Pursuitscelebrated
TEBOHOSETENA
Therelentlessquestforeducation bythewheelchair-boundGotsofalo Mpeoahasgivenheramuch-needededge.
Thiscameintheformofabrandnewwheelchairandtwouniquely designeddesksthatweredonatedto enablehertostudymorecomfortably athomeandinaclassroomatthe ThabengSatelliteLearningCentrein Bloemfontein.
ThewheelchairisfromStandard Bank,whilethetwodesksarefrom theMangaungCorrectionalCentre, commonlyknownasGroup4. The essentialtoolswerepresentedto Mpeoa(20)on Thursday,20March,at thecentrewhereshehasenrolledto obtainhermatriccertificate.
Shepreviousattendedthe TswellangSpecialSchooluntil Gr.9. Theschoolinquestioncatersfor learnerswithphysicaldisabilitiesbut doesnotofferclassesbeyondGr.9. Mpeoa’sdeterminationtocomplete herschoolinginspiredhertoenrol attheadultcentrelastyear,which ishousedattheBotlehadiPrimary School.Sheisoneofthe54matric candidatesenrolledatthecentre.Her subjectsincludeBusinessStudies, Economics,Accounting,Mathematic Elite,English,andSotho.
SerapeloScholtz,deputychiefof EducationSpecialistCommunity EducationandTrainingattheFree StateDepartmentofEducation,said Mpeoa’scourageinspiredhertogo theextramileinapproachingdifferententitiestogetasuitabledeskand wheelchair.
“Imademymissionseeingherdif-
ficulty,butwasalsoamazedbyherresiliencetopursuethedreamtoobtain amatriccertificate.Shewasstruggling tocometoschool.I’mverygrateful tobothGroup4andStandardBank fortheirgenerositytoaidGotsofaloin realisingherdream,”saidScholtz.
ShesaidherencounterwithMpeoa wasduringthemonitoringoftheprep examinationatthecentrelastyear.
DihedilePholoana,managerof thecentre,saidMpeoanevermissed classes,addingthatshewasequally amazedandencouragedwhenshe firstregisteredlastyear.
RachelMpeoa,thelearner’smother,expressedgreatappreciationfor thedonationreceived.
“Gotsofaloisanamazingchild,and herloveforeducation–Icannotmeasure.Iwasextremelyhappywhenshe wasacceptedattheschooltocontinuewithherdreamtogeteducation.”
SerapeloScholtz(deputychiefofEducationSpecialistCommunityEducationand Training)presentsGotsofaloMpeoawithawheelchairanddesks.
Photo:TebohoSetena
Police raid schools to tighten safety
TheBloemfonteinpolice’sprogrammetoimprovesafetyatschools hasyieldedsomeresultsafterthe discoveryofaknifeanddagga duringanoperationconductedon 18March.
Thesewereuncoveredduringclass inspectionsthatformpartofthe crimeawarenessprogramme.
Theraidatselectiveschoolswere undertakenbythepolice’syouthand socialresponsibilityprioritycommitteeinMangaung. Theyvisited aschool inBloemspruitandtwo schoolsinBotshabelo. Thesearepart oftheBloemspruitPoliceStation precinct.
AccordingtoLtCol. ThaboCovane, spokespersonforthepoliceinthe
Thepencilboxofoneofthelearnersin whichthepolicefoundaknifeandsome dagga.
MangaungMetro,theoperationaims ataddressingbullying,violenceand drugpeddling,aswellassubstance
abuseaffectingthelearningenvironment.Hesaidthecrimeawareness wasraisedwith300learners.Covane saidduringtheprogramme,12classes weresearched,leadingtodiscoveryof unwanteditems.
Inthesearchaknife,spacemuffins andsevenrolleddaggajointswere found.
Covanesaidthatthemembers foundoneofthelearnerstohavein theirpossessionseveralemptyziplock plasticbagsusuallyusedtopackage drugs,addingthatfourlearnerswere handedovertoschoolmanagement forfurtherintervention.
Theraidwasundertakendaysafter thestabbingofthedeputyprincipal oftheKgabarengSecondarySchoolin Viljoenskroon. Themaleteacherwas allegedly stabbedwithaknife.
Access to water underscores march for most basic rights
TEBOHOSETENA
Therighttoaccesswaterunderscores theDAintheFreeState’scommemorationofHumanRightsDaythis month.
Theofficialpartyintheprovince observedthedayonFriday,21March, withapeacefulmarchinHeilbron intheNgwatheLocalMunicipality, whichalsogovernsthetownsParys, Vredefort,KoppiesandEdenville.
Themarch,highlightingthe widespreadchallengetoaccess water,wasledbyKaraboKhakhau, federalspokespersonfortheparty andconstituencyhead,andDrRoy Jankielsohn,provincialleader. They weresupportedbytwocouncillorsin themunicipalityinquestion,Robert FerendaleandJosephMbele.
Khakhauexplainedthatthe demonstrationformedpartof supportingthemanyresidentswho continuetolivewithoutwaterand underinhumaneconditions.
“FreeStateresidentsremainvictims ofgrosshumanrightsviolations,like thelackof(andsometimesnon-existent)basicwaterprovision,poor healthcareservicesandadeplorable
stateofwastewatertreatmentand sanitationservices,”shesaid.
AccordingtoKhakhau,thedemonstrationresonatedwiththeSouth AfricanHumanRightsCommission’s (SAHRC)damningreportoncommunities’struggletoaccesswaterin theFreeState,releasedinNovember 2024.
“ThereportvindicatedtheDA’s claimsofgovernmenthumanrights violations.Ithighlightedarangeof servicedeliveryissuesinmunicipalities.
“OnthisHumanRightsDay,we havechosentostandinsolidaritywith thevictimsoftheANC-runNgwathe government’snegligenceandcarelessness.”
Themarchwasacontinuationofa seriesofeventsacrosstheprovince thepartyhasparticipatedintohighlightresidents’plightaccessingwater.
“Thesehighlight,amongother things,thefundamentalhumanright towaterandtheongoingservicedeliverycrisisaffectingmanyresidents.
“ThemarchinHeilbronwasforimprovedwaterandsanitationservices inPhiritonaExt10. Thereiscurrently notapwaterbeingsuppliedora fixed
andoperationalsewerageservicefor theestimated500residentsofthis community.”
IntheFreeState,thestruggleto accesswaterismemorablefortragic incidents.
ActivistandteacherAndriesTatane wasshotandkilledbyarmedmembersofthepoliceinFicksburgduring aservicedeliveryprotestoverwater. Hewaskilledon13April2011.
In2020,MosaMbelediedafter shedrownedinariverstreamwhile fetchingwaterinPhuthaditjhaba. The childdrownedintheKgoptjaneRiver whenattemptingtofetchwaterasthe municipality’sdifficultiesinsupply waterwereprolonged.
