Mthatha Express South - E-Edition - 3 September 2026 by Novus Media

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Water tanks bring relief

Executive Mayor of Amathole District Municipality, Councillor Anele Ntsangayi, handed over 10 water tanks to residents and essential community facilities at Rwantsana Village in Centane as interim relief for water-supply challenges in the area. Read the full story on page 2. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

MthathaExpress

NEWS

3 September 2026

ADM delivers water tanks to Centane residents AMATHOLE District Municipality (ADM) has handed over 10 water tanks to residents and essential community facilities at Rwantsana Village in Centane as part of an interim response to water-supply challenges in the area. Spokesperson for Amathole District Municipality, Sisa Msiwa, confirmed that this handover was led by the Executive Mayor of the municipality, Councillor Anele Ntsangayi. Eight tanks were allocated to communities in Ward 23, while Tutura Clinic and Mabobothi Senior Secondary School each received one tank. The intervention will support households and public facilities that have experienced prolonged challenges in accessing reliable water. During the handover, Ntsangayi announced that ADM would provide a further 10 tanks as part of its continued response. “The tanks provide temporary relief while longer-term infrastructure projects are being implemented. These include three projects currently under way in the area, among them is the Nxaxo-Cebe project, which is nearing completion,” said Ntsangayi. He added that the tanks would be placed at suitable locations to support the collection and storage of rainwater for use during dry periods. ADM will also consider assisting with the installation of gutters where appropriate buildings are identified, thereby strengthening local rainwater-harvesting capacity. Community representative, Thembisile Ndulu, welcomed the intervention, saying that residents had struggled with unreliable water access for several years and appreciated the relief provided by the municipality.

Maintenance and inadequate sanitation were identified as key concerns. In response, Ntsangayi committed ADM to providing four toilets across the two facilities and deploying Expanded Public Works Programme workers to assist with maintenance. The programme also highlighted the importance of protecting municipal and community infrastructure from vandalism. Residents were encouraged to take collective responsibility for safeguarding the tanks and other public assets intended to improve their living conditions. Ntsangayi further called for united community action against gender-based violence and femicide, faction fighting and other social challenges affecting women, children and young people. He encouraged residents to support agriculture, tourism and other local economic opportunities that can help communities create livelihoods and reduce poverty. The Speaker from Mnquma Local Municipality, Councillor Monica Qaba, thanked ADM for responding to the needs of the Centane community. She said improved access to water brings dignity and relief to residents and called on the community to protect the infrastructure provided. The intervention forms part of ADM's ongoing responsibility as the district Water Services Authority to provide immediate relief while implementing sustainable solutions to water supply challenges across the district. Following the community handover, Ntsangayi visited Tutura Clinic and Mabobothi Senior Secondary School to formally hand over their tanks and engage with nurses and educators about the challenges facing the two facilities.

Six killed in OR Tambo accidents SIX people have lost their lives while several sustained multiple injuries following two accidents that occurred on different roads in the OR Tambo District recently. Spokesperson for the Eastern Cape MEC for Community Safety and Transport, Makhaya Komisa, said the first accident occurred on the N2 near Viedgiesville between Mthatha and Idutywa, when an Isuzu double cab with six occupants overturned and rolled over several times, flinging all occupants from the vehicle. He said the vehicle was travelling from Idutywa towards Mthatha with six occupants, including the driver. “It is alleged that the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to overturn. Two male passengers were declared dead at the scene by emergency services, while four injured occupants were taken to Mthatha Regional Hospital for further medical assistance. “The second accident happened on the N2 near Qumbu at Marhambeni towards

KwaBhaca when the driver of a Ford Ranger double cab bakkie lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was travelling from KwaBhaca towards Qumbu and heading to Cofimvaba with 15 occupants,” said Komisa. He added that four occupants were declared dead at the scene by emergency services while 11 people sustained serious injuries. Komisa confirmed that all the injured passengers were rushed to the Malizo Ka Mpehle Hospital in Tsolo. Transport and Community Safety MEC, Xolile Nqatha, has strongly condemned motorists who drive while intoxicated and continues to urge all drivers to follow traffic regulations. He has expressed condolences to the grieving families and wishes a swift recovery to the injured passengers. Cases of culpable homicide have been opened at the Qumbu and Bityi Police Stations for further investigation.

