Mnquma Local Municipality

August 2019 Internal Newsletter

31 AUGUST 2019

2019/2020 - ISSUE 2

Mnquma Local Municipality, Corner King & Mthatha Street, Butterworth, 4960

P.O.Box 36, Butterworth, 4960

www.mnquma.gov.za Tel: 047 401 2400. Fax: 047 491 0195

Mnquma Bids Farewell to long-

serving Land Expert

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Mnquma Bids Farewell to long-serving Land Expert 2

New Councilor Sworn in for

Ward 21 4

Ulwazi Schools‟ Super 8

Tournament 5

Another By-Election for

Mnquma 6

Mnquma BIds Farewel to

Mayibongwe Biza Matebese 7

Mzamohle receives brand new school uniform 8

Mnquma Donates Furniture 9

Mnquma Municipality @MnqumaMunic1

PAGE 2

Mnquma Local Municipality bade farewell to one of its longest serving workers,

who was hailed for his flawless work ethics and commitment towards the

public.

Bandile Bikitsha, 61, Who is referred to as the “go to” guy on matters of land

and property rights in the areas of Centane, Ngqamakwe and Butterworth ,

spent his last working day on the July 31 in the position of Land use Manager.

Current and former colleagues, Councillors, senior managers, the business

fraternity and Mnquma residents attended the party at the Butterworth Christian

Centre, where speakers showered Bikitsha with warm words and gifts.

He started work as a temporary Cashier for the municipality exactly 40 years

ago. Throughout those years, he climbed the ladder to be a Clerk then grade 1

Senior Clerk, Senior Administrative officer in the Town Clerks Department and

finally as Assistant Town Secretary in the former Butterworth Municipality.

In September 2000, he was appointed by Former MEC Gugile Nkwinti as

interim Municipal Manager of the newly established Mnquma Municipality,

comprised of the TLC (Transitional Local Council for urban areas) and TRC

(Transitional Representative Councils for rural areas) areas of Butterworth,

Centane and Ngqamakwe.

Mnquma Bids Farewell to long-serving Land Expert

BY : LOYISO MPALANTSHANE

Above: Mr Bandile Bikitsha and his wife Thobeka Bikitsha, who is also Mnquma’s Council Speaker, during Mr Bikitsha’s farewell.

Above: Local Business man Mr Buyile Siyongwana and his wife present gifts to Mr Bikitsha in gratitude of his long term service to the communities of Mnquma

PAGE 3

Newsletter Title

Two months later he was appointed to act in same position after the first local government elections held in

December 2000 in a democratic South Africa.

He retires from Mnquma municipality in the position of Land Use Manager, where he has championed the adoption

by council of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management (SPLUMA) by-law.

Since 1983, when he started dealing with land matters, he was an Administration Officer and a Rates Clerk dealing

with values, town planners and conveyances.

“That is how I got insights into matters of land,” he recalls. He fondly remembers being part of a team that planned

the development of Zizamele around 1991 and a rolling out title deeds to the residents of Ibika and Msobomvu

Township, a programme which began in 1989.

His advice for public servants: “you must love your job and then you will be able to develop a culture of service to

the community. “A person who comes to your office for help must leave your office with a smile”, he said. He is

married to former Mayor and current Speaker, Councillor Thobeka Bikitsha. They have two daughters.

Addressing the numbers of people who attended the farewell bid, Municipal Manager Silumko Mahlasela described

Bikitsha as the true embodiment of an exemplary public servant-hood. “We thank him for his loyalty, honesty and

integrity.

“His file reflects that throughout his 40 years of unbroken service, he has never been charged with any misconduct

“said Mahlasela Bikitsha had served the people of Mnquma with distinction. “He leaves us at the time when we are

turning things around and Mnquma is meeting its service delivery obligation. With his wealth of intentional memory,

we will still consult him from time to time for advice and guidance”, he said.

Above (from left): Mnquma Executive Mayor Cllr Sithembiso Ncetezo, Mr Bandile Bikitsha, Mnquma’s Coincil Speaker Cllr Thobeka Bikitsha, Mnquma Municipal Manager Mr Silumko Mahlasela and Mnquma Chief Whip Cllr NR Ntshona

He is also a businessman and an active farmer and a former gold miner. “I thank the people for showing confidence in

me. There are great expectations. I will serve with humility and listen to all stakeholders, including the traditional

leadership in pursuit of development. I am committed to serve with the highest level of dedication in order to improve the

lives of the people in Ward 21. Speaker Bikitsha said Council was looking forward to the contribution of Councilor

Ntshonga.

