Creating lifelong memories
Murder still not solved
The pension fund of slain teacher Fezile Frederick Mnyobisi, paid to his wife, has been frozen by the state, owing to her alleged involvement in plotting the murder.
The freezing of Halimmah Thamando Mnyobisi’s (38) bank account followed her arrest during November last year.
She is among the four persons (the others being three men) the state has identified as prime suspects in the gruesome murder of Fezile on 15 September 2023.
The preservation of the pension money followed an order granted by the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein, following a successful application by the Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) team and the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
R300 000 to Halimmah, following the death of her husband. It was later revealed that Halimmah and two male accused had apparently planned the murder,” said Senokoatsane. He said the preservation order was a result of resilent work by the asset forfeiture investigators of the PCSI and AFU.
PRESERVATION OF PENSION MONEY FOLLOWED AN ORDER GRANTED BY THE FS HIGH COURT
took his green Samsung Galaxy A04s. It was reported Halimmah had taken the deceased to the Botshabelo Regional Hospital in a private vehicle. The police, together with the district surgeon at the hospital, declared Fezile dead on arrival.
The deceased taught at the Refihlile Primary School in CSection.
Mojalefa Senokoatsane, acting spokesperson for the Free State NPA, said more than R260 000 in cash was being preserved in the bank account of the widow, Halimmah.
He said according to a preliminary probe, Halimmah allegedly orchestrated the death of her husband.
“The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) paid out about
The slain teacher was attacked and fatally stabbed while walking home from a tavern in Section H1 in Botshabelo. He was attacked at night in a corridor close to the Setjhaba se Maketse Combined School. The police investigations revealed Fezile had suffered more than 30 stab wounds to the torso.
The motive for the killing remains unknown. The killers
The police’s ongoing investigation yielded the arrests of Halimmah together with Vusumuzi Daniel Nqele (43), Moeketsi Innocent Manko (35) and Abdool Thamando (35). The third suspect, Thamando, is Halimmah’s brother. The suspects face charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. At the time of her arrest, Halimmah was reportedly on the run. She was traced to a hiding place in a complex in Sandton, Johannesburg. According to police, she stayed in a luxury unit with her purported boyfriend.
The late Fezile Frederick Mnyobisi. PHOTO: FACEBOOK
TEBOHO SETENA
The Marumo Gallants’ goalkeeper, Washington Arubi, brought joy to the wheelchair-bound Mohanwe Mathe, presenting a signed pair of gloves. Arubi did this on Sunday, 23 February, after the club’s premiership fixture against Polokwane City FC in the Dr Molemela Stadium. PHOTO: TEBOHO SETENA
Ongoing hardships cloud premier’s vision
TEBOHO
The Free State’s burdens, namely unemployment, poverty and social inequality, were underscored during Premier Maqueen LetsohaMathae’s delivery of her second State of the Province Address (Sopa) on Friday, 21 February. She delivered her address in the dome venue at the Lemo Mall Green Park in Bloemfontein.
Letsoha-Mathae’s address is pinned on the following critical goals: to establish a driving force for inclusive growth and job creation; reduce poverty; and tackle the high cost of living and build a capable, ethical, and developmental state. The provincial government is sharply criticised by opposing political parties on its inability to create sustainable employment, and the collapse of some government-led job-creation projects aimed at curbing rampant unemployment. This criticism comes amid a situation of bankrupt municipalities and allegations of corruption in departments.
Letsoha-Mathae expressed confidence that her executive council would continue to unleash the economic potential of the province. She pointed out that strides have been made to address rife unemployment through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), despite it being fraught with challenges.
According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), for the fourth quarter of 2024, the official unemployment rate is hovering at
37,9%, and the expanded unemployment rate at 44,2%.
“During the first year of Phase 5 of the EPWP, we have created 19 792 job opportunities. The tide is turning – we have committed to creating 30 115 employment opportunities. In the next financial year, the EPWP is expected to support poverty alleviation initiatives, promote skills development, and improve service delivery,” said Letsoha-Mathae.
According to her, the solution to
the province’s unemployment crisis is in its ability to attract potential investments.
“Yes, we need inclusive growth, greater investment, higher income, better living standards, more jobs, less poverty, and reduced inequality in turning a new page in our province’s economic journey.”
The Free State’s poverty level is underscored by more than 1 100 000 people, youths and adults depending on forms of social grants. The
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province has a population of about 3 million.
“Importantly, social wage instils a sense of self-worth and responsibility. We are determined to lift people out of poverty and unleash their potential to thrive,” said Letsoha-Mathae.
The number of young people in the province depending on the state’s Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress grant of R370 makes up the largest number nationally, roughly
Accountant cleared of tax fraud
A Bloemfontein-based accountant, Annette Amicia Hewetson (64), has been cleared of tax fraud charges.
The case emanated from allegations by the state after the submitting of suspected fraudulent company income tax returns.
