Eastern Cape Health Department to upgrade key rural facility to improve access to quality care will officially hand over the construction site for the rebuilding of Greenville Hospital marking a major investment in healthcare infrastructure for rural communities in the province The handover ceremony is scheduled to begin at 08h00 at Greenville Hospital and will be attended by senior officials from the Eastern Cape Department of Health The redevelopment of the hospital is valued at R184 million and aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of medical services for underserved and indigent populations in the region The scope of work includes the construction of: the upgraded Greenville Hospital will be equipped to deliver emergency care and chronic disease management as part of a fully integrated healthcare model the project is a strategic response to the increasing demand for public healthcare services in Mbizana and surrounding areas “We are committed to ensuring that residents in rural towns like Mbizana have access to quality This project is a bold step toward that vision,” said Capa The department has positioned the Greenville Hospital redevelopment as part of its broader effort to upgrade ageing facilities and improve functional efficiency across the province’s health system and website in this browser for the next time I comment Add me to your newsletter and keep me updated whenever you publish new blog posts Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" © 2025 Pondoland Times. 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Privacy Policy This article may contain graphic and/or adult content unsuitable for minors and sensitive readers has opened a multi-million-rand state-of-the-art facility in Mbizana that he said was testament to the province’s resilience and shared vision for a brighter future who deliver his State of the Province address in Ntabankulu on Thursday said this multi-purpose sports and office precinct was a beacon of hope and progress for the Winnie Madikizela Municipality “It symbolizes our unwavering commitment to investing in our youth and enhancing the quality of life for all residents This precinct will be a hub for youth development and entrepreneurial activities,” Mabuyane said in a speech prepared for delivery He said by investing in such infrastructures the Eastern Cape government was empowering young people and opportunities needed to break the cycle of unemployment and contribute positively to our society.”  In a message to errant municipalities the Premier said the fight against corruption and misallocation of funds was critical for maintaining the integrity of the province’s municipality “We are dedicated to achieving clean audits and managing our resources efficiently “This facility will adhere to the highest standards of transparency and accountability serving as a model for other municipalities,” Mabuyane said He also addressed issues of political in-fighting and instability “Such issues undermine our democracy and open the door to state capture and social instability which are significant barriers to community development It is imperative that the council act within the law and prioritise the welfare of our citizens,” the Premier said an exclusive podcast on the life of Vicki Terblanche Dive into the expansive world of motoring with Naresh Maharaj Join Mark Marshall as he shares his extraordinary encounters with everything from bees to reptiles i This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Anger erupts as residents demand justice and action after SAPS member allegedly murders 36-year-old woman Hundreds of outraged residents marched to the Mzamba Police Station near Bizana following the gruesome murder of 36-year-old Neliswa Cele who was allegedly strangled to death and left partially undressed The man accused of killing her is someone she loved and trusted — a fully trained member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) which has reignited broader frustrations about the rise in Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in the region Community members handed over a petition to police authorities listing urgent demands and a minimum of 10 unresolved murder cases — each with case numbers — where no arrests have been made They also raised alarm over the widespread drug trade in the area noting that not a single known dealer has been apprehended The petitioners demanded a formal response within seven days confirmed that the suspect in the Neliswa Cele case has been detained and was due to appear in court the same day He also assured marchers that the petition would be escalated directly to the Office of the Minister of Police Secretary of the ANC Regional Women’s League She recalled that President Cyril Ramaphosa had declared Gender-Based Violence and Femicide a national pandemic “We call upon General Masemola to immediately visit the Alfred Nzo District and see the fate of innocent women losing their lives in the hands of men who were meant to protect them,” she said She also proposed that stakeholders offer self-defence training for women noting that women were once part of the armed struggle and should be empowered again to protect themselves Mbizana Men’s Forum secretary Philip Ndovela said they cannot tolerate the men who choose to be wilder than wild animals Project Coordinator at the Coastal Resource Centre (CRC) expressed heartbreak over Neliswa Cele’s death and others like it She referenced the 2008 serial killings in Wards 23 and 24 which claimed approximately 18 women’s lives “I don’t know whether women have sinned against God or men are simply possessed to behave this way These killings leave women deeply vulnerable and unsafe.” Miss Nokhanyo Dayimane raised concerns about the lack of support for local Police Forums forums in the