‘Stateofcitymoresound’
TEBOHO SETENA
The Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM) is on a path to recovery, although significant challenges remain regarding the ability to improve the delivery of basic services
Sello More, city manager, gave an indication of progress made during a media briefing held on Wednesday, 3 September, and provided an update on the city’s ongoing efforts in financial recovery and service delivery
He said the authority continued to operate in line with a financial recovery plan (FRP) to guide the municipality toward financial stability; focusing on revenue enhancement, cost reduction and improved governance, as well as tackling issues like poor infrastructure maintenance
The ANC-led municipality was placed under administration, and a National Treasury intervention team was appointed, operating since 2020 to address deep-seated financial issues
The provincial government initially placed the municipality under mandatory intervention in December 2019, which was escalated to a national intervention in March 2022 due to the failure to implement the FRP
More attributed the municipality’s recovery to factors such as the ability to collect revenue, having a funded budget; and the city’s expenditure of more than 100% of its urban settlements development grant (USDG) and almost 98% of its informal settlements upgrading partnership grant (ISUPG)
“We have a funded budget as a city that remains vulnerable, and the state of the city is more sound than in the previous years, ” said More
However, he highlighted the current impasse with unions representing workers as a challenge, which he said the authority was hoping to resolve with the concerned parties
Lydia Thekiso, chief financial officer (CFO) of the metro, added significant strides were being made to address the bankruptcy of the metro
“The bank account of the municipality was dry, but we increased by 100% compared to the last financial year We closed last year with R483 million cash and closed this year with over R1 million to drive the operation of the metro
“This speaks to the improvement of the collection rate, and in quarter four our collection rate stood at 99,60% We are enforcing the collection policy, ensuring that people are coming forward and making arrangements for payment of their current accounts and improving on their end
We have proposed to the council to write off 100% of interest rates accumulated on customers as a relief from their huge debt,” said Thekiso
She said apart from addressing residential debt mainly rates and taxes and water bills the metro was also dealing with huge debt from Free State government departments
“The two indebted departments are Education and Health; we are in talks with these departments to address their debts,” said Thekiso Meanwhile, overtime is another bone of contention The auditor-general (AG) and the National Treasury flagged that the metro’s budget has been impacted by significant overtime costs, which resulted in unauthorised expenditure and budget variances amounting to R105,8 million in 2023 The trend of overspending has persisted, and the metro reportedly spent R39 million on overtime in the 2023-’24 financial year
More said shift control has been implemented He said a definitive agreement was reached with labour, and this was signed by the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) and the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu)
He said a complaint regarding alleged sexual harassment against Qondile Khedama, general manager of communications, was resolved through the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (Salgbc) It is reported that a female employee made the allegation of his romantic advances after her suspension
Qondile Khedama,general manager of communications of the Mangaung Metro Photo: Teboho Setena
Centre addresses what is lacking
TEBOHO SETENA
Advocating for and improving the lives of autistic children is Buyi Choene’s mission
She is the founder of the Nazarene Hope Centre in Bochabela, Bloemfontein A mother to a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Choene founded this non-profit centre at her private residence in 2013 It has since transformed into a beacon of hope for autistic children in this Bloemfontein township
Due to its ability to provide much-needed care, several parents of autistic children rely on this centre for their daily needs
Choene applies a multi-faceted approach in executing her mission
She focuses on increasing public awareness, providing tailored support for individual needs, advocating for appropriate services, promoting inclusive environments, and empowering autistic individuals to thrive by leveraging their unique strengths rather than trying to force them to fit a specific mold
Choene said it took her four years to discover her child was autistic The struggle to find an affordable daycare that would provide proper care for her child inspired her to take matters into her own hands
“I decided to open a centre that will accommodate everyone, ” said Choene
Currently, 32 children are being cared for by a dedicated team of women caregivers, including Choene, depending mainly on state grants Despite being credited for significant
strides in establishing a centre for autistic children and providing care, Choene believes she has not achieved her ultimate goal More than 30 children from the centre have progressed to established institutions, such as the Pholoho Special School and others in Bloemfontein
“I am not there yet, reaching what I am dreaming about establishing a fully-fledged autistic centre where they can offer training according to potential and it must be in the township for these vulnerable children
