Khwezi Times News

Khwezi Times News KTN is an independent daily news platform that covers news in sport, entertainment, and business

๐€๐’๐ ๐‹๐„๐€๐‘๐๐„๐‘ ๐’๐„๐“ ๐“๐Ž ๐’๐‡๐ˆ๐๐„ ๐€๐“ ๐’๐€๐๐‹๐€๐Œ ๐–๐Ž๐– ๐๐€๐“๐ˆ๐Ž๐๐€๐‹ ๐’๐๐„๐‹๐‹๐ˆ๐๐† ๐๐„๐„Eminathi Sefa, Alfred Stamper Primary Schoolโ€™s bright senior...
22/09/2025

๐€๐’๐ ๐‹๐„๐€๐‘๐๐„๐‘ ๐’๐„๐“ ๐“๐Ž ๐’๐‡๐ˆ๐๐„ ๐€๐“ ๐’๐€๐๐‹๐€๐Œ ๐–๐Ž๐– ๐๐€๐“๐ˆ๐Ž๐๐€๐‹ ๐’๐๐„๐‹๐‹๐ˆ๐๐† ๐๐„๐„

Eminathi Sefa, Alfred Stamper Primary Schoolโ€™s bright senior learner, is preparing to dazzle audiences and judges alike as she gears up to compete at the Sanlam WOW National Spelling Festival next month. Sefa won the provincial round as one of the four learners from Zwelethemba representing the district. WOW is the premier spelling competition in South Africa, hosted by Words Open Worlds (WOW), under the Stellenbosch University Division for Social Impact & Transformation.

After her exceptional display in the provincial round, Sefa earned her place as one of the top 10 contenders in the province to participate at the national level, competing for prestigious prizes and recognition as the competition's champion. While trophies, recognition, and the thrill of competition are exciting, the WOW Spelling Festival aims for more: it seeks to empower learners linguistically, helping them communicate clearly, creatively, and critically.

In her exclusive interview with the publication, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to both her educators and family for their unwavering support, crediting them for helping her advance to the final phase of the competition, where she will proudly represent the Western Cape. "Iโ€™m so excited and honoured to be participating in the National Spelling Bee! Itโ€™s a dream come true to represent my school and community on such a big stage. Iโ€™ve worked really hard to prepare, and Iโ€™m looking forward to learning from the experience, meeting other spellers, and doing my best!"

In September of the previous year, Sefa received the title of Book Club Reader of the Year during the annual International Literacy Day event. As the top prize winner, she received a brand-new Lenovo Tab M9 worth R3,000, along with a stationery pack. In the same event, the top reader award for English was presented to Owam Ngulube from ASP, while Siphesihle Michaels from PJB C**a Primary received it for IsiXhosa

ASP Deputy Principal Mlungisi Charles Mpekula stated that as the date of the national finals approaches, the focus is on sharpening, steady nerves, and cultivating calm determination. โ€œWords seldom speak themselves; they must be spelled, understood, owned. We strongly believe our learner (Sefa) is ready to step into the spotlight, to spell playfully, to shine proudly, and perhaps to open new worlds through wordsโ€ he explained. The national finals are slated for 11 October 2025 at Stellenbosch University.

๐‚๐ˆ๐“๐ˆ๐™๐„๐๐’ ๐€๐๐ƒ ๐’๐๐”๐‘๐’ ๐‚๐‹๐€๐’๐‡ ๐ˆ๐ ๐‡๐ˆ๐†๐‡๐‹๐˜ ๐€๐๐“๐ˆ๐‚๐ˆ๐๐€๐“๐„๐ƒ ๐…๐‘๐ˆ๐„๐๐ƒ๐‹๐˜ ๐Œ๐€๐“๐‚๐‡In what was billed as a showcase of elite football, Worcest...
21/09/2025

๐‚๐ˆ๐“๐ˆ๐™๐„๐๐’ ๐€๐๐ƒ ๐’๐๐”๐‘๐’ ๐‚๐‹๐€๐’๐‡ ๐ˆ๐ ๐‡๐ˆ๐†๐‡๐‹๐˜ ๐€๐๐“๐ˆ๐‚๐ˆ๐๐€๐“๐„๐ƒ ๐…๐‘๐ˆ๐„๐๐ƒ๐‹๐˜ ๐Œ๐€๐“๐‚๐‡

In what was billed as a showcase of elite football, Worcester City and Worcester Spurs played out a thrilling 1 - 0 in a highly anticipated friendly. Although the match wasn't competitive in nature, both teams showcased intensity, tactical intelligence, and moments of brilliance, a reminder to fans why theyโ€™re regarded as two of the game's fiercest rivals.