area do not receive stipends or vehicles for night patrols — undermining morale and community safety efforts Ward 24 Councillor Mr Mbodiya called the killing of Neliswa Cele “inhuman and barbaric,” urging men to return to their senses and abandon violent practices supported reviving Police Forums in every village stressing that women must feel protected and valued by their communities and NGOs unite in protest following the alleged rape of toddler at Matatiele’s Bergview College The streets of Bizana were filled with chants and collective outrage on Tuesday as local residents and students staged a widespread protest demanding justice for rape victims — particularly for the young girl known affectionately as Cwecwe who was allegedly raped in October 2024 at Bergview College in Matatiele This incident has deeply shaken communities across the Eastern Cape with protesters calling for harsher punishments and accountability from school authorities and law enforcement Tuesday’s demonstrations were part of a growing national wave of protests with similar events already held in Kokstad and other neighbouring towns “We are not happy with how this incident was handled by the police,” said Mrs Sukude from Ward 1 in Highland She joined many others in calling for the return of the death penalty for perpetrators of crimes against children The protest drew young people from across Bizana a leader within the ANC Women’s League under the local Sub-region expressed deep concern for community safety: “We do not feel safe anymore—even in our own homes,” she said “We want law enforcement to be harsher in sentencing What happened to Cwecwe must send a strong message.” Chiya added that the ANC Women’s League would support the family and join a planned march in Matatiele on April 8 to further raise awareness around gender-based violence a Highland resident and student originally from Lusikisiki expressed sadness and frustration: “It breaks my heart to see children like Cwecwe go through such horrors emphasized the need for justice: “Victims of gender-based violence must get the justice they deserve.” Anger was also directed at school officials and the School Governing Body (SGB) of Bergview College criticized the SGB for allegedly shielding those involved: Cwecwe was allegedly made to sweep floors and ended up being raped—and yet no one has been arrested.” The protests come amid mounting national frustration over unresolved child abuse cases and perceived inaction by authorities Calls for a thorough and transparent investigation into the Bergview case have intensified with the public demanding accountability from both school administrators and the South African Police Service As the date for the major Matatiele march approaches civil society is expected to maintain pressure on law enforcement and education officials to ensure justice for Cwecwe and other victims BizTown Lounge & Chesa Nyama has officially relaunched and is quickly becoming the must-visit destination for nightlife in Bizana After its highly anticipated reopening on November 22 this revamped entertainment venue is attracting visitors looking for a fun BizTown Lounge & Chesa Nyama is open daily from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM offering plenty of time for guests to enjoy everything it has to offer This venue is strictly for individuals over the age of 18 Whether you’re in the mood to dance the night away BizTown Lounge delivers a top-tier experience The lounge features an exciting array of events with affordable entry ticket fees Guests can also take advantage of the cooler box offer allowing even more value for those coming to party With affordable drinks available all night long the venue ensures that your evening stays lively and fun BizTown Lounge & Chesa Nyama regularly hosts big-name personalities, including Junior De Rocka, Volo da Saint These high-profile events add a unique vibe to the already buzzing atmosphere For anyone looking to experience the best nightlife Bizana has to offer BizTown Lounge & Chesa Nyama is the place to be Keep an eye on their socials and contact the team for more details about upcoming events and promotions Don’t miss out – BizTown Lounge & Chesa Nyama is the ultimate spot to enjoy a fantastic night out in Bizana A football match between arch-rivals Sinenkani FC and FC Ravens ended in chaos at Mafumbatha Stadium on Saturday in Bizana The eruption began after the final whistle when Sinenkani fans expressed their dissatisfaction towards match officials claiming they were unfairly treated by the referees with hurtful objects being thrown towards the officials resulting in injuries to an assistant referee and the Sinenkani FC manager Police officers were forced to use tear gas to restore order The incident has sparked widespread condemnation with many calling for an end to the violence and hostility that has become synonymous with the Bizana derby took to Facebook to express his disappointment and frustration but I’m not saying what they did was justified Ncamani also emphasized the need for discipline and sportsmanship I will never condone such behavior because People came from different provinces to witness the game We let others see how divided we are in the Eastern Cape and this incident really tarnishes our reputation as Bizana.” Loyiso Ka Nomnongo Yalezo echoed Ncamani’s sentiments calling for professionalism from match officials in future derbies “I so wish the next derby would be handled professionally by match officials The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for sportsmanship As the investigation into the violence continues fans and officials alike must reflect on the importance of promoting a positive and respectful football culture Mbizana’s natural wonders take the spotlight as municipality-backed travel company