Smooth-running voting the intent
The Electoral Commission (IEC) announced if was forging ahead for the 2026 local government elections, benchmarking on progress made during the 2024 national and provincial elections (NPE)
The Election Report provides a full assessment of the Commission’s work, successes, challenges and the circumstances under which the 2024 elections were held
The report was tabled on Tuesday, 15 July, to the National Assembly as represented by the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs
Mosotho Moepya, chairperson of the IEC, stated that while no election is perfect, the elections for 2024 were ultimately free and fair
According to him, the process met both constitutional standards and international thresholds for credible
elections
Moepya highlighted that the 2024 elections demonstrated the resilience of South Africa’s electoral democracy, with over 16 2 million citizens participating in what were among the most peaceful elections since democracy
“The 2024 NPE was by far the most highly contested of South Africa’s elections, with an overall 70 political parties, 11 of which were independent candidates, and 52 national parties
To put this into perspective, 14 886 candidates were vying for 887 seats in the national and provincial legislatures,” said Moepya Strides made by the IEC during the past local government elections include the following:
■ Successfully added 1,2 million citizens to the voters’ roll, bringing the total of registered voters to a historic 27,7 million citizens for the first time
The Commission stated that of the
Fraudsters all disciplined
A fourth accomplice fingered in the defrauding of a Bloemfontein woman through a bogus tender made out to be by the Free State Department of Health, was sentenced in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court ending a matter that has been running for more than five years
Phillemon Ramononyane Makhale (46) was sentenced earlier in July on charges of fraud and money laundering He has been appearing since October last year
His co-accused are already serving their terms after they had been sentenced on 3 August 2023
They are Liabeng Icknatia Hoffman (46), Siza Isaac Mokwena (46) and Lehlohonolo Emmanuel Chabedi (44) They were found guilty on similar chargers
Makhale was traced and arrested later in the investigation
The sentencing of all the fraudsters was the culmination of the Bloemfontein Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team’s indepth probing The investigation revealed some of the scammers misrepresented themselves as police officers to swindle the victim of R722 000 WO Fikiswa Matoti, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said Makhale received eight years ’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on the condition that he is not convicted of fraud
“He was ordered to pay R50 000 in instalments of R1 000,” she said
If Makhale fails to repay the money he will forfeit the suspension, meaning he will go to prison
In plotting the fraud during January 2021, one of the culprits reportedly introduced himself as “Mosia” and approached the complainant, promising her that he could arrange a tender with the Department of Health
“He then demanded that 10% of the value of the tender be paid to him before allocation of the tender, estimated at R720 000,” said Matoti Convinced by the prospects of benefiting from the bogus tender, the victim then paid an amount of R72 000 to the individual identified as Mosia However, in the event of a meeting to discuss the fake tender contract, the victim was caught by surprise
“Four suspects arrived, pretending to be police officials They accused the complainant of committing corruption, and threatened her with arrest They then demanded money from the complainant The complainant paid a total amount of R650 000 to them because she was afraid of being arrested”
The complainant in the end suffered a total loss of R722 000
In-depth probing revealed Makhale reportedly received R100 000 from the complainant
A J50 warrant was issued for his arrest and when he was apprehended, he was appearing in the Vereeniging Magistrates’ Court for another purported fraud case
Maj Gen Mokgadi Bokaba, head of the Hawks in the Free State, has welcomed the sentencing of Makhale
new registrations, 77% were under the age of 29 entering the voters’ roll for the first time
According to the organisation, the online voter registration system continues to be the mainstay platform for offering convenience to voters
Evidence thereof is their managing to record over 2,4 million transactions, including citizens registering as voters from outside of the country
■ Increased the number of voting stations and points of service to 23 300, thus reducing the average number of voters per district from 1 900 to 916
■ Implemented at short notice a revised electoral system facilitating the participation of independent persons for the first time as candidates in national and provincial elections
“A total of 14 886 candidates were successfully nominated to contest the 887 seats in the National Assembly and the nine provincial legislatures,”
stated the commission
The commission recorded a decline in the proportion of spoilt ballots –from 1,27% in 2019 to 1,10% in 2024 It printed 90 million ballots to facilitate the elections
The commission said over 1,1 million voters voted by way of special vote either at home or at a voting station Of these, 39 114 were South Africans who voted in any of the 110 South Africa missions abroad
The process ensured independent voting for visually impaired voters through the Universal Ballot Template (UBT)
“The template enables these voters to vote without revealing their choice to electoral staff, ” the commission said
■ Eliminated attempts at so-called double-voting, with no reports of persons being able to vote more times than they were entitled This was
because of the amendment effected by Parliament in 2021, to make voting outside the voting district at which a voter is registered, only available on pre-notification (Section 24A voting)
■ Ultimately, enabled the electoral participation of 16,2 million registered voters in NPE 2024, resulting in a voter turnout of 58,6%, a decrease from 65,99% in 2019, and 73,48% in 2014 Moepya stated that having 70 political parties, 11 independent candidates, and 52 national parties presented challenge to the commission
