Issuu

Estate Agents

Call us �rst to sell your property

057 065 0925 325 Stateway, Welkom, Central Business District reception@danleehomes.co.za

www.danleehomes.co.za

Est 1979 ALL HOUSING MAINTENANCE, ROOFING, PAINTING CEILINGS, FLOORING

46 3rd Street, Voorspoed, Welkom 082 462 8153 • 083 273 9152

NM10078939-VI291026

Thursday, 29 October 2026

Free

Rehabilitation of facility could offer several benefits

Pool left to deteriorate MARTI WILL

The continued closure and deterioration of the Welkom Municipal Swimming Pool is raising concerns. This is seen by the community as a loss of a valuable community facility that could provide sporting opportunities, create jobs, and generate income for the Matjhabeng Local Municipality. During an oversight visit last week, DA Matjhabeng councillor Abigail Schoeman highlighted the condition of the facility, which once hosted school galas, developed talented swimmers, and provided families with a place to enjoy recreational swimming. Schoeman said local schools must travel outside of the area to host swimming galas, while aspiring swimmers face additional costs to access private facilities. “Residents also have no municipal swimming pool to use during the hot summer months.” The pool’s closure means more than the loss of a recreational facility. It also limits opportunities for young people to develop their swimming skills, participate in competitive sport, and potentially pursue careers in the swimming industry. According to Schoeman, the municipality continues to incur security and maintenance costs at the unused facility, despite it generating no income or providing a service to residents. Concerns were also raised about the condition of the perimeter fencing, with sections reportedly broken beyond repair and an entrance left open. Although private security has been appointed to protect the property against vandalism, Schoeman said security measures alone would

ming clubs and schools access to a public sporting venue. Schoeman said private-sector parties had reportedly offered to assist with rehabilitating the pool’s pumps and restoring the facility, but these proposals had not been accepted. She called for greater transparency regarding the decisions and urged the municipality to consider viable offers of assistance. The immediate priority, she said, should be to establish the extent of the damage, determine the cost of repairs, and develop a practical plan to reopen the pool. A technical assessment of the pumps, pool infrastructure and perimeter fencing would help establish the work required and provide a basis for budgeting and setting realistic deadlines. Schoeman also called for the municipality to investigate transparent public-private partnerships that could assist with the rehabilitation, maintenance and long-term operation of the facility. Such arrangements, if properly DA Councillor Abigail Schoeman constructured, could help reduce ducted an oversight visit to the Welkom the financial burden on the swimming pool. The Olympic-size swimmunicipality while ensuring that ming pool, once the pride and joy of the residents regain access to a public community, has fallen to decay. PHOTOS: swimming pool. Supplied Urgent repairs to the perimeter fencing were also highlighted as not prevent the facility from deterio- necessary to protect the property rating further. and prevent further vandalism while The rehabilitation of the swimplans for its restoration are considming pool could offer several beneered. fits to the community. Schoeman says the future of the Once operational, it could host Welkom Municipal Swimming Pool school galas, swimming events and remains an important community weekend visitors, creating opporissue, particularly as the summer tunities to generate municipal season approaches. revenue. Restoring the facility could proReopening the facility could also vide residents with a much-needed create employment for lifeguards, recreational space while supporting maintenance workers and tuck shop local sport and creating economic operators, while giving local swimopportunities.

The pool’s closure means more than the loss of a recreational facility.

What was once a prime location and asset of the Matjhabeng Municipality, is now in disrepair and decay.

The children’s paddling pool is cracked and dried out.

057 357 2222

WWW.MDPSA.CO.ZA CAM • CHANA • CHERY • DFM • DFSK GEELY • GWM • FOTON • GONOW • HAFEI MEIYA • TATA • MAHINDRA • QUANTUM TAXIS • INYATHI

WE SELL BODY SPARES SUSPENSION SPARES & SERVICE PARTS FOR CHINESE VEHICLES INDIAN VEHICLES & TAXIS. SUZUKI PARTS ALSO AVAILABLE NOW! NO 6, 2ND STREET | ZAKSPEED BUILDING NM10078900-VI291026

Vista 2

Donderdag 29 Oktober 2026

Mayor’s convictions overturned MURDER A MYSTERY MARTI WILL Matjhabeng’s executive mayor, Thanduxolo David Khalipha, has been acquitted of common assault and two counts of crimen injuria after the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein upheld his appeal and set aside his convictions and sentences. In an order under case number A85/2026, the court granted condonation for the late filing of the appeal, upheld the appeal and set aside the convictions and sentences imposed on 1 November and 12 December 2024.