creates jobs and boosts local economy Mbizana  – A local travel company, Voli Travels, is drawing attention to Mbizana’s rich natural beauty while creating jobs and stimulating the economy, thanks to direct support from the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality (WMMLM) The municipality’s Local Economic Development (LED) unit recently equipped Voli Travels with essential hiking gear and camping equipment enabling the tourism start-up to scale up its operations and offer visitors a fully immersive outdoor experience Voli Travels now offers guided tours to some of Mbizana’s most breathtaking attractions “The support from the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality has been instrumental in our success,” said Mzolisi Madikizela “We are proud to be part of this community and look forward to continuing to grow and thrive.” The partnership with Voli Travels is part of WMMLM’s broader mission to support local SMMEs and strengthen community-based tourism in the region The initiative aligns with the municipality’s goal of job creation and promoting Mbizana as a must-visit destination in the Eastern Cape Voli Travels not only helps tourists discover the region’s hidden gems but also contributes to local employment and environmental awareness The company is becoming a key player in showcasing Mbizana’s untapped tourism potential to both local and international travellers “We are delighted to see local businesses like Voli Travels flourishing,” said the municipality in a statement “This reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and community development in Mbizana.” Residents and tourists alike are encouraged to join Voli Travels for an unforgettable exploration of Mbizana’s coastal and inland natural heritage Roadshow and Match Set to Boost Local Economy FC Ravens fans are optimistic about their team’s chances in today’s Bizana Derby against Sinenkani FC at the Mphuthumi Mafumbatha Stadium has drawn scores of football lovers to the stadium with many fans traveling from as far as Umthatha to witness the highly anticipated clash a big supporter of FC Ravens from Greenville expressed her confidence in the team’s ability to win we have played games against Sinenkani FC but they have never beaten us,” she said another FC Ravens fan from Amanikhwe Locality saying he is optimistic about the team’s chances highlighting the benefits of the derby to the local economy ♬ original sound – Pondoland Times – Pondoland Times The match has indeed boosted the local economy with local vendors benefiting from the influx of fans which kicked off from the Methodist Church and made its way to the stadium added to the excitement and anticipation ahead of the match Both teams have recently made new signings with Sinenkani FC announcing the arrival of players such as Nkosinathi Majinta although the names have not been officially announced A place which was ravaged by the gruesome death of 18 people through the cruelty of serial killer in 2008 where many of the victims were raped and hacked to death and had their genitals removed gruesomely while victims were in great agony Bizana especially Mzamba area which was turned to worst crime area ever committed by men was lucky to have hosted this historic event which culminated in remoulding of men to be men of great humor that communities can rely on This AGM was held in partnership with the Coastal Resources Centre which stands strongly against Gender Based Violence and femicide was held in AFM Mzamba – Casino Church Hall MMF mission is to empower and render of  social support to the victims of any form of violence and aims at eradication of all social ills and lawlessness The different stakeholders graced the AGM with their presence and different speakers shared the podium with their words of support the former member of MMF expressed a great need of men to change their behaviors and to make this world a better place to live for both males and females while the Amadiba Traditional Council official Mr Nkoliso Mtyukatha wished every men was present in this event so that so that the scurge of terrible violence against women could immediately come to an end MMf chairperson Mr Siyanda Mqokeli expressed about his outcry on this organization’s financial constraints that deters their work of addressing serious cases such as men reported to have attempting to commit suicide because of woman abusive behavior against them men turning to be very abusive against woman and other cases He reported that they have successfully attended various cases while others have been referred to the Social Workers and other possible role players Mr Mqokeli appealed for financial support to various business sectors so that it could be easy to reach out to all the Winnie-Madikizela Mandela wards as their area of jusisdiction ios whole Mbizana entirely Mlamleli of the Coastal Resource Centre said they have entered into 3 year partnership agreement with MMF to end violence and related cases as they are almost sharing the same mission   and vision of fighting Gender Based Violence She challenged all the men to change their attitude not to think that women wearing clothes which reveal their bodies are drawing their attention driven by whoredom but to know that they love their bodies neither for lust purposes nor seeking any attention She said they must man-up otherwise they will rot in jail for sexual harassment and other related cases if they do not change their attitude and respect women The men must help themselves and tell their  eyes that females wear what they wish MMF secretary-general outlined full details of what MMF stands for and what they have achieved and their challenges as well especially the financial challenges that rob them of the chances to extend helping hands to the men from afar at the ends