The match began with a lively tempo, as both sides pushed for early control. The Citizens took the lead in the second half, capitalizing on a slight mistake from the Spurs goalkeeper just fifteen minutes before full-time. Five minutes later, Spurs crafted a well-worked team move in search of an equalizer, but the Citizens' defense held firm, clearing the ball right off the line. While the result may not count in any tournament, the match offered plenty of talking points: tactical experimentation, standout performances from rising stars, and glimpses of individual genius.

The second half saw multiple changes as both managers rotated their squads, offering opportunities to younger players and testing new systems. The game also served as preparation for the upcoming regional league, giving coaches valuable insights into squad depth and player chemistry. Fans from both sides packed the stands, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the 90 minutes. The mutual respect between the teams was evident, yet so was the competitive fire, a testament to the stature of the clubs.

The last time these two teams faced off was a few weeks ago in the semi-finals of the GBV Tournament, where Spurs secured a 3โ€“1 victory to book their spot in the final. Although they went on to lose 1โ€“0 to Batalions FC in the final, Spurs demonstrated their ongoing dominance as they prepare for the upcoming league season. Both teams are expected to play more friendly matches as they gear up for the Hollywood Best Menโ€™s League.

๐ˆ๐๐“๐‘๐Ž๐ƒ๐”๐‚๐ˆ๐๐† ๐“๐‡๐„ ๐๐„๐– ๐–๐€๐•๐„ ๐Ž๐… ๐†๐๐Ž๐Œ: ๐Œ๐„๐„๐“ ๐€๐๐€๐’๐‡๐–๐„ ๐“๐ˆ๐“๐€๐๐ˆ๐‚ South Africaโ€™s musical landscape has long been a breeding ground ...
18/09/2025

๐ˆ๐๐“๐‘๐Ž๐ƒ๐”๐‚๐ˆ๐๐† ๐“๐‡๐„ ๐๐„๐– ๐–๐€๐•๐„ ๐Ž๐… ๐†๐๐Ž๐Œ: ๐Œ๐„๐„๐“ ๐€๐๐€๐’๐‡๐–๐„ ๐“๐ˆ๐“๐€๐๐ˆ๐‚

South Africaโ€™s musical landscape has long been a breeding ground for innovation, and few genres have captured the global underground quite like Gqom. Emerging from the heart of Durban, this raw, hypnotic, and bass-heavy sound has evolved from township parties to international dance floors. Now, a fresh voice from Zwelethemba is adding a new layer to the genre: Esethu Memani, affectionately known as Abashwe Titanic, the rising star who's reshaping the Gqom narrative with bold energy and boundary-pushing sound.

Born and raised in Zwelethemba, Titanic grew up surrounded by the sounds of house, kwaito, and hip-hop, but it was Gqom that spoke loudest. โ€œGqom is more than music,โ€ he says. โ€œItโ€™s movement. Itโ€™s attitude. Itโ€™s how we liveโ€. Like many of Gqom's pioneers, Titanic started producing beats from a bedroom studio, using basic software and pure passion. A few years ago, his tracks started circulating on WhatsApp groups, SoundCloud, and other music platforms. It didnโ€™t take long before the underground took notice through his dance challenges and Tik-Tok videos.

Bursting onto the scene in 2019, this young trailblazer has been cultivating audiences with his powerful beats, raw energy, and authentic Gqom sound, rooted in township culture but reimagined for the modern dance floor. โ€œWhat sets me apart is a signature blend of deep tribal drums, minimalist yet aggressive loops, and a touch of vocal sampling that speaks to both the roots and future of Gqomโ€ he explains. Drawing influence from various Gqom pioneers, Titanic adds a distinct twist, layering emotion into the intensity, creating tracks that are as reflective as they are danceable.