The court, presided over by Judge S Chesiwe and Acting Judge NV Motsatsi, found Khalipha not guilty and discharged him on all three counts. The ruling overturns the outcome of the criminal case against the mayor, who had challenged his convictions in the High Court. Khalipha was convicted in November 2024 of one count of common assault and two counts of crimen injuria. The charges arose from an incident in February 2024 involving municipal employees Frank Moreroa and Sphamandla Msomi, who served as his bodyguards. The mayor subsequently appealed the convictions and sentences, maintaining his innocence and arguing that his constitutional rights had

been infringed. During the appeal hearing on 19 October 2026, Khalipha’s legal team raised concerns about the conduct of Odendaalsrus magistrate Shaun Malander and the integrity of the judicial process. The High Court’s order, however, records the outcome of the appeal without setting out its reasons for overturning the convictions. Before the judgment, Khalipha said he intended to pursue a complaint against Malander through the appropriate judicial structures. He indicated that a complaint had already been lodged with the Magistrates Commission and that he would consider further action after the appeal.

AGM MEETING 2026

We are pleased to invite you to attend our updoming AGM Meeting. DATE: Thursday 5 November 2026 TIME: Starts at 18:00 VENUE: Die Hoenderhok, Virginia Come and join our family/team. Let’s help little children. Anyone is welcome to come and join & learn more about us. CYN2910-VI291026

Two women and a man have been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of a 41-yearold man whose body was discovered with multiple injuries in Virginia’s central business district (CBD) on Saturday 17 October. The suspects - identified as Nthabiseng Pitikoe (22), Refilwe Mothupi (21), and Siphosenkosi Majambe (30) - appeared in the Virginia court on Monday 19 October. They remain in custody. According to police, officers responded to a complaint of a possible murder on the day of the incident. Upon arrival, they found the victim, identified as Orapeleng Sesinyi, lying motionless with serious head and facial injuries. Several stones were reportedly found next to his body. Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel declared Sesinyi dead at the scene. Preliminary investigations by Virginia detectives and visible policing members indicated that the victim may have been stoned before he sustained his fatal injuries. Information gathered during the investigation led police to a nearby filling station, where two of the alleged suspects were arrested. The third suspect was subsequently traced and arrested at a local hospital. Police also confiscated blood-stained clothing allegedly found on all three suspects. The motive for the incident remains unclear, and investigations are continuing.

SCORCHING HEAT LOOMS South Africa could face severe droughts and devastating wildﬁres as a strong El Niño weather pattern is expected to develop in late 2026 and continue into 2027. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has urged Free State municipalities to prepare for potential water shortages by repairing leaks, maintaining infrastructure, monitoring water resources and updating drought-response plans. Free State dam levels currently stand at approximately 100.4% of capacity, providing a stronger starting point than during previous El Niño cycles.

Donderdag 29 Oktober 2026

3 Vista

057 065 0365 | The Strip, 314 Stateway, Welkom

NM10078963-VI291026

Vista 4

Donderdag 29 Oktober 2026

Hope for the week

Faith and hope: A sure guarantee of abundance In a world driven by fluctuating economies, unpredictable circumstances, and temporal worries, many people find themselves settling for modest expectations and living on wishful thinking. Yet, true faith and hope offer something far more secure: an absolute guarantee rooted in the unchanging nature of God. Rather than viewing faith as mere optimism or seeing the positive above the negative, Scripture defines it as a solid foundation. In Romans 12:3, Paul writes that God has dealt to each person a measure of faith. This isn't a fractional or partial gift; through the Holy Spirit, believers are granted the very presence and substance of God. The measure of our faith is not determined by human effort, background, or titles, but by the infinite presence of Christ living within us. While worldly hope is often subject to variables and luck—hoping for a better job or lower living costs—godly hope is

steadfast and eternal. As Colossians 1:27 proclaims, "Christ in you, the hope of glory." When hope is anchored in Christ, it becomes an unshakeable promise rather than a vague wish. Furthermore, God’s nature is one of divine abundance rather than bare survival. From the overflowing cups described in Psalm 23 to the multiplication of loaves that fed thousands, God consistently reveals Himself as a God of overflow. Settling for mediocrity or assuming God is constrained by modern limitations fails to reflect His true capacity. Our ultimate increase, healing, and peace are not dependent on human performance or shifting circumstances, but on steadfast trust in Him. As Lamentations 3:24 reminds us, "The Lord is my portion... therefore I hope in Him!" Step forward today with newfound confidence, knowing that in Christ, your faith and hope rest on a sure guarantee. - Nadia Wulf of Life Church Welkom

Riebeeckstad Pre-Premêr hou ’n Sirkus Skouspel. Kaartjies kos R100 per persoon of R1000 per tafel. Skakel 057 388 2395.