of this local municipality MMF has successfully attained the open land for building the Victim Centre He emphasized that whoever is willing to come on board with the help is welcomed as well as mobile structures could fast track the operation of the Victim Centre Mzamba Minister’s Union Chairperson Bishop Mgoduka encouraged the men to attend Couple’s Seminars so that they could learn tactics how to make their homes a place to cherish love with real respect and blanket the home with unspeakable love and comfort place to remember He further said it is not a disgrace to sometimes serve your spouse and cook for her as a surprise when you are playing love with her The guest speaker who is also executive committee member of MMF who is also a staunch executive member of South African Council of Churches nailed it when he complained that some of the men have a deeper problem of insecurities as they underestimate themselves raising room for suspicion against their spouses for baseless reasons Others make their wives their punching bags which triggers children in other homes to physically defend their helpless mothers He encouraged the men to mentally prepare themselves to rate themselves as the best husbands that cannot be compared The Mzamba SAPS Station Commander Colonel Setlaba called to all men to put their houses in order The Health Department is acting against circulating information which claims that O.R and Adelaide Tambo Regional Hospital the Department has launched an investigation to identify the source of the misleading document “This is nothing but fake news,” stated Siyanda Manana “We want to make it clear that there are 16 qualified doctors currently serving at the hospital and there will never be a day without medical staff on duty.” The official announcement comes as a reassurance to the Mbizana community which relies on the hospital for essential healthcare services The Department emphasized their commitment to providing quality care debunking the unfounded claims that have caused anxiety among residents the Department is preparing for the hospital’s transition into a regional facility they have been actively recruiting additional medical officers with new hires set to begin work as of February 1 the Department is urging the public to refrain from sharing the false document as it only contributes to unnecessary panic and reputational harm “We urge the community to trust verified sources of information and disregard misleading claims,” Manana added The Eastern Cape Department of Health has promised that the needs of the Mbizana community are met while holding those responsible for disseminating malicious information accountable officially opened the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Municipality Council Chambers at the Bizana Civic Centre on Wednesday The event marked a significant moment for the Municipality and the citizens of Bizana as it was the first official opening of the council chambers since the Municipality was established The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Greater Kokstad Mayor Lwanda Madikizela and members of the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s maternal family Mayor Mafumbatha of the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Municipality expressed her excitement and gratitude for the presence of Premier Mabuyane and other dignitaries She highlighted the historical significance of Bizana known for its local heroes and rich cultural heritage We have a rich history that shines from the departure of our local heroes to the works of their labor She also acknowledged the challenges the region faces particularly the need for financial freedom and expressed pride in the completion of the Civic Centre a project that began in 2016 but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic In his remarks, Premier Mabuyane applauded the people of Pondoland for their role in the national struggle for freedom, referencing the region’s historical significance, including the formation of Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) following the Pondo Revolt He emphasized the provincial government’s commitment to economic development in rural areas like Alfred Nzo aiming to improve access to resources within local communities Mabuyane also highlighted ongoing projects such as the construction of Toli High School which is set to become the largest in the region Mabuyane also mentioned the upcoming opening of the 7th parliament in Ntabankulu marking the first village parliament since 1994 When questioned about the Isiqalo Youth Fund which supports small businesses in the province Mabuyane was unable to provide detailed information on the fund’s expenditure but promised to investigate its disbursement particularly concerning a display screen in Bizana CBD that was funded with over R799,000 Local traditional music artist Bongile Nkasa urged the provincial and local governments to offer more support to artists and communities in rural areas He called for greater attention to the “forgotten children of the countryside,” advocating for resources and opportunities to be extended beyond privileged urban areas The Eastern Cape Health Department has dismissed a leaked letter claiming that no doctors would be on call at the Oliver and Reginald Tambo District Hospital in Mbizana due an acute shortage the Department said there are 16 doctors at the hospital and "contrary to the document" "We want to categorically state that the Mbizana community will continue to receive quality healthcare services from the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo District Hospital," said communications director He said in anticipation of the facility becoming a regional hospital in the future the Department of Health has been recruiting medical officers to start from 1 