Mthatha Express South E-edition - 10 April 2025

INTERNATIONALYOUTHEXCHANGECAMP:

Germanyouthconnectandactwiththelocals

ZAVELA MAKWABE

THE two-week International Youth Exchange Camp hosted by the Nelson Mandela Museum and the Anne Frank House from Lower Saxony, Germany, is currently underway at the Nelson Mandela Youth and Heritage Centre in Qunu

Under the theme "Connect & Act," the camp, set to take place from the 1st to the 14th of April 2025, aims to foster cultural exchange and understanding between the two nations, both of which share a complex and intertwined history

Twenty-year-old Alisha Safyra Kemda Ahoungkeng from Berlin, Germany, told the Express that, for her, this is not just a visit but an opportunity to engage with history, identity, and a sense of belonging she has always longed for She said that, as a mixed-race woman who has never been to the African continent before, being in South Africa means so much to her

"It is an incredibly powerful experience to be in a country where the majority of people are Black, something I've never encountered in my life before It feels like a deep connection to my roots and heritage that I've

Participants at the International Youth Exchange Camp 2025 were treated to a culinary journey through traditional isiXhosa cuisine—a flavorful way

South Africa’s rich heritage and warm hospitality

never fully experienced before Walking in Mandela's footprints takes on even more significance, as his legacy represents the struggle for justice, equality, and freedom Being here, in this

place shaped by his incredible journey, allows me to reflect on both the personal and collective history that connects me to this continent "

To enjoy a complete South

African experience of diverse cultures and picturesque landscapes, the German delegation will go on excursions to some of the country's heritage sites, including the Mqhekezweni Great

NPOgivesHIV/AIDSaidinMthathatownships

ZOLILE MENZELWA

FAITH and Hope Integrated Programme, a non-profit organisation established in 2001, is giving much-needed HIV-related services to people residing in poverty-stricken townships of Mthatha

The organisation was formed by a group of retired nurses due to the scourge of HIV/AIDS that left behind orphans and vulnerable children

NPO manager, Nolundi Mtshitshi, said the initial intent of the NPO was to educate community members about HIV/AIDS and its resultant consequences

"We do HIV counselling and testing, as well as awareness

campaigns on HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence (GBV), and we have health workers working within communities by tracking and tracing clients who have absconded on treatment

“We also have an adherence support programme to support clients who are taking their treatment and teaching them about the dangers of defaulting on treatment," she said

The NPO relies solely on donations, funders and grants – with the Eastern Cape Department of Health being their sole source of income

Their contract with the department ends in November

"We previously benefitted from the President's Emergency

Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)

But are now frustrated by what is happening in America "

Mtshitshi said most of their clients were people in the Mthatha West townships including Slovo, Nelson Mandela and Chris Hani townships

The organisation employs 10 people with three of them office-bound while the rest are community-based

"Some are doing door-to-door counselling and testing for HIV; some are tracing and tracking clients and taking them back to treatment facilities We allow people to volunteer on condition they don't expect to be employed by the organisation

“Employment depends on

DRABXUMALOCALMUNICIPALITYSUPPORTS:

Ngcobowoolgrowersmakemillions

ZOLILE MENZELWA

IN an effort to expand operations and improve the production of Ngcobo wool growers, Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality has put paid to its multi-year donation to local farmers

The municipality closed the month, March 31, of commemorating its namesake by donating 200 ewes to the Wool Growers Association

The farmers bring their 200, and 400 sheep are donated to the association

The programme started in the 2022/ 23 financial year with 1 200 sheep donated so far Integrated Planning and Economic Development political head, Nobuntu Mgidi, said the programme aimed to provide the farmers

with the resources they need to expand operations and improve production

"The wool growing industry plays a critical role in the local economy

Supporting these farmers with the resources they need is an investment in the community's future," she said

Mgidi said the initiative not only helps in improving agricultural practices but also improves the potential of local farmers, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly changing market

