Mthatha Express South - E-Edition - 4 September 2025

MTHATHA

A dream realised in Ngcobo

ALFRED NZO:

Municipality tackles invasive wattle to boost livelihoods

THE Alfred Nzo District Municipality has responded to a call from the Ncwela Traditional Authority to assist with the eradication of invasive wattle at Ngqumane Village in KwaBhaca (Mount Frere).

This initiative reflects the municipality’s commitment to its three pillars of social stability, environmental protection and economic development, aligning with its Vision 2030 for thriving rural communities.

According to the spokesperson for Alfred Nzo District Municipality, Luncedo Walaza, wattle was introduced to South Africa around 150 years ago.

He stated that in South Africa, it does not face many natural pests or diseases to keep it under control. As a result, it spreads excessively, growing where it should not, and has become one of the most destructive alien invasive species.

“It threatens agricultural land and pollutes vital water sources, including rivers and catchments. As part of the intervention, the municipality has provided five chainsaws with full personal protective equipment (PPE) and two drums for charcoal production to create economic opportunities for the community.

“This support will assist in both the eradication of wattle and the establishment of sustainable community beneficiation initiatives, including income generation through charcoal production,” said Walaza.

He added that the programme is led by the Chairperson of the Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Committee, Council-

lor Banele Qwayede, who emphasised the importance of preserving water resources and protecting arable land from invasive species to secure a sustainable future for their communities.

Walaza stated that the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA), represented by Andile Ndaba, is committed to supporting the forestry project and linking the Ngqumane community to markets for wattle products, ensuring that the project yields long-term economic benefits.

“The ANDM also confirmed that external stakeholders have expressed interest in providing financial and technical support to ensure the long-term success of the programme,” he said.

He further noted that this partnership demonstrates the municipality’s commitment to building socially cohesive, environmentally sustainable, and economically vibrant communities, while fostering joint action between government, traditional authorities, and strategic partners.

One of the residents from the village, Mathemba Sishuba, expressed appreciation and welcomed the support provided by the district.

“This is an eye-opener for us as villagers because we did not know that wattle trees can generate so much. The presence of ECRDA gave us information about the importance of forests, and we will use this opportunity to learn and find ways to benefit from and generate income through the forests we have in Ngqumane Village,” said Sishuba.

Positive results for SAPS in fight against illegal firearms

possession of a firearm at Monty's Tavern in Ugie.

EFFORTS to reduce firearms in the streets recently yielded positive results in two separate incidents in the Joe Gqabi District.

According to SAPS spokesperson, Captain Ursula Roelofse, in the early hours on Wednesday, 27 August, at about 01:30, SAPS members were informed by community members about a shooting incident at the Drayini location, Ngqayi area.

"The members immediately responded, and they approached a man walking in the street; upon searching him, they recovered a firearm from his waist.

On investigation, he did not produce the licence to carry a firearm, and the 33-year-old man was immediately arrested."

Roelofse added that in an unrelated case in Ugie on 28 August at about 04:30, SAPS members were busy with crime prevention duties when they received information about a male who was in

"The members followed up on the information. The identified suspect was approached by the police, and they searched him. He had a firearm on his waist and could not provide any licence.

“The 32-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm. Both firearms will be sent for ballistic testing for further investigation," Roelofse added.

The Joe Gqabi District Commissioner, Major General Lindelwa Vellem, commended the members on the swift reaction that made the arrests and confiscations of unlicensed firearms.

She extended her gratitude to the community members for sharing valuable information and for not tolerating this conduct that could put their lives in danger.

"Together we will fight crime in our societies," she added.

EC farmers fight livestock theft, promote wool standards

BABALWA NDLANYA

THE Provincial Chairperson of the Eastern Cape Communal Wool Growers Association in Mthatha, Andile Ndzendze, confirmed that farmers are currently hosting competitions aimed at uplifting and motivating others to maintain sheep of high standards in order to achieve better results.

To achieve this, they recently hosted a regional competition at Ngqunge Cooperative shearing shed, outside Mthatha.

Ndzendze stated that farmers who won the regional competition will now compete at the district level.

This competition will take place at Clarkbury Agricultural High School in Ngcobo from 10 to 11 September 2025.

On the first day, the event will feature a congress and an initial competition, followed by a flock competition on the second day.

Farmers competing at the provincial district level will represent several Eastern Cape districts, including Alfred Nzo, O.R. Tambo, Amathole, Chris Hani, and Joe Gqabi District Municipalities, among others.