30 OCTOBER House of Hope invites parents, caregivers, teachers, childcare workers and anyone working with children to an informative and practical training session focusing on Behavioural Therapy with Children – Parenting Programme. The training will be presented by Dr Carel van Wyk, who will guide participants in understanding children’s behaviour and provide practical knowledge and approaches that can help caregivers respond more effectively to children’s emotional, behavioural and developmental needs. The training will be held from 09:00 till 13:00 at 220 Stateway in the Deo Doxa Hall. It costs R250 per person. Enquiries: 057 101 0286.

31 OCTOBER Goldﬁelds Hospice invites the community to attend its Tree of Memories 2026, a special occasion to honour loved ones who have passed away and keep their memories alive. The event will take place on 18:00 at 58 Montague Street, Bedelia, Welkom. Tickets for the Tree of Memories cost R50.

Members of the Thabong Uniting Reformed Church In Southern Africa (URCSA) Christian Men’s Ministries (CMM) donated fruit parcels to the Bultfontein Old Age Home, under the auspices of “Ubuntu Social Care” on Saturday 24 October. From the left, front: Sesupo Molejane, Elias Ratsetse, Mosiuwa Sello, Elias Noshodi, and Motsumi Motsoari; back: Tshidiso Dimo, Ntume Mohapi, Douglas Moletsane, Pule Lesige, and Teboho Motaung. PHOTO: Supplied

Matrieks gerat vir hul eindeksamen

Dagboek 29 EN 30 OKTOBER

Showing care to those who came before

Entry to the event is R30 per person, while exhibitors can book a stall for R50. For more information contact Goldﬁelds Hospice on 057 353 2191 or 057 353 2152.

6 NOVEMBER Rovers Rugby Club’s annual general meeting (AGM) in the clubhouse at 18:00. The agenda will include, the ﬁnancial and chairman's report and the election of governing body members.

6 NOVEMBER St Luke's Methodist Church Evening Market, starting at 17:00. The church is at the corner of Long Road and Arrarat Road. The food stalls will include pudding, boerewors rolls, hamburgers, curry and rice, bunny chows and samoosas. Other traditional stalls will include Bric and Brac, White Elephant, Tea Garden, Cake Stall and Book Stall. There will be games for the children. For more information contact Christine on 082 568 2896.

28 NOVEMBER 4FeralCats is to hold its annual golf day at unicorn Golf Club in Welkom. There are two sessions, at 08:30 and 13:00, with between four and ﬁve players per team. A 18A certificate can be issued to business who make a ﬁnancial donation to the organisation.

Die matriekeindeksamen kan vir enige leerder wat die laaste fase van sy skoolloopbaan nader, intimiderend wees. Vista het met drie matrikulante gesels. Donovan Dettmar, Matriekulant van die Hoërskool Wessel Maree: Die eindeksamen is tot dusver 'n baie groot uitdaging en 'n toets van my deursettingsvermoë. Sommige vraestelle het goed gegaan en my met 'n bietjie gemoedsrus gelaat, maar ander was baie moeilik en het baie tyd en dink werk gevra. Dit is soms moeilik om gefokus te bly ná so baie weke van harde werk, maar ek probeer om nie moed op te gee nie. Ek gee elke dag my beste en hoop dat al die laatnag studeer en opofferings uiteindelik goeie punte sal oplewer. Ek vat dit net een dag op 'n slag en bly fokus op my volgende doelwitte. Veonita Coetzer, Matriekulant van die Hoërskool Wessel Maree: As ’n matriekleerder is my ervaring van die eindeksamens tot dusver ’n mengsel van verskillende emosies. Daar is sekere vraestelle waaroor ek regtig goed en positief voel, terwyl ander my ’n bietjie minder selfverse-

Donovan Dettmar

Naledi Mpongwana

kerd laat voel. Die eksamen is soms uitdagend, en die druk kan nogal oorweldigend wees, maar ek probeer positief bly en my beste in elke vraestel gee. Ek dink elke leerder ervaar die eindeksamens op ’n ander manier, en vir my is dit ’n proses waarin ek leer om in myself te glo, aan te hou probeer en elke vraestel een op ’n slag aan te pak. Ek sien uit na wat die res van die eindeksamen inhou en hoop om die res daarvan met dieselfde deursettingsvermoë en positiewe gesindheid aan te pak. My raad aan ander matrieks: Doen jou beste, want jou beste is reeds goed genoeg. Moenie jouself te veel met ander

Veonita Coetzer

vergelyk of toelaat dat een moeilike vraestel jou moed breek nie. Gee alles wat jy het, vertrou op jouself en onthou: doen jou bes en God sal die res doen. Naledi Mpongwana, Matriculant of the Wessel Maree High School: Matric exams so far? Let me be honest with you, it's been hard like waking up tired, sleeping late, brain is full, but still empty type of hard, some papers make you feel like you know nothing and you walk out and just want to cry, but we work harder, we don't give up, we pray, we study, we fail a question and still go back to the book because we didn't come this far to come this far, we are tired, but we are almost there.

