Mthatha Express South – E-Edition – 30 October 2025

EasternCapefilmmakerstoshareR230mPESPfunding

EASTERN Cape filmmakers are set to receive a cut of the R230 million in film funding offered by the Sixth Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP 6) through the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), as funding roadshows kicked off in the province in East London last week

The first of three NFVF Eastern Cape PESP 6 film funding roadshows was held at the Invest SA One Stop Shop in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) in East London The roadshows continue in Mthatha, with the final engagement with filmmakers in Gqeberha on Friday, 25 October 2025 The roadshows present film industry professionals with funding opportunities for their film productions through the PESP 6 NFVF PESP Accountant, Lindokuhle Cele, said film funding through the PESP is offered across three streams The first stream is Group 1 Production funding, which includes development and post-production, with funding capped at R10 million Cele added that the first stream also includes Group 2 Production funding, which includes post-production capped at R2 million The second stream is skills development funding

offered between R700,000 and R1 million The third funding stream is marketing and distribution between R500,000 and R1 5 million

“PESP 6 funding for the 2025/26 financial year is set at R230 million Applications opened on 1 October 2025 and will close on 31 October 2025 Applications are streaming in nationwide, and the NFVF is working to ensure that applications are compliant and correctly completed

“Since 15 October, the NFVF has conducted 15 roadshows in provinces including the Northern Cape, Northwest, Mpumalanga, Free State, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo The final roadshows take place this week in the Western Cape and Gauteng To date, the PESP has disbursed R864 3 million to filmmakers, creating 74,560 jobs through funded productions The target for PESP 6 is to create 15,360 jobs during the 2025/26 financial year

We are grateful for the support of stakeholders such as the ECDC, who are playing a crucial role in opening up access to Eastern Cape filmmakers, as well as complementary film industry funding instruments,” said Cele

At the East London leg of the Eastern Cape roadshows, more than 50 filmmakers including producers, directors, and industry professionals working across film development, pro-

ProjectFlamingopaintsthe townpinkinOctober

Every October, the world turns pink to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month The Project Flamingo team in East London once again showed up for Buffalo City Metro women with breast cancer, providing free, timely, evidence-based, and dignified care and performing life-saving surgeries at the Cecelia Makiwane Hospital in Mdantsane on 18th October 2024 Despite some challenges, they made plans and showed up with the joy, grit, and grace this team is known forThis year’s theme, ”Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters”, emphasises the personal and diverse experiences of those affected by breast cancer It also highlights the importance of compassionate, timely, and quality care for everyone, regardless of their background “If breast cancer teaches us anything, it is that our bodies cannot wait for political promises. South African women deserve more than pink campaigns that do not translate into measurable change,” said project founder, Dr Liana Roodt PHOTO: SUPPLIED

duction, post-production, skills development, marketing and festivals attended the PESP 6 funding presentation The NFVF presented on the PESP 6 funding programme and how filmmakers can access financial support for their productions

Additionally, the NFVF introduced an open funding call titled Blockbuster Team Heritage, which closes in mid-November This opportunity invites filmmakers to submit applications for blockbuster films that showcase their interpretation of South African heritage

Notable Eastern Cape film projects previously funded through the PESP include EC SKILLS 10, The Ungovernable, Queen of Xhosa Music – Madosini, Horses for Xhosas, Life, Love & Everything Else, Stand Up Straight, Mosuli, Silibalekile (TV Pilot) and Briefcase

The Eastern Cape Development Corporation also presented on the Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund, outlining additional funding opportunities for local filmmakers The Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund provides investment funding to qualifying productions that choose the Eastern Cape as their filmmaking destination Through the fund, the Eastern Cape Government promotes the Eastern Cape as an attractive film destination with breath-

taking locations, untapped opportunities, and unique biodiversity The fund supports the growth of the film industry through investment promotion, job creation, and skills development within the province Arts and Craft Coordinator, Athenkosi Baliso, said film and television productions produced in the Eastern Cape are proving a remarkable success, having leveraged a total investment value of R521 7 million from a R43 1 million funding incentive from the provincial Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund between 2018 and 2025

“The economic impact of the 31 funded film productions is being felt through job creation, small business participation, and skills transfer to local creatives Through the 31 productions, 9,020 temporary jobs were created, benefiting 696 small businesses across various sectors, including hospitality, retail, transport, security and clothing,”said Baliso