“In these competitions, sheep are judged in various categories, from young rams to mature rams. They are assessed based on their wool production. The government, especially the Department of Agriculture (DoA), is supporting us, and several other stakeholders are also providing their support,” said Ndzendze.

He added that police officers focusing on stock theft were present during preparations for the event due to the increasing incidents of sheep theft.

Ndzendze voiced concern that people are losing interest in rais-

ing sheep because of the ongoing issue of livestock theft; however, he emphasised that this would not deter their efforts.

Ndzendze also urged the government to establish facilities where wool can be efficiently sorted and processed.

He highlighted that owning 500 sheep of poor quality is not ideal.

“For our sheep to reach high standards, we must have access to proper grazing fields to improve their condition."

He acknowledged that all municipalities are performing well, except the O.R. Tambo District, where a lack of access to commercial farming land remains the primary challenge.

He further commented on the worsening issue of livestock theft, which he described as no longer just "stock theft" but akin to robbery.

“When thieves arrive, they threaten the owners and challenge them to confront them if

they are brave enough. This is why we invited police officers and representatives from King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality to be present. We are using every tool at our disposal to combat this behaviour.

“We are also developing a plan where every farmer must hold a proper branding certificate. This includes tattooing sheep, as all sheep must be marked with tattoos, not knives.

“If someone uses a knife for

marking sheep, they should be considered suspicious. Times have changed, and we must follow proper procedures,” he added.

Ndzendze also urged the government to install surveillance cameras in key areas to help municipalities monitor sheep movements through specific points. He explained that these measures are part of a larger effort to combat livestock theft and its associated challenges.

Mbhashe Municipality empowers cooperatives through training

BABALWA NDLANYA

THE comprehensive cooperative training programme hosted by Mbhashe Local Municipality in Xhora (Elliotdale), in partnership with the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), recently concluded a successful three-day initiative.

The programme was focused on empowering local cooperatives through enterprise development and capacity building.

The training drew enthusiastic participation from various cooperative groups across Xhora town. Over the course of the programme, participants took part in interactive sessions and practical workshops led by experts from key development agencies, including the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA).

Spokesperson for Mbhashe Local Municipality, Babalwa Magqwanti, stated that the sessions focused on developing sustainable business strategies, building market-ready cooperatives, and influencing support mechanisms from both government and private sectors.

According to Magqwanti, the training holds special significance for the rural economy of Mbhashe, where cooperatives play a vital role in job creation, food security, and community upliftment.

“The programme has laid a solid foundation for equipping co-

operatives with the tools needed to navigate market challenges, access funding, and thrive sustainably. Xhora, a town with a history of underdevelopment, was chosen as the host location in line with the municipality's commitment to equitable resource distribution.

“This initiative also aligns with the municipality’s Local Economic Development (LED) strategy, which is embedded in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and supported through the annual budget,” she said.

She added that the strategy seeks to uplift residents, improve livelihoods, and address unemployment by supporting small businesses and cooperatives.

The training equips cooperatives with a better understanding of governance, roles and responsibilities, financial management, compliance and value addition.

Magqwanti explained that it also bolsters their confidence to manage businesses more professionally.

As a result, cooperatives are

expected to transition from informal subsistence operations to well-structured and sustainable enterprises.

“This is not the first time such training has been held, and it certainly will not be the last.

“The municipality remains committed to providing ongoing support to cooperatives for their long-term growth and sustainability. The training was previously conducted in Idutywa in June 2023 and in Gatyana (Willowvale) in July 2019, with another session held in June 2024," she said.

The spokesperson noted that cooperatives play an integral role in economic empowerment, enhancing social cohesion, and strengthening local economies. She highlighted that past training sessions have already yielded positive results, with several cooperatives now properly registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), South African Revenue Services (SARS), and other regulatory bodies.

In addition, cooperatives have improved governance structures by keeping proper minutes, maintaining financial records, and complying with their constitutions.

The municipality rotates these training sessions across its different administrative units.

In the next quarter, the programme will be conducted in either Dutywa or Gatyana, ensuring inclusivity and balanced development.

The municipality encourages cooperatives to prioritise teamwork and unity. Members are advised to collaborate with transparency, accountability, and mutual respect to avoid conflicts and achieve long-term success.

A representative from the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), Yola Mabongo, emphasised the corporation’s commitment to providing long-term support and fostering economic inclusion.

