Mthatha Express South - E-Edition - 5 March 2026

Industrialmachines handedoverto boosttextilesector

THE MECfor the Department of Agriculture in the Eastern Cape, Nonceba Kontsiwe, handed over straightindustrial sewing machines and overlock machines to 20 clothing and textile enterprisesas partofthe department's commitment to the development of enterprises and job creation in the province lastweek.

The event was held at Tsolo Agriculture and Rural Development Institute (TARDI) in Tsolo.

The programme, which thedepartment allocated over R2.2 million to support103 clothing and textile cooperatives across the province, is atestament to theprovincial government’s focusonempowering local producerswhile strengthening the manufacturingcapacity of the Eastern Cape

Kontsiwe emphasised thecriticalrole of the clothing and textile industry in stimulating the growth of theprovincial Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“One of the reasons we aredistributing these machines is to improve the local enterprises and stimulate jobcreation.

The Eastern Cape specialises in traditional attire, and every season, particularly in December,thereishighdemand for high-quality traditionalgarments. You must positionyourselvestofill that gap,”saidKontsiwe.

She added that the department,working with commercial farmers, hadinstalled surveillance cameras in stock theft hotspots in OR Tambo. Shealsorevealed that one of those camerashad been vandalised.

Kontsiwe also raised awareness about Foot-and-Mouth Disease, whichwas declared anational disasterbyPresident Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this month.

She urged livestock owners to refrain from transporting animals without the necessarypermits and alsoconfirmed the vaccines have been procured by the government, with the department targeting identified hotspots.

Her remarks come just days afterthe central findingsofacomprehensivefeasibility studywerereleased by theLo-

calisation SupportFund whichmaps out apractical pathway to expanddomestic sourcing in linewith theobjectives of the Retail-Clothing,Textile,Footwear and Leather Masterplan

The studyreveals an increasedlatent demandwithin thenational retail sector It says SouthAfrican retailers have indicatedawillingness to sourceupto81 million additional garments locally per year,by2030.

This represents around R7.9 billion in annualmanufacturing outputaccording to thestudy.

The Mayor of Mhlontlo Local Municipality, CouncillorMbulelo Janda, said that leadership was aboutimplementing solutionsrather than just highlighting problems,whilehis Local EconomicDevelopment Portfolio Head, Mbuti Voko, said theindustrialmachines would enable beneficiariestodevelop their business andcreate jobs.

He encouraged thebeneficiariesto work diligently while ensuring that their products reachedretailstores.

Speakingonbehalf of thefarmers’ association in thedistrict, alocal farmer,Xolile Nkompela, welcomedthe initiative, calling for continuousmonitoringofthe machinesand other resources donated by thedepartment to farmers andother agriculturaland ruraldevelopment enterprises.

“Weneed to ensure that theresources giventofarmers andenterprisesserve their intended purposeinorder to avoid theftand misuse. Widows areheldat gunpoint while their livestock is stolen by brazen thieves.

“This is another formofextortion, and we need adedicatedteamtointervene,”said Nkompela.

One of thebeneficiaries, Masiyithathi Madikizela from Ingquza Hill Local Municipality, whostudied at Walter Sisulu University, said themachineswould improve thequality of her work, while another beneficiary,YoliswaMtikrakra, whoseskills were developedatschool, expressed gratitude to thedepartment for investing in their businesses.

Hawksappealforwitnessesinpoliceconstablemurdercase

THEEast London Hawks'Serious OrganisedCrime Investigation Unit hasescalated efforts to trace and apprehend those responsible for the ruthless murder of Constable Siyabulela Mtsolisi (29).

The killing occurred in the early hours of September15, 2024, at Nompumelelo Informal Settlement in Beacon Bay, East London.

Hawks' spokesperson Warrant Officer NdiphiweMhlakuvana said the murder of the deceased remains amatter of the highest

investigative priority

At the time of his death, he was attached to the South African Police Service (SAPS)inBeacon Bay and was off duty.

