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THE MEC forthe Department of Social Development in the Eastern Cape, Bukiwe Fanta,recently visited a20-year-oldwoman who wasthe victim of gender-based violence(GBV) at the Optimal College for the Blind in Pretoria last week.
Hername cannotbementioned for privacy reasons.
She is from Cabazana locality in Mount Ayliff andendured ahorrific sexual assault in 2022 thatleft her with severe injuries, including the gouging out of her eyes. She was abandoned and left fordead.
During the visit, Fantaexpressed her heartfelt support, acknowledging theimmense challenges the victim has faced and continues to overcome
“Your strength is an inspiration to us all. Youhave shown incrediblecourage in the face of suchadversity.Today, we stand with youasyou embark on this new chapter of your life. You are not alone in this journey; we will walk alongside you every step of the way,”said Fanta.
Fanta emphasised the department’s commitment to providing comprehensive support forsurvivors of gender-based violence. She stated that their mission is to ensure thatsurvivors likeher receive the necessary resources for healing and empowerment.
She addedthatthey willcontinue to advocate for systemic changes that protect womenand girls from violence and provide them with the support they need to thrive.
“We must work together to createasafe environment where victims feel empowered to come forward and seek help,”Fanta said.
During their meeting, theyoung woman shared her experiences and thechallenges she has faced since that fateful day. Despite theimmense trauma she has endured, she is now focused on rebuilding her life. She is actively engaged in learning new skills at thecollege, demonstrating her determination to reclaim her independence and future.
“Her strength and resolve are truly inspirational,” Fantanoted.
The MEC emphasised that this issue is not just agovernment responsibility; it requires collective action from allsectors of society.
“We must work together to createasafe environment for our women and girls. No one shouldlive in fear of violence, and we must ensure that survivors receive the helpthey need to heal,” she said Fantaadded that this visit served as a reminder of theongoing battle against gender-based violence in their communities.
The survivor’s story underscores the importance of advocacy and theneed for continued effortstoprotect women and children.
The young woman expressed her desire to further her studies and become asocial worker. She also encouraged others who have faced gender-based violence to take their timetoheal and not to hide from the public.
THE Mthatha Serious Commercial CrimeInvestigation (SCCI) successfully executed awarrant of arrest against Tembisa Qinga (44), aformer bank official, in connection with an extensive fraud and money laundering scheme of morethan R2,2 million.
Qinga ultimately appeared before the Mthatha SpecialisedCommercial Crimes Court on March 19, 2026.
The arrest follows her failuretoappearbefore the Mthatha Specialised Commercial CrimeCourt in February 2026, breaching her bailconditions. The accused’s initialbailamount of R5,000 has subsequently been forfeited by the State.
During the periodbetween March2012 and July2013, there were allegedirregularities which were broughttolight following aseries of complaintslodged by clients at ABSABank MthathaPlaza.
Aprotracted and meticulous investigation by the Bank’s forensic investigator ensued, which identified irregularities linked to disputed personal andflexi loan accounts at the abovementioned branch.
Hawks spokesperson,Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, said,“Internal scrutiny,which was apparently supported by the branch manager,revealed that the accused who was employed as aBusiness Development Officer at the time, orchestrated asystematic andcalculated scheme to defraud multiple clients.
“Acting in grossviolation of herfiduciary duties and professional obligations,Qingaallegedly unlawfully accessed and utilised clients’personal banking credentials to initiate loans and established flexi accounts without their knowledge or consent.”
He added that acting in grossviolation of her fiduciaryduties andprofessional obligations, sheallegedly unlawfully accessedand utilised clients’personal banking credentials to initiate loans and established flexi accounts without their knowledge or consent.
Acasefile was opened and handed over to theHawks for probing
“The investigation uncoveredthatthe accused ostensibly channelled theproceeds of theseillicit transactions into two ABSA bank accounts registeredin the name of her minorchild, over which sheexercisedcontrol through aPower of Attorney. According to the further probing the cumulative financial prejudice suffered by the victimhas been quantified to morethan R2,2 million.”