New Councillor for Ward 21

Speaker Councilor Thobeka Bikitsha officially welcomed a new

member of the Mnquma Council when she presided over the

swearing-in ceremony of Ward 21 Councilor Goodman

Thandikhaya Ntshonga.

Councilor Ntshonga won by a landslide 90% of votes cast

during a recent by-election which followed the death of former

Councilor Nkuthu in May 2019.

Municipal Manager Mr Silumko Mahlasela led the new member

of council when he officially took his oath of office during at

proceedings in the New Administrative Building, on August 22,

2019.

The 59-year old father of six, who hit the ground running after

joining a Council Workshop shortly afterwards, thanked the

residents of Ward 21 for putting their confidence in him to take

the service delivery agenda forward.

Among the priorities he has identified for Ward 21 is the

construction of rural access roads, water supply, agricultural

projects and the eradication of crime.

Councillor said among his primary tasks was to advise the

Mnquma Council on service delivery backlogs and solutions to

the challenges which would assist the institution meet its

mandate.

In his birthplace of Mgcwe Village, Ngqamakhwe where he still

lives- Councilor Ntshonga said he had spearheaded a number

of community developmental initiatives, including the

establishment of three agricultural projects, including the

Ntsebenziswano Agricultural Co-op.

He has also served as a headman under the Mkatshane

Tribal Authority in Ngqamakwe. Councilor Nthsonga is a

former treasurer and current chairperson of the ANC in the

Clement Kadalie Branch (Ward 21)

BY: LOYISO MPALANTSHANE

Above: Newly sworn in Councillor of Ward 21, Cllr Goodman Thandikhaya Ntshonga

PAGE 4 PAGE 5

Newsletter Title

of African Football Academy is

led by well-known and

respected South African soccer

coach Farouk Khan. Khan also

conducted coaching clinics for

local soccer coaches in the

build-up to the tournament. “I

would like to thank my parents

for always giving me the

opportunity to play what I love,

soccer. This is a dream come

true for me,” he said

emotionally.

The player of the Tournament

title was scooped by a 17-

year old Grade 10 pupil from

Xolilizwe High School,

Zusakhe Mqikela (17).

In line with the developmental

aim of the tournament,

Mqikela also received an

opportunity to visit Gauteng to

join the Stars of African

Football Academy, where he

is expected to polish his skills

on the soccer pitch. The Stars

“It‟s not just about unearthing talent. It is

also about giving opportunities and

confidence. Once these boys start to

believe in themselves they will have

something to live for. This is not just

football, it‟s a social movement that

gives youngsters the opportunity to

dream again. It‟s about education,

mentorship, career development.

We are giving young people a platform

to live their dreams and we hope

government will come on board so that

we grow bigger and bigger,” said

September. A proud Xolilizwe High

School principal Mr Lusizo Butshingi

praised his charges for their

determination and preparation ahead of

the soccer bonanza. “This proves that

when you set goals they should be

attainable goals. Winning is part of our

DNA as the school so we are over the

moon,” he said.

Ndabankulu High School Coach

Pumlani Matshobeni said they were

satisfied with reaching the finals of the

tournament although they came second

best. “A tournament of this nature

motivates our learners to do even better

next time,” said Matshobeni.

Former FIFA spokesman Luxolo September, who is also the current

General Manager of South Africa‟s top-flight soccer body, the Premier

Soccer League (PSL) brought together eight high schools and hundreds of

fans by staging one of the biggest soccer tournaments in Mnquma

municipality recently.

A former sports journalist, Mr September - who hails from Tsomo -

organised the inaugural uLwazi Schools Super 8 Festival, which was held

at the Msobomvu Sportsground on August 11.

After two days of fast-paced moves and an exciting display of grassroots

soccer skills and elimination rounds the overall winners, Xolilizwe High

School took home R8000 in prize money, gold medals and two soccer

jerseys emblazoned with the tournament‟s sponsor, Multichoice.

