Solution to debt crisis a necessity
TEBOHO SETENA
The DA in the Free State has called on the provincial government to find short, medium and long-term solutions to the escalating municipal debt exceeding R1 billion. The party underscores the government’s inability to curb wasteful expenditure and implement actions to resolve the debt crisis.
Werner Pretorius, DA public accounts spokesperson in the provincial legislature, said this was significant for the provincial government to settle its outstanding municipal debt, noting a projected shortfall of R989 million for the 2024-’25 financial year, and to curb wasteful usage in future
The party’s renewed call for the provincial government leadership to take practical and decisive action
is in the wake of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), highlighting the crisis of debt management
This followed the disconnection of power to several provincial buildings due to R1,3 billion owed to the Mangaung Metro’s power utility, Centlec
Power supply was cut to the departments of Education, Human Settlements, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Public Works and Infrastructure, provincial Treasury, and the office of the premier
These departments are housed in the Fidel Castro Building and the O R Tambo Building, respectively The Lengau Testing and Traffic Centre also had its power supply disconnected
“In a recent committee meeting, the DPWI revealed an expected in-
year budget shortfall of R847 million for municipal debt Through the recent Second Adjustment Budget, R46 6 million was reprioritised to alleviate pressure on municipal service accounts
“However, the overall projected shortfall remains severe, with R847 million needed for municipal services and R142 million for rates and taxes, totalling a staggering R989 million in outstanding municipal debt,” Pretorius added
The party suggests reallocating funds from low-impact programmes, reassessing historical debt, and investing in short, medium and long-term solutions such as on-site boreholes, solar power systems for government buildings and a zero-tolerance approach to wastage
Pretorius revealed that the municipalities most affected by the debt crisis were Mangaung, Moqhaka,
Future of healthcare revolutionised
LIENTJIE MENTZ
The first multipurpose surgical robotic system in Southern Africa is now used at the Universitas Academic Hospital and giving surgeons the upper hand in the operating theatre The introduction of the Versius Surgical Robotics System is a groundbreaking moment for healthcare in South Africa
This places Universitas at the forefront of medical innovation in Africa
At the launch on 11 March at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS), premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae said the use of the system will not only elevate the healthcare system in general but also positions the country as a key player in the development of advanced medical technologies in the region
“The benefits of Versius are profound: patients will experience quicker recoveries and an earlier return to work, which ultimately leads to a healthier, more productive society,” she said
Prof Hester Klopper, vice-chancellor and principal of the UFS, said the system helps specialists perform complex robotic-assisted surgeries with unprecedented accuracy “It will revolutionise how we train the next generation of health-care professionals,” she said
“Our students and faculty will now have the unique opportunity to engage with a cutting-edge robotic system”
A medical team went to Dubai in January to attend training in the use of the system
Prof Colin Noel, a general surgeon at Universitas, performed the first surgery with the system on 24 February
From then to 6 March, nine procedures including radical prostatectomies
Malatu-A-Phofung and Dihlabeng
Some of these municipalities are hugely indebted to Eskom and have applied for participation in the debt relief programme to address their debt
“The Mangaung Metro is projected to be owed R743 million, comprising R430 million for municipal services, R142 million for rates and taxes, and R171 million to Centlec for electricity,” stated Pretorius
“The other municipalities facing significant projected shortfalls include Maluti-A-Phofung (R52 million), Moqhaka (R48 million) and Dihlabeng (R42 million)”
The growing debt crisis severely impacts service delivery, leading to further financial strain and making it difficult for local governments to provide basic services
“Settling outstanding municipal accounts, including historical debt,
The team that came together to launch the new robotic system are,from the left,professional nurse
Geyser and
and cholecystectomies were performed with the technology
Prof Freddie Claassen, a urologist at Universitas who has used the system in a radical prostatectomy , says the use of the robotic system holds many advantage to surgeons
Claassen explains that the system imitates a fully functional arm with a hand, and can be used for a wide variety of surgeries
“It is especially helpful when operating within the human pelvis A surgeon would often have to stand for long hours in uncomfortable positions to perform certain operations This system will not only save time but also add a faster recovery time for patients”
In a robotic surgery, a surgeon sits at a console in the theatre and can operate multiple arms of which one holds a high-definition camera
“Before a surgeon can complete a surgery alone with the system, a proctor specialist will have to sign off on a surgeon ’ s skill This will protect the patient, knowing that only qualified surgeons use the new system”
One of the huge advantages of the system, is that it will enable better outcomes for patients, including shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, and quicker recoveries
