The Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders has issued a strong condemnation following reports that Solomon Ogbonna Eziko was crowned as a leader of the Igbo community, known as Igwe Ndigbo, during a weekend event in kuGompo.

The area falls under the authority of King Jonguxolo Vululwandle Sandile of the amaRharhabe Kingdom, making the move highly controversial.

Traditional leaders have described the alleged coronation as a direct challenge to recognised authority and a violation of both customary law and national legislation.

In a strongly worded statement, the House said the act shows a troubling disregard for South Africa’s constitutional framework governing traditional leadership.

“This is a flagrant violation of established customary protocols and a direct affront to the institution of traditional leadership,” the House said.

The leaders stressed that no individual or group has the authority to establish a kingship structure outside the legal framework set out in the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act.

They warned that allowing such actions to go unchecked could erode the rule of law and create divisions within communities.

The House also raised concerns about the potential consequences of the incident, saying it could trigger avoidable tensions if not urgently addressed.

“Traditional leaders have consistently stood against xenophobia and division. However, actions of this nature are irresponsible and may provoke conflict,” the statement said.

The House is now demanding an immediate public apology from all those involved and has called for the complete dissolution of what it describes as an illegitimate and self styled kingship.

Authorities are being urged to act swiftly.

The House has called on law enforcement agencies to launch an urgent investigation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable in line with South African law.

It has also urged the national government to take preventative steps, including reviewing legal and immigration compliance linked to the matter.

The controversy has sparked wider debate about cultural recognition, community leadership and the limits of authority within South Africa’s diverse society.

As pressure mounts, all eyes are now on government and law enforcement to determine how this sensitive and potentially explosive situation will be resolved.

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According to the investigation thus far, the young boy was allegedly taken from his home in Ebhongweni Location, KuGompo, on Monday.

His mother filed a missing person report at the police station the following afternoon.

EC SAPS Spokesperson Brigadier Nobunti Gantana said an extensive search operation was immediately launched by SAPS members.

“During the course of the preliminary investigation, information was received pointing to a possible suspect. Following consultation with the Prosecutor, a case of Kidnapping and Defeating the Ends of Justice was formally opened.

“The matter was scheduled for its first court appearance on 09 March 2026; however, the docket was not enrolled on that date as investigations were still active and ongoing,” said Gantana.

Gantana said on Tuesday, the search efforts intensified.

“A multidisciplinary team comprising members of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, the K9 Unit, and the Eastern Cape Human Rights and Missing Persons Unit (working on behalf of the National Prosecuting Authority) continued the search in the area. Tragically, the body of the young boy was recovered from a dam approximately one kilometre from his home.

“The scene was processed by forensic experts, and the body has since been transported to a state mortuary for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. The investigation is ongoing, with statements being gathered regarding circumstantial evidence obtained,” Gantana said.

She said that a charge of murder will be added to the charge sheet, or alternatively, an inquest docket will be opened, depending on the evidence presented and the direction from the prosecuting authority.

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The area is situated under Kumkani Mhlontlo local municipality in the Eastern Cape Province.

Municipality Spokesperson Ncebakazi Kolwane Nyandeni says the municipality dispatched two fire tankers and a fire engine. Kolwane_ Nyandeni could not confirm the cause of the fire.

“Our emergency personnel are at the scene to assess the full extent of the damage. We can not at the moment confirm if people were injured in the incident, ” said Kolwane Nyandeni

Municipality emphasized that operation teams remain actively engaged in firefighting efforts and communication with them is limited at this moment.

However, residents in the surrounding area are urged to exercise caution and allow emergency services to carry out their work safely.

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The conviction relates to a December 2023 attack at the Kariega railway station, where a female security officer was raped during a robbery incident.

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According to police, dedicated investigative work and DNA analysis conducted by the Provincial Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit together with the Serious and Violent Crime Investigation team led to the accused being positively linked to the crime. DNA evidence also connected him to a separate rape case in Butterworth, where he had already been serving a lengthy prison sentence.

The court sentenced the accused on five counts. It further ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

Check out: The court sentenced parolee Ayanda Dayi To Four Life Terms For Murder Of Four Men

Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Major General Vuyisile Ncata, commended Detective Constable Vuyolwethu Mpendu and the investigative team for their commitment and perseverance in securing justice for the survivor.

The South African Police Service reaffirmed its firm stance against gender based violence and its ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable members of the community.

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Real name Mlindelwa Tyekeni fromntje Eastern Cape, Man B continues to position himself as one of South Africa’s most committed agents of positive change.

