THE Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has identified 175 hectares of land below the airport for anew cemetery facility, as burial space across the metro runs critically low.
At Malabar Cemetery, with a total capacity of 7,906 plots,of which 7,886 are already occupied, only 20 burial plots remain.
Residents in the area arenow being directedtoalternative sites, including Bloemendal, Bethelsdorp, Kabahand Forest Hill cemeteries.
Ward 10 councillor, Lenny Moodley, said the crisis has been years in the making.
“I havebeen fighting for the extensionofthe Malabar graveyard for many years. The municipality kept delaying theprocess,” he shared with the PE Express.
“Our residents cannot wait any longer. We need to bury our loved ones with dignity. This is
areligious and constitutional right.”
Moodley said recent engagements indicate movement, but only after sustained pressure.
“After pushing and pushing, they saidthey will includethe EIA assessment fees in the adjustment budget,” he said.
“I am hoping that once the EIA report is completed, pegging of the new extension site will begin immediately.”
Municipal spokesperson, Sithembiso Soyaya, confirmed the scale of the problem.
“Malabar Cemetery has atotal burial capacityof7,906 plots, of which 7,886 are alreadyoccupied according tothe burial register,” heexplained.
“This effectively places the cemetery at full capacity, with the remaining space expected to be exhausted imminently.This leaves approximately 20 plots currently available,” he shared.
“Given the limited number of remaining plots, the cemeteryisat
full capacity and can no longer sustainably accommodate future burialdemand.”
Despite this, an R850,000 allocation made in the 2023/2024 financial yearfor the cemetery’s extension was not used
“No fundswere spent. No physical work has been undertaken,” Soyaya confirmed.
The project’s September2023 completion deadline wasmissed.
The delay, he said,isdue to the absence of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), alegal requirement before any expansion.
“The required studies were not budgeted for under Operating Expenditure in the 2023/2024 financial year,” he said
Provision has now been made in the 2025/2026 adjustment budget to undertake the EIA. An informal tender has been submitted to appoint consultants.
“The Ward Councillor has been formally informed of the current status of the Malabar Cemetery extension project, including the requirement to firstcomplete the Environmental Impact Assessment process.”
Soyayasaidthe municipality is also looking beyondMalabar to address long-term demand
“In addition, the Municipality has identified approximately 175 hectares of land for the development of anew cemeteryfacility below the airport,” he said Soyaya added that the site forms partofthe metro’s longterm planning to address ongoing burialcapacity challenges.
Ward 10 councillorLenny Moodley has beenpushing for theextensionofMalabar Cemetery PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Land next to Malabar Cemeterythatisexpected to be used to extendthe cemetery as it has reachedfullcapacitywithonly 20 burial plotsremaining.
SANDFdeploys290personnelinmajorECcrimeoperation
REPORTER
EASTERN Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata has announced the deploymentof290 South African National Defence Forcemembers to support police operations until March 2027, during the launch of Operation Prosper at ajoint security forces parade in Gqeberha on 2April.
The operation targets specific hotspots, including Helenvale, Gelvandale, Chatty and Kamesh in Nelson Mandela Bay, as wellasHumansdorp and Jeffreys Bay in the Sarah Baartman District. The initiative focuses on dismantling drug networks, seizingillegalfirearms, and combating extortion syndicates and construction mafias.
“This mission is about restoring peace and dignity to communities,” said Ncata, emphasising that theSouthAfrican Police Service remains theleadagency, with the SANDF serving as aforce multiplier whilst acting strictly within the lawand with respect for humanrights
Thecollaborative approachhas already yielded results. On the operation's first day,joint police and military forces conducted sustainedoperations in gang-and drug-affected areas, resulting in four arrests and the seizureofdrugs and avehicle.
During operationsbetween 06:00 and 12:00 on 3April, three search warrants were successfully executed in the Gel-
vandale area, resulting in one arrest for possession of mandrax. Officers also investigated reports of firearm pointing and shotsfired in the same area, thoughboth complaintswere found to be without substance
Seven Section 22 stop-and-search operations were conducted between Gelvandale and Algoa Park, targeting addresses either gang-affiliated or known as drug distributionpoints. The afternoon brought
more significant results when asuspect tracing operation at 15:00 by the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit Combat Team, the SANDF, and the Gelvandale CrimePrevention Unit in Helenvale ledtothree suspects being detained on murder and abduction charges, whilstawhite Ford Bantam bakkie was seized as evidence
The joint operations represent an intensified efforttocombat organised crime in areas where gang activity hassignifi-
cantly impactedcommunitysafety. Communities areurged to cooperate with law enforcement andrejectmob justice as the sustained approach aims to disruptcriminalnetworks andprovide relief from gang-relatedviolenceand drug trafficking Operations will continue acrossidentified hotspots until safety andpublic order arefully restored,with thedeployment scheduled to run until 31 March2027.