“Such heightened contestation brought challenges of its own, such as attacks on the commission, coupled with misinformation and disinformation campaigns aimed at tarnishing the image of the organisation “The commission and some of its staff were targeted in cyberattacks and harassment on social media," said Moepya
A night of musical euphoria beckons
The Rhapsody Orchestra returns with the third concert of its 2025 season
Spring Serenade is taking place on Friday, 23 August, at 19:00 in the Odeion Theatre at the University of Free State (UFS)
Under the baton of conductor Heinrich Lategan, this performance celebrates the arrival of spring with a vibrant and accessible programme, ideal for families and newcomers to orchestral music
Audiences can look forward to a delightful evening of charm, contrast and colour, featuring
works like Overture to the Nuremburg Doll by Adolphe Adam, Capriol Suite for Strings by Peter Warlock, and Piano Concerto No 17 in G jajor, K 453 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
The orchestra is joined by acclaimed pianist Frelét de Villiers as soloist in Mozart’s Piano Concerto No 17 in G major, a work full of elegance and spirited joy
De Villiers serves as the academic head of the Odeion School of Music (OSM) and a respected figure in the South African music education landscape
A rich experience
As with all Rhapsody concerts, the atmosphere promises to be welcoming, relaxed, and inspiring the perfect setting to experience the magic of orchestral music, whether for the first time or as a regular concertgoer
Tickets are sold at R100 for adults, and R50 for children and pensioners These are made available on quicket co za or at the door to the auditorium
Contact Ezelle Erasmus on 073 651 2611 for more information
Marked effort clears mortuary waiting list
A concerted effort by the Free State Forensic Pathology Services to dealing with a backlog of autopsies at the government mortuary in Bloemfontein culminated with a waiting list cleared
On 19 July alone, a total of 22 autopsies were completed, significantly reducing waiting times
The Free State MEC for Health, Monyatso Mahlatsi, confirmed that the mortuary was operating without delays In a media statement issued on 22 July, Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the Free State Department of Health, said the department had responded swiftly to a prohibition notice that highlighted concerns at the facility
“The department is now proactively managing the situation, including adherence to Occupational Health and Safety standards and the procurement and installation of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems,” Mvambi said
Autopsies for most admissions from Manga-
ung, Xhariep and Thabo Mofutsanyana are now expected to be completed within a mere seven working days of admission The Bloemfontein
mortuary is currently conducting ten autopsies per day during the week, with additional examinations performed on Saturdays to meet demand
“To maintain this level of service, autopsies will be conducted from Monday to Thursday, with Fridays reserved for deep cleaning and the management of any extraordinary service demands,” Mvambi added
He cautioned, however, that while progress is promising, some complex cases may still take up to two weeks to complete This includes cases involving suspicious circumstances, unidentified remains, or when multiple stakeholders are involved in the medicolegal investigation
Mahlatsi praised the Forensic Pathology Services for their exceptional efforts between 14 and 19 July, during which a total of 72 autopsies were conducted
“To sustain this excellent progress, we must ensure we do not slip back into the stressful
waiting periods that caused secondary trauma for families awaiting the release of their loved ones, ” Mahlatsi said
He urged families to contact the government mortuary before planning burial dates, to confirm that all medicolegal processes, including autopsies, have been finalised
“This proactive step can help avoid unnecessary travel costs and prevent last-minute delays due to pending legal procedures,” Mahlatsi explained
Mahlatsi also noted that complex cases, such as those involving severely burned bodies or remains in advanced stages of decomposition, may require extended timelines for investigation
“These cases often involve DNA analysis managed solely by the police, which can delay the release of remains
“The Free State Department of Health remains committed to improving service delivery and ensuring that families can find closure in a timely manner during their time of grief,” Mvambi said
TEBOHO SETENA
The Rhapsody Orchestra will perform in the Odeion on the main campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) on Friday,23 August Photo: Supplied
LIENTJIE MENTZ
Owner of aggressive pet awaits sentence
TEBOHO SETENA
After her involvement in the tragic death of little Olebogeng Mosime (8), a Bloemfontein woman will learn her fate when reappearing in the Bloemfontein Regional Court on 2 September for sentence proceedings
The court convicted Keabetswe Moroane (43) after finding her guilty on a charge of culpable homicide following an incident in which her dog, a pit bull terrier, killed the boy on 12 November in Vista Park
She was convicted on Wednesday, 23 July, for the horrifying incident that sparked outrage and intensified the call to ban pit bulls as pets in South Africa The dog fatally attacked Olebogeng after it broke free from its owner ’ s property
The deceased was reportedly playing in a neighbouring garage when the dog attacked him Olebogeng died at the scene from severe injuries
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed Moroane’s conviction and has further commended the efforts of the investigating and prosecution teams
Mojalefa Senokoatsane, spokesperson the NPA in the Free State, said the court had heard that Moroane owned three dogs, including the pit bull, which was known for aggressive behaviour He said it had emerged that the vicious dog had previously caused much distress to residents in the area
Senokoatsane said the court found that despite receiving repeated complaints from neighbours, Moroane had failed to maintain adequate security measures to contain the animal
He said evidence presented revealed that both Moroane and her neighbours had attempted to address the containment issue through the installation of fences and wooden poles