ThewatercrisisintheANC-governedMaluti-A-PhofungMunicipality isongoing,withresidentsfacingwater shortagesdespitegovernmentinterventionsandpromises.
Mbele’stragicdeathsparkedviolent protestandashutdownbyunhappy residentswhodemandedgovernment interventiontoresolvethewater supplycrisis.
Interventionhassincecomein theformofthesupplyofwaterwith private-ownedwatertankers.
DAintheFreeState)duringaHumanRightsDaymarchforaccesstowater.
LONGARMOFTHELAWGRABSHOLDOFSMUGGLER
TEBOHOSETENA
Anabalonesmugglerfound guiltyofillegallydealingwiththe species,inadditiontomotorvehicletheft,hasreceivedalengthy prisonsentence.
Theaccused,MateletsaPaulos Pheku(52),wasalsofined R1500andR50000,respectively.
Hewassentencedinthe EdenburgRegionalCourton Thursday,20March,basedon evidencepresentedbythepolice andtheNationalProsecuting Authority(NPA),afternumerous appearancesfollowinghisarrest inJuly2023.
WOFikiswaMatoti,provincial spokespersonfortheHawks, saidthecourtsentencedPheku toserveatotalof17years’direct imprisonment,withanadditionalsixmonths.
ShesaidtheR1500finewas fordrivingwithoutadriving licenceandtheR50000forthe possessionofabalonespecies, estimatedtobeworthmorethan R1million,weighing1020,9kg.
“Fordrivingamotorvehicle withoutadrivinglicence,hewas finedR1500,ortoundergosix months’imprisonment.
“ThecourtfoundPhekuguilty ofnegligentandrecklessdriving, andsentencedhimtooneyear’sdirectimprisonment.For possessionofastolenvehicle, hewassentencedto15years andinstructedtopayafineof R50000,orundergooneyear’s imprisonment.
“Thesentenceswillnotrun concurrently,thusPhekuwill serve17yearsandsixmonths’directimprisonment,”saidMatoti.
Shesaidthechargeof negligentandrecklessdriving involvedhisattempttoevade policemembersoftheTrompsburgHighwayPatrolwhowere ondutyontheN1nearTrompsburg.
MatotisaidPhekuhadbeen corneredandarrestedinEdenburgafterahigh-speedchase.
“TheyspottedanIsuzubakkie andorderedthedrivertostop. He,however,refusedtostopand continueddriving.
“Thepolicegavechaseuntil theyreachedEdenburg,where thedriverwaspulledoff the road,”shesaid.
Matotisaiduponsearchingthe vehicle,policemembersdiscoveredabalonespecies.
“Thevehiclewascirculated, anditwasestablishedthatithad beenstolen,”saidMatoti.
REGULATORRECEIVESBACKLASHFORPRICEHIKE
TEBOHOSETENA
TheNationalEnergyRegulatorof SouthAfrica’s(Nersa)decisionto approvea12,74%tariff increase forEskomdirectlytocustomers forthe 2025-’26financialyear witheffectonTuesday,1April, hasreceivedwidespreadcondemnation.
Thisarisesfromastrongbelief thatthesteephikewillbea biggerburdentocustomersand poverty-strickencommunities. Theobjectionisalsobecause theapprovedpricehikesarefar aboveSouthAfrica’sinflation rate,currentlyat3%,averaging 4,5%in2024andVATrate increaseby0,5%pointsinboth
2025-’26and2026-’27,bringing itto16%by2026.Thefirst-rate hikeof0,5%appliesfrom1May thisyearwiththesecondincreaseof0,5%from1April2026. Despitecallstoreviewthedecisiontoreconsider,theregulator announcedon19Marchithas approvedincreasesfor2026and 2027,respectively.
ApoliceofficersearchingthebagofanunknownlearneratoneoftheschoolsinBloemfonteinduringtheraid. Photos:Supplied
KaraboKhakhau(constituencyhead)andDrRoyJankielsohn(provincialleaderofthe
Effects of noncompliance extends to public duty
TEBOHOSETENA
TheDepartmentofEconomic,Small BusinessDevelopment,Tourism andEnvironmentalAffairs(Destea) announcedithasmeasuresinplace tocontinuerenderingservicesfollowingtheclosureofthebuildingit isusinginBloemfonteinat113 StAndrewStreet.
Theimpactedbuildingandits closureisowingtonon-compliance totheOccupationalHealthandSafety Act.
TheDepartmentofLabourissued aprohibitionorderstoppingoccupation,followinganinspectionthat
flaggedthesafetyoftheworkers. MojalefaMphapang,provincial spokespersonforDestea,saidthe buildingishometothedepartments SupplyChainManagementandBiodiversityManagement(permitoffice/ ProblemAnimalControlandLaw Enforcement).
Hesaiditwastemporarilyclosed foruseonTuesday,18March,dueto complianceissuesidentifiedbythe DepartmentofLabour.
“Thetemporaryclosureofthesaid buildingisnecessaryforthehealth andsafetyofthedepartmentalclients andemployees.
“Asthedepartment,wehaveinthe meantimeputinplaceseveralmeasurestoensurebusinesscontinuity.
Thepublicisremindedthatthe ePermit(online)systemcanalso beaccessedfromthedepartmentalwebsite. Therefore,thepublicis encouragedtousethisplatformforall biodiversitypermitneeds.
“Thedepartmentwouldliketo assurethepublicthatservicedelivery remainsthenumberonepriority,” saidMphapang.
Hesaidthedepartmentwasrenting thebuildingforuse.
Membersofthepublicandclients whorequirepHexams,manual permitapplication,huntingregisters,includingJ534notices,etc.,are advisedtocontactLeepileGarekoeon 0799510200andNomasomiTshingo on0664872786.
ForSupplyChainManagement services,thepubliccancontact082 6955851orreporttothesecuritydesk toberedirectedtotherelevantoffice forservices.
InOctoberlastyear,the DepartmentofLabour’sInspections andEnforcementServicesalsoissued aprobationorderagainsttheFree StategovernmentmortuaryinBloemfontein,owingtononcomplianceof theOccupationalHealthandSafety Act.
Thefacilityremainsclosedafterinspectorsfoundwaterleakagesposing seriousharmandfatalitiestoworkers shouldtheycomeintocontactwith exposedelectricalwires.
TheDepartmentofHealthwas
issuedwiththreeadditionalnoticesforthefailuretoensureproper ventilationsysteminthepostmortem roomandriskingexposuretobioaerosols,aswellasfailuretoidentifyand mitigatevarioushazardsassociated withpathologicalservicesandsewage blockageresultingfrompostmortem discharge.
Theprolongedclosureofthestate mortuaryintheFreeStatecapital hascausedinconveniencetofuneral homesandmembersofthepublic whoencounterdifficultiesinburying theirlovedonesduetoabacklogof postmortems. Autopsiesarecurrentlybeing doneattheBotshabeloandWelkom facilities.
