PHOTO ESSAY: A short crossing: Life along the Xhorha River

Residents of Xhora Mouth regularly depend on a ferry to traverse the Xhorha River, often paying a small fee to make the journey between neighbouring villages. After attending a funeral prayer service in another community, these elders begin their long trip back home, highlighting how the river remains both a vital link and a daily challenge for local residents.

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Nosebenzile Ngqezengela, Noaron Mkapukane,Nosomelzi Mahamba, Nokhwezi Mdlankomo and Nojongile Ngongo walk down the hill to reach the ferry crossing on the Xhorha River after paying their respects to a family who has lost a loved one, Elliotdale, Eastern Cape, 19 May 2026. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla) Elders walk down hill to reach the ferry crossing on the Xhorha River, continuing along an essential route used by residents. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla) Nosebenzile Gqezengela makes her way to the ferry crossing. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla) Noaron Mkapukane and Nosebenzile Gqezengelanwalk through thick bushes on their way to the ferry crossing. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla) Elders arrive at the ferry to begin their crossing of the Xhorha River. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla) Nosomelezi Mahamba and Noaron Mkapukane prepare to board a ferry for the crossing of the Xhorha River. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla) Nokhwezi Mdlankomo holds her shoes as she prepares to board a ferry for the crossing of the Xhorha River. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla) A sense of anticipation fills the air as elders board a ferry to begin their journey across the Xhorha River. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla) The start of the journey as elders board a ferry to cross the Xhorha River. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla) The start of the journey as elders board a ferry to cross the Xhorha River. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla) Broad smiles and a sense of anticipation as elders hold on to the ferry at the start of their journey across the Xhorha River in Xhora Mouth, Eastern Cape. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla) Ntobeko Ntlanganiso paddles a ferry across the Xhorha River, transporting elders safely through the waterway that serves as a vital link for residents of Xhora Mouth in the Eastern Cape. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla) After crossing the Xhorha River using a ferry, elders make their way home. For many residents, river crossings remain an essential part of daily life in this remote rural community. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)