Donderdag 20 Maart 2025 Tel: 051
Mortuary doors still closed
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.
This is according to Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the Free State Department of Health
The closure of the mortuary follows a prohibition notice issued by the Department of Employment and Labour on Friday, 18 October 2024, after a statement expressing extreme concern about deteriorating work conditions
As a result, autopsies that would usually be performed in Mangaung, are being conducted primarily at the Botshabelo and Welkom facilities
“We understand that this situation has significant implications, not only affecting the operations of local funeral parlors, but also causing considerable distress for families during an already challenging time,” said Mvambi
“The department is committed to addressing this issue urgently”
To rectify the backlog, the department is actively working to resolve the challenges facing the government mortuary and restore its operations as soon as possible
“We are taking all necessary measures to ensure that the mortuary can resume its critical functions”
Mvambi said since Friday, 14 March, and up to Thursday, the department would be intensifying its efforts to process the outstanding cases and reduce the backlog
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of the community during this time and assure everyone that we are prioritising this matter Notably, we have already made progress by completing 11 autopsies on Friday”
Further updates will be provided as the department progress in its efforts to resolve the situation
Schools made safe
The SAPS in Bloemfontein has embarked on a programme to improve safety at schools
The SAPS youth and social responsibility priority committee in Mangaung visited the Academy of Excellence High School in Bloemspruit and two schools in Botshabelo on Tuesday
This formed part of the Bloemspruit Police Station precinct
According to Lt Col Thabo Covane, spokesperson for the SAPS, the aim of the operation was to address bullying, violence, and drug peddling as well as substance abuse affecting the learning environment at the school
During the program 12 classes were searched, and crime awareness raised with 300 learners
In the search a knife, space muffins and seven rizzler rolled dagga joints were found
Water
salvageable, drop by drop
South African consumers ’ usage and management of water underscores this year ' s celebration of World Water Day on Saturday, 22 March, under the theme “Glacier Preservation”
A change in behaviour to wisely 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 widespread awareness about the global water crisis All are encouraged to take active measures in the preservation of 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
Water leaks like those in Bloemfontein cause the loss of huge amounts of water
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
One of the learners had several empty zip lock plastic containers usually used to package drugs
Covane said four learners were handed over to school management for further intervention
One of the space muffins containing dagga was fond during the search at the school.
The police conducted a search at the Academy of Excellence on Tuesday
Ovaalrenne laat bloed bruis
LIENTJIE MENTZ
Twee manne van Bloemfontein gee aan die woord mededingend ’n heel nuwe betekenis.
Roy Bitzer en Anton Swanepoel se gestremdhede keer hulle nie om ander bestuurders behoorlik die loef af te steek nie
Altwee het met die eerste ovaalbaanwedrenne van die seisoen op Saterdag 8 Maart by Schoemanspark hul onderskeie afdelings gewen
Bitzer is ’ n ou hand wat al van jongs af aan ovaalbaanwedrenne deelgeneem het, maar ná ’ n ernstige motorongeluk ’ n paar jaar gelede nou weer dié wedrenne ten volle geniet en uitblink
In 2008 en 2009 het hy met ’ n SA2-titel in die V8-klasse, en in 2010 SA3 in dié klas
In 2013 het hy oorgeslaan na Lexus en was met sy motor Vliegmasjien SA1 in die World of Motorsport (Womza)-kompetisie
Hy was in daardie jaar die SA-grondpadkampioen in dié resies in Port Elizabeth
Op pad terug na Bloemfontein vanaf ’ n ovaalbaanresies in Boshoff in 2014, het Bitzer se lewe dramaties verander toe hy in ’ n motorongeluk ernstig beseer is Hy het sy rug by sy T9-werwel gebreek en sy spinale koord beseer
Nadat hy begin herstel het, moes hy leer om te bestuur sonder die gebruik van sy bene
Twee jaar later het hy weer
begin ry Hy het self kontroles ontwerp waarmee hy die motor se stuurwiel met sy linkerhand bestuur en met sy regterhand die versneller beheer In 2016 het hy in die Lexus-klas die SA1-titel behaal met sy motor Bonne&Clyde op Womza
Hy het in 2023 weer in die Lexus-klas SA1-titel behaal
Verlede jaar het Bitzer besluit