Johannesburgisthe regulatorybodyofthehomebuildingindustrywithamandatetoprotecthousing
FS(Bethlehem Office)
FORBETHLEHEMOFFICEFORALEASEPERIODOFFIVE(05)YEARS.
Theclosingvenuedateand timeofthetenderarelisted below.
BriefingSession: CompulsoryBriefingSession• Venue:6ACornerPresidentBoshoff&BruwerStreet,Bethlehem•9700• Date:02April2025• Time: 11:00:00am
COLLECTIONOFDOCUMENTS: BiddocumentsareobtainablefromtheNHBRCwebsite(www.nhbrc.org.za/current-tenders) Administrationenquiriesmaybedirectedto:MsPaballoRelelaat(011)3170144/MrBernardKekanaat(011)3170114E-mail:Tenders@nhbrc.org.za CLOSINGVENUE:ThebidmustbeplacedinthetenderboxattheNHBRCBusinessAddresslistedbelow: CLOSINGVENUE,DATEANDTIME
BethlehemNHBRCOffice:BusinessAddress: 6ACornerPresidentBoshoff&BruwerStreet,Bethlehem9700
Closingdateandtime:16April2025at11:00:am
Venue oozes rich history
TEBOHOSETENA
PremierjazzvenueMoodsand Flavoursisrenownedforhosting internationallyacclaimedperformersinBloemfontein.
Theextendedlistoftheglobal iconsincludesthenowlateSouth AfricantrioJonasGwangwa(singer, trombonist),HughMasekela(singer,trumpeter),VictorNtoni(singer, doublebassplayer),whoeven launchedhisalbumtitled Heritage atthisjazzpowerhousenestledat 62ParishAvenue,Heidedal.
JazzlegendAbdullahIbrahim evencalledit"oneofthebestjazz venuesintheworld–ifnotthe best,”followingacaptivatingperformancesovertwonights,offering jazzpatronsvaluefortheirmoney.
RenownedcriticDonAlbert crowneditasthecontinent's finest jazzvenue–atestamenttoits exceptionalacousticsandintimate atmospherewhereauthenticmusicalexperiences flourish.
Attestingtothebestjazzvenue sentimentbyDollarBrand,andas well-knownasIbrahim,wasthe prescence ofanotherSouthAfrican jazzmaestro,McCoyMrubata(saxophonist),afrequentperformerat thisjazzestablishment.
Theclubalsoestablisheda restaurantofferingarich,African cuisinemenu,givingonethefeelingofbeinghome.
Today,however,thiscultural
landmarkfacesanuncertainfuture withitsprogrammingreduced significantly.
Passionatejazzenthusiastand owner,RusselMurison,citesinactivityofhostingjazzeventsto financialchallengesowing tofromthe country’sailingeconomythatwas furthercrippledbytheCovid-19 pandemic.
“Rusty,”asheiswell-known, saystherestaurantontheground floorremainsoperatingdailyand continuestoserveloyalpatrons.He hascalledforfuturejazzpioneers tograsptheopportunitytocreate andshapethemindsoffuture aspiringjazzgreatsintheentertainmentindustry.
Withapproximately150seats andfullyfunctionalaudioequipment,thevenuestandsreadyforits nextchapter.
“WhatmakesMoodsandFlavoursspecialisn'tjustthemusic,” saidMurison.
“It’sthesenseofcommunity.Artistsandaudiencesconnectinaway thatisincreasinglyrareintoday's digitalworld.”
Thisiconicvenuehasnurtured generationsofmusicians,from emergingtalentstoestablished stars.
Itdistinguishesitselfwithwalls, adornedwithrarephotographsand memorabilia,tellingtherichstory ofSouthAfricanjazzthroughthe decades.
“Fornearlythreedecades, MoodsandFlavourshasbeenmore
thanavenue–it’sbeenasanctuary forthecommunity.Ithasserved asbothwitnessandparticipantin SouthAfrica’sevolvingstory,giving voicetoartistswhenexpression matteredmost.
“Countlessmilestonecelebrations,communitygatherings,and momentsofcollectivejoyhaveunfoldedwithinthesewalls,weaving thevenuedeeplyintothefabricof SouthAfricanculturallife.
“For15years,MoodsandFlavours thrivedwithrobustprogrammingsupportedbyprivatesponsorswhorecogniseditscultural significance.
“Itsinvaluablearchiveofnever-before-seenperformancefootagedocumentsacrucialchapter inSouthAfrica'smusicalheritage,” saidMurison.
Resonatingwiththedevelopmentstotranscend,hesaidhewas openforpossiblepartnershipswith thepublic-privatesector,promotingtheuseofthevenuebyjazzartiststokeepjazzaliveasaheritage ofSouthAfrica.
“Wearecurrentlyexploring possiblepartnershipswiththe DepartmentofArtsandCulture andtheDepartmentofTourism,” Murisonreveals.
“Butwearealsoopentoprivate investors,whounderstandthevenue’shistoricalimportanceandits potentialforthefuture,”hesaid.
Murisonsaidotherprospectsare leasingandrentingthejazzvenue forfunctions.
RusselMurisonwithaphotoofhim, spouseElaine,andjazzlegendAbdullahIbrahim. Photo:TebohoSetena
“Inaregionwithlimitedplatformsforartisticexpression,Moods andFlavoursprovidesacrucial spaceforartiststodevelopand buildaudiences.
“ItscontributiontoBloemfontein'sculturaleconomyisimmeasurable. Thedifficultdecisionto considerissellingorleasingthis pieceofSouthAfricancultural history.
“Theidealstewardwouldbe injectingfreshenergyintoits operationsandpreserveitsrich legacyasapremierjazzvenue,” saidMurison.
YOUTHWITHAPASSIONFORTHEARTSOFFEREDOPPORTUNITYTOSTUDY
TheArtsandCultureTrust(Act)iscallingontalentedyoungSouthAfricanstoapplyforthisyear’s ActNyolohaScholarshipProgrammebeforethe deadlineofSunday,30March.Spaceislimitedand lateapplicationswillnotbeconsidered.
ThisopportunityisaffordedtoSouthAfrican visualandperformingartistsbetweentheagesof 17and25,whohaveaninterestinstudyingartsata tertiaryorotheraccreditedartsinstitutioninSouth Africa.