“My dream is to have a home for autistic children, a home for neglected children,” said Choene
She has transformed the place she currently uses to meet acceptable standards with three classrooms She has a support staff of mainly women, with two men helping with maintenance
Choene explains that her experience with autistic children keeps her motivated
“My own child is the driving force, just looking at her and the progress I have seen She is the one driving
Help supports children of officers
A campaign to buy two cows for Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has culminated in aid for children of officers who die in the line of duty
Social media users launched this remarkable crowdfunding initiative in August It was a gesture of appreciation for Mkhwanazi’s act of exposing allegations of political interference and the shielding of criminals within the SAPS
BackaBuddy, a crowdfunding platform, was used to raise the proceeds
The police confirmed these proceeds have been donated to the South African Police Service Education Trust (Sapset) This donation was made after receiving approval
Brig Athlenda Mathe, national spokesperson for the police, said the BackaBuddy campaign exceeded its initial target of R35 000 It raised a total of R44 074
After Mkhwanazi declined the two cows, the money was channeled to the education trust This trust was established in 2010 chiefly to aid children of police officers killed in the line of duty
The money being channeled to the trust was done in line with police policies and regulations These regulations outline that police officers are not allowed to accept gifts for executing their duties
“The social media community was requested to redirect the funds to Sapset to pay for school fees, buy school uniforms and stationery for the children The SAPS thanks social media influencers and platform users for raising R44 074 for the children of police officers who died in the line of duty,” said Mathe
Gen Fannie Masemola, national police commissioner, has on behalf of Mkhwanazi and the other men and women in blue thanked each of the social media users for their efforts and contributions
“These funds will go a long way in assisting us to keep these children in school
“To date, the fund has paid for the school fees of more than 1 700 children More than 140 have already obtained their senior certificate and at least 54 have already obtained a post-school qualification including diplomas and degrees,” said Masemola
According to the police, since the education trust’s inception in 2010, more than R21 million has been donated
This helps ensure the children of these fallen officers stay in school
The donation of proceeds from the BackaBuddy campaign coincided with honouring the memory of fallen police officers at the annual SAPS Commemoration Day held on Sunday, 7 September, at the Union
Buildings in Pretoria
The 27 officers (26 men and one woman), whose names have been placed on the roll of honour, were killed in the line of duty countrywide during the 2024-’25 financial year, compared to the 39 during the previous year
According to the police, no police killings were recorded in the Northern Cape and North West
A breakdown of police deaths per province indicate:
■ Eastern Cape five;
■ Free State four;
■ Gauteng four;
■ KwaZulu-Natal four;
■ Limpopo three;
■ Mpumalanga two;
■ Western Cape two; and
■ Division Visible Policing and Operations three
me, wanting to strive to have a centre where they will be looked after and taught basic life skills,” said Choene
“Once the parent or grandmother passes away, these children are left vulnerable and fundamental care is not provided The situation worsens, and the upbringing and care of a child is affected I am thinking about my very own child in the bigger picture What I am striving to achieve with autistic children in this centre is to teach them basic life skills so they can be self-reliant
“The basic skills they must be taught include washing and cooking for themselves as well as cleaning
“I am dreaming about that change in their lives and unlocking their potential,” she said Choene highlighted that she wants to break down barriers caused by a lack of understanding about autistic
people’s capabilities
“There is still a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation about autism in many societies This leads to stigma, discrimination and marginalisation Several communities lack the necessary resources, such as funding for research, education, and support services for individuals with autism and their families”
Choene said the challenge to raise awareness and provide adequate support for persons with autism is a lack of education
“I remember this woman who came to the centre for meter auditing she was afraid to stay just two minutes with my child, and that to me clearly indicates a lack of understanding about autistic people Autistic children grow up like every other person It is important as a society to want to learn about autistic people”
MAN SENTENCED FOR KILLING HIS LOVER
The Free State High Court has sentenced murder accused Rampimpi Dankie
Sefafe (43) to 20 years’ direct imprisonment for the brutal murder of his live-in partner before trying to cover up his act
The Lesotho national was found guilty of stabbing Nomqebasi Elisa Moqebelo to death on 13 August 2024