om van rat te verwissel en het vir hom ’ n nuwe American Saloon V8 gebou
Hy het dié motor, genaamd
Road Runner, in net drie weke gebou
Vanjaar het weer goed begin toe hy sy eerste wedren vir die seisoen op die Schoemanspark-baan gewen het
Swanepoel is ook sy lewe lank baie sportief
Toe hy 19 jaar gelede in ’ n mo-
torongeluk sy regterbeen verloor het en sy linkerbeen erg beseer het, het hy steeds voortgegaan met sport
Voor sy ongeluk het hy deelgeneem aan marathons en roei, en selfs ná die ongeluk het hy behoorlik uitgeblink toe hy van 2013 begin deelneem het aan driekamp
Hy het Suid-Afrika in verskeie wêreldkampoienskappe verteenwoordig
Twee jaar gelede het hy besluit dit is tyd vir iets nuut en begin om deel te neem in ovaalbaanwedrenne
Sy Lexus is spesiaal ingerig sodat hy die versneller met sy regter bobeen kan trap
“Ek geniet die kompetisie sommer baie,” sê hy
“Dit is vir my meer ’ n stokperdjie as ’ n sportsoort Die gees om die baan is baie lekker”
Sy renmotor, genaamd Eenbeen, is outomaties, maar Swanepoel sê hy skrik nie vir handratmotors nie
Oor die naam van sy ovaalbaanmotor, lag hy net
“Toe ek destyds in die hospitaal gelê het ná my ongeluk, het een van die personeellede in die hospitaal vir my gesê dat ek eendag my motor Eenbeen moet noem
“Ek was nie seker wat om daarvan te maak nie; ek het pas my been verloor”
Vandag pryk Eenbeen op sy bakkie se nommerplaat en pryk dié naam ook op die pasgeboude Lexus waarmee hy op 8 Maart dié klas gewen het
Nuusroman boei met feit én fiksie
LIENTJIE MENTZ
Anders as Afrikaanse skrywers wat vroeër in hul lewe joernaliste was, sien Gert Coetzee homself beslis as ’ n joernalis wat ’ n roman geskryf het
Dié voormalige redakteur van Volksblad se roman, Lens, het onlangs verskyn en daar is geen twyfel oor sy diepe insig oor die binnewerk van ’ n nuuskantoor en die intriges van politiek nie
Coetzee noem sy debuut ’ n politieke spanningsroman eerder as ’ n krimi
Die verskyning van Lens volg op byna 15 jaar se werk, wat eers die laaste twee jaar – vandat hy in 2022 as redakteur van Volksblad afgetree het – sy volle aandag kon kry
Coetzee het in 2010 met die idee van die manuskrip sy MA-graad in kreatiewe skryfkuns aan die Universiteit van die Vrystaat (UV) aangepak Ná sy eerste manuskrippoging moes hy hoor hy is op die verkeerde plek as hy ’ n handboek oor die joernalistiek wou skryf
“Ek het besef ’ n roman moet ’ n heel ander aanslag hê en dat die skryf van ’ n berig baie verskil van die skryf van ’ n roman ” Sy meer as 35 jaar in die joernalistiek, waarvan hy sewe jaar (2015 tot 2022) die redakteur van Volksblad was, was ’ n goeie wegspringpunt
“Die moeilikste was karakterontwikkeling binne ’ n bepaalde ruimte By die verhaallyn moes konflik, kinkels en geheime ingebou word”
Lens speel hoofsaaklik af in die Suid-Afrikaanse politiek onstabiele oorgangsjare van 1988 tot 1990, en die hoofkarakter, Chris Meyer, is ’ n jong verslaggewer by die dagblad Oggendspieël
Binne dié bedrywige kantoor het Coetzee karakters geskep, en hy beskryf hoe so ’ n span veral vroeër jare gefunksioneer het
Die verhaal speel af teen die agtergrond van die egpaar dr Albert en prof Hillerie Strydom wat in die jare 1970 onder verdagte omstandighede in ’ n ongeluk dood is Dit beskryf die politieke magstryd met die
oorgangsregering van pres PW Botha na pres FW de Klerk en die werking van Nasionale Intelligensie agter die skerms Feite en fiksie wissel mekaar soomloos af vir ’ n storielyn wat boei en die leser meesleur Ná aftrede kon Coetzee die storielyn verfyn “Ek het die verhaal eers chronologies geskryf en toe weer uitmekaargehaal om dit boeiend te skryf” Coetzee sê daar was talle ontoevallige toevallighede met die bekendstelling van die boek
“Dit het saamgeval met die dood van dr Niël Barnard, destyds die hoof van die Nasionale Intelligensie, wat saam met ander historiese en politieke figure in die jare 1980 ’ n gedramatiseerde rol in Lens vervul” Daarmee saam nog die sluiting van Volksblad, eers as gedrukte koerant en toe as e-publikasie, wat aan die boek ’ n goeie skeut nostalgie gee van hoe dinge was
“As die nuusredakteur in die boek iets vir ’ n verslaggewer sê, het ek altyd gedink: Wat sou Mike sê?” Daarmee verwys hy na Mike van Rooyen, jarelange nuusredakteur wat verlede jaar oorlede is Coetzee dra sy boek op aan Mike en ook aan Dirk Kok, wat met sy dood verlede jaar Gert se opvolger as redakteur van Volksblad was • ’ n Gesprek oor Lens vind op 23 April om 18:00 by Lejit Lekker in die Southern-sentrum in Fichardtpark plaas Geen toegangsfooi – gaste betaal drink- en eetgoed Bevestig bywoning per WhatsApp by 083 459 1039 of stuur e-pos na gcoetzee26d@gmail com
Mimosa Mall promises to go even bigger for next marathon
LIENTJIE MENTZ
With twice the amount of 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 for this year ’ s race ”
