Sithembiso Soyaya

Sithembiso Soyaya Free thinker and long distance runner onentliziyo yomgquba�

This weekend, I’m asking you to do something that takes just a few minutes, but has the power to shape the next five yea...
30/07/2026

This weekend, I’m asking you to do something that takes just a few minutes, but has the power to shape the next five years.

Too often, we hear people say, “Nothing ever changes.” Yet, when voter registration and election day arrive, millions of eligible South Africans choose not to participate.

However, if we don’t use our voice, someone else will make decisions on our behalf.

Democracy isn’t built by politicians alone. It’s built by ordinary people who refuse to be indifferent. Parents thinking about the future of their children. Young people dreaming of opportunities. Entrepreneurs wanting safer, cleaner and more prosperous communities. Every registered voter strengthens the foundation of our democracy.

If you’re already registered, encourage someone who isn’t. Take a friend. Take your parents. Take your children who are eligible to vote. One conversation can inspire an entire household to participate.

Our country has given us the right to choose. Previous generations sacrificed for that right. The least we can do is honour that legacy by ensuring our names are on the voters’ roll.

Let’s not be remembered as the generation that stayed home. Let’s be remembered as the generation that showed up.

Because democracy is not something we watch.

It is something we participate in. I have updated my personal details and am eligible to make my mark 🗳️on 4 November 2026.

It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality.” – Nelson Mandela Day 2026Today was a reminder that changing ...
29/07/2026

It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality.” – Nelson Mandela Day 2026

Today was a reminder that changing lives doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it starts with something as simple as a fresh haircut that restores a learner’s confidence, dignity and sense of belonging.

My sincere appreciation to UMhlobo Wenene FM 88 - 106, Vodacom, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, our local barbers and every partner who made this initiative possible. This is what purposeful collaboration looks like.

What stood out for me is that this initiative delivered far more than a community service. It demonstrated how Corporate Social Investment can become a catalyst for growing the township economy. By placing local barbers and township entrepreneurs at the centre of the initiative, we are supporting small businesses, creating opportunities, showcasing local talent and ensuring that economic value reaches the communities where it is needed most.

This is the kind of partnership that advances the priorities of the 7th Administration, driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and inequality, and building a capable developmental state through collaboration between government, business, media and communities.

As communicators, we often say that brands are built through trust. Trust is earned when organisations invest in people, create opportunities and leave a lasting impact beyond the event itself.

If we are serious about transforming South Africa, then growing the township economy must be at the heart of our efforts. Every local entrepreneur empowered, every small business supported and every young person whose dignity is restored contributes to a stronger, more inclusive economy.

It is still in our hands. Together, we can build communities where dignity, opportunity and economic participation go hand in hand.

Today I had the privilege of engaging with the publishing and editorial team of the PE Express, one of Nelson Mandela Ba...
28/07/2026

Today I had the privilege of engaging with the publishing and editorial team of the PE Express, one of Nelson Mandela Bay’s longest-serving and most trusted community newspapers. For four decades, the publication has remained a cornerstone of local journalism, telling the stories that matter most and connecting communities across the metro.

With a weekly distribution of more than 150 000 free copies, the PE Express continues to make quality, community-focused journalism accessible to thousands of readers, keeping residents informed and engaged.

Thank you to the publishing and editorial team for the insightful discussion and for creating a platform that values constructive dialogue.

Strong relationships between the media and government institutions are essential in strengthening transparency, democracy, accountability and an informed society.

I appreciate the opportunity to exchange ideas and look forward to continued collaboration in telling the stories that shape and inspire Nelson Mandela Bay.

Rest well Mr Fix it 🇿🇦Ugqatso ulufezile 🕯️
28/07/2026

Rest well Mr Fix it 🇿🇦

Ugqatso ulufezile 🕯️

Great to be back on the road at last Saturday’s Madibaz race.Sometimes you don’t realise how much you’ve missed running ...
28/07/2026

Great to be back on the road at last Saturday’s Madibaz race.

Sometimes you don’t realise how much you’ve missed running until you’re back on the start line. No pressure, no expectations, just enjoying every kilometre again.

Looking forward to the races ahead

Meaningful public participation is not merely a constitutional requirement, it is the foundation of responsive, democrat...
24/07/2026

Meaningful public participation is not merely a constitutional requirement, it is the foundation of responsive, democratic governance.