He added that the Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund offers funding across two categories Production funding is offered for feature films, drama/TV series, reality shows, telenovellas, documentaries and animations Microfilm funding is offered for short films, documentaries and short TV formats

MayibuyeTransportCorporationcelebrates35yearsofconnectingcommunities

ZAVELA MAKWABE

TO celebrate 35 years of connecting communities, the Mayibuye Transport Corporation team brought energy, community engagement, and excitement to their commuters with a series of Bus Rank Activations across the province The events featured prize giveaways, live entertainment, and the sharing of key messages and information at bus ranks in Komani, Dikeni, East London, and Qonce (formerly King William’s Town)

Commuter Ndondle Mkhaliphi from Thaphushe Village outside King William’s Town told Mthatha Express that Mayibuye buses are his transport of choice because they are affordable and reliable “Our village roads are narrow, sometimes hilly and steep, especially

after heavy rains and floods, and taxis avoid them, leaving us stranded We rely on the excellent services of the Mayibuye buses to get us to neighbouring villages and to town ”

Mayibuye Transport Corporation CEO Nomphelo “Pashee” Rhoboji thanked their supporters for being part of the vibrant experience “It has been an incredible journey across the province connecting with our commuters, sharing stories, and celebrating 35 years of Mayibuye Transport Corporation in true Eastern Cape style

From the music to the heartfelt conversations inside the buses, this campaign has reminded us what Mayibuye Transport Corporation is truly about the people Here’s to 35 years of connecting communities and many more miles ahead together, as we keep moving forward ”

StemcareerexpoheldforBCMschools

ZAVELA MAKWABE

LEARNERS from over 20 schools across Buffalo City Metro had the opportunity to explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) with a special focus on the growing energy sector at an inspiring STEM Career Expo at George Randell High School in Sunnyridge, East London, on 17th October 2025

The engagement, hosted by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), the Department of Electricity and Energy, and key industry partners, ignited curi-

osity, ambition, and innovation among young people who will one day shape South Africa's energy future not only as professionals but also as entrepreneurs driving change

The event was designed to inspire and inform students about careers in the STEM fields, promote awareness, and give them industry insights

The keynote speaker of the event, Deputy Minister of the Department of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré, said she was excited to have the privilege of talking to young people about the incredible opportunities in the energy

space

She shared information about exciting opportunities for learners alongside various stakeholders in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM), urging the students in attendance to pursue energy-related careers

"I continue to encourage our youth to enter the dynamic energy space It is filled with innovation and is critical for our future As a government, we must and will continue to create an enabling environment for young people to learn, grow, and thrive in this sector "

The deputy minister said there is a mas-

sive task ahead in addressing Africa's energy needs, but that also means there are massive opportunities

"Renewable solutions like wind farms, solar power, and battery storage are evolving in the energy space, and it's wide open for you to step into "

The various participating stakeholders shared information on how learners can access bursaries and career opportunities

Likhanye Khohli from Tsholomnqa High School said the expo was very informative "Coming from a disadvantaged background, the information we got here was enlightening and motivating "

BKCOBwelcomes17newchambermembersasithostsbusinessawards

MANDLENKOSI MXENGI

THE Border-Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB) has welcomed and inducted 17 new businesses that have joined the chamber during the recent new member induction session as the chamber prepares to host its annual business awards at the East London International Convention Centre (ELICC) on Friday, 28 November

BKCOB executive director, Lizelle Maurice, and the chamber’s operations manager, Lee-Anne Vasi, officially welcomed and inducted the 17 businesses that recently joined the chamber during the recent new member induction held in East London

During the new member induction session, Maurice introduced the new members to the chamber’s ongoing projects aimed at fostering economic growth, supporting local businesses and strengthening the region’s business ecosystem

Some of the BKCOB’s flagship projects include the Call-2-Action campaign, a waste management and recycling initiative conducted throughout the Buffalo City Metro, the annual golf day challenge where all proceeds are donated to charity organisations

The golf day event has, over the years, continued to financially assist struggling local non-profit organisations (NPOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), especially children’s homes and victim support centres with funding to continue their respective projects