With this only being the second year the race was held, a marathon category was added, making the event a Comrades qualifier Runners were able to participate in a marathon, half-marathon, 10 km and a 5 km fun run
The race was held in support of the Louzanne Coetzee Foundation, who received a donation of R12 000 just last week
“We greatly appreciate the donation,” Louzanne Coetzee, founder of the foundation, said “It is important that people in Bloem trust us
to do good work in the sporting community, but also in the disability community 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 a special event”
Coetzee said running is her passion
“It is not every event that feeds into you passion”
This blind Paralympic athlete, along with guide Sewie Sewenster, ran 21 km on 1 March
“We thought the route was going to be very challenging, but we found it to be amazing
“The route was so versatile and it was a surprisingly fast It took you across different iconic areas in Bloemfontein 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
“It is not easy to organise a big running event like the Mimosa Mall Marathon, but the team made it look like child’s play I am so proud of
everyone involved”
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
Jeannine van Zyl, general manager of Novus Media Community News in the Free State and Northern Cape and media sponsor of the marathon, said it was an unforgettable experience
“It was an honor to be part of it all It is such a good way to get the community together and share in their joy of running”
Neelofar Issa (left) and Louzanne Coetzee with the checque of R12 000 that was handed over to the latter’s foundation on Wednesday,12 March
Roy Bitzer by sy V8 American Saloon Roadrunner waarmee hy op 8 Maart die resies in dié klas by Schoemanspark gewen het Foto: Lientjie Mentz
Roy Bitzer se V8-Roadrunner en Anton Swanepoel se Eenbeen op die Schoemanspark-ovaalbaan
Anton Swanepoel in sy pasgeboude Lexus genaamd Eenbeen,wat spesiaal ingerig is
Gert Coetzee met sy roman, Lens – op die nuuspoor Foto: Lientjie Mentz
Musieksprokie verras
LIENTJIE MENTZ
In ’ n sprokieswoonstel waar Tannie Middel C en haar man, Oom Daan, in ’ n pophuis-paleis woon, droom ’ n vrou hoe sy by kinders ’ n liefde vir musiek aanwakker
Karen Franzsen se besonderse boek Die Paleis van Tannie Middel C is tegelyk ’ n feeverhaal en ’ n prettige manier waarop kinders van drie tot tien jaar musiek kan leer
Franzsen se liefde vir musiek kom oor baie jare Die boek is gebaseer op ’ n visioen wat sy eers op agt jarige ouderdom en toe weer later in haar lewe, op 60, gehad het Hierin het sy ’ n berg gesien, met ’ n dubbelverdieping paleis bo-op die berg Voor die paleis het mense gestaan Sy het begryp die berg is simbolies van ’ n klavier en die dubbelverdieping van die paleis die klawerbord Die mense voor die paleis is die note
Die beeld van die berg en die kasteel van Tannie Middel C het die afgelope tyd lewe gekry in die vorm van ’ n musiekboek waarin kinders die prente kan inkleur en aktiwiteite kan voltooi namate hulle daardeur werk
Franzsen het al die illustrasies sorgvuldig met die hand geteken en al die lesse in die boek is geskryf om so eenvoudig en maklik verstaanbaar moontlik te wees
Sy sê dit is al bewys dat kinders gou verveeld raak en dat gebruiklike musieklesse hulle nie altyd boei nie
“Die boek is oor baie jare geskryf,” sê sy “Met hierdie opvoedkundige sprokiesverhaal is dit moontlik dat kinders reeds op ’ n vroeë ouderdom met musiek begin en gereed sal wees om reeds jonk hul eerste musiek-eksamen suksesvol te voltooi”
Franzsen sê sy werk nou daaraan om die boek in Engels te vertaal
• Maak kennis met die musiekplesier van Tannie Middel C en kie op ’ n bekendstellingsgeleentheid op 28 Maart om 18:00 by die Bybelhuis in Nelson Mandelarylaan Toegang is gratis Ligte verversings sal bedien word Bevestig bywoning vooraf by 067-389-9353
Liedjie ’n tree nader aan droom
’ n
Liedjie is meer as net musiek en woorde –in die regte hande is dit iets wat lewens kan verander
Soveel te meer as een van Suid-Afrika se groot kunstenaars deel is van dié poging
“As ek terugdink oor die jare, vandat Herleef begin het tot en met nou, was die droom nog altyd om iets anders tot die gospelbedryf te bring,” sê Rikus van der Vlies van dié Bloemfonteinse gospelgroep
“Die liedjie ‘Verf my Rooi’ voel soos die eerste tree in daardie rigting”
Rikus sê die liedjie is ’ n storie van elkeen van hul groep
“As ek dink oor die insperasie agter die song, dan dink ek aan Johannes 8 waar Jesus in die sand skryf en sê jy wat sonder sonde is, moet die eerste klip gooi Ek dink ons leef in ’ n wêreld waar ons so dikwels klippe gooi sonder om mekaar se storie te ken en sonder dat ons mekaar regtig verstaan Die uiteinde is egter dat Jesus se genade vir ons almal ewe mooi is en dat nie een van ons geregtig is om klippe te gooi of mekaar met stokke te slaan nie”