“However, these safety structures were not properly maintained, ultimately allowing the dog to escape on the day of the fatal incident”
Informed by the evidence of the investigation, he said the court found that Moroane had acted negligently by not taking reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm
“Given the known history of aggression by the dog, and the prior complaints from community members, the court ruled that she had a duty to protect others from the potential danger posed by the animal Her failure to act decisively and responsibly directly resulted in the loss of a young life, the court determined”
Senokoatsane said a pre-sentencing report has been requested by Moroane’s legal team
“The NPA also extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, who have suffered an unimaginable loss This case serves as a somber reminder that owners of dangerous animals have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure the safety of those around them When negligence results in injury or death, the justice system must act decisively to protect the public and hold the responsible parties accountable,” said Senokoatsane
Net tightening around infrastructure violators
In addition to the arrest of a suspect caught in the act of cutting electricity cables in Hamilton, Bloemfontein, the police and the national Prosecuting Authority (NPA) have secured two significant convictions
The police, NPA and private security companies worked together in two seperate cases involving the theft of essential infrastructure
The one conviction was that of Thabang Masitha (29), who was caught stealing copper cables from a manhole in Union Avenue in Arboretum Masitha was arrested and charged with theft from essential infrastructure, and for being an illegal immigrant
Masitha pleaded guilty to both charges The court sentenced him to eight years ’ imprisonment for theft from essential infrastructure, and an additional six months for being an illegal immigrant
In an earlier incident, on the evening of 11 October 2021, members of the police in Welkom received intelligence about a bakkie transporting stolen goods and heading towards the North West on the R30
Members swiftly gave chase and the suspects, realising they were cornered, abandoned their vehicle and the stolen copper cables on the R30 before fleeing on foot No arrests were made at the scene
The abandoned vehicle was confiscated, and copper cables with an estimated value of R290 000 were recovered
Through diligent investigation, the accused was later arrested by the police in the North West and detained in Rustenburg for a crime he had committed in the North West
The 31-year-old suspect, Esau Ebau Hove, who is an illegal immigrant, was subsequently charged, found guilty, and sentenced to ten years ’ direct imprisonment for damage to and theft from infrastructure in the Free State case He is still on trial for the North West case
In the newest case, Ntenela Joel Fetha was arrested on 17 July, after he had been spotted cutting an electricity cable in Hartley Street
Centlec’s security personnel had been dispatched to investigate and found the suspect on the scene
He was charged with the tampering of essential infrastructure and reappeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 24 July, in order to apply for bail
Sgt Mahlomola Kareli, spokesperson for the Free State police, has since stated that along with the NPA, members of the police would remain committed to safeguarding vital public services and also to ensuring that those who seek to undermine them face the full might of the law
Gold smugglers face prison time after Sasolburg High Court’s ruiling
TEBOHO SETENA
Three convicted gold smugglers Progress Bayeni Mlambo (44), Leonard Robert Moyo (47) and Leonard Kocanai Sithole (28) have been dealt another hefty blow following their sentencing by the high court in Sasolburg on Thursday, 24 July.
The trio was found guilty on charges of acquisition, possession and disposal of precious metals, money laundering, and illegal immigration
Their sentences include imprisonment and financial penalties ranging from R100 000 to R250 000
In-depth investigations into illicit gold dealings culminated in a trial that began in November 2023, following the arrests made in multi-disciplinary law enforcement action Agencies involved included the Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) unit, its head office ’ s Precious Metals and Diamonds (PMD) team, the Public Order Police (POP) and the Protea Coin security company WO Fikiswa Matoti, provincial
spokesperson for the Hawks, said the court sentenced Mlambo to a fine of R250,000 or nine years ’ imprisonment for contravention of the Precious Metals Act
“He was also ordered to pay another R250 000 or spend nine years in prison for money laundering
“Moyo was ordered to pay a fine of R100 000 for contravention of the Precious Metals Act
‘The court sentenced Sithole to 12 months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of contravening the Immigration Act
during the period of suspension
“The court also ruled that the accused be deported to his country with immediate effect,” said Matoti
She added that Sithole had been denied bail and was remanded in custody until completion of the trial
The convicted gold smugglers’ first blow came with a court forfeiture order granted in November last year for proceeds of more than R10 million
These include seized cash amounting to more than R4 million, four vehicles, and 16 unwrought gold nuggets recovered from one of the vehicles
“The Hawks, together with the
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), secured a forfeiture order against the recovered gold and cash
“Mlambo forfeited gold estimated to the value of R4 578 200, cash amounting to R5 510 772, and a Toyota FJ Cruiser 4X4,” said Matoti
The accused were arrested after reliable information had been received by the Hawks concerning gold that was illegally purchased from the suspects in Welkom and then taken to Gauteng The multi-disciplinary law enforcement team entered the crime scene and caught the convicted trio in the act
Suitably their application
The closing date for the above position is 10 August 2025
NOTE: To view the full advertisement of the above position, pleasevisitthecareerpageofFDCwebsiteatwww.fdc.co.za
Interested persons can send comprehensive CV to GM. Human Resources jabu@fdc.co.za or toFree State Development Corporation ,33 Kellner Street, Bloemfontein.