Through performances at local clubs, township events, and even various festivals, he has cultivated a loyal following. Itโ€™s only a matter of time before the world hears the thunder of his sound. โ€œMy signature style reflects my star sign, Libra, bringing balance, harmony, and intensity to every set and production. Through my music, I represent a new generation of South African artists reclaiming identity through musicโ€ added Titanic. New hits like โ€œMasambe Nonoโ€ featuring Sihlalo Vanga, and Abanye bayawela featuring Siphiwo Gcwabe, are set to earn him spins on local radio and featured in viral TikTok dance challenges, while renowned DJs are beginning to take notice.

Having shared the stage with top acts like K.O, RHASS, Mapresa, T-Man, Mashaya, Bravo Le Roux, Yeye from Rands, Danger Shayumthetho, K-Zin Isgebengu, and Pablo ZA, Titanic is rapidly establishing himself as a powerful force in the Gqom scene. As his music continues to gain momentum and reach new audiences, he remains deeply connected to the streets that first sparked his passion. In his own words: โ€œGqom will never die. Weโ€™re just getting started. Everyone must watch the space โ€“ more is coming.โ€

17/09/2025

๐“๐‡๐”๐’๐Ž๐๐† ๐’๐„๐‘๐•๐ˆ๐‚๐„ ๐‚๐„๐๐“๐‘๐„ ๐–๐„๐„๐Š ๐ˆ๐ ๐…๐”๐‹๐‹ ๐’๐–๐ˆ๐๐†

The annual Thusong Service Centre Week is in full swing in Zwelethemba, taking place at the Unobuntu Service Centre from today until tomorrow. The week overlaps with Public Service Month, which recognises the work of public servants and their contributions to the country's development. It encourages the brightest in the country to pursue careers in the public sector.

In her earlier welcoming message, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Housing and Human Settlements, Cllr. Palesa Moso, encouraged residents to attend in large numbers and take advantage of the wide range of services available through various government departments and non-governmental organisations.

This government initiative aims to raise awareness about the vital services provided by Thusong Centres across the country, ensuring that communities have access to information and government services in line with the Batho Pele principles. It reflects our ongoing commitment to bringing services closer to the people.

๐‹๐ˆ๐“๐“๐‹๐„ ๐’๐“๐€๐‘ ๐‘๐ˆ๐’๐ˆ๐๐†:  ๐Œ๐๐Ž๐๐ˆ ๐•๐˜๐ˆ๐๐† ๐…๐Ž๐‘ ๐“๐‡๐„ ๐Œ๐ˆ๐’๐’ ๐’๐”๐๐„๐‘ ๐“๐€๐‹๐„๐๐“ ๐‚๐‘๐Ž๐–๐Excitement is mounting for this yearโ€™s highly anticipate...
16/09/2025

๐‹๐ˆ๐“๐“๐‹๐„ ๐’๐“๐€๐‘ ๐‘๐ˆ๐’๐ˆ๐๐†: ๐Œ๐๐Ž๐๐ˆ ๐•๐˜๐ˆ๐๐† ๐…๐Ž๐‘ ๐“๐‡๐„ ๐Œ๐ˆ๐’๐’ ๐’๐”๐๐„๐‘ ๐“๐€๐‹๐„๐๐“ ๐‚๐‘๐Ž๐–๐

Excitement is mounting for this yearโ€™s highly anticipated Miss Super Talent 2025. Amid the glittering tiaras, frilly dresses, and hopeful smiles, one young contestant is already capturing hearts ahead of the big day. Azosule Mqoqi, the former Miss Peddie South Junior winner, isnโ€™t just competing for the crown - sheโ€™s chasing a dream. As one of the top contenders for the coveted provincial title, Mqoqi is poised to add yet another achievement to her growing beauty pageant rรฉsumรฉ.

With twinkling brown eyes and a spirit as radiant as her sequined dress, the nine-year-old has spent months preparing, honing her walk, fine-tuning her talent performance, and mastering her interview skills. But her path to the stage is about more than just crowns and sparkle. In 2023, she proudly entered the Miss Peddie South pageant in the Eastern Cape, where she was crowned both Miss Peddie South Junior 2023 and Ambassador.

When asked about what changes she would like to see in her village, Azosule Mqoqi spoke passionately about the need to improve the crรจche (preschool) she once attended. She specifically requested basic necessities such as paint, tables, chairs, and toys. Unfortunately, those changes never came to life. Still, this dynamic young dreamer remains unwavering in her belief that anything is possible when you put your heart and soul into an idea. Mqoqi is deeply committed to her social responsibility initiative and is determined to drive meaningful change in her community.