Rikus sê hulle het die voorreg gehad om in die
ateljee saam met Jan Blohm te werk Rikus en sy broer Franko het na Pretoria gery om die konsep met hom te gaan deel
“Wat ’ n belewenis Jan Blohm het net ’ n manier om emosie uit te druk soos geen ander Ons het dadelik geclick; ek het vir hom die liedjie op die kitaar gespeel en ek onthou Franko het gesê: ‘ so wat ons einklik wil hoor ’ Voordat Franko se sin klaar was, het Jan gesê hy kry ons in die studio” Rikus hoop dat mense die hart agter die liedjie sal sien, maar ook sal leef
“Ons as gelowiges het ’ n plig om die Bybel te wees wat die wêreld kan lees Ons kan nie bekostig dat ander mense seerkry in hul geloof as gevolg van die manier waarop ons optree nie Ons moet altyd daarna streef om meer soos Jesus te leef”
Die liedjie “Verf my Rooi” is van 28 Maart af op alle digitale platforms beskikbaar Herleef hou die aand om 18:30 ’ n vertoning by Tevah Venue in Bloemfontein, waar hulle gaan sing en stories gaan deel Toegang kos R100
Die groep tree op 6 April op die Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees op
AUDIENCES INVITED TO ENJOY NEW TAKE ON A CLASSIC CHILDREN’S TALE FOR OLD AND YOUNG
LIENTJIE MENTZ
Alice and all her friends will be visiting Bloemfontein next week
Young and old are invited to enter the whimsical world of wonder as a new adaption of Alice in Wonderland takes to the stage with the second year drama students of the University of the Free State (UFS)
This adaptation retains the heart and charm of Lewis Carroll 's original works
Follow Alice as she embarks on a fantastical journey filled with curious creatures, astonishing adventures, and riddles that challenge the imagination Join the eccentric Mad Hatter’s tea party, the mysterious Chesire Cat, and the quirky Tweedle-Dum and Tweedle-Dee to the Queen of Hearts’ annual croquet game
Audiences will be captivated by the dazzling performances, colourful costumes, and engaging storytelling
Thys Heydenrych, director of the production, says
Diary
VRYDAG 21 MAART
the production is a journey of self-discovery
“I’ve embraced the spirit of Carroll’s timeless tales while adding our unique flair, ensuring audiences of all ages experience the magic in a new way Children’s theatre needs magic, and I love the challenge of making it happen ”
The play features a talented cast, mesmerising stage effects, and a whimsical set design
Alice in Wonderland is a must-see production for families, schools, and anyone who loves the magic of theatre Whether rediscovering Alice’s adven-
tures or encountering them for the first time, this adaptation guarantees an unforgettable theatrical experience
The production will be on stage at the university’s Wynand Mouton Theatre from 26 to 29 March at 11:00 with another show on Friday 28 March at 18:00
Tickets cost R60 Students pay R40, and pensioners and groups R25 School groups can book by sending email to combrinckk@ufs ac za Tickets are available on webtickets co za or at the door
Die Nederduitsch Hervormde kerk in Karl Kielblockstraat Langenhovenpark, hou van vroegdag af n Windpompfees Braaivleis, kerrie-en-rys, varsgebak en ander lekkertes is te koop Bel ds Jaco Dreyer by 083-444-0120
SATERDAG 22 MAART
Gert Vlok Nel tree om 20:00 in die Aasvoëlklub op Kaartjies kos R150 Bevestig bywoning deur n WhatsAppboodskap na 084-559-8991 te stuur
WEDNESDAY,26 MARCH
The Road to Mecca by Athol Fugard under production of Niel van Niekerk is presented for three days – until 28 March – at the Doxa Deo Hall in Fichardtpark This is a production by the ATKV-tak Gemeenskapsteater and DEVN Productions Tickets can be bought at R100 on phoenixpro co za No children younger than 13 years are allowed in the audience
THURSDAY,27 MARCH
The University of the Third Age (U3A) meets at 10:30 in the Sewe Damme Hall Gen Beyers St in Pentagon Park Prof Garry Ostoff will give a talk on Milk Composition of Non-dairy Species” Members pay R5, and guests are welcome at R20 Call Pam Gradwell on 083-253-6293
FRIDAY,28 MARCH
The Westdene Street Market is hosted on the sports fields of the St Andrew School in Reid Street
n Herfs-aandmark word deur die Langenhovenmark aangebied Rig navrae oor stalletjies by 084-919-1676
Die CVO Dankbaar-skool bied n manne-aand met Fatman aan Kaartjies kos R400, of R3 200 vir ’n tafel van agt gaste ’n Glas en potjiekos word aan elke gas gegee
Die geleentheid begin om 18:00 vir 18:30 Bevestig bywoning by 083-256-9691
Yaron Kohlberg Piano Recital at the Odeion on the main campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) starts at 19:00 Kohlberg is the artistic director of the Cleveland International Piano Competition