Theundergraduatescholarshipprogramme isaimedatyoutheithercurrentlyinmatricor havingalreadycompletedmatricwithuniversity
REDAKTEUR/EDITOR
TebohoSetena
teboho.setena@novusmedia.co.za
VERKOOPSHOOF/HEADOFSALES
ColeenCilliers 0834111064 coleen.cilliers@novusmedia.co.za
ADVERTENSIES/ADVERTISEMENTS
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GEKLASSIFISEERD/CLASSIFIEDS
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VACANCIES,LEGALS,CLASSIFIEDS nico.flietoor@novusmedia.co.za
LEGALS,CLASSIFIEDS noleen.petersen@novusmedia.co.za
OMBUDSMAN
KontakBloemExpressseombudsmanoor klagtes.Stuuralleklagtes,navraeofvoorstelle oordieinhoudvandiekoerantaanonsombudsman,GeorgeClaassen,by021-851-3232 ofnageorge.claassen@media24.com.Geen redaksionelemateriaalofadvertensiemag gereproduseerwordsonderdietoestemmingvanMedia24nie (artikel12(7),WetopKopiereg1978).
BloemExpressproudlydisplaysthe“FAIR” stampofthePressCouncilofSouthAfrica, indicatingourcommitmenttoadheretotheCodeofEthicsforPrintandonlinemedia, whichprescribesthatourreportageistruthful,accurateandfair. Shouldyouwishtolodgeacomplaintaboutournewscoverage,do soonpresscouncil.org.zaoremailthecomplainttoenquiries@ ombudsman.org.za.ContactthePressCouncilon011-484-3612.
undergraduateorcollegeadmission.Candidates whohopetoqualifyfortheprogrammeshould notalreadybestudyingartsandshouldnotbe professionalseither.
Thegoalofthisscholarshipis tohelpyouthearn theirfirstqualificationintheperforming,visualor digitalartsataSouthAfricantertiaryinstitutionor anActapprovedaccreditedinstitution.
Onesuccessfulapplicantineachcategory – that is,performingartsandvisualordigitalarts – will receiveascholarshiptostarttheirstudiesinthe 2026academicyear.
Thescholarshipamountisdependentonthe
institutionofchoiceandislimitedtoR300000per candidate.
Thosewhoqualifytoapplyfortheprogramme andwhoareinterestedindoingsoareencouraged tovisitact.org.za/nyolohafordetailsandsubmitan application.
Professionalartistsandperformers,aswellas anyonewithanartsqualificationorregistered oracceptedatatertiaryinstitutionin2025,are excludedfromparticipating.
Exclusionalsoappliestothosewhomayhave previouslyparticipatedintheActNyolohaScholarshipProgrammeoverthepastthreeyears.
Love of stories their inkwell
Afascinatingchildren’sbook co-authoredbytwosiblings fromBloemfontein,Margaand KeilavanVuuren,issettoenrichthemindsofyoungones andinspirealoveforreading. Titled GarrytheGrasshopper HasaSecret,thepairlaunched thebookon14March. Inattendanceatthelaunch heldattheBainsvleiLibrary, werethelocalcommunityand Gr.1andGr.2learnersofthe EduplusIndependentSchool. Thisisa firstforthetwosisters whogrewupasdevotedreadersthemselves. Thepublishing andlaunchofthebookfulfills theirlifelongdreamofwritinga storyoftheirown. Margasaidthepublishing ofthebookwasmadepossible withthehelpofWillowTrading SA,theNationalArtsCouncil, theDepartmentofSportsArts andCulture,andthePresidentialEmploymentStimulus. Thelibraryholdsaspecial placeinthesiblings’heart. “Thislibraryistheplace wherewelearnedhowtoread," saidKeila.“Standinghere todaywithourownbookisa dreamcometrue.”
The bookisoriginallywritten inEnglish,butanAfrikaans
KeilaandMagnavanVuurenwith acopyoftheirbook.
translationhasbeendoneby MargavanVuuren,accompaniedbyaSothotranslationby ThapeloMoraka,wellknown forhisworkasawriterinradio, television, film,andtheatre. Margaisanavidreaderwho spendsmostofherdayssurroundedbybooks.Fascinated bystoriessincechildhood,she saidshehasaparticularfondnessforGreekmytholgy,and thelessonsthatonecanlearn bysimplyopeningabook.She studiedattheUniversityof theFreeState(UFS)andhas obtainedtwohonordegreesin JournalismandAfrikaans. Keila’sloveforreadingwas inspiredbybookhuntinginthe libraryandwatchingDisney
More action, less dialogue
AsthemonthofMarchnearsitsend,markingHumanRightsMonthinSouthAfrica,it iscrucialtoremembersignificanteventslike theSharpevilleMassacreonMarch21in1960, whichcontinuetoresonateintheheartsof manySouthAfricans.
Thisyearmarksthe65thanniversaryofthe tragicmassacre,withanemotionalcommemorativethemethatemphasisestheimportanceof deepeningaculturerootedinsocialjusticeand humanrights.
Onthehistoricdayinquestion,69protestors werekilledbythepolicewhoindiscriminately shotatmultitudeofpeoplewhomarchedtodefy apartheidregimepasslaw.
Theplanwasforprotestorstomarch,without theirpasses,totheSharpevillePoliceStation andasktobearrested,inanactofcivildisobedience.
Despitetheinceptionofdemocracy30years ago,itwouldbedevastatingforanySouthAfricantobeinformedbyanygovernmentinstitutionabouttheirmandateratherthanactively fulfillingtheirinstitutionalmandates. Governmentalinstitutionsmustshifttheir focusfrommerecommunicationtodecisive action,aligningwiththeirmandatedresponsibilities.
TheSouthAfricanHumanRights Commission(SAHRC)exemplifiesthisshift throughitscommunityoutreachinitiativesand scheduledevents,whichtypicallyserveas platformstoraiseawarenessabouttheirmandateandprovideredressonthespotwhere possible
Inthecontextofcommunityoutreach,the SAHRCprovidesvaluableopportunitiesfor personalgrowthandcareerdevelopment. These interactivesessionspromoteactivecitizenryand renewedconfidenceincommunitiesratherthan talkshops.
Tomaximizetheirimpact,thecommissionas highlightedaforetailorstheoutreachestothe specificneedsorchallengesthecommunities face.
Theotherchallengeistheissuingofresources andmaterials.
Thetimeofissuingresourcepamphletsand flyerstocommunitiesduringcommunityoutreachesisover,henceforththecommissionhas establishedhumanrightschampionswhohave becomethecommissioners’earsandeyesin communities.
Thecommissionvaluesthesehumanrights champions–ithasprovidedthemwithcapacitationworkshopsandcontinuetodothat. Therefore,theresourcesareprovidedtothemto issuethemsincetheyworkwithcommunities ontheground.
movies.
“It’snosurprisethatthis littlecaterpillaremergedfrom hercocoonasanartist,”she said.
Keila,alsoagraduateof theUFS,studiedDramaand TheatreArtsandsaidshehas overflowingpassionforchildren’stheatre. Butwhatistheirstoryall about?Itisaboutalittlegrasshopperwith–youguessed it–asecret.Butthissecretis creatingariftbetweenhimand hisfriends–andifGarrydoes notdosomethingsoon,he mightenduphavingnofriends atall.So,Garrysetsoutonan adventureandtravelsaround thefarmheliveson,where hemeetsdifferentanimals, likeHenrytheSheepdogand MirabellatheCow.WillGarry’s missionbesuccessful?