3 September 2026

MthathaExpress 3

NEWS

Teachers sharpen coding skills at workshop BABALWA NDLANYA TEACHERS from schools including Port Alfred High School, Mamvenyane Primary School, Mtimde Junior Secondary School, Nomvalo Secondary School, Dedeni Primary School and Luqoqweni Junior Secondary School were equipped to teach Coding and Robotics at a workshop held by Oxford University Press South Africa recently at Roman Catholic School in Port St Johns. Oxford's Eastern Cape Provincial Manager, Zimkitha Gamedala, confirmed that the turnout of more than 2,000 Eastern Cape teachers demonstrated that educators want professional development that helps them solve the problems they encounter in class each day. The aim was to support teachers with the implementation of Coding and Robotics and to strengthen teaching and learning in local schools. It was intended to benefit educators from the broader district, ensuring that more schools have access to quality professional development and curriculum support. "Teachers are typically invited through collaboration with district education officials and school management teams. Selection is based on factors such as curriculum needs, subject responsibilities, and the schools identified as requiring support in the implementation of Coding and Robotics," she said. She added that a total of 2,240 teachers from schools across the district have participated in the training programme since April 2026, benefiting from practical, curriculum (CAPS)-aligned support aimed at strengthening their confidence and competence in teaching Coding and Robotics as a new subject to be introduced in the Foundation Phase. Gamedala confirmed that Coding equips learners with essential 21st-century and computational skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and logical reasoning. It encourages learners to think

Teachers from different schools attended a Coding and Robotics workshop in Port St Johns. systematically and develop innovative solutions, while also fostering curiosity, confidence and teamwork and developing important digital skills for the future. She added that Oxford University Press remains committed to supporting teachers through ongoing professional development opportunities. According to her, additional training and support initiatives are being considered in collaboration with education stakeholders. "Details regarding future workshops, including dates and venues, are communicated to schools by the district officials when arrangements have been finalised. Workshops continue throughout the year, with scheduling carefully aligned to school timetables, teaching commitments, and assessment periods to minimise disruption to learning and maximise teacher participation. We

remain committed to providing educators with continuous opportunities to build their coding skills for the classroom." She said teachers must introduce digital skills while strengthening literacy and numeracy and supporting learners at different levels. When training does not keep pace, the gap is felt in teacher confidence, lesson planning and the support learners receive. Gamedala added that during the workshops, Coding and Robotics emerged as the most requested topic, with phonics second. Physical education, measurement, music and assessment also featured strongly. The pattern points to demand for digital confidence and literacy foundations, while showing that teachers want support across the full curriculum. Gamedala said better assessment helps identify learning gaps earlier. Stronger reading strat-

egies can move learners from decoding words to understanding them. Greater confidence in coding can introduce digital thinking even where equipment is limited. Effective development turns curriculum requirements into usable teaching methods. "Teachers are telling us what would help in their classrooms. When support responds to those realities, teachers can apply it immediately and learners experience more consistent, confident teaching," said Gamedala. A separate Oxford survey indicated that development must fit around classroom responsibilities. Preferences were closely split, with 53% favouring online workshops and 47% face-to-face sessions. Almost half preferred two-hour sessions and downloadable resources. According to her, effective support therefore needs to be flexible, practical and continuous: shorter online and region-

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

al sessions, curriculum-aligned resources, follow-up guidance and content shaped by local feedback. For remote schools, this can reduce professional isolation and help useful methods travel beyond one workshop. "The good news is that Eastern Cape teachers have articulated their priorities. Districts, training providers, publishers and school leaders now have a clearer basis for directing limited capacity towards immediate classroom needs." Oxford's teacher-development workshops are one example of this approach, pairing real training with curriculum-aligned resources and flexible delivery options. She said every response helps them develop content that is relevant to classroom realities. "When teachers leave with something useful, professional development becomes part of classroom practice rather than a one-off event."

