Ekhephini Community Radio

29/12/2025

28/12/2025

MTHATHA AIRPORT UPDATE | FROM ENGAGEMENT TO ACTION

Fellow residents and followers of the O.R. Tambo District Municipality,
We hear you and we want to assure you that your frustrations around Mthatha Airport, particularly on high ticket prices, limited airline options, and service inconsistencies, are not being ignored.

These concerns did not begin with public outcry. They were already firmly raised by the Executive Mayor, Cllr Mesuli Ngqondwana, through continuous engagements with Airport Management and at the District Mayors’ Forum, where the interests of our people were placed squarely on the table.

As part of this ongoing leadership effort, the matter was escalated to provincial level. This culminated in a high-level engagement held on 18 December 2025, involving the MEC for Transport, the Executive Mayor, and senior officials, to decisively address the challenges facing Mthatha Airport.

These engagements have now translated into a clear, structured action plan, marking a shift from discussion to implementation.

Work is now underway to:

💥Improve airport management coordination
💥Address aviation fuel availability, a key driver of high ticket prices
💥Strengthen safety and emergency services
💥Repair critical security infrastructure
💥Engage airlines to improve reliability and flight options

The action plan is being actively implemented and monitored, with regular reviews by both provincial and district leadership to ensure progress and accountability.

We wish to expressly acknowledge the persistence and leadership of the Executive Mayor, whose sustained engagement ensured that residents’ concerns were elevated with urgency.

We also appreciate the swift and constructive response of the MEC for Transport and his office, whose intervention has helped move this matter forward decisively.

Your voice matters.
Your concerns are shaping the work being done.
And your leadership remains fully engaged, on the ground, in the rooms that matter, and focused on restoring confidence in Mthatha Airport as a vital economic and connectivity asset for our region.

Further updates will be shared as implementation progresses...

– O.R. Tambo District Municipality

26/12/2025

Traffic Report Date: 26/12/2025
Time: 01h45

Location: N6, near the bridge between Rouxville and Aliwal North on the side of Free State

A truck traveling from Rouxville towards Aliwal North on the N6 has collided with the structure of the bridge, resulting in a complete obstruction of traffic in both directions.

Traffic Disruption:
Due to the collision, both lanes are currently closed, and traffic is unable to proceed past the site of the incident. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and seek alternative routes.

Alternative Routes:
From Rouxville
via Zastron/Sterkspruit R26 then R726 via R392/R58 approximately 180km to Aliwal North.

From Goedemoed
Via Bethulie R71 and R48 junction crossing orange river and passing near Gariepdam approximately 110-120km

Provincial Traffic are still on the scene to assess situation and will give further updates.

Motorist advisory:
We urge all drivers to plan their journeys
accordingly to allow for extra travelling time.

Thank you
OF.Smith
Aliwal North Provincial Traffic
0648902676

05/12/2025

The visit from Rhodes Primary and Secondary School to Ekhephini FM was a truly special experience😚! The kids were beaming with excitement as they walked into the radio station and it wasn't long before they were wiping the smiles😊 off our faces with their infectious energy🥰. They took turns greeting their loved ones on air and it was heartwarming☺️❤️ to see them share their future plans with us. From doctors to engineers, teachers to artists, the range of career aspirations was impressive, and we were all inspired by their passion and ambition. The Ekhephini FM team loved having the kids on board,🥰 and we're so grateful for the opportunity to play a small part in shaping their dreams. Who knows maybe one day we'll be interviewing some of these talented young individuals as successful professionals!❤️❤️

04/12/2025

01/12/2025

Ungaphuthelwa ludliwano ndlebe lukaRingo Madlingozi no Ta Mbu namhlanje ngo 14:30 .

27/11/2025

Honourable Mayor Vania Davids of Walter Sisulu Municipality WSLM - Walter Sisulu Local Municipality shared an inspiring briefing on the progress of service delivery on Talk to Your Mayor Program at Ekhephini FM, Known for being a dedicated and hardworking leader, Mayor Davids continues to put the community first, ensuring that essential services reach every household.
Her commitment to transparency and accountability shines through every initiative.

26/11/2025

🔔 *INTERVIEW ALERT* ‼️

Tune into Ekhephini Community Radio for the “Talk to Your Mayor” slot this *Local Government Thursday*!

The Mayor of Walter Sisulu Local Municipality, Cllr. Vania Davids, will be engaging with the community, unpacking service delivery issues, and sharing important municipal updates.

📅 27 November 2025
⏰ 11:00 AM
📻 Ekhephini Community Radio

Tune in and be part of the conversation!

21/11/2025

19/11/2025

MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER OF THE EASTERN CAPE: JOE GQABI DISTRICT

BARKLY EAST DRUG DEALER BUSTED IN AN AMBULANCE

Barkly East ,18 November 2025:
The SAPS of Barkly East has scored a major victory in the war against drugs on the 17 November 2025 at 19:30 after busting a drug dealer traveling in an ambulance.

The SAPS received a tip-off about the dealers activities and conducted an operation on the R 58 in the direction of Khowa (Elliot)
whereby the identified ambulance that take patients weekly to East Londen was stopped on the way back to East Londen.

All the occupants with their luggage were search and the 35 year old female was caught with a substantial amount of drugs in her possession .

The suspect was arrested and the 105 full mandrax tablets and 12 sachets of tik to the value of R16 500-00 were confiscated.

She will appear on the 18 November 2025 before the Barkly East Magistrate court .

On Friday the 14 November 2025 in an unrelated case D/W/O Jansen stop and searched three suspicious men in the town of Barkly East and found 43 mandrax tablets and 89g tik in their possession .The three suspects age 25,28 and 33 were arrested.

The Joe Gqabi District Commissioner Major General Lindelwa Vellem commended the members on the swift reaction that made the arrest and confiscations possible .The successful operation is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the SAPS in keeping our communities safe and the good working relationship between the SAPS and the community. Together we stand in the fight against crime .

Enquiries Capt Ursula Roelofse 082 7797109

18/11/2025

Please tune in on Wednesday for an interactive conversation against vandalism of public infrastructure.

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