Donderdag2Julie 2026
Skouer aan skouer in strateomstrengerwetgewingtevra
Verskeie belangegroepe het op Dinsdag30Junie deelgeneemaan ’n gekombineerde optog deur Bloemfontein se strateombeswaar aan te tekenteen onwettigeimmigranteinSuid-Afrikaenomtevra vir diebeskerming vanalleSuid-Afrikaners.Sowat600 mensevan verskillende organisasies hetaan die vreedsameoptog vanaf Ramkraal totbydie premier se kantoorinSt.Andrew-straat deelgeneem.Hulle vravir strenger wetgewing en dietoepassing vanwetgewingteen onwettigeimmigrante,asook die beskerming vanwerksgeleenthede vir Suid-Afrikaners.Memorandums is by die aankoms vandie optogbydie O.R.Tambo-gebouaan premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae oorhandig.Lees meeropbl.2,asook op die gratis aanlyn nuusblad bloemnuusexpress.co.za. FOTO:Lientjie Mentz
EkstraR50 virkragnie gehef
LIENTJIE MENTZ
Groot verligting heers ná die verrassende besluit op die Mangaungmetroseraadsvergadering op Maandag29Junie om niedie voorgenome basiesemaandeliksetariefvan R50 op elektrisiteit te hefnie
Inwoners betaal van1 Julie af die verhoogte maandelikse tarief op elektrisiteit,sowelasdie duurder wintertarief. Bykomend daartoesou Centlec ’n basiese maandeliksetarief vanR50 instel.
Die raadsvergadering watMaandagom12:00 begin het,het eers omstreeks01:30 tot’neinde gekom. Daar was’nagenda met baie punte, maar die eerstetweeuur is daaraan afgestaan om punteopdie agenda rond te skuif
DA-raadslid Selmé Pretorius sê ’n nuweagenda is eers laatnag, omstreeks22:00,uitgedeel. Daarop het die burgemeester,Gregory Nthatisi, voorgestel dat die basieseR50-tarief
op elektrisiteit tydelik geskrapword. Hy sê daar moet eers groter openbare deelname en ’n opvoedingsproses plaasvind. Die besluitoor dietarief is eers omstreeks23:30 geneem.
Die DA hetDinsdag in ’nverklaring gesê dié stap word gesien as oorwinning virelkeinwoner watdaarteen beswaar aangetekenhet.Dit is duidelikdie massa-optrede teen Centlec watvir 1Julie beplanwas, asook die openbareteenstand, hetbydie regte oreuitgekom.
Tseliso Leba vanCentlechet verlede week in’nnuusverklaring gesê hulleneem kennis vandie boodskap watmense aanmoedig om deel te neem aan’noptog teen Centlec. Die elektrisiteitstarief-verhoging op 1Julie is 9,9%.Die watertariefverhoog met14,4%.Hoeweleiendomsbelastingmet 5% daal, tree die nuwe waardasielys op 1Julie in werking. Die waarde vaneiendomme in die Mangaung-metroisvolgens diélys gemiddeld33% hoër as voorheen.
wist to housing
Lourier Park
medpartofacontinuingeffortby nicipalitytoaddressthe housing g. addedthatthe municipalitywas gahead with unbundlingmuniciwned land forresidential sites. said wealthyindividualswho affordhousing and have propelsewherewould notbeallowed new settlement, emphasising: ityispeoplewith disabilities, ild-headedhouseholdsand the aged ensioners, as well as the poor.I’m ng to bringpeoplecloser to their eofwork.”
hatisisaid the number of people ed of residential sitesstood at in Bloemfontein alone, while gure acrossthe seventowns of the aung Metrostood at 77 000.
nNoord said the DA notedthe tatementissuedbyNthatisiand empt to portraythe DA as an cletohousing sdishonestand avoidsthe real Mangaung hasonce again tried sk decades of failurewith a term political spectacle,while rable residents and surrounding unities bear the consequences,” oord said.
nificantly,the executivemayor seshousing needsand land pation in the same breath.Inits ourt papers,the municipality
ILLICIT
refers to 57 informal settlements across Mangaung
“Theseare communities wherepeoplewerepromised housing, services, and dignity; yetmanystill lack reliable water, sanitation,roads,stormwater infrastructure, streetlights or safe living conditions.”