In an exclusive interview with the publication, Mqoqi was asked why she believes she deserves to be crowned the winner of the contest. She responded confidently: โ€œI deserve to win because it would be a great opportunity for me to grow as an individual. I believe in the power of inspiring others, and this platform would allow me to fulfill that desireโ€.

If she earns the crown, Mqoqi believes she will serve as a role model to her peers and to young girls both within and beyond her community. She also aspires to be a credible ambassador for the pageant. To support Mqoqiโ€™s campaign, you can cast your vote by clicking the link below. Simply follow the page and leave a comment with Azosule Mqoqiโ€™s name under the relevant post.

https://www.facebook.com/100064710558898/posts/1230578165775857/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

๐…๐‘๐Ž๐Œ ๐๐„๐‡๐ˆ๐๐ƒ ๐“๐‡๐„ ๐‹๐„๐๐’ ๐“๐Ž ๐“๐‡๐„ ๐†๐‘๐€๐ƒ๐”๐€๐“๐ˆ๐Ž๐ ๐’๐“๐€๐†๐„: ๐๐‡๐Ž๐“๐Ž๐†๐‘๐€๐๐‡๐„๐‘ ๐„๐€๐‘๐๐’ ๐Œ๐€๐’๐“๐„๐‘โ€™๐’ ๐ƒ๐„๐†๐‘๐„๐„Local photographer and educator Zanoxolo...
15/09/2025

๐…๐‘๐Ž๐Œ ๐๐„๐‡๐ˆ๐๐ƒ ๐“๐‡๐„ ๐‹๐„๐๐’ ๐“๐Ž ๐“๐‡๐„ ๐†๐‘๐€๐ƒ๐”๐€๐“๐ˆ๐Ž๐ ๐’๐“๐€๐†๐„: ๐๐‡๐Ž๐“๐Ž๐†๐‘๐€๐๐‡๐„๐‘ ๐„๐€๐‘๐๐’ ๐Œ๐€๐’๐“๐„๐‘โ€™๐’ ๐ƒ๐„๐†๐‘๐„๐„

Local photographer and educator Zanoxolo Charles James has reached a new milestone in his creative career, having earned a Masterโ€™s degree in Arts from the University of the Western Cape (UWC). The graduation ceremony, held on Friday, celebrated this significant achievement for the visual artist and educator, known for blending technical expertise with a profound passion for storytelling through imagery and the performing arts.

After completing his Honours degree, James had no intention of pursuing further studies and chose to take a gap year away from academic responsibilities. However, that changed when his supervisor invited him to join a cohort of students launching a new Foreign Languages programme at the institution. While his academic journey is one of inspiration and resilience, James acknowledges it wasnโ€™t all โ€œsmooth sailing.โ€ It came with its own set of challenges, requiring determination and perseverance to stay the course, ultimately culminating in his graduation.

Known for his compelling work in the creative fraternity, James has been building a credible name in the photography world with a portfolio that reflects both artistic depth and cultural relevance. Pursuing a masterโ€™s degree, however, was about more than adding a credential; it was a pursuit of growth, deeper understanding, and the desire to elevate his craft and academic knowledge to new heights. โ€œThis academic journey has challenged me in many ways I never expectedโ€ he said. โ€œThe academic project pushed me to think more critically about my work in academia, explore new techniques, and examine the social impact of what this thesis can achieve in response to societal challengesโ€.

Balancing professional work with postgraduate studies was no easy feat, but James describes the experience as invaluable. โ€œBeing in the field and the classroom simultaneously gave me a unique perspective. I was able to apply what I was learning in real time and reflect on real-world challenges within my academic work,โ€ he shared. He also acknowledged the crucial support of his supervisor and family, whose guidance and encouragement played a significant role in the successful completion of his thesis project.

Now, with a masterโ€™s degree in hand, James is looking ahead to new opportunities. โ€œEducation doesnโ€™t end here. Iโ€™m excited to continue learning and creating, and to use both my expertise and academic accomplishments to inspire others who aspire to follow a similar path in lifeโ€ he added. In addition to his academic accomplishments, he is committed to maintaining a strong presence in the industry by continuing client work, expanding his client base, and organising workshops for aspiring photographers.