Mayor Siyabulela Zangqa said the 2022 to 2026 council, whose term ends next year, had adopted the programme for wool farmers

"We want to ensure that they produce quality wool that will give them great returns After

having had this programme for five years, we would like to have a processing facility in Ngcobo This will ensure we create sustainable jobs for our people," he said Wool Growers Association chairperson, Xolile Jezile, said the association made millions of rands in the 2022/ 23 and 2023/ 2024 financial years

"When we sold our wool in the market the first time we made R10 5 million and the second time we made R13 2 million We have not received the results for this year (2024/ 2025) But the results we have show the municipality's programme is working," Jezile said

The association, Jezile said, was happy with its working relationship with the municipality

funding; we don't employ people," she said

The organisation has been a lifeline for emerging NPOs by helping them register Students from Walter Sisulu University and KSD TVET College have also been able to do their experiential training with Faith and Hope

"The big challenge, though, is that we don't have enough office space to accommodate the students Among our future plans is to have our own site if we could get funding, to have a one-stop shop to provide our services "

She said they were waiting for a programme of action from the Department of Health, which

Place, Clarkebury, the Maphuzi Caves, and the Hole in the Wall, as well as a tour of the Constitutional Hill, the Apartheid Museum, and the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum

would include Faith and Hope dispensing treatment

This, she said, as some people default due to transport challenges as there is no clinic catering for the people of Mthatha West

"We plan to have a shelter for GBV victims and a soup kitchen for street children But we face the same challenge of funding We would also like to extend our services to far-flung areas such as Baziya, Mqhekezweni and Gxalubomvu because we are working with people who are willing to work with communities," she said Mtshitshi can be contacted on 073 138 9256 or nmtshitshi@ gmail com

BrightIdeasMovement usesarttosaveDimbaza

ZAVELA MAKWABE

BONGANI Zweni (33), from Dimbaza, is making a remarkable difference in his community through his initiative, the Bright Ideas Movement (BiM)

In an interview with Mthatha Express, Zweni described the current state of affairs in his community as dire "Dimbaza is grappling with an increasing rate of unemployment, crime, and poverty This combination of circumstances results in more kids dropping out of school and using drugs Some end up getting involved in criminal activities "

He said creating substance abuse awareness in a drug-ridden community is not easy, but he has dedicated his life to this cause, which is so close to his heart because of his personal experiences "As a former gang member and drug addict, I know firsthand how it feels to have your entire life derailed because of a few bad choices I also know how mortifying it feels to ultimately deal with the consequences of those choices That is why I took it upon myself to try and be the hero I needed when I was growing up "

Thirteen-year-old Nasiphe Datini, from Polapark, said being a part of the BiM team

keeps him busy with his extracurricular activities and motivates him to stay focused on his studies, leaving him with no time to smoke on street corners, drink, or pickpocket "I just wish we could get help from our councillor to secure our own premises, as we are always moving from one place to the next "

In his latest project, Street Dance, Zweni uses acting, singing, dancing, and poetry to unify different sections of Dimbaza and foster team spirit and collaboration "The response to the Street Dance Challenge has been great We now have seven groups made up of 35 amazingly talented dancers "

His movement has also hosted other charitable initiatives, such as collecting and donating school uniforms, stationery, toiletries, and clothing to those who need them most

"I have been knocking on so many doors, including local churches, businesses, and the police, seeking support But there have been generous members of the community who have been very supportive, walking this journey with me Some have come through with food donations when we ran a soup kitchen, as well as clothes and stationery when we made pleas across social media platforms " He said there is so much more he could achieve with just a little more support

BCMtalentshinesinFilmapalooza

ZAVELA MAKWABE

THE Reel Renegades, a talented film crew from East London, proudly represented both their city and South Africa at the prestigious Filmapalooza Awards Ceremony in Seattle, Washington, USA, from 19–22 March 2025

The team earned their spot at the awards ceremony with their short film, Rebirth, which was awarded as the Best Film 2024 in South Africa’s 48-Hour Film Challenge