Lt Col Thabo Covane, provincial spokesperson for the police, said compelling evidence gathered by the investigative officer led to the conviction and sentencing of the accused on 20 August He said evidence revealed that Sefafe had used a sharp object to stab the deceased and attempted to hide his act, cleaning the victim and dressing her in clean clothes, despite being aware she was possibly dead
Covane said the accused reported the incident at the Bloemspruit Police Station three days later, on 16 August
Covane said Sefafe gave different accounts of events, at a certain point falsely claiming that the victim had
committed suicide
“Rampimpi’s first account of events to the police was that Moqebelo had stabbed herself to death The police attended to the scene and on arrival found Nomqebasi lying motionless in bed under clean blankets The members observed blood splatters inside the shack and stains on Rampimpi’s clothes
The deceased’s blood-soaked clothes were discovered inside a plastic bathtub, hidden under the bed,” said Covane He said the investigation by WO Johannes Martinus Roodt revealed that Sefafe had murdered the victim
“Roodt was tasked with completing the investigation, with the process revealing that the people around the couple were aware that Rampimpi and Nomqebasi abused alcohol and were constantly having serious altercations ” Covane said the court took into account the comprehensive testimony and evidence before finding the accused guilty of murdering the victim
FAMILY MEMBERS ACCUSED OF MURDER
The Kroonstad Magistrates’ Court has granted a Kroonstad man (80) bail set at R15 000 during his appearance on Thursday, 4 September
He appeared with his 17-year-old grandson The identity of the man is withheld for the protection of his grandson, who is a minor
The man’s arrest regards the alleged murder of Thabo Mashea (25) reported missing on 11 July and the burial of Mashea’s corpse in a shallow grave on his farm
Mojalefa Senokoatsane, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Free State, explained the minor had been released into the care of his guardian in line with the Child Justice Act He confirmed the grandfather and
grandson’s arrest followed the investigation by the police, and the discovery of a male body buried in a shallow grave on the grandfather’s farm
Acting on information received from the community, the police went to the farm on 20 August to exhume the body DNA tests were conducted to confirm the identity of the victim
The suspects face several charges which include murder, attempted murder defeating the ends of justice reckless endangerment, and contraventions of the Firearms Control Act
Senokoatsane said the NPA in the Free State has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that those accused of serious crimes are brought before court, while upholding the principles of justice and the rights of all parties involved
Buyi Choene,founder of the Nazarene Hope Centre. Photos: Teboho Setena
The Nazarene Hope Centre support staff are,from the left: Patience Ncokzi,Bonolo Seekoei,Mpolokeng Motsoahole,Tumelo Sebegi,Motshidisi Mashumi,Botshelo Shuping, Mamongadi Letlatsa and Baile Moshoeu.
Fallen police officers being commemorated at the annual SAPS Commemoration Day held on Sunday,7 September,at the Union Buildings in Pretoria Photo: Supplied
Museum capp
LIENTJIE MENTZ
This year, the War Museum of the Boer Republics was nominated as an outstanding museum in the heritage section of the National Arts and Culture Awards
This recognition is a proud moment for the staff of the museum, indicating they are doing good work
Although the award went to Kimberley’s William Humphreys Art Gallery at a grand event on 22 August, it was a great honour for the staff of the War Museum in Bloemfontein to receive the nomination
The other nominee in the same section included the KwaZulu-Natal Museum
According to Tokkie Pretorius, director of the War Museum, they are honoured to be nominated alongside the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s entities
“We are glad our hard work has been noticed
“Our management and team work very hard to keep the museum beautiful and professional, and make sure that we provide a good service to the public”
The War Museum, which has been receiving clean audits for the past 15 years, has also recently been recognised
with a PMR Africa Diamond award
“An institution cannot apply for a PMR award,” explains Pretorius PMR Africa conducts an annual survey to measure and recognise business excellence This involves interviews with hundreds of professional practitioner ers and man companies their specifi “This awa competitive cy, excellen resilience, c and custom The staff’ s c establishme
Police investigate connection to heists
TEBOHO SETENA
The police in the greater Mangaung Metro are continuing investigations into armed robbery and the leveraging thereof, including the cashin-transit heist that was committed on the N8 on 2 September
The heist came just seven days after a 40-year-old man from Botshabelo had been arrested and questioned over what was apparently false claims about planned armed robbery expected to take place in the Mangaung Metro
He was arrested on 26 August regarding allegations that he demanded money in exchange for information about planned armed robberies in Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu
The man was arrested and charged with fraud and extortion
He allegedly made telephone calls to various businesses to “alert” them about planned robberies
These businesses include a cashin-transit management security company, supermarkets, and a construction equipment and home improvement retail store