Today, I had the privilege of facilitating a constructive engagement between Nelson Mandela Bay’s Executive Mayor Cllr Babalwa Lobishe and the Nelson Mandela Bay Religious Fraternity on the CRL Rights Commission’s proposed regulation of churches. The discussion provided an important platform for faith leaders to share their perspectives while reaffirming government’s commitment to listening, dialogue and cooperative governance.

The partnership between government and the church remains essential to building stronger, safer and more resilient communities.

Faith-based organisations continue to play a vital role in promoting social cohesion, moral leadership, community development, poverty alleviation and support for vulnerable residents. By working together in a spirit of mutual respect and shared responsibility, we can develop solutions that strengthen constitutional democracy, foster social stability and improve the lives of our people.

Grateful to the Nelson Mandela Bay Religious Fraternity, Executive Mayor Cllr Babalwa Lobishe and all stakeholders for demonstrating that constructive dialogue remains the most effective path towards addressing complex societal challenges and building a nation that leaves no one behind.

Today the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Mr Mabuyane, officially opened and handed over the state of the art, multi-millio...
23/07/2026

Today the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Mr Mabuyane, officially opened and handed over the state of the art, multi-million Livingstone Secondary School in Schauderville to the Northern Areas community in Gqeberha as a demonstration of this government and Administration’s vision and commitment to transform the Province’s education system for a thriving Eastern Cape 🇿🇦

Proud to have joined Executive Mayor Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, the MMC for Public Health, the MMC for Roads and Transport, t...
18/07/2026

Proud to have joined Executive Mayor Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, the MMC for Public Health, the MMC for Roads and Transport, the Nelson Mandela University Missionvale Campus, Tidy NMB, community members and municipal teams as we rolled up our sleeves to clean Ward 31, including Mabandla Street in Kariega, in support of the Nelson Mandela Day 2026 theme, “It’s Still in Our Hands to Combat Poverty and Inequity.”

Today’s initiative reaffirmed that when government, communities, academia and civil society work together, we can create cleaner, safer and more dignified neighbourhoods. Every act of service counts, and together we can make a lasting difference.

There is something profoundly symbolic about seeing government, communities, businesses and civil society working side b...
17/07/2026

There is something profoundly symbolic about seeing government, communities, businesses and civil society working side by side, not in a boardroom, but on the ground, restoring dignity to the places people call home.

Today, I had the privilege of supporting the Executive Mayor, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, during the official launch of Nelson Mandela Day at Happy Valley, where hundreds of volunteers dedicated their 67 minutes to cleaning and greening the area in honour of Madiba’s enduring legacy.

The occasion was further strengthened by the launch of nine new Waste Compactor Trucks valued at R34 million, a strategic investment that recapitalises the Municipality’s waste management fleet, improves operational capacity and reduces dependence on external contractors. It is a significant step towards building a more efficient, financially sustainable and responsive waste management service for our communities.

Mandela Day reminds us that meaningful change is not achieved through words alone, but through collective action. When government, communities and partners unite around a common purpose, we create cleaner neighbourhoods, stronger institutions and a greater sense of shared responsibility.

Together, we can build a Nelson Mandela Bay that is cleaner, greener and works for everyone.

Executive Mayor Cllr Babalwa Lobishe recently hosted the Ubuntu Group and the Herald Cycle Tour team to receive a firsth...
16/07/2026

Executive Mayor Cllr Babalwa Lobishe recently hosted the Ubuntu Group and the Herald Cycle Tour team to receive a firsthand update on the continued growth and impact of one of South Africa’s premier cycling events.

For more than 40 years, the Herald Cycle Tour has showcased Nelson Mandela Bay as a world class destination for sport, tourism and investment. Every edition strengthens our city’s reputation, attracts visitors from across the country and beyond, and delivers lasting economic benefits for local businesses and communities.

The 2026 event welcomed more than 2 000 cyclists, supported the creation of over 550 jobs and generated more than R6 million in tourism economic value for Nelson Mandela Bay.

We look forward to exploring areas of collaboration, welcoming athletes, supporters and visitors back to our beautiful city from 7 to 14 February 2027 for another unforgettable celebration of sport, hospitality and destination excellence.

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