Surgeons will benefit from enhanced visual and tactile feedback during operations, enabling them to perform procedures more accurately and safely
With Southern Africa being a critical hub for medical advancements, the adoption of this system has the potential to inspire other hospitals across the region to follow suit This further raises the standard of care for patients and medical professionals alike
is essential to restoring stability, maintaining service delivery, and ensuring that municipalities can meet their own financial obligations to water boards and Eskom,” Pretorius stressed
According to Pretorius, the Free State’s future looks bleak based on projections
“With projections indicating that the provincial shortfall could rise to R1,5 billion by the 2027-’28 financial year if more funding is not allocated in the budget, or consumption is not better managed
“It is critical for the provincial government to take decisive action by managing consumption more effectively and prioritising debt repayments”
The provincial government must also reassess historical debt figures to ensure their accuracy and fair allocation, he said
Deadline to swap Sassa cards here
Beneficiaries are reminded to transition from the gold South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) card to the black Postbank card by Thursday, 20 March
The initial deadline for making the transition was 28 February
Beneficiaries who have not done so already, have until Thursday to ensure the Sassa gold cards are phased out
“We faced many challenges at the beginning of the year; however, the working relationship between the two entities, Sassa and Postbank, improved significantly, as we have one common goal: to have a smooth migration process, ” said Paseka Letsatsi, national spokesperson for Sassa
“More than 2,9 million beneficiaries were on the Sassa gold card at the beginning of the process
“Through our joint initiatives on various communication platforms, more clients began to visit various parts of Postbank sites
“This intervention has brought positive results since the commencement of the migration process”
Letsatsi explained that the card swap campaign did not happen overnight, as government had to comply with the processes and prescripts outlined by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB)
“Postbank, as the bank that drives the migration, had to be supported by Sassa on a few initiatives and interventions to expedite the process
“This required that Sassa put in
place additional human resources, extending working hours to have officials work overtime, in addition to intensifying its communication drive
“Also, we had to embark on our special Community Outreach Programmes throughout the country in broadening access
“These outreaches targeted areas in the outskirts of our country, where there were no Postbank sites This is one of the initiatives aimed at assisting our beneficiaries, particularly those in rural areas
“These outreaches were held even on weekends when we reached more people in community halls, Thusong service centres, and in some shopping centres,” said Letsatsi
Transitioning is easy
In order to receive a black Postbank card, beneficiaries are required to have a valid South African identity document (ID) or a temporary ID No card will be issued without this
Cards are issued to beneficiaries free of charge
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
Cards can be used directly after being issued
MORTUARIES STUCK IN A QUAGMIRE
The Free State Department of Health acknowledges the ongoing backlog of 53 bodies awaiting autopsies which has arisen due to the closure of the government mortuary in Bloemfontein This is according to Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the department
Autopsies are currently being conducted primarily at the Botshabelo and Welkom facilities
The closure follows a prohibition notice issued by the Department of Employment and Labour after a reactive inspection conducted in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act This was done on 18 October after complaints regarding hazards flagged non-compliance
The inspectors found water leakages posing a serious health hazard and accompanying risks to workers, should they come into contact with exposed electrical wires
The prohibition order flagged the following: failure to ensure proper ventilation in the postmortem room and risking exposure to bioaerosols; failure to identify and mitigate various hazards associated with pathological services; and sewage blockage resulting from postmortem discharge
Mvambi said from 14 March and up to 20 March the department would be intensifying its efforts to reduce the backlog – Lientjie Mentz
Maria Links,Natasha
Jay Pillay of Marcus Medical,who supplied the Versius Surgical Robotic Systems,Prof Freddie Claassen (Urology),professional nurse Napo Mokake,and Dr Leony Fourie (head of surgery at Universitas) Photo: Lientjie Mentz
Stakeholders at the launch of the project are,from the left,Oliver Goldberg (Marcus Medical),Prof Vasu Reddy (deputy vice-chancellor for Research and Internationalisation of the UFS),Prof Hester Klopper (vice-chancellor and principal of the UFS),MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae (Free State premier),Monyatso Mahlatsi (MEC for Health) and Prof Gert Coetzee (dean in the Faculty of Health Sciences)
Youth care centre given a facelift
TEBOHO SETENA
The refurbishment of the Tshireletsong Child and Youth Care Centre in Bloemfontein to meet an acceptable standard has cost the Free State government more than R55 million This comes after the provincial Department of Labour closed the centre in 2017.