The Bloemfontein Hawks have confirmed that the case was, however, withdrawn during a court hearing on 4 August.
Hewetson had been appearing in court since 25 June 2024 regarding a charge of alleged contravention of the Tax Administration Act.
Col. Zweli Mohobeleli, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said the case had been a result of probing by the Bloemfontein Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) team after the South African Revenue Service (Sars) had reported the discovery of suspected false tax returns.
The revenue services alleged that Hewetson had submitted fraudulent company income tax returns during the tax periods of 2016 to 2018, which resulted in the revenue service losing more than R600 000.
60%, according the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa). The number was 586 165 in 2023, since the introduction of the grant at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
Dr Roy Jankielsohn, leader of the DA in the Free State Legislature, reacted with dismay to LetsohaMathae’s 2025 Sopa having no blueprint.
“Rather than offering real solutions to the deep systemic issues that continue to plague our province, the premier resorted to the same tired narrative of hope and optimism, devoid of concrete action. It is clear that the ANC government has abandoned its duty to serve the people of this province.
“Instead of addressing critical challenges such as corruption, the decaying state of infrastructure, collapsing health institutions, and appalling financial mismanagement across departments and municipalities, Premier LetsohaMathae offered only isolated successes and vague plans without time frames and that fails to tackle these systemic problems head-on.
“It appears that the premier exists in a reality that differs from that of many impoverished, unemployed and desperate residents in the province,” said Jankielsohn.
He has stressed again that the people of this province deserve more than promises.
“They deserve tangible actions and a government willing to make the tough decisions needed to bring about lasting change. The premier was right about one thing. They need to change their ways.”
Startling Eskom debt calls for action
The DA in the Free State laments municipalities’ inability to manage Eskom accounts, blaming financial mismanagement within municipalities governed by the ANC.
The latest facing power disconnection after failing to service their accounts are Nala, Moqhaka, Masilonyana and Ngwathe. Notice was given to the Tokologo Municipality in January.
The debt accrued by Free State municipalities is R26 billion combined.
Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa revealed this staggering debt on 17 February.
Of the affected municipalities, 11 have applied for the National Treasury’s debt relief programme.
David Mc Kay, DA spokesperson in the Department of Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) in the Free State Legislature, said the party had proposed a series of sustainable interventions that could be implemented promptly to restore functionality and accountability within municipalities’ financial administrations.
Firstly, the party advocates for the immediate appointment of qualified, accredited administrators who can independently implement rigorous revenue collection programmes free from political influence.
Previous deployments by the Free State Provincial Treasury have proven ineffective, necessitating a new approach.
“Furthermore, we emphasise
the importance of regularly reviewing Eskom accounts during municipal council meetings, ensuring transparency and accountability,” said Mc Kay.
“Addressing mismanagement and curbing wasteful expenditures are also paramount.
“We call for full compliance with National Treasury’s requirements to ring-fence electricity and water revenue, as mandated by the municipal debt relief programme. This will ensure municipalities can honour their debts to Eskom while investing in critical infrastructure.
“We recommend withholding a portion of equitable shares to directly service Eskom and waterboard debts, as outlined in section 216 of the Constitution,” concluded Mc Kay.
To enhance operational efficiency, he said they proposed the immediate installation of bulk meters at intake points, as well as the rollout of smart prepaid meters in all municipalities.
“A comprehensive cost-ofsupply study is necessary to establish cost-reflective tariffs, and we encourage the initiation of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for improved distribution management.
“Additionally, supporting decentralised grids to harness Small Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) from residents and businesses can provide more energy-efficient solutions, particularly for critical infrastructure like wastewater treatment works,” he said.
SETENA
Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, flanked by Mxolisi Dukwana (speaker in the Free State Legislature) and Lt. Gen. Baile Motswenyane (provincial police commissioner) during the procession of the State of the Province Address (Sopa) on Friday. PHOTO FACEBOOK
Surgeries offer children a new lease on life
The lives of 17 children have changed for the better after successful life-changing surgeries.
These surgeries, worth millions of rands and performed pro bono, range from facial reconstructions, cleft lip repairs, to skin grafting for those living with burn wounds.
They were performed at the Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein from 17 to 21 February, and are part of an ongoing effort made possible through the Smile Foundation. The latest corrective surgeries became possible thanks to a partnership with Vodacom.
A team of surgeons performed surgeries on 17 children.
They are Drs Nikita Blake, Efraim van der Walt (private plastic surgeon), Nathan Kaplan, Abby Haswell and Travis Page.
Among the children who underwent life-changing surgery was Kananelo Mokoena (11), a boy from Sasolburg. His life was changed forever by a tragic accident.
At the age of two, a pot of boiling oil spilled on him, leaving him with severe burns on his face and neck. As his skin healed, scar tissue fused his chin to his chest, preventing him from lifting his head and causing both physical discomfort and the challenge of looking different from other children.