The Reel Renegades, comprised of Lusanda "Kranky" Payiya (director), Mlindi Kasa (cinematographer), Ken Bengeza (director of photography), Siya (sound), Olwethu (scriptwriter), and Lesedi Lester Sikwe (editor/colorist), competed against top filmmakers from around the world Their journey began with the Eastern Cape’s first-ever 48-Hour Film Challenge, hosted in East London last November The Eastern Cape is now the third province in South Africa to have participated in this globally celebrated filmmaking competition

In the grueling 48-hour project, 14 teams of storytellers from across the province were tasked with planning, scripting, casting, scouting, shooting, editing, and submitting their short films within two days The Reel Renegades stood out with their exceptional creativity and dedication, ultimately securing their win at the national level and earning the opportunity to compete internationally

Although the team was unable to attend the awards in person, they watched in excitement as their film was recognized on the Seattle stage This achievement underscores the wealth of hidden cinematic talent in the Eastern Cape Lungelo "TruSenz" Nzama congratulated the team, saying: "I want to celebrate Lesedi Lester Sikwe and his team, who represented South Africa at Filmapalooza thanks to their incredible work with the 48-Hour Film Project This reflects the transformative power of dedication to one’s passion Turning fears into opportunities is key to achieving greatness "

Lunga Feni, Partnership Associate at the Eastern Cape Film Hub and City Producer for the 48-Hour Film Project in East London, emphasized the talent unearthed by the event:

"There is so much hidden talent in the Eastern Cape, and the 48-Hour Film Project is an excellent tool to showcase, support, and nurture this talent All the participating teams displayed remarkable passion and dedication, and we are truly proud of the Reel Renegades’ achievement on the global stage "

The 48-hour project was hosted by the Eastern Cape Film Hub and The Cortex Hub in collaboration with the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA), Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), and Eastern Cape Provincial Arts & Culture Council

RotaryClubEastLondon Celebrates99YearsofService

THE Rotary Club of East London (RCEL) marked a historic milestone on Wednesday, 2 April, as members and guests gathered at the East London Golf Club to celebrate the club’s 99th Charter Dinner

Founded in 1926, RCEL has played a pivotal role in serving the East London community through various humanitarian projects, fostering fellowship, and upholding the values of Rotary International The evening celebrated this enduring legacy, bringing together Rotarians, community leaders, and distinguished guests to reflect on nearly a century of service

The event featured a keynote address by District Governor Nominee Melonie Gobel, who spoke about the value Rotary has added to the East London community over the past 99 years and the positive impact it will continue to make moving forward Special awards of recognition were presented to members Rino Nepgen (District Treasurer) and Craig Thompson (District Interact Chair), who both received double Paul Harris Awards the highest honor recognizing members that exemplify the ethos of Rotary Additionally, a special Umtiza Award was conferred on Linda Mynhardt in recognition of her significant contribution to the graphic design of the fundraiser cookbook, "Secrets of the Rotary Kitchen" The sales of the cookbook generated nearly R40,000 to fund RCEL’s community projects Linda viewed

this contribution as her way of giving back to the community Guests enjoyed an evening of camaraderie, fine dining, and a shared commitment to Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self As RCEL approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, the club is preparing a series of impactful initiatives aimed at enhancing its community outreach, expanding youth development programmes, and increasing support for sustainable projects Plans are already underway for legacy projects designed to leave a lasting imprint on East London and reinforce the club’s commitment to service and innovation These plans include ongoing support for the Buffalo City Schools Chess initiative, the Isethembiso Farming Project, the Fort Grey School Library Container Conversion, scholarships for deserving students, and more RCEL President Angela Church emphasized the Club’s forward-thinking approach: “As we look ahead to our centenary, we remain dedicated to evolving with the needs of our community Our goal is to build on our proud history and ensure that the next century of Rotary in East London is even more impactful ”

For more info about the Rotary Club of East London and its initiatives, contact Pam Way, Public Image Liaison, at pam way@adviceworx co za