Dipolelo Mance, provincial MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, officially handed over to the Department of Social Development this state property on Wednesday, 12 March
The handover followed the completion of phase 2, with the centre now owning a recreational facility with elements such as a swimming pool and multi-purpose courts for tennis, netball, and basketball New additions by the contractor, Mosa Consultants, include a guardhouse and solar panels for power-saving systems
The major revamp of the centre amounted to R45 298 936 while its first phase was about R20,143 million
In addition was the rental cost of R20 million for a lease agreements at two venues in Bloemfontein, the Christian Revival Church (CRC) and the Sentraal High School The rentals were for children moved following
The Tshireletsong Child and Youth Care Centre was officially handed over to the Department of Social Development after the contractor finished the project Dignitaries who conducted the presentation are,from the left,Nomtobeko Nonxuba (district director in Bloemfontein,of the Department of Social Development),Adv Tumelo Phahlo (head of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure),Moeletsi Maphathe (Mosa Construction),Dipolelo Mance (MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure),Tshepiso Machachamisa (ward 3 councillor),Nelisiwe Nombela (acting head of the Department of Social Development),Nwabisa Mkhwanazi (project manager) and Arthur Mackay
a prohibition order by the Labour Department
Phase 2 was conducted over a period of 14 months The section will be home to 140 staff members, including
Murder suspect awaits judgement in bail plea
TEBOHO SETENA
The alleged murderer
Songezo Steven Sejakane (42), remanded in custody, will know his fate during the judgement of his bail application in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court set for tomorrow – Thursday, 20 March Closing arguments by both the state and his legal representative was completed a week before this, on 13 March
Sejakane’s bail application pertains to his alleged involvement in the murder of Mpho Judith Moalosi (41)
The brutal killing of the female teacher is one of three gender-based violence (GBV) cases surrounding the accused
The brutally slain Moalosi taught at the Tsoseletso Secondary School in Bloemfontein
Sejakane has remained in custody since his arrest regarding the incident on 17 June last year
On judgement day, the court is to consider all the facts Sejakane presented through his Legal Aid attorney, as well as prima facie evidence presented by the state prosecutor in opposing his bail application
In this bail application, Sejakane’s attorney has explored all avenues, ranging from case laws, to ill-health in regard to the accused’s asthmatic condition, and purported risky conditions in the prison cell where he is remanded
Sejakane’s attorney submitted two additional
affidavits
In one affidavit he
pleads for bail, citing that the two children he reportedly adopted are in a dire situation as he is unable to provide for them
During the plea for bail, however, the court heard the adopted children receive a state grant
In the other affidavit, he cited his ill-health brought upon by asthmatic symptoms and food poisoning
According to this affidavit, Sejakane was found unconscious in the cell and his attorney pointed out lack of access to emergency healthcare
Capping it all off, a petition was apparently signed by prison inmates, supporting Sejakane’s claims of his dire situation
The prosecutor has questioned facts relating to Sejakane’s adopted children and why his aunt did not come to court to make a presentation on the dire situation of the adopted children
The prosecutor backed her argument saying there was a strong prima facie case against Sejakane and further dismissed his illhealth, saying no evidence in medical records was found to support his claim
of asthma
social workers serving the Bloemfontein region
Mance has re-emphasised the importance of infrastructure maintenance
More evidence includes the handbag and samples of Moalosi’s hair found in the car which Sejakane allegedly used to drive over the deceased’s body multiple times at the crime scene
The prosecution also submitted petitions signed by several people and activist groups opposing Sejakane’s bail application
The prosecution awaits further forensic results that can positively link Sejakane to Moalosi’s murder
The prosecutor revealed that the police’s Tactical Response Team (TRT) had found Sejakane hiding under his bed’s mattress when apprehending him at his house, with blood-stained clothes soaking in water
The court heard the police forced entry into place, apparently after Sejakane would not open the door
“Why hide when there’s nothing to hide from?” the prosecutor asked to dispute the statement that Sejakane was not a flight risk
The prosecutor also pointed out that even if Sejakane surrendered his passport to the police, it was not guaranteed he would not flee after being released on bail
She pointed out that Sejakane has a history of femicide, referencing to Moalosi’s gruesome killing and two additional GBV-related cases Sejakane has been linked to According to the prosecutor, one of the cases involves a minor
“I know the importance of this facility in safeguarding vulnerable children and providing care It must remain a home for them, and must be looked after very well by the community I commit my department to ensure there is maintenance to avoid a repeat of what happened here before,” said Mance, adding that her department’s mandate was to ensure the maintenance of state properties and align with the occupational health and safety regulations
Mance said what was pleasing about the reconstruction of the facility was seeing the creative redesign to
the environment, as well as the job creation for 270 sub-contractors and the contractor development programme to empower emerging female contactors
She said the upgrading and design met the norms and standards of the Children’s Act, and that the prolonging of this work resulted in budget adjustments
Mance said progress had been crippled by vandalism during the period the facility was unoccupied, in addition to contractual disputes that led to the termination of a contract with the first construction company
HEALTHY HABITS DO MORE THAN MANAGE WEIGHT
Adopting healthier habits is recommended as it is significant in reducing obesity levels and improving one’s quality of life
This encouragement for the public to adopt healthier lifestyle habits is on the backdrop of World Obesity Day, observed on 4 March, annually
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 890 million adults and 160 million children globally are classified as obese, making this a pressing public health concern
South Africa is one of the countries with the highest obesity prevalence with a projected increase in obesity by 47,7% in females and 23,3% in males
Obesity is linked to serious health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, strokes, and some cancers It is caused by numerous factors, among these being genetics, unhealthy eating habits, and a lack of activity