According to Mhlakuvana, the accused’sconduct reportedly reflecteda sophisticated abuseofinstitutional systems, leveraging her authorised access, uniquebanking credentials and internal processestoexecute the concealed fraudulent activities overasustained period.
He said Qinga was arrested by the Hawks on July 25, 2023, afterwhichshe was formally charged for fraud, theft and money laundering. Shewas granted bailbyMthathaSpecialisedCommercial CrimeCourt.
“The culprit attended afew court proceedingsand later never came to court untilher warrant of arrest was issued and executedonMarch 19, 2026. She has since appeared in court and was remanded in custody, where the matter was postponed to March30, 2026, forlegal representation and for aformal bail application.”
COMMUNITY members from Mthatha and government departmental employees were left strandedand devastated after the 11-storey Botha Sigcau Government Buildingwas destroyed by amysterious fire last week.
The spokesperson for the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) LocalMunicipality, Sonwabo Mampoza,saidthe devastating fire broke out at the historic building in the evening at approximately 18:00. He said the building,whichhouses multiplegovernment departments including Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Transport, Health, Education, the South African Police Service, andSocial Development,has beenseverely damaged.
"The Executive MayorofKing Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Councillor Nyaniso Nelani, and the entire KSD MunicipalCouncil express their concern and sadness about the incident,acknowledging the significant disruption to essential services and theloss of akey provincial landmark
"The public is urged to remain calmand await further communication from the affecteddepartments regarding continuity and recovery plans," said Mampoza.
He added that theKSD Municipality encourages membersofthe public to report any incidents to the KSD Fire Serviceat 047 495 1224. Further updates willbeprovided as more informationbecomes available.
Responding to the allegations that their fire engine came to the scene without water, Mampoza said that fire engines cannot leave their stations to attend to fires without water.
"The statement made is misleading, as someone is trying to attack the municipality. Our firefighters attended the fire immediately after receiving the report. Any burning or arson deteriorates the growth, development, and progress of KSD.
"The municipality has great investment opportunities where investors can come and invest. Businesspeople and individual property owners are encouraged to have fire extinguishers on their properties and are urged to report fires immediately whenthey occur."
The MEC for Public Works,Infrastructure and Human Settlements, Siphokazi Lusithi, reassured citizens of the province that all effortswill be made tolimit disruptions to service delivery following thefire that gutted this historic building
MBHASHE Local Municipality has spent more thanR1.5 million to procure anew municipal fleet.
The purchase includes awaste management truck and an electricityservices utilityvehicle designedtoprovide workers with essential tools to tackle service delivery challenges.
Executive Mayor Dr Samkelo Janda welcomedthe new fleetinDutywa on Monday, 23 March.
He explained thatthe vehiclesinclude askeletal single-cab 4-tonne truck for transporting skip bins to waste disposal sites
The fleetalso features adouble-cab 4-tonne truck fittedwith ahydraulic bucket to assist with electricity maintenance, includingstreetlight repairs.
The total cost of the fleet wasR1,674,734. Jandasaid the vehicles would improve themunicipality's efficiency and response times.
"We must be aresponsivegovernment so that communities are able totrust us," he said. "Our officials are being provided with the tools they need to work efficiently. Without the necessary resources, effective municipal services and proper monitoring will become difficult."
Janda added that the new equipment

Media Liaison Officer to the MEC of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Siyabonga Mdodi,saidLusithi met with multidisciplinary teams to assessthe incident, which has significantly damaged the building housing 11 government departments. It was confirmed that the building remains cordoned offasit has been declared unsafe; however,technical teams have used drones to assess its condition and determine if there are any potentialflare-ups.
"Preliminaryreports suggest that the building would havecooled off by the end ofthe week, allowing for the first physical assessment of the damage to the building and equipment. Lusithi has appreciated the collaborativeeffortsoffire service teams from the King SabataDalindyebo, Mbhashe,and Great Kei Local Municipalities,Chris Hani District Municipality, and Mthatha Airport firefighters.