Buffalo City Metro officially launches tourism month!

ZAVELA MAKWABE

IN partnership with Eastern Cape Parks and the provincial government, the Buffalo City Metro rolled out the red carpet for both local and international tourists with various attractions as it officially launched Tourism Month, a month commemorated each September highlighting the vital contribution of tourism to South Africa's economy, job creation, inclusive growth and national development.

This year's theme, "Tourism Matters: A Strategic Force for Growth", focuses on tourism's power to stimulate recovery and sustainable transformation.

At the launch held on 29th August at EKoneni Lounge in Mdantsane as part of township tourism revival, a jam-packed line-up of tourism activities that will be happening in and around the Metro this September was announced.

"Township tourism is a living, breathing example of sustainability and transformation. It tells authentic stories, creates real jobs, supports local businesses, and redefines the tourism experience from the inside out," said Economic Development and Agencies Portfolio Head, Councillor

Sixolisiwe Ntsasela.

She said places like EKoneni Lounge are not just social venues but symbols of township pride, innovation and resilience.

The Buffalo City Metro offers diverse tourist destinations such as nature reserves, museums, hiking trails and boasts a stunning coastline that stretches about 68 kilometres with 10 beaches.

Last year, the City received Blue Flag pilot status (one of the world's most recognised eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators) for Gonubie Beach and Kidds Beach from the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA).

The status is mostly obtained by beaches which have complied with WESSA regulations across over 33 different categories that include, amongst others: water quality, compliance, environmental management of beaches, parking, safety, access points and cleanliness.

As part of Tourism Month celebrations, the City unveiled a list of planned activities on offer for Buffalo City residents during the September tourism month, which include the Nahoon Bats Cave hike, the Tyusha Hiking Trail, Wild Side hike and Kiwane Resort Weekend Specials.

Young author tackles HIV, sexual violence in bold new book

BABALWA NDLANYA

A THIRD-YEAR student from the University of Johannesburg, Somilangaye Xego (21), has published her book titled, How Broken Do I Have to Be?

Originally from Mfezane Locality in Willowvale, she shared the inspiration behind her work.

Xego explained that she decided to write the book because she felt the need to address the subject of HIV from a perspective that often lacks recognition — when someone is not ready to disclose their status to friends, family, or their partner.

"For perpetrators, these experiences may be mere fleeting moments, but for victims, they are defining moments that change the rest of their lives," she said.

"I felt that individuals living with HIV are often encouraged to disclose, but I wanted to challenge that narrative. I also wanted to speak about the different types of sexual assault that women all over the

She shared that her book was officially published on 25 August, but the process of finalisation took six months.

According to Xego, her mother, Noxolo Xego, has been her biggest supporter from writing to publishing, with her family acting as her cheerleaders throughout. She also acknowledged the immense support she received from friends who consistently stood by her side.

"The book tells the story of a girl in her 20s who goes through traumatic sexual experiences and tries to cope with the scars of being a victim of sexual violence while also navigating life as someone living with HIV.

"Amid it all, she keeps her struggles a secret to protect the relationships that mean the most to her," Xego explained.

She believes readers will gain the same lessons she discovered while writing the book.

"Extend grace in all that you do. You might think you know someone, but you truly have no idea what they are going through behind closed doors. Some people hide their pain so well.

"Also, your story matters. If you've been sexually assaulted, don't be afraid to speak out. I also learned that with the increasing number of people living with HIV, we need to start having those conversations again. HIV should no longer be a taboo topic, especially among us youth," she said.

Xego confirmed that her book is suitable for readers aged 16 and above.

She added that her current focus is entirely on this project, and she is not planning to write another book just yet.

"I need to first get used to my new title — author. I'd also like to see how the book is received before working on something else," she shared.

Discussing the challenges of self-publishing, Xego pointed out, "The disadvantage of being self-published is that it's expensive. Sometimes, you can't print as many copies as you'd like because of the costs. Everything depends on you, which can create some pressure. On the other hand, the advantage is that you maintain full control.

"For someone like me, who is a bit obsessed with everything going my way, that really helps.

“I also enjoy the freedom to be creative and explorative with my writing and structuring, which I truly appreciate."

Provincial teaching excellence celebrated

ZAVELA MAKWABE

TEACHING excellence was rewarded, awarded and celebrated at the provincial annual 25th Teaching Awards Ceremony, a prestigious event held at Hemmingways Hotel in East London on 26 August.