SATERDAG 29 MAART
SATERDAG 26 APRIL
Die OVS Filateliese Vereniging vergader om 10:00 in die personeelkamer van die Laerskool Sentraal in Raymond Mhlabastraat Enigeen kan dit bywoon Bring dit saam wat met “R” of “H” begin Rig navrae aan Voet du Plessis by 082-449-9488
SATERDAG 5 APRIL
n Ope skietdag word by die Be Human-skietbane op Middelwater gehou, van 09:00 tot 12:00 Skiet met posliga-handgewere en semi-outomatiese gewere Inskrywing sluit om 11:30 Rig navrae aan Pieter du Preez by 079-528-9217
SATURDAY,12 APRIL
The Bloemfontein Society of Model Engineers hosts a special evening at Modenso Park Trains will be running from 17:00 until late
’n Historiese bustoer na Winburg vertrek om 08:45 vanaf die Vrouemonument by die Oorlogsmuseum van die Boererepublieke se parkeerterrein Dit kos R250 om die toer mee te maak en die sluitingsdatum vir bespreking is 18 April Rig navrae aan Lambert van Rensburg by 072-418-8665
DONDERDAG 1 MEI
n Vroueoggend met die aktrise Donnalee Roberts en Ilse du Preez word op Bloemskou aangebied Donnalee sal praat oor die avonture van vrouwees terwyl Ilse ’n vinnige oormaaksessie gaan demonstreer Die geleentheid sal na verwagting van 08:30 tot 11:00 duur Kaartjies, wat ook
’n Deeltjie vanTannie Middel C se pophuis-paleis
Karen Franzsen met haar boek, Die paleis van Tannie Middel C
Die gospelgroep Herleef is van links Franko van der Vlies,Simonay Harms,Rikus van der Vlies,Lené Ludeick en Christian Venter.Hulle is hier in die ateljee saam met Jan Blohm (heel regs).
School continues stellar standing
LIENTJIE MENTZ
After re-marking the examination answer sheets of the matric learners of the St Michael’s School, the school attained a 100% Bachelor's degree pass rate in the 2024 matric final exams
This made for a wonderful addition and conclusion to the schools' 150th anniversary celebrations, commemorated 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 come along with the 45 consecutive years in which the school’s matric learners achieved a 100% pass rate
The St Michael’s School not only has a long and illustrious history in the Free State, but also in the greater South Africa
Since the founding of the school so many years ago 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 shaping 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 their matric class of 2024, and their hard work and dedication has truly paid off
At the Well-Done Function of the
Department of Education held on Saturday, 22 February, the school was awarded several prizes
These include:
■Recognised as 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 an academic front runner in the Free State and South Africa
■St Michael’s also obtained the highest Bachelor’s pass rate in the Mangaung Metropolitan District in 2024 with 97,7% However, after the re-marking
STRIKING ARTISTIC EXPRESSION ON DISPLAY
The Oliewenhuis Art Museum is celebrating Human Rights Day on Friday, 21 March, by inviting visitors to come and have a picnic in the gardens and have a look at the different exhibitions on display
Tasty snacks and drinks will be available at various stalls
For children, the African Carousel is sure to be a highlight, with rides available for just R5 Remember to explore the Sculpture Park and pictures walking trails to complete your day
The exhibitions include:
■30 Years of Democracy: Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Freedom
This exhibition (on the first floor of the main building) commemorates 30 years since South Africa’s first democratic elections on 27 April 1994 Works by notable South African artists, including Paul Emmanuel, Noria Mabasa, Amita Makan, and Cedric Nunn, invite visitors to engage in dialogue about freedom, equality, and the ongoing quest for social justice
■Venture: Exploring through ArtbankSA’s Evolving Contemporary Collection
This exhibition (at the museum’s reservoir) showcases recent acquisitions and established works from ArtbankSA’s contemporary collection
■Euphoria …In Sy Gloria Hannalie Taute’s 21st solo exhibition in the annex gallery offers a reimagining of historical narratives through multi-media works, challenging ideas of family, tradition, and the concept of a “happy-ever-after”
■Mythologies of Time
This is a compelling exploration of the intersections between history, human existence, and technology
Simon Venter, a self-taught artist, merges Christian iconography with diverse artistic traditions to interrogate themes of identity, spirituality, and modernity
Visitors can also enjoy the museum’s Sculpture Park, which houses 16 sculptures
that took place in February, the school attained a 100% Bachelor’s pass rate, 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 first in the province