"Their prompt response, despite the
challenges they experienced, ensuredthat the building didnot burn to theground and also averted potential impact on nearby businesses and communities," said Mdodi
He added that Lusithi,throughthe Director-General in the Office of thePremier,has established aprovincialcrisis response team that will, among other things, finalise plans for alternative accommodation and other critical resources required to ensurethe continuityofgovernment business in the district, as well as ensurethat staffmembers receive the necessary psychosocial supportasthey come to terms with the incident.
"Emergency teams remain on the ground and continue to monitor the situation closely.Once the relevant authorities determine that the buildingisaccessible, the government will conduct adetailed assessment of the extent of thedamage, determine necessaryinterventions, and

brings hope and should inspire municipal staff. "This supports our visionofbeing aproactive municipality and should provide quick response times."
The mayor urged municipal officials to handle the vehicles responsibly. "We need to ensure we treat thisfleet with respect
plan for therestoration of this important publicasset. She hasappealedfor calm andcautioned against anyspeculation regarding the cause of thefire.
She further encouraged government officials andall interested partiestoexercise patienceand allow law enforcement to investigate theincident."
One of thecommunitymembers, Nolutando Myolwa, said she is ahawker whosestandwas nexttothe building.
"This hasnot only affectedgovernment employees; even we,ashawkers, aregoing to struggle because we usedtofeed ourchildren by sellingtothem. NowIdo notknowwhatIamgoing to do. Ihave to come up with aPlan Bsothatmychildren do not suffer," shesaid.
Spokespersonfor Hawks,Warrant OfficerNdiphiwe Mhlakuvana, confirmed that they have takenoverthe matter from thepolice
affect our public services. Proper management should ensure they reach their full lifespan."
He said the fleet's arrival marked asignificant step forward in improving municipal services in Mbhashe. Communities needed to know about theseassetsso they could understand how public money was being spent.
"We need to ensure that we service electricityinfrastructure and manage waste disposal effectively," Jandasaid.
"The public must see we are investing in our fleet for better service delivery. We bought thesevehicles, so our workers have the proper tools.Ifwedon't provide equipment to workers, we'reessentially telling them not to work."
Jandasaid it shouldbecome athing of the past to see skip bins overflowing with rubbish. Quick responses to challenges would help communities trust the municipality.
"When electricity problems arise, we need to see very quick response times," he said. "Challenges must be reported immediately to our communications unit so they can keep communities informed about problems and solutions."
The mayor emphasised that even with paidservices, the local authority must encourage consumers to pay by providing quality services.
THE Eastern Cape provincial Department of Health has invested R416 million in the construction of anew Oncology Unit at the Nelson Mandela Academic Central Hospital (NMAH) in Mthatha, amove that could see cancer patients saving up to 800km of travelling to thenearest treatment facilities
Health MEC, NtandokaziCapa, wasdelivering her Budget and Policy speech at the Eastern Cape provincial legislature on March 25.
She said the unit willinclude critical equipment -two linear accelerators valued at R42 millioneach and abrachytherapy machinevalued at R26 million.
The unit willbeofficially opened on July 18, the late statesman Nelson Mandela’s birthday.
“This investment responds directlyto thegrowing cancerburdeninour province. Currently, the Nelson Mandela Academic CentralHospital provides only chemotherapy services, while patients requiring radiotherapy are referred to Frereand Livingstone Hospitals,travelling distancesofupto600 –800km.
“There arenodedicated oncology wards, no inpatient oncology services, and paediatric oncology is not available, with children referredoutside the region. The
demand is significant.”
Capa added that NMAH managed thousands of cancer cases, led by breast cancer with5763 cases, followed by cervical cancer at 3616, prostate cancer at 1099, oesophageal cancer at 831 cases and lung cancer at483.
The new unit, Capasaid, was supported by an additional R96.4 million for commissioning and staffing in the 2026/27 financial year.
The 68-bedfacility will have30male, 30female and 8paediatricbedsand will bring fully integrated oncologyservices under one roof
“For the first time, patients in the eastern region will access bothchemotherapy and radiotherapyservices in Mthatha, including advanced treatment, planning andfollow-up care. Thisismorethan infrastructure. It is access. It is dignity. It is the end of long,costly journeysfor care and adecisive step towards improving cancer outcomes in our province,” Capa said.
