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Thousands of Walter Sisulu University students in private residences in KuGompo City face the prospect of having their electricity supply and internet cut while writing their end-of-year examinations.
HIGHER EDUCATION
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WSU students face power, Wi-Fi blackout during exams

  • Asanda Nini
  • Sinazo Ngange
Fromer Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism CEO Vuyani Dayimani has been appointed as CEO of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Development Agency.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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New BCMDA boss tasked with reviving stalled Buffalo City projects

The Buffalo City Metropolitan Development Agency has appointed former tourism boss Vuyani Dayimani as permanent CEO to lead…

  • Sivenathi Gosa
An unemployed young South African pleads for money or food at a street corner
EASTERN CAPE
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Eastern Cape unemployment rises to 44.3% despite job gains

The Eastern Cape’s official unemployment rate reached 44.3% in the third quarter despite adding 36,000 jobs, as an influx of job…

  • Daily Dispatch Business Desk
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Chippa United set to move to KuGompo City after Gqeberha municipal deal collapses

  • Anathi Wulushe
  • Mpumzi Mshweshwe
  • Vuyokazi Nkanjeni

Thami Dickson appointed business manager of Umhlobo Wenene FM and TruFM

  • Malibongwe Dayimani
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UDM guns for power in Buffalo City, KSD

  • Mandilakhe Kwababana
  • Aphiwe Deklerk
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Qonce musician uses song to speak out against gender-based violence

  • Onela Rungqu
UDM King Sabata Dalindyebo mayoral candidate, Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase.
ELECTIONS
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'We love ANC, but we love our houses more'

Frustrated by persistent service delivery failures, dry taps, and potholes, affluent ratepayers in Mthatha have voted in droves for the UDM,…

  • Lulamile Feni
Fish eagle reigns in Qinera estuary.
ENVIRONMENT

Residents battle alone as treasured Qinira drowns in waste

Drone footage reveals the dire state of the Qinira River as untreated sewage continues to pour into local waterways, leaving exhausted civic leaders…

  • Mike Loewe
CRIME
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Robbery suspect killed, two wounded in shootout with police in Mdantsane

An armed robbery suspect was shot dead and two others were wounded and arrested after a high-speed police chase and shootout near Mdantsane.

  • Sivenathi Gosa
GREEN LUNGS: Qinirha Estuary mouth. Picture: SUPPLIED
ENVIRONMENT

How estuary management forums work to protect vulnerable waterways

Estuary management forums are acting as the last line of defence for vulnerable coastal ecosystems like the Qinira Estuary, rallying public…

  • Mike Loewe
Ngcobo Yethu Civic Organisation formed in November 8,2025, has won three seats in the Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality at its first attempt to enter the political space during last week's local government elections. Pictured is chairperson Gcobani Nkwele.
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New civic group wins seats in Dr AB Xuma amid ballot controversy

Despite celebrating its first anniversary on Sunday, the Ngcobo Yethu Civic Organisation (NYCO) is entering the political arena with confidence…

  • Sikho Ntshobane
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Politics
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UDM president Bantu Holomisa. File photo.
ELECTIONS
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UDM guns for power in Buffalo City, KSD

Following significant losses in the local government elections, the African National Congress…

  • Mandilakhe Kwababana
  • Aphiwe Deklerk
UDM King Sabata Dalindyebo mayoral candidate, Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase.
ELECTIONS
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'We love ANC, but we love our houses more'

Frustrated by persistent service delivery failures, dry taps, and potholes, affluent…

  • Lulamile Feni
Ngcobo Yethu Civic Organisation formed in November 8,2025, has won three seats in the Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality at its first attempt to enter the political space during last week's local government elections. Pictured is chairperson Gcobani Nkwele.
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New civic group wins seats in Dr AB Xuma amid ballot controversy

Despite celebrating its first anniversary on Sunday, the Ngcobo Yethu Civic Organisation…

  • Sikho Ntshobane
With ANCYL regional secretary Mzobanzi Nkwentsha, second from left, as he addresses a gathering of about 50 people, are incoming councillors Nokulunga Ngxingo (Ward 13), Unathi Klaas (Ward 10) and Bekithemba Mabona (Ward 2)
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Makana ANC's young guard rules out working with DA in coalition

Winning just 10 out of 25 seats in the Makana local council, the ANC has lost its majority…

  • Sue Maclennan
Outgoing three-term Coffee Bay councillor Jeffrey Msakeni.