His surgery entailed the release of the tight scar tissue on his neck, and using the newly expanded skin thanks to two tissue expanders inserted into his chest and one of
his shoulders, to resurface the affected area. This will allow Kananelo to move his head freely for the first time in years. This surgery will help restore his mobility and also transform his quality of life, giving him the confidence to thrive.
The tissue expanders were inserted during the 2024 Smile Week.
“Over the past three months, these expanders have been gradually filled with water to stretch his skin, ensuring there is enough healthy tissue for his upcoming procedure,” explained Tarri Parfitt,
chief executive officer (CEO) of the Smile Foundation. Parfitt said Kananelo’s mother is hopeful this surgery will also put an end to the bullying he has faced.
“Critically, these surgeries help children live a life inspired by confidence and possibility, no matter their circumstances. We are delighted to partner with the Smile Foundation as our joint efforts are positively affecting children’s lives and enable disadvantaged children to face the world with a positive self-mage,” said Tsatsi Mthimunye, managing executive for Vodacom in the central region.
BAFANA RETURN TO CITY FOR THRILLER CUP GAME
South Africa’s senior national men’s football team, Bafana Bafana, return to Bloemfontein for the CAF African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifiers against Egypt.
The match is scheduled for Friday, 28 February, in the Toyota Stadium. The men’s team’s most recent international fixture in
Bloemfontein was the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe on 11 June.
The winner of the two-legged Chan qualifier will proceed to the second round of the tournament, to be played in May this year.
The return fixture between Bafana and Egypt will be played in Egypt on 6 March.
TEBOHO SETENA
Dr Nikita Blake, reconstructive surgeon, with Kananelo Mokoena. In the back is Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the Free State Department of Health. PHOTOS: LIENTJIE MENTZ
Zolile Zazini with his daughter, Linomtha, who had undergone reconstructive surgery.
Lesson a stone’s throw away
The National Museum in Bloemfontein is continuing to reach out to communities, bringing the museum to residents’ doorsteps. One of the ways this is achieved, is through the Mobile Museum, a unique truck-based exhibition.
The initiative is part of the museum’s education department, exhibiting various rich heritages, delving into both cultural and natural history.
Such an exhibition was made accessible at the Trevor Barlow Library on 18 February, for the Reënboog Old Age Home in Heidedal. The elderly were brought into contact with Africa’s rich heritage, with presentations about human evolution, along with stories from the fields of biology, ecology and biodiversity.
“I believe this is a historic and important occasion to bring history and culture directly to those who cannot visit the museum themselves. This educational outreach programme brings the museum to the people, rather than vice versa,” said Alberto Thompson, council member of the National Museum.
He said the exhibition paved the way for this year’s planned
Defence diminished
Several analysts argue that the killing of 14 South African soldiers in clashes with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic of the Congo (DRC) marks a low point for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Their deaths are an indication that it is almost too late to implement the reforms needed to restore the military to an institution South Africans can once again take pride in. This incident references back to the so-called Battle of Bangui in March 2013, during the Central African Republic (CAR) civil war a major defeat for the SANDF that led to the Séléka rebels seizing control of the country.
outreach programme to educate community groups, the elderly and adults from all backgrounds. The programme is interactive and makes provision for participation by members of the community.
The Mobile Museum
programme has been ongoing since 2017, visiting schools and showcasing the significant role of the museum.
This year, the National Museum marks 147 years of existence since the 1870s, when its collections and
displays comprised mainly rarities from around the world. It was established on 20 July 1877 and opened to the public on 20 May 1878. It is an important centre for research, education and exhibitions.
Classical Mozart show to enthral audiences
Orchestra music lovers are in for a real treat with live performance of three classical Mozart masterpieces on 15 March in the Odeion at the University of the Free State’s (UFS) campus in Bloemfontein.
Presented by Rhapsody Orchestra, the concert programme consists Mozart’s “Impressario Overture,” “Exsultate, jubilate,” and “Symphony No. 41,” or the “Jupiter Symphony.”
Orchestra lovers can immerse themselves in an enchanting performances featuring conductor Heinrich Lategan and talented soprano Emily Dangwa, set to perform in three of Mozart’s most brilliant works.
Opening the evening is the spirited “Impressario Overture,” Mozart’s delightful comic opera. Dangwa will be performing “Exsultate, jubilate,” a radiantly joyful motet that showcases the
full, virtuosic capabilities of the soprano voice. The evening culminates in his magnificent final symphony, the “Jupiter” or “Symphony No. 41,” renowned for its masterful combination of grace, drama, and complexity.
The versatile Dangwa returns to the big stage following impressive performances in 2024 at various concerts with The Secret Artist Club in Bloemfontein, including premiering her new album, Courage Through Fear. In 2018, the songstress performed at the World Music Day in Namibia, and also debuted her own work, Confessions of a Woman, at the Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre in Namibia.