Dishing out his best moves
Bloemfontein freestyle dancer Luyanda“Louie V”
Mkhonjwa has qualified for this year’s national final of the Red Bull Dance Your Style competition, scheduled for Saturday,30 August,and to be held in Cape Town Mkhonjwa qualified after being crowned the winner of the Free State dance-offs on 19 July The energetic dancer aspires to conquer the national stage,which will automatically grant him the right to represent South Africa in the international leg of the competition. Photo: Supplied
MACUFE BACK IN TOWN
The Mangaung African Cultural Festival (Macufe) returns to the entertainment calendar this year, sponsored by the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR)
The department announced that this year’s festival will run from 3 to 7 September, with the official launch scheduled for Friday, 1 August
The department stated that the re-implementation of this Free State government flagship programme aligns with the commitment made by Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae during her state of the province address
MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Ntombizanele Sifuba, reiterated the premier’s commitment to implementing a reimagined festival programme this year
Audiences can share in the joke
LIENTJIE MENTZ
Multi-award-winning comedian Sifiso Nene is coming to Bloemfontein with his newest one-man show, Because of Success He will be on stage at the Windmill Casino’s Conference Centre on Friday, 1 August
Nene’s performances are characterised by his ability to transform ordinary stories into captivating narratives, earning him a reputation as a fresh and engaging voice in the South African comedy scene
It is no surprise Nene is one of South Africa’s favourite comedians, as his material is so relevant
Born in Durban, Nene moved to Johannesburg in 2006 with the intention of being a scriptwriter for the comedy show, Pure Monate Show He was told his writing was better suited to stand-up comedy, so he embarked on a career in stand-up
He entered the David Kau reality competition show So You Think You’re Funny! and after a 13-week process he was voted as the winner in 2009, taking home a cash prize of R100 000
Sifiso Nene
His win on the show led to greater exposure, and he landed a slot on Opening Guys, a reality show on Mzansi Magic hosted by Kagiso Lediga
He won the Audience Choice Award at the second Annual South African Comics Choice Awards, which is voted for by the public
He joined the SABC1 youth talk show Mzansi Insider as a
contributor and starred in the David Kau film Taxi Ride as Bhakabhaka
His character was a rude, funny, and stubborn taxi driver who always carries a sjambok and is the best friend of Dlamini (played by Skhumba Hlophe)
He reprised this role in the spin-off television series which aired on Mzansi Magic and Mzansi Wethu
In 2022, Nene went viral with his hit show Baby Mama Drama 2, which looked at the humorous side of an often-sensitive subject as he delved into the hot topic of co-parenting for the second time
“I never expected to write a second instalment since I believed I had gone through all the possible baby mama drama in my first show six years ago
“However, the Covid-19 pandemic added more elements to my story, and I decided to vent in the best way I know how: on stage,” said Nene Nene scooped the first Winners’ Choice Award at this year ’ s event in April, adding to his expanding collection
Tickets to this show cost R250 and can be bought on webtickets co za The show will start at 20:00
Art world ready for exploring
Art patrons within the Mangaung Metro can view three exhibitions currently on show at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein
Offering a real treat, the exhibitions are ongoing until the end of August
The exhibitions are One Thing Leads to Another (26 June to 17 August), Soliloquy: the Untold Story of Sleeping Beauty’s Dreams (15 July to 24 August), and What remains through time, slowness and stillness (16 July to 24 August)
One Thing Leads to Another is a solo exhibition of paintings by South African artist Bronwen Findlay, reviewing 48 years of expressive paintings showcasing different eras of her life
Some pieces have been borrowed from public collections, while others have not been shown previously or were created this year The exhibition is an opportunity for the public to view her artworks, see both similarities and differences in the depicted imagery, and how paint has been used and manipulated
What Remains Through Time, Slowness and Stillness is a solo exhibition by Sonya Rademeyer She seeks to find ways to bridge cultural fragmentation through empathy as an entangled artistic practice The exhibition is conceptual-
ised around the theme of time and erosion and explored through a decolonizing worldview In the place of stillness where erosion generally happens, natural processes of decay and erosion of plant life generally runs unnoticed
Soliloquy: the Untold Story of Sleeping Beauty’s Dreams is a solo exhibition by Lisa Ledwick Soliloquy is a personal, visual journey of growth that touches on key elements of agency, re-visioning, traditional femininity, and fairy tales conveyed through exquisite graphite and pencil drawings
In this evocative solo exhibition, the artist invites viewers into a dreamworld forged in nostalgia, myth, and psychological reflection What unfolds is a contemporary re-visioning of the traditional fairy tale, not as a passive slumber but as a rite of passage – a dreamtime journey of awakening The viewer is encouraged to step inside a suspended reality where archetype and memory collide, drawing them into a richly symbolic world that interrogates meaning and agency The narrative occurs within the protagonist’s dream during the curse, repositioning her not as a dormant figure, but as a heroine on a quest for spiritual and emotional truth
Creatives encouraged to be involved
Young creatives in the Free State who still attend school, can win their share of exciting cash prizes in this year ’ s edition of the National Museum’s Free State Young Artist Award competition Prizes on offer total R11 350 and will be awarded to winners in three age groups