VanNoord said the DA hasnever opposedaccesstoadequatehousing
“Onthe contrary,DA-rungovernments have shown that dignified housingcan be delivered when thereis proper planning, cleanadministration and aserious commitmenttoresidents
“InCapeTownalone, over 12 000 state-subsidised homes were handed over between2021 and 2025, while Mangaung delivered only around 600 over the same period.”
He said the DA hadgonetocourt becauseresidents deserve morethan emptypromises
“Housing without water, sanitation, roads,electricity, stormwater systems and proper planningdoesnot restore dignity. It deepenspoverty,increases safety risks, places pressure on already failinginfrastructure, damagesproperty values,weakens localeconomic confidence and createsconditions where crime and exploitation cangrow. This is notservice delivery.
“Itismaladministration dressedup as development."
IMMIGRATION UNCOVERED
LIENTJIE MENTZ
Amidst the protestactions against illegalimmigrants on Tuesday30June, araid took placeonundocumented foreignnationalsataguest house ownedbyasenior localpolitician and herNigerianspouse. Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and the MECfor CommunitySafety, Roadsand Transport,Jabu Mbalula, ledthe raid on the guesthousein Mangaung, where around 28 to 29 undocumented nationals(mainly from Ethiopia and Nigeria) were arrested.The guesthousebelongsto thedeputymayor of the Mangaung Metro, Lulama Titi Odili, and her husband, who wasarrested, but not charged. In aseparateincident,the police foundaNigeriannational with a
validpassport,a South Africandeath certificateand an ID of adeceased woman, using herparticulars to apply foravisaafter herdeath. Letsoha-Mathae demanded athorough investigation into the case.During Operation Shanela in Bloemfontein the policefound undocumented foreigners, drugs and largesums of cash. AChinese national wasalsoarrested forlacking validdocuments.
Thepremierwarnedagainst exploiting the immigration system and called on communitiestocooperate with law enforcement.
Around 600 residents took to the streets to protestagainst illegal immigrants and urge the government to unlock township economies by supporting enterprises, manufacturersand cooperatives to improve job opportunities forthe youth.
ntain View next to Lourier Park. PHOTO:Lientjie Mentz
Familieverbintenis laat kommando weer leef by Bfn-skool
LIENTJIE MENTZ
Bloemfontein spog met’nnuweVoortrekkerkommando by dieHoërskoolPresident Steyn in Bainsvlei.
MelindaLaubscher,die nuutverkoseadjunkkommandoleier vandie Danie vanEedenkommando,vertelhaarskoonouers,Ben en Hannatjie Laubscher,het dieoorspronklike kommando op 27 Julie 1984 gestig.
Die kommando by die skoolse bedrywighede hetegter in die jare 1990 doodgeloop
“Myjongste dogter,Chenelle,het verledejaar besluit om na PresidentSteyn te gaan.
“Omdat daar nie Voortrekkerswas nie,het ek diegeleentheid gesien om Voortrekkersdaar weer aandie gang te kry.”
Sy hetaangekondig datsydie kommando gaan begin.
“Ekhet gedink daar salso10kindersopdaag. Grootwas my verbasingtoe ’n volle 55 kinders opdaag.
“Dit wasleerdersvan gr.1tot gr.10.
“Ons hetbeplanombydie MT Steynkommando in te val, maar toeons dokumente vind watmyskoonfamilieseverbintenis met die stigtingvan die Danie vanEeden-kommandowys,het ons besluit om dié kommando te herstig.”
Ditwas onder aanbevelingvan die Vrystaatse gebiedsleier,Willie Engelbrecht GriseldaRichter is as kommando-leier aangestel.