Donderdag 29 Oktober 2026

5 Vista

Numerous arrests during crackdown Thousands taken A total of 1 032 suspects have been arrested and nine firearms seized during high-density policing operations across all five Free State districts as authorities intensify efforts to combat crime ahead of the festive season. The operations were conducted under the Safer Festive Season action plan as part of Operation Shanela II, with the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Department of Home Affairs, Border Management Authority, provincial traffic officials, and other law enforcement agencies participating. Police also confiscated drugs, ammunition, dangerous weapons, vehicles and more than 10 000 litres of alcoholic beverages. The arrests included nine suspects for murder, 39 for attempted murder, 32

for rape, and one for attempted rape. A further 165 suspects were arrested for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) and 96 for common assault. Police also arrested 13 suspects for aggravated robbery, three for business robbery, one for house robbery, nine for burglary at business premises and 25 for residential burglaries. Another 48 suspects were arrested for malicious damage to property, while 49 were apprehended for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Fifty-six people were arrested for being in the country illegally, while 345 arrests related to other crimes. The seizures included seven handguns and two rifles, 34 rounds of ammunition and 47 dangerous weapons, including knives. Drug confiscations comprised 1.204 kg of dagga, 322.527 g of crystal meth-

amphetamine, one gram of nyaope, 11 Mandrax tablets, and 3.3g of Mandrax powder. Officers also recovered 5.11 kg of copper and copper cables, 2 kg of precious metals, 59 packets of tobacco products, 16 cellphones and seven vehicles. Two computing devices were also recorded as evidence. The integrated teams conducted 4 811 patrols, including 403 high-visibility patrols, and searched 48 556 people, 13 576 vehicles and 498 premises. Operations further included 940 stop-and-search actions, 338 tracking operations, 214 vehicle checkpoints, 16 roadblocks, and 196 operations to trace wanted suspects. The province-wide operations form part of intensified efforts to disrupt criminal networks, remove illegal goods from circulation and improve public safety during the festive season.

Banding together for upliftment Community members in Phahameng and Bultfontein were mobilised on 26 October, ahead of an upcoming launch of the MN Breytenbach Sports Ground on 28 October. Members of the Free State Provincial Social Crime Prevention and Bultfontein Social Crime Prevention units along with the Free State Marching Band joined forces to engage with residents and invite them to the event. The team also visited Bultfontein’s central business district, where members spoke to business owners, shoppers and other community members. PHOTO: Supplied

Three men allegedly robbed two courier service employees of 10 cellphones worth R35 000 in the Kitty area of Virginia on Monday 19 October. According to police, the incident occurred at approximately 10:30 in Margaret Street, where the employees were making deliveries. It is alleged that one of the employees was collecting parcels from the back of the delivery van when three unidentified men approached in a white Volkswagen Polo with Gauteng registration plates. The suspects allegedly demanded the victims’ cellphones and

threatened to shoot them. However, neither victim saw a firearm during the incident. The cellphones were taken from the courier vehicle before the men fled the scene in their vehicle. No injuries were reported. Virginia police have registered a case of common robbery and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Police are appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist with the investigation to contact Virginia police on 082 465 3011. Information can also be provided through Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS app.

EXPANDABLE SECURITY DOORS & WINDOWS

Double Uprights, Fixtures & Sliders

Five Standard Colours

Get A Quote Today

Slam & Hook Lock

Your Security is our Priority!

086 110 2340/079 876 7956 www.incredibledoor.co.za / marke�ng@incredibledoor.co.za

NM10074852-VI291026

WANTED The Free State Provincial Commercial Cyber Crime unit is seeking assistance from the public to locate a man who may have information about an alleged R160 000 property fraud case in Welkom. France Ntlanganiso Futhwa (33) has been identiﬁed as a person of interest in the investigation, police said in a statement issued on Sunday 18 October. According to police, the alleged fraud dates back to 25 September 2025, when a woman entered into an agreement to purchase a property through an estate agent. The woman reportedly transferred the full purchase price into the seller’s bank account after he claimed to be the sole beneﬁciary of his late mother’s estate. However, the situation changed when other family members approached her and informed her that the man was not authorised to sell the property. Anyone who knows Futhwa’s whereabouts is urged to contact Det. Sgt Samuel Seloana of the Provincial Commercial Cyber Crime unit on 073 925 4882. Information can be reported to Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submitted through the MySAPS application.

COME HUNGRY BRING YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Jan Hofmeyer 139 A

057 3557877/91 072 369 5792

QUALITY PARTS! GREAT PRICES! Get Your Vehicle ready for the Festive Season.

SPECIALS NOT TO MISS! 200g Sirloin Steak with Chips & Onion Rings

IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE! Make your year-end function one to remember.

