CALUSA

09/04/2026

🌱Young Farmers of Cala: Lizo Tshona

From Nyalasa village on the outskirts of Cala, Lizo Tshona is part of a growing generation choosing to invest in the land and build a future through farming.

In this profile, Lizo shares his journey from Cape Town back to the Eastern Cape, the realities of small-scale farming, and the challenges of water, drought and market access. His story speaks to resilience, innovation, and the importance of working together — including the potential of co-operatives among local farmers.

🌾 “The road is rough, but the view is worth it.”

📖 Read the full story in the link below:

Lizo Tshona, from Nyalasa village on the outskirts of Cala town, is a farmer at heart. In 2019, he made a deliberate decision to leave Cape Town and return to the Eastern Cape, choosing the quiet resilience of rural life over the pace of the city. For him, the rolling hills and fertile soil of home....

04/03/2026

Our gardens hold more potential than we realize. 🌱

With smart water use and cooperation between households, Cala can strengthen food security and create small income opportunities from home.
Read more in our latest blog.

Across Cala, many households have access to small pieces of land in their yards that are often underutilized. At a time when food prices continue to rise and water remains a serious challenge, these gardens hold the potential to strengthen household food security and even generate income. Subsistenc...

02/02/2026

Access to clean water remains one of the biggest challenges facing communities in Sakhisizwe.

Through our water seminars, community discussions and partnerships, CALUSA has begun a community-led water testing programme with support from Watercan. Local volunteers from Cala, Elliot and surrounding villages are now testing water quality and uploading results to a public platform — turning lived experience into evidence.

This work is part of our ongoing water campaign to strengthen community action and accountability. 💧

Read more about the water testing initiative here:

Over the past few years, CALUSA has convened a series of community seminars to discuss pressing challenges facing residents of the Sakhisizwe Local Municipality. Across these engagements, one issue has consistently emerged as urgent and widespread: water.Participants from Cala, Elliot (Khowa), and s...

19/01/2026

Cala Vanguard is back. ⚽🏆

Founded in 1990 by Bambo Qongqo, Vanguard once brought Cala to a standstill — shops closed, church services paused , and the whole town gathered for the derby against Xhalanga Blues Football Club.

This article traces the rise, fall, and revival of a club rooted in community youth, and belief. From the National First Division in the 90s to a new generation rising through the ranks today.

📖 Read the full story below
🏆 Victory is Certain 👆🏿

In the footballing heart of Cala, few names carry as much weight, memory, and meaning as Cala Vanguard Football Club. Founded in 1990 by Bambo Qongqo, Vanguard emerged at a time when football in Xhalanga and the broader Transkei was already rich with history, rivalry, and deep community pride.During...

01/11/2025

💧Building People’s Power for Water Justice💧

As part of our ongoing Water Campaign in Sakhisizwe, CALUSA is highlighting local stories of communities taking action to secure their right to water.

Across the Eastern Cape, ordinary people are showing that change begins from below — when communities organise, innovate and take ownership of their resources.

This story from GroundUp reminds us that imithombo, springs and collective effort remain vital to our survival and dignity. Let’s learn from these examples as we continue our local work in Cala and beyond.

📖 Read more here: [https://groundup.org.za/article/eastern-cape-villagers-funding-their-own-water-project](https://groundup.org.za/article/eastern-cape-villagers-funding-their-own-water-project)

Frustrated by the unreliable municipal water supply, six communities near Cofimvaba have raised over R110,000 for their own supply infrastructure

22/09/2025

✨ 40 YEARS ON: The Struggle Continues ✊🏾

On 24 September 2025, CALUSA, SIRC & TCOE will host a commemoration seminar in Cala to honour the lives of Batandwa Ndondo & Matthew Goniwe of the Cradock Four.

The programme will include:
📷 Photo Exhibition – Batandwa Ndondo’s life before his murder, his funeral, and the aftermath, presented by Prof. Lungisile Ntsebeza & Melanie Alperstein
🎤 Memorial lectures, debates & reflections
✊🏾 Community dialogue on unfinished struggles for democracy & justice

📍 Venue: CALUSA Resource Centre
🕘 Time: 09h00 – 15h00
📅 Date: Wednesday, 24 Sept 2025

👉 Join us — to remember, to reflect, and to recommit.
☎️ 078 373 4216 | 📧 [email protected]

14/04/2025

🎥 Clip: Douglas Ntamo | Cala Reserve Planning Committee
"Sikhulele kwimithombo" – those natural springs were our main source of clean water.