Changing the tune to focusonthe National Health Insurance (NHI), Capa said the department was putting its commitments into action.
“The Department has begunpiloting a proof of conceptfor the contracting of Primary Health Careservices in the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality and OR Tambo District,across 21 facilities. Thispilotis
testing how services will be contracted and delivered under NHI.All participating facilities areimplementing the Health Patient Registration System(HPRS), a national digital platformthatassigns a unique patient identifier andestablishes amaster patient index for all usersofprimaryhealth careservices.
“We are already seeing encouraging progress. To date, 14 out of the 21 facilities havebeen certified as compliant by the Office of Health Standards Compliance.”
Capa said in areas such as Flagstaff, where access to doctorsremained significantly belowthe national average, the model was specifically designed to address inequities and expandaccessto quality care.
The fightagainst TB and HIV –she saidwas not symbolicbut active, targeted and delivering results. Prevention remained central to the department’s response. The province was scaling up thePre-Exposure Prophylaxis programme.
During the third quarter, her department distributed 9.3 million male condoms and 687 700 female condoms.Capa said Premier Oscar Mabuyanewill this year launch the Lenacapavirlong-acting injection, which will be rolledout across 49 facilities in fourdistricts andtwo metros.
“This is asignificant advancement in
HIV treatment,aspatientswill receivean injection twice ayear, offering along-acting alternative to daily oral medication. The rolloutwill prioritise high-burden districts, facilitiesserving large and vulnerable populations andkey groups includingadolescentgirls and young women, menwho have sex with men, sex workers andtransgender persons. The 49 facilitiesare distributed as follows:eight in Alfred Nzo,12inBuffalo City Metro, 13 in NelsonMandela Bayand 16 in OR Tambo District,” she said Tuberculosis continues to present a serious butmanageable challenge. The treatment success rate currently stands at 71.4%, below thetarget; while theTB death rate is at 6.5%, andlosstofollow-up is at 15.5%.
These outcomesare largely driven by late presentation to healthcarefacilities andgaps in patient follow-up. In response, theDepartmentisintensifying early detection throughcommunity outreach; strengtheningtreatment initiation andretentionthroughOperation Phuthuma; andtargetedinterventions in underperforming districts.
For the2026/2027 financialyear,the department hasset asideanamount of R222m budgetfor theCommunity Health Workerprogramme in theCommunity Outreach Services component (COS) within theDistrictHealth Programmesgrant.









THEProvincialChairperson of the Eastern Cape Wool Growers Association in the OR TamboDistrict, Andile Ndzendze, confirmed that thenewly elected executive members will ensure that,inall areas of the district, wool is not taken by unknownindividuals but is delivered to legitimate markets.
These members were officially welcomed in an event that was held at Zithathele Shed in Libode last week.
He said they will ensure that their wool goes to the formal market,that the highrate of stock theft decreases, and that theirsheep are improved to be of the best quality.
“They will also buildunityamong farmers in this area and within the wool-producing community. There are eightmembers in total. Among them, we have aperson withknowledge of branding and tattooing.
“He has the potential to carry out thiswork, as he also has thenecessary equipment. This makes thecommittee stronger because they have someone who knows how to contact offices in Pretoria if theneed arises,” said Ndzendze.

He confirmed that this would assist addressing thechallenges as farmers.
ndze said they also visit other teach about theAnimal IdenMark Certification. encouraged farmers to brand stock and tattoo their sheep, explaining that these practices help identify theiranimals when stolen.
partment of Agriculture to do this for them. They should obtain thetools used for tattooing sheep and do it themselves. It is also important that cattleare branded according to the law.
“Fortunately, in this association, we have ways of teaching people. We want people to learnhow to brand their cattleand tattootheir sheep.
“Having animals that are not branded or tattooed is against thelaw. When numbering sheep, we do not use paint but proper sheep marking,” said Ndzendze.
He added that using paint damages thewool.
He said farmers must not waitfor the Department of Agriculture but should take theinitiative themselves.
Chairperson for theWool Growers Association in theORTambo District, Siyabulela Sangoni, said that after they wereelected in 2025, they were given an opportunitytooperate, but were not effective because they had not been officiallylaunched.