This followed a nail-biting 4-1 win over fellow finalists Ndabankulu High

School, from Ndabakazi, which were played on Sunday August 11. For

their efforts, the players from Ndabankulu were rewarded with R4 000 in

prize money, including silver medals.

ULwazi Schools’ Super 8 Tournament

BY : SIVE XHOMIYEZA

Another Sad Loss for Mnquma

It is with a heavy spirit that the Office of the Mnquma Council Speaker hereby announces the loss of one of its most

dedicated members of Council, Ward 20 Councilor Mpeta, who passed away on the 14th August 2019 following a long

illness.

A teacher by profession, Councilor Thembisile Mpeta also served as the chairperson of the South African Democratic

Teachers Union in the Willowvale branch including the South African Communist Party sub-region before he joined the

Mnquma Council.

Speaker Bikitsha – who described Mpeta as a dedicated public servant – said the Mnquma Council had particularly

benefitted from his vast well of knowledge and experience in administration and politics. The 60-year old Councillor

Mpeta joined the Mnquma Council in 2016 and went on to serve in various committees in the municipality, where he

showed great determination and commitment towards the improvement of the lives of the people of Mnquma.

To ensure continuity of service delivery for the people of Ward 20 - which includes Khothane and Mzantsi villages- the

Office of the Speaker would also like to announce that Councillor Xhongwana has been deployed to hold the fort

pending a by-election which will be handled by the Independent Electoral Commission in Ward 20.

“We are deeply saddened at the loss of a valuable member of the Council. During his time with us, Councillor Mpeta

distinguished himself as a dedicated public servant and a committed community leader. He rarely missed a meeting.

We wish to extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones,” she said. His younger

brother Mhlobo Mpeta, 50, was also a principal at Cafutweni Junior Secondary School, when he resigned in 2014.

“He was a very principled man and he would never compromise his principles in any situation. He was also a straight

forward person who was very innovative. We will miss him dearly,” he said.

Councillor Mpeta was born KuMpeta Village near Ngqamakwe in 1959. He is survived by his wife, three sons, a

daughter and three grandchildren. The Mnquma Council organised a memorial service to celebrate the life and times of

the late Councillor Mpeta, at the Msobomvu Community Hall, at 12pm, on Wednesday August 21.

He was laid to his final resting place on Friday August 23, at his home in KuMpeta Village near Ngqamakwe.

BY : SIVE XHOMIYEZA

The Butterworth Town Hall was packed to the rafters during a moving memorial service held to celebrate the life of

the late Mayibongwe „Biza‟ Matebese who passed away in August 2019 at the age of 42.

Colleagues who spoke at the service praised Matebese for his work dedication and meticulous knowledge of the

Mnquma Municipality‟s supply chain processes, which he executed effortlessly.

The Executive Mayor Councillor Sithembiso Ncetezo and Council Speaker Thobeka Bikitsha respectively, joined the

hundreds of mourners, including current and former colleagues who graced the event.

In passing his condolences to the bereaved families who sat silently near the gallery, the Executive Mayor

described Matebese as a community developer, a role that is expected from politicians within the institution. “Your

loss is our loss and we pray that God will give you strength to accept his will and overcome the pain that has been

caused by the death of such an exemplary worker. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said the Mayor.

Mr Matebese graduated in technological and mechanical studies from the then Eastern Cape Technikon, now

Walter Sisulu University.

Speaking on behalf of Municipal Manager Mr Silumko Mahlasela, Strategic Management Director Mrs Sindiswa

Benya said Matebese executed his tasks diligently and was very quiet.

“He was very well-versed on local government and supply chain management processes,” said Mrs Benya.

During her speech, Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU) leader in Mnquma, Siphokazi Mtamzeli,

painted a picture of a humble and dedicated public servant.

“He was a very disciplined and a hard-working employee. We will miss him,” said Ms Mtamzeli.

Religious leaders, Mnquma traffic officers also attended the event, which was held on Wednesday August 28. Mr

Matebese was laid to rest at his home in Mqambeli Administrative Areas, Butterworth on Saturday August 31.