โ€œI officially unlocked NQF Level 9 as a Masterโ€™s graduate. I donโ€™t have a sad story, but what I can say is that with dedication, perseverance, and passion, anything is possibleโ€ he wrote on his social media page. As he steps into the next chapter, his life journey stands as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of knowledge and artistic excellence go hand in hand, and that with vision, discipline, and creativity, anything is possible.

๐๐‡๐„๐‹๐Ž๐๐‡๐„๐๐€ ๐‡๐„๐€๐‹๐“๐‡๐‚๐€๐‘๐„ ๐“๐‘๐€๐ˆ๐ ๐€๐‘๐‘๐ˆ๐•๐„๐’ ๐ˆ๐ ๐๐‘๐„๐„๐ƒ๐„ ๐•๐€๐‹๐‹๐„๐˜Itโ€™s official! The Phelophepa Healthcare Train arrived safely in the...
14/09/2025

๐๐‡๐„๐‹๐Ž๐๐‡๐„๐๐€ ๐‡๐„๐€๐‹๐“๐‡๐‚๐€๐‘๐„ ๐“๐‘๐€๐ˆ๐ ๐€๐‘๐‘๐ˆ๐•๐„๐’ ๐ˆ๐ ๐๐‘๐„๐„๐ƒ๐„ ๐•๐€๐‹๐‹๐„๐˜

Itโ€™s official! The Phelophepa Healthcare Train arrived safely in the Breede Valley yesterday. Now stationed at the Worcester Train Station, its arrival marks a major milestone as it prepares to deliver vital medical services to Breede Valley residents over the next three weeks.

Prior to the train's arrival, members of the safety and security cluster conduct a final site visit at the station on Friday to assess preparedness for the safe and secure arrival of the train, including infrastructure, personnel, crowd management, emergency response, and coordination among stakeholders.

The official welcoming ceremony held on Saturday was attended by a range of dignitaries, including representatives from the Deputy Mayor's Office, Fire Department, Traffic Services, Cape Winelands District Municipality, Department of Social Development, and Department of Correctional Services. Also in attendance were Transnet officials, led by Mr. Bheki Mendlula, Manager of the Phelophepa Health Care Train One.

In his welcoming remarks, the Deputy Executive Mayor, Cllr. Juben Von Willingh expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved in making this initiative a reality. He highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in bringing healthcare services closer to the community. Mrs. Louw from the Department of Social Services also delivered a heartfelt welcome, reaffirming the department's commitment to supporting and assisting the train during its stay.

Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the train offers a range of services, including general health check-ups, dental care, eye examinations, and counseling sessions. For the duration of 3 weeks in Worcester, the train will provide a wide range of services, including:
- ๐†๐ž๐ง๐ž๐ซ๐š๐ฅ ๐‡๐ž๐š๐ฅ๐ญ๐ก ๐’๐ž๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐œ๐ž๐ฌ: Comprehensive physical assessments, cancer treatments, Pap smears, and prostate cancer testing
- ๐„๐ฒ๐ž ๐‚๐š๐ซ๐ž: Free eye tests, prescription glasses for R30, and eye drops for R5
- ๐ƒ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐š๐ฅ ๐‚๐š๐ซ๐ž: Free screenings and education, with teeth extractions, fillings, and cleaning available at a nominal fee of R10 per procedure for adults
- ๐‚๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ฌ๐ž๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐š๐ง๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ฒ๐œ๐ก๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ฒ ๐’๐ž๐ซ๐ฏ๐ข๐œ๐ž๐ฌ: One-on-one sessions and group workshops focusing on mental health, drug and alcohol abuse, and other critical issues

The train has been a lifeline for thousands of South Africans, providing free medical attention to those living in remote communities. By bringing healthcare services closer to the people, the train has become a beacon of hope for many, addressing the healthcare needs of communities and promoting well-being. As of tomorrow, 15 September, the train will officially commence offering its services as from 07h30 until 16h00. Please note that all patients will be assisted on first come basis.