In this reflection from the Water Crisis in the Sakhisizwe Municipality: Community Responses & How To Strengthen Them seminar, Ntamo challenges us to revisit traditional and sustainable water sources.
Should we not explore the restoration of imithombo as a viable community solution to the current water crisis?

📺 Watch the full seminar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NRvTrD_v3w

18/03/2025

Water Crisis in the Sakhisizwe Municipality: Community Responses & How

This seminar marks the beginning of a series of discussions leading up to the main commemoration on 24 September 2025, the 40th anniversary of Bathandwa Ndondo’s passing. Throughout the year, we will engage in critical conversations on governance, youth empowerment and grassroots activism—principles embodied by Bathandwa Ndondo and Matthew Goniwe of the Craddock 4.

The 21 March seminar will focus on one of the most pressing issues facing our communities today: the water crisis. Inspired by Ndondo and Goniwe’s commitment to grassroots struggles, we will explore the national and local dimensions of the crisis and mobilize towards community-driven solutions.

Programme

Opening Remarks – Reflection on Bathandwa & Craddock Four’s legacy and their activism in water access (Prof L Ntsebeza)

The Water Crisis in SA – TCOE activist on national water struggles (A Ranayeke)

Local Water Challenges – Focus on Cala & Khowa (S Liwani)

Discussion & Action Plan – Advancing a water campaign inspired by past struggles (Prof L Ntsebeza)

Join the conversation. Be part of the movement!

This seminar marks the beginning of a series of discussions leading up to the main commemoration on 24 September 2025, the 40th anniversary of Bathandwa Ndondo’s passing. Throughout the year, we will engage in critical conversations on governance, youth empowerment and grassroots activism—princi...

19/09/2024

📽️ Historical Insight: KD Matanzima's Claim on Batandwa Ndondo's Killing

In a recently surfaced clip, KD Matanzima makes a claim regarding the death of Batandwa Ndondo, stating:

This statement reflects the controversial nature of Ndondo's assassination in 1985, during the height of political tensions in Transkei. Despite Matanzima's allegations, Ndondo is remembered by many as a dedicated activist and development practitioner, committed to improving the lives of marginalized communities in Cala and beyond.

As we reflect on his legacy, this clip is a reminder of the difficult and complex political environment in which Ndondo operated. Join us for a deeper discussion at our upcoming seminar:

"Batandwa Ndondo: Development Practitioner and Activist – A Moment for Reflection"
🗓️24 September 2024
📍 CALUSA Resource Centre
⏰ 9am - 3pm

RSVP and more details on the poster below!

17/09/2024

🌟 Join Us for a Special Event: Remembering Batandwa Ndondo 🌟

Batandwa Ndondo: Development Practitioner and Activist – A Moment for Reflection

🗓 Date: 24 September, 2024
📍 Venue: CALUSA Resource Centre
🕘 Time: 9am – 3pm

Come and reflect on the legacy of Batandwa Ndondo, his role as a development practitioner and activist, and what his work means for us today. Join us for discussions, a film screening, and the opportunity to draw lessons from his efforts in community development.

RSVP Details:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 078 373 4216

Let's gather to honor and reflect on a heritage of bravery and community leadership. Hope to see you there! 🙌

06/08/2024

📣 EMPOWERMENT AND PROGRESS SEMINAR 📣

Join us on Friday, 9th August, for an inspiring and impactful seminar at the CALUSA R
esource Centre starting at 9 AM! 🌟

This event, titled Empowerment and Progress, focuses on Reflecting & Drawing Lessons from Local Initiatives that Respond to Challenges Faced by Youth in the Sakhisizwe Local Municipality

🎤 Who Should Attend?

Community members
Youth groups
Local business owners
Anyone interested in making a positive impact in our community
📍 Location: CALUSA Resource Centre
🕘 Time: 9 AM

Let’s come together to reflect, learn, and plan our next steps towards empowering our youth and fostering progress in our community. Your participation and input are invaluable!

For more information, contact us at:
📞 078 373 4216
📧 [email protected]

CALUSA - Cala University Students Association
Together, we can create a brighter future for our youth! 🌍✨