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Young Imbongi ready to welcome the President at SONA 2025
Young Imbongi ready to welcome the President at SONA 2025
As the nation gears up for the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), a 19-year-old imbongi, Inako Mateza, is preparing to take centre stage, embracing a role deeply rooted in tradition.
The esteemed Xhosa-speaking poet has been honoured with one of the important elements of the SONA since the birth of democracy.
Praise singing gives "Africanness" pride of place – narrating the President’s personal history, clan and family lineage in song, dance and narration.
Speaking to SAnews Mateza said she was ecstatic about being chosen to be the Imbongi at this year’s SONA.
“Being chosen as an imbongi to welcome the President in Parliament tomorrow means a lot to me because firstly, I'm a young person who embraces culture and tradition at a time where young people are focused and celebrated for amapiano music. So, for me being the imbongi that will be welcoming President Cyril Ramaphosa makes me feel ecstatic,” she said.
Born in Ludiza Village, Willowvale, in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape, she founded the Inako Foundation, an initiative dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and educating over 400 young people about their cultures and traditions.
As a passionate praise poet, she has been honing her craft since 2016, participating in poetry, prepared, and unprepared speech competitions, where she consistently claimed first place at both provincial and national levels.
“I always took first positions in these competitions, provincially and nationally. So since then, I realised that I have the gift and the talent to pursue this. I was born with a gift so it made sense for me to follow my calling,” she reflected.
For this young artist, standing before the President is not just a personal achievement but an opportunity to uplift others.
"This opportunity will encourage me to continue the work I am doing. I've noticed that even people on social media enjoy the imbongi part of SONA. I thought I was doing this for my own enjoyment, but I see now that I have inspired others to walk this path too,” she beamingly told SAnews.
Her praise poem will not only honour the President but acknowledge the weight of leadership in challenging times.
"I want to remind the President that despite the challenges he is facing, such as our brothers and sisters currently in a war zone in the DRC, he must take heart. I want to praise him for his leadership as the country mourns the soldiers that lost their lives.
“I want to encourage him to keep going and let him know that obstacles will be there; he just needs to take heart and know that there are South Africans who are rallying behind him,” she said.
Reflecting on where her support system comes from, she said her parents have always supported and encouraged her to reach for the stars and never look back, despite the challenges she may encounter.
As she prepares to perform at one of the country's most significant events, she carries with her the spirit of her ancestors, the encouragement of her family, and the pride of a generation rediscovering the power of their heritage. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 16:18
46 views
Eastern Cape celebrates improved Matric results
Eastern Cape celebrates improved Matric results
The Eastern Cape’s Class of 2024 has set a new record, boosting the province’s overall pass rate by an impressive 3.56 percentage points.
This year’s matriculants achieved an 84.9% pass rate, a notable improvement from 81.4% in 2023.
Over the term, this represents a shift from the 76.5% in 2019 to 84.9% in 2024, representing a 4.17% shift over the term. The Eastern Cape has produced a total of 352 524 passes over the term from 2020 to 2024.
This was announced by the provincial education department on Tuesday led by Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade, together with Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, at the International Convention Centre in East London.
“The Class of 2024 represents a watershed period in the learner performance trajectory of the Eastern Cape, characterised by unprecedented improvements in average pass, bachelor passes, subjects pass marks, as well as performance by examination centers.
“The year 2024 is also marked by improved quality of school-based assessments (SBA) submitted to Umalusi for resulting. The emphasis on quality SBA has paid off handsomely again in 2024,” the MEC said.
The number of Bachelor passes increased by 6.1 % from 39.6% in 2023 to 45.7% in 2024. In real terms it means 45 662 of the 99 739 learners obtained a Bachelor pass.
“Equally improving is the number of distinctions over the last 5 years, moving from 29 064 in 2020 to 35 640 in 2024. Year on year improvements have equally scaled up from 4.2% in 2023 to 5% in 2024. This is evident in the quality of passes in each subject written in 2024,” MEC Gade said.
The MEC also announced that subject performance, across the spectrum, has improved in 2024. Of the 56 subjects that were written, 30 subjects have shown an upward trajectory, and only 14 subjects dropped by low margins.