"According to preliminary findings, the officer's parents were asleep at their residence when they were abruptly awakened by the sound ofastone striking the roofoftheir home.

"Moments later, it was reported that shouting and commotion were heard emanating from the street.

“Upon venturing outside, the deceased's mother apparent-

ly discovered her son lying on the roadway. Community members allegedly indicated that he had been stabbed," explained Mhlakuvana.

He added that although the constable was still alivewhen initially found,hetragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene shortly thereafter.

Mhlakuvana said the motive for the killing remains under investigation. The Hawks are systematically analysing all available evidence, following multiple leads, and engaging in acoordinated operational strategy

He saidthese efforts areaimed at identifyingand bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The Director for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) MajorGeneral Mboiki ObedNgwenyaemphasisedthatattacks on law enforcement officials represent a directchallengetothe authority of the state andunderminesocietal stability.

He said theHawks urgently call upon members of thepublic who may have witnessed theincident, possess knowledge of theevents precedingorfollowing theattack, or hold anyinformation,to come forward. Communitycooperation is indispensable in dismantling criminalnetworks andrestoring justice

Anyonewith information is requested to contact thefollowing officers: Colonel RaymondBuys at 082 301 1135 or Sergeant Papama Zakade at 071 481 3080, or CrimeStop on 0860 010 111. Alternatively, information may be submittedanonymouslyvia theMySAPS App. All information will be treated with thestrictest confidentiality, andanonymity is guaranteed

72graduatefrombusinessskillsprogrammeinMthatha

BABALWA NDLANYA

THE Ntinga O.R. Tambo Development Agency, in collaboration with the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), hosted agraduation ceremonyfor 72 learners who participated in aNew VentureCreation SkillsDevelopment Programme.

The eventwas held at O.R. TamboHall in Mthatha last week.

This six-month programme was aimed at equipping learners with criticalbusiness development and management skills and preparing themtobecome entrepreneurs, business coaches, and mentors.

Accordingtothe ChiefExecutive Officer (CEO)ofthe Ntinga O.R. Tambo Development Agency, Loyiso Mbiko, participants were supported with stipends of R3,500.00 per month,as well as laptopswithdata cards toaccess online learning resources.

He said the training commenced on July 28, 2025, and was scheduled to conclude on November 28, 2025, with internal moderation completed in December 2025.

"We are here to close the programme which we started in July 2025. We are talkingabout new venture creation. This programme was designed for the people of the O.R. Tambo District, especiallyyoungpeople, so that they canlearn theskills to start and manage their own businesses successfully.

"We identified aneed for the government,inpartnership withSEDFA, to invest in developing the skills of our people, particularlythe youthofthis district," said Mbiko.

He said mostofthe participants had Grade 12 qualifications, while others weregraduates. Mbiko said what wasmost importantwas that they equip themselves with these skills so that they can becomeself-reliant.

"We have amanufacturing sector and an oceaneconomy hereinO.R. Tambo thatrequire skilled people. These sectors presentopportunities for the people of this district. Through this programme,wewant our people to participate. Wehave noticed that alot of money leaves this districtbecausepeople from outside come to take up theseopportunities. As the government, we decided to collaborate so that localpeople can participate and createjob opportunities," he said.

He added that even if aperson employs just one other person, it can makeadifference in that family.Mbiko saidthat while

Chief ExecutiveOfficer of Ntinga O.R. TamboDevelopment Agency,LoyisoMbiko,sitting in frontofsomeofthe learners whoobtained their certificates after completing their training

graduates may seek employment, it is more important that they start their own businesses.

According tohim, the government has committed to supporting them throughNtinga and SEDFA, which also provides grant funding opportunities.