Beyond the spotlight, Man B has built a thriving business ecosystem that currently employs over 1,000 security personnel, making him a significant contributor to job creation and economic empowerment.

His mission is clear, build sustainable opportunities while transforming lives.

At the heart of his youth development drive is his recording label, which has already signed and nurtured more than 50 young artists, providing them with professional platforms, mentorship, and industry exposure.

“Artists under Man B Entertainment are not only signed, they release music that is available on all major digital platforms, secure performance gigs, have music videos playing on television, and songs receiving airplay on radio. Man B does not simply keep artists on his roster, he actively builds, develops, and elevates them into working professionals. But Man B is not stopping there, Introducing the Man B Entertainment Academy.

In a bold step towards long-term impact, Man B has launched the Man B Entertainment Academy.

“This a dynamic institution dedicated to grooming, equipping, and empowering young talent across South Africa, completely free of charge to all enrolled students. The academy aims to identify raw, undiscovered talent, provide structured skills development, offer mentorship and industry access, create real employment and performance opportunities.

“There is incredible talent in our communities, yet many young people don’t know where to begin and for some, lack of funds makes it even harder to pursue their dreams. I’ve made it my responsibility to open those doors for free.” says Man B. National talent search underway

To expand his reach, Man B is currently rolling out a nationwide talent search that will extend beyond the Eastern Cape into multiple provinces.

“My vision is inclusive and far-reaching, ensuring that opportunity is not limited by geography. The talent search will, scout emerging performers across provinces, enrol selected talent into the academy, provide professional development pathways, connect youth to real industry opportunities.This initiative directly addresses urgent social challenges by diverting young people from drug abuse, crime, and hopelessness, replacing risk with purpose and possibility,” he said. Another strategic expansion, Man B is venturing into the film and television industry, where he plans to produce powerful edutainment content that tackles real issues affecting South African communities.Through storytelling, he aims to raise social awareness ,inspire behavioural change, create more jobs in the creative sector, amplify authentic South African voices. A Mission Rooted in Purpose Man B’s work is driven by a deep commitment to giving back and uplifting the underserved.

“His growing ecosystem, spanning music, security, education, and now film, reflects a leader who understands that true success is measured by how many lives you change.

As South Africa continues to grapple with youth unemployment and social challenges, Man B’s multi sector approach offers a practical and inspiring blueprint for community transformation,” he said.

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SAPS Mount Road (Mount Road Visible Policing) VISPOL in Gqeberha in Eastern Cape where members dealt a significant blow to the illegal abalone trade following the arrest of three suspects found in possession of a large quantity of dried abalone.

SAPS spokesperperson, Janse van Rensburg said SAPS Mount Road members were conducting patrols in the Deal Party area, including the parking area at New Brighton Beach.

The location had previously been identified as a hotspot for diesel theft from horse-and-trailer trucks.

During the patrol, members noticed a large liquor transport truck parked nearby and spotted a one-ton Tata light delivery vehicle where three suspects were busy loading 17 black plastic bags onto the truck.

“Members immediately conducted an inspection and discovered that all the bags were filled with dried abalone.

A total of 11 170 units of dried abalone, with an estimated street value of approximately R2.6 million, were confiscated,” she said.

She said: “The successful operation represents a significant setback for organised illegal abalone operations operating within the region.

The three suspects, aged between 25 and 38, were arrested and detained for contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act (Act 18 of 1998, Regulation 36(1)) regarding the illegal possession and transportation of abalone without a valid permit.

This arrest marks a major disruption to the illegal abalone trafficking industry on Tuesday.

SAPS urges communities to report any suspicious activities related to the illegal harvesting, transportation or trade of marine resources.

Police will continue to intensify operations targeting environmental crimes and organised criminal networks to protect South Africa’s natural heritage and ensure offenders are brought to justice.

The accused will appear in court soon.

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The grandson of Robert Sobukwe shared that while the recognition keeps his grandfather’s legacy alive, the backlash has been tough to endure. He noted that the town’s history is steeped in colonial and apartheid influences, and resistance from certain groups was anticipated, especially those holding economic power. What surprised him most was hearing similar sentiments from younger residents.

The name change, approved by the arts and culture minister, is one of 21 such updates across the country aimed at addressing historical injustices in place names. For the family, it’s a bittersweet step toward preserving the memory of a freedom fighter, but they worry about the fragility of such tributes in a changing political landscape.