Itisenvisagedthatthebook willhelpimprovechildren’s readingability,especiallyin thewakeofareportofthe2030 ReadingPanelthatrevealed 80%ofGr.3learnersinSouth Africaareunabletoreadfor meaning.
ContactKeilaon072987 3056orinfo@willowtradingsa. co.za.
Moreover,thecommissionunderstandsthe goodintentionsoftheseresources,butalsothat issuingthemoutduringcommunityoutreaches contradictswhatthegoodhadinitiallybeen intendedfor(whichis:toempowercommunitiestotakechargeoftheirlives,navigatecomplexsystems,andasserttheirrightsasactive citizen).
Thesematerialscanalsobedistributedat libraries,communitycentres,andlocaleventsto ensurethatvaluableinformationreachesthose whoneeditmost.
Itisimportant totakealeaffromthebookof oneofthelatestatemenwhoisquotedtohave saidtohispeople:“Donotaskwhatyourcountrycandoforyou,butratheraskwhatyoucan doforyourcountry.”
Thesewordsareimportantbecausethose whoaresupposedtoservehavedevelopeda mentalityofnotcaringabouttheirown,forgettingtheywereoncejobseekers.
Inconclusion,thiscycleofeventsre-occurringyearafteryearindifferentlocations mustcease–becauseourcommunitiesarenot receivingtheresultstheyhaveanticipatedfrom governmentinstitutions.
Toensurethatthethemecomestofruition, governmentinstitutionsmustprovideservices tothecommunities,notdialoguesorengagementswherecommunitiesaregoingtobe cateredfor(providedwithfood)andleftwithout knowledgethatwillassisttheminbuildinga betterSouthAfrica.
• ThonokoModiseistheprovincialmanager intheFreeStateoftheSouthAfricanHuman RightsCommission(SAHRC).
Th ese job skills needed
SouthAfricahasasevereshortageofwater sectorprofessionals.Internationally,the demandforthoseskilledinwaterworks stillremainshigh.IntheUnitedKingdom (UK),forinstance,35%ofsuchrolesare stillvacant.
“Acareerinthewatersectorisagreatway toenjoycontinualemployment,whilealways learningnewskillsandhelpinggivebackto communities,”saidChetanMistry,Xylem Africa’sStrategyandmarketingmanager.
“Therearerolesrangingfromentry-level rolestohighlyqualifiedpositions.
“Workinginthewatersectorisalsovery satisfying,knowingthatyoucanmakeareal impactonpeople'slivesbycreatingwater security.”
Thehostofpositionsavailableare:
Fieldservicetechnician
Thesetechniciansareentrustedwithensuringtheproperfunctioningofpumps,meters, andtreatmentcomponents,taskedwith themaintenanceandrepairofwaterutility equipment
Additionalexperienceinbasicplumbing, electrical,andmechanicalisveryuseful,and thereareopportunitiestoobtaincertificationsandon-sitetraining.
Waterengineer
Waterengineersdesignwatersystemsandinfrastructureandevaluate,plan,andconstruct waterandsanitationprojects.Wastewater engineersdesignandoverseewatermanagement,distribution,disposal,andtreatment
projects,andconductwaterqualityandfeasibilitystudies.Engineersinthewatersector holdacivilengineeringdegreewithaspecialisationinwaterandsanitationengineering.
Dieseltechnician
Waterutilitiesroutinelyusepumps,generators,andotherdiesel-poweredequipment, especiallyduringemergenciesortemporary projects.Adieseltechnicianmaintainsand repairsthesesystems.
Therolecanexpandtoincludecertification forworkingwithdieselenginesandbenefits fromknowledgeofhydraulicandelectrical systems. Therearetypicallyopportunitiesfor on-sitetrainingandcertificationcourses.
Electricianandmechanic
Whenwaterutilitiesneedtoinstall,maintain, orrepairinfrastructuresuchaspumps,controllers,ormotors,theyrelyonelectricians andmechanics. Thoughtheserolesrequire relevantcertificationsandknowledge,they canalsostartasentry-levelpositionsfor matriculantswithapprenticeshipsandonthe-jobtraining.
Dataanalyst
Dataanalystshelpwaterutilitiesandorganisationsusedatatomakeinformeddecisions aboutwatermanagement,conservation,and infrastructuredevelopment.
Thereareseveralspecialisations,includingwaterqualityanalystsandinfrastructure performanceanalysts.Somedatascientists
specialiseinadvancedpredictiveanalytics forwatersystems.
Dataanalystshaveabachelor'sdegree, aswellasspecialisedknowledgeofwater systems.
Wastewaterprojectmanager
Thisisaseniorpositionthatcanbereached throughacareerinthewastewatersector.It requiresseveralyearsofexperienceandtypicallyanengineeringdegreewithexposureto watermanagement.
Watertreatmentoperator
Thewatertreatmentoperatormonitorswater quality,adjustschemicaldosing,operates filtrationsystems,andensureswatermeets regulatorystandards.Itishelpfultostudyfor adegreerelatedtowatertreatmentmanagementorenvironmentalscience.
Automationandcontrolsystems engineer
Differenttypesofcontrolsystemsareneeded bywaterutilities. Theseincludeprogrammablelogiccontrollers(PLCs),supervisorycontrolanddataacquisition(SCADA)systems, anddistributedcontrolsystems(DCS). Automationandcontrolsystemengineers designandmaintainthesesystems,including theirdesignandprogramming. Sucharolerequiresanengineeringdegree, aswellasknowledgeofcertainprogramminglanguagesanddesigndrawing(CAD) software.
Artisans urged to register
TheRetailMotorIndustry Organisation(RMI)has commendedtheDepartmentofHigherEducation andTraining(DHET)for establishingaNational RegisterofArtisansto formaliseSouthAfrica’s skilledworkforce.
TheNationalArtisan DevelopmentSupport Centre(NADSC)isfacilitatingthisno-costregistrationprocess,ensuring therecognitionofartisans withintheirtrade.
AccordingtoLouisvan HuyssteenoftheRMI,the registrationofqualified artisansisanecessary interventionfollowinga declinebetween2014and 2024. Theregistrationof artisansaimsatupholding industrystandards,aswell asprofessionalcredibility, andprovidesastructuredsystemtoensure artisansmeetnationally recognisedcompetency levels.
“Byregistering,artisans becomepartofaformalisednetworkthatsupportsindustryregulation anddevelopment,”Van Huyssteenexplained.
Accordingtohim,by supportingtheNational RegisterofArtisans,the RMIreaffirmsitscommitmenttostrengthening
SouthAfrica’sskilled workforceandensuringa sustainablefutureforthe automotiveaftermarket. Hesaidformalrecognitionofartisansenhanced careerprospectsandupliftedindustrystandards togaineconomicgrowth.