NewtonParkhomeinvasion:CasemovedtoHighCourt
SHANTI JAFTA
THE case against threeaccused in the murder of Gqeberha businessman, Daniel de Jager, has been transferred to the High Court following their latest appearance in the GqeberhaMagistrate’sCourt
114 (4) of the CriminalProcedure Act, paving the way for the case to be heard in the HighCourt.
All three accused remainincustody, having abandoned their bailapplications earlier in the process.
The court heardthat the accused had
The trio were previously granteda final postponement to allow for outstanding forensic evidence and investigative processes to be finalised,includingDNA analysis and other reports central to theState’s case It is allegedthatDeJagerwas killed during what was initially presented as a house robbery,with theState contending theattack was staged.
Atotal of 290South AfricanNational Defence Forcemembershavebeen deployed to support police operations in theEasternCape. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
NMB’sNcataappointednew ProvincialCommissioner
ZAVELA MAKWABE
NATIONAL Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola announced last week the appointment of Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata as the new Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner,effective 1April 2026.
The announcement was made at the Provincial SAPS Headquarters in Zwelitsha, with the Premier of the province,Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, and the MEC of Community Safety, Xolile Nqata,in attendance Lieutenant General Ncata,who hailsfrom Nelson Mandela Bay,
brings 31 years of dedicated service to the role, having joined the police force as astudent constable in 1995.
BorninKwaZakhele, Gqeberha, he started hiscareer at KwaNobuhle policestation and later trained asa PublicOrder Police member, serving as aunitcommander.
Ncata’s experience includes servingasStationCommander at Langa PoliceStationin2011 and Brigadier at Nyanga Police Stationin 2014, where he led efforts to combatgangviolence.
He waspromoted to Major General in 2022 andserved as district commissioner of theNelsonMandelaBay Districtbefore taking on
his new role.
National Police Commissioner GeneralFannie Masemola expressed confidenceinNcata’s ability to provide strong strategic direction and sound judgement, particularlyinaddressing serious and violentcrimeinthe Eastern Cape
Ncata takes over from Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene who retired in February 2025.
Ncata said he has abig responsibility ahead, but he is fitfor the purpose and ready to take it on.
“I am ready to leadthe men and womeninblue, knowing our challenges well.”
Laerskool Verkenner received acashprizeofR50 000after
Competition.
LAERSKOOL Verkenner is celebratingamajor environmental achievement after being named the winner of the 2025 TGRC GlassRecycling Competition, aprogramme aimed at encouraging schools to actively contribute to sustainable waste management.
The school secured first place following an impressive collective effort from learners, parents and staff, who worked together throughout the campaign to collect recyclable glass on a large scale.
According to teacher Danel Scheepers, the school’s success reflects both dedication and teamworkacross the entire school community.
“Laerskool Verkenner proudly secured first place in the 2025 TGRC Glass RecyclingCompetition,” she shared. “This outstanding achievement reflects the school’sstrong commitment to environmental responsibility and community involvement.”
Theschool’s efforts resulted in aremarkable total of 82 598 kg of recyclable glass being collected, afigurethat
placed it ahead of competing schools and highlighted the scale of participation from the Verkenner community.
Scheepersadded that the achievement was made possible through widespread involvement.
“Through the dedication of learners, parents and staff, the school collected arecord-breaking total of 82 598 kg of recyclable glass, contributing significantly to the success of the initiative.”
As arewardfor their efforts,Laerskool Verkenner received acash prizeofR50 000, which the school says will supportongoing initiatives and development projects within the school environment.
In response to the win, the school expressed its appreciation to everyone who played arole in the campaign.
“The school extends itssincere gratitude to everyone who supported and participated in thisproject,” she said. “This achievement not only highlights the importance of recycling but also showcases what can be accomplished when acommunity works together towards acommon goal.”
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
RememberingDrCasperLötter
HEIDI BOTHA
WE all have rituals that give shape and rhythm to our lives. Perhapsitisthe same with thepeople we know, those we encounter often, whose paths cross ourswith quiet regularity.
Sometimes theyare close friends,atother times acquaintances, and occasionally, simply familiar faceswepass by frequently.
In many ways, we subtly influence one another’s hours, becoming quietconstantsinthe steadycadenceofeach other’s routines and threads in the fabric of our days.
When someonefallsaway, especially when it is asudden and unexpected loss, the weave of that fabric is disrupted. Thesmoothrhythm of our daily rituals is broken, interrupted by and reverberating with the dissonance of death.