The competition is open to Free State school learners aged five to 19 years old, with the deadline set at Saturday, 2 August Details and entry forms are available at the museum in Bloemfontein
This year ’ s theme challenges participants to think creatively to safeguard the environment
– rethink plastic pollution and its impact on wildlife and the environment Talented, artistic learners are challenged to create works that explore the effects, challenges, and possible solutions to plastic pollution through creative expression
Participants are encouraged to use plastic or recycled materials in their creations Works do not have to be traditional paintings or drawings
Entrants are welcome to use all forms of artistic interpretation, and can therefore create anything from two-dimensional pieces to three- dimensional works and installations
Rivers the lifeblood
LARRY CRISP
Mandela Day is a time when individuals and private-public entities, including institutions, commit themselves to making a positive difference by dedicating 67 minutes to good deeds to the benefit of others On this day, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) mobilises efforts to clean rivers across the country through its annual Clear River Campaign.
The campaign was conceptualised along the Adopt-a-River programme that was launched in response to the need to safeguard the health and usability of South African rivers
South Africa, being a semi-arid country with unpredictable rainfall patterns and high evaporation rates, faces increasing pressure on its limited water resources due to a steady population growth and economic development Ensuring the sustainable use of these natural resources requires the effective management of both water quality and quantity, as well as broader environmental conservation efforts
Water is the most valuable resource we have as humans; without it, we would not exist It is crucial to keep our rivers and streams clear of pollutants and trash, as this has an adverse effect on the towns downstream The department embarks on the Clear River Campaign annually to clean rivers and, more importantly, to continue educating communities about the importance of keeping water resources clean and the adverse effects of polluting our natural water resources
The campaign has been ongoing for years, but annually it seems the same rivers that were cleaned the year prior remain polluted by the nearby communities This suggests that the communities the public at large do not understand the message about the significance to keeping our rivers clean
Community members frequently cite the failure of municipal waste collection services as a major reason for illegal dumping If there is no accessible or consistent refuse removal, people feel they have no other option
The best option is to change behaviour find the best way to deal with waste and love our environment, of which rivers are a significant part Communities seldom understand the effect the pollutants have on their neighbours and themselves depending on the location of their raw water abstraction
South Africans are always concerned and vocal about the increase in prices of everything around them The amount paid by municipalities for water purification chemicals run into the millions on a monthly basis, and the amount of chemicals used to dose the raw water is determined by the water quality after abstraction
To put it into perspective if municipalities did not have to deal with baby diapers, plastics, empty cans and other waste, the process would be much cheaper
The works should inspire change and raise awareness for a cleaner, safer future for both people and animals
Christo Venter of the National Museum, said the museum prides itself in using the arts as a tool for environmental education and awareness
“The Free State Young Artist Award competition provides a powerful platform for young creatives to show the world what matters to them”
Venter said this competition nurtures the creativity of young Free State artists, while connecting them to real-world issues
Industries, such as abattoirs that also use water resources to dispose of their waste, should also take heed of the implications The Green Scorpions have pounced on a number of these offenders and brought legal cases against them, but many still go unseen and unreported The prescribed solution here is for all spheres of government and communities to work together with the goal of ending pollution of rivers and streams If dumping continues, the cost of cleaning polluted water places a heavy financial burden on water services providers, especially municipalities Preventing pollution is not only more sustainable, but also far more affordable than dealing with its consequences We should bear in mind that behaviours once learned are hard to unlearn But progress is possible when we commit to consistent effort and collaboration The DWS remains committed to the cause alongside partners that include the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Destea), Vaal Central Water, Maluti-a-Phofung Water, and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa It may not happen overnight, but with persistence and a shared vision, lasting change is within reach ■ Crisp is a communications manager at the DWS in the Free State
Safety, style covered
The Omoda C5 one of South Africa’s standout premium compact crossovers is a must-have vehicle for those seeking a new home for adventure and new memories It is readily available under the roof of Garden City Motors Bloemfontein
Bold and beautiful the Omoda C5 comes with value-adding benefits and is perfectly engineered to enable you to navigate rough terrains with ease including South Africas pothole-ridden road infrastructure In addition it is light on fuel consumption
This eye-catching crossover boasts a comprehensive list of standard features, including keyless entry and start black cloth-trimmed sports seats automatic climate control a four-way adjustable multifunction steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, intelligent voice