For Geography, the school obtained first position in the district and second position in the province For Information Technology (IT), the school was awarded a certificate for achieving fourth position in the Free State
EvanBosch(7)vandieLaerskoolTjokkiesis uitgenooiomvan31Maarttot5Aprilaandie Suid-AfrikaanseJuniorSkaakkampioenskappe inKaapstadtegaandeelneem.Daaris40spelers vanoorSuid-Afrikaheenwatinsyouderdomgroep gaandeelneem
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
"Their efforts have led to these remarkable achievements, and we celebrate their role in shaping the success of the learners
“Congratulations to the class of 2024 for their outstanding accomplishments "
Dr Johan Cromhout, deputy head at the school, said teachers at the school follow a holistic approach
"Classes are smaller and learners get a lot of individual attention and extra classes "
St Michael’s also boast a wide curriculum that offers additional subjects like Sesotho and Drama and Arts to its learners
"May the success and insights of the many achievers, teachers, and learners alike at the St Michael’s School serve as beacons, illuminating the path of knowledge and inspire future generations of thinkers, innovators and seekers of truth," Strumpfe concluded
FOKUS OP: BLOEMFONTEIN BATTERYE
Stad se motors op die pad gehou
Bloemfontein Batterye is 'n vertroude naam as dit kom by voertuigbatterye in die stad
Die onderneming is in 1962 begin deur drie direkteure, naamlik Rudie Oosthuizen, Eric Vermeulen en Dick Rabie
In 1984 het die onderneming uitgebrei met Vrystaat Batterye
Sedert 1998 is Bloemfontein Batterye 'n agentskap vir Willard-batterye
Frikkie Vermeulen en sy seun Grant – wat die derde geslag Vermeulens in die onderneming is –is deesdae aan die stuur van sake by die werkswinkel by Zastronstraat 57
Meeste mense aanvaar dat hul voertuig se battery maklik vir vyf jaar sal kan diens doen
Hierna kan hulle óf n nuwe battery aankoop óf die ou battery laat opknap "Willard is 'n baie goeie naam as dit kom by voertuigbatterye sê Grant oor hul produkte
"Ons gee 'n waarborg van 25 maande op voertuigbatterye en hanteer alle eise by die onderneming self," verduidelik Grant Hulle giet ook nuwe pole op batterye
Klante wat hul motors na die werkswinkel bring kan hul batterye gratis laat toets
Besoek Frikkie en sy span vir jou volgende voertuigbattery Grant en Frikkie Vermeulen
"Ons ry ook uit na klante tydens werksure en pas batterye op die perseel " Bloemfontein Batterye is weeksdae oop van 08:00 tot 17:00 en Saterdae van 08:00 tot 12:00
The teachers at the St Michael’s School are from the left,front: Seugnet Pietersen,Amanda Forster,Noèline Stumpfe,Mariska McDonald and Melanie Schoeman; back: Henry van Coller,Daniel Tengey,Elmar Henning,Rumarie van der Walt,Willemien Heunis,Alicia Basson,Hilda Faber,Amanda van Eeden and Francois Saayman
Laaste Adres: 81
Transfer nr T044481/2000 in favour of DIBAKISO ANNA MOTONA, Identity number: 630721 0531 084 in respect of certain 1 Erf 1471, MOROJANENG, DEWETSDORP, DISTRICT DEWETSDORP Province Free State which has been lost or destroyed. All interested persons having objection to the issue of such copy are hereby required to lodge the same in writing with the Registrar of Deeds at Bloemfontein within two weeks from the date of publication of this notice. Dated at DEWETSDORP this 11TH day of MARCH 2025 Applicant: Carroll, van de Wall & Joubert Attorneys Address: 20 Church street, Dewetsdorp, 9940 e-mail address: carrollenvennote @gmail.com carrollvandewall @gmail.com Contact number: 051 541 0027
MUNISIPALITEIT AFDELING COLESBERG PROVINSIE NOORDKAAP GROOT: 2,0000 (TWEE KOMMA NUL NUL NUL NUL) HEKTAAR which has been lost or destroyed. All interested persons having objection to the issue of such copy are hereby required to lodge the same in writing with the REGISTRAR OF DEEDS: NORTHERN CAPE at KIMBERLEY, 10th Floor, cnr Knight & Stead Street, KIMBERLEY within two weeks from the date of the publication of this notice. Dated at Johannesburg on 11 March 2025. PAOLO CASASOLA Paul Casasola and Associates Incorporated
Aspen Business Park Boston House | Ground Floor West 1 Madison Avenue
Aspen Lakes Tel: 087 056 1004 patsi@paulcasasola.co.za REFERENCE: CON582
BLESBOKSINGEL, FAUNA, BLOEMFONTEIN, 9301 Kennis geskied hiermee aan die Krediteure en Debiteure om hul vorderinge in te lewer en hul skulde te betaal by die ondergemelde binne 'n tydperk van 30 dae vanaf 28/03/2025
NAAM EN ADRES VAN EKSEKUTEUR OF GEMAGTIGDE: ABSA TRUST BEPERK REGNO: 1915/004665/06 POSBUS 2413, BLOEMFONTEIN, 9300 TEL: 051-4010 622 VERW: Colleen Pienaar (ZA) 30231
date of birth 1952-07-19, date of death 2024-11-16 and, last address: 9 SUMMER PLACE, LANGENHOVENPARK, BLOEMFONTEIN, 9301. Province of the Master's Office FREE STATE and Master's Office BLOEMFONTEIN. Estate-no 1290/2025.