“Among thethings we need to do is ensure that therateoffarming in OR Tamboincreases.
“We hear that our district is one of thetop areas for sheep farming, but when it comes to profit,weare at the bottom. We believe this opportunity we have been given will help change these challenges.

is important is that if you sheep, make sure they are tat-

“Farmers must not waitfor theDe-
“Farmers in communal areas are around 40,000, while those on commercial farms are about 8,000. However, when it comes to theprice per kilogram of wool, those in communal areas receive thelowest prices,”hesaid. Sangoni emphasised that all stakeholders need to worktogether in order to overcome thechallenges they face as farmers.
THE Pan South African Language Board, in collaboration with Walter Sisulu University, hosted aLinguistic Human Rights Public Lecture discussionwith ChiefJustice MandisaMayaat Zamukulungisa Campus in Mthatha lastweek.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal of iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu (formerly known as WalterSisulu University), Dr Thandi Mgwebi, said the memorial lecture was very importanttothe institution, especially because Chief Justice Mandisa Maya delivered the keynote address She said the universityisclosely connectedtoits community andiscommitted to social justice, where language plays acrucial role
“Thatbecomesa key driver of justice if people are able to understand it in their own language. Universities areplaces where programmes that drive reform are shaped.
“There is alot of thinking and skill development that must come from universities to assist communities. They also have significant opportunities to influence policy,” she said
She added that policy reforms are driven by people from universities, including academics, student bodies, and communities



THE Eastern CapeProvincial GeographicalNames Committee (ECPGNC), in collaboration with the Buffalo City Metro Geographical Names Committee (BCMGNC), convened aweek-long public participation hearing on proposed geographical name changes in Buffalo City Metro, which continued until Friday, March 27.
The Buffalo City Metro Geographical Names Committee (BCMGNC)iscontinuing with stakeholder engagements on proposed name changes of provincial geographical features that arelocated within the municipality ResidentsofBuffalo CityMetro turned out in largenumbers to attend the week-long public participation hearings held in Qonce, Mdantsane, Gompocommunity halland the East London City Hall.
ECPGNC chairperson Christian Martin said the provincialgeographical names committee received applications forproposed names under Buffalo City Metro (BCM), conducted research, and convened astakeholder consultationwith the BCM council before conducting public hearingswith the affected communities.
If there are no written objections to the proposed name changes,then the popular Oxford Street in KuGompoCity would be renamed King Rharhabe Road, Bulembu Airport outside Qonce would be renamed Chief Dyani Tshatshu Airport, and Gonubie would be renamed Qunube.
The listofthe proposed name changes includes Macleantown to be renamed Mpongo, Gompo township to be known as Clement Kadalie Residence, Settler’s Way tobecomeSteveBiko Drive, Maitland Road to Bhisho Massacre Road and Wodehouse Road in
ZAVELA
AWARD-WINNING podcaster, HIV activist, speaker and now best-sellingauthor,Nozibele Qamngana Mayaba, is bringing the highly anticipated launchof her book Let Me Tell You Something, the Devotional to Mthatha Following successfullaunches in Gqeberha and KuGompo City (formerly known as East London), the eventwill take place on 18 April 2026, at the Assemblies of God Church in Mbuqe Extension.
In an overwhelming showof support, tickets priced atR300 were sold out in just hours.
Mayaba thanked everyone who supported her journey.
“Thank you to every single person who has bought aticket, shared thepost, supported the journey, prayed forme, and believed in my book.
“This sold-out moment is such abeautiful reminderthat when God is in something, He makes
room forit, He breathes on it, and He carries it,” Mayaba said.
The event will also feature a conversationwith radio personality, author,and life coach Lali Tokwe.
Mayabapromisedher fans and followersa beautiful afternoon of conversation,storytelling, reflection and celebration.
“Mthatha, Iamcomingtoyou with openhands andafull heart, andI would lovetosee you there,” she said.
Her Gqeberha two-day return launch hasalsosoldout, leaving fans nationwideclamouring for more
FanMandy Mvunelwa, who attended the KuGompo City leg of the book launch, said the event exceeded allher expectations.