BY : SIVE XHOMIYEZA

Farewell top Mayibongwe Biza Matebese

Handing Over Of School Uniform Mzamomhle

ABOVE: Rural Development in partnership with Mnquma Local Municipality handing over 50 school uniforms to

Mzamomhle J.S.S, Davis J.S.S and Zizamele J.S.S. The event was held at Mzamo omhle J.S.S at Cuba 0n the 26

August 2019.

Deputy Director of Women and Children and People Living with Disability Miss Nomkita Zokufa outlined that the

handing over of school uniforms to these schools was an initiative to help uplift the dignity of a black child.

There are a lot of school students who dropout of school, because they don’t have school uniform and are

being ridiculed by other student and therefore feel discouraged and ashamed to continue schooling,” she said.

Miss Zokufa appealed to both students and parents to assist each other in taking care of the uniform, to

sympathize with those who do not yet have and to encourage students to stay in school in order to attain a

better life for themselves.

Mnquma Executive Mayor Cllr Sithembiso Ncethezo said schools identified for these initiatives are primarily

because they take in a large number of students, coming from disadvantaged homes. “Many of Mzamomle J.S.S

students come from homes at Madiba informal settlement, Zizamele J.S.S students are from Zizamele informal

settlement, Davis J.S.S students are from Skiti informal settlement and Mission A/A. These areas are all inflicted

with a high poverty rate, depending on government services and such initiatives for a better life. Mnquma has a

high rate of unemployment hence government is working hand in hand with all sector departments to improve

the lives of those who are in need,” said Ncetezo.

The Executive Mayor also appealed to communities to register as indigent with their Ward Councillor so that

they can be efficiently assisted by the municipality.

Noluthando Rhanayeke thanked the Department and the Municipality for their role to uplift their dignity and

hoped that such good deeds will continue to more schools. In attendance to this event was also Mnquma

Mayoral Committee members, the surrounding community, students, parents and teachers.

BY : SIVE XHOMIYEZA

BY : SIVE XHOMIYEZA

ABOVE: Three child-headed families received brand-new furniture appliances to improve their lives, thanks

to a donation from Mnquma Local Municipality. One of the beneficiaries is a seven-year old boy (who cannot

be named) whose mother died of illness three years ago, while his father’s whereabouts are unknown. He

was left in the care of his grandmother and uncle, who have since passed away.

Receiving their new beds, doors and windows, chairs, groceries, kettles, irons, the orphaned children were at

a loss for words. The beneficiaries, each from Centane, Ngqamakhwe and Butterworth rural villages, were

identified by social workers from the Department of Social Development.

Mnquma Mayor Councillor Sithembiso Ncetezo said violence against women was a scourge in society,

adding he would put the matter up for debate during the next council meeting. “Women are pillars of society

and they must be respected in home and in the workplace. The victimisation of women must come to an end

and every man must defend the dignity and lives of women,” said Ncetezo.

Addressing the audience Council Speaker of Mnquma, Councillor Thobeka Bikitsha said she was so touched

by the children’s plight she decided to raise funds to renovate their dilapidated homes. Furthermore,

beneficiaries will be registered on the housing database to qualify for RDP houses.

“The provision of housing opportunities to our most destitute members of society is enshrined in the

constitution therefore as a local authority we have an obligation to ensure that they have a roof over their

heads. This is a project that will be rolled out to many other households in the near future,” she said.

Hundreds of people, mainly women, attended the handover during a Women’s Month closing ceremony held

at the Butterworth Christian Centre on Friday, August 30. Sector departments also made their presentations

during the event, including the Mnquma Womens Forum, Womens Caucus, Thuthuzela Centre, We Care,

SANACO, Amathole District Municipality, Home Affairs, Human Settlements, the Office of the Premier, Old

Mutual, King Hintsa TVET College and Sonke Gender Justice.

Nomakhaya Barnes from Thuthuzela Centre called on all victims of sexual crimes to report the incidents to

the SAPS within 48 hours. Sonke Gender Justice has conducted training sessions for volunteers on gender-

based violence, substance abuse and reproductive sexual health.

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Editorial Team

Loyiso Mpalantshane

Editor-in-Chief

Sinethemba Jenkins Design & Layout

Amanda Lobi

Reporter

Pumlisa Bikitsha

Reporter

Sive Xhomiyeza Reporter