Daily Dispatch - The biggest stories from the Eastern Cape

World-class R416m cancer unit opened in Mthatha

Pupils from Embekweni Primary School walk to school after transport operators cancelled scholar transport services over non payment.

EDUCATION

Province taken to court over scholar transport failures

The South African Human Rights Commission is dragging the Eastern Cape government back to court over its ongoing failure to fund…

Asanda Nini

Young people led by non-profit organisation Equal Education gather ahead of a march to the Office of the Premier in Bhisho to hand over a petition calling on premier Oscar Mabuyane to facilitate greater youth employment.

Jobless youth take vote warning to Mabuyane's door

Frustrated unemployed young people and Equal Education members have marched on Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane's Bhisho…

Mpumzi Mshweshwe
Onela Rungqu

Buffalo City businesses take top honours in entrepreneurship programme

Nwabisa Mahlambeni

Saki Macozoma appointed next WSU chancellor

Lulamile Feni

Mobara calls for unity as Chippa seek redemption against Stellenbosch

Vuyokazi Nkanjeni

Debt owed to metro for rates and services balloons to R11bn

Asanda Nini

DD291026 GEORGETOWN2
Georgetown will perform live at the Bay Collective in Beacon Bay on Friday. Picture: INSTAGRAM

ENTERTAINMENT

Gig Guide | Music, markets and Halloween festivities

Discover upcoming events across East London, featuring Halloween parties, live concerts, theatrical productions, outdoor trail challenges, and…

GOSPEL MUSIC

Gospel artist Sakhele Tom releases new single 'Ngena' ahead of 14-track album

Phumlani gospel artist Sakhele Tom has launched his new single Ngena, with plans for a music video ahead of a 14-track album release next year.

Siphosethu Ngcangisa

More than 100 guests gathered at East London Golf Club on Saturday for the launch of 'Beyond The Glow: A Clinical Guide to Loving the Skin You Live In'. From left are Dr Nondumiso Ngxola, Dr Silindile Sibisi, MC Hlumela Qabo, Dr Andiswa Skenjana, Dr Mamelo Ntsele and Dr Viwe Nogaga.

SKINCARE

Expert advice on how to get your glow on while caring for your skin

Dermatologist Dr Andiswa Skenjana launches her debut skincare guide, 'Beyond The Glow', offering science-backed advice tailored for all skin types,…

Siphosethu Ngcangisa

MUSIC

Afro-soul artist Thuladiva champions hope in latest release

Eastern Cape Afro-soul singer Nokutula Mzendana, known as Thuladiva, has released her inspiring new single, Ntinga Ntaka, urging listeners to…

Siphosethu Ngcangisa

Small business development minister Stella Ndabeni urged municipalities in the Eastern Cape to create an environment where small businesses could thrive during a business breakfast in Port St Johns.

Ndabeni urges stronger value chains and digital access for rural businesses

Small business development minister Stella Ndabeni has called for a coordinated effort between government, established corporations, and financial…

Sikho Ntshobane

Politics

Cogta declares Elundini municipality's move to withhold ANC councillors' pay illegal

The Eastern Cape Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs has declared…

Asanda Nini

The community of Chris Hani Park in Mthatha says they gave no water supply for five years and depend on private water deliveries water to the community.

Dry taps and broken roads leave Mthatha residents questioning need to vote

Residents of Chris Hani Park in Mthatha have faced five years without reliable tap water,…

Lulamile Feni

ANC general secretary Fikile Mbalula with Dr Rubusana regional chairperson Princess Faku during his campaign train in Gompo Hall in Duncan Village on Tuesday.

ANC

ANC a shield for SA's people, Mbalula says

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has urged supporters in Duncan Village to defend freedom…

Sino Majangaza
Buhle Sirayi
Onela Rungqu

ANC leaders declare Eastern Cape united ahead of elections

After a turbulent year marked by factional battles, branch disputes, a collapsed provincial…

Asanda Nini

As millions are expected to cast their votes come November 4, villagers in Mfabantu village in Tsolo will be going about their business and boycotting the elections due to ward delimitation. No one in the village registered to vote.