commands four speakers and four USB ports (two in the front row and two in the rear) The boot is spacious, adding to its practicality
The vehicle features stylish LED daytime running lights and 17-inch alloy wheels fitted as standard, while the cabin receives dual 10 25-inch screens for both driver and infotainment features
Safety is a priority with the Omoda C5 which is equipped with a high-tech 360-degree camera system offering a birds-eye view of the vehicles surroundings helpful for navigating tight spaces and avoiding obstacles
This streetwise vehicle includes other essential safety features, such as a lane departure warning system and automatic emergency braking
For a test drive, make a booking at Garden City Motors Bloemfontein today
The Omoda C5 sees to the needs of the modern driver. Photo: Supplied
One helping hand washes
The members of the Mangaung Retired Teachers’ Association (Mareta) in Bloemfontein made their contribution to the Nelson Mandela Day 67 minutes to service campaign by donating essentials to the Nazarene Hope Centre, a centre for children with autism, in Bochabela
The organisation’s Outreach Committee identified the centre for its contribution to the annual Mandela Day initiative, which is celebrated on 18 July
Essentials donated to the centre include groceries and blankets, as well as a plasma TV for the centre to use for the children’s entertainment
Lele Buyapi, public relations (PR) officer of Mareta, said as is tradition of the organisation, members make different contributions towards ensuring the success of the organisation’s annual charity projects
He said the goodwill initiatives
He
Merrymaking shared with children
In celebrating its 35th birthday on 20 July, a Bloemfontein hospital created meaningful experiences for children at the Gladstone Children’s Home in Bayswater
The goodwill gesture towards children formed part of remembering South Africa’s late former president, Nelson Mandela, and embracing his spirit of goodwill
Marking its milestone, Mediclinic Bloemfontein presented 35 boxes of warmth against the winter chill to the Gladstone Children’s Home
These items, in aid of children and their wellbeing, were presented on Friday, 18 July – tying with Mandela’s birthday celebration, marked worldwide as Mandela Day
The well-known South African stateman, also referred to as the “Father of the Nation,” passed away on 5 December in 2013 at the age of 95
In a thoughtful act of community support, the Mediclinic team repurposed recycled tea boxes and filled them with winter essentials
This included a beanie, a pair of gloves, a box of instant soup, teabags, and also biscuits or rusks In addition, the
Th
Energy system has hidden cost
The real cost of a solar power system could be much higher in the long run This is according to Wynand van Vuuren of King Price Insurance
Several South Africans continue opting to invest in solar power to navigate persisting load shedding and ever-rising electricity prices in the hope of gaining independence from the grid
“It is not surprising that solar power is a fast-growing trend As of early 2025, around 600 000 homes (3 5% of South African households) are powered, at least partly, by the sun, ” he said
However, Van Vuuren warned that while the appeal of solar is clear, the hidden risks, both financial and structural, are often overlooked
“With installations costing anywhere from R70 000 for a basic system to nearly R400 000 for a fully off-grid set-up, this is no small investment You would not dream of leaving your car uninsured
The cost of potential repairs, replacements, and third-party liability if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property, is just too high
“For the same reasons, it is critical to insure your solar system Step one, though, is to make sure it is installed properly
Things can get messy when a solar installation is done badly It is not just a wiring issue, it can become a very real risk to your home and your safety
“A solar set-up that looks neat and tidy from the outside can hide all kinds of problems if it has not been installed by a qualified professional,” Van Vuuren said
He warned that a poor installation can void the manufacturer’s warranty
as well as your insurance
“You could be stuck replacing panels, inverters, batteries, and even your home or car if they are damaged because of your system going wrong – all out of your own pocket”
Van Vuuren said the benefits are worthwhile, ensuring an installer is legitimate
“The good news is that if your solar system has been installed by a certified electrician who issues a valid certificate of compliance (CoC), and you have insured your installation correctly, you are most likely covered for theft, weather damage, power surges, and more
“We pay out all valid claims for solar system loss and damage, but we cannot stress this enough: If your set-up is not compliant with your insurer’s requirements, and you do not have a CoC, your claim may be rejected
“Another important point to remember is that a solar system adds to the value of your home So, when you install one, it is not just about making sure the system itself is covered; it is also about updating your building’s insured value”
“Solar installations are an investment, and the temptation to go with the guy who promises to ‘hook you up ’ for half the price is real
But you could be risking the structural soundness of your home and the safety of your family, and leaving yourself exposed to financial risk down the line
“Installing solar panels is one of the smartest things you can do in South Africa right now, ” said Van Vuuren
“But, like all smart decisions, it pays to do it properly And make sure your insurance is in place,” he added
Members the Mangaung Retired Teachers’Association present groceries to the Nazarene Hope Centre on Mandela Day on Friday,18 July. Photos: Supplied
Buyi Choene,founder of the Nazarene Hope Centre,explaining the centre’s history.