Artisanscaneither registerasaqualified artisan(holdsatradetest certificate,butmaynot beactivelyworkinginthe field);apracticingartisan (activelyworkingintheir trade,utilisingnecessary toolsandtechniques);or aforeignnationalartisan (qualifiedoutsideSouth Africa,requiringSouth AfricanQualifications Authorityverificationand properworkpermits).
“Weurgeallartisans totakeadvantageofthis opportunityandsecure theirplaceinastructured, professionalnetwork,” saidVanHuyssteen. TheRMIencourages allskilledtradespeopleto registerontheportal.
SouthAfrica’sNational DevelopmentPlan(NDP) aimsatproducing30000 artisansannuallyby2030. FordetailsandapplicationcontacttheNADSC, dial0869990125orwrite toartisanregistration@ dhet.gov.za.
One woman ignites the talent of many
TEBOHOSETENA
PassionatewomankaratekaSensei KenosiDambehasgonebeyondthe limitsinmartialartsafterestablishing herownacademyinBloemfontein, withthechiefobjectivetotrainand nurturefuturestars.
Dambe,whoseexperienceinthe sportspansmorethan30years,establishedtheDambeKarateAcademyin Februarylastyear.
Theacademyspecialisesinoffering traditionalJapanKarateAssociation (JKA)shotokanstyletraining.Dambe hasensuredcompliance,registeringandaffiliatingtotheFreeState KarateFederation(FSKF)andthe WordKarateFederationSouthAfrica (WKF-SA).
TheacademyisinlocatedinFreedomSquareandtemporarilyusesa shackdwellingsituatedadjacentthe FreedomSquareSportCentre.
Thedwellingbelongstoachurch.
Dambeusesthevenuetohone prospectivefuturemastersandinthe processtransfervaluableknowledge ontoagroupof15youngkaratekas, boysandgirls.
Sheexplainsshehasoptedtouse thedwellingatthechurchbecause
YoungkaratekashavingtheirskillshonedattheDambeKarateAcademyarefromthe leftfront:KamoheloPepenene,AkhonaSolo,ZamokuhleTshando,KananeloPepenene,TshogofatsoPobe,XolaGrassandBoitshepoAdoons;back:BonoloMoeletsi, TshepangAdoons,TshiamoDambe,SabeloSeleke,KabeloNtaje,TshepoAdoonsand SenseiKenosiDambe(founderandinstructor).
shehasstruggled findingasuitable venueinthearea.
Inwhiteuniforms,theprodigies aretakenthroughvigoroussessions structuredtoprovideabalanceof physicalconditioning,technicalskill
development–aswellasmental focus.
Trainingsessionsareofferedfrom Mondaysto Thursdays.
“Ibelieveincreatingasupportive andinclusivetrainingenvironment
wherestudentsfeelmotivatedto challengethemselvesandstrivefor continuousimprovement,”Dambe hasexplained.
“Myteachingphilosophyisrooted inthetraditionalvaluesofkarate, includingdiscipline,respectand perseverance.
“Ibelievethatmartialartstraining goesbeyondphysicaltechnique–it buildscharacter,confidenceand self-discipline,”saysDambe.
Sheexplainsthatshetakesaholisticapproachinnurturingdisciplined karateathletes.
“Mygoalasaninstructoristohelp studentsdevelopstrongmartialarts skills,instillinginthemthevaluesof integrity,humilityandresilience.
“Theseareessentialbothonandoff thekaratetatami.”
Accordingtoher,karateisa fundamentaltoolforchildrenwith disability.
“Forchildrenwithdisabilities,karateisoneofthebestwaystoempower andinstilconfidencethattheycando whattheyputtheirmindto,”believes Dambe.
Dambestartedoff training Shito-RyuKaratestyle,whichiscenteredonlandingpowerfulstrikesand
ispopularamongthe50katas.
ShelatertransitionedtoJKAstyle, undermentorshipofthelateSensei EnochMay,whopassedonin2016. “My firstnationalcompetitionwas inMarchin1991atWemblyStadium inJohannesburg,whereIwontwo goldmedals,”saysDambe.
Shewonmedalsforanimpressive displayinkata,whichisapre-choreographedsetofmovescandidates showcase.
Herachievementinspiredherto greaterheights,andshe thenwenton torepresentSouthAfricainternationally.
“IwontwogoldmedalsinScotland, andthiswasmy firstinternationally.” Dambe’sabilityearnedherFree Statecoloursfrom1996until2000.
Shewasfurtherrewardedwith nationalProteacoloursfrom2001 until2004.
Intheearly2000s,shewasselected fortheNationalSportsCouncilgames team.
CurrentlyDambeservesinthe WKF,FSKFandSouthAfricanKarate Federationleadership.
Thoseinterestedinjoiningthe DambeKarateAcademycancontact Dambeon0710599540.
CHANNELBRINGSMOREFOOTBALLWORLDCUPQUALIFIERACTIONTOAUDIENCES
SuperSporthasenabledfootballfollowerstonot missanyactionofthethrilling2026FifaWorldCup qualifiers.
Thesportbroadcasterannouncedithassecured thebroadcastingrightstolivequalifiers,including theplayoffsscheduletobeplayedinNovember.
Thechannelhasalreadybroadcastqualifier matchesinwhichAfricancountriesbattleditout tosecuretherighttobeinthefinalstagesofthe globalfootballspectacle.
ThesematchesfeaturedBafanaBafana’s2 – 0 drubbingofLesothoonFriday,21March,aswellas
thefixtureagainstBenin,whichtookplaceyesterday,onTuesday,25March.
Allviewerswhochoosetotuneinaresettoenjoy thebestfootballviewingexperienceglobally,with thesportchannelbroadcastingmorelivesporting eventshostedbothonthecontinentandwider,in
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theworld.
ThedealSuperSporthassecured,willensure fansdonotmissoutontheintriguingmatchesof theAfricancountriesthatarebattlingouttomake ittotheUSA,MexicoandCanadafortheworld tournamentspectaclein2026.
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Tshepo
Parents sometimes need help too
Parentingisarewardingjourney,butcomes withitsownsetofuniquechallenges.
AsParentalMentalHealthWeekisobserved from11to17March,Famsaemphasisesthe significanceoffosteringhealthyandsupportive relationshipswithinfamiliestopromotemental well-being.
Somespecificchallengesthatparentsmay faceregardingtheirmentalhealth:
■ Balancingresponsibilities.
■ jugglingwork,householdchores.
■ Parentingcanbeoverwhelming,leadingto stressandburnout.
Parent-childcommunication
Mentalhealthissuescanaffectaparent’sability tocommunicateeffectivelywiththeirchildren, impactingtheparent-childrelationship.