Long-standing Coffee Bay councillor happy to take back seat after election loss

After 15 years representing the Wild Coast communities of Coffee Bay and Hole-in-the-Wall,…

  • Lulamile Feni
Electoral Commission of South Africa officials at the results operational centre at the East London International Convention Centre.
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ActionSA and PA set to make debut in BCM council

ActionSA and the PA will make their debut in Buffalo City’s 100-member council with two seats…

  • Mandilakhe Kwababana
SACP Eastern Cape secretary Xolile Nqatha.
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Communists stand and deliver in Eastern Cape

Contesting elections on its own for the first time, the South African Communist Party (SACP)…

  • Asanda Nini
ANC Eastern Cape provincial chair Oscar Mabuyane.
ELECTIONS
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Haggling begins as parties vie for control of hung councils

Political parties have started intense negotiations to take control of hung municipalities in…

  • Mandilakhe Kwababana
  • Asanda Nini
Bhekizenzo Gigi, centre, has held onto Ward 14.
ELECTIONS

Independent councillor Gigi holds onto seat in Kumkani Mhlontlo

Independent candidate Bhekizenzo Gigi has won a second term as Ward 14 councillor in the…

  • Lulamile Feni
The ATM's Sabelo Ngqeleni has won Ward 19 (including Qunu) in the King Sabata Dalindyebo in Mthatha, after the ANC failed to even field a candidate.
ELECTIONS
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ANC loses Nelson Mandela's home ward of to ATM after candidate blunder

The ANC has lost Ward 19 in Qunu, Nelson Mandela’s childhood home and burial site, to the…

  • Lulamile Feni
Lifestyle
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0110

Mdantsane teen Black Mamba determined to make his mark

  • Sinazo Ngange
Multitalented Eastern Cape artist Luthando Mzi says he discovered his gift when he was in primary school in 2006
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Qonce musician uses song to speak out against gender-based violence

  • Onela Rungqu
Thami Dickson
BROADCASTING

Thami Dickson appointed business manager of Umhlobo Wenene FM and TruFM

  • Malibongwe Dayimani
The boat Solo slides into Gonubie river on the way to the ocean.

DELORIS KOAN | When male laundry pride must give way to womanly acts of love

Artist Juliet Greig

IN THE GARDEN | At home with artist Juliet Greig

  • Julia Smith
MUSIC

Nia Pearl takes The G Lounge stage at Berlin November 2026

The band Georgetown will perform live at Bay Collective in Beacon Bay on Friday, starting at 8pm.
EVENTS

East London Gig Guide: top events and entertainment this November

ANIMAL WELFARE

Outdoor adventure day in Cintsa backs rehabilitation of rescued horses

  • Siphosethu Ngcangisa
SURFING

AT THE BEACH | Navigating grief, memories of Nahoon Reef, and saltwater therapy

  • Nick Pike
Acclaimed filmmaker Etienne Fourie has published his debut children's book, 'InterVille'. Picture: BRENDA VELDTMAN

From Trompoppie to magic portals: Etienne Fourie launches debut adventure 'InterVille'

  • Barbara Hollands
Drag to explore
Sport
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Zubayr Hamza believes his time at the Lions has given him a different perspective ahead of his Proteas return
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Hamza returns with fresh perspective

Top-order batter Zubayr Hamza reflects on how four seasons with the DP World Lions shaped his…

  • Amir Chetty
Silver medallist South Africa's Tatjana Smith poses with her medal after the women's 200m breastsroke swimming event during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Paris La Defense Arena in Nanterre, west of Paris, on August 1, 2024.
SWIMMING