“The Let Me Tell YouSomething book launch in EastLondonwas an incredibleexperience. The testimonies were moving, and the atmosphere wasfilled with faith, love,and purpose. It was as if Godwas amongst us.”


as Ntabozuko, while earlier this year, East London was officially renamed KuGompoCity.
BCM council speaker Humphrey Maxegwana said the public hearings give affected communities ‘a real voice in shaping names that honour the past and represent the present.’
Martin added,“The province’s names committee needs to deal with geographical name changes with more zeal and eagerness in order to transform our province to represent the culture and people of the Eastern Cape.” The Eastern Cape Provincial Geographical Names Committee is an institution that was established by the MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture in terms of Section 2(2)(a) of the SouthAfrican Geographical Names Council Act (Act No.118 of 1998),responsible for planning and facilitating the process of standardisation of geographical place names in the province.
MEMBERS of Parliament (MPs) havepraised the EastLondon Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) for its sustained investment attraction into the industrial zone, which has led to job creation, youth empowerment and economic growth in the EasternCape, particularly in the BuffaloCityMetroregion.
Parliament’s portfolio committee on Trade, Industry and Competition, led by itschairperson MzwandileMasina, recently undertook atwo-day oversight visitto the ELIDZand the Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) manufacturing plant in KuGompo City, formerly knownasEast London.
The visit formedpartofParliament’s broaderfocus on strengthening the country’s manufacturing sector to ensurethat industrial development spreads beyondmajor economic centres.
The visit wasalso aimed at engaging the ELIDZonits future development, growth and investment opportunities.
The ELIDZishome to over 40 operational investors in the automotive sector and another 50 operational investments in agri-industry, advanced manufacturing, logistics, sustainable energy and the digital economy sectors.
Collectively, these investments created and supportover4200 active jobs,including2819 direct jobs in the automotive sector,thus makingELIDZ asignificantsocio-economic contributor to the Eastern Cape region
ELIDZChief Executive Officer

(CEO) Thembela Zweni said the committee welcomed progress made at the ELIDZ, particularly the workofits Science and Technology Park (STP) in fostering innovation, incubating entrepreneurs, especially small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and developing much-needed skills in the province, such as thoserequired in the digital economy and renewable energy sector
“The province remains an important hub for SouthAfrica’sautomotive industry. As part of its visit,the committee engaged stakeholdersinthe auto sector, includingMBSA, Ebor and Voestalpine.
Collectively, the industry has made asignificant contribution to component localisation, skills development, job creation and community development,”said Zweni The auto sector raised concerns regarding the need for reliableand affordable electricity and water provision, including reliabletransport logistics and policy reforms to secure favourable tariffs with the United States of America (USA).
“The committee will engage relevant stakeholders to address some key challenges facing the automotive industry and other businesses operating in the province,”concluded Masina.
THEMethodist Church of Southern Africa’s Clarkebury District hosted apowerful workshop for Young Men’sGuild (YMG) on 27 March 2026.
Theevent focused on empowering men to be positive role models in their communities, families, and the church,fosteringgrowth, reflection and leadershipdevelopment.
Theworkshop aimed to build responsible, God-fearing men who drive meaningful change.
Theworkshop,themed “Devel-
oping YMGMen”,equippedattendees with practicalskills in crop and livestockfarming.Participants learned howagriculture canensure food security, promote healthier lifestylesthrough physicallabour, andprovide access to fresh, nutritious food.
AttendeeThamsanqa Gxumisa told the Express thathefound the workshop very informative. “Coming from afarming background, I gainednew insights andperspectives on farming. Thefocus on farming as abusinessand best practices forlivestockand crop management will definitely shape
my approachgoing forward,” he said He alsomentioned thatthe workshop delved into the YoungMen’s Guild’s MissionPillars,focusing on shapingconduct andcharacter -not just in church,but in the broader community.
Another attendee, LelethuThafeni,saidhefelta senseofclarity after the workshop,knowing exactly what is expected of himas aman in hischurch, community andfamily
“The discussion on MissionPillars really drove home the role of men- it was eye-opening,” he said