Easy access to high-calorie foods and limited exercise opportunities add to the challenge Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and medications such as antidepressants can also
contribute to weight gain
Obesity affects nearly every system in the body, increasing the risk of serious health issues It is a major cause of metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, as well as cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and heart disease
The excess weight can make breathing harder, leading to problems like sleep apnea It also puts extra pressure on joints, which can cause arthritis over time In addition to physical issues, obesity is linked to mental health struggles like depression anxiety, and low self-esteem
Healthy weight management is about making small, simple changes you can stick to
These include:
■ Prioritise whole foods: Whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains are nutrient-dense and naturally lower in calories, making them an excellent choice for a healthier diet
■ Practice mindful eating: Mindful eating encourages you to tune into your hunger cues, avoid overeating It involves eating without distractions
like a TV or smartphones, chewing slowly to appreciate the flavours and textures of your food, and stopping when you feel satisfied rather than full
■ Excercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking or swimming and include strength training exercises twice a week to build lean muscle
■ Hydrate properly: Staying hydrated boosts metabolism and controls appetite, supporting a healthy lifestyle Drink water before meals to reduce calories swap sugary drinks for herbal teas or infused water, and carry a reusable bottle to stay hydrated all day
■ Manage stress: Chronic stress can lead to emotional eating and weight gain, making stress management an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle To reduce stress, try yoga, deep breathing, or journaling, and do not hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or a therapist when needed
Additionally, setting aside time for hobbies and relaxation can help you unwind and regain balance, supporting mental and physical well-being
SCHOOL CELEBRATES HISTORY WITH MORE SUCCESS
After re-marking the matric learners’ examination papers, the St Michael’s School attained a 100% Bachelor's pass rate for the 2024 matric final exams
This conclude the schools’ 150th anniversary that was celebrated in 2024
“Now we can boast a perfect score for this special year, ” said Melanie Schoeman, deputy head and head of Academy at the school
This achievement comes along with the 45 consecutive years in which the matric learners achieved a 100% pass rate
St Michael’s not only has a long and illustrious history in the Free State, but also in South Africa
Since the founding of the school when Mother Emma and the five pioneering Anglican Sisters arrived from England to start up the Community of St Michael and All Angels and St Michael’s School, the school has played a significant role in shap-
ing the future of young women
Today the school is most certainly still in accordance with the mission statement, when in 1874 the founder of the school, Bishop Allan Becher Webb, articulated that the school aimed at the imparting of a thoroughly sound English education, refinement of tone and manners, and a healthy development of character
Last year, the staff at St Michael’s did an exceptional job in preparing the matric class of 2024, and their hard work has truly paid off At the Well-Done Function of the Department of Education held on Saturday, 22 February, the school was awarded the several prizes These include:
■ One of the top five schools in the Mangaung Metropolitan Education District with a 100% pass rate for the 45th consecutive year, making St Michael’s School for Girls an academic front runner in the Free State
and South Africa
■ St Michael’s also obtained the highest Bachelor’s pass in the Mangaung Metropolitan District in 2024 with 97,7% However, after re-marking that took place in February, St Michael’s attained a 100% Bachelor’s pass, the third time in recent years ■ For Mathematical Literacy, Life Orientation and Computer Applications Technology (CAT), St Michael’s was first in the district and the province For Geography, St Michael’s obtained first position in the district and second in the province For Information Technology (IT), the school was awarded a certificate for achieving fourth position in the Free State Noèline Stumpfe, headmistress at St Michael's, said the school is extremely proud of its dedicated matric teachers for their unwavering commitment and hard work – Lientjie Mentz
MEC Dipolelo Mance next to the multi-purpose facility’s swimming pool.
The slain teacher,Mpho Judith Moalosi.
Dedication to arts lauded
Theatre artist and storyteller Jane Mpholo has received another feather in her cap: a certificate of recognition in Arts and Creativity
She was recognised for making a significant impact in the community at the Southern Region Women in Media Awards event held in Bloemfontein on 8 March The awards are exclusive for women and celebrate their remarkable achievements across various fields
Mpholo received recognition for her outstanding contributions to the creative industry Pioneered by Mannehileng “First Lady” Letuka, radio personality and community developer, the annual awards ceremony ties in with the celebration of International Women's Day Mpholo expressed her gratitude and surprise upon receiving the award
“It feels great to be honoured at home”
Being a trailblazer in the art industry, Mpholo boasts multiple creative arts awards, the latest additions being international and national accolades for using theatre as a vehicle for healing and change
Among the honourees at the most recent awards ceremony were speakers and entrepreneurs These include Siyasanga Mophethe (Changemaker award), Mantwa Kgutlang (Trailblazer award), Bonolo Maloka (Social Media Influencer award) and Refilwe Xaba (Entrepreneurial Spirit award)
Letuka, founder of the awards, emphasised the importance of empowering women and giving recognition for their continued strides in the upliftment of the community
“Our mandate is to celebrate and uplift women who are making a difference in their industries”
REDAKTEUR / EDITOR
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Offers a new observation
of the norm
A viewing of the solo exhibition Euphoria In Sy Gloria by Hannalie Taute at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum’s annex gallery The exhibition is open until 13 April This is Taute’s 21st solo exhibition,which offers a reimagining of historical narratives through multi-media works.With vintage photographs,embroidery and repurposed rubber inner-tubes,Taute evokes themes of memory,culture,identity and the fleeting nature of euphoria Her fairytale-inspired works challenge ideas of family,tradition and the concept of a“happy-ever-after”
Interconnectedness on show
Simon Venter’s highly anticipated solo exhibition, Mythologies of Time, is open for public viewing at the Oliewenhuis Museum in Bloemfontein until 4 May. The two-month long exhibition officially opened on 13 March
This offers a compelling exploration of the intersections between history, human existence and technology