In the other case, police efforts resulted in the arrest and court appearance of one male suspect regarding the cash-in-transit heist last week This was made possible by a multi-disciplinary police team that comprised the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation (Soci) team, Crime Intelligence, teh Tactical Response Team (TRT), Visible Policing, Explosives Unit, and the Local Criminal Record Center (LCRC)
The suspect appeared in the Botshabelo Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 4 September, facing charges of cash-in-transit robbery,
attempted murder, illegal possession of rifles and firearms, illegal possession of prohibited firearms, and illegal possession of ammunition
The arrest came a day after the incident, which resulted in disruption of traffic for the duration of the day The heist reportedly occurred at about 09:00, west of Botshabelo WO Fikiswa Matoti, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said intelligence-driven information led the team to a house in Section H, Botshabelo, where critical incriminating evidence was found
“Two vehicles fitting the description of those used in the robbery were found A search of the house and vehicles led to the discovery of several assault rifles These include a pistol, rounds of ammunition, bullet-resistant vests, clothing items, and an unknown concoction inside a bottle A vehicle was also recovered,” said Matoti
She said one of the recovered vehicles had been reported as stolen in Bloemfontein in May this year
The arrestee is linked to a group of heavily armed men who reportedly rammed into the cash vehicle with a BMW This resulted in the vehicle overturning, with the syndicate then taking an undisclosed amount of cash and fleeing the scene in a grey Toyota Hilux, driving in the direction of Botshabelo
Matoti said the police did not rule out the possibility that the robbers could be linked to other robberies Such prospects of a connection follow a heist on the N8 on 4 July near the Mandela View settlement Explosives were used to blow up the vehicle, causing a complete road closure The police are yet to make a arrest
an agency of the Department of Sport,Arts and Culture
The National Museum has the following permanent vacancies:
Kindly visit www.nationalmuseum.co.za to find the detailed advert, job description and application form.
Closing date: 17 September 2025
The team of the War Museum of the Boer Republi the heritage section of the National Arts and Cult
Taking on fierce opposition
Ronwen Williams and Hugo Broos,respectively the captain and the head coach of the South African national soccer team,Bafana Bafana,addressed a media contingent of more than 50 representatives on Monday,8 September,ahead of the crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against the team from Nigeria at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein This fixture,played on Tuesday,followed another important match,against Lesotho,which had been played three days earlier Bafana Bafana
Marching to their own beat
The talented Naledi Makama of the Relebeletse Primary School leads her school’s majorettes team during a performance in the Free State Kay Motsepe Schools Championship final staged at the University of the Free State’s (UFS) multi-purpose sports centre on the main campus of the UFS in Bloemfontein on 23 August The school’s drum majorettes perform at various provincial and national competitions See more photos on bloem-express.co.za. Photo: Teboho Setena
Educator efforts honoured
The Free State Department of Education presented 17 teachers with the coveted National Teaching Awards (NTA), honouring them for their continued contribution to the profession
The provincial winners, from both primary and secondary schools, were named at an event held in Bloemfontein on 15 August
Only 15 educators automatically qualified as national finalists for the 25th NTAs edition, which has been refined to have 16 categories
The provincial finalists will be judged against the winners from the other eight provinces at the national final, which will culminate in the announcement of the winners in October
This year ’ s theme is: “Empowering Educators, Strengthening Resilience, Building Sustainability”
This highlights the dedication of educators, the challenges they overcome, and their commitment to fostering a sustainable and resilient education system
Recipients were the following:
■ Christine de Fortier (excellence in Gr R teaching);
■ Naledi Nicole Masienyane (excellence in primary school teaching);
■ Malibongwe Wiseman Ntshangase (excellence in secondary school teaching);
■ Tebogo Micheal Sebico (excellence in primary school leadership);
■ Tebello Tshabalala (excellence in secondary school leadership);
■ Themba Kaizer Siyoko (excellence in special needs teaching);
■ Lindiwe Josephine Tlake (excellence in special needs leadership);
■ Gina Strauss (excellence in teaching mathematics GET);
Striving to survive
Focused on his arduous task of sifting through and collecting waste,this waste picker was photographed on Wednesday,3 September,while pulling his trolley along one of Bloemfontein’s busy roads in this case,Curie Avenue amid a temporary traffic jam,as he navigates his way to his destination.He is among the numerous informal waste pickers who make ends meet through, and play a crucial role in,environmental cleanup by diverting vast amounts of recyclable materials from landfills As a vast collective they are reducing waste and mitigating climate change by preventing the emission of greenhouse gases Photo: Teboho Setena
■ Rendani Sandra Masheleni (excellence in teaching mathematics FET);
■ Oarabile Sarah Matroos (excellence in teaching Natural Sciences GET);
■ Sechaba Raymond Lekhooa (excellence in teaching Physical Sciences FET);