The passing of Dr Casper Lötter struck a chordinthe local,aswell as the wider, academicand researchcommunity.
Casper spent many aday in Stanley Street in Richmond Hill.Hebecame alocal, aknown figure. Frequenting the cafés and restaurants whiletyping awayonhis laptop was how he spent many mornings and afternoons.
His favourite spot in the Groundfloor coffee shop was at the cornertable,between the coffee bar and thewindow
With aperfect view of the street and the windowopened wide on warm, sunny days, Casper enjoyed the best of both worlds:the lively buzz of street life and sociability,aswell as aperfect office setup.
Long ago, we christened that spot ‘Casper’s Office’. He wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
Casper was an undoubtedly idiosyncratic character. Honest, with his own unique sense
of humour; sharp-minded but humble; clever but alsoinfinitely kind, he waswholly himself.
Inhis professionallife, Casper held many roles: aformer postdoctoral and research fellow in the School of Philosophy at NWU,a research fellow, acriminologist, aresearcher, an academic scholar, amentor to postgraduate students and an expert in the fields of philosophy, criminology andculturalstudies.
Buttousmere mortals who live and work
outside of these academic circles and spheres, he waspurely Casper. Unassuming and unpretentious. An undercoveracademic.
Withhis easy manner and his customary cap, glasses, brown leather jacket, and computer bag slung overhis shoulder, Casper became an essentialpart of Stanley Street and simply oneofus.
He loved good food, yethecouldjust as happily enjoy sardines from atin and atouch of
extra cream in his coffee. Intelligent conversation fascinated him, but he also valued the modest opinion of everyday people
Generously, he shared his published research articles and articles he found interesting. Open-minded and attentive, he wasa good listener whooffered carefully considered opinions and thought-provoking ideas while remaining receptivetothose of others.
But there wasone character trait Casper possessed that stood out above allothers: his strong sense of justice. He treated everyone with thesame amount of respect, irrespectiveofsocial status, background or position. Throughout his work and life, he was dedicated to promoting justice and imparting dignity to others -atrue philosopher, always seeking and becoming thevoice of truth
We honour his lifeand theremarkablelegacy he leaves behind. His voice will continue to ring clearlyand resoundingly,echoing through thepeaceful inroads he forged in the fields of criminology and philosophy, inspiring those whofollowinhis path
It is that timeofthe year when some of the trees in Richmond Hill’s leaves are turning brown, while others are shedding theirs, shaking themselves free from summer. The seasons quietly turn. Things fallaway. Sadly, so do people.
Sometimes Casper left notes tucked behind aframed poster above his usual station in Groundfloor, intending to continue his work thenextday.When Icheck to see if they are still there, Ifind them safelytucked away. And as theamber light of an earlyautumn morning catches thesmoothpanes of Groundfloor’s windows, it is almost as if Ican stillsee Casper at his usual table, bent over his laptop. He wasmany things. But most of all, he was an exceptional human.
ThelateDrCasper Lötter.
PHOTO: HEIDI BOTHA
NGOmakesadifferenceatWBTshumePrimarySchool
SELBY MADIKANE
BONISILE Trading, anon-governmentalorganisation (NGO),made ahuge difference when they donated full school uniforms andsanitary towels to 60 learners as partoftheir ongoing commitment to supporting learners during a handover function held at WB Tshume Primary School hall recently.
Bonisile Trading NGO,which started in 2019,consistsofthree members: Lungiswa Sikhosana, Nontsikelelo Hobosheand Oneziwe Mahlombe. Sikhosana said that their NGO felt thelearners’ dignity would be restoredthrough thedonationofuniformsand sanitarytowels Sikhosanasaid, “School uniforms helpto restore the dignity of thelearners, whilst sanitary towels help the girls to attend school regularly. Today, we believe that these uniforms will help these children to gain confidence.” Hoboshe highlighted that learnersmight drop out due to challenges such as not having afull school uniform.
“We visited local schools in ourarea and found thatmany learners had no uniforms. We decided to make ahuge difference to these vulnerablelearners.”
Mahlombe added, “We aim to restorethe dignity of thesepupils and to ensure theystudy
very hard.”