She did her early music training at the Ladybird Music Academy. Dangwa then continued her studies at the University of Cape Town (UCT), where she completed her undergraduate qualification in
Opera Studies, and postgraduate in Music Performance. She worked in Cape Town, singing in the Baxter and Artscape theatres for productions.
The organiser, Rhapsody Orchestra, is a community orchestra and non-profit organisation (NPO) founded in 2020 by Lategan and several
Bloemfontein musicians who felt a need to rehearse and make music together on a regular basis.
The orchestra consists of novices, students (both music and other fields), scholars, and professional players aiming to create regular opportunities for Bloemfontein’s orchestral musicians to hone their craft and share in the immense joy of playing and appreciating the social benefits that regular music making provides.
This concert offers both newcomers and experienced concert-goers the opportunity to experience Mozart’s genius through three distinct musical forms – operatic, sacred, and symphonic.
Tickets cost R100 (adults) and R50 (concessions) at quicket.co.za.
Tickets will also be available at the door. The concert is set to start at 19:00.
Time running out to get black card
Beneficiaries who need to transition from the gold South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) card to the black Postbank card have until 20 March to do so.
An extension of the original deadline was confirmed on 14 February, in a joint media statement by Solly Malatsi and Nokuzola Tolashe, minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, and Social Development, respectively.
Initially, the deadline for the transition was 28 February.
Beneficiaries are urged to ensure that they change to the black Postbank card as soon as they can, rather than to wait until the 20 March deadline.
The number of beneficiaries in the Free State required to replace their gold Sassa card with a black Postbank card is 174 658 in total, according to Motshewa Maleka, acting provincial senior manager for Sassa.
In order to receive a black Postbank card, beneficiaries are simply required to have a valid South African identity document (ID) or a temporary ID. No card will be issued without these documents.
These cards are issued to beneficiaries
free of charge, something that supports Postbank’s financial inclusion mandate and Sassa’s social welfare responsibilities.
The black Postbank cards work in all the National Payment System channels, which include ATMs, retailers’ point-of-sale machines, and any place that accepts a bank card.
This takes effect immediately after the cared being issued to a beneficiary. There is no waiting period for when black Postbank cards can be used for transactions.
The new cards also have updated safety and card features.
The great news for social grant beneficiaries is that they will continue enjoying the same benefits that they are granted from the gold card when switching to the black card.
These include:
) One free card replacement per year; ) three free withdrawals in stores per month; and ) one free monthly statement over the counter.
Beneficiaries are advised to always be wary of scammers.
Following the historic transition of 1994, South Africa’s foreign policy shifted from a stance of conflict with its neighbours to one centred on regional relations built on the principles of common destiny, friendship, cooperation, and conflict resolution. The South African government sought to take a leadership role on the continent, creating new opportunities for the SANDF as a military instrument.
Towards the end of Nelson Mandela’s presidency, the country’s involvement in peace and security operations became a defining feature of its post-1994 foreign policy. The government demonstrated its firm commitment to regional stability by deploying the SANDF in peacekeeping operations first in Lesotho in 1998, followed by the DRC in 1999, and Burundi in 2001.
However, since 1998 it became evident that the SANDF found it increasingly difficult to conduct operations due to budget constraint. Between 1995 and 1998, the defence budget was cut by 11.1%, which eventually resulted in a growing mismatch between policy intent and execution. As a percentage of the gross domestic product (GDP), the South African defence spending had been reduced to less than 3% in the mid-1990s, which boiled down to less than 10% of total government spending. The defence budget then further decreased to 1.54% of the GDP in 2004-’05, and levelled out in 2014-’15 at around 1.2% to 1.1% of the GDP.
Despite a dwindling defence budget, the government increasingly expected the SANDF to support the South African Police Service (SAPS) as murder and death rates rose in some cases, even exceeding those in highintensity war zones internationally. Given these constraints and the changing global and regional geopolitical landscape in which the SANDF operated, the government appointed a task team to draft a second defence review, following the South African Defence Review of 1998, which was finally published as the 2015 South African Defence Review.
The task team made it clear that the decrease in funding was highly problematic, and that inadequate funding would eventually severely compromise the defence capabilities of the SANDF. Since 2015, defence spending in South Africa has declined further to about 0.7% of the GDP, which is way below the international norm of more or less 2%.
It should also be noted that border protection and support for the SAPS in internal operations have become increasingly important and demanding in the SANDF’s activities and responsibilities and can even be regarded as among its primary functions. However, a major concern is that the SANDF is too often used as a stopgap in South Africa’s domestic security landscape hindering its ability to function as a professional, well-equipped armed force with a clear mandate.
For instance, in 2023, politicians called on the SANDF to assist in combating violence linked to zama zamas after the government deployed soldiers in large numbers to curb illegal mining activities. Even local communities expect the government to utilise the SANDF internally, adding pressure on the state to consider such deployments.
) Prof. Theo Neethling is head of the Department of Political Studies and Governance at the University of the Free State (UFS).
