---
title: "A short crossing: Life along the Xhorha River"
description: "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."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "PHOTO ESSAY"
author: "Felix Dlangamandla"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/felix-dlangamandla/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-06-08--a-short-crossing-life-along-the-xhorha-river/"
published: "2026-06-08T11:00:00"
updated: "2026-06-06T10:37:56"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 314
---

# 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.

By Felix Dlangamandla · Published 8 June 2026, 13:00 SAST · Updated 6 June 2026, 12:37 SAST

## Content

![Felix-Xhora river](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/0H_Y0laeUS5AG36Mu-D8lJdDHsI=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_3873_345197.jpg)

*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)*

![Felix-Xhora river](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/xLBdAOE9RTUwkdIoXqiZFRHB6QE=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_3885_539658.jpg)

*Elders walk down hill to reach the ferry crossing on the Xhorha River, continuing along an essential route used by residents. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)*

![Felix-Xhora river](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/xvNzEAf5Plw2pWdWAcZlvrt9iks=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_3888_684584.jpg)

*Nosebenzile Gqezengela makes her way to the ferry crossing. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)*

![Felix-Xhora river](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/OrdZ9gCrEH3wEQHHVFdzHPwUBRU=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_3899_504097.jpg)

*Noaron Mkapukane and Nosebenzile Gqezengelanwalk through thick bushes on their way to the ferry crossing. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)*

![Felix-Xhora river](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/HscsBsy3aAoZJGBBZHK-Aaumwpc=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_3911_697925.jpg)

*Elders arrive at the ferry to begin their crossing of the Xhorha River. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)*

![Felix-Xhora river](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/_bieSeQTk9VNRPAtWf1eK44X_c0=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_3918_293169.jpg)

*Nosomelezi Mahamba and Noaron Mkapukane prepare to board a ferry for the crossing of the Xhorha River. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)*

![Felix-Xhora river](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/6ha8cLjN1iERh9lSdbsUJPweu6g=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_3919_521257.jpg)

*Nokhwezi Mdlankomo holds her shoes as she prepares to board a ferry for the crossing of the Xhorha River. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)*

![Felix-Xhora river](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/yp9dmmy8owkWl23lcgS3IIASuXc=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_3931_577353.jpg)

*A sense of anticipation fills the air as elders board a ferry to begin their journey across the Xhorha River. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)*

![Felix-Xhora river](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/tyExkyLxuzsNPm9TKdNZk0u6jC0=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_3942_850888.jpg)

*The start of the journey as elders board a ferry to cross the Xhorha River. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)*

![Felix-Xhora river](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/XslD-LUAVpSJFCO_GIGqBB2Mopg=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_3956_229766.jpg)

*The start of the journey as elders board a ferry to cross the Xhorha River. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)*

![Felix-Xhora river](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/usuGYEWn4cRS8eP9s878RsYRxM0=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_3972_938040.jpg)

*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)*

![Felix-Xhora river](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/kQKF7pvGGE_70ntAt9A_Oro9ZfE=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_3982_428596.jpg)

*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)*

![Felix-Xhora river](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/xUfvg_FdTd9-q2nOhIOIqIyZXx8=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/attachments/orphans/WFD_3999_690859.jpg)

*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)*