Under the theme "Empowering Educators,

Strengthening Resilience and Empowering Sustainability", the ceremony featured 15 categories in which 30 outstanding teachers from Grade R upwards and educators from special needs schools were recognised for their exceptional efforts in shaping the futures of learners.

The MEC for the Eastern Cape Department of Education, Fundile Gade, said the awards are designed to motivate teachers to strive for ex-

cellence and redouble their efforts in shaping the minds of future generations.

"We are celebrating the extraordinary efforts of excellent teachers who often work in challenging conditions. We acknowledge the critical role they play in re-engineering the understanding of education with a view to addressing current social, economic and health challenges."

The elated principal of

everything

Also from this school,

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FOCUS ON: CHILD HEALTH MONTH

Antenatal ultrasound study transforms rural maternal healthcare

IN honour of Child Health Month, the Discovery Foundation spotlights Dr Christopher Westwood, recipient of a Discovery Foundation Rural Individual Award.

His research on antenatal ultrasound services is reshaping maternal healthcare in rural South Africa.

Born and raised in Cape Town, Westwood initially planned to become a teacher, beginning his studies in mathematics at the University of Cape Town before redirecting his career towards medicine.

According to him, his family background influenced this decision, although never in a prescriptive way.

His father, originally from Zimbabwe, studied English before becoming a doctor, while his mother and uncle pursued careers in teaching.

“My dad never pressured me into medicine; he would have been just as happy if I had become a teacher. The combination of these influences instilled in me a respect for education, service, and the pursuit of knowledge," he said.

He now works as a family medicine registrar at Madwaleni Provincial Hospital in Xhora (Elliotdale).

Living just two minutes from the hospital with his wife, who is also a doctor, and their two young daughters, he has found a rare harmony between professional commitment and family life.

“The best part is that I’m not sacrificing my family life. I can see my wife and daughters during lunch. It was my wife’s decision to complete her community service in Madwaleni that set the course for our journey into rural healthcare.

“She always wanted to work more rurally. When it came time for her commu -

nity service, she chose Madwaleni. I followed soon after, and we ended up loving it even more than we expected.”

In this community, Westwood found both professional fulfilment and a critical healthcare challenge that shaped his research: the lack of access to basic antenatal ultrasound services.

Why clinic-based ultrasound services matter Westwood’s research is centred on the Xhora Community Healthcare Centre in the Eastern Cape.

There, an unused ultrasound machine prompted a crucial question: Could offering ultrasound services locally encourage earlier and more frequent antenatal visits?

His study compares decentralised, clinic-based ultrasound services with traditional hospital-based care.

He noted that in 2022, South Africa’s maternal mortality ratio stood at 109.6 deaths per 100,000 live births, underscoring the importance of accessible antenatal services.

While approximately 69.9% of pregnant women in South Africa attend their first antenatal visit before 20 weeks of pregnancy — and 75.5% complete the minimum four visits recommended by the World Health Organization — barriers remain significant in rural provinces like the Eastern Cape.

Distance and infrastructure challenges often limit antenatal care access.

His study is ambitious, involving the

review of 1,500 to 1,800 paper-based patient records from the past four years.

“The nature of working at a rural hospital is that nothing is electronic. The Discovery Foundation grant has been instrumental, providing funding for data capture assistance and transport costs.”

The research aims to determine whether decentralised ultrasound services, provided at clinics rather than hospitals, improve maternal outcomes by encouraging women to book earlier visits and return more frequently for follow-ups.

If successful, the study could influence national policy and be scaled to other rural regions.

“If all goes well, we hope to submit it for publication this year,” Westwood said.

He added that South Africa continues to face significant child and maternal

Ford South Africa announces major layoffs

FORD South Africa announced mass layoffs affecting over 470 workers at its Silverton vehicle plant in Pretoria and Struandale engine facility in Gqeberha. Trade Union Solidarity confirmed, in a statement, that Ford South Africa has sent an official notice to the union and others in which the company announces its intention to retrench more than 470 employees. These retrenchments affect both the Silverton vehicle factory in Pretoria and the Struandale engine factory in Gqeberha.

According to the notice, Ford says the

job losses follow a "realignment" of its production capacity to match current and expected market demand.

In reality, this means the termination of 391 operator positions in Silverton, 73 at Struandale and 10 administrative positions.