Emily Dangwa
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
PROF. THEO NEETHLING
TEBOHO SETENA
The National Museum in Bloemfontein, via its Mobile Museum, conducted an exhibition at the Trevor Barlow Library in Heidedal, teaching the community about the different aspects of historic heritage. From the left are Sophia Swart (community activist), Petrus Mokwaai (education officer at the National Museum), Julie van der Roos (Reënboog Old Age Home) and Alberto Thompson (museum council member). PHOTO: TEBOHO SETENA
Innovation drives economic progress
TEBOHO SETENA
A partnership pilot initiative aimed at enhancing skills development, job creation, and entrepreneurship is set to benefit youths within the Mangaung Metro. The Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, and innovative human resource tool SMRT.bio launched the Talent Implementation Model Entrepreneurs (TIME) project on Thursday, 13 February.
It is meant to run over a year. The project entails the use of an AI-powered platform to drive socioeconomic impact through efficient implementation.
“It is set to revolutionise how we prepare our students for the future. It brings a wealth of expertise in AI-driven skills development, job matching, and entrepreneurship support. This collaboratiosn benefits our students and provides SMRT.bio with a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of education and technology.
“This unique initiative is a bold step towards realising the CUT’s Vision 2030 – to be a leading African university of technology, shaping the future through innovation,” said Prof. Pamela Dube, vicechancellor.
According to Dube, students and alumni stand to benefit greatly from structured mentorship with industry experts and access to international networks of the initiative.
“The TIME project will be fostering entrepreneurship and contributing to regional economic growth. The project clearly provides aspiring entrepreneurs with a pathway to developing business models, receiving mentorship, and securing funding opportunities,” said Dube.
Bart Takkenkamp, chief executive officer (CEO) of SMRT.bio, said this was the first project in South Africa and is confident it
“We know already that our demo project will be on 1 May, so that will be a start. Next, we have an expansion in Europe and it is nice to share with you that even the European Commission is looking after us.
“This cooperative approach that we found over the years and in the last months makes
me very sure that we will have a successful project together,” said Takkenkamp. Frank Melis, chairman of SMRT.bio, emphasised the importance of inclusivity and ensuring success of the project to attract the broader community to actively participate in this initiative.
From the left are Bart Takkenkamp (chief executive officer: SMRT.bio), Frank Melis (chairman: SMRT.bio), Prof. Pamela Dube (vice-chancellor and principal: the Central University of Technology), and Prof. Wendy Setlalentoa (deputy vice-chanellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement).
PHOTO: TEBOHO SETENA
Inmates give desks back to deserving classrooms
Inmates at the Grootvlei Correctional Centre armed with basic artisan skills have made a positive difference at the Rutanang Primary School in Bloemfontein.
They have used their carpentry skills to refurbish several desks, thus ensuring these get back to classrooms instead of going to waste.
Dr Matseo Mokone, headmaster of Rutanang, said the refurbishment of all desks was part of a community partnership programme with the correctional centre. He said revamped desks would go a long way in enabling learners to continue learning in a comfortable environment.
“Some of the desk frames were still intact. The correctional centre managed to rebuild all those desks, and these are back in classrooms for learning and teaching. This is costsaving for the school, as the frames
and worn-out desks would have gone to waste. This is also educational for learners to see the value of handy skills,” said Mokone.
He said 18 table tops were refurbished to their original condition, while 22 were newly designed.
Tshotlego Kgwadi, manager of education and training at the correctional centre, said two inmates worked together on the repairs and redesigns. Kgwadi said the pair was part of the Second Chance programme, providing inmates with life skills to generate an income.
Euphoria a golden thread in reimaginings
An interesting collection of the work of renowned artist Hannalie Taute are on exhibit from Thursday, 27 February, at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein.
The exhibition Euphoria . . . in sy Gloria is Taute’s 21st solo exhibition.
The 19 multi-media works portray her re-stitching of historical narratives into a fantastical rebirth of the fairytale wedding mythology.
It promises to be a celebration of times to come and aims to provoke a feeling of euphoria.
“I work primarily with the captured image. Altered, reimagined and reinterpreted.
Using mainly vintage photographs sourced from flea markets and even from my own family archives, which are used as is, or blown up to a larger scale,” explains Taute.
“These discarded remnants of the past are reworked with embroidered rubber innertube inlays, and their treatment of these remnants are at times ghoulish and macabre, imbuing the work with notions of identity in terms of culture, heritage and society.
“A re-stitching of historical narrative of sorts.
“The surrealism of conflicting customs and traditions sutured, like stitching up a wound or incision, reminiscent of an autopsy.
“I want to create unsettling work tinged by a bit of humour that questions notions of family, childhood, identity and memory.”
Taute uses embroidery, historically regularly practiced by women, and combines this with discarded rubber innertubes, mostly used in heavy vehicles – especially ones from tractors used by farmers today.
These elements are used to enhance old photographs –reproduced by new technology – to create a fresh narrative.