BARBAZUt Lplace c is the perfyeou! for

GREAT FOOD GOOD COMPANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES

FK 1 Filter Kit for Hilux ...................................................R459.00 FK2 Filter Kit for Ford Ranger ......................................R469.00 Fk 18 Filter Kit for VW Polo CLP ................................R799.00 Fk 4 Filter Kit for Toyota Quantum Diesel ..............R489.00 D 334 M for Toyota Corolla ...........................................R169.00 D 3522 T Saﬂine for Toyota Quantum .......................R239.00 R 162 MKA for Toyota Corolla 16V ............................R999.00 R 165 MKA for Toyota Corolla 2E ................................R949.00

Helix Hx5 15W-40 5L

R399

Helix HX3 20W-50 5L

R399

R15 each

BP 6ES Spark Plug

Don’t wait until the last minute! Make your booking now. Visit us for more instore specials! While stocks last. NM10078101-VI291026

NM10078809-VI291026

Vista 6

Donderdag 29 Oktober 2026

Continuous spills causes all to worry Residents of Doorn have reportedly endured recurring sewage spills for years, with raw sewage flowing into streets, parks and pedestrian areas, raising concerns about public health, environmental safety, and the condition of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality’s sewer infrastructure. The spills affect residents, businesses and public spaces, including routes used by children walking to school. Residents are forced to walk or drive through contaminated water, while households and businesses face repeated plumbing costs as they deal with blocked drains and toilets. The recurring failures in

wards 27 and 32 have raised questions about the effectiveness of repairs and whether the affected sewer network is receiving the long-term rehabilitation needed to prevent further overflows. Although a contractor has been working on sections of the affected infrastructure, concerns have been raised about the standard and effectiveness of some of the work. Hennie Breytenbach, a DA candidate, and Gerhard Botha, ward 27 councillor, have conducted oversight visits and engaged with the municipality regarding the sewer problems. They have called for clarity on the condition of the infrastruc-

ture, the work completed and the measures being taken to prevent further failures. Temporary interventions, including the use of trailer pumps, may help manage emergencies but cannot replace a permanent engineering solution, particularly where infrastructure continues to deteriorate. The municipality is being urged to provide clear information on the extent of the affected network, repairs completed and still outstanding, expected completion dates, and the quality controls applied to the contractor’s work. A plan to prevent recurring sewage spills is also needed.

Man sterf drie dae ná troue MARTI WILL ’n Welkom-gesin treur oor die skielike dood van die 27-jarige Ian Visagie, wat Dinsdagaand 20 Oktober in ’n motorfietsongeluk buite Riebeeckstad oorlede is - net drie dae nadat hy met sy vrou, Elisma, getrou het. Die ongeluk het omstreeks 20:00 plaasgevind toe Ian se motorfiets vermoedelik met ’n vragmotor gebots het. Die polisie ondersoek die omstandighede rondom die ongeluk. Volgens inligting wat deur sy familie gedeel is, was Ian op pad om Elisma by haar ouerhuis in Welkom te gaan haal toe die botsing plaasgevind het. Elisma, ’n onderwyseres aan die Hoërskool Wessel Maree in Odendaalsrus, is die voorafgaande Saterdag met Ian getroud. Hul lewe as pasgetroudes het skaars begin toe die tragedie hulle tref. Ian laat sy vrou en hul tweejarige dogtertjie, Tilara, agter. In ’n hartverskeurende huldeblyk op Facebook het Elisma haar diepe hartseer verwoord oor die verlies van die man met wie sy pas getroud is en die toekoms wat hulle saam beplan het. “Saterdag het ek mevrou Visagie geword, en teen Dinsdag was ek ’n weduwee. Hoe kan ’n mens se hele wêreld in net drie dae só verander?” het sy geskryf. Sy het teruggedink aan die lewe wat hulle saam verwag

Ian Visagie is drie dae ná sy huwelik met Elisma in ’n motorﬁets ongeluk dood. Saam met hulle is hul dogtertjie, Tilara (2). FOTO: Verskaf

het - om langs mekaar oud te word, hul dogtertjie saam groot te maak en verjaarsdae en huweliksherdenkings te vier. “Ek het gedink ons het ’n leeftyd voor ons gehad,” het sy geskryf en verwys na die drome en planne wat hulle as egpaar gehad het. Een van die seerste aspekte van haar verlies, het sy gesê, was dat haar eerste handtekening as ’n Visagie op ’n belangrike dokument op haar man se doodsertifikaat was. Elisma het geskryf dat sy Ian in elke leeftyd en in elke moontlike wêreld weer as haar man sou kies. Ian se suster, Jolene Visagie, het ook op Facebook hulde aan haar broer gebring en hom beskryf as iemand wat ’n sentrale rol in haar lewe gespeel het. In haar emosionele boodskap het sy vertel hoe hy die belangrikheid van familie