Nouleefdie familieverbintenis voortmet ’n nuwe groepVoortrekkerswat die vlam helder laat brand.
Lede vandie nuweDanie vanEeden-kommando by die Hoërskool President Steynisvan links,voor:Ferdiedu Toit en Eben Richards; agter: MelindaLaubscher (adjunk-kommandoleier),JanluDelport,Lindie Visagie (offisier),Eben Steyn,Griselda Richter (kommando-leier)enChenelle Laubscher FOTO:Verskaf
LENOVA LENOVA
CONSTRUCTIONAND DEVELOPMENT
ranges from R1,076,000 to R1,846,000 MON-FRI: 12:00 -17:30 |SAT: 14:00- 17:00 |SUN:14:00 -17:00
final
ALMOST COMPLETE, mited homes are available.
The sewage line is complete, with waterlines and roads in progress. Buy now for the best ce -priceswill increase once infrastructure is completed. PHASE5 Theinfrastructure will be completed by the endofApril.
Leadership is most wanting
PROF.BISMARK TYOBEK
Across South Africa,municipalities’ roadsare crumbling,wastewater systemsare failing, refuse is piling up,and infrastructure projects sit abandoned midway throughcompletion.
What is happeningtoour municipalities? The instinctiveanswerhas longbeenashortageof skills.But that answerisnolongercredibleand continuingtorelyonitisdangerously misleading.
Ouruniversities produce accountants,engineers,public administrators, planners,legal professionals,and technologists everyyear. Municipalities continue to citeskills shortages as thereasonfor their collapse,but we must be honestabout what the real problem is:South Africa does not have askills crisis.It hasanethical leadership crisis
Arecentbriefing to theStanding Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA)bythe Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) once again paintedadeeplytroublingpictureofgovernance at localmunicipalities The findingsrevealedan absence of qualified people andanabsence of accountability,weak financial controls,irregular expenditure, stalledinfrastructure projects,and severe governanceinstability.
Toooften, technically capable officials are trappedwithin environments definedbypolitical turbulence,actingappointments, absent consequence management, and institutional instability. Leadershippositionsremain vacant for extendedperiods.Institutionalmemoryis continuously disrupted.Political considerations routinelyoverride merit and competence. In such environments,eventhe most talented professionals cannot performtheir functions effectively.
Acapable stateisnot built by producing graduatesalone.Itisbuilt by creating institutions where competence is protected, ethicalleadership is valued, and professionals areempowered to servewithout fear,political favour,orundue interference.Wemustspeak plainlyabout professionalisingthe public service, insulating institutions from political capture, enforcing genuine consequence management, and restoringethical leadership
Without capable institutions,eventhe best graduateswill struggle to succeed ■ Tyobekaisthe principaland vice-chancellor of theNorth-WestUniversity.
VrystaatKunstefees: Vertonings
Vroueopfees, vanEtot Z
Lag, huil en saamkuier is om die draai met dieVrystaat Kunstefees watvolgende week begin.
ReedsopMaandag 6Julie kryfeesgangers’nsmakievan dit watkom,met onder meer Evita@90.
Dieimmergewilde Tannie Evita word 90 en sê ons moet dieverlede onthou om die toekoms te waardeer
Diéeenvrouvertoning is maar net die begin van’nweeksedrama,kuns en musiek
’n Hoogtepunt op vanjaarsefeesprogramisdie vertoning vanbekroonde kabaretsangerenaktrise Elzabé Zietsman, Watomtedoenasdie wêreld brand
Zietsmansêwanneer sy Vrystaat Kunstefees toekom,voeldit virhaar asof sy by diehuis is “Ekhet vandie bestetye vanmy lewehier ervaar.Die Vrystaat het’n besonderseplekinmyhart.”
Sy en haar vennoot,Johann Slabbert, hetBibi Slippers gevraomdie teks te skryf.
“Ekisongelooflik blydaaroor.Sy
Diary
SATERDAG 4JULIE
het’nwerklik uitsonderlike teks geskryf.