High enrolment subjects, with no less than 10 000 learners for the specific subject, exhibited commendable improvements, with Mathematics, Physics and History showing unprecedented upward trajectories.
District performance also took a new turn in 2024, with 11 districts performing above 80%, with only one district remaining at the upper 70%. Six more districts, compared to 2023, have joined the 80% benchmark.
The top five performing districts in 2024 are: Chris Hani East being number one at 88.5%, a 4.5% improvement from 84% in 2023, Amathole East is number two at 87.8%, a 5.4% improvement from 82.4% in 2023, Alfred Nzo West is number three at 86.9%, a 2.1% improvement from 84.2% in 2023, Nelson Mandela is number four at 86.7%% a 3.6% improvement from 83.1% and Nzo East is number five at 85.9%, a 0.8% improvement from 85.1% in 2023.
The MEC mentioned the tragic incident where five candidates were raped while preparing for examinations. Despite the tragedy, the candidates insisted on writing the exams and all obtained Bachelor passes.
“The unfortunate incident was that of five candidates’ gang- raped while preparing for their examinations in OR Tambo. However, these kids insisted on writing despite their demise, and I am happy to report that they all obtained Bachelor passes and have joined us for the ceremony,” he said.
Minister lauds the EC for its performance
Minister Gwarube lauded the province, adding that no province in the country scored below 84%.
She said this was a result of years of investment and hard work by previous leaders.
“This province has come a very long way over the years, to get to the point where it is. It's also incredibly encouraging to know that in South Africa today, in 2024 there is not a single province that has scored less than 84% of the pass mark in the country.
“And that is not something that happens overnight, that is years and years in the making… it takes investment into the system.
“It's incredibly important for us to pay tribute to those Ministers and MECs who've come before us, who have essentially planted the seed before we arrived, to say this is the direction in which we need to go and now finally, we are able to see and reap the benefits of their hard work over the years,” Gwarube said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 01/14/2025 - 15:30
48 views
Call for justice following alleged rape of initiate
Call for justice following alleged rape of initiate
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa has called for swift justice following the alleged rape of an 18-year-old male customary initiate in Centani, in the Eastern Cape.
The incident comes in the wake of a rise in initiate deaths, with the toll now at 28, predominantly reported in the Amathole, Chris Hani, and Alfred Nzo districts.
“This heinous incident shines a light on the scourge of gender-based violence that continues to destroy our communities,” Hlabisa said.
In a statement on Thursday, the Minister called on parents and community members to take an active role in the customary initiation process, emphasising the need to protect children and preserve the sanctity of this traditional practice.
READ | Hlabisa commends Matatiele communities for safe return of initiates
In December 2024, Minister Hlabisa conducted an emergency oversight visit to the Eastern Cape, expressing grave concern over the management of initiation schools.
During the visit, he urged all stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring the safety and well-being of initiates and improving the operational management of initiation schools.
Against this backdrop, the Minister has called on the justice system to expedite the trial and ensure that the suspect faces the full consequences of his actions.
“Any form of abuse against initiates is intolerable. Perpetrators must be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.
Further stakeholder engagements on initiation processes are planned for early 2025 as part of ongoing efforts to achieve “zero deaths” during upcoming initiation seasons.
“The Ministry of COGTA [Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs] remains committed to safeguarding the cultural heritage of initiation while ensuring the safety and dignity of all initiates. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Fri, 01/10/2025 - 12:50
52 views
RTMC to assist Eastern Cape to improve road safety
RTMC to assist Eastern Cape to improve road safety
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has announced that it will step in to strengthen efforts to reduce road crashes and fatalities in the Eastern Cape as holidaymakers prepare to return to the cities and workplaces in the coming days.
In a statement, the RTMC said the interventions will involve the mobilisation of traditional leaders, engagement of public transport operators and will seek to reduce crashes and fatalities in a district with a number of high crashes and fatalities in the province.
“The analysis of fatal crash statistics since the start of the festive season has revealed the Amathole District in the Eastern Cape as one of the top ten districts experiencing a high number of crashes and fatalities nationally.
“The district is one of seven districts in the province and it stretches from Idutywa to Fort Beaufort and includes towns such as Butterworth and Stutterheim,” the RTMC said.