ter harte geneem het. Sy het ook haar trots uitgespreek oor die pa wat hy vir sy dogtertjie was. “Enigeen wat my ken, weet dat jy my lewe, my hart is,” het sy geskryf. Vriende en sy gesin het ’n BackaBuddy-fonds met die naam “Memorial Service for Ian” gestig. Jolene sê die geld sal gebruik word vir onder meer die roudiens se kostes, kos, blomme, boekies en sovoorts. “As daar geld oorbly sal dit gebruik word vir die uitgawes wat Ian betaal het soos Tilara se skoolfonds. “Hy en Elisma het elkeen ’n gedeelte gehad wat hulle betaal elke maand. Ekstras sal dan ook in Tilara se spaarrekening gebêre word.” Ian se gedenkdiens vind na verwagting op Saterdag 31 Oktober om 11:00 by die NG Kerk Welkom-Suid plaas.

Skool betreur oud-leerder se dood MARTI WILL Matthew Bam, voormalige hoofseun van die Nobilis-skool in Virginia, is op Saterdag 24 Oktober in ’n botsing reg van voor op die Welkom-Virginia-pad oorlede. Matthew, wat in 2025 as hoofseun gedien het, se skielike dood het sy voormalige skoolgemeenskap in rou Advertorial

MTE to host gold tradeshow to close out the year The Mining and Technical Exhibitions (MTE) will drive innovation in the gold sector this November, and the industry is invited. MTE’s Welkom Mining, Engineering and Mineral Processing Exhibition will take place on 12 November 2026 at 13:00–17:00. The event will be held at Thabiso Skills Development Centre (opposite Harmony Gold Welkom Oﬃces). The specialised, travelling exhibition company has over 30 years of experience in curating face-to-face, intimate and solution-driven expos. As this will be MTE’s last tradeshow for the year, suppliers are encouraged to close out the year with a bang. Come showcase your industrial solutions that are changing the face of mining. This is a great platform to also launch your innovations, generate qualiﬁed business leads and strengthen relationships with existing customers.

processing systems. Electrical power and energy solutions, pumping and water management and material handling solutions, among others. As the 2026 exhibition calendar enters its ﬁnal stre tch, MTE re ma i ns co mmi�e d to c reat ing meaningful connections across South Africa's mining industry. Exhibitors that supply equipment, products and services to gold mines, as well as companies that supply equipment or products used in the gold mining process, are invited to the show. For more on the show visit: h�ps://mteexpos.co.za. For enquiries, contact MTE’s Communications and Marketing assistant, Sellinah Madumo, at +27 (0) 11 579 4940 or email sellinah@interactmedia.co.za.

Through the platform, mining professionals will ga i n access to a w i d e ra n ge o f e q u i p m e nt manufacturers, service providers and technical specialists, enabling them to compare solutions, explore innovations and discuss practical approaches to improving productivity, safety and operational efficiency. Some of the solutions that will be on display on the day include expertise in beneficiation, flotation, metallurgy, smelting, tailings reprocessing, crushers, magnetic separation, flotation equipment and mineralNM10078672-VI291026

gedompel. Die Nobilis-skool het op Facebook hulde aan Matthew gebring en het hom beskryf as nie net ’n leerder nie. Hy was ’n steunpilaar, ’n lojale vriend en iemand wat altyd bereid was om ander te help. Matthew word deur sy ouers, Martin en Desire Bam, en twee boeties, Laurent en Henrico Bam oorleef.

Matthew Bam

Donderdag 29 Oktober 2026

7 Vista

Commando TEL: 057 352 9041 | ADDRESS: 1 LANGENHOVEN STREET, JAN CILLIERS PARK, WELKOM TRADING HOURS: MONDAYS – SUNDAYS INCLUDING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: 07H00 - 21H00