Advertiser Name: COETZER STEYN TALJAARD ATTORNEYS INC. 73 THOMAS EDISON STREET, MENLO PARK, PRETORIA, 0081
Email: hendrik @cstlaw.co.za Telephone: 012 346 1840
Philippus
Identity number: 390506 5015 080
Last address: Ons Tuiste, 22 Van Heerden Road, Wilgehof, Bloemfontein
Magistrate's Office: Bloemfontein
Master's Office: Bloemfontein
Advertiser & address: Vertue Attorneys, 4 General Hertzog Street, Westdene, Bloemfontein
Email: charles@gva.co.za Tel: (051) 436 1457
TLALE
Liquidation and distribution account — notice (21 days) In the estate of the late (full names and surname): Mpho Tlale, Identity number: 480411 0567 089, Died: 06 September 2023 of 32 Hudson Street, Fichardtpark, Bloemfontein, Estate number:8143/2023, The first and final liquidation and distribution account in the above-named estate will be open for inspection to all persons interested therein for a period of twenty one (21) days at the Master's Office from 28 February 2025 Name and address of executor or authorised agent: Van Dyk Attorneys No. 5 Second Street Arboretum Bloemfontein 0847015582
M.
Youth care centre gets 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 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 social workers serving the Bloemfontein region
Mance has re-emphasised the importance of infrastructure maintenance
"I know the importance of this facility in safeguarding vulnerable children and providing care
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 (department of public works and infrastructure).
“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 regula-
tions
Mance said what was pleasing about the reconstruction of the facility was seeing the creative redesign to the environ-
ment, as well as the job creation for 270 sub-contractors and the contractor development programme to empower emerging female contractors
Varsity Cup promises thrills
TEBOHO SETENA
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 hardfought 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 Winger Kirwin du Preez scored the only try in the derby and propelled his team to fourth position on the log table Ixias descended further to bottom, to occupy seventh position with six points The Kovsie lads have 16 points in the bag, equal as Ikeys of the University of Cape Town Both Ixias and Shimlas are pressured to pull out all the stops in their two remaining matches to finish on a high in this year ’ s edition of the tournament The UFS men are bound to show their pedigree
by qualifying for the semifinal which is a step closer to defending the prestigious crown The Shimlas’ must-win matches are against the Ikeys and the Tuks of the University of Pretoria (UP) The non-Free State sides are also eyeing to secure a semifinal slots Tuks are in second place with 21 points behind the undefeated Maties of Stellenbosch, topping the table with 25 points The Ixias are compelled to avoid a must-win case between relegation or promotion, as was the case the last two years The Bloemfontein boys can bolster their chances by winning the matches against the lackluster
Wits on Monday, 24 March, in a fixture to be played in the City of Roses Kickoff is at 19:00 The last outing against the Eagles of North-West University (NWU) is on 31 March and will be played away The Eagles, currently in fifth position with 11 points, will be tough to beat given they too are fighting to qualify for the semifinal
Both the Shimlas and Ixias are bound to sharpen their attacking line since they squandered scoring opportunities in the derby They are compelled to show great determination to collect maximum points to remain in the tournament
Liam Prinsloo of the CUT during the match between the Shimlas and Ixias on Monday at Shimlapark in Bloemfontein Photo: Hannes Naude
MEC Dipolelo Mance netx to the multi-purpose facility’s swimming pool.