South Africa Olympic gold medallist Smith to swim for Netherlands

Double Olympic swimming champion Tatjana Smith has announced she is switching her…

  • AFP
Bradley Birkoltz, the man behind the Xerox Lightning Fast, enjoys a perfect morning at the 10km race

Excitement as Jilingisi wins Xerox Lightning Fast 10km

The Xerox Lightning Fast 10km took its name originally in 1986, perhaps more in hope than…

  • Bob Norris
The Merrifield College team were crowned Eastern Cape provincial champions at the 2026 Alexander Forbes Battle Boards Tournament.
CHESS

Merrifield chess teams enjoy successful 2026 season

Merrifield Prep School and College have enjoyed an outstanding 2026 chess season, claiming…

Referee Allen Matakane counts out Abelo Tokwe, who was knocked out by Lonwabo Sizani, in their junior-lightweight clash at the Guild Theatre last week.

Sizani's camp caution against shortcuts despite redemption victory

The handlers of Mdantsane knockout specialist Lonwabo Sizani, who has bounced back to winning…

  • Mesuli Zifo
Pitso Mosimane (coach) of Bafana Bafana during the South African national men's soccer team training at Milpark Stadium on Monday (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

Job threatened McCarthy makes Kenya dangerous test for Bafana - Mosimane

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has warned his squad against complacency ahead of their…

  • Anathi Wulushe
TAKE THAT. Siyamthanda Mbali rocks Masivuye Piliso during their EC flyweight title clash at the Guild Theatre recently
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Mbali, Nxayiphi showdown looms as potential SA flyweight title eliminator

A battle between two KuGompo City boxers may serve as a title eliminator for the SA flyweight…

  • Mesuli Zifo
South Africa's forward Lyle Foster chases Nicaragua's midfielder #03 Joab Alexander during the international friendly football match between South Africa and Nicaragua at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on May 29, 2026. (Photo by Phill Magakoe / AFP)

Mosimane challenges Foster to fight his way back to being Bafana starter

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has laid down the gauntlet for striker Lyle Foster,…

  • Anathi Wulushe
Chippa United chairperson Siviwe 'Chippa' Mpengesi.
SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALL
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Chippa United set to move to KuGompo City after Gqeberha municipal deal collapses

Chippa United will permanently relocate their headquarters from Gqeberha to KuGompo City…

  • Anathi Wulushe
  • Mpumzi Mshweshwe
  • Vuyokazi Nkanjeni
Chippa United owner Siviwe Mpengesi
FOOTBALL
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Chippa United mull permanent Gqeberha exit after Chiefs clash

Chippa United chair Siviwe Mpengesi says the upcoming Betway Premiership match against Kaizer…

  • Vuyokazi Nkanjeni
Opinion
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ByEditorial Comment

Coalitions must deliver, not divide

The much-awaited results of the local government elections are out. We congratulate the Electoral Commission of SA for delivering on its mandate…

ByNkosikhulule Nyembezi

Point Of Order | South African voters punish delinquent councillors in local elections

Several delinquent councillors have spent the past five years trying to undermine South African democracy. Last Wednesday, a combined…

ByVusumzi Vusie Mba

Vusumzi Vusie Mba | Province needs progress, not former Bantustan capitals rivalry

Dear Prince Mlimandlela Ndamase, Ah Mandlezulu! I write this open letter not out of disrespect, nor out of disregard for the traditional leaders and…

ByEditorial Comment

Voters deliver clear mandate for accountability and basic services

Millions of South Africans have cast their ballots in the local government elections, delivering an unmistakable message that communities demand…

BySiphiwo Fumbeza

INSIGHT | Agoa loss: SA needs trade diplomacy, not political theatre

The fallout surrounding South Africa's trade relations and potential loss of benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act highlights the…

BySharon Hamman

Why local elections matter to your finances

We tend to think of financial planning as decisions made around the dining room table: budgeting, saving for emergencies, settling debt, investing…