He confirmed that this is only the beginning for these graduates,asthey aim to see their businesses grow

"We have an evaluation unitat Ntinga called the Enterprise Development Programme, which plays arole in supporting our participantsgoing forward. We started with75participants,

and 72 completed the programme. Only three people left. We arehappy with the commitment shown by the others. The fact that they completed the programme shows dedication. We will conduct evaluations and ensurethat, wheresupport is needed,participants arereferred to the right places. This will be an ongoing programme We have started now and will continue walking this journey with them," said Mbiko He confirmed that they are interested in enrolling another group but currently lack funding.Headdedthat they are

seeking morepartners to help fulfil their vision.

Member of theMayoral Committee for RuralEconomicDevelopmentand Tourism in the O.R. Tambo DistrictMunicipality,Councillor Mvuyisi Mbede, said the district hasa responsibility to work with theAgency to grow the localeconomy.

"We do notgrowthe economy merely by talkingaboutit. We must ensure thatgrowth includes the people of this district by supportingsmall business enterprises andthose whohave ideas to establish businesses. Beforeintroducing someoneto

business, you must first train them so they can manage their business finances properly.

“Asthe government, we do not wanttoinvest money in people whoare notwellequippedfor what they will be doing," said Mbede.

He said theprogramme was implementedtoensure that local people participate in the district's naturalresources and economicopportunities.

"Wewantthem to become employers in this district. We want to ensure that oureconomy is stable andbenefits ourpeople," he said

Women’scentrehostsannualHealingDayforGBVsurvivors

BABALWA NDLANYA

OFFICIALS from the Umtata Women’s Support Centre (UWSC), anon-profit organisation in Mthatha, hosted their annual Healing Day session/Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Survivors Appreciation Day at Mthatha West, recently.

Accordingtothe social worker from UWSC, Bukho Sibonda, the event was aheartfelt gathering dedicated to honouring survivors, sharing journeys of healing,and strengthening their collective support network.

She said the purpose of the event was to create asafeand supportivespace where individuals could come together to reflect, receive encouragement, learn about available supportsystems, and begin the journey toward healing from theimpact of GBV. “It was also aimed at raising awareness and promoting open

conversations among our beneficiariesthat healing is ajourney.

The event benefited survivors, families, youth,community members, and anyoneseeking knowledgeabout GBVprevention and support.Italso helped those who wanted to learn how to assist others affected by violence.

“It encouraged community leaders tocome on board to tackle GBV by getting men involvedin conversations and programmes to create aculture whereGBV is not tolerated,for example, the Men’s Forum Enforcement (Masiphungefor Man),” she said

She added that the organisation providesfree psychosocial services to survivors of Gender-BasedViolence andFemicide in the Eastern Cape. UWSC endeavours toplay aleading, proactive,and sustainable roleinthe struggle to reduce acts of GBV bychallenging behaviours,attitudes,and practices that promote violence againstwomen and chil-

dren.

“The organisation focuses on community upliftment through awareness programmes, educational initiatives, and support-drivenevents that address social challenges. Our aimisto empower individuals with knowledge, provide platforms for dialogue, and connect peoplewith relevant resources.

“Our event has been hosted annually fromFebruary 2023 to February 2026 with financial support from the GBVF Response Fund.Wehave managed to host the Healing Day event for four consecutive years for our service beneficiaries, including the Masiphunge Women and Men Empowerment groups,office clients receiving psychosocial support and counselling services, and other focused groups such as young women and Queens of Resistance groups from communities around the King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality and

the Nyandeni Local Municipality,” she said.

Sibonda said that when they started the Healing Day, their service beneficiaries were only women, but now that GBVF affects everyone, men have also had the courage to join theirprogrammes. UWSC has since introduced programmes that focus on men's empowerment.

Sheadded that theirintention is for this to remain an annual event so that continued support, awareness, and education can be provided to communities.

According to her, one of the main challenges is funding, as behavioural change, therapeutic, andinformation-sharing programmes require ongoing financial support to remain sustainable.

“We arealso encouraging men to break the silence about their ownexperiences of GBV. The name Healing Day reflects the intention behind the gathering.