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MthathaExpress

NEWS

3 September 2026

Mbhashe rural roads to be upgraded, jobs for local youth MANDLENKOSI MXENGI MBHASHE Local Municipality executive mayor, Dr Samkelo Janda, recently announced the upgrading and rehabilitation of the gravel road linking the Majavu and Riverview villages in the Khasa administrative area in Elliotdale.

Fundile Gade (MEC for Education, Eastern Cape), Mzwandile Ncamani (Principal of Vukuzenzele Special School) and Sharon Maasdorp (Head of Department, Department of Education) posing during the MEC Excellence Awards that were hosted in KuGompo City recently. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Special school earns award vehicle BABALWA NDLANYA THE principal of Vukuzenzele Special School in Mbizana (Bizana), Mziwamadoda Ncamani, said they are one of the schools that were awarded vehicles in the MEC Excellence Awards/ National Teaching Awards & Co-Curricular Awards hosted at the Hemingway Hotel in KuGompo City (East London) recently. He said his school had excelled in producing good results over the past five years. He noted that they always have learners who are awarded for doing well in Grade 12 results in the Eastern Cape Provincial MEC Excellence Awards. “We have achieved 100% numerous times, but it was our first time to get such an award, even though the department always awarded our learners. We are very proud because we were under the category of special schools. “We are looking after learners

who have special needs, and this is not easy work to do. We were awarded under the category called MEC Inclusive Basket,” said Ncamani. He said that even though they have some challenges because they do not have social workers and psychologists, they cannot punish the department because of that. He added that they are lucky because their school has physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists, who make things a little better for their learners. “Even though the school has other vehicles, we are happy about this achievement because it will be easier for us to do our work.” The deputy chairperson of the School Governing Body (SGB), Tembisile Sekela, said this achievement showed that their teachers are very dedicated. “We are very proud, and this gives the school strength to do more for our learners,” he said.

A DV E RTO R I A L

Cadbury's R5 Dairy Milk Bar goes nationwide!

Cadbury is bringing its much-loved Dairy Milk chocolate to more South Africans with the nationwide rollout of its a ffo rd a b l e 1 2 g b a r, av a i l a b l e a t a recommended retail price of just R5. As household budgets continue to come under pressure, consumers are increasingly looking for affordable ways to enjoy the brands they love. Cadbury's 12g Dairy Milk bar offers the unmistakable smooth and creamy taste of Mzansi's No. 1 chocolate brand in a convenient, budget-friendly format designed for everyday enjoyment. First introduced in Gauteng in 2025, the 12g bar was created to make Cadbury Dairy Milk more accessible to consumers seeking a small treat without stretching their spending. Whether it's a quick chocolate �x between errands, a sweet pick-me-up during a busy day, or a simple moment of sharing with someone special, the compact bar is designed to �t seamlessly into everyday life. "Consumers continue to seek out brands they know and trust, but they're also

looking for products that �t comfortably within their daily budgets. We wanted to make it easier for more people to enjoy the Cadbury Dairy Milk experience, whether they're on the move, at work, at school or simply looking for a small moment of reward during their day. The 12g bar oﬀers an aﬀordable way to enjoy a little chocolate magic. " says Kile Zitha, Senior Category Manager at Cadbury South Africa. Wrapped in Cadbury's iconic purple packaging, it delivers the same smooth and creamy Dairy Milk taste South Africans know and love in a format that slips easily into a pocket, handbag or lunchbox. With the 12g Dairy Milk bar now available nationwide, enjoying a small moment of Cadbury indulgence has never been easier. The Cadbury Dairy Milk 12g bar is available nationally through wholesalers, spaza shops, selected community retailers and hawkers. #MzansisNumberOneChocolate