■ Disebo Anna Tau (excellence in technology-enhanced teaching and learning);
■ Lerato Mohale (excellence in Life Skills teaching);
■ Motseki Israel Mofokeng (Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award);
■ Justice Dimpane Lerato (national best teacher award);
■ Malebona Victoria Banyane (excellence in teaching Accounting FET); and
■ Anna Magrietha Coetzee (excellence in teaching agricultural subjects)
The national NTA ceremony coincides with annual World Teachers ’ Day, observed on 5 October, rewarding teachers for their role in positively changing lives through this noble profession
Last year, only three teachers out of 15 from the province won accolades nationally They are: Tiisetso Chaka of the Thiboloha Special School in Qwaqwa, who attained first position in the excellence in special needs teaching category; in addition to Majobo Dikgang and Bongiwe Cele, who received second place in the excellence in Gr R teaching and third place in excellence in secondary school teaching categories, respectively In 2023, four teachers scooped national prizes out of 14 finalists They are: Chezel Classens, Johanne Petro Marais, Matlakala Chaka and Fezeka Dube
Crusaders oft misled
SAMANTHA CHOLES
South Africa marked Arbour Week from 1 to 7 September, and it is timely to reflect on how the forestry sector – and the paper and wood it provides – are perceived This annual programme focuses on the significance of tree planting and greening initiatives to improve communities and highlight the importance of trees for the environment and cultural heritage.
Tying with this significant initiative, asked to rate the environmental friendliness of eight materials, only 24% of consumers see paper as the most environmentally friendly, whereas 56% consider wood to be among the most sustainable materials Cue a raised eyebrow: Paper is made from wood Conducted across key regions by Two Sides and Toluna, the global 2025 Trend Tracker survey examined the opinions of 12 400 consumers
Although the South African-focused research was a small percentage of this, it still provided revealing insights into what consumers believe about printing and paper products
While environmental awareness continues to shape consumer behaviour, surveys by the paper industry show a persistent paradox of consumer perceptions when it comes to print, paper, paper-based packaging, forestry and wood
The contradictions are stark: half of respondents believe that paper and paper packaging are major contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, and 45% consider the products harmful to the environment Some 76%, believe that electronic communication is more environmentally friendly; an assumption that conveniently ignores the carbon footprint of digital infrastructure
Adding to the paradox, 77% of respondents acknowledge that planted forests are not bad for the environment At the same time, 69% recognised the importance of using paper sourced from sustainably managed forests, demonstrating a growing awareness of sustainable sourcing, and yet still failing to connect these dots in the paper lifecycle
This is not the first time we have encountered these contradictory statistics A survey conducted by the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (Pamsa) indicated something similar The 2024 indication was that 61% believed electronic communication is greener compared to using print and paper But 83% agreed that paper is a renewable resource
These myths persist because of outdated beliefs, incomplete information, and misleading “ go paperless” messaging (greenwashing) We are blind to the hidden environmental costs of countless terabytes of cloud storage, electricity-hungry applications, messages and emails Since they feel intangible, one may assume that they have little to no environmental footprint
Any industry or product should be evaluated within the full life-cycle context including energy sources, recycling practices and responsible manufacturing When it comes to computers and devices, the embodied carbon emissions from materials extraction and manufacturing is often far greater than the emissions from actual device use
According to the UN’s fourth Global E-waste Monitor (GEM) Report, the 460 Terawatt hours consumed by data centres in 2022 represented two percent of all global electricity usage The GEM report states that e-waste is on track to rise to 82 megatonne (Mt) in 2030, and of the record 62 Mt produced in 2022, less than a quarter of this is likely to have been properly collected and recycled
Let us be clear: Of course we cannot avoid using digital devices and applications; they are fundamental to everyday life, the economy and society, offering us unparalleled accessibility to information, convenience, efficiency and so much more However, we must stop pretending that the environmental impact of the online world is not negligible, and reject the greenwashing that positions digital as automatically “better for the planet”
■ Samantha Choles is a communications manager
beat Lesotho 3 0 Photo: Teboho Setena
Address all correspondence to: The Municipal Manager Kopanong Local Municipality Private Bag X23, TROMPSBURG, 9913
Kopanong Local Municipality
RE-EXTERNAL ADVERTISEMENT
Kopanong Local Municipality subscribes to the principles of Afrmative Action and its administrative ofces are situated in Trompsburg, 125 km from Bloemfontein in the Free State. Kopanong Local Municipality incorporates the following towns: Bethulie, Edenburg, Fauresmith, Gariep Dam Jagersfontein, Philippolis, Reddersburg, Springfontein, Trompsburg.
Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply for the following post
RE-EXTERNAL ADVERTISEMENT
Tel: 051-011 4951
Enquiries: LTsotetsi
Secretary to Director Corporate Services Website: www.kopanong.gov.za
Kopanong Local Municipality subscribes to the principles of Afrmative Action and its administrative ofces are situated in Trompsburg, 125 km from Bloemfontein in the Free State. Kopanong Local Municipality incorporates the following towns: Bethulie, Edenburg, Fauresmith, Gariep Dam Jagersfontein, Philippolis, Reddersburg, Springfontein, Trompsburg
Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply for the following post:
Rich history on display
Basotho blankets are a rich part of the cultural heritage of the Basotho people, woven into their daily lives and significant life events from birth to death. A range of these blankets will be on exhibition at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum
The exhibition titled “Sutha ke Fete” which means “make way so I may pass ” in Sesotho will officially open on 19 September and close on 16 November It is presented in collaboration with Sanlam and the museum, an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
During this exhibition, more can be learnt about these blankets, which are more than just a source of warmth They are symbols of identity, pride, and cultural continuity, with unique designs and meanings that reflect their history, values, and connection to the land This is an invitation to make way for an imagined passerby, wrapped in a richly decorated heritage blanket
The exhibition celebrates the stories of the blankets, on loan from the Anthropology Collection of the National Museum In total, 26 Basotho blankets will be displayed including pieces from Aranda's Young Basotho Designer range The exhibition comes at a fitting time, as South Africans celebrate Heritage Month, a period that serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and honouring the cultural traditions that shape our identities It also coincides with the start of the Basotho season in August (Phato) and September (Selemo)
Shadi Chauke, group executive: Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, said: “Basotho blankets have become iconic markers of Basotho identity; they are enduring
works of art which are meant to be worn ”
“Every unique design tells a story, while weaving together an overarching commentary on the political, cultural, and economic development of our nation We are proud to be showing this collection at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum following the inaugural display at the Sanlam Art Gallery in Cape Town and the Sanlam Art Lounge in Sandton this year This collection, augmented by loans from private collections, provides a rare opportunity to view never-before-seen blankets”
The blankets hold a rich tapestry of history, reaching back about 160 years, to when they were first manufactured in mills in England’s Yorkshire, before winding their way to the Cape of Good Hope, Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha), and then on to Leribe and the other mountainous districts of Basutoland (now Lesotho) They tell
intertwining tales of Africa and England, and clothiers and early capitalism The patterns of the blankets were made possible by the invention of the Jacquard weaving machine one of the earliest examples of computation during the British Industrial Revolution Missionaries first brought blankets to King Moshoeshoe’s nation in 1845 English traders then established trading posts to meet demand, and began developing new designs, in collaboration with their customers, such as the famed Seanamarena blanket To date, the blankets have been part of Basotho culture for over a century, with the original 'Victoria England' designs enduring for generations; these will be displayed at the exhibition
They will be joined by a collection of 10 blankets from Aranda’s Young Basotho Designers range, commissioned in 2022
Touristry needed for advancement
TEBOHO SETENA
The Free State sees tourism as an essential component of economic development, with continued efforts following the launch of a campaign coinciding with Tourism Month during September
Ketso Makume, MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, launched the provincial campaign at the Botanical Gardens in Bloemfontein on Sunday, 7 September
This year ’ s tourism campaign, under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Tourism,” celebrates South Africa’s rich culture, heritage, and travel experiences