Mthathadancerdreamsofrevivinglocaldancescene

BABALWA NDLANYA

AWELL-KNOWNchoreographer from Mthatha, Zinzi Nkomba (24),who attended theNew Venture Creation SkillsDevelopment programme that was hostedbyNtinga O.R Tambo Development Agency in Mthatha for aduration of six months, said this has given her clarity andshe is willing to chase her dream.

She said she is willing to open herown dance academy because it used to be popular from 2015 to 2018, but it all went downhill.

Nkomba confirmed thatMthatha has talented people, but no oneiswilling to invest in this craft

“The skillsthat Igained from this programme willhelpme build abrand that is recognisable, something that will resonatewith peoplewho always wanted to dance but werenever given achance.

“I willuse the financialmanagement skillstorun this business, register this danceacademy, set achievable goals and be able to uplift the young girls who wereleft out at somepoint in theirlives,” shesaid.

Nkomba said this programme will assist heralot as she has oobtained aDiploma inSmall

Business Management fromWalter Sisulu University (WSU), and she continueswithher studies.

“Thiswill help broaden my thinkingbecause Istarted dancinginGradeRatHoly Cross Education Centre Kiddie Land hereinMthatha. From Grade 6Istarted doing choreography at myschool for my friends. Thatiswheneverything began. Throughout my school years, I was performing at every event thatwas held at school.

“I joined competitions, Ichoreographedfor amodelling agency, and Itaught learners from my school to model. They all won.Iwas also the choreographer forthe majorettes’ dance at Holy Cross Education Centre KiddieLand,”she said.

Sheadded thatshe also co-choreographed for an artist in Johannesburg, Shia LunChoo, and they performedatthe Soweto Zone6Venue.

Accordingtoher, at Walter Sisulu Universityshe joined the cheerleading squadand she was the captain.

“Wejoined an inter-varsitycheerleading competition at Rhodes University.Soever since Iwas born,Iwas drawn to dance, creative direction, styling and beingcreative. It started because Ialways had this

vision of performing.Growing up, Iknew Iwas aspecialchild. Iwas hyper-fixated on teaching whatever knowledge Ihad,and it wassomething Iwas good at and loved. My teachers supported me so much, and my mother played ahugerole. She would buy costumes formyperformances and all.”

She said her programmes help children alot because they feel seen; they feel as thoughthey could learn something new without strict rules.

According to her, dancing keeps them busy and happy, and it gives them energytobeable to sit in class knowing that they will have adancenext.

“This assists children in so many ways. It helpsthem to avoid the streets. Ialso keep them occupied; they do not have time to focus on the wrong things, such as bullying. It helps them to feel recognised, feel loved and havefriends.

“The skills that Igained from this programme will help me build abrand that is recognisable, something that will resonate with people who always wanted to dance but were never givenachance.

“I will use the financial management skills to run this business, register this dance acad-

It was aday dedicated to restoration, hope, and emotional renewal.

“Healing looks different for each person, andthe event was designed to acknowledge that process while encouraging strength and resilience. Survivors share theirpainful experiences of abuse and theirhealing journeys. They learnfrom each other and gain support.They writeabout theirchallenges and memories on small pieces of paper, then burn them to symbolise letting go of pain, anger, and resentment.”

She added that they wereable to reach all thesebeneficiaries through financial support from the GBVF Response Fund, as well as monitoring and evaluation support from the Soul City Institute.

She expressed gratitude for the support,guidance, and opportunity given to the organisation to grow itsprogrammes.

ThirdannualjobsexporeturnstoQunuinMarch

ZAVELA MAKWABE

THE third annual Jobs andCareers Expo is set to take place in Mthatha on 13 to 14 March 2026, offering avital platform for youth, studentsand job seekers to connect with opportunities, career guidance, mentorship and networking that can shape their futures.

In acommunity grappling with unemploymentand schooldropouts, the Expo

serves as acruciallink between aspiration and access, empowering young people to turn uncertainty into possibility.