Bringing aﬀordable chocolate moments to more South Africans. NM10071796-TE030926

The Mbhashe gravel road rehabilitation project is expected to create temporary employment opportunities for unemployed youth, including women of Majavu, Riverview and Khasa rural areas. Several social ills, including youth unemployment, poverty, drugs, and crime, especially stock theft, are rife in the area. The Mbhashe gravel road rehabilitation project forms part of the municipality's commitment to restore all gravel roads damaged by disasters, including the recent floods and ensure that communities have safe, reliable and accessible transport routes. The rehabilitation project includes the construction of a gravel carriageway, stormwater drainage infrastruc-

ture, culverts, open drains, dish and stone pitching, concrete strengthening at selected steep sections, and the installation of road signage. The project is expected to be completed within five months and will create temporary job opportunities for Ward 13 residents, which include Majavu and Riverview villages. Addressing the Majavu and Riverview residents, Janda emphasised the municipality’s commitment to massive infrastructure development, including the upgrading of all gravel roads, especially those damaged by the recent floods in the Mbhashe municipal area. “This rehabilitation project is more than the upgrading of gravel roads in the area; it is an investment in our communities. By improving access between Majavu and Riverview, we are helping residents, including learners, to reach schools, healthcare centres, workplaces and markets safely. Mbhashe Municipality remain committed to delivering infrastructure that responds to the needs of our people and leaves no community behind,” said Janda.

Local community member, Bangisile Manduluka, welcomed the gravel road upgrade project, expressing appreciation for the anticipated improvements in mobility and everyday access for affected residents of Majavu and Riverview villages. Last week, the Mbhashe Local Municipality hosted its annual 2026-27 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget community engagement. The IDP and Budget roadshows attended by the business leaders, civil society organisations, ratepayers associations and traditional leaders were held in Dutywa Town Hall, Gatyana and Xhorha town halls respectively. In an effort to ensure safer communities and strengthen communications, the Mbhashe Community Safety Forum in partnership with the Local Communicators’ Forum, and Disaster Management Forum, was expected to convene a joint forum meeting on 21 August in Dutywa. The engagement is aimed at addressing ongoing safety concerns and strengthening crime prevention strategies within Mbhashe.

Mall of Mthatha runs ﬁrst ﬁre drill

Stakeholders attended a fire drill at the Mall of Mthatha in Mthatha.

BABALWA NDLANYA CENTRE manager of the Mall of Mthatha, Babalwa Soga, said they conducted their first fire drill at the mall last week so that if a fire broke out, they would know what to do. She said the session included tenants, shoppers, service providers and stakeholders. “As we know that there are a lot of fires happening around Mthatha, we needed to make sure that our

PHOTO:BABALWA NDLANYA

clients, including shoppers, know that we are fire compliant. We were showing Mthatha shoppers that our mall is safe, and we know what is required to be done when a fire breaks out,” said Soga. She added that this was their first time conducting such a session, as the Mall of Mthatha is under new ownership and management. The mall was sold in 2024 and relaunched in November 2025. Soga confirmed that although tenants practise fire

evacuation in their own shops, it was the first time they had done so with stakeholders, service providers and shoppers together. “We are going to continue doing it; in fact, we are supposed to do it twice per year. As people who always follow the rules, we will continue doing it. Although the drill was successful — we spent only 20 minutes — the shoppers and tenants must know what to do whenever there is an evacuation.”

NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS (EIA) DMR Reference: EC30/5/1/3/3/2/1/11012EM Notice is hereby given in terms of section 27 of the MPRDA, 28 of 2002 and Regulation 41(2) (c) of EIA Regulation GNR 326, 07 April 2014 promulgated in terms of NEMA, 107 of 1998. ACTIVITY The project requires environmental authorization in the form of the Basic Assessment for the Activity, listing Notice 1 (GN R 327 21 & 27 LOCATION Proposed Sand Mining at Mzimvubu River, Port St Johns Municipality, OR Tambo District Municipality PROPONET Nzamela Alfred Ncoyini ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT ETK ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING PTY LTD CONTACT PERSON For further details and an register as a registered interested and affected party kindly send details to the contact persons written below within 30 days of this publication and copy of the Draft Basic Assessment Report for the available to be review within 30 days of this advertisement. Contact Details: Mr. D. Goliath - 10 Chief Nkwenkwezi Road, Southridge, Mthatha, 5100 | Tel: 079 163 6924 | E-mail: goliathdenver07@gmail.com NM10071088-TE030926