“Die produksi hetdriebenoemings op die KKNK ontvang, onder meer virBibi se by drae totdie teks.”
Zietsman sê sy hê datwanneer mens uit die teater stap moet weet daar is hoop
“Hoophoefnie noodwendig blink rooskleurig te we
“Soms lê dit net onder die oppervl onder die stoflaa en jy moet net ’n bietjie krap om dit raak te sien.”
■ Besoek bloemnews meer oorvanjaar ys fees.Toegang totalle berigteopdié nuuswebwerfisgratis
Diegeselligheid Padel en Potjie om die Wêreld,ten bate vanSolidariteit Helpende Hand, duur van14:00 tot20:00 by Net Set Padel Ramblers. Dit kosR300 vir padelspelvir twee en R400 vir ’n potjiekosspan vanvier Diebes geklede deelnemers krypryse.Toeskouers toegelaat;toegang is gratis. Kaartjies kosR100 vir proe aan vyf potte.Bespreek deelname by 072570 3172
Dozitreeom20:00 in die Aasvoëlklubop. Deureopen om 18:00. Vroeëkaartjies kosR160,enbydie deur kosdit R200.Bespreek plek by 084 5598991.
DINSDAG 7JULIE
DieVrystaat Kunstefees begin.Kaartjies is op webtickets.co.za; inligtingopvrystaatkunstefees.co.za.
Die bekendstelling vanThérèse Bartman se debuutdigbundel, Die helfte is jou nie vertel nie, begin om 17:30 vir18:00 in dieouditorium vandie Oorlogsmuseum van die Boererepublieke.
’n Gesprek in die reeksHulde aan die helde begin om 15:00indie ATKV Boeke-oasesebinnehof op die kampus vandie Universiteit vandie Vrystaat (UV). Die skrywerwat bespreek word,isStellaBlakemore.Annerle BarnardenLeana Lategangeselsmet Wyno Simes. Lede vandie ATKV en Vriende vanNaln se toegang tot gesprekkeopdie Vrystaat Kunstefees se Literatuurfees is gratis.Rig navraeoor die gesprek deur e-postestuur na vriendevannaln@gmail.com.
Elzabé
WOENSDAG 8JULIE
Neil Cochrane en Werner Vermeulen gesels om 15:00 in die ATKV-Boeke-oasesebinnehofmet Johann LodewykMarais. Sy digbundel, Die somer is ’n dagoud, is in 1984 met die Ingrid Jonker-prys bekroon. Lede van die ATKV en Vriende vanNaln se toegang totgesprekke op die Vrystaat Kunstefees se Literatuurfees is gratis. Rig navrae oor die gesprek deur e-postestuurna vriendevannaln@gmail.com.
Die bekendstelling van In memoriam Johann de Lange saamgestel deur JohannLodewyk Marais en Joan Hambidge, begin om 17:00indie Netwerk24-Feeskafeeop die Vrystaat Kunstefees. Wyno Simes gesels met Marais. Toegang is gratis.
DONDERDAG 9JULIE
Dr.Pieter Mulder praat om 10:00,enweer om 16:00, in die Sewe Damme-saal op 'n byeenkoms vandie Universityofthe ThirdAge (U3A)oor sy boek Parlementpraatjies.Die boek saltekoop wees teen R260.Toegang kosR10 vir U3A-lede en R20 vir gaste. BelPam Gradwell by 083253 6293
FanieViljoen en Jaco Jacobsgeselsom15:00in die ATKV-Boeke-oasesebinnehof op die Vrystaat Kunstefees met Wyno Simes vir die aanbieding Tussen tale en tekste.Toegangisgratis. Die gesprekhandeloor die kuns en uitdagings vanvertaling, met onder meer verwysingnaJanie Oosthuysensebydraetot die wêreld vanvertaling.