Taute creates her own
imaginary fairy-tale kingdom by removing the faces and historical identities from these vintage photographs; as she replaces them with a variety of cultural masks stitched onto rubber with colourful embroidered flowers, a new fantasy emerges. Something for a world clinging to the need to believe in euphoria.
Humour and seriousness are juxtaposed to create a make-believe world for everyone to enjoy and discuss.
Taute further amplifies the story the exhibition is telling by concocting a clever, quirky title for each artwork.
Taute’s works are included in various private collections around the world, as well as the academic collection of the University of South Africa (Unisa).
She currently resides and works in Riversdale, at the foot of what is known as the Sleeping Beauty Mountain Range in the Western Cape, the Hessequa region. ) The exhibition will be opened on Thursday at 18:00 by Prof. Adelheid von Maltitz, a practicing artist, as well as an associate professor at the Fine Arts department at the University of the Free State (UFS). A walkabout takes place on Friday at 11:00.
Vibrant ballet performance ready to bask in the spotlight
Ballet-loving audiences can look forward to thrilling performances in The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe Ballet
This production is on stage at the Pacofs theatre in Bloemfontein from Thursday, 27 February, until Saturday.
Presented by Mzansi Ballet, this visually stunning performance features costumes by worldrenowned designer David Tlale, and set design by the award-winning Andrew Botha.
The movements are a fusion of classical ballet, Afro-ballet, and contemporary dance, with innovative choreography by Angela Revie, incorporating contributions from Mdu Nhlapo. It also includes poetic narration, adding a rich layer to the performance.
The score, a key element of the production, features compositions by the double Grammy award-winning Wouter Kellerman, alongside other composers such as Mark Cheyne, SJKhosa, Dr Cara Stacey, Matthijs
van Dijk and Mpho Molikeng.
The ballet tells a powerful story that bridges the mythical, ancient, and modern worlds, focusing on the ancient Mapungubwe civilisation and the significance of a 100-year-old archaeological discovery amidst the backdrop of colonial politics.
Aubrey Sekhabi, artistic director of the South African State Theatre, praised the production for its ability to weave together South Africa’s history, culture and economy, which highlights the country’s pan-African philosophy.
This performance aligns with the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) strategy, aiming to reposition South Africa’s cultural industries and contribute to both economic growth and job creation through the arts. ) Tickets sell at webtickets.co.za for R120, or R80 for block bookings.
The first performance is scheduled for Thursday at 15:00; the second for Friday at 15:00; and the final performances for Saturday, 1 March, at 15:00 and 19:00.
TEBOHO SETENA
The Rutanang Primary School being presented with desks repaired and renovated by inmates of the Grootvlei Correctional Centre.
From the left are Ntsapho Mbokodi (artisan foreman at the Grootvlei Correctional Centre), Naledi Masihleho (head girl), Oregolelel Fihla (head boy), Dr Matseo Mokone (headmaster) and Tshotlego Kgwadi (manager of education and training at the Grootvlei Correctional Centre). Visit news24.com to view more photos. PHOTOS: TEBOHO SETENA
The Rutanang Primary School’s drum majorettes and cheerleading squad performs at the presentation of desks by the Grootvlei Correctional Centre on 19 February.
What is so happy about the ever after by Hannalie Taute will be on exhibition until 13 April. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Dancers on stage as part of in The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe Ballet PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Focusing on self-discovery
Reflecting on what it means to be yourself, and to develop the skills and resilience to cope with life’s ups and downs is what the theme of this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week is all about.
“Know Yourself, Grow Yourself”, is the theme of the week observed from 3 to 9 February.
It offers children and young people an opportunity to improve self-awareness, and to understand feelings, strengths, and weaknesses as recognising one’s emotions and thoughts is vital for mental health.
The week allows children to voice their experiences and reminds adults to communicate on mental health issues.
This initiative focuses on selfdiscovery and personal growth, providing young people with tools to take control of their mental health and develop lifelong coping strategies.
Recognising a child in distress Common early signs to watch out for are:
Behavioral changes
) Withdrawal/isolation: children may become increasingly isolated,
avoiding friends and sometimes family.
) Aggression: unusual forcefulness, potentially fighting with peers, or ignoring directions.
) Decline in academic performance: a noticeable slip in school performance or avoidance of schoolwork.
Physical symptoms
) Changes in sleep: difficulty falling asleep, nightmares, or altered sleep patterns.
) Eating changes: eating too much
or too little.
) Headaches or stomach aches: frequent physical complaints without a clear medical cause.
) Social and emotional problems.
) Peer difficulties: trouble getting along with peers or making friends.
) Anxiety: excessive worry, fear of new situations, or separation anxiety.
) Depression: persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, or feelings of hopelessness.
Developmental problems
) Delayed milestones: failure to reach developmental milestones appropriate for the child’s age.
) Regression: losing previously acquired skills or abilities.