Lwandiso Mpetshwa (Acting Station Officer from the Fire Department) and Siphokazi Solomon after a drill at the Mall of Mthatha in Mthatha. PHOTO: BABALWA NDLANYA

3 September 2026

MthathaExpress 5

NEWS

Author aims to empower single mothers BABALWA NDLANYA

AN author from Mdeni Locality in Qumbu, Wendy Figlan, empowered single mothers with her book titled The Beauty and Battle of a Single Mom, which was launched recently in Cape Town. She said the title reflects the two sides of single motherhood: the beautiful moments filled with love, pride and achievement, and the battles that come with carrying so many responsibilities. “It is an inspirational and motivational book based on real-life experiences. It speaks about the emotional, financial and personal challenges that many single mothers face, while also celebrating their strength, resilience and determination. It is a story of hope, perseverance, healing and triumph. Writing the book was not always easy because it required me to revisit some of the most difficult moments of my life,” said Figlan. She said, however, that the process was incredibly therapeutic. According to her, it allowed her to reflect on her journey, make peace with certain experiences and transform pain into purpose. Figlan added that what began as personal writings became a source of healing for her, and she hopes it will have the same effect on readers who may see parts of their own stories in its pages. “More than anything, this book is a reminder that our struggles do not have the final say. Even in life's toughest battles, there is beauty, growth and the possibility of a brighter future. Writing it was not something that happened overnight. I have always loved writing, and in the beginning, I was simply putting my thoughts, emotions and experiences onto paper. “It was my way of processing life's challenges and expressing the pain, lessons and growth that came with them. When COVID-19

arrived and the world slowed down, I found myself with the opportunity to reflect on everything I had written over the years.” According to her, that was when she realised that her personal writings were not just pieces of a story; they were chapters of a journey. She then began organising her experiences into different themes and chapters, shaping them into what would eventually become the book. She said this book was therefore written over a number of years through lived experiences, reflection and personal growth. “What started as private writings became a book with a purpose: to inspire, encourage and give hope to other women who may be walking a similar path. My story began long before I became a mother myself. I am a product of teenage pregnancy, and I grew up not knowing my father. “As a child, I experienced firsthand the emotional impact that comes with the absence of a parent. It left me with many unanswered questions and a determination to one day create a different reality for myself and my future family.” She said when she became pregnant at the age of 30, she believed she had done everything differently. She thought that by being older, wiser, educated and more intentional about her choices, she would avoid repeating the cycle she had grown up witnessing. Figlan said life, however, had different lessons for her; she found herself raising her child as a single mother, despite the plans and expectations she had for herself. “That experience made me reflect deeply on how many women carry similar stories. “It also made me realise that we do not talk enough about the realities of single motherhood,

father absence and the long-term impact these experiences can have on children, families and society. Too often, these conversations happen behind closed doors, leaving many women feeling isolated and misunderstood. I wrote this book because I wanted to give a voice to those experiences. “I wanted to show that while single motherhood comes with challenges, it is also filled with courage, resilience, growth and love. My story is not about disappointment; it is about overcoming, healing and creating a better future despite life’s unexpected turns.” She said this is her first book and seeing it come to life has been both exciting and deeply fulfilling. Writing it was a personal journey that allowed her to reflect on her own experience while giving a voice to many women whose stories often go unheard. Figlan added that as a firsttime author, she wanted to write something meaningful, honest and relatable. She hopes that this book will not only inspire single mothers but also create awareness and understanding among families, communities and society as a whole. She said that while this is her first book, she certainly does not see it as her last. She said it had opened a door for her to continue writing and sharing stories that can uplift, educate and empower others. “I believe it will help single mothers realise that they are not alone. They spend so much of their time surviving, providing and caring for others that they forget how strong, capable and resilient they truly are. “Through my own journey, I have experienced the emotional challenges, disappointments, fears and victories that come with raising a child as a single mother. For years, I carried many of these experiences quiet-

