By Phumlani Saul

From the early afternoon, streams of excited festivalgoers filled the stadium, creating a sea of colour, sound and anticipation.

With every ticket sold out, the atmosphere was electric—an unmistakable sign of Ebubeleni’s enduring appeal and its powerful connection with audiences across generations. Laughter, fashion statements and familiar melodies floated through the air as the crowd prepared for what promised to be a memorable celebration.

This year’s line-up stood tall as one of the most diverse in recent festival history: a bold blend of chart-topping stars, beloved crowd favourites and cross-genre icons. Performances flowed seamlessly into one another, maintaining high energy and keeping the audience engaged well into the evening.

One of the most unforgettable moments came when acclaimed vocalist Nathi took to the stage. As the opening notes of his timeless hit “Nomvula” rang out, the stadium transformed into a single, powerful choir. Thousands of voices rose in unison, mobile phone lights illuminated the night sky, and for a few magical minutes, the boundary between artist and audience disappeared.

It was a moving reminder of music’s power to connect, heal and celebrate shared identity.

Beyond the music, the festival embodied the true spirit of Ebubeleni—community, pride and joy. Families, friends and visitors from across the country gathered not just to be entertained, but to mark the closing chapter of the year together.

The sense of unity was unmistakable, reinforcing the festival’s reputation as more than just a concert, but a cultural gathering.

However, as the final beats faded and the clock struck 00:00, a wave of disappointment rippled through sections of the crowd. Many attendees expressed dissatisfaction with the early ending, noting that previous editions stretched later into the night and allowed for a more gradual, celebratory close. For some, the abrupt ending felt like an unfinished sentence in an otherwise beautiful story.

Others voiced concern over the noticeable shift in the line-up. Compared to last year, the festival featured fewer vocal artists and a heavier presence of DJs, a change that did not resonate with all fans—particularly those who attend Ebubeleni for live singing and soulful performances.

Zoliswa Sobuqe (34) Told Daily Kasi News  “The vibe was good, but we missed the voices,”said Zoliswa

One festivalgoer Lazola Mazaza remarked, echoing a sentiment shared widely on social media.

“Disappointed with the lineup – loved the bands but felt like there were too few vocal artists. Also, the time flew by – felt like we needed more hours in the festival!”

“Huge bummer they didn’t have more vocal artists . Time also went way too fast, felt like we just got there and it was over! “

Still, despite these criticisms, the overall mood remained appreciative. Ebubeleni once again proved its ability to bring people together, create unforgettable moments and spark meaningful conversation about the future of live music festivals.

As the dust settles and memories linger, one thing is clear: Ebubeleni continues to matter deeply to its audience. With its strong foundation, passionate supporters and a willingness to listen to feedback, the festival has every opportunity to return next year even stronger—louder, longer, and more balanced in its celebration of both voices and beats.

By Daily Kasi News reporter

POLICE are searching for the family of an unidentified man who died from stab wounds after being dropped off at Livingstone Hospital on Sunday.

According to police, the man, described as a coloured male believed to be between 30 and 35 years old, was brought to the hospital at about 1:45pm by people believed to be his family. He had sustained a stab wound to the abdomen.

Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said medical staff asked the family to open a patient file while doctors treated the man. However, those who brought him to the hospital allegedly left the premises without providing their names or any further information.

“The deceased later succumbed to his injuries,” Janse van Rensburg said.
The man was wearing a white skipper top with a zip. He is slender in build, has a small beard on his chin and a thin moustache, and has no visible tattoos, scars or piercings.

Anyone with information that could assist police in identifying the deceased or locating his family is urged to contact Gelvandale police on 082 442 1816 or their nearest police station.

By Simtembile Mgidi

The Eastern Cape province welcomed a total of 187 newborn babies in its public and private hospitals on Christmas Day, December 25.

According to reports, 95 of the babies were boys, while 92 were girls. The births were recorded across all districts, with Nelson Mandela Bay leading with 53 births, followed by OR Tambo District with 36, and Alfred Nzo and Chris Hani Districts each recording 21 births.

Eastern Cape Health MEC, Ntandokazi Capa, expressed her delight at the new additions, while also highlighting the province’s ongoing efforts to address teenage pregnancy.

“No births were recorded in the 10-14-year age group,” Capa noted, adding that the department will continue to strengthen prevention programmes and expand access to youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services.

In a separate event, Capa’s spokesperson, Camagwini Mavovana, visited Dora Nginza Hospital to hand over maternity support packs, donated by Future4Baby, to support new mothers.