Departmentalhead Vuyiswa Ntantiso said thattheirschool was delighted thatBonisile Trading NGOhad madeagenerous donation of school uniformsand sanitary towels to vul-
EthanwinsWESSANationalYouthAward
On Thursday, 26 March 2026, WESSA held the EasternCapeAward ceremonyatThe Plantation. WESSA is celebrating its100th birthday in 2026. EthanFourie, a 10-year-old Kabega Primary learner,also known as The Recycling Kid, receivedthe WESSA National Youth Award for his environmental actions.The Youth Award acknowledges ayoungperson who has demonstratedan outstanding commitment and contributionto environmental conservation and/oreducation at anational level. His certificatestates: WESSA recogniseshow your environmental activism has resonatedacrossthe EasternCape, successfully drawingincorporate supportand community participation. WESSA congratulates ‘TheRecycling Kid’ on your exceptionalefforts to actively educateand inspire your peerstobecome effective eco-guardians caring for the Earth.
PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
nerable learners.
Ntantiso said,“At least the gap between our learners has been slightly reduced. Many learners depend on grants, and as aresult, their parents find it difficult to buyall the
school essentials
“Onbehalf of the school, Iwould like to express my sinceregratitude to Bonisile Trading NGO for making such asignificant contribution to our needy learners.”
Learners of WB Tshume Primary School with their parents and NombuyiseloVellem (educator)
PHOTO: SELBY MADIKANE
Joshuaand Alexis Barendse, learners of Kabega PrimarySchool, closed theirDHL Lifesaving Championships on ahigh. Joshua wona total of four bronze medals.Alexis won11medals (eight gold, twosilver and one bronze)
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Ethan received the awardfrom Nomfundu Ndlovu, WESSA Schoolsand YouthSenior Programme Manager.
Notice is hereby givenin terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds RegistriesAct, 1937,ofthe intention to applyfor the issueofa certified copy of DEED OF
Notice is hereby givenin terms of regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issueofacertified copy of Deed of TransferNumber
NuweverevirCilliéseeerstenetbalspan
HANNES SCHOEMAN
DIE eerste netbalspan van die Hoërskool Cillié gaan met nuwe vere spog wanneer hulleSaterdag, 11 April, by die J.J. Engelbrecht-banegasheer speel vir DF Malherbe.
“Ons oefen reeds van Desember af vir ons eerste wedstryd van die jaar. My span is dusreeds slaggereed en boonop gaan ons baie spoggerig lyk,” sê die afrigter,Ilodi Bezuidenhout.
Die George Loots-gimnasium skuins anderkant die skool,wat oor die jare talle OP-liggaamsbouers en kragoptellers uit Cillié kampioene gemaak het, hetdie span met T-hemde geborg “Ons isbaie dankbaarvir dié gebaar,”sê Bezuidenhout.
“Crystal Whiteley, ons onderkaptein, se ouers besit die gimenhaar suster het die Funky Printing-besigheid wat T-hemde druk.Saam het hulle vir ons die oefenhemde geborg.
“Dis is ons heel eersteborgskap, maar onsisaltyd op soek na borge wat onskan help om toerusting en uitrustings te kan aanskafomdie meisies toeterus om hul bestetekan lewer.
“Ons hettans ook ’n borgvir die nuwe rokkieswat op pad is, maar op soek na ’n borg virsweetpakke.
“Danisons tans ook besig met ’n ‘Tekkie drive’vir tweedehandse tekkies in groottes 4-7 vir ons meisies.
“Ons is ’n bron vanlig en inspirasie vir die gemeenskap en daarom hoop ons datdie gemeenskap sal inkoop daarin om
Hoërskool Cillié tot hoër hoogtestebring.”
John Whiteley van die Loots-gimnasium sê hy het op die borgskap besluit omdat hulle diep gewortel is in Cilliésebedrywighede oor baie jare.“Onswil teruggee aan die gemeenskap wat oor diejare só ’n
Weekendsportsnews,resultsandupcomingfixtures
SELBY MADIKANE
MOFAMarina SeaSaltEasterTournament games watchedbyhundredsoffans
HUNDREDS of fans watched the MOFA Marina Sea SaltEaster Tournament at Motherwell NU 2and Motherwell NU Stadiums,aswellas at Motherwell NU 9CommunityGrounds and Peace Park from Friday to Sunday SAFA president, Dr Danny Jordaan, SAFA NEC member, Mzimkhulu Fina, SAFA NMB acting president, Clive Killian, and MOFA LEC members were in attendance.
The tournament began with agroup stage and ended with an eliminationstage.
In thelast 16 teams, Motherwell United eliminated Manchester United FC 3-2, whilst Showvillage United FC knocked outYoung TigersFC3-0. Motherwell School of Excellence FC lost4-2 on penalties to Real City FC followingtheir 1-1 draw.
Commodores FC went down 1-0 to Valencia FC. Camper United FC overcame Wells Blue BirdsFC5-4 on penalties following their 2-2 full-time score. Lion City FC claimed a2-0 win against Eleven Brothers FC.