of the hospital; these
also included the general manager of
memories for all involved
Staff members who joined the celebrations at the Gladstone Children’s Home are,from the left,front: Valencia Swart; back: Cathy Xuma,Maggie Southall, Eloise Calitz,Hannelize du Toit,Gerhard van der Westhuizen,Poon Pieterse,Carol Defty (hospital manager),Gretha Botha,Natalie Human,Trudie van Wyk, and Eva Mhlongo Photos: Supplied
Staff of the Mediclinic Bloemfontein,Carina Nel (left,social worker) and Jance Kotze (unit manager), sharing in birthday celebrations with some of the children of the Gladstone Children’s Home.
LOOKING FOR working or broken fridges, washing machines, Transformers, any motors, LCD TVs, hi-fi's and furniture to buy and repair. Call 074 850 6366 073 257 4565
T2544/2002 LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of DEED OF TRANSFER T2544/2002 passed by the NATIONAL GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA in favour of KABELO TSIMATSIMA, Identity Number 480425 5675 085 and CYNTHIA AURORA
M O H I T L H I E M A N G TSIMATSIMA, Identity Number 530112 0869 083, Married in Community of Property to each other in respect of certain PORTION 3 OF THE FARM RAKHOI NO. 5, DISTRICT OF THABA 'NCHU, FREE STATE PROVINCE which has been lost or destroyed All interested persons
B.P. KOTWANE LIQUIDATION AND DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNTS IN DECEASED ESTATES LYING FOR INSPECTION
In terms of section 35 (5) of the Administration of Estates Act, No. 66 of 1965, notice is hereby given that copies of the liquidation and d i s t r i b u t i o n
c c o u n t s (amended first and final, unless otherwise stated) in the estates specified below will be open for the inspection of all persons with an interest therein for a period of 21 days (or shorter or longer if specially stated) from the date specified or from the date of p u b l i c a t i o n h e r e o f whichever may be the later,
L.E. KOTWANE LIQUIDATION AND DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNTS IN DECEASED ESTATES LYING FOR INSPECTION
In terms of section 35 (5) of the Administration of Estates Act, No. 66 of 1965, notice is hereby given that copies of the liquidation and d i
(amended first and final, unless otherwise stated) in the estates specified below will be open for the inspection of all persons with an interest therein for a period of 21 days (or shorter or longer if specially stated) from the date specified or from the date of p
Curator: CHARL JOHANNES STANDER c LOVIUS BLOCK INC 31 FIRST AVENUE W E S T D E N E , BLOEMFONTEIN
Whether Appointment
Cease: YES
Date as from: 2025-08-01
Master of the Supreme Court BLOEMFONTEIN
Advertiser and Address: CJ STANDER LOVIUS BLOCK INC PO BOX 12196 BRANDHOF 9324
Number: 051 – 4303 874
Date: 2025-07-22
NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION IN GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON 2025-08-01
appear hereunder, with the relevant authority
1. Municipality: Mangaung
Metro
2. Full names, street and postal address of applicant and identity no or registration no: Klaas, Mathapelo Joyce 37427 Freedom Square, Mangaung, B l o
Freedom Square, Mangaung, B
Freedom Square, Mangaung, Bloemfontein, 9323 ID 891028 0236 086
3. Kind of registration applied for: Liquor Store
Registration Certificate
4. Kind of product to be sold /manufactured: All kinds of liquor
5. Name under which business is to be conducted and full address of premises: Flavor Fusion Liquor Store Erf 37427 Freedom Square Mangaung, Bloemfontein
6. Name of, nature of and distance to institutions of learning, similar registered premises and places of worship: Atang Primary School – 100m FORM FSLA2
Notice terms Deeds of the of T27619/2009 passed IDENTITY 580518 UNMARRIED in T S FAMILIETRUST REGISTRATION 1318/1999 in ERF DISTRICT PROVINCE which destroyed. A having of required in of BLOEMFONTEIN weeks publication Dated this MCINTYRE INC 12 Bloemfontein, Kayla@mcinty LCP Contact 051
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY IN TERMS OF SECTION 27 READ WITH S E C T I O N 3 1 F O R REGISTRATION
whichever may be the later, and at the offices of the Masters of the High Court and Magistrates as stated. Should no objection thereto be lodged with the Masters concerned during the specified period, the executors will proceed to i n he te R 590818 address: SA 2 , EE vince EE fice ER & PRESIDENT DENE, EE Email: t s n
Any person may, within 21 days from 1 August 2025 (date of publication in Provincial Gazette) lodge in terms of section 33 of the Free State Gambling and Liquor Act, 2010 an objection in writing to the Free State Gambling and Liquor Authority (address set out hereunder). The objection must clearly indicate the full names, identity number, residential address, postal address and telephone number, if any, and where applicable, its registration number and address of its office, of the objector. The objection must also identify the application to which it relates. The application may be inspected at the offices of the offices of the Authority during their office hours. The address of the relevant Office of the Liquor Authority is: Motheo, Mansion Building, 83 Henry Street, Westdene, Bloemfontein, 9301 Place: Bloemfontein