MAANDAG 13 JULIE
Koos Kombuis tree op in die Aasvoëlklub. Vroeëkaartjies kosR150. Dit kosR200bydie deur. Deure open om 18:00 en die vertoning begin om 20:00. Bespreek plek vooraf by 084 5598991.
FRIDAY 17 JULY
Teams of four canenter theAdventure Race Challenge fora CauseatR200per team, which willhave 67 minutes to completeactivitiesinhonour of Mandela Dayand in aid of Vrystaat-Nasorgsentrum. Book a team's participation by calling LouisePretorius on 084 506 7640,orsendanemail to louise.pretorius@ psg.co.za.
SATURDAY 18 JULY
Bloembledonishostedbythe Wolf Pack Tennis Academy at theMarieko Estate.Players from U9 to adult can participate. Get entryforms from Dawid vanNiekerk at 084 584 4345 or tennisacademy@gmail.com.
Vuur en Vlam Plaaskuierduur van12:00tot laat op die plaas Middelwater. Juan en Tasché,met PieterKoen, Wentzel, Roux Cloete,Ryk Kleinhans en Stephanie Baartman,maak musiekvir 'n plaassokkie.Die Springbok-rugbywedstryd word om 17:40op'n grootskerm vertoon. Kaartjies kosR380 en kinders 12 jaar en jonger krygratis toegang. Besoek quicket.co.za vir kaartjies of Geelklip-MiddelwaterPlaas op Facebook vir inligting.
neem sprong vanverhoog na boek
LIENTJIE MENTZ
Hierdie vakansie kuier Hans Haas in Holland, en hy nooi al maatjies om saam te kom. enet biedXanderArt Productions van9tot 11 Julie ’n splinternuwe oning aannie,Xander Steynstel ooksyboekbekend oorhoe Hans Haas sy dieremaats die eerste keer ontmoet het.
In die vertoning Hans Haas in Holland,wat by TheRabbit Studio en is,isHansHaassedieremaats Haaslaagte.Hanskuier by sy ouma HelgainHolland en die dieremaats moet die dorp aandie gang hou deur oproepeteantwoordente help waar hulle kan. MorrieMeerkat se niggie, Mavis, komhelp. Netsooshaar neef,isMavis ookvol stoute streke
Komvind maar self uit watalles gaan gebeur
Xander Steynmet een vandie illustrasies in dieboek Hans Haas FOTO:Lientjie Mentz
Dieboekbekendstellingenvoorlesings vind ookin TheRabbitStudio by Jock Meiringstraat20plaas
Die vertonings is op Donderdag 9 Julie om 14:00 en 16:00, 10 Julie om 14:00 en 16:00 en 11 Julie om 10:00 en 12:00. Kaartjies kosR100 en is op rabbithouse.co.za/eventstekoop. Xander,wat vanjaarindie Kaap televisie-en-rolprentvervaardiging studeer,isvir die vakansie terugindie stad.Hysêdie skryfvan die boek was virhom ’n hartsaak Meer as ’n dekade al vermaakHans Haas kindergehore “Vier jaar gelede het ek besluit om die storie te skryfvan hoedie babadieremaatsvan Haaslaagte ontmoet het. Daarmeesaamkan ek talle waardevolle lewenslesse watmynaaan die hart lê,met die lesersdeel.” Hans Haas is meer as net’nkinderstorie elkebladsybied’nuniversele lewenswaarheid op sy eie.Xander het self die illustrasies gedoen Op 9en10Julie om 17:30, en weer op 11 Julie om 13:30, biedXander ’n gratis voorlesinguit die boek Hans Haas aan.