๐˜๐Ž๐”๐๐† ๐„๐๐“๐‘๐„๐๐‘๐„๐๐„๐”๐‘ ๐…๐‘๐Ž๐Œ ๐™๐–๐„๐‹๐„๐“๐‡๐„๐Œ๐๐€ ๐“๐€๐Š๐„๐’ ๐“๐‡๐„ ๐‡๐„๐‹๐Œ ๐€๐’ ๐‡๐„๐€๐ƒ ๐Ž๐… ๐’๐Œ๐„ & ๐“๐‘๐€๐ƒ๐„!Lwandile Mlanjeni, co-founder of Zwezwe Cleani...
12/09/2025

๐˜๐Ž๐”๐๐† ๐„๐๐“๐‘๐„๐๐‘๐„๐๐„๐”๐‘ ๐…๐‘๐Ž๐Œ ๐™๐–๐„๐‹๐„๐“๐‡๐„๐Œ๐๐€ ๐“๐€๐Š๐„๐’ ๐“๐‡๐„ ๐‡๐„๐‹๐Œ ๐€๐’ ๐‡๐„๐€๐ƒ ๐Ž๐… ๐’๐Œ๐„ & ๐“๐‘๐€๐ƒ๐„!

Lwandile Mlanjeni, co-founder of Zwezwe Cleaning Services (Pty) Ltd, has been appointed as Head of Trade and SME for the China-South Africa Advisory Youth Forum: a youth-led platform dedicated to fostering dialogue, leadership, and cooperation between China and South Africa, while bridging cultures and shaping the future.

Commenting on his appointment, he expressed his gratitude and honour at being allowed to address the issues that matter most to young people today. โ€œI am deeply honoured to be appointed to serve on this youth-led platform. This opportunity represents not only a responsibility but also a chance to be a voice for young people and an advocate for meaningful change on issues related to SMEs and tradeโ€. In his view, together as a Committee of the Forum, they must create a dynamic platform where ideas can flourish, challenges are met with innovative solutions, and young people are empowered to lead, inspire, and drive meaningful change.

Currently residing in Wenzhou (China), Mlanjeni is among a group of ten young South African entrepreneurs and students selected to participate in the Sister City International Skills Development Programme. "As I take on this new portfolio, I pledge to serve with integrity, listen attentively, and collaborate effectively, ensuring that our joint efforts foster lasting, positive change not only for the youth in my country but also in strengthening the relationship between our two nations" he vowed.

This six-month long e-commerce initiative is a collaboration between Local Government SETA (LGSETA) and the Cape Winelands Municipality as part of the BRICS countries' collaboration. Throughout the programme, Mlanjeni and fellow participants are engaged in classes, hands-on training, and visits to various businesses, museums, and cultural sites.

โ€œLooking back on my journey so far, I can say that living in China has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The affordable cost of living and the strong sense of safety are just a few aspects Iโ€™ve come to value deeply. I've also gained meaningful insights into cultural differences and made significant progress with the language, which has been truly enlighteningโ€ he reflected.

๐Œ๐๐€๐‚ ๐‚๐‡๐€๐ˆ๐‘๐๐„๐‘๐’๐Ž๐ ๐–๐„๐‹๐‚๐Ž๐Œ๐„๐’ ๐๐„๐– ๐€๐‚๐“๐ˆ๐๐† ๐Œ๐”๐๐ˆ๐‚๐ˆ๐๐€๐‹ ๐Œ๐€๐๐€๐†๐„๐‘Cllr. Hector Yabo, ANC Chief Whip and Chairperson of the Municipal...
09/09/2025

๐Œ๐๐€๐‚ ๐‚๐‡๐€๐ˆ๐‘๐๐„๐‘๐’๐Ž๐ ๐–๐„๐‹๐‚๐Ž๐Œ๐„๐’ ๐๐„๐– ๐€๐‚๐“๐ˆ๐๐† ๐Œ๐”๐๐ˆ๐‚๐ˆ๐๐€๐‹ ๐Œ๐€๐๐€๐†๐„๐‘

Cllr. Hector Yabo, ANC Chief Whip and Chairperson of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC), recently met and engaged with Mr. Raymond Esau, the newly appointed Acting Municipal Manager of the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM). The interaction took place on the sidelines of an MPAC workshop hosted by SALGA in collaboration with the Department of Local Government (DLG).

In his welcoming message, Cllr. Yabo praised Mr. Esau, describing him as someone highly capable of resolving the most complex administrative and legal challenges within the local government sector. โ€œAs far as I know him, I can confidently say that he does things by the book. Simply put, he is โ€˜Mr. Fix-It.โ€™ Mr. Fix-It Esau is here to boost our morale and guide us toward the right path. We also wish him a pleasant and successful stay as part of the CWDM family,โ€ he commented.