A supportive environment should be provided for children, and professional help is necessary if any of the above signs are noticed. Encouraging open conversation and building coping skills can make a significant difference in their mental well-being.
Mental health conditions can arise at any age, and early intervention can greatly impact a child’s development and overall wellbeing.
GENERAL NOTICES COMMUNITY NOTICES 1210
Hendriette Mariaan Coetzer, please contact Esmari du Plessis at Engo Adoptions on 051 522 6914 with regards to the adoption of a boy child born 2020-02-11.
Engo Adoptions is calling on any person who is or knows the biological parents of a girl child Bophelo Jordin Koenaesele born 2023-05-27 to contact Esmari du Plessis on 051 522 6914.
ESTATE NOTICES
CURATORSHIP 4210
KENNISGEWING KURATELE BOEDEL: SABELO DIBA BOEDEL NOMMER: CR86/2022
In terme van Artikel 75 van die Boedel Wet 46 van 1965 word hierby kennis gegee dat CHRISTIAAN JOHANNES RAATH van JOHAN RAATH, Bloemfontein aangestel is as Kurator Bonis van SABELO DIBA identiteitsnommer: 940715 6249 08 6, woonagtig te 3911 K-SEKSIE, BOTSHABELO, Boedel nommer: CR86/2022, Meester van die Hoë Hof Bloemfontein.
M.E. LEKHETHO NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS IN DECEASED ESTATE IN THE ESTATE OF THE LATE: MOSIUOA ERNEST LEKHETHO PASSPORT NUMBER: RC694851, Date of death: 25 OCTOBER 2024, And surviving spouse MATEBELLO JEANETTE LEKHETHO PASSPORT NUMBER: RC695106 ADRESS: HA MAKHALE METOLONG MASERU LESOTHO, ESTATE NUMBER: 008704/2024, Creditors and debtors in the abovementioned estate are requested to lodge their claims or pay their debts to the Executor concerned within 30 (thirty) days as from THURSDAY the 27th of FEBEUARY 2025.
Engo Adoptions is calling on any person who knows or is the biological father of a child called Max Ferruno van Wyk born 2021-10-05 to contact Esmari du Plessis on 051 522 6914. GENERAL & HOME
CJ RAATH Kurator Bonis JOHAN RAATH COLLINSWEG 7 ARBORETUM BLOEMFONTEIN TEL: 051 013 3444
ESTATES: CREDITORS & DEBTORS 4201
J K. BOCHELE NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN DECEASED ESTATES
All persons having claims against the under-mentioned estate must lodge it with the Executor concerned within 30 days (or as indicated) from date of publication hereof Late estate JAN KERILENG BOCHELE, ID-no 580128 5854 085, date of birth 195801-28, date of death 2024-0410, last address: 32628 TURFLAGTE BLOEMFONTEIN 9301 Province of the Master's Office Free State and Master's Office Bloemfontein. First Names of Surviving Spouse: MARTHA SEBUWA BOCHELE, ID NO: 640426 0614 084 Estate-no 002650/2024
TUMELO ATTORNEYS, Tumelo Modise, Executor or Authorised Agent, 67 Kellner Street, Westdene, Bloemfontein., 9301. Tel. 051 011 5465, Email: info@tumeloattorneys.co.za
WERNER VERMAAK ATTORNEYS No 1 PRESIDENT STEYN STREET WESTDENE BLOEMFONTEIN PO BOX 26817 LANGENHOVENPARK 9330 TEL: 051 492 1150 EMAIL: werver@mweb.co.za
S.K. MOPELI
In the estate of the late Sidwell Kebone Mopeli, identity no: 640623 5538 082. Date of death 08 November 2024 of 32664 Turflaagte, Masakhane Road, Mangung, Bloemfontein, Free State. Estate number 7984/2024. All debtors and creditors having claims against the above-mentioned estate must lodge it with the Executor concerned within 30(thirty) days (or as indicated) from date of publication hereof: 28 February 2025
– Beverley Miller, specialist
counsellor, Famsa Kuruman
Children’s Mental Health Week is observed from 3 to 9 February. PHOTO: UNSPLASH
The Super Boys football team, hailing from Namibia, are competing in the Bloemfontein campaigns of the IBL Promotion League, which is run by the Bloemfontein Local Football Association (BLFA). The club
is in third position on the log of stream A, which features 11 teams. In May 2024, the team played in quarter-finals and third-position play-offs. The BLFA has development teams for boys and girls in the U11, U13, U15 and U17 age groups.
Wednesday, 26 February 2025
Captain realises team’s performance is a shared responsibility, not just management’s
Team walks a tightrope
TEBOHO SETENA
The Marumo Gallants’ captain, Edgar Manaka, maintains the players are duty-bound to turn around their dismal form to ensure the team retains their Premiership status.
The tough call for the players to put their heads on the block to avoid the dreaded relegation comes in the wake of a major shake-up in the club’s technical department, on account of poor results in the league.