Zietsman in Watomtedoen as die wêreld brand. FOTO:Verskaf
HansHaas
EK KOOP NETJIESE gebruikte klere, skoene, linne, gordyne, komberse &kombuiswarekontant. Ek besoek utuis. Skakel 072185 8217
PHANTSI LIQUOR
STORE
FORMFSLA2 NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLYIN
TERMS OF SECTION27
READ WITH SECTION 31
Maria soek huiswerk vir Dinsdag en Donderdag. Ek is betroubaar. 071 902 3780
ELLVIABOTTLE STORE FORM FSLA2 NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY IN TERMS OF SECTION 27 READ WITHSECTION 31FOR REGISTRATION FR EE STATE GA MBLI NG AN D LIQUOR ACT, 2010 Noticeishereby given that TSOLO ELLIOT JANE Intendstolodgean application on 03 JULY
FORREGISTRATION
FREESTATE GAMBLING
ANDLIQUOR ACT, 2010
Noticeisherebygiven that SABATA EDWARD
PHANTSI Intendstolodge an application on 05 JULY 2026particulars of which appear hereunder.
1. Munici pality:
MANGAUNG METRO
MUNICIPALITY
2.Fullnames, streetand taladdress of
Tshiamelo Foundation FORM FSLA2 NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLYINTERMS OF SECTION 27 READ WITH SEC TIO N3 1F OR REGISTRATION FREE STATE GAMLING, LIQUOR ANDTOURISMACT NO.6 OF 2010
Notice is hereby given that GosegoMompati intends to lodgean applicationon3July2026, particulars of which appear hereunder, with
X-TA-SY LIQUOR STORE FR EE STATE GAMBLING,LIQUOR AND TOURISMACT, 2010
Notice is hereby given that Sebadibadi John Moloi intends to lodgean applicationon03July 2026, particularsofwhich appear hereunder, with the relevant authority
1.Municipality: Mangaung Metro
2.Fullnames, streetand postal address of plic tand id tity
ST12456/2008
Notice is hereby givenin termsofregulation 68 of the DeedsRegistries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply forthe issue of a certified copy of Deed of TransferST12456/2008 passed by NICONETTE DU TOIT Identity Number 4303130066081, Unmarried, in favour of RAYNA CRAMER, Identity Number 440312003208 3, Married out of community of property,in respect of certain 1. AUnit consisting of (a)Section Number 5as shownand morefully described on Sectional Plan No SS40/1982inthe scheme knownas
ST13985/2009
Notice is hereby givenin termsofregulation 68 of the DeedsRegistries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply forthe issue of a certifiedcopy of Deed of Transfer ST13985/2009 passedbyNICONETTE DU TOIT Identity Number 4303130066081,Married out of community of property,infavour of RAYNA CRAMER, Identity Number 440312003208
3, Married out of community of property,in respect of certain 1. AUnit consisting of (a) SectionNumber 11 as shown and morefully describedonSectional Plan No SS40/1982inthe scheme knownas
SESSEBEEHOF in respect of the land and
T17783/2019 LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
Notice is hereby givenin termsofregulation 68 of the DeedsRegistries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply forthe issue of a certifiedcopy of the Deed of Transfer T17783/2019 passed by RAPTOR PROPERTY DE VELOPME NT S PROPRIETARYLIMITED, RegistrationNumber 2019/359724/07, in favour of STARESIMUL PROPRIETARYLIMITED, RegistrationNumber 2019/316860/07 in respect of 1.RemainderofPortion 25
BOEDELS:
Estate number: 1534/2019
T7492/1978 LOST OR DESTROYED DEED
Notice is hereby givenin terms of Regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act,
4065
M. PRINSLOO KENNISGEWING
M. BEUKES LIQUIDATION AND DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNTS IN DECEASEDESTATES LYING FOR INSPECTION
In theEstateofthe Late: MONIQUEBEUKES
Identity number : 5503100017084
P.P. VanDer Merwe
Neem kennis dat afskrifte van die eerste en finale likwidasie- en distribusierekening in die boedel van Wyle PP van der Merwe (nr. 000321/2025)van
IN
DIE BOEDEL VAN WY LE MARTHE