The first baby born at Dora Nginza Hospital was to a 42-year-old mother, who wished to remain anonymous. “My pregnancy was smooth, and I’m grateful to the staff at Dora Nginza for their excellent care,” she said.

Dora Nginza Maternity Department Matron, Pamela Matshaya, described the arrivals as a “joyful Christmas gift.”

By Daily Kasi News Reporter

Seismic Media is delighted to announce a groundbreaking creative collaboration that sees its upcoming prime-time drama series, Dirty East, film a pivotal scene during the prominent Afrika Unite Rooftop Experience music festival. This innovative move ensures an unparalleled level of authenticity for the series, which is set to capture the pulse and powerful narratives of the historically significant regions of Mdantsane and East London.

The series has cast local musician and rising star, Sinesipho Unathi Magwa, in the lead role of Thandi Mvulane, who hails from Cradock in iNxuba Yethemba Municipality. Sinesipho will perform live alongside a stellar lineup of music icons, including Mawhoo, Zuko SA, Zain SA, and Jaziel Brothers, with his entire set being recorded live as a scene for the pilot episode.

The series boasts a formidable cast, including Andile Nebulana, Zola Nombona, Luzuko Nkqetho, Zandile Msutwana, and Rorisang Mohapi, who bring decades of industry experience, critical acclaim, and immense popular appeal to the project.

“This is more than just filming; it’s a celebration of Eastern Cape talent and culture,” said Mariza Matshaya, Dirty East Producer and Seismic Media Executive Producer. “Our collaboration with the Afrika Unite Rooftop Experience allows us to weave the real, vibrant energy of the community directly into the heart of Dirty East. It’s a bold step towards authentic, impactful South African storytelling.”

The project is supported by the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council (ECPACC) and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), highlighting Seismic Media’s commitment to building local capacity and fostering job creation within the province.

For more information, please contact:
Mariza Matshaya
Dirty East Producer and Seismic Media Executive Producer

“This is more than just filming; it’s a celebration of Eastern Cape talent and culture. Our

collaboration with the Afrika Unite Rooftop Experience allows us to weave the real, vibrant

energy of the community directly into the heart of Dirty East. It’s a bold step towards

authentic, impactful South African storytelling.”

By Phumlani Saul

A father’s day sick joke turned stomachs in a Gqeberha courtroom yesterday as Robin Clarke, wearing a “Best Dad Ever” T-shirt, was found guilty of murdering his 19-month-old stepdaughter, Krisley Dirker.

The little girl, who was brutally beaten to death in 2013, had been in Clarke’s care when she suffered fatal head injuries. Clarke claimed the toddler had fallen and hit her head, but Judge Vuyokazi Noncembu rejected his version, saying it was “inconceivable” that such injuries could occur from a simple fall.

Krisley’s mother, Kristen Clarke, was acquitted of murder but found guilty of child abuse and neglect. The judge slammed Kristen for failing to protect her daughter and instead covering for her husband’s abuse.

The couple, who have three children together, showed no remorse as they were led away. Clarke even flipped the bird to a family friend in court, prompting cries of “Justice for Krisley”.

The case has sparked outrage and calls for justice, with the prosecution describing it as one of the most horrific cases of child abuse they’ve ever seen. Clarke will remain in custody pending sentencing, while Kristen was granted bail to care for their children.

By Xolelwa Magaqa

BULELANI regrets throwing away his car keys when he was being hijacked in 2024

He believes he’d still have his eyesight if he hadn’t.

He believes he’d still have his eyesight if he hadn’t.

Bulelani Mngayana (36) from Khayamnandi in Dispatch , Eastern Cape, told Daily Kasi News , “1 was from a site on my way to drop off my team at their homes when amapara blocked my car.

“They forced me to open it and give them the keys.” threw the keys away, and when they could not find them they started hitting my head with knobkerries.

“He said doctors told him that due to too much injury on his forehead, veins became blocked and caused blindness.

“I’m totally blind and regret throwing away the keys. If you’re robbed, give them what they want rather than retaliating and losing what you will never replace,” he said.

Bulelani is the owner of Simanyene Construction Alternative, which he has been running since 2017.My daily responsibilities are managing the company.

“I make sure all emails are opened, read and replied to.”I compile quotations and visit the site. I do marketing and liaise with my team of builders, electricians, carpenters, drivers and administrative staff.

“He said some of his clients are Turbo Facilities Solutions, Absa and British American Tobacco.