February Manana also warned that "appropriate action" will be taken against anyone found to be responsible for the malicious document that threatens to cause reputational damage to the Eastern Cape Department of Health Deputy Director General for Clinical Services He told the Moneyweb at Midday podcast that he was waiting for his confirmation in writing Dr Xamlashe also clarified the department's protocol's saying their definition of "fake news" starts with any official who writes a document without delegation or authority to do so He also highlighted that they have communication protocols in place like in any other organisation within the department in terms of dealing with the general public on any operational issues "For any document to be authentic it must adhere to those two conditions therefore it is fake from our perspective," he said Dr Xamalashe said the real issue at the hospital is the growing demand for services since the government introduced specialists to that facility "The government is in the process of upgrading that facility to become a regional hospital and a lot of interventions have been put in place and support programmes have been introduced," he said Dr Xamlashe said they were also employing eight medical officers on top of the 16 that are already there as "part of upgrading the hospital" "The other issues that are really getting into the space are just there to contaminate our very good programme that was launched by the Honourable Premier and our MEC NewsWeekPRO Subscription Plans Please consider supporting us by becoming a full access members You get all the bells and whistles included Bizana community gathers as 10 finalists compete for a new car in Roots Butchery’s grand giveaway Roots Butchery Bizana celebrated its place in Bizana’s new shopping development by hosting an exciting car giveaway competition Mandisa Nhleko from iNanda became the lucky winner of a brand-new Renault Kwid Finalists and shoppers travelled from as far as Mtubatuba to participate in the event said she entered the competition twice and was “hopeful” despite the high stakes Mandisa Nhleko shared that when she learned she was in the top 10 The top 10 finalists also included locals from Bizana Nonkululeko Sobhoyi noted that a cashier told her any customer who spent over R300 qualified to enter the draw.’ was thrilled to hand over the keys and shared that this competition was part of the store’s commitment to giving back to the Bizana community and we want to support this community that has supported us from day one,” he said He added that Roots Butchery Bizana has created local jobs helping to reduce unemployment in the area “We’re hopeful to grow and perhaps open more stores here in the future.” The store also offers mid-month and month-end specials and shares updates on its WhatsApp channel emphasizing Roots Butchery Bizana’s dedication to supporting the local community that supports them Struggle stalwarts Adelaide and Oliver Tambo must be turning in their graves in shame Adelaide and Oliver Tambo Regional Hospital the hospital is in the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela municipality the hospital has been experiencing a water crisis for more than a year But this has previously been vehemently denied by the provincial department of health the crisis worsened so much that patients cannot even bathe or take their pills A patient who asked to remain anonymous told Sunday World that she had not taken her medication because of a lack of water “I’ve been here for more than two weeks and I haven’t taken my medication The taps are dry and my water jar hasn’t been filled with water At some point a nurse brought a glass of water but I couldn’t drink it because it was just dirty,” complained the patient She said the linen on the beds was rarely changed Another patient complained that they have been exposed to infections “We’re in danger of contracting multiple diseases because the nurses are jumping from one patient to another without washing their hands The toilets have run out of water as a result we don’t flush them The wards are already smelling because the toilets are not being flushed,” said another patient The Spokesperson for the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape “This is a minor problem and it’s only happening for the second time this year otherwise the water tankers have been delivering water to the hospital,” said Ndamase “The department has augmented the sometimes interrupted water supply by regularly ordering water from external suppliers The department has been ordering between 400 000 and 500 000 litres for our reservoirs so that we won’t have a situation where taps run dry “This water is then put into our reservoirs to ensure that there is a steady supply of water to the hospital The water pressure during outages is not as powerful as it usually is when there are no disruptions in the water supply by the municipality and not a case of there not being water at all “It is untrue that patients can’t take their medication can’t use toilets and can’t take baths because of the intermittent water supply.” He said the department will buy water from local suppliers until the municipality resolves its water supply challenges Municipal spokesperson Thamsanqa Cwili said the municipality was aware of the problem “We’re aware of the water crisis but I don’t know how long it’s going to take to fix this problem I also haven’t bathed due to the same problem.” The hospital originally known as St Patrick’s Hospital was renamed Adelaide and Oliver Tambo Regional Hospital in 2020 This was a tribute to Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane referred to it as a place of healing for the people of Mbizana and Alfred Nzo Visit SW YouTube Channel for our video content Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Tel: +27 11 268 6300 Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms & conditions and privacy policy Sinenkani FC fans clash with police after disallowed goal The Bizana Derby took a violent turn over the weekend with Sinenkani FC fans clashing with police at the Mafumbatha stadium in Bizana The incident occurred when a goal by Sinenkani FC was disallowed prompting fans to throw bottles onto the field Police responded by using tear gas to control the riots which resulted in several fans requiring medical attention which was the 7th edition of the Bizana Derby maintaining their top spot on the log with 21 points expressed his disappointment with the match officiating stating that the referees deployed by the South African Football Association (SAFA) were incompetent If SAFA continues to deploy such incompetent referees Nqoko emphasized that it is SAFA’s responsibility to ensure that referees and officials are neutral and free from favouritism or personal interest in the match A special birthday celebration took on a larger meaning this year as a community-driven sports tournament took place in Bizana with the goal of bringing local youth together and raising awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) was both a celebration of life and a commitment to the future of the younger generation the tournament provided a positive alternative for young people during the school holidays a time often associated with risky behavior emphasized the importance of providing a safe and healthy environment for young people keeping them off the streets and away from negative influences such as alcohol consumption “One of the reasons I organized this tournament was to give back to my community to provide our youth with something constructive to do and help prevent them from getting involved in harmful activities during the holidays,” Mfuneko shared I wanted to address the issue of gender-based violence and raise awareness among the community.” The tournament saw spirited competition among local teams with players participating in two age categories: Under 13 and 19 years and above Mfuneko shared his hopes for the future: “This is going to be an ongoing event every year bringing in teams from across Bizana and even neighboring towns I’m also looking for potential sponsors so we can focus on empowering young girls addressing their social and educational needs.” the joy of giving back to the community is what makes the hard work worthwhile this is what makes me sleep peacefully at night knowing I’m helping to make a difference,” he said The tournament not only celebrated sportsmanship but also helped to foster a sense of unity and purpose in the community with plans for future growth and a deep commitment to supporting young people in meaningful ways Vuyisile Residents Take Action: The Untold Story Behind Their Lifesaving Bridge hoping for a better life after the elections This was the case for the community of Vuyisile who went to the polls on the 29th of May with the same hopes frustrated by ongoing service delivery failures the residents took matters into their own hands by constructing their own bridge the bridge is functional and serves the community’s immediate needs When the Pondoland Times visited Vuyisile community, in Bizana under WInnie Madikizela Mandekela Local Municipality Wiseman Madikizela—who were actively repairing what appeared to be a makeshift bridge built by the community have taken on the responsibility of improving access to essential services This initiative emphasizes the community’s resilience in the face of adversity as they continue to tackle the challenges of poor service delivery on their own Follow this story to hear what the local municipality and other members of the community have to say about this On August 31st, the Mbizana Art Centre, located at the Oliver Tambo Cultural Village hosted auditions in preparation for the highly anticipated OR Tambo Art Centre Cultural and Scathamiya Festival set to take place on the 26th and 27th of October at the Wild Coast Sun felt like a festival in their own right as individuals and groups showcased their talents with great enthusiasm and passion Performers across various artistic disciplines—from music to drama—took to the stage to align their performances with the festival’s theme which this year honors Chief Jongumsobomvu Maqoma the legendary commander of the Xhosa forces during the Cape Frontier Wars delivering performances that were both entertaining and educational The festival, made possible by the Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality and the Wild Coast Sun Mbizana Development Trust aims to celebrate the region’s cultural heritage and promote artistic talent expressed her excitement over the turnout for the auditions “We are thrilled to see so many people come out to showcase their talents Our goal is to encourage pride in our heritage and provide opportunities for individuals to grow their skills and express themselves through art,” she said Nakwa emphasized the Centre’s commitment to offering equal opportunities for artists ensuring that talent from across the region is nurtured and showcased A wide range of performances was on display Judges and organizers evaluated the performances based on the theme and criteria communicated before the auditions Successful participants will be invited to perform at the main festival contributing to the celebration of cultural diversity and heritage a Grade 11 student from AD Tshayingca in Jali Location expressed his gratitude for the opportunity he shared how supportive his parents have been occasionally giving him money to record his music “I’m grateful for this platform provided by the Mbizana Art Centre my talent will allow me to provide for my family,” he said which also