Held in Qunu, aplace deeply rooted in the legacy of Nelson Mandela, the two-day event embodies the values of leadership, resilience and service.

Attendees will benefit from networking opportunities with employers, learning institutions, and public and private sector entities.

“We are proud to announce the strong

network of partnersalready on board,” said Divinity Roji, the General Manager of Imbizo Events, the organisers of the expo.

“Our corporate partnersinclude SAICA, AMSCOR, the Department of Education, GandaGanda, and Entrepreneurs Unlimited Incubator,reflecting the collaborativespirit driving this initiative.”

She also extended an invitation to companies, institutions, government departments, SETAs,training providers,

GBVsurvivorsgraduatefromskills programme

ZAVELA MAKWABE

THE Eastern Cape Department of Social Development hosted agraduation ceremony recognising 70 survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) from all across the province who completed the Nyamukara Empowerment Programme, aprogrammethat equips survivors with skillsand resources to rebuildtheir lives and foster independence.

The programme included SETA-accreditedsewing and digital literacy training, psychosocial support, and mentorship. This equipped participants with practical skills, with 38 advancing to advanced pattern-making training and 10 securing jobplacements

The momentous event, attended by community leaders, stakeholders and supporters, was held at The Venue in HemingwaysinEast London on 24February 2026 and recognised the resilience of these survivors and celebrated their achievements.

During her address, MECfor the Department, Bukiwe Fanta, emphasised the importance of supporting survivors and combating GBV, stating that the graduation is more than aceremony, but acelebration of restored dignity and sustainable livelihoods for survivors of domesticviolence.

“This milestone reflects resilience, restored confidence, economic empowerment, and renewed hope for survivors who have taken stepstoward rebuilding their futures,” she said. She also encouraged localbusinesses to

SMMEs, anddevelopment partnerstoparticipate as exhibitors andpartnersinthe Jobs andCareers Expo.

“By joining,they will connectwith motivatedfuture professionals andhelp build stronger,moreresilientcommunities througheducation andaccess,” she concluded. For exhibitorbookingsand partnership opportunities, ZusakheHlatini can be emailedatzusakhe@imbizo.events or info@imbizo.events.

consider hiring survivorsand creating inclusiveworkplaces.

“I urgecommunityorganisations to collaborate with us in providing skills training andsupportservices. And Icall on each of you to become advocates for change,raising awareness about GBV andsupporting initiativesthatempower survivors.”

NosidimaSimelane, asurvivor of domestic violencefromMaletswai, was attackedbytwo unknown menthe night beforea court appearance,whereshe was to testifyagainst her husband. She was shotthree times, leaving her unable to walk or carefor herself.

Simelanecredits her experience with teaching her theimportance of self-reliance

“Many womenstay in abusiverelationshipsdue to financialdependence and concern for their children,” shesaid. “I nowknowthatdepending on myselfis key.”

Thankstothe skills she’s gained, Simelanefeelsempoweredtosupport herselfand her son, breakingfree from thecycle of abuse.

Each participantreceived afully equippedstarterpack including adomestic sewing machine, domestic overlocker, fabric pack, ironand ironing board, laptop, androuterwith data thevery equipmentthey hadbeen using throughout their training

TraditionalhorseracingcelebratesheritageinDutywa

ZAVELA MAKWABE

THE thunder of hooves from seasoned thoroughbreds and powerful indigenous breeds could be heard from adistance at theBomela Race Grounds in Dutywa wherethe traditional horse racing event was held on 28 February 2026.

Hosted by the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts andCulture,the event brought together seasoned breeders, passionate spectators and the community in song and celebration, and the atmosphere was electric.

Speaking to the Express,the departmental spokesperson, Andile Nduna, said the event was morethan horse racing. “Itwas heritage in motion, community in celebration, and traditiongalloping forward withstrengthand pride.