■ Guiltandself-criticism:Parentsoftenexperienceguiltandself-criticismabouttheir parentingabilities,whichcanexacerbatemental healthissues.
■ Managingemotions:Parentsmaystrugglewith managingtheiremotions,suchasanger,frustration,andirritability,whichcanaffectfamily dynamics.
■ Seekinghelp:Stigmasurroundingmental healthcanmakeitdifficultforparentstoseek thehelptheyneed,leadingtountreatedmental healthconditions.
Financialstress
Financialpressurecanaddtothestressand anxietyexperiencedbyparents,impactingtheir mentalwell-being.Improvethelatterby:
■ Maintainingroutine:Stickingtoaregularroutinecanbechallenging,especiallyondifficult days,affectingboththeparent’sandchildren’s well-being.
■ Providingconsistentguidance:Consistently monitoringandguidingchildren’sbehavior canbeharderwhenaparentisstrugglingwith mentalhealthissues.
■ Caringforoneself:Parentsmay finditdifficult toprioritiseself-care,leadingtoneglectoftheir ownmentalhealthneeds.
■ Impactonchildren:Parentalmentalhealth issuescanaffectchildren’semotionaland behaviouraldevelopment,creatingadditional stressforthefamily.
Addressingthesechallengesrequiresaproactiveandsupportiveapproach.
Herearesomepracticalwaysparentscan addressthesechallengesandpromotepositive mentalhealth:
■ Prioritiseself-care:Takingtimeforself-careis crucial.Whetheritisafewminutesofmeditation,exercise,orpursuingahobby,self-care helpsrechargeandimproveoverallwell-being.
■ Seeksupport:Donothesitatetoreachoutfor help.Whetherit istalkingtoatrustedfriend, familymember,orprofessional,seekingsupport canmakeasignificantdifference.
■ Opencommunication:Fosteropenandhonest communicationwithyourchildrenandpartner. Encouragingopendialoguehelpsbuildtrust andunderstandingwithinthefamily.
■ Establishroutine:Maintainingaconsistent routinecanprovideasenseofstabilityandsecurityforbothparentsandchildren.
■ Practicemindfulness:Mindfulnesstechniques, suchasdeepbreathingexercisesandmeditation,canhelpmanagestressandimprove emotionalregulation.
■ Educateyourself:Learningaboutmental healthanditsimpactonparentingcanhelp parentsbetterunderstandandaddresstheir challenges.
■ Setrealisticexpectations:Avoidsettingunrealisticexpectationsforyourselfasaparent.Accept thatitisokaytohaveimperfectionsandthat seekinghelpisasignofstrength,notweakness.
■ Involvechildreninproblem-solving:Encouragechildrentoparticipateinproblem-solving anddecision-makingprocesses. Thisnotonly buildstheirconfidencebutalsostrengthensthe parent-childrelationship. Famsa’sservicesaredesignedtoprovidesupportandguidance;dial0537231564.
F.A.Rasimeni LIQUIDATIONAND DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNTSIN DECEASEDESTATES LYINGFOR INSPECTION
ESTATES:CREDITORS & DEBTORS
M.J.MBALI
Indieboedelvanwyle: MOLAHLEHIJOHANNES MBALIBoedelNo:3742 /2024Identiteitsnommer: 7606075258084wat woonagtigwaste:4269F SEKSIE,BOTSHABELO, oorledeisop:24MAART 2024,Enigepersoonwat enigegeldeaandieboedel verskuldigiswordversoek omsodanigegeldeinte betaalbydie ondergemeldeeksekuteurs enenigepersoonwat'neis teendieboedelhetword versoekomsodanigeeisin tehandigbydie Eksekuteursbinnedertig (30)daenapublikasievan hierdiekennisgewing. CJRAATHEksekuteur JOHANRAATH PROKUREURS COLLINSWEGNO.7 ARBORETUM BLOEMFONTEIN TEL:0510133444
N.D.Sephelane
IntheEstateoftheLate: Surname:SephelaneFirst names:NoziDaphne Estatenumber:1010/2025 Identity assportnumber:570630 0803084,Dateofdeath: 15/07/2024,Lastaddress: 4227MotsamaiStreet, Rocklands,Bloemfontein Allpersonshavingclaims againstthe above-mentionedestate arerequiredtolodgetheir claimswiththe undersignedwithin30 daysafterthedateof publicationhereof. Nameandaddressof ExecutororAuthorised Agent:ExactumExecutors TrustandRuanFourieas genomineerdeNedgroup TrustBillingdetails: AdvertiserName:Exactum ExecutorsTrustPostnet PrellerSuite16,Private Bagx01,Heuwelsig,9332 Email:Irene @exactum.co.za
Intermsofsection35(5) oftheAdministrationof EstatesAct,No.66of 1965,noticeishereby giventhatcopiesofthe liquidationanddistribution accounts(amendedfirst andfinal,unlessotherwise stated)intheestates specifiedbelowwillbe openfortheinspectionof allpersonswithan interestthereinfora periodof21days(or shorterorlongerif speciallystated)fromthe datespecifiedorfromthe dateofpublicationhereof, whichevermaybethe later,andattheofficesof theMastersoftheHigh CourtandMagistratesas stated.Shouldnoobjection theretobelodgedwiththe Mastersconcernedduring thespecifiedperiod,the executorswillproceedto makepaymentsin accordancewiththe accounts.Lateestate FunaniAndrewRasimeni, ID-no.4801016768084 (sincedeceased),last address:16677Tony MonyeStreet,Kagisanong, Bloemfontein,Provinceof theMaster'sOffice Bloemfontein.Estate-no. 7243/2022
AdvertiserName:Claude ReidAttorneys165St. AndrewStreet, Bloemfontein9301
Email:ina @claudereid.co.za Telephone:051-4479881
Wednesday, 26 March 2025
Teams realise the gravityoftheir rugby tactics
Anxioustomakeittofinalstage
TEBOHOSETENA
Headingintothe finalroundof theVarsityCupchampionship,the UniversityoftheFreeState(UFS) men’srugbyside,theShimlas,have amatchagainsttheUniversityof Pretoria(UP)Tuks. Thelocalboys willfacetheiropponentsonMonday,31March,inoneofthefourlast fixturesofthetournamentwhich decidethefoursemifinalists.
Thestakesarehighforthedefendingchampionswiththeiraspirations tosuccessfullydefendthecrown. Tuks,theMatiesoftheStellenbosch University,andIkeysoftheUniversity ofCapeTown(UCT)havealready qualifiedforthesemifinal. The Shimlas’26–40losstotheIkeyson24 Marchjeopardisedtheirchancesto secureasemifinalslot. Thematchwas amust-winfortheShimlas,asisthe upcomingoutingagainstTuks.
TheFreeStateboysarecompelled toshowtheirchampionshippedigree toguaranteeaslotamongthelastfour teamsvyingforthecovetedVarsity Cuptrophy.