served as the final event in the celebration of Women’s Month we hosted nodal point auditions in areas such as Dudumeni We are overjoyed by the number of participants and the original compositions we’ve seen Our ultimate goal is to reach the level of the Grahamstown Arts Festival,” Khala shared He also expressed hope that the festival will continue to grow in 2025 Siphokuhle Somtyle from the Lukholo Marazula group echoed these sentiments highlighting the importance of the festival in keeping youth off the streets and away from drugs “We want to grow in our craft because we have families and we work with young people who need positive outlets I’m 99% sure we’ll make it to the festival because I believe in my team,” Somtyle confidently stated the OR Tambo Art Centre Cultural and Scathamiya Festival promises to be a spectacular celebration of art showcasing the richness of the Eastern Cape’s artistic community Six pedestrians died after they were knocked down by a vehicle on the R61 in Mbizana in the Eastern Cape on Friday night The accident happened around 11 pm on the R61 road Mbizana at Redoubt near Mzamba towards Port Edward Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesman Unathi Binqose said the driver of a BMW sedan was traveling from the Mbizana direction He is said to have had another male passenger in the vehicle were walking along the road at the time that the accident occurred while the sixth man died on the way to the hospital "The cause of the accident is unknown at this stage "The police are on the heels of the driver of the sedan as he abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene after the crash "The vehicle has been towed to a police pound," said Binqose A case of culpable homicide has been opened for further investigation has quietly nurtured one of South Africa’s finest soccer talents—Siphosakhe Ntiyantiya While Ntiyantiya’s journey to stardom is now celebrated by fans and commentators alike his path to professional soccer was far from straightforward Raised in the Ntshamathe location of Bizana Ntiyantiya’s early life was shaped by his grandmother but this changed after his grandmother passed away and he moved to Durban in 2003 to join his parents Mxolo’s ability to make friends through his football skills inspired Ntiyantiya planting the seed of what would become a remarkable soccer career Ntiyantiya’s talent soon caught the attention of local clubs a team whose name blends those of global giants Barcelona and Arsenal The club often played friendlies against top teams providing a platform for scouts to discover emerging talent Ntiyantiya was recruited by the Supersport Academy he made the leap to the Kaizer Chiefs Reserves and quickly becoming a fan favorite at Naturena Ntiyantiya’s rise was not without setbacks He experienced two significant disappointments in his career—first in the 2019 Nedbank Cup final where Kaizer Chiefs lost 1-0 to TS Galaxy at Moses Mabhida Stadium and again in the 2021 CAF Champions League final where they were defeated 3-0 by Al Ahly in Morocco This contrasts with other personalities who may downplay their origins and Ntiyantiya’s connection to his hometown has endeared him even more to his fans After his contract with Kaizer Chiefs expired Ntiyantiya signed a two-year deal with Sekhukhune United as the team qualified for the CAF Champions League for the first time and secured a spot in the Top 8 on the log table Ntiyantiya is actively seeking new opportunities and is eager to continue his soccer journey Siphosakhe Ntiyantiya’s story is proof to the power of perseverance and pride in one’s roots As he looks ahead to the next chapter in his career he continues to serve as a source of inspiration for young athletes in Bizana and beyond From listening to Umhlobo Wenene FM as a teen to becoming a voice on Alfred Nzo Community Radio Melissa Dumela is living her childhood dream and inspiring others to chase theirs Melissa Dumela, fondly known as Melz, is a shining example of dreams coming true. Born in Bizana and now based in eMaXesibeni, Melissa recently took to Facebook to reflect on her first three months as a radio presenter at Alfred Nzo Community Radio (NZOFM) Let me greet the listener of Alfred Nzo Community Radio “Time flies when you’re relaxed and doing what you love Melissa’s passion for radio started early. Growing up with strict parents, her main source of entertainment was tuning into Umhlobo Wenene FM sparking a desire to become a radio presenter it felt like a dream so far away,” Melissa shared “I used to point at my favorite radio personalities and say kids in my neighborhood point at me and say ‘I want to be like her.’ It’s the best feeling ever.” Melissa credits her success to the unwavering support of her community “I have learned that I have a family in all of you Your belief in me played a role in making my dream a reality Melissa looks forward to what 2025 has in store for her career at NZOFM I will use it to spread the gospel and empower others,” she wrote Melissa’s journey is a powerful reminder that dreams Big up Lisa and God may continue to bless you Lulama Thabisile Khwela, a 20-year-old born and raised in KwaMsomi, Bizana, Eastern Cape, is on a mission to empower young women in her community through her new initiative, the Miss Infinity Beauty Pageant Inspired by her own experiences in beauty pageants such as Miss Angelic and Miss Heritage Khwela saw an opportunity to create a platform that goes beyond physical beauty and teach them the importance of self-discipline and positive behavior,” Khwela shared “My experiences in pageants showed me the impact such events can have on one’s confidence and development so I decided to create a space where young women can showcase their talents and build their self-esteem.” Khwela’s vision for Miss Infinity extends