"We see this announcement as the beginning of possible greater job losses facing the entire automotive industry in South Africa," says Willie Venter, deputy general secretary of Solidarity.

According to Venter, economic pressure, international political uncertainties, and the government's unfavourable

policies are causing this industry to become increasingly uncompetitive.

"When an automotive giant like Ford takes such drastic steps, it is a warning to the entire sector.

“We fear that further retrenchments in this industry may be inevitable if the circumstances do not improve quickly," he warns.

Solidarity confirms that it will attend the consultation process under the guidance and supervision of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and that all its affected members will receive full support.

health challenges.

Antenatal care is the first step in a vital continuum that determines whether children survive and thrive.

Conditions such as anaemia, hypertensive disorders and untreated infections, contribute to poor maternal outcomes, while infrastructure limitations in rural areas exacerbate risks.

Westwood explained that Child Health Month in South Africa, observed every August, serves as a reminder that the foundation for child wellbeing begins with antenatal care.

By prioritising clinic-based ultrasound access, his work addresses one of the most fundamental gaps in maternal care.

“If we can offer this service locally, it could save women the time and money of travelling to the hospital. That’s a huge benefit in rural areas,” he added.

"We will explore every possible alternative to limit job losses, and we will ensure that Ford not only fulfils its duty, but also that employees are treated fairly," says Venter.

Solidarity also pointed out that these retrenchments will have a serious impact on the communities in Pretoria and Gqeberha and that it once again shows how vulnerable South African industries are under the current economic climate. "Without effective intervention and economic reform on the part of our government, our country will have to endure even more job losses," concluded Venter.

NovaNews this week launches a WhatsApp news channel dedicated to bringing readers the most compelling local community stories from across South Africa, alongside essential national and international news updates. The innovative news platform, which spans 21 unique community titles across the country, will deliver a distinctive blend of hyperlocal journalism and broader news coverage directly to your mobile device.

From community achievements in the Free State and Eastern Cape to municipal developments in the Western Cape, readers will receive authentic stories

that matter to South Africans at grassroots level. Whether you’re a community leader, local business owner, or simply someone who values staying connected to both your neighbourhood and the wider world, the NovaNews WhatsApp updates will keep you informed about the stories that shape our communities and our country.

“We’re thrilled to bring South Africa’s most authentic community voices directly to our readers via WhatsApp. Our unique approach combines the power of local storytelling with essential national coverage – it’s journalism that truly reflects the diversity and richness of our

nation,” says NovaNews digital news editor, Lise Beyers.

The channel will feature breaking news from NovaNews’s 21 community platforms, highlighting everything from local government decisions and community initiatives to business developments and human interest stories that showcase the spirit of South African communities.

How to sign up:

You can scan the QR code below to join thousands of South Africans already staying connected to their communities and more.

Sport

6th Annual Cegcwane tournament set for 4 October

HOSEYA JUBASE

ON August 31, 2025, the organisers of the Cegcwane Sports Tournament, led by chairperson Luvo Nkwenkwe, conducted a pitch inspection at the Cegcwane Sports Grounds near Qunu, Mthatha, in preparation for the 6th annual Cegcwane Sports Tournament.

The 6th annual Cegcwane Sports Tourna-

ABC Motsepe

ment is scheduled for October 4, 2025.

The winning soccer team will walk away with R10,000, a gold medal, a sheep, and a trophy.

Speaking after inspecting the grounds, chairperson Luvo Nkwenkwe shared that the pitch conditions are satisfactory.

“The pitch conditions are not bad, especially if we receive some rain before the tournament

League Nedbank

Cup prelims kick off 11 October

• FC Buffalo City Relatives

• Komani FC

• Seven Stars FC

THE Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League Nedbank Cup Preliminary games are set to kick off on 11 October.

The fixtures for the Nedbank Cup Preliminary games were confirmed this past weekend by SAFA.

The 2024 ABC Motsepe champions, Mighty Eagles FC, who represented the Eastern Cape province in the last 32 of the Nedbank Cup tournament, are under pressure to secure a victory in this year's Preliminary games.

This follows their remarkable performance last season, when they surprised many by booking a spot in the last 32 of the Nedbank Cup.