Statistics have further revealed that fatal crashes in this district involved public transport vehicles that had driven long distances between the Western Cape or Gauteng without sufficient rest.
“Law enforcers and the South African Taxi Council have observed that some drivers did not depart from designated areas in district during peak period and travelled inter-provincially to pick up passengers and were fatigued when the crashes occurred,” the RTMC said.
Other districts that will be given attention due to the high number of fatal crashes are eThekwini, City of Johannesburg, City Cape Town, City of Tshwane, Capricorn, Ekurhuleni, Cape Winelands, Vhembe and Fezile Dabi.
“Traffic is expected to peak again from January 1 to the 6th and law enforcement will intensify focus on public transport and visibility. A dedicated team has been put in place to monitor implementation of the road interventions and progress.
“Motorists are reminded to plan their routes appropriately and avoid travelling at night. Statistics show that 37.6% of fatal crash occur between 18:00 and 01:00 and involved pedestrians,” the RTMC said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 01/02/2025 - 09:28
119 views
Emergency meeting in Eastern Cape following tragic death of 20 initiates
Emergency meeting in Eastern Cape following tragic death of 20 initiates
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa will today lead an emergency ministerial meeting in the Eastern Cape, amid a high number of initiates who have died in the province.
The Minister’s emergency visit follows 20 initiates losing their lives at various initiation schools.
“These deaths sent shockwaves across the country as confirmation of the unfortunate passing of initiates was publicised.
“We must not lose sight of the fact that these late initiates are human beings with loved ones. They also have the right to life like all of us. To this effect, it cannot be business as usual,” a statement read.
The department said it was committed to ensuring that this longstanding cultural practice was performed safely, restoring its dignity.
Ulwaluko or traditional male circumcision is an age-old rite of passage that marks the transition from boyhood to manhood in Xhosa culture.
The ritual is performed to instil social and moral values and to produce men who are responsible, hardworking and honest.
“We know that this has been practised for generations without the challenges we have seen recently.
“The visit of the Minister also confirms that culture does not kill, but it is those who are not following the norms and standards as contained within the Initiation Act who drag down the reputation of this cultural tradition.”
The Minister will visit the Amathole District Municipality which has experienced one of the highest number of initiation-related deaths.
During the visit, Hlabisa will meet the provincial and local government officials, the district initiation forum, provincial initiation committees and the broader communities.
The department acknowledged that the passing of the young men had left their families devastated.
“Therefore, this mass devastation caused by the passing of 20 initiates impacts and affects the whole nation and is tantamount to a disaster.
“We have lost lives. Therefore, we cannot go on as if it is business as usual. Something drastic must happen to protect our youth who undertake this important cultural and traditional journey.”
Additionally, the Minister has appealed for collective efforts to safeguard this ancient cultural practice from abuse, exploitation and possible extinction. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 12/27/2024 - 09:05
394 views
Villagers Work With Eastern Cape Municipality to Fix Water Supply
The Mncwasa Water Scheme has been revived
200 RDP Homes Waiting More Than Six Months for Eskom Supply
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Agriculture dept oversees surveillance programme for African citrus greening disease
Agriculture dept oversees surveillance programme for African citrus greening disease
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has announced a planned surveillance programme for African citrus greening disease in and around Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.
The surveillance programme is an official process conducted to determine pest presence or absence in an area.
The planned surveillance programme follows the African strain of the disease, which was recently detected in the residential areas of Gqeberha.
African citrus greening disease is a bacterial disease of citrus trees, which is primarily spread or transmitted by the insect vector African citrus psyllid (Trioza erytreae).
The most characteristic symptoms on leaves of affected trees include blotchy mottling and yellowing of leaf veins.
The disease reduces the quality of fruit, making it unsuitable for sale as fresh fruit or for processing.
The department said during the planned surveillance programme, a delimiting survey will be administered to determine the geographic distribution of citrus greening (African strain) in the area as a basis for further consideration of whether the pest is widely distributed or not.
This is to enable the implementation of effective and efficient phytosanitary measures.
“For this survey, DALRRD will collaborate with Citrus Research International (CRI) to survey citrus trees for suspicious symptoms, and samples might be taken for laboratory analysis,” the department said in a statement.