NOW 7 DAYS

119

00 ea

3000

3200

Parmalat or Bonnita Salted Butter 500g Brick

2800

169

Ellis Brown Creamer 750g

Aquafresh Mild & Minty, Fresh & minty, Herbal or Lemon Mint Toothpaste 100ml

p/pack

OMO Hand Washing Powder Asstd. 2kg

5500

3000

Plush Supreme Fresh Pine Foam 275ml

Colgate Total Clean Mint Toothpaste 75ml

3999

EXPERTLY CUT PERFECTLY PRICED Pork Rib & Loin Chops

Lamb Braai Chops

8999

3499

Chicken Sosaties

Lamb Beef Mince

9999

OK Choice Boerewors

Beef Club & T/Bone Steak Pack

Nik Naks Maize Snack Asstd. 135g

16999

/kg

11999

Nola Mayonnaise Asstd. 750g

3800

99 ea

1 Langenhoven Street, Jan Cilliers Park, Welkom INSIDE OK FOODS COMMANDO.

SPECIALS VALID UNTIL 5 NOVEMBER 2026 STEAK DAGWOOD & CHIPS

11999

/kg

FOOD HOTLINE: 064 761 6107

BEEF OR CHICKEN BURGERS

12999

4999

Baby Soft 2 Ply Toilet Rolls 18's

Nestle Caramel Treat Dairy Dessert 360g or Condensed Milk Asstd. 385g

Rhodes Pineapple Pieces 440g

Doom Insecticide Spray Asstd. 450ml

Red Bull Energy Drink Asstd. 250ml

2999

3499

p/pack

Pan Cooking Oil 2L

R COMBO DEAL Sasko Cake Wheat Flour 5kg PLUS White Star Super Maize Meal 5kg AND Spekko Rice 5kg

189

Douwe Egberts Coffee 200g or 230g Reﬁll Doypack Asstd.

Simba Roasted Peanuts or Peanuts & Raisins 150g

Cadbury Chocolate Slab Asstd. 80g – 88g

3000

Fatti's & Moni's Macaroni or Spaghetti 500g

110

KOO Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce 400g

4400

5500

Cobra Was Polish 350ml

p/pack

Dr. Oetker Frozen Ital Pizza Classic Asstd. 240g – 335g

Nestle Baby Cereal Cerelac 200g

Stork White or Yellow Baking margarine 500g Brick

3499

5500

Nutriday Smooth Low Fat Dairy Snack Asstd. 6 x 100g

2499

3499

Nescafé Cappuccino Sticks Asstd. 8’s-10’s

6500

Doritos Corn Chips Asstd. 145g

Farmer's Deli Streaky, Diced, Back or Shoulder Bacon 200g

3400

180

All Gold Original or Hot & Spicey Tomato Sauce 700ml

Coca-Cola Original Taste Less Sugar Soft Drink 2L PET

4599

1299

Nestle Baby Cereal Nestum 200g

Purity Baby Food 125g

Clover Krush 100% Fruice Juice Asstd. 1.5L

First Choice UHT Long Life Milk Asstd. 6x1 L

Tastic Long Grain Rice 2kg

Clover Fresh or Ultra Pasteurised Milk Asstd. 2L

Rama 37% Fat Spread 1kg Tub

Simba Potato Chips Asstd. 120g

Clover Cheese Asstd. 800g

Large Eggs 2.5 dozen

Selati White Sugar 5kg

149

FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER - THURSDAY 5 NOVEMBER 2026 Nescafe Ricoffy Instant Coffee 750g, Doypack 800g Reﬁll or Classic Instant Coffee Asstd. 200g or Doypack 230g (Excl. Decaff)

Supreme Chicken Frozen Mixed Chicken 4kg

/kg

12999

/kg

Pork Bulk Pack

5999

SELECTED LARGE PIZZA’S •Salami & Mushroom •Chicken & Mushroom •Commando •Hawaiin •Bullion

/kg

99 ea

ASSTD. SALADS

LARGE CHICKEN SALAD

89 90

59 99

WHOLE CHICKEN & CHIPS

139 99

Buy 2 for

49 99

75 99

/kg

NM10078089-VI291026

Vista 8

Donderdag 29 Oktober 2026

Two die in crash on R730-road The two people who died in a three-vehicle crash near Virginia have been identified as Teboho Mofokeng (45) and Lesego Molahloe (19). They died when a Renault Kwid collided with two other vehicles at the R730 and ZR Mahabane Road intersection on Sunday 18 October. Two others sustained serious injuries and were transported to the RH Mattjhabeng Hospital in Welkom. The Police were summoned to the scene at approximately 14:30. Mofokeng, who was driving the white Renault Kwid, and his 19-year-old female passenger, Molahloe, were declared dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel. Two male occupants of the Mahindra sustained serious injuries and were transported to hospital for medical treatment. The two women travelling in the Toyota Starlet

The road was temporarily closed to allow the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) to conduct its investigations and for recovery operations to take place. Motorists travelling between Welkom, Virginia and Theunissen were advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes while emergency and law enforcement personnel worked at the scene. PHOTO: Facebook

escaped without injuries, police confirmed. Emergency services, rescue teams and law enforcement officers

attended the scene. Virginia police have registered a case of culpable homicide following the crash. The circumstances surrounding

the collision remain unclear and are being investigated. Police have not released further details about the possible cause of the accident.