Nedbank Cup 2025 Groups – ABC Motsepe League (Eastern Cape)

Group A:

• Amavarara FC

• EMI FC

Group B:

• Matta Milan FC

• Fast Eleven FC

• Mighty Eagles FC

• Bush Bucks FC

• FC Battalion

Group C:

• Bush Pirates FC

• Camdeboo FDA

• Gqeberha FC

• MARU FC

• Old Grey FC

Group D:

• Sinenkani FC

• Spears of the Nation FC

• FC Ravens

• Amaxesibe FC

• Bizana Pondo City FC

to improve the surface. The outstanding task is grass-cutting, which we hope the local municipality will assist with.

“However, a local resident has kindly offered us a grass cutter, so we’ll manage. Other than that, the pitch is in good condition,” said Nkwenkwe.

He further reassured stakeholders that preparations are progressing smoothly as planned.

“Logistics are underway. We are busy procuring kits and other prizes. Team registration and affiliation are ongoing, with teams slowly trickling in. We still have available slots and want to encourage netball teams to register in large numbers,” he emphasised.

Nkwenkwe also called on all sports enthusiasts to attend this “historic event.”

Qora Swallows host Heritage Tournament to combat crime

ANELE RAZIYA

QORA Swallows FC from Qora Village in Mbhashe is preparing to host a two-day soccer tournament to celebrate Heritage Month and fight crime.

The second edition of the annual Qora Heritage Tournament will take place at the Phesheya kweQora village sports grounds on 13–14 September.

The aim of hosting the event is for Qora Swallows FC to encourage young boys to stop engaging in faction fights in villages around Qora, while also contributing to the development of sport, particularly in rural areas.

One of the event organisers, Mnoneleli Nkohla, told Mthatha Express about the upcoming tournament. He said that the event is open to everyone, meaning any team can join and participate.

Nkohla explained that by hosting the second edition of the Qora Heritage Tournament, they hope to unite young boys from different villages who are often involved in violent faction fights, using sticks, pangas, and other dangerous weapons. He emphasised that the organisers aim to put an end to faction fights, as they

Rural schools boosted with sports equipment, training

ANELE RAZIYA

MULTICHOICE has remained committed to playing a meaningful role and contributing to the development of sport in schools, particularly those situated in rural areas. This commitment was evident when MultiChoice visited Butterworth High School in the town of Butterworth, on 27 August, to hand over sports equipment to ten schools from the Mnquma and Mbhashe areas. The aim is to support schools with sporting equipment and encourage them to start a league where they will compete every Wednesday.

Two years ago, MultiChoice built a mul-

tipurpose sports court at Butterworth High School, which will be used by schools when the league begins soon.

Sandile Luthuli, the manager for sports programmes at MultiChoice, explained that the organisation focuses on building sports grounds in rural schools and providing them with sports equipment.

He noted that their recent visit to Butterworth High School was to hand over sports equipment for various sports, including football, netball, and other disciplines.

The equipment was distributed to ten schools that will participate in the league. Additionally, Luthuli mentioned that MultiChoice is not working alone to as-

sist schools in developing sport. They have partnered with the British Council and the Premier League (England).

These partnerships have been vital, as coaches from England were invited to conduct a week-long course for teachers teaching Life Orientation and Physical Education. The training focused on project management.

The 50 teachers who participated in the training are expected to play a key role when the league starts, applying the knowledge gained during the course.

Jongumzi Gushman, the principal of Ibika Primary School, and one of the trainees, expressed his excitement and gratitude for

perpetuate violence and often result in young boys being jailed for killing each other.

Since the inception of this tournament, Nkohla stated that they always invite government departments, such as Social Development, SAPS, the local municipality, and other stakeholders, to create crime awareness and promote career opportunities. He confirmed that similar engagement with stakeholders will be part of this year's event to target the issue of faction fights among young boys in neighbouring villages.

Regarding participation, Nkohla revealed that each club will need to register with R400, and they expect more than 16 teams to take part in the tournament.

The prizes include:

• Champions: Gold medals, a sheep and prize money (to be disclosed before the event starts).

• Runners-up: Silver medals and an undisclosed cash prize.

• Individual awards: Goalkeeper of the Tournament and Player of the Tournament accolades.

For further details or to register, teams can contact Nkohla on 083 587 8895.

MultiChoice's involvement in school sports development.

He highlighted that the MultiChoice programme would help keep learners away from drugs and other social issues by encouraging them to focus on sport.

Gushman added that schools are determined and committed to working with MultiChoice to ensure that aspiring players are supported throughout their developmental stages until they achieve their full potential.

Furthermore, he thanked MultiChoice, the British Council and the Premier League for their contribution to promoting sport in rural schools.