Mythologies of Time explores how history and technology shape human perception, questioning the narratives we construct around progress and innovation
Core to this is the recurring arch motif, symbolising both a passage and a rupture – representing the tensions between permanence and change, human consciousness and machine processes Drawing inspiration from memento mori traditions, Venter reflects on the impermanence of life, emphasising the irreplaceable
nature of embodied experience, historical continuity and existential reflection in artistic practice
Viewers are invited into a thought-provoking dialogue about tradition in an era of rapid technological advancement, standing as a testament to the enduring significance of human creativity in an increasingly digitised landscape
Venter is a self-taught artist whose creativity has earned him recognition through prestigious platforms such as Sasol New Signatures (2023 and 2024), the Sanlam Portrait Award (2021) and the Nando’s Creative Exchange (2022)
For more information on the Oliewenhuis Art Museum, contact the museum by dialling 078-968-4300 or sending email to oliewen@nasmus co za
MUSEUM MARKS IMPORTANCE OF RIGHTS
The Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein’s special commemoration of national Human Rights Day on Friday, 21 March, will bring to the fore the importance of citizen rights, as protected by South Africa’s Constitution Free for interested members of the public to attend, the event is themed “Deepening a culture of social justice and human rights ” The event is a continuation of fostering greater social cohesion, nation building and a shared
national identity
The history of Human Rights Day is grounded in the Sharpeville Massacre on 21 March 1960, where the apartheid police shot and killed 69 people during a peaceful protest This exposed the apartheid government’s blatant human rights violations This day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for the freedoms enjoyed today and highlights the importance of respect, fairness and equality Those attending will from
10:00 to 15:00 have the opportunity to relax and engage in meaningful reflection in the museum's tranquil surroundings Visitors may bring along a picnic basket and will have an opportunity to stroll through the museum’s thought-provoking exhibitions, and enjoy live music
For children, the African Carousel is sure to be a highlight, with rides available for just R5 Visitors can also explore the Sculpture Park and picturesque walking trails to complete the day
FESTIVAL SET TO SHOWCASE RICH HERITAGE
This year’s Folkloric Arts Festival which forms part of the overarching cultural heritage of the Free State, will take place at the Mmabana Arts and Culture Centre in Thaba Nchu
The event has historically been celebrated bi-annually since its inception in 1999
The Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (DSACR) is organising this one-day celebratory event, which coincides with the series of events marking this year’s Human Rights Month Human Rights Day is observed
on 21 March, annually
The festival is staged in partnership with the Royal House of Barolong boSeleka in Thaba Nchu
The primary objective of the Folkloric Arts Festival strengthens social cohesion and nation building and celebrates and showcases the cultural heritage of the Batswana nation The Batswana nation constitutes an important part of the Free State language and cultural landscape Testimony thereof is the fact that the language of Tswana is the fourth most spoken in the
Poignancy a straggler
MAFOLE MOKALOBE
Breakups are devastating
One moment, love seems to be all true And strangely, all things impossible seem possible Promises of heaven and earth Buying each other aeroplanes Wow!
Then life happens And it all comes crushing down
Before you know it, you go from being the one to being nothing Zero Nix Nil Nada All this makes love seem like a 419-scam on another level Sad
Then heartbreak, headache, and pain follows This is the price we pay for love We burst into tears We call friends We crave for their phone call But to no avail
In the Irish novelist James Joyce’s words, this is when their absence becomes the highest form of their presence They are gone, but the flame of their love burns deep inside us We relish memories We hear their voices We long for answers
That is when we begin to “ suffer more in imagination than in reality,” as the stoic philosopher Seneca enlightens us Our thoughts torment us We question ourselves
Why did I not go on that long holiday that was so desperately needed? Was it fair for me not to communicate my expectations and expect them to read my mind?
But all the same, reality is different The writing is on the wall: It is over The end
Breakups are transformatory, too They are meant for things to fall apart so that things can fall into place They come with the joy of self-rediscovery
Knowing that you deserve someone worthy of your heart Knowing to let go of the burden you carry in your head
Knowing to never allow yourself to be an option, but a priority
This is power to self Anything less is selling yourself short Standards, right?
So, do not feed your mind with emptiness of the past wounds that cannot be healed No amount of what-ifs and maybes will ever save us from ourselves Love dies
Breakups are never our fault
We never have control over others Their actions and feelings about us are theirs alone Only when we embrace this despair of the human soul can begin to move on, and fast
We can live our life, and not let it consume us
Many who started the race of love with us will not finish it Some will abandon us, others will get tired, and several will give up on us But the few true ones will finish with us, no matter what This is part of our existence
For those who left, their absence will teach us a great deal about our presence The biggest lesson will be that “ we are yet to meet all the people who love us”
We will cherish the knowledge that there is plenty of us on Earth, plenty of love to give away, and plenty of far better qualities in others than our exes
But to experience this, we need to risk it all There is beauty waiting to be discovered out there
We need to embrace the future and unlock the love possibilities it offers
We should know, as American novelist Ernest Hemingway reminds us, that “the world breaks everyone, and afterwards, many are strong at the broken places”
May the goodness of love find us
province after Sotho, Afrikaans and Xhosa followed by English
The staging of the festival follows on the hosting of the Free State Homebrew Festival from 20 to 23 February, which provided performing opportunities to more than 240 artists
The festival is part the department’s ongoing effort to provide much-needed performance opportunities to artists within the province, and enable them to showcase their talent and rich heritage, as well as promoting art as a tool for empowerment
May it see us through as we feel, accept, heal, and move on from our breakups May it make us stronger in those broken places May we also appreciate those in our past and embrace those yet to come in our future
We deserve flowers, too, don’t we?