The department has since informed nursery owners, including citrus growers and community members in and around Gqeberha, about the planned surveillance programme.
The department has urged the residents of Gqeberha and surrounding areas to cooperate with DALRRD and CRI officials, who will be working in and around their areas for surveillance activities.
Residents are also urged not to tamper with any of the department’s yellow sticky traps, as they collect valuable information.
Citrus greening is under official control in terms of the Control Measures R.110 of 27 January 1984 of the Agricultural Pests Act (APA), 1983 (Act No. 36 of 1983).
The intra-provincial movement of citrus propagation materials from infested areas to non-infested areas in the Eastern Cape is prohibited.
Infested areas include the districts of Alfred Nzo, OR Tambo, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (Wards 1-10, 15, 16, 18, 19, 27-29, 31, 46, 47 and 50), Great Kei (Ward 1), and Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (Wards 1-15, 32 and 39).
Some of the non-infested areas include the districts of Ukhahlamba, Amathole, Chris Hani, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (wards 16-31; 33-38; 40-60) and Cacadu.
“It is against this background that nursery owners, informal traders, citrus growers and community members are encouraged not to move plants and plant propagation material from infested areas to non-infested areas, unless such movement is authorised by means of a removal permit, in terms of the Agricultural Pests Act,” the department said.
Steenhuisen to launch national food survey launch
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen will on Wednesday launch the findings of the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey (NFNSS) in Pretoria.
This after the DALRRD commissioned the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) to conduct the NFNSS between 2021 and 2023.
The survey was conducted in all nine provinces, with 10 reports produced, including one for each province and one national report.
The department said the survey’s findings offer insights into the current state of food and nutrition security in the country at the district sphere.
“The aim of the survey was to generate baseline data that government will utilise to provide targeted support interventions to households. Support to households is aimed at providing access to adequate food and nutrition towards food security,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 10/07/2024 - 11:25
93 views
The Fate of the GNU Will Depend on What It Does to Fix Collapsing Municipalities
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Framework to revitalise Eastern Cape agriculture sector
Framework to revitalise Eastern Cape agriculture sector
Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe, says the province has adopted the Agriculture Investment Framework to revitalise the agriculture sector.
Commenting on the commercialisation of Eastern Cape’s agriculture, Kontsiwe noted that despite having the highest livestock population, the province only contributes 8% to the country's livestock Gross Domestic Product.
There are over 10 000 hectares of irrigable land with water rights in irrigation schemes that have the potential to produce dairy, vegetables, fruits, grains, and fodder.
“However, this land is not fully utilised, and optimising its use could greatly enhance sector performance in terms of growth and employment,” Kontsiwe said.
She said commercial farmers constitute 9% of the farming population, generating 71% of the income and employing 60% of the agricultural labour force, significantly driving the agricultural sector's performance.
On the other hand, she said, smallholder producers, representing 91% of the farming population, generate 29% of the income and provide 40% of the jobs.
“The growth of smallholder farmers is impeded by high barriers to entry, including high fixed costs (land, equipment, and operations), inadequate on and off-farm infrastructure, limited funding options tailored to their needs, rising input costs, and poor logistics.
“The challenge is how to effectively commercialise land owned by Black farmers to enhance the economic performance of the agricultural sector to build industries for inclusive growth,” the MEC said.
Policy
Kontsiwe said government has approved a progressive State Land Lease and Disposal Policy, aimed at releasing land to land reform beneficiaries to attract investment, improve productivity, and enhance competitiveness on their farms.
She reported that out of all the farms distributed in the Eastern Cape, 100 were classified as commercially viable in various agricultural sectors.
These include citrus in Amathole and Sarah Baartman; deciduous in Sarah Baartman; wool and beef across the province; and grain in OR Tambo, Alfred Nzo, Joe Gqabi, Chris Hani, and Amathole.
The department’s strategy for commercialising 100 farms involves repurposing the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) to serve as a trade and business aggregator for various commodities.
“The ECRDA will be empowered to enter into 10-year commercial agreements with all 100 farms to provide holistic support to them and provide them with offtake contracts to supply their produce to ECRDA processors, which are planned to be located in RED Hubs and industrial parks such as Queens Industrial, Butterworth Industrial Park, Fort Jackson, and Dimbaza.
