winning streak.

In fixtures to be played at different venues in Mnquma, Ngqamakhwe City FC will host Amakotamane FC, Ngqamakhwe United FC will be visitedbyWSU Butterworth FC, the log leaders will welcome Wongama FC, Inter City Sports Club will battleagainst Young Stars United FC, FC Tshabalala will entertain Zeny Sport Club at home,and Ezikaxhamela FC will host NdabankuluS.S.SFC.

Allthese fixtures are expected to be played in the afternoon on Saturday, 31 January, and dangerous weapons arenot allowed at the venues.Looking at SAFA Amathole Hollywoodbets RegionalLeague StreamFinMbhashe, three teams are tied with nine points at the top of their standings.

Abahlobo FC are leading the standings with a better goaldifferencecompared to ExcellBoys’ FCand BM FC,who are chasing the top spot.

All three top teams have played three games sincethe start of the season and are enjoying a100% winning run. Thisweekend, StreamF fixtures willcontinue in Mbhashe, where five league matches areexpected to take place at different venues.

Formerchampionshostopentrials

ANELE RAZIYA

SOME teams in the Sasol League in the EasternCapeare starting to prepare for the new league campaign for the 2026 season, thoughthe kick-offdate is yet to be confirmed

Thisfollows after the former Sasol League Inland Stream champions, Executive Ladies’ FC from Ntabankulu, are preparing to host open trials early next month.

According to their published announcement, trials arescheduled to be held at 4Rooms Sports GroundsinNtabankulu from 1-7 February.

Club chairman Mawethu Nama, speaking to Mthatha Express,said the trialsare open to everyonetocome and be part of the event, and they also encourage players to bring theiridentity documents or passports.

Nama saidthey also expect players to bring their own kits, water, and food, and free accommodation will be provided.

He said playerswho areinterested in being partofthe trials need to call him on 082 767 1647.

The intentionofhosting the trialsisthat ExecutiveLadies FC areaiming to bolster

theirsquad for next season so that it can compete for the top spot

Last season, the Ntabankulu team finished theirleague campaign in the Sasol League Inland Stream, sitting in second position for the first time after four consecutive years when they werealways winning the stream.

However, Bizana-based team 4800 Ladies’ FC surprised the former stream champions when they displayed great performance throughout the 2025 season to claim the top spot and earn an opportunity to play in the Sasol League national promotion playoffs.

Unfortunately, the Bizana team tried their best during the playoffs but failed to gain promotion.

Now,all teams in the Sasol League, including Ntabankulu, will be aiming to work hard thisseason with the target of finishing at the top of the league table, as each team is aiming to participate in the national playoffs.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, it was the first time Executive Ladies’ FC failed to finish at the top of Inland Stream, but with the upcoming trials, the Ntabankulu team is trying to build astrong squad that can compete for the top spot once again.

EasterTournamenttacklesdrugproblem

HOSEYAJUBASE

CITY Strikers FC willhostaU/19Easter tournament aimed at rescuing kids from drugs.

Speaking to the Express,coach Bonga Dywili said they have noticedthatafter returning from initiationschool, some of the players start joininggangster groups and smoking.

“We have been observing this foralong time, and it’s killing our players, so by

hosting this tournament, we alsowantto teach themthatsportiskey in life

“There is no need forour playersto change when theyare returningfrominitiation school; instead,theyneedtocontinuefocusingontheir careers.

“Our kids in Mthathaare dying due to drugs, andthe main purpose of hostingthisjuniortournament is to rescue them,”saidcoach Dywili.

Thetournament will be hostedfrom3 April to 6April 2026.