■ Dr Mafole Mokalobe writes in his personal capacity
Writers interested in having their thoughts or opinion pieces published at no cost to themselves (for free) in BloemExpress, are welcome to submit their writings via email to teboho setena@novusmedia co za, to be considered for publication
Opinion pieces must not exceed 500 words and must be accompanied by a useable, high quality photo
Jane Mpholo with her latest award
Art lovers viewing Simon Venter’s solo exhibition Mythologies of Time. Photo: Supplied
Water saved drop by drop
South African consumers ’ usage and management of water underscores this year ’ s World Water Day celebration on Saturday, 22 March, under the theme “Glacier Preservation” Change in behaviour to manage water forms part of essential strategies and choices to shape the future of water in the country
The annual World Water Day campaign aims at raising awareness about the global water crisis All are encouraged to take active measures to preserve water and fix leaks to avoid large amounts of water going to waste
According to the No Drop Report, 47,4% of municipal water is lost due to leaks, illegal connections and poor infrastructure maintenance, with pipe leaks alone accounting for 40,8% Findings show municipal inefficiencies are responsible for almost half of the country’s water supply going to waste
The South African National Bottled Water Association (SANBWA) has highlighted that more than 13 million South Africans depend on groundwater daily, with boreholes and aquifers supplying water to communities, agriculture and industries Excessive withdrawal, pollution, or inadequate recharge can lead to depletion, leaving future generations vulnerable to severe water shortages To protect water quality, facilities must have an approved wastewater disposal system or an effluent management plan to prevent environmental risks Sewage systems must not pose contamination threats, and flooding, leakage or pollution must be absent
The SANBWA encourages a strong commitment from government to repair and maintain water infrastructure
“Without decisive action from policymakers, the country will continue to lose nearly half its treated water before it even reaches consumers South Africa cannot afford to ignore the staggering inefficiencies in its water management systems while shifting the burden entirely onto consumers, ” the association stated
Partnerships strengthened
TEBOHO SETENA
A Research Leadership Chair Symposium held at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, is envisaged to open more opportunities for enterprising small businesses to tap into the industry.
Held on Thursday, 13 February, at the university’s Bloemfontein campus, the event was organised in partnership with the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W-RSETA)
It provided a platform for collaboration between industry leaders, academia and policymakers to explore research priorities, trends and innovations within the wholesale and retail sector
Research revealed enterprising opportunities in these sectors are regarded as a key growth sector and is dominated by the food industry This sector is the fourth largest contributor to South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) score, employing approximately 21% and providing an entrepreneurial start-up
By delving into research priorities, trends and innovations within the sector, a unique level of collabora-
Stakeholders who attended the symposium are,from the left,Daphline Ewertse (chairperson),Senzi
of W-RSETA),Dimakatso Machaka (administrative assistant at W-RSETA),Prof Ryk Lues
Sustainability and Biotechnology),Lizelle Els (coordinator of Work Integrated Learning,Setas and Industry
Motsoeneng (senior specialist for Research and Innovation at the W-RSETA),Manneheng Raphuthing (Research Coordinator chair) and Sally Joubert (Marketing CUT and W-RSETA Research and Leadership chair)
tion was fostered
“As a Seta service, we firmly believe in the power of collaboration between academia, industry and government to make practical, evidence-based decisions,” said Thabang Motsoeneng, senior specialist for Research and Innovation at the W-RSETA
“Through our partnerships with institutions like the CUT, we can generate evidence-informed research by directly consult-
ing with industry stakeholders”
He highlighted the W-RSETA’s commitment to fostering knowledge exchange through the symposium and unlocking trade opportunities for upcoming entrepreneurs
"We are also looking forward to further engagement and partnerships to address key opportunities and gaps, inspiring new ideas, driving collaboration, and developing solutions that promote
both social growth and transformation,” he said
To strengthen the sector, role players highlighted the need to ensure food safety, solutions to industry challenges, and the role of employers in shaping the future workforce and skills in food culture and sustainability
Prof Ryk Lues, director at the Centre for Applied Food Sustainability and Biotechnology, highlighted the symposium’s role in
promoting collaboration and strengthening the relationship between academia and industries, identifying key research gaps
He said the industry was a key catalyst for an entrepreneurial boom for South African youths faced with the unemployment crisis
According to Lues, one of the challenges facing small businesses in South Africa is entrepreneurship education, stressing that quality products remain key
Moroe (provincial manager
(director of the Centre for Applied Food
Liaison),Thabang
Striker sidelined for rest of season
TEBOHO SETENA
A knee injury has forced Thapelo Dhludhlu, forward for the Marumo Gallants, out of action for the remainder of the current Premier Soccer League (PSL) season.