The club’s struggle to steer away from the danger zone has culminated with the unprecedented sacking of the respective head coach and technical director, Dan Malesela and Molefi Ntseki.
The club announced the shakeup in the technical department on Friday, 21 February, citing the team’s dismal form under the pair who were seniors in the technical department.
Malesela rejoined the Gallants at the start of the current Betway Premiership, while Ntseki was appointed as the technical director in November last year.
It was business unusual in Ntseki’s case. The club defied the common practice of appointing the technical director in the event of firing the head coach. The club’s decision to sack Malesela and Ntseki followed a 1 – 3 defeat by the defending league champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, on Wednesday, 19 February.
The Bahlabane Ba Ntwa’s run, underscored with four wins in 17 league matches, had the technical department in the firing line.
However, Manaka holds the strong view that, as players, they are also in the firing line, adding that their jobs are also on the line should they fail to raise the team’s ranking. He has boldly admitted the players shoulder part of the blame
for the poor results, further stressing the importance to everyone unleash the true potential.
“This is a game of pressure, we have to know how to survive the pressure, there is pressure everywhere,” said the diminutive skipper.
“From day one, we knew what is expected of us, we take accountability at Marumo as the players, we understand the space altogether. We know what needs to be done to take the team out of the current situation,” said Manaka.
He further indicated that for the players, the ultimatum was to finish the season in the top-eight bracket, amid major changes in the technical team.
“Our target is still a top-eight finish; you can see how tight it is in the Betway Premiership for teams wanting to finish within the top eight. Anything can happen.
“For us, it is top eight all the way. It is our dream. We do not look at the names of opponents; if we have to play against the best, we will do so. This is the time to grind for maximum points,” said Manaka.
The gutsy midfielder is confident that the players will dust off their cobwebs and gallantly fight to retain their top-flight status.
“We are taking every game as it comes, and we are compelled to fight with everything to get positive results in all upcoming matches,” said Manaka.
The Gallants are gearing up for a gruelling grudge clash against the Orlando Pirates on Saturday, 1 March, in the Toyota Stadium. In the first round, the Pirates humiliated the Bahlabane Ban Ntwa 1 – 8. This was the heaviest defeat for Marumo, and the biggest win in term of the score tally for the Buccaneers.
Saturday’s eagerly-awaited match is scheduled to kick off at 17:45. Tickets cost R50 and R60 via ticketpro.co.za.
Local teams keep up the pressure for oncoming fixtures
TEBOHO SETENA
The Varsity Cup’s defending champions, the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Shimlas, showed their mettle on the rugby field, redeeming themselves with an emphatic win.
The home lads demolished the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) with a 59 – 29 win on Monday, 24 February, securing their first win of the competition in a match played at Shimlapark in Bloemfontein.
The champions atoned for the narrow loss in the opening match against the Stellenbosch University’s Maties. Seven Shimla players were on the score sheet, registering point-of-origin tries. They are: Liam Shamburg, Ntokozo Hlope, Regan Izaks, Reinier Viljoen, Alwich van der Linde, Stiaan Genis and Ramon
Uys. Uys was duly rewarded with the Player That Rocked accolade for his impressive form.
This outcome propelled the champions to seven points, trailing behind the Maties and University of Pretoria’s (UP) Tuks who are tied at ten points apiece, respectively. The Shimlas are currently in third place.
The champions’ commanding win sent a stern warning to their next opponents, the players of the University of Johannesburg (UJ). With the forthcoming match in Bloemfontein, the Shimlas are poised to capitalise and improve on their position, and act on their prospects to secure a semifinal slot.
In another important home fixture, the Ixias of the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, recorded back-to-back wins.
They beat the University of Cape
Town’s (UCT) Ikeys 23 – 19. The CUT finished the match with 14 players after outside centre, Zachery Bester, was given a red card for a dangerous tackle during an aerial tussle.
Three Ixias players were on the scorecard, namely Devinto Vergotine, Adielson Gouveia and Sisipho Nofuya. The CUT’s utility player, Jakobus Cloete, was awarded the Man of the Match title for his sterling performance.
This was the Ixias’ first win against the Cape boys.
The Bloemfontein boys have a daunting task against Maties in an away fixture on Monday, 3 March. The Ixias have proven they are capable by causing an upset in previous fixtures between the two. In 2023, the Free State side won with 23 – 19 in a Stellenbosch game.
The Marumo Gallants’ captain, Edgar Manaka, tussles for the ball with Polokwane City’s Thato Letshedi during a Betway Premiership League outing, which ended in a goalless stalemate on Sunday, 23 February, at the Dr RP Molemela Stadium.
PHOTO: TEBOHO SETENA
Shaun Ray of the University of Free State’s men’s rugby team, the Shimlas, leaps away from a Wits player during the Varsity Cup’s second round, played at Shimlapark in Bloemfontein on Monday. PHOTO: SUPPLIED