Liverpool FC snatched an impressive 2-0 victory over Royal United. Seven Sundowns Sports Club said goodbye to the MOFA Marina SeaSalt EasterTournamentintheir 4-2 loss on penaltiestoDema Development FC.
YOUNG and old came fromall cornersofthe Northern Areas to watch the historic Northern Areas Football Association (NAFA) Football Festival at Gelvandale Stadium and Gelvan Fields during the Easter weekend
SAFA president, Dr Danny Jordaan, and other SAFA national executivemembers, SAFA NMB acting president, Clive Killian, together withthe NAFA local executive committee members, wereinattendance to give support to the future professional players.
Helenvale United FC, who lifted the trophy twice, looked forward to winning the tournament again. However,Helenvale, who arepopularly known as the Maroon Army,claimed an impressive 2-0 victoryoverApexFCduring their quarter-finals at Gelvandale Stadiumon Sunday, booking themselves aplace in the semi-finals.
In the battle of teams that campaign in the SAFA Nelson Mandela Bay Hollywoodbets Men’s Regional League, Park United FC defeated Saints FC 2-0 during their scintillating
quarter-finals at Gelvandale Stadium on Sunday.
Westlake FC,who started the tournament on ahigh note, registered an easy 3-0triumph over Wolves FC during their one-sided quarter-finals clash at Gelvandale Stadium on Sunday. Fans were on the edge of theirseats as RangersFCwent through to the semi-finals following their 3-2win on penalties against Ramblers FC after theirquarter-final ended in agoalless draw at Gelvandale Stadium on Monday.
NAFAEasterSoccerFestivalsemi-finals:
RangersFC- West LakeFC Helenvale United FC -Park United FC
ZWIFAhostsJuniorsEasterSoccerTournament
ZWIDE Football Association (ZWIFA) hosted ajuniors Easter footballtournament at Myezo Primary School Grounds and Zwide Celtics Grounds during the Easter weekend.
Thetournament, which was in around-robin format,was organised for the under-13s at Myezo Primary and under-15s at Zwide Celtics, with the aimofkeeping the children extremely busy during the Easter weekend. The 16 teams in each age category who went pound forpound against each other weredivided into groups
According to ZWIFA competitions officer Zama Nqwelo, the knockout stage will be completed on Saturday and Sunday. Nqwelo highlighted that the tournament was supported by many membersofthe community, particular-
groot rolinons lewens gespeel het,” sê hy
Tiffany Whiteley van Funky Printing sê van dieWhiteleys was self leerders aan Cilliéenmet haar sustertans dieonderkaptein was ditnet logies om ’n skenking te maak
ly the parents.
ZWIFAJuniorsEasterTournamentresults:
Under13GroupA: Black StarsFC3-1 Zwide Pirates FC; Sophakama FC 0-0 Zwide Pirates FC;Black StarsFC2-0 Sophakama FC;Shining StarsFC2-0 Zwide Pirates FC
Under13GroupB: Real CrusadersFC1-0 Kuyasa United BrothersFC; YoungRomans FC 1-0Zwide CelticsFC; Kuyasa United BrothersFC2-1 Young RomansFC; Real CrusadersFC0-2 Zwide CelticsFC.
Under 13 Group C: AmadamaraFC7-0 Everton FC; Everton FC 1-2Major Chiefs SportsClub; AmadamaraFC 4- 1StrikersUnitedFC; Major Chiefs SportsClub3-1 AmadamaraFC; Everton FC 0-2 StrikersUnitedFC
Under13GroupD:MorningStarsFC2-2GarveyUnited FC;GoldenAcesFC1-2 Real Rovers FC;RealRoversFC1-0 Garvey United FC;GoldenAcesFC3-1 MorningStarsFC
Under 15 Group A: Zwide Pirates FC 3-5 Real CrusadersFC; AmadamaraFC6-1 Black StarsFC; AmadamaraFC 0-0 Real Rovers FC;Black StarsFC0-0 Zwide Pirates FC; Real CrusadersFC2-2 Real Rovers FC
Under15GroupB: MorningStarsFC0-2 Zwide Celtics FC;Sophakama FC 3-0 Zwide CelticsFC; Everton FC 0-2 MorningStarsFC; Sophakama FC 8-0 Morning StarsFC; Zwide CelticsFC10-0 Everton FC
Under 15 Group C: GoldenAcesFC3-0 StrikersUnited FC;Young RomansFC0-1 Kuyasa United BrothersFC; YoungRomans FC 2-0 StrikersFC; GoldenAcesFC2-3 Kuyasa United FC