The FIRST ANDFINAL LI QUI DATI ON AND DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNT IN THEDECEASED INSOLVENT ESTATE in the above-namedestate will be open forinspection to allpersons interested therein fora period of twenty one(21)days at the Master's Office: BLOEMFONTEIN
Date of Death: 10/06/2025
Last address: 33 Gratias Retirement Home, Genl Hertzog Street, Bloemfontein 9301, The FIRST AND FINAL Liquidation and Distribution Account in this estate will be open forinspection foraperiod of 21 daysfrom 26 June 2026 at the office of the
03/07/2026 ter insae sallê vir 'n tydperk van 21 dae vanaf datum van publikasie van hierdie kennisgewing by die kantoor van die Meester van die Hooggeregshof, Bloemfontein, en die Land dr oskan to or te Bloemfontein. Indien geen beswaar binne die tydperk skriftelik aangeteken word by die Meestervan die Hooggeregshof nie,sal die Eksekuteur voortgaan om uitbetalingstemaak volgens die rekening
RPRETORIUS (Agent vir die Eksekuteur)
JORDAAN BOTHA EN VENNOTE INGELYF POSBUS 868 VEREENIGING 1930
S.R.Ntsane LIQ UI DATI ON AND DIS TRI BUT ION ACCOUNTS IN DECEASED ESTATES LYINGFOR INSPECTION
In termsofsection 35 (5) of the Administration of Estates Act, No.66of 1965, notice is hereby giventhat copies of the liquidation and distribution accounts (amended firstand final, unless otherwise stated) in the estates specified below will be openfor the inspectionofall persons with an interest therein foraperiod of 21 days(or shorter or longer if specially stated) from the date specified or from the date of publicationhereof, whichevermay be the later, and at the officesof the Mastersofthe High Court and Magistrates as stated. Should no objecti theretob BOEDELS: KREDITEURE EN DEBITEURE 4201
Thursday, 2July2026
Resilienceisproven
TEBOHO SETENA
te Cheetahs have received tshotinthe arm in their ort, earning an invitation nthe international rugby ropean Professional Club ChallengeCup.
rmed on Tuesday30June tein franchisewould return tournament alongside on as invitees,following apCR Board. Thetwo outfits’ complete the 18-teamlinepo ugby union competition. Theorganiser stated that BlackLionhas been invitedtoparticipatefor afurther two seasons,and the Cheetahs forthisupcoming season.
Thetwo sideswill join eightteams from the VodacomUnited RugbyChampionship (URC),six from the Top14, and twofromthe GallagherPremiership TheCheetahs’invitationfollows acompetitivetender processthat attractedinterestfromclubs acrossmultiple countries,highlightingthe increasing appeal andgrowing profile of the EPCR Challenge Cup. Thecompetition is settostartwith round 1onthe weekend of 16 to 18 October.
TheEPCRstatedthat the Cheetahs and BlackLionmet therequiredparticipation criteria,includingestablishingaEuropean home base
TheCheetahs facedBlack Lion in the four nations tournament featuringSouth Africa, Romania, Portugal andGeorgia played in Bloemfontein on 5, 10 and 14 June Thelocal side finished second overallinthe competitionthatalsofeaturedSouth Africa’s Pumas andGriquas,with thelattertoppingthe log.
TheFreeState rugbygiantsdebuted in the EPCR Challenge Cupin2022, and their return this season extends their participation to four consecutiveseasons in the competition. They made an impressive debutintheir firstyear, qualifyingfor the round of 16 before fallingtoFrenchgiantsToulon.However,the goingprovedtougher in lateryears as they struggledagainst clubs from the Northern Hemisphere.
TheCheetahs were unable to cope with the demands of both international and domestic competition,battlingagainst the likes of the Chiefs, Racing92and Stade Français Parisin their pool stages In the 2025–’26 season,they finished their campaign in sixthplace in the pool. Their journeywas further compoundedby acancelledhome fixtureagainst Ulster due to freezingweather in Amsterdam,which resulted in aforfeit loss.
TheFreeState Cheetahs against Black Lion,during the four nationsToyota Challengeinternational tournamentstaged overthree days in Bloemfontein. PHOTO: Supplied