“I’m a qualified carpenter who trained at Chamdor in Ngqurha for six months. After graduating I worked for companies including Associated Alteration, Komodo Shopfitters, and Office Direct.

“That’s where | learnt team work, running a building company, strategising on projects, and the importance of quality.”Bulelani said one of the disadvantages of being blind is not being able to see progress on aproject.

Bulelani said one of the disadvantages of being blind is not being able to see progress on a project.”I have to rely on the next person. Blindness can lead to rejection in business. When I do marketing, people ask how I’m going to do my job as I cannot see. I do not need my eyes to do my job. I have brains,” said Bulelani.

By PHUMLANI SAUL

Timothy Kiesling from Norway enjoys staying in KwaNobuhle near Kariega.

The 58-year-old mlungu is having so much fun he might consider marrying ekasi, if he gets a good Xhosa girlfriend.

But he never thought he’d be accepted in Khayelitsha in Kariega, Mondile street.
when he joined his long time friend from Malawi where they spray paint cars.

He didn’t think he’d live there that long.”The people here are amazing. They greet me whenever they pass me standing next to the Somalia Shop where I always stand next to it,” he said.

Timothy, who stays with his Somalia friend, lived in Khayelitsha for 3 years, also before he moved to Kariega. He wasn’t comfortable talking about why he moved from Norway three years ago . All he told the DK news was he wanted a better and new life.

We spray paint cars to make a living. ” Motto is no stolen cars in our business.

” Those who steal from others should not bother coming to spray paint here” he said

I’m not married my wife passed away during Covid 19 era now I’m single looking for a good girlfriend. And I would love to get married in Kasi because woman in the area are beautiful, ” he said.

When he is not at workshop, Timothy spends his spare time standing around the Somalia Shop.

By Phumlani Saul

Kariega, Eastern Cape – In a desperate bid for housing, shack dwellers in Kariega’s Gunguluza area 11 brought the R334 Rocklands Road to a grinding halt on Monday and Tuesday morning for the second consecutive day.

The protesters, including people with disabilities and former backyarders, blockaded the road with burning tyres and rubble, demanding that the municipality build houses for them.

The protesters claim they were relocated to the area in 2017 but still live in squalid conditions next to 300 built toilets that have been vandalised and a faulty sewerage system. Despite promises from the municipality, the community has been left to suffer in deplorable conditions.

Nokuzola Mahlahla, a protester, expressed her frustration, “We thought the municipality would fix the leaking sewage before the June as they promised . They came and campaigned, but we are still living next to vandalised toilets.”

Siphiwe Petela, a father of three, described the dire situation, “I arrived in 2017 from Taliban informal settlement, which was declared a flood plain. When we arrived, there was no seat on my toilet. Some people bought themselves toilet seats, but the toilets don’t flush. We have to pour water to flush.”

The protesters were met with unfulfilled promises from the municipality. Ward councillor (ANC) admitted,

“I don’t have answers. I have gone back to the meetings we had with the municipal officials, when we were promised on 24 May that a contractor would be introduced on 5 June. But that did not happen.”

Rudi April, assistant director of human settlements, attributed the lack of progress to the recent floods and the resignation of the engineer in February. However, the protesters remain resolute, demanding that houses be built for them.

The protest highlights the dire housing situation in Kariega, with many residents living in subhuman conditions. The community’s plight is a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to address the housing crisis in the area.

The protesters vowed to continue their demonstration until their demands are met, leaving the municipality under pressure to deliver on its promises.

By Daily Kasi News Reporter

The Volkswagen plant in Kariega, South Africa, has marked a significant milestone, producing its three-millionth vehicle in nearly 75 years of operation. To commemorate this achievement, the VW’s Kariega (VWGA) team gathered to celebrate the production of a smoky-grey Polo Vivo, the three-millionth car built for the South African market.

This impressive milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the VWGA employees who have contributed to the plant’s success over the years. The Kariega plant has played a vital role in providing employment opportunities and driving economic growth in the region.

The Polo Vivo is an iconic model for Volkswagen in South Africa, and its production at the Kariega plant has been instrumental in making the brand accessible to many South Africans. The three-millionth vehicle milestone is a significant achievement, reflecting the plant’s commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

As the plant continues to produce vehicles for the local and international markets, the VWGA team remains focused on delivering high-quality products that meet the evolving needs of customers. The three-millionth vehicle milestone is a celebration of the plant’s rich history and a testament to its bright future.