With just a week in the role of Accounting Officer, Acting Municipal Manager Mr. Raymond Esau has taken on the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) Council resolutions, ensuring sound financial management, and guiding the delivery of services to all communities. Currently serving as the Director of Strategic Support Services at Breede Valley Municipality (BVM), Mr. Esau was officially seconded to CWDM during a Special Council Meeting held on 1 September. His acting appointment, effective from 3 September 2025, is set for a period of three months.

He is a seasoned legal and municipal executive with over 20 years of senior management experience. An admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa for more than 24 years, he holds an LLM in Public Procurement Policy and Regulation from Stellenbosch University, along with LLB and BProc degrees from the University of the Western Cape. He is widely recognised for his expertise in procurement law, his integrity in public service, and his ability to drive reform and accountability within complex municipal environments.

He is also a member of the Legal Practice Council and the Chartered Institute of Government Finance, Audit and Risk Officers (CIGFARO). Throughout his career, Mr. Esau has been entrusted with key interventions in municipalities across the Western Cape, serving as Acting Municipal Manager (Knysna), Acting CFO (Oudtshoorn), and Implementation Manager (Kannaland). His leadership in supply chain management and financial recovery has strengthened compliance, improved governance, and contributed to successful audit outcomes, including laying the groundwork for Witzenberg Municipalityโ€™s decade of clean audits.

According to Cllr. Yabo, members of the MPAC are confident he will discharge the responsibilities of this office with integrity, diligence, and commitment to the principles of good governance. โ€œGiven that MPAC is tasked with addressing complex issues such as financial misconduct, as well as unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure, including unforeseen and unavoidable expenditures and deviations, it is essential to have someone of Mr. Esauโ€™s calibre to provide the necessary administrative guidance. His expertise will be invaluable in helping MPAC act decisively and in accordance with proper governanceโ€ explained Yabo.

๐˜๐Ž๐”๐๐† ๐๐Ž๐—๐„๐‘๐’ ๐’๐‡๐ˆ๐๐„ ๐๐‘๐ˆ๐†๐‡๐“, ๐‚๐‹๐ˆ๐๐‚๐‡ ๐…๐ˆ๐‘๐’๐“ ๐Œ๐„๐ƒ๐€๐‹๐’ ๐ˆ๐ ๐“๐Ž๐”๐‘๐๐€๐Œ๐„๐๐“The spirit of determination and hard work paid off for a gro...
09/09/2025

๐˜๐Ž๐”๐๐† ๐๐Ž๐—๐„๐‘๐’ ๐’๐‡๐ˆ๐๐„ ๐๐‘๐ˆ๐†๐‡๐“, ๐‚๐‹๐ˆ๐๐‚๐‡ ๐…๐ˆ๐‘๐’๐“ ๐Œ๐„๐ƒ๐€๐‹๐’ ๐ˆ๐ ๐“๐Ž๐”๐‘๐๐€๐Œ๐„๐๐“

The spirit of determination and hard work paid off for a group of promising young boxers who proudly walked away with their very first medals at a recent boxing tournament held in Ceres. The competition, which brought together rising talents from across the region, proved to be a defining moment for these youngsters who are steadily carving their place in the sport.

Cheered on by their coach Xolani Xipu, families, and supporters, the young Battling Birds Boxing Club (BBBC) boxers displayed courage, discipline, and skill well beyond their years. For some of them, stepping into the ring for the first time seemed like a defeat already, but their commitment and resilience saw them earn well-deserved recognition in the form of bronze, silver, and gold medals.

In an exclusive interview, Xipu praised his athletes for their determination, noting that the medals are not only a reward for their hard work but also a stepping stone toward even greater success in their boxing careers. "I was shocked and overjoyed to see my boxers fight like true warriors โ€” five gold medals and one silver! That was incredible. I want to thank Ceres for hosting the tournament; it was a great time in the ring. Thank you so much to the organisers" he reflected.

Xipu is confident that the tournament has opened new doors for these budding champions, creating opportunities for them to compete at higher levels in the near future. "Their success marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey in the world of boxing. We're now focused on correcting mistakes and building on each boxer's strengths as we prepare for the next tournament later this month," he added.