beyond the event itself She aims to propel her contestants to greater heights by connecting with larger pageants and covering registration fees for the winners “I want to push my contestants to higher levels so our queens have a pathway to pursue more opportunities.” The pageant will focus on both outer and inner beauty “The qualities I’m looking for include flexibility We’ll have stage performances to showcase contestants’ flexibility and outer beauty Our judges will ask questions designed to highlight their inner qualities and sharp thinking,” Khwela explained The first Miss Infinity event is scheduled for 11 December 2024 and Khwela hopes it will not only be a showcase of the contestants’ talents but also a community celebration “We’re excited to host this inaugural event and hope to collaborate with Pondoland Times to share the stories of our contestants and it will be a learning experience for us as we work with our first group of young women.” Khwela believes that Miss Infinity has the potential to transform lives and build a brighter future for its contestants “We aim to shape and sharpen young women for the future ensuring they contribute positively to the community By encouraging them to face their fears and believe in themselves we are balancing the emphasis on physical beauty with the importance of self-confidence and inner strength.” organizing the event has not been without challenges Securing a venue was one of the biggest hurdles Khwela faced “Finding a suitable location was difficult because most venues required rental fees I eventually reached out to the local headmen They loved the idea of a youth-centered initiative and we were able to secure a venue with their support I also borrowed money to obtain a business stamp due to our financial constraints,” she explained Khwela’s future plans for Miss Infinity include expanding to other communities “I want to visit other areas and introduce this platform to more young women That’s how I plan to grow Miss Infinity and make a difference in the lives of my contestants.” Lulama Khwela is making her mark in Bizana providing young women with a platform to showcase their talents As Miss Infinity prepares for its debut event the community eagerly anticipates an inspiring showcase of beauty the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality awarded contracts to six contractors tasked with constructing access roads in various areas of Mbizana The Mayor and his Executive Councilors visited six wards to formally introduce the contractors who are expected to enhance the quality of local roads a gathering at Makhosonke Hall marked the introduction of LG Construction which will build the Mhlabomnyama to Makhalweni Access Road and a bridge Ward 30 hosted a meeting at Nyanisweni School where MVI Construction was assigned to construct the 5.4-kilometer Nyanisweni Access Road the African Church in Qungebe served as the venue for the introduction of Siti Cargo which will build the 3-kilometer Cabhane to Kristu Access Road Ward 26’s meeting in Sunnyside welcomed Masilo Project JV Castle Hill Trading set to build the 5-kilometer Sunnyside Access Road Mvumeza Trading was introduced to construct the 3-kilometer Khutshi to Voting Station Access Road Ward 32’s gathering at Sibonda in Zinya saw the introduction of Eyethu Projects and Plant Hire responsible for the 3.4-kilometer Ndlavini Access Road All road projects are expected to be completed within six months providing temporary employment opportunities in the respective areas noting that jobs are scarce and the road construction will significantly benefit students by making it easier for them to reach school on time Various departments presented information on how they assist women-owned businesses stressing the necessity of having essential documents like a business plan and tax clearance — The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in collaboration with Alfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM) and other key stakeholders hosted a Women Empowerment Information Dialogue in Ntlenzi Village held at the Phumelele James Mhlanti Community Hall within the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality particularly those engaged in small businesses Msindo warmly welcomed the residents of Ntlenzi Village expressing his gratitude that the event took place during Women’s Month He acknowledged the significant challenges faced by the community including a recent tragic incident where a woman was shot 11 times underscoring the importance of such initiatives in restoring hope and empowering women in the area The event was attended by representatives from various government departments all committed to promoting and supporting women in business Nyebo Kopo from GCIS reflected on the ongoing struggles faced by women despite 30 years of celebrating Women’s Month in South Africa He emphasized the importance of empowering women to become self-reliant particularly through supporting small businesses such as poultry farms and spaza shops which can provide sustainable income for their families who described herself as a “jack of all trades,” encouraged women to be proactive in their business endeavors she highlighted the importance of having a solid business plan to secure funding and urged the women not to limit themselves She acknowledged the challenges inherent in running a business but advised the women not to be discouraged suggesting they try different ventures until they find success These were highlighted as critical tools for solving problems The Women Empowerment Information Dialogue was an important step towards educating and empowering the women of Ntlenzi Village It emphasized the vital role of business knowledge and government support in helping women achieve economic independence and success « Back