The pacey striker last featured during his team’s 3 – 1 drubbing of Premiership rookies Magesi FC in December last year
The match wherein the striker was in action took place at the Dr RP Molemela Stadium, Bloemfontein’s football powerhouse
Dhludhlu’s injury has left the team depleted in the striking department at the time of its tough battle to survive relegation in the elite domestic league The player is currently being assessed by both the medical and technical teams
Amos Dhlomo, fitness trainer, said the injury on Dhludhlu was noticed during the club's training session a couple of days after the league match against Magesi
He said a medical investigation revealed the cause of injury to the player’s left leg was due to knee effusion (abnormal fluid accumulation within the knee joint) Dhlomo said that the nature of the injury automatically sidelines Dhludhlu for the reminder of the current premiership season, adding that the player was recommended to undergo a medical examination to avoid any risk, and ensure a full recovery
He said Dhludhlu was the only casualty on the team’s injury list, while Edson Khumalo has recovered from injured ligaments sustained during a match against Polokwane City on 23 February
The trio of,from the left,Sipho Booi,Ettienne Engelbreght and Vic Carrasco scooped top prizes in the senior men’s category of the 17th tournament of the Caleb Motshabi Table Tennis Club,held at the Mangaung Indoor Sport Centre on Saturday,15 March.The annual tournament attracted more than 50 players and saw top performers in the different categories rewarded for their individual effort in the one-day competition.
The pair of Amos Dhlomo and Mogomotsi Rangaka,physical trainer and sports scientist (right),respectively,ensure optimum performance of the players and work as a cohesive unit as part of the technical team
Rewarded for stellar plays
The winners in the senior women’s category were awarded with medals for their performance in the annual tournament of the Caleb Motshabi Table Tennis Club. From the left are David Kgabale (tournament director and manager of the Caleb Motshabi Table Tennis Club),Segomotso Phekonyane (guest), Simone Mahlamvu,Pule Pitso (guest),Refilwe Phoofolo and Thobeka Ntsolloane.
Creating own path
in favourite pastime
Aspiring future star players make up the team of Corinthians FC,which competes in the U13 development league of the Bloemfontein Local Football Association (BLFA),under the auspices of Safa The club is based in Freedom Square
Mimosa
LIENTJIE MENTZ
With double the entries in all categories from the previous year, the Mimosa Mall Marathon held on 1 March was, in all aspects, a huge success Neelofar Issa, general manager of Mimosa Mall, said the whole experience was humbling “We were amazed at the support we received and the number of entries to this year ’ s race ” In only its second offering the race, a marathon category was added to the event, making it a Comrades qualifier Runners were able to participate in a marathon, half-marathon, and a 10 km or 5 km fun run
The race was held in support of the Louzanne Coetzee Foundation, with an amount of R12 000 handed over to Coetzee just last week
“We greatly appreciate the donation,” Coetzee, founder of the foundation, said
“It is important that people in Bloemfontein trust us to do good work in the sporting community, but also in the disability community
raises stakes
Wednesday,12
When a big corporation like Mimosa shows their support in the foundation, it means a lot They were the first partner in the foundation and it will always be a super special relationship and event”
This blind Paralympic athlete, along with guide Sewie Sewenster, ran the 21 km race on 1 March
“We thought the route was going to be very difficult, but we found it to be amazing,” she said “The route was so versatile and surprisingly fast It took you across different iconic areas like Tempe, the University of the Free State (UFS), and Grey College
“What also warmed my heart was how everybody got involved in the event,” she said Jaco Ebertsohn of the Bloemfontein
Striders that organised the race and route, said he measured the success on the amount of smiling participants along the route Neelofar said the fact that there was such a rush for entries during the last two days leading up to the event, showed its popularity Mimosa Mall chose to cease entries once capacity was reached at 2 000, as the intention was always to provide the very best experience to all runners
“We made every effort to enhance this year ’ s event, increasing the prize money, introducing a full marathon, and expanding both water points and sponsorship support Next year, we are committed to raising the bar even higher,” Neelofar said
Broadcasting rights deal nearing its end, no plans to renew
helped ensured that the local production teams consisted of a majority of Zambian citizens, thereby empowering the local workforce
The channel stated that it has contributed to the growth of Zambia’s club football during a time in which both Africa’s biggest sports broadcaster and Zambian football enjoyed considerable success This success later contributed to the latter winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012
football community, as well as upskilling local talent, which also grew the capacity of the country’s live sports broadcast industry Tlhis
The Zambian league received widespread exposure through the DStv and GOtv platforms, giving local talent an opportunity to be scouted and rec-
ognised, which they arguably would not have received otherwise
Proud of development
“This partnership with the Football Association of Zambia is one we are very proud of SuperSport has invested considerably in the upliftment of Zambian and African football as a whole
“We remain Africa’s biggest broadcaster and we are proud of the contribution we have made to Zambian football and the growth of live sports
broadcasting as an industry in the country
“Looking back from where we started in 2007, and with the skills we have imparted to the local economy, sportspeople and the community, we believe we are leaving the league in a better place
“SuperSport would like to thank Andrew Kamanga, FAZ president, Reuben Kamanga, general-secretary, the FAZ executive committee, the clubs and all officials and staff who have been central in driving our partnership,” said Rendani Ramovha, chief executive officer (CEO) of SuperSport
The Marumo Gallants’forward,Thapelo Dhludhlu, being blocked by Magesi FC defender Kayden Rademeyer during a match of the first round of the PSL played in December 2024
Neelofar Issa (left) and Louzanne Coetzee with the checque of R12 000 that was handed over to the latter’s foundation on
March
Smoked Gammon, Pickled Tongue, Corned Beef Hamper
Wednesday, 19 March 2025
Team continues fight against relegation Coachfacestallorder
TEBOHO SETENA
Mastering rough tactics to ensure survival in the remaining Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches would be fundamental for Abdeslam Ouaddou, newly appointed head coach of the Marumo Gallants He led the team in a 2 – 0 win against Orlando Pirates.