Rent-A-Car, Blue Joy Solutions, Hemingways Mall, Dukathole Brickworks, Intervolve NPC, Better Books Consultants and others

bring to the chamber’s business community

Some of the chamber’s new members include Eskort Foods, Safety Management Group, Holistic Integrative Healing Institute, Lilitha Creations, Hertz

In her welcoming address, Maurice said the chamber is looking forward to their involvement and seeing the great contributions the new members will

The BKCOB business awards finalists in the entrepreneur category include Dennis Collins Jewellers and Eskort Food CEO Dennis Collins, Auction One CEO Justin Rohtbart and Hedley Quick Curtains director Michael Wagner

QoncestorekeepingXhosacustomsalivenamedbestinSA

A vision to marry a trading store specialising in items of cultural significance with the convenience of a modern supermarket has earnt a Qonce retail outlet national acclaim

A mere two-and-a-half years after opening its doors under SPAR South Africa’s discount brand, SaveMor Kwa Kokoyi has been named the best in the country in the category.

It is another feather in the cap of owner Kriton Efstratiou, who received the Group’s national retailer of the year award in 2024. Before its transformation into a SaveMor, Kwa Kokoyi had served the local Xhosa community for more than 50 years as a traditional and cultural supply store

It stocked items for initiation ceremonies such as blankets, beads, whistles and a variety of other accessories associated with the Xhosa rite known as ulwaluko

When former owner Errol Durrheim took over, he continued on this path, stocking items like cattle whips, beer powder, brewer’s yeast and malt for the brewing of umqombothi.

There was also a limited grocery and hard-

ware line.

This legacy continued under the next owner, Efstratiou himself, albeit with a modern twist.

A butchery, hardware section, refrigeration and full grocery offering – the latter to cater to those travelling home from the nearby taxi rank – were added

In addition, old racking and shelving were replaced and lighting improved.

This heritage slash modern brand has made Kwa Kokoyi a vital part of the community The initiation-readiness offering was also taken a step further

Efstratiou and his team developed an umgidi card to promote saving for the traditional homecoming ceremony It is used to buy food at the store or liquor from any of his three TOPS at SPARs in the town.

As SPAR is rolling out traditional African décor to its SaveMors, he is happy to play his part in developing a format for the future.

He emphasises that the cultural roots within the Eastern Cape will never disappear

“You’ve got civil servants working in

Bhisho but they still go home to their villages, their children still undergo initiation rites and they still celebrate their ancestors.”

Efstratiou is particularly proud of having evolved a traditional concept store into a new-age format while respecting Xhosa customs

“I’m determined to keep that cultural aspect visible because it’s our community’s heritage,” he said.

SPAR EC retail operations executive Cecil Halse said the owner was one of the most forward-thinking, community-driven retailers around

According to him, the businessman understands his customers’ needs better than most and never misses an opportunity to engage with them.

“It’s a huge achievement for Kwa Kokoyi to be recognised nationally, especially since it is in such a small town,” Halse said.

“We are super privileged to have Kriton as part of our retail fraternity. The way he puts our brand on the map is incredible He is an asset in every way.”

HairandbeautystylistsempoweredinButterworth

ZAVELA MAKWABE

HAIR and beauty stylists from around Butterworth, Centane, and Ngqamakhwe gathered for a hair and beauty seminar, an event hosted by the Estudio Glam Foundation, in partnership with Mnquma Municipality, the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), Queeny Cazara products, and the Amatole District Municipality at the Butterworth Town Hall on 21

October, 2025

Estudio Glam Foundation founder and event coordinator, Lwandy Ngebe, told the Express that through the event, they aimed to highlight the potential in the hair and beauty sector and drive economic growth in Mnquma Municipality, with the hope of addressing unemployment and limited opportunities faced by rural communities, particularly women and youth

“We hope the attendees gained insights into

building successful businesses, practical strategies to enhance profit margins, and the growing demand for customised services,” she said She added that the sad truth is that although South Africa’s hair and beauty sector is flourishing, the citizens do not benefit from it

“The hair and beauty styling industry is estimated to contribute approximately R24 85 billion to South Africa’s economy, representing about 0 62% of the total GDP,” she added

Earlier in the year, Ngebe hosted a similar event where the participants got a platform to connect with industry peers and experts for networking opportunities, potential partnerships, and access to financial and non-financial support

She now plans to take the seminar to Mthatha and Gqeberha to empower local talent and stimulate economic activity in the Eastern Cape