By Nomfundo Mbatha As violent crimes and gender-based violence (GBV) against women and children continue to rise, Smhart Security, in collaboration with the Full Gospel Church, hosted a self-defense class for women on Saturday, 10 May. The air at the church buzzed with energy and determination as women gathered for what many described as a life-saving session, led by self-defence trainer Shane Engelbrecht. The session was about blocking punches, building confidence, cultivating strength, and fostering a sense of community. Zoe Landsberg, PHD student at Rhodes University, with a personal motivation, “This is not my first physical training; my boyfriend helps…
Author: Nomfundo Mbatha
Read More
By Nomfumdo Mbatha The meaning of text messages and emojis in WhatsApp has been made central to the Judicial Conduct Tribunal investigation into sexual harassment charges against Makhanda High Court Judge President Selby Mbenenge. Forensic and legal linguist Dr Zakeera Docrat said Mbenenge used emojis carrying sexual undertones in messages to Andiswa Mengo, a 35-year-old High Court secretary, that Docrat interpreted as flirtation, desire and want. The tribunal is reviewing a series of messages exchanged between Mbenenge and Mengo, including a conversation from July 2021. At the time, Mengo had been booked off sick and confided in Mbenenge about feeling…
By Nomfundo Mbatha and Lindokuhle Fuba The usually quiet halls of Nombulelo Secondary School came alive this past weekend with the silent intensity and roaring excitement of a chess tournament unlike any other. The Sarah Baartman District Chess Trials turned a modest township venue into a buzzing hub of brainpower, determination, and youthful spirit, showcasing how far a stake can go with the proper support. This is not just a game, it’s a movement. In a region where divisions once kept “town” and “township” schools on separate boards, the Sarah Baartman Chess Union, in partnership with Sewelo Math’s and Chess…
By Nomfundo Mbatha and Zoliswa Mdawini In a world where fashion is always chasing the next trend, designed Oyama Gonintebe redefines contemporary fashion by blending bold Xhosa heritage with modern design. Her work transforms “Umbhaco”, a traditional Xhosa garment known for its rich fabric and texture, into vibrant, layered pieces that honour history while resonating with today’s audience. Infused with symbolic patterns, vivid colours, and intricate beadwork, her designs celebrate the identity and traditions of the amaXhosa. Born in Mthatha, Gonintebe grew up surrounded by a rich Xhosa culture. From a young age, she saw more than just clothing.…
By Nomfundo Mbatha This past Good Friday turned into a day of joy and generosity as members of the Rhodes University Rugby Club swapped their cleats for compassion, delivering boxes of clothing and warm smiles to the Home of Joy children’s home. In a heart-warming act of kindness under the clear blue sky, players dressed in signature purple and white jerseys carried large boxes of donated clothing into the welcoming arms of the home’s staff and children. The visit was not just about charity; it displayed community spirit, brotherhood, and the power of sport to unite and uplift. “As Chairperson…
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…