“Many talented athletes don’t have the financial means to buy proper running shoes or afford transport to races and accommodation.” A 38-year-old teacher from Ntabankulu is making strides in long-distance running while calling on local businesses to support rural athletes who lack resources but possess immense talent. Zoe Mbiko, affectionately known as “our Gerta Steyn,”…
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape has been plunged into turmoil after its much-anticipated provincial elective conference in East London collapsed before it could even get off the ground. What was meant to be a decisive gathering to elect new leadership instead exposed deep divisions, unresolved disputes, and a growing culture of…
The South African government has announced a set of short-term measures aimed at cushioning consumers from steep fuel price increases expected in April 2026, according to a joint statement released on 31 March 2026. The announcement was made by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, following consultations between the…
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has reiterated the authority of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in determining and legitimising traditional leadership, following unrest linked to a disputed coronation in KuGompo. In a statement issued on Monday, 30 March 2026, the EFF emphasised that only legally recognised processes can confer royal status…
“The area is under strict environmental regulations, and activities of any nature are prohibited due to the presence of hazardous substances.” The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Kokstad has accused local authorities of mishandling a community prayer gathering for missing seven-year-old Lathitha Mtolo, after the event descended into chaos over the weekend. The gathering, organised…
Small businesses and cooperatives in Kokstad received a boost this week following a business development workshop aimed at improving compliance and access to funding. The “Access to Finance and Business Compliance Workshop” was hosted through a partnership between the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) and the Greater Kokstad Local Municipality…
The Umuziwabantu Local Municipality has intensified efforts to enforce by-laws and regulatory compliance following a joint inspection operation in the central business district (CBD). The multi-departmental raid, conducted along Musgrave and Hawkins streets, brought together several municipal units, including Protection Services, Fire Services, Local Economic Development (LED), Waste and Environmental Services, and Electricity. External stakeholders…
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape says it is fully prepared to proceed with its 10th Provincial Conference, dismissing the need for any postponement. This follows a special meeting of the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) held on March 16, where members assessed the state of readiness ahead of the conference, set to…
Land Reform Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso has stressed the importance of properly managing land ownership documents to ensure that agricultural land reform benefits communities and contributes to economic growth. Nyhontso was speaking at the Agricultural Land Reform Symposium hosted by the Harry Gwala District Municipality on 9 March 2026 at Sani Pass Resort, under the Dr…
A group of determined farmers behind the Goxe Agri-Tourism Project are working hard to turn land reform into real economic opportunity by producing crops, raising livestock and supplying food to their community. The farm, which spans approximately 640 hectares, was acquired through the government’s land reform programme. According to members of the cooperative, the initiative…