Makume explained that his department was committed to repositioning the Free State tourism sector to be at the centre of economic reconstruction and recovery to create much-needed jobs
He also said the department’s focus will be on promoting tourism in townships, under the flagship project Kasi Tourism This project offers an authentic cultural and lifestyle experience for travellers
“This year ’ s campaign is designed to bring people together through the power of RnB and soulful music to
create a vibrant atmosphere filled with good vibes and to offer unforgettable experiences for outdoor enthusiasts
“From breathtaking wildlife beauty to active adventure, from Kasi lifestyle to the incredible warmth and cultural diversity of our people,” said Makume
He has urged visitors to continue visiting and exploring the Free State as a preferred destination of choice
A new offering by the province's tourism sector is the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretive Centre, which is located in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park
This is an interactive facility that offers visitors an innovative, creative and quality demonstration of world-class scientific knowledge in the paleontological, archaeological and geological disciplines It was officially opened in June this year
The R120 million facility is funded through the European Union (EU)
In recognition of this development, the South African National Parks (SANParks) has made provision for free entry for visitors until Tuesday, 30 September
To qualify for entry, visitors are required to present a valid identification document (ID)
A range of the Basotho blankets will be displayed to view during an exhibition titled“Sutha ke Fete”which means“make way so I may pass.” Photo: Supplied
T15418/1998
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 T15418 /1998 passed by KEITH EDGAR LEHMANN IDENTITY NUMBER 371007 5043 000
M A R R I E D O U T O F COMMUNITY OF PROPERTY
129/1984 LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
Notice is hereby given in terms of regulation 68 of the
in favour of: THE TRUSTEES OF THE DIXON TRUST REGISTRATION NUMBER IT197/1997
in respect of ERF 18742 BLOEMFONTEIN EXTENSION 126, DISTRICT BLOEMFONTEIN, PROVINCE FREE STATE which has been lost or destroyed. All interested persons
T5238/2017
KENNISGEWING IN TERME VAN REGULASIE 68 VAN
DIE REGISTRASIE VAN
AKTES WET, 1937, TEN
OPSIGTE VAN 'N VERLORE
TITELBEWYS
Hiermee word kennis gegee dat kragtens die bepalings van Regulasie 68 van die Registrasie van Aktes Wet, 1937, dit die voorneme is om aansoek te doen om die u i t r e i k i n g v a n ' n gesertifiseerde afskrif van Transportakte T5238/2017 gepasseer deur JAN M A L E K O L L E B O D I B A , Identiteitsnommer 740220 5868 08 7 en P A U L I N E B O D I B A Identiteitsnommer 770310 1407 08 0, Getroud binne gemeenskap van goed met mekaar, ten gunste van MATHOBEHI SUZAN PHUTI, Identiteitsnommer
E.R. JANSEN LIQUIDATION AND DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNTS IN DECEASED ESTATES LYING FOR INSPECTION
In the Estate of the Late: ELLEN ROSETTA JANSEN
Estate No: 002699/2023
Identity No : 591211 0090 082 Date of Death: 27 NOVEMBER 2022, Last address: 38 HILLCREST S T R E
D E R D A L , BLOEMFONTEIN, THE FIRST AND FINAL LIQUIDATION A N D D I S T
U T I O N ACCOUNT IN THE ESTATE WILL BE OPEN FOR INSPECTION FOR A PERIOD OF 21 DAYS FROM THE 11 SEPTEMBER 2025 AT THE OFFICE OF THE MASTER OF T H E H I G H C O U R T , BLOEMFONTEIN AND THE MAGISTRATE'S OFFICE MANGAUNG. NAME AND ADDRESS: CONSILIUM FIDUCUIARY SERVICES (PTY) LTD, SUITE T 1 , C A T S C O R N E R BUILDING, 39 KROTON S T R E E T S O U T H , W E L T E V R E D E N P A R K , ROODEPOORT, 1715 TEL NO 087 131 3850 REFERENCE M00684
NDZUME IN THE ESTATE OF THE
IDENTITY NUMBER: 491114 5250 084
Date of death: 24 AUGUST 2013
ADRESS: 51076
MANGAUNG ROCKLANDS BLOEMFONTEIN 9323
ESTATE NUMBER: 008829/2013
Notice is hereby given that the Amended First and Final Liquidation and Distribution account will lie for inspection at the Master of the Free State High Court Bloemfontein for a period of twenty-one (21) days from THURSDAY the 11th of SEPTEMBER 2025. W E R N E R V E R M A A K ATTONEYS
No 1 PRESIDENT STEYN STREET WESTDENE
BLOEMFONTEIN PO BOX 26817
LANGENHOVENPARK 9330
TEL: 051 492 1150
EMAIL: werver@mweb.co.za
SATURDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 09:00 - 13:00