Thursday, 20 March 2025
Spelers wys slag
LIENTJIE MENTZ
Die Hoërskool Fichardtpark (Fichies) het die 2025 Wesgrow Sentrale Skole Sportreeks op 'n goeie voet begin toe dié spanne Saterdag 15 Maart teen die spanne van die Hoërskool Goudveld (Gouties) van Welkom in Bloemfontein meegeding het
Drie van Fichies se vier eerste spanne het as oorwinnaars van die veld gestap Fichies se eerste meisieshokkiespan het 3 – 4 vasgesval Hoewel die wedstryd wipplank gery het, het Goudveld aan die einde genoeg ervaring gehad om ' n oorwinning te verseker
Die eerste seunshokkiespan het Goudveld met 5 – 2 geklop As verdedigende kampioen van die Wesgrow-reeks vir die afgelope twee jaar, sal die Fichies-manne elke wedstryd met dieselfde intensiteit moet speel
Die skool se eerste netbalspan het gemaklik met 35 – 19 geseëvier Karla Pretorius, afrigter, sê dié span speel nog nie op volsterkte nie Sy sê egter dat die oorwinning baie vir die span se selfvertroue sal beteken
Die hoogtepunt van die dag was die rugby-wedstryd waar die Fichies-Leeus 40 – 0 baas was teen die Gouties se eerste rugbyspan Die speler van die wedstryd was Fichies se buitesenter, Devan Maartens Devan het telkemale die Gouties se verdediging getoets
Leilanie Gertenbach van die Hoërskool Fichardtpark op die netbalbaan Fichardtpark se eerste netbalspan het met 35 – 19 gewen. Foto: Dirkie Groenewald
Met die 30 wedstryde in onderskeie sportkodes het Fichies 24 wedstryde gewen, vier verloor en twee gelykop gespeel
Die ander Bloemfonteinse skole, Hoërskool Jim Fouché en die Hoërskool Sentraal, het wegwedstryde geneem Jim Fouché se eerste netbalspan het die meisies van die Hoërskool
Trio 53 – 16 geklop In Bethlehem het Sentraal koning gekraai teen die Bethlehem Voortrekker Hoërskool
Wesgrow-reeks Skole tree aan
Die gesogte Wesgrow Sentrale Skole Sportreeks het dié naweek met die eerste ronde tussen die agt deelnemende skole in die Vrystaat en NoordKaap begin Hannes Oosthuizen, skoolhoof van die Hoërskool Witteberg en direksielid, sê nie net was ondersteuners en sportgeesdriftiges uitgehonger vir aksie nie, maar skole het ook met opgewondenheid uitgesien na die begin van die wintersportseisoen Wesgrow is die amptelike naamborg van die reeks saam met die Universiteit van die Vrystaat (UV) en Novus Media Gemeenskapsnuus wat die gemeenskapskoerante BloemNuus, Vista, VrystaatKroon en NoordkaapBulletin insluit Oosthuizen sê dit is vir die direksie en deelnemende skole aangenaam om VKB en Edutrace as mede-borge vanaf die 2025-seisoen te verwelkom “Dit lei ’ n nuwe era in vir skolesport in ons streek,” sê Oosthuizen
Die samewerkingsooreenkoms met die nuwe borge sluit ook planne in om die reeks
verder uit te brei en selfs ’ n onderliggende reeks op dieselfde formaat te begin waarby ander skole betrek kan word
Massa-deelname en gesonde mededinging bly die riglyn waarop die reeks ontwikkel is en alle deelnemende skole word gebind tot ’ n etiese kode vir deelname en is verplig om ’ n sekere minimum aantal spanne per kode in te skryf
Die aantal spanne het ook sedert die begin van die reeks gegroei en is ’ n aanduiding dat die betrokke skole elke jaar daarin slaag om meer leerlinge die geleentheid tot deelname te bied
Die afgelope naweek het die Hoërskool Diamantveld in Kimberley gasheer gespeel vir die Hoërskool Witteberg terwyl die Bethlehem Voortrekker Hoërskool, die 2024 algehele titelhouer in die reeks, kragte gemeet het in Bethlehem teen die Hoërskool Sentraal
Die Hoërskool Jim Fouché het na Kroonstad gereis om teen die Hoërskool Trio kragte te meet Die Hoërskool Fichardtpark het weer in Bloemfontein reg gestaan om
mee te ding teen die Hoërskool Goudveld van Welkom
Die nuwe seisoen gaan beslis weer vele hoogtepunte en ' n paar verrassings verskaf
Die reeks word op ’ n enkelronde formaat beslis Dit beteken dat elke bepaling, in elke ouderdomsgroep van uiterste belang is om skole se finale plekplasing aan die einde van die seisoen te bepaal Die algehele wenner van die reeks word bepaal nadat alle wedstryde in alle kodes afgehandel is
Die reeks behou ook sy verbintenis met SuperSport wat danksy sy SuperSport Schools-platform wedstryde aanlyn sal uitsaai Dit maak dit moontlik dat die reeks wat oor drie provinsies strek verdere blootstelling aan alle belanghebbendes gee Die reeks se sukses is ook te danke aan elke ouer en leerling wat naweek ná naweek die betrokke skole ondersteun
“Ons sien uit daarna om weer hierdie jaar gesonde skolesport te beleef en wonderlike talent te aanskou,” sê Oosthuizen