Author Wendy Figlan. ly, and I know there are countless women doing the same. This book creates a space where they can feel seen, understood and encouraged.” Her hope is that when a single mother reads it, she will see parts of her own story in its pages and realise that her current circumstances do not determine her future. She said she wants her to know that she can still pursue her dreams, build a successful life and raise confident children despite the challenges she faces. If the book can help even one woman feel less alone, find healing from past hurts, gain confidence in herself or discover the strength to keep moving for-

PHOTO:SUPPLIED

ward, then she will consider it a success. More than anything, she wants single mothers to close the book feeling empowered rather than pitied, because they are stronger than society often gives them credit for. “This book is available for R280, including courier. I sell it myself. My social media handles are Wendy Figlan on TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn. You can also purchase it on Amazon.com. “Those who would like to purchase a copy can contact me directly via my social media platforms or through my contact details, wendyfiglan@gmail.com. Arrangements can then be made for payment and delivery.”

Form JJJ LOST OR DESTROYED DEED

Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certiﬁed copy of Deed of Transfer No. T77464/2012 in favour of ELIZABETH DE WET Identity Number 521201 0077 08 5, Married Out of Community of Property in respect of certain ERF 31 RHODES, IN THE SENQU LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, DIVISION OF BARKLEYEAST, PROVINCE OF EASTERN CAPE, IN EXTENT 535 (FIVE HUNDRED AND THIRTY FIVE) SQUARE METRES which has been lost or destroyed. All persons having objection to the issue of such copy are hereby required to lodge the same in writing with the Registrar of Deeds: Eastern Cape Deeds Registry: Mthatha within two weeks after the date of the publication of this notice. Dated at UMHLANGA on 19 August 2026 WARRICK DE WET REDMAN ATTORNEYS Suite 14 Corporate Park 11 Sinembe Crescent Email: conor@wdattorneys.co.za Tel: 031 201 8820 NM10070499-TE030926

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MthathaExpress

NEWS

3 September 2026

NEWS

MthathaExpress

Sport 8

MthathaExpress

SPORT

3 September 2026

Junior leagues kick off in Mqanduli ANELE RAZIYA JUNIOR teams, including U/15 and U/17 sides around Mqanduli near Mthatha, are gearing up for their new league campaign for the 2026 season this weekend. This follows the Mqanduli Football Association’s announcement last week that they have completed preparations for the junior leagues, finished team registration and confirmed they are ready to start the 2026 season. Association chairperson Sibusiso Gecwa, speaking to Mthatha Express about their readiness to start the new season, said this Saturday both junior leagues, which are the U/15 and U/17 divisions, will begin their season as they have completed all preparations. “Our junior leagues are expected to start on 5 September, and we have already published fixtures for both divisions,” said Gecwa. He said three opening league fixtures for the U/17s and three fixtures for the U/15s are expected to be played this Saturday in Mqanduli. In the U/15 fixtures, Falcon Knights SC will

entertain Green Lovers FC, Premier United FC will battle against Mqanduli Young Giants FC and Arthur Kicks will play against Celta Vigo FC. In the U/17 fixtures, Young Betis FC will visit Falcon Knights SC, Green Lovers FC will entertain Premier United FC and Mqanduli Young Giants FC will lock horns against Arthur Kicks FC. All these games are expected to start around 10:00 and continue through the afternoon. By hosting these fixtures, the association in Mqanduli is trying their best to contribute to the development of sport, particularly in football, and also keep young people away from wrongdoing. Mqanduli is among the areas which are always organising sports events to give upcoming players and young match officials an opportunity to showcase their talent. Recently, the association in Mqanduli hosted a workshop training upcoming match officials, and Premier Soccer League referee, Luxolo Badi, was there to share some officiating knowledge with those upcoming referees. The knowledge that was gained by upcoming match officials during that training is expected to be useful when the Mqanduli leagues start this weekend.