“Carriedbygenerations of horse owners and racing enthusiasts, traditional horse racing continues to uniterural communities, celebrate excellence, and honour a legacy thatruns deep.”

He said the event alignswith the department’s goals to developrural sports, engage youth, and preserve indigenous games. “Traditional horseracing supports livelihoods, sparks local business, and brings peopletogether. It is part of the department’sefforts to promoterural tourism, boostlocaleconomies,and celebrate heritage.”

R110,000 has been allocated by the DSRAC for the 2025/2026financial year towards traditional horse racing support in the province.

Nduna said the department wants to help grow and formalisethe traditional horse racing scene, which is becoming

Women’sfootballteamsbeginnewseasonpreparations

ANELE RAZIYA

ALL women’s teams that are featuring in the Hollywoodbets SuperLeague, Sasol League and Regional leagues are expected to start their preparations this month, preparing for thenew season

This followsarecent announcement where theSouth African Football Association (SAFA) has announced thatthe first window period of registration of players is open from 1-31 March, and the second window period will be opened on 1-31 July 2026.

This meansany team that will be featuring in any division of the women’s leagueinthe upcoming season is eligible to start recruiting

newplayers, as the registrationprocess hasalready opened.

EasternCapeteams University of Fort Hare FC and CityLadsFCfromGqeberha, who are currently plying their trade in the HollywoodbetsSuper League,are among the teams expected to beef up their squads priortothe start of the newseason.

UniversityofFortHareFCwas amongthe topfour teams who displayed great performance last season as the Aliceteam finished in fourthplace in the log standings with 52 points, the highest since they joined the divisiona few seasonsago. With their greatperformance last season, the Aliceteamwould obviously be targeting to do

MthathaWestFCreceived brand-newtracksuits

HOSEYAJUBASE

TRANSKEI Yamaha has once againintervenedinassisting football development in MthathaWest. The companyhas bought brand new tracksuits for Mthatha West FC. Thisisnot the first time TranskeiYamaha

port from Mr Branson Bowman-Edgar, owner of Transkei Yamaha, who recognised our potentialand invested over R27,000 in the club.His contributions have included essential training equipment, branded soccer kits, tracksuits, and assistance in entering competitivetournaments.

even better this year,but they will need to bolster their team with more quality playersto increase their chances of challenging for the league title.

Meanwhile, their neighbours,City Lads FC fromGqeberha were already on the hunt for new players to beef up their squad, preparing forthe upcoming season, after they finished abovethe relegationzone last season in 13th positionwith 27 points.

Earlier in January, the Gqeberha team had alreadyorganised open trialslooking for players who can add more value when the season kicks off on an unconfirmed date for now.

City Lads FC is among the teams that have been underway with their pre-season prepa-

rations since January, and they arehoping to improve their lastseason's performance to avoidfighting relegation once againinthe Hollywoodbets Super League.

In other divisions like the Sasol League, everyteam there is expected to recruitplayers to boost their squads because competition is verytight and teams like Executive Ladies, Sophakama Ladies, Ayakha Stars FC, 4800 Ladies’ FC, EasternCape Peace LoversFCand othersalways give each other aserious battle for the league title.

As of now, SAFA have not yet confirmed the starting dates for their women’s leagues, but announced that teams can register playersin everydivision.

Localfootballclubseekssponsorship forbasicequipment

ANELE RAZIYA

SAFAAmathole Hollywoodbets Regional League Stream FsideShiningStars FC from Qoralocation in Mbhashe is busy lookingfor a sponsorshipdeal that can assist the team with things like training equipment andother things related to football Team manager,Bongani Mlatha, speaking

Mlathahas highlighted that they havewritten letters to local businesses, lookingfor assistance from anyone whocan assist them with anything. He said they postedasponsorship request letterontheir club Facebookpage.

Anyoneinterested in assisting theQora team in Mbhashe can contactMlathaon063 440 3334 or send an email to mlathaB55@gmail.