Signature of applicant or person authorized to sign application: JM BURGER Date: 18 July 2025
Wednesday, 30 July 2025
ncan (chief executive office) and Victor Sekekete (captain) are hoping for a positive outcome at home against
na
imtoclawback
g won the title last year after beating the Golden ons 16 14 in the final The weekend result between the two giants rected the heightened rivalry The Durban-based arks were handed their biggest defeat by the ons, who won 46 5 In another clash, the Free State giants narwly lost 35 37 against gutsy Boland Kavaliers a pulsating fixture played on Sunday, 27 July is match also proved the level of rivalry that akes the tournament so reputable The win was elcoming for the Kavaliers on their return to topght domestic rugby for the first time since 2016 The Cheetahs’ defeat underscored analysis by eir head coach Ruan Pienaar, who remarked: This year ’ s edition of the tournament will be ugh” He had sent the warning signal ahead of e opening fixture against the returning Western pe-based side This superb match of the presious Carling Currie Cup was the Cheetahs’ first ay game Fresh talent from across the country’s unions
Notice in respect of a license application in terms of the Petroleum Products Act, 1977(Act No 120 of 1977)
This notice serves to inform parties that may be interested or a�ected that EVENING STAR TRADING (PTY)LTD hereinafter referred to as the applicant , has submitted an application for a SITE license, application C//2025//07//03//0001. Portion 5 of Eens Gevonden 331 N1 Driekuil Intersection Springfontein Phillpolis
Thepurposeoftheapplicationisfortheapplicanttobegrantedalicensetoundertakepetroleumretailingactivities as detailed in the application. Arrangements for viewing the application documentation can be made by contactingtheControllerofpetroleumProductsby: Telephone: (057) 391 1300 or Fax: (057) 352 2673 or Email: kagisho.Mokae/@dmre.gov.za
Any objections to the issuing of a license in respect of this application, which must clearly quote the application numberabove,mustbelodgedwiththeControllerofPetroleumProductswithinaperiodoftwent(20)workingdays from the date of publication of this notice Such objection must be lodged at the following physical or postal address:
will take centre stage as the clubs showcase the rich talent and potential brewing within their respective squads
Pienaar’s charges were unable to sustain constant pressure from opponents who displayed amazing fighting spirit They fought from behind to salvage maximum points at stake
With the next match at home in the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, Pienaar will be looking for redemption against the Pumas These big cats will face off on Friday, 1 August Kick-off is at 19:00 The ability of Pienaar’s charges to recover from the shock defeat and prove their championship pedigree will prove vital in the big task of winning the trophy The Pumas are visiting the Free State capital with tails up following a morale-boosting 49 28 win over the Griquas in a match played on Friday, 25 July
Pienaar’s mission is to continue blending a competitive, youthful, experienced team and is hoping his new breed of talented players gel in time as the competition progresses
KENNISGEWING
Kennisgewing met betrekking tot ’n lisensie-aansoek ingevolge die Petroleumproduktewet, 1977 (Wet No. 120 van 1977)
Hierdie kennisgewing dien om partye wat moontlik belang het of geraak word, in kennis te stel dat EVENING STAR (EDMS) BPK, hierna verwys as “die aansoeker”, ’n aansoek vir ’n PERSEEL lisensie ingedien het, aansoeknommer C/2025/07/03/0001
GEDEELTE 5 van Eensgevonden 331 N1 Driekuil-kruising, Springfontein, Phillipolis
Die doel van die aansoek is dat die aansoeker ’n lisensie toegestaan word om petroleumhandelingsaktiwiteite uit te voer soos uiteengesit in die aansoek. Reëlings om die aansoekdokumentasie te besigtig kan getref word deur die Kontroleerder van Petroleumprodukte te kontak by:
• Telefoon: (057) 391 1300; of
• Faks: (057) 352 2673 of
• E-pos: Kagisho.Mokae@dmre.gov.za
Enige besware teen die uitreiking van ’n lisensie met betrekking tot hierdie aansoek, wat duidelik die aansoeknommer hierbo moet aanhaal, moet binne ’n tydperk van twintig (20) werksdae vanaf die datum van publikasie van hierdie kennisgewing ingedien word by die Kontroleerder van Petroleumprodukte. Sodanige beswaar moet by die volgende fisiese of posadres ingedien word: Fisiese adres: Die Kontroleerder van Petroleumprodukte Departement van Minerale Hulpbronne en Energie Statewaystraat 314, Die Strip-gebou, Welkom, Posadres: Die Beheerder van Petroleumprodukte Departement van Minerale Hulpbronne en Energie Privaatsak X 3658, Welkom, 9460