“These processors will process primary produce into food and feed products for domestic markets. For export-oriented products, the ECRDA, supported by the ECDC, will aggregate produce from these farms and explore trade opportunities in African, Chinese, and Middle Eastern markets,” Kontsiwe explained.
The MEC added that the department will partner with other sector departments to facilitate private sector investment by securing water rights for irrigation, obtaining environmental authorisation, acquiring title deeds, or securing long-term land use rights.
The department will also work towards consolidating and coordinating government investments towards land reform farms.
The targeted departments include Agriculture; Land Reform and Rural Development; Forestry, Fisheries and Environment; Water and Sanitation and Economic Development, Environment Affairs and Tourism.
“The department will collaborate with the Regional Land Claims Commission to secure Land Development Grants for 38 properties in land claims settlements [and] this will benefit communities in areas like Ncora, Magwa, Dwesa-Cwebe, Mkhambathi, and more.
“The department will develop an infrastructure business plan to access funding and unlock R220 million from the Land Development Grant,” Kontsiwe said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 14:19
371 views
Rural food hubs to improve EC food security
Rural food hubs to improve EC food security
The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) plans to establish food hubs in rural areas, which will enable subsistence and home-based vegetable producers to collect, store and process their produce for the local market.
Unpacking the department’s food security plans for this term on Tuesday, Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe, said the department will support communities to grow their own food through home-based gardens and improving food access and income.
“This initiative will focus on sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and youth entrepreneurship in rural areas. Investing in our people will reduce living costs and promote self-sufficiency, thus community resilience,” she said.
Kontsiwe noted that the department is part of a coordinated effort by the provincial government to contribute to eradicating poverty and malnutrition in the province.
She acknowledged that the department alone cannot solve the food security issue, noting that despite having various programs and initiatives, the lack of a unified strategy has led to a fragmented and less effective approach.
The Office of the Premier has coordinated government departments and agencies to develop a Provincial Food and Nutrition Security Plan, and the department’s primary goal is to guarantee food security in the province.
The MEC said the department is committed to support people to cultivate the land, regardless of its size, and produce their own food.
She said the initiative will focus on sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and youth entrepreneurship in rural areas.
According to Kontsiwe, investing in people will reduce living costs and promote self-sufficiency and community resilience.
The department is planning to expand household food production in rural and peri-urban areas on a large scale.
She said the initiative will include establishing small-scale vegetable nurseries to provide high-quality seedlings, which will reduce production costs.
“DRDAR and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) are collaborating to support 42 000 households (30 000 from the Siyazondla Program and 12 000 from PES3) in growing their own food in the 2024/25 financial year.
“We invite all sectors of society to join us in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in districts, metros, local municipalities, and wards. We are fast-tracking the spring water protection program to ensure villages have access to water for food production,” the MEC said.
For the 2024-25 financial year, the department plans to implement 10 spring water projects in five districts, including two in Alfred Nzo, Amathole, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi, and OR Tambo.
The MEC highlighted that in the previous 2023/24 financial year, the department successfully completed 10 projects, installing 290 taps in 12 villages, benefiting 2 263 households and creating 729 jobs.
Embracing innovation and technology
Kontsiwe emphasised the importance of embracing innovation and technology to reduce production costs and mitigate the impact of climate change.
She said the department will this financial year launch a pilot program, which will see the installation of 14 tunnels with 3 720 climate-smart boxes in all districts and colleges.
The MEC said this initiative will allow vegetable producers to cultivate crops throughout the year in a controlled environment.
“We anticipate that this project will encourage more young people and women to engage in agriculture in our province. We invite people of all ages, including elders, churches, schools, health facilities, and traditional leaders, to support and promote community food production.
“We will collaborate with the private sector to assist households in growing their own food. These initiatives will be carefully planned, organised into projects, and implemented gradually with available resources,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 14:36
205 views
At Least 116 Children Died From Malnutrition in the Eastern Cape in One Year
Conference on hunger hears there’s more than enough food. Policy failures by both government and corporations are causing hunger.