Author: Nomfundo Mbatha

By Nomfundo Mbatha At her 2025 policy speech to the Eastern Cape legislature, MEC for Agriculture Nonceba Kontsiwe emphasised the crisis of food insecurity in the province stating that the high cost of living and unemployment are the major drivers of household food insecurity, which leads to child malnutrition as reported by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). The recently released National Food and Nutrition Security Survey (NFNSS) paints a concerning picture where 20% of households in the province are severely food insecure, with specific districts face even graver conditions, with Amathole at 24%, Sarah Baartman at 24%, Alfred…

By Nomfundo Mbatha In celebration of South African Library Week, St Mary’s Development and Care Centre (DCC) joined hands with Makana Libraries to host a heartwarming tour for Grade 5 learners, shining a spotlight on the theme “Libraries for sustainable communities”. The event, held at the historic Makana Town Library, brought together enthusiastic young readers and library staff for an hour-long session of storytelling, shared reading, and study. The initiative was organised by Children’s Librarian Phumeza Tshikila and DCC Literacy Co-ordinator Brendan Williams to break down generational barriers around access to public library spaces. “Many of our children come from…

By Nomfundo Mbatha The COVID-19 pandemic sharply exposed and increased longstanding food insecurity in Makhanda, creating an urgent need for coordinated food relief efforts. As many households lost income and access to food became more insecure, community kitchens emerged as critical lifelines, providing cooked meals to thousands of vulnerable residents across the city. Although COVID-19 has ended, the demand for community kitchens has not diminished. Ongoing economic hardship, high food prices, and job losses have continued and even deepened the need for these basic food support systems in the post-pandemic period. Food4Futures Mary Birt, known as Mama Mary, founded Food4Futures…

By Nomfundo Mbatha and Maleruo Leponesa From the dusty streets of Soweto, singing in choirs and school assemblies, Buhlebendalo Mda reflects on how that experience shaped her to be the star she is. From her soulful music to her bold sense of fashion, she moves through life unapologetically as herself. Speaking openly about her journey, she embraces her ever-evolving identity, art, love for young minds, and deep connection to African culture. “I always say I’m just another girl from elokshini who just got lucky. I was just authentically myself and bumped into people that think like me, people that want…