Villagers refuse to vote due to ward transfer

Residents of Mfabantu village in Tsolo have resolved to boycott the upcoming elections…

Ziyanda Zweni

Only one lift has been working for about two months in the municipality's Lilian Diedericks Building

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Municipal staff reach new heights of frustration over broken lifts

Hundreds of Nelson Mandela Bay municipal employees have been left climbing up to 17 flights…

Nomazima Nkosi

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula addresses party members at a mini-rally in Zwelitsha on Monday. Picture: ZIYANDA ZWENI

ANC

Mbalula urges ANC unity ahead of elections

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has urged supporters in Buffalo City Metro to prioritise…

Ziyanda Zweni

Nelson Mandela's relative and great-grandson and neighbour Xolani Mandela, is a UDM Ward 19 candidate, which includes Qunu in the Mthatha-based King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality. The ANC has no candidate in the Mandela village where he lies buried. Pictures LULAMILE FENI

ANC fails to field candidate in ward where Mandela grew up and is buried

For the first time since 1994, the ANC will not field a candidate in Ward 19 of the King…

Lulamile Feni

UDM deputy president and MP Nqabayomzi Kwankwa with United Democratic Student Movement members during a visit to Walter Sisulu University’s Butterworth campus.

UDM promises economic revival in campaign visit to amaRharhabe kingdom

During an election campaign visit to the amaRharhabe kingdom, the UDM pledged to revive…

Mfundo Piliso

EFF leader Julius Malema does door-to-door visits with residents of Bhongweni.

SOUTH AFRICA ELECTIONS

22 OCT 2026

Malema backs scrapping of 35-year age limit on government jobs

EFF leader Julius Malema has pledged to scrap the 35-year age limit on government jobs and…

Mandilakhe Kwababana

Lifestyle

01/10

ENTERTAINMENT

Gig Guide | Music, markets and Halloween festivities

GOSPEL MUSIC

Gospel artist Sakhele Tom releases new single 'Ngena' ahead of 14-track album

Siphosethu Ngcangisa

SKINCARE

Expert advice on how to get your glow on while caring for your skin

Siphosethu Ngcangisa

MUSIC

Afro-soul artist Thuladiva champions hope in latest release

Siphosethu Ngcangisa

Entertainer Gino Fabbri, who has brought his drumming joy-fest to Cape Town after a hugely successful tour of the Eastern Cape and Garden Route, in full swing.

ARTS AND CULTURE

Eastern Cape comic Gino Fabbri unites communities with township beats

Gospel Goes Classical Whiter Than Snow will host a live recording concert on Saturday at the Christian Centre in Abbotsford. Picture: SUPPLIED

Whiter Than Snow live recording in Abbotsford

Siphosethu Ngcangisa

Comedican Barry Hilton is bringing his show 'Audience Unplugged' to Bay Collective in Beacon Bay on Thursday.

COMEDY

Veteran comedian Barry Hilton champions laughter and mental wellbeing on Eastern Cape tour

Siphosethu Ngcangisa

Late brother's beloved flower inspires national fashion title

Buhle Sirayi

The Buffalo City Film Festival will honour the late filmmaker Ben Nomoyi, pictured here, with the premiere of Derrick Makaula's documentary, 'Ben Nomoyi: Portrait of a Legend'.

Remembering Ben Nomoyi, the Eastern Cape storytelling pioneer whose legacy transformed SA cinema

Vukile Pokwana

MUSIC

High ticket demand pushes Asanda Empire music festival to Buffalo Park

Sinazo Ngange
Onela Rungqu

Drag to explore

Sport

South Africa's Matthew Breetzke plays a shot on day three of the third Test match between South Africa and Australia at Newlands stadium in Cape Town on October 29, 2026.