UCR FM celebrates 30 years HOSEYA JUBASE UCR FM Station Manager, Mzwandile Tshandu, has thanked all the teams and stakeholders who participated and contributed to the success of the UCR FM 30th Anniversary Wellness Tournament held this past weekend. UCR FM hosted three events, which included a Gala Dinner on Friday, a Wellness Sports Tournament during the day on Saturday, and a Music Festival on Saturday night. Eight football and netball teams from various government departments participated in the tournament. In football, Walter Sisulu University (WSU) staff were crowned champions after defeating South African National De-

fence Force (SANDF) staff. In women’s football, Nothintwa Ladies FC were crowned champions after defeating JYA Ladies’ FC 5-4 on penalties, with the game ending 0-0. In netball, the Department of Education staff were crowned champions after defeating WSU staff. Teams that participated in the football and netball tournaments include DSRAC, KSD TVET College, Department of Education, SANDF, UCR FM, EMS and KSD Municipality. In women’s football, the participating teams were Nothintwa Ladies FC, PSG Ladies, Comodos Ladies’ FC and JYA Ladies’ FC. Tshandu said the response from the stakeholders shows that the people still believe in UCR FM.

Xolilizwe Senior Secondary School from Gatyane were crowned Ulwazi Schools Super 8 Festival tournament champions once again in Mnquma over the weekend. PHOTO: ANELE RAZIYA

School defends Super 8 title ANELE RAZIYA XOLILIZWE Senior Secondary School principal Andile Bam was delighted when his school once again won the Ulwazi Schools Super 8 Festival tournament at Walter Sisulu University, Bika Campus near Butterworth over the weekend. Bam’s jubilation follows the Gatyane-based school successfully defending their Ulwazi Schools Super 8 Festival title when they beat Macibe Senior Secondary School from Centane 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw during regulation time at the WSU Bika Campus sports ground on Sunday. The weekend victory for the Gatyane school means the champions have won the schools tournament back-to-back since its inception in 2018, and they walked away with prizes including R20,000, a trophy and gold medals. The tournament started on Saturday with eight schools from Mnquma, Mbhashe, Intsika Yethu and surrounding areas competing against each other for top prizes. Dignitaries from government, MEC for Sport, Sibulele Ngongo, former Minister of Sport, Zizi Kodwa, scouts from various professional teams including AmaZulu FC scout, Sinesipho Mali, Mnquma Local Football Association (Mnquma LFA), SAFA in Amathole, Banzi “Bra Ace” Siyongwana and well-known businessman, Brian September, father of Luxolo September who is behind the Ulwazi Schools Super 8 Festival event, were among those in attendance.

FOLLOW THE ACTION 2026 season finale

EPISODE #30

03 SEPT

FROM THE TRYLINE TO YOUR TIMELINE The Rugby Factory's ﬁnal episode for the season, proudly brought to you by BOSSA, features a special farewell to Sean Erasmus. One of South Africa's most successful schoolboy coaches in recent years departs Paarl Boys High to take up the head coach role at Stellenbosch University. The episode celebrates Erasmus's remarkable achievements in school rugby and marks the end of an era at Paarl Boys High whilst looking ahead to his new challenge at university level.

Only two schools, Xolilizwe and Macibe, managed to reach the final after displaying great performances during the quarter-finals and semi-finals. The Gatyane school won the final, and Principal Bam was happy about the outcome, as they have accomplished their mission of defending the title they won in 2018 at the Msobomvu sports ground. “We are very happy about winning the tournament again, and we also thanked the organisers for organising this event that gives schools an opportunity to compete against each other and showcase their talent,” said Bam. The first edition of the tournament was organised in 2018, and then the outbreak of COVID-19 disrupted the continuation of the event until this year, when the Ulwazi Foundation, led by former Premier Soccer League (PSL) referee, Luxolo September, decided to bring it back and host the second edition over the weekend. Speaking to the media, foundation chairperson Luxolo September said they are going to host the tournament annually as they are targeting to contribute to the development of football in schools and also give young players an opportunity to showcase their talent. September also thanked all schools that participated in the tournament and highlighted that teams that were part of the event were given brand-new kits, and prizes were awarded to champions, runners-up and teams that finished third and fourth.