TheShimlasareincontentionfor thefourthspotwiththeEaglesofthe North-WestUniversity(NWU). The Shimlasarecurrentlyinfourthplace with17pointswhiletheEaglesarein fifthwith16points.
Inthemust-winouting,theEagles arefacingoff againsttheIxiasofthe CentralUniversityofTechnology (CUT),FreeState.
Itiscrunch-timeforbothsidesas theyheadtowardsthe finalroundof thecompetition. Bothteamsarecompelledto explorealternativesastheyseek much-neededandgreatly-appreciatedbonuspoints,whichwillcomewith thescoringoftriesintheirrespective crucialoutings.
TheShimlasmanagedtobagabonuspointfortheirtry-scoringexploits againsttheIkeysinlastMonday’s fixture. ThetriescamefromJacobus Bezuidenhout(2),ReinierViljoenand BenPitout,respectively.
Inexcitingnewsonthehomefront, theIxiasrecordedtheirthirdwinin thetournament,afterbeatingthe haplessUniversityofWitwatersrand
(Wits)34–28inBloemfontein. Theemphaticwinpropelledthem topositionsixonthelog,thereby avoidedautomaticrelegationthis season.
Theteam’striescamefromTokelo Ntaopane,KevinStrydom,Asekho Marubelela,andJan-HendrikBessenger. Thewinsawthematonefor thedefeatagainsttheirhometown rivals,Shimlas,inaderbyplayedon 17March.
Havingmanagedtoavoidrelegation,theyhopetoendtheseasonon ahigh,withawinovertheEagles. Duringthethreepreviousseasons, theIxiaswereforcedtoretaintheir topstatusviarelegationandpromotionplay-offs.
Para athletes eye national medal haul
TEBOHOSETENA
TheFreeStateteamboastsa contingentof87athletesto participateatthisyear’snationalchampionshipoftheSouth AfricanSportsAssociationfor PhysicallyDisabled(SASAPD), scheduledtotakeplacefrom Saturday,29March,to1April inGqeberhaintheEastern Cape.Athleteswillshowcase theirtalentcompetinginat leasteightsportingcodes. Someoftopnamesexpected tobeinactionincludeArina NicholaisenandJacquesde bruininathletics.Inboccia theprovincepinsitshopeon ParalympianKaraboMorapedi, accompaniedbyhisrampoperator,VincentRamochella. Morapedirepresented thecountryattheParis2024 ParalympicGames.Heis celebratedforenablingSouth Africatomakea first-ever appearanceinbocciaatthe games.
AsthenextParalympic cyclebeginstowardsLA2028, athleteswillbelookingfor performancesthatshowthey arethe“onetowatch”.
JeanMiggels,presidentof theSASAPDwhohailsfrom EasternCape,saidtheimportanceofthesechampionships
overthelast63yearshasestablisheditastheplacewhere dreamsaremadeandfulfilled –andathletesarenurtured andgrowntocompeteonthe globalstage.
“Thenationalchampionshipsbringpeoplefromall spheresoflifetogether,”said Miggles.
“Itnotonlyprovidesopportunitytowitnessexcellence, butitalsoservesasareminder oftheresiliencerequiredto overcomeobstacles.”
Migglessaidthechampionshipswereaproudtradition insportforthephysically disabledinthecountryandhas becomeamust-doeventfor othernationsintheSouthernAfricanDevelopment Countries(SADC).Asaresult, Lesothowillfeatureinthe multi-codedgames.
Atthelasteditionofthe championshipsheldinBloemfontein,atotalofsevenAfrican recordsandaworldrecord wereset. Theparaathletesin trackand fieldwillbeamong thosetowatchoutfor,includingParalympicandworld championdiscusthrowerSimoneKrugerandParalympicsilvermedallistCollenMahlalela, whohavebothshownexcellent earlyseasonform.
RaydonSwartbooi,oftheIxiasoftheCentralUniversityofTechnology(CUT),duringa matchinwhichtheybeatWitstorecordtheirthirdwininthetournamentonMondayin Bloemfontein. Photos:Supplied
BFNTOHOSTINTERNATIONALCRICKET
Bloemfonteinwillplayhosttoone oftheseriesofsuperinternational women’scricketheadliningthe Proteaswomen’steamforthe2025’26internationalseason. CricketSouthAfrica(CSA) announcedon Thursday,20March, thattheCityofRoseswillhavea shareofnextsummer’s fixtures withwhite-balltoursagainstIrelandandPakistanacrossallmajor cricketvenuesinSouthAfrica. ThematchearmarkedforBloemfonteinisthe firstinternationalon 22February2026,featuringSouth AfricaandPakistanattheMangaungOval.
BothtoursconsistofthreeT20 InternationalsandthreeOne-Day Internationals(ODIs),withSouth AfricasettowelcomeIrelandfrom 5to19December,andPakistan from10Februaryto1March. The Pakistanseriesalsomarksthe first roundofthenewInternational Women’sChampionship(IWC) cycle,leadinguptothe2029World Cup.
WorldSportsBettingNewlandsCricketGround,DafabetSt George’sPark,DPWorldWanderersStadiumandSuperSportPark areamongthehostvenues,along withHollywoodbetsKingsmead Stadium,whichwillonceagain stagetheannualBlackDayODIin Durbanon1March2026.
TheProteasmen’steamwillplay a five-matchT20Iseriesagainstthe
WestIndiesfrom27Januaryto6 February,beforeAidenMarkram’s sideheadstothesubcontinentfor theICCMen’sT20WorldCup2026 inIndiaandSriLanka. TheA-team willfacetheirNewZealandcounterpartinthree50-overmatches (30Augustto4September)andtwo four-daymatches(7to17September)inPretoriaandPotchefstroom. Inaddition,thenationalU19 men’steamwillcontinuetheir preparationsfortheICCU19Men’s CricketWorldCup2026witha three-matchYouthODIseries againstBangladeshfrom17to22 July.Allthreematchestakeplaceat WillowmooreParkinBenoni.
PholetsiMoseki,CSAchiefexecutiveofficer(CEO),commentedon theexcitingdevelopments. “Wearelookingforwardto seeingourwomentakeonIreland andPakistan. Thesetoursnotonly provideourteamwithstrongcompetitionbutalsogiveourfansan opportunitytowatchtheProteas womencompeteattheirfavourite venuesacrossthecountry.Our internationalwindowformen’s cricketisunusuallyshorternext seasonduetooutboundbilateral tourstoAustralia,England,Pakistan,andIndia.
“TheBetwaySA20willalsotake placebeforetheT20International seriesagainstWestIndies,providingvaluablegametimeaheadof nextyear’sT20WorldCup.”
TheShimlasoftheUniversityoftheFreeStatehavetoplaytheirheartsoutinthe must-wingameagainsttabletoppers,theUniversityofPretoria.