Video

First hour of day four will be key for SA batters says Harmer

Simon Harmer warns South Africa must focus strictly on surviving the opening hour of day four…

Amir Chetty At Newlands

Australia's Josh Inglis raises his bat and helmet to celebrate after scoring a century on day three of the third Test match between South Africa and Australia at Newlands stadium in Cape Town on October 29, 2026.

Video

Inglis backs Australia to strike again

Following a crucial century at Newlands, Josh Inglis is confident Australia can capitalize on…

Amir Chetty At Newlands

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz celebrates victory after the Carling Knockout Cup, last 16 match against TS Galaxy at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

SOCCER

Pirates, Chiefs renew fierce rivalry in Soweto derby

Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs renew their fierce rivalry this Saturday in the 186th…

Sports Reporter

SA's Simon Harmer took two crucial wickets to remove both Josh Inglis and Alex Carey during their third Test match against Australia at Newlands in Cape Town on October 29.

Proteas take slender Newlands lead

Marques Ackerman and Temba Bavuma fought back on day three of the Newlands Test, guiding…

Amir Chetty At Newlands

BETWAY PREMIERSHIP

Mobara calls for unity as Chippa seek redemption against Stellenbosch

Chippa United midfielder Abbubaker Mobara has called for unity and mental fortitude as the…

Vuyokazi Nkanjeni

Gamrose set early pace in Premier League

Gamrose CC lead the way in the NMBCA Premier League after three straight wins, setting up a…

Amir Chetty

Proteas left arm quick Marco Jansen crossed the landmark of 100 International Test wickets with a double strike at Newlands on Wednesday, but with Australia one run ahead, a disciplined showing from the bowling attack will be key on day three.

Proteas must remain disciplined on day three, says Botha

Proteas bowling coach Piet Botha urges discipline and patience on day three at Newlands as…

Amir Chetty At Newlands

Australia's Matt Renshaw plays a ball on day two of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on October 10, 2026.

Inglis-Carey stand shifted momentum, says Renshaw

Matt Renshaw praised Josh Inglis and Alex Carey for their composed, counter-attacking…

Amir Chetty At Newlands

FOOTBALL

Achievers crowned inaugural Nkolombe Heritage champions

Achievers FC claimed the inaugural Nkolombe Heritage Knockout Championship trophy following a…

Daily Dispatch Correspondent

Iinyathi's Sithembile Langa celebrates the wicket of Warriors' Modiri Litheko with teammates at Buffalo Park on Saturday.

Iinyathi pleased with finishing Pro20 on a high

Though not proceeding to the next round of the Pro20 Cup, the Eastern Cape Iinyathi says that…

Anathi Wulushe

Opinion

ByLuvuko Nkwenkwe

LUVUKO NKWENKWE | Hope, promises is not enough — voters want delivery

As South Africa approaches another round of local government elections, a familiar sense of cautious optimism is returning to communities…

ByBhekisisa Jacob Mthembu

JACOB MTHEMBU | A silent majority decides nothing

The outcome of South Africa's 2026 local government elections will not hinge on rally crowds, opinion polls, or social-media sentiment, but on the…

Refurbished railway stations must be protected and maintained

A R115m refurbishment of vandalised railway stations brings renewed hope for commuters, but sustainable security and community vigilance remain…

BySibonise Mabengwana

SIBONISE MABENGWANA | Your child's future is on the ballot

On November 4, South Africans will elect the people who will run their municipalities. Councillors decide whether your street is tarred, your tap…

ByEditorial Comment

Police must explain why sensitive documents left in abandoned office

Police in KuGompo City are renting offices around Mdantsane and in the CBD. While the charges for the rented offices could not be ascertained, it is…

ByXolisile Ngumbela

INSIGHT | The Irish coffee test: Will coalitions serve residents or politicians?

As South Africa prepares for the 2026 local government elections, an Irish coffee metaphor highlights the crucial test facing coalition politics:…