As positive results matter more than the approach of playing fancy football in the battle to survive the dreaded relegation, the Gallants’ survival depend on their ability to execute the game plan in the remaining must-win matches
The club requires a threshold of at least 36 points to guarantee its future in the country’s elite domestic football league Currently rooted in position 14 on the log table, with 22 points, the Gallants are among the eight clubs in the bottom half of the PSL table, fighting for survival
The Bloemfontein-based outfit has thus far registered six wins and four draws after 22 league games
Boasting two wins, the Moroccan born mentor accepted a daunting assignment to safeguard the future of the team
In four league matches in charge, he has managed to record two wins
The second narrow 1– 0 win against Cape Town City last Saturday followed his first victory against in-form Buccaneers in a match played in Bloemfontein earlier this month
The arduous baptism of fire came in two losses, 2 – 1 and 1 – 0, against Sekhukhune United and Stellenbosch, respectively
Ouaddou’s charges are compelled to fight to salvage maximum points of the eight remaining league matches
There are 24 points to compete for The remaining matches exclude Royal AM, currently under auction due to owing the South African Revenue Service (Sars) tax estimated at R40 million
Critical in his tough assignment, will be finding the missing link in the team’s striking department
The club is currently depending on one goal-poacher, Frank Gabadinho Mhango
The Malawian scored the all-important goals in the club’s 1– 0 win over Cape Town City on Saturday
The team contends with a poor defensive record too, with 33 goals conceded The team, however, had a good defensive record until a 8 – 1 drubbing by Pirates in December
The Bahlabane ba Ntwa are gearing up to face off against the vastly improved TS Galaxy in a return PSL match, which is one of the eight mustwin encounters to survive the chop at the end of the current season
In the first round they shared the spoils, after playing to a 1 – 1 draw in Bloemfontein
The other remaining league fixtures are against: Supersport United, Golden Arrows, Chippa United, Kaizer Chiefs and Magesi
Deterring weather cannot quell players’ passionate play
The University of the Free State’s (UFS) men ' s rugby side, the Shimlas, are striving to keep their chances of securing a necessary semifinal slot alive in defence of their Varsity Cup title
The team earned a hard-fought 16 - 9 victory over hometown rivals, the Ixias of the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, in a Bloemfontein derby played last Monday, 17 March
Though not the prettiest of wins for the defending champions, every point is worth its weight in gold This was the lowest scoring fixture in the competition
The eagerly anticipated derby was delayed by nearly an hour due to lightning in the vicinity of Shimla Park, but the welcome rain did not dampen the supporters’ spirits, who showed up in their numbers
Despite the wet conditions, both teams opted for an attacking approach from the outset, resulting in plenty of turnover ball The Shimlas, in particular, left several points on the park, squandering scoring opportunities from set-pieces near the Ixias tryline
The deadlock was finally broken in the 17th minute when the FNB Shimlas flyhalf Bradley Giddy
winger Kirwin du Preez on scoring the only try in the Bloemfontein derby on Monday,17 March.
slotted a long-range penalty, despite the slippery underfoot conditions
Despite two further attempts at a goal, both unsuccessful, the score was 3 - 0 at halftime
The rain eased in the second half, improving the playing conditions slightly, but errors remained a factor The Ixias opened their account through a Matthys Malan penalty to
Shimlas and Ixias players tussle for the ball during their derby. Photos: Supplied
level matters, but the Shimlas responded with a sensational try from Kirwin du Preez This was the only try of this closely contested match Giddy kept the Shimlas ahead with
two more penalties, while Malan slotted two late three-pointers in pursuit of a bonus point for Ixias Ultimately, the Shimlas did enough to secure four valuable points
BAFANA SETS OUT ON YET ANOTHER QUEST TO REACH WORLD CUP FINAL
The upcoming Fifa World Cup qualifiers underlines the aspirations of South Africa’s men’s senior team, Bafana Bafana, to qualifying for next year’s global showpiece
coach, the team will meet Lesotho on Friday 21 March, before travelling to Benin for another encounter set for Tuesday, 25
The match against Lesotho will be played in Polokwane, Limpopo Broos has emphasised the importance for Bafana Bafana to win in order to ascend from behind Rwanda in Group C According to him a win against Lesotho and Benin would put his charges in good position to qualify for the global showpiece
Cup on three occasions: in 1998 2002 and as hosts in 2010
The goal is clear Broos is targeting one of the slots in the final tournament for African countries The Fifa World Cup 26 will be the 23rd edition of the tournament, but the first to feature 48 teams and three host countries: Canada,
Abdeslam Ouaddou,newly appointed head coach of the Marumo Gallants,with Frank Gabadinho Mhango and goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi during training at the Dr R P Molemela Stadium.
Shimlas