Club Manager Hector Yabo highlighted the importance of reviving the sport, emphasizing its potential to steer young people away from the streets and keep them out of criminal activities. "For this sport to thrive, we need the support of the community" Yabo explained. "This support isnโ€™t necessarily financial; itโ€™s about helping the Battling Birds Boxing Club produce champions like Theo Modise". Parents and community members also expressed their pride, saying the young athletes serve as an inspiration to other youth to pursue positive paths and follow their dreams.

As they celebrate their first taste of victory, these young boxers now carry the hopes of representing their club and community at the upcoming provincial tournament in Mossel Bay. Organized by SANABO, the Western Cape Cadets and Juniors Provincial Boxing Championships will take place on 13โ€“14 September at Barcelona Hall in Mossel Bay.

๐€๐๐‚ ๐๐‘๐Ž๐•๐ˆ๐๐‚๐ˆ๐€๐‹ ๐–๐Ž๐‘๐Š๐’๐‡๐Ž๐ ๐Ž๐ ๐“๐‡๐„ ๐๐†๐‚ ๐ƒ๐Ž๐‚๐”๐Œ๐„๐๐“๐’ ๐‡๐„๐‹๐ƒ ๐ˆ๐ ๐™๐–๐„๐‹๐„๐“๐‡๐„๐Œ๐๐€Earlier today, the African National Congress (ANC) in th...
07/09/2025

๐€๐๐‚ ๐๐‘๐Ž๐•๐ˆ๐๐‚๐ˆ๐€๐‹ ๐–๐Ž๐‘๐Š๐’๐‡๐Ž๐ ๐Ž๐ ๐“๐‡๐„ ๐๐†๐‚ ๐ƒ๐Ž๐‚๐”๐Œ๐„๐๐“๐’ ๐‡๐„๐‹๐ƒ ๐ˆ๐ ๐™๐–๐„๐‹๐„๐“๐‡๐„๐Œ๐๐€

Earlier today, the African National Congress (ANC) in the Boland region hosted a Provincial workshop on the National General Council (NGC) documents, bringing together provincial leaders, regional structures, leagues, and alliance partners to engage in robust discussions on the policy direction of the movement. Among the dignitaries was Comrade Nomakhosazana M**h, the National Executive Committee (NEC) Convener of Deployees, together with other NEC deployees.

Held at the Siyafuneka Primary in Zwelethemba, the workshop focused on critical policy documents tabled for the upcoming NGC, which serves as a mid-term review platform between the National Conference. Delegates deliberated on key issues such as organisational renewal, economic transformation, social development, governance, and international relations. Inputs from the discussions will be consolidated into the provinceโ€™s formal submissions to the NGC.

M**h emphasised the importance of aligning provincial priorities with national policy directives, noting that the workshop provides an opportunity to sharpen contributions ahead of the NGC. The ANC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that these engagements strengthen unity, deepen democratic practices within the movement, and contribute towards advancing the goals of building a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa.

๐ƒ๐Ž๐โ€™๐“ ๐Œ๐ˆ๐’๐’ ๐‹๐”๐๐€๐‘ ๐„๐‚๐‹๐ˆ๐๐’๐„ ๐“๐‡๐ˆ๐’ ๐„๐•๐„๐๐ˆ๐๐† โ€“ ๐Ÿ• ๐’๐„๐๐“ ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“On 7 September 2025, a remarkable celestial event will take place: a ...
07/09/2025

๐ƒ๐Ž๐โ€™๐“ ๐Œ๐ˆ๐’๐’ ๐‹๐”๐๐€๐‘ ๐„๐‚๐‹๐ˆ๐๐’๐„ ๐“๐‡๐ˆ๐’ ๐„๐•๐„๐๐ˆ๐๐† โ€“ ๐Ÿ• ๐’๐„๐๐“ ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“

On 7 September 2025, a remarkable celestial event will take place: a total lunar eclipse, during which the entire Moon will appear red. Lasting for approximately 82 minutes, it will be among the longest eclipses of the decade and will be visible across the country.

No special equipment is required; with clear skies, it can be enjoyed with the naked eye. Donโ€™t miss it! ๐ŸŒ‘ As the moon steals the spotlight, South Africa will witness a total solar eclipse to remember. ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆโœจ

Share your shots with us! ๐Ÿ“ธ๐Ÿ˜‰

Address

79 Daniel Street
Worcester
6852

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Khwezi Times News posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Khwezi Times News:

Share