Critics, including opposition politicians, argue the decision overlooks local sentiments and feels like a political maneuver rather than genuine redress. One lawmaker emphasized that while Sobukwe was a key historical figure, the original name holds deep roots for the community, and the process sidelined residents’ input. Objections are being prepared, with a deadline approaching to challenge the gazette notice.

Another political group urged people to reject the change, viewing it as an erosion of shared heritage, particularly for Afrikaner communities. They called for unity in preserving the town’s original identity, warning that it fosters division instead of addressing pressing national problems.

Defenders from Sobukwe’s own political party pushed back, saying the opposition stems from fear of the ideals he stood for—ideas so potent that even during apartheid, he was isolated in solitary confinement. They framed the renaming as a vital part of decolonization and confronting historical truths.

As debates rage online and in communities, the family calls for embracing change, reminding everyone of the painful past where many names were imposed without consent. They hope this sparks broader awareness of Sobukwe’s contributions, even as they navigate the emotional toll.

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The incident is said to have occurred at Msintsi Location near Ntabozuko, outside KuGompo, formerly known as East London.

Seven children, aged between four and seven, were admitted to Cecilia Makiwane Hospital on Saturday after suddenly falling ill.

Health officials say six of the children are from Msintsi, while one child is from NU3 in Mdantsane.

The children reportedly showed symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and dizziness. Despite emergency medical efforts, two children were declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

Five children are still receiving medical care. One child has been placed on a ventilator and transferred to Frere Hospital for specialised treatment, while the remaining four are reported to be in stable condition and continue to be monitored.

Preliminary information provided by families suggests that six of the children had been playing together and had eaten snacks before becoming ill.

The circumstances surrounding the illness of the child from Mdantsane are still being investigated.

The cause of the suspected food poisoning has not yet been confirmed.

The Eastern Cape Department of Health says emergency and outbreak response protocols were immediately activated, and environmental health practitioners have been deployed to identify the source of the contamination.

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Mabuyane said these engagements breached established diplomatic protocol, undermining South Africa’s constitutional system in which international cooperation must be managed through national channels such as the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the National Treasury.

He called the actions an affront to the country’s sovereignty.

The premier has instructed the provincial Health MEC to investigate how the donations were accepted and said the government will work with national authorities to prevent future unauthorized foreign engagements.

Critics argue foreign diplomats must follow proper diplomatic channels, and that traditional leaders like King Dalindyebo have no mandate to engage independently with international missions on behalf of the province.

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The President of the Azania Movement, Nolubabalo Mcinga, a native of Graaff-Reinet, led this effort as a legacy to her hometown, guided by the Azania Movement’s principle of achieving transformation through finding real solutions to urgent matters affecting our communities and country, research, written correspondences, round-table engagement, and disciplined intellectual work, rather than pickets, protests, or public spectacle.

In 2024, while serving in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) representing the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), President Mcinga tabled a Motion Without Notice calling for the renaming to honour Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe.

The process faced delays and resistance. In a written response dated 28 March 2025, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Honourable Gayton McKenzie, cited concerns regarding public participation and petitions opposing the renaming, referring the matter back to the province.

President Mcinga did not pause. She challenged the delays and Minister McKenzie’s response, engaged directly with the Eastern Cape Geographical Names Committee (ECPGNC), requested access to petitions, and ensured the people’s submission was fully considered. The process was strengthened by academic support from historian Dr JJ Klaas (PhD, Cambridge University).

The Deputy Chairperson of the South African Geographical Names Council (SAGNC), Mr Johnny Mohlala, confirmed that during a meeting on 26 January 2026, the ECPGNC submitted the names for standardisation, and Minister Gayton McKenzie formally approved the renaming of Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town, alongside other Eastern Cape.

“The renaming of Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town proves that structured engagement, intellectual rigor, and disciplined persistence deliver real transformation. For the people of Robert Sobukwe Town, it corrects a colonial legacy and restores historical dignity. Our next step will be to advocate for the renaming of the country itself, as ‘South Africa’ is not a proper name but a geographic direction on the continent. Our main focus as Azania Movement remains ending poverty, and this is just the beginning. We have engaged specialists, experts, and supportive countries of BRICS to assist the Azania Movement to make this project a success, and we will be engaging the President of the Republic, Cyril Ramaphosa, to work with us to implement solutions,” said Nolubabalo Mcinga, President of the Azania Movement.

We as the Azania Movement remain committed to this mission.

From Emancipation To Solutions.

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