Show of canine commitment takes to the skies Parko, a four-year-old Belgian Shepherd of the Bloemfontein K9 Search and Rescue unit, will take centre stage at the provincial launch of the SAPS Operation Safer Festive Season in the Free State. In a special handover, he delivered the operational plan to Free State Provincial Commissioner Lt. Gen. Thabang Lesia, at a ceremony held in Bultfontein on Tuesday 27 October. Parko and his handler, WO Swannie

Swanepoel, arrived by police helicopter with the document. Swanepoel is an experienced search and rescue dog handler. The unique delivery was intended to symbolise the readiness, dedication and commitment of SAPS members and their four-legged partners to keeping communities safe during the festive season. The handover also highlighted the vital role played by specialised K9

units in police operations and crime prevention across the province. With increased activity expected during the festive period, the operation aims to demonstrate the police’s preparedness to protect both residents and visitors. Parko’s participation serves as a reminder that effective policing relies not only on the dedication of police officers, but also on the specialised skills and contributions of their canine partners.

WO Swannie Swanepoel and Parko. PHOTO: SAPS

Spills in homes no small matter Two cases of sewage spilling into residents’ homes in Thabong have been referred to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) for investigation, highlighting ongoing sanitation problems in Matjhabeng. The referrals were made by Piet Botha, DA mayoral candidate for Matjhabeng. Botha says the affected residents are experiencing conditions that threaten their dignity, health, and quality of life. The party’s latest action follows similar referrals involving sewage spillages in Nyakallong and Allanridge. According to the DA, the SAHRC pursued court action in those cases, a development the party welcomed. Sewage overflowing into residential properties remains a concern for communities across Matjhabeng, where ageing and poorly maintained infrastructure has contributed to recurring service-delivery problems. Apart from the unpleasant conditions, sewage spills can expose residents to potential health risks, damage property and affect the safety and cleanliness of their living environments. The DA says it intends to expand its efforts to document reported cases and refer them to the SAHRC for investigation. Residents whose homes are affected by sewage spillages can submit their addresses via WhatsApp to 072 759 1741. The party says it will forward the cases to the Commission. The referrals place the spotlight on the need for effective municipal intervention to address sewage infrastructure failures and prevent further spillages into residential areas. Residents affected by the problem continue to need practical solutions, including the repair and maintenance of damaged infrastructure and a reliable response to reported sewage leaks.

SCORE

BIG G

SHOP ONLINE

APPLY FOR CREDIT SMS ‘CREDIT’ TO 47531. FREE SMS, NO DATA REQUIRED

AVAILABLE PAYMENT METHODS BELOW

Siren

Queen Bed Set

R408

Dominican

Cash R5 999

X 36 Months R460 R6 999

140kg

Cash

5 Year Y Warranty

Deposit R600 Total Credit Price R14 688

Deposit R700 Total Credit Price R16 560

Night Pro Super Firm MK 2

Spine Support MK 2

R486

R383

X 36 Months

R7 499

Cash

130kg

X 36 Months

R5 499

FIND YOUR

110kg

15 Year

Deposit R750

Total Credit Price R17 496

High-Density Pure Foam

real.beds.za

9 Year Warranty

Queen Bed Set

Cash

120kg

Queen Bed Set

X 36 Months

4 Turn Mattress

realbedsonline.co.za

Warranty

Full Foam

ATZ Technology

15 Year Deposit R550

Knitted Fabric

Real Beds South Africa

Total Credit Price R13 788

Pillow Top

Bonnell Coil

Edge Supports

Warranty

NEAREST

STORE

Donderdag 29 Oktober 2026

9 Vista

35 MUIZEN STREET (OPPOSITE AVBOB) WELKOM 9450 TEL: 057 353 2288 FAX: 057 353 4025

We accept all CREDIT CARDS. We accept

We close for lunch

(11.45 - 13.30) on Fridays

We reserve the right to limit quantities. All prices include vat where applicable.

OFFERS VALID FROM

28 OCTOBER 21 NOVEMBER 2026

WELKOM

21000

2 x 10Kg

7000

17000 Thokoman Peanut Bu#er 1Kg Hugo's Mixed Fruit Jam 900g Blossom Spread Tub 1Kg

30000

Red Lion Tomato Sauce 700ml Red Lion Sweet Chilli 700ml Red Lion Chutney 480g

White Star Super Maize Meal

12000

White Star Maize Meal 10kg + Sasko Cake Flour 10kg + Spekko Rice 10kg

Itau Maize Meal - 5 Kg Farm Foods Cake Flour 5Kg Princess Rice 5Kg Decastro White Sugar 2Kg Sunstar Cooking Oil 750ml

Golden Cloud Cake Flour 10kg

FREE

11989

each

Crosse & Blackwell Six Gun Mayonnaise Spice Glenryck 750ml 200g Pilchards 89 400g each

each

All Gold Tomato Sauce 700ml

Tastic Rice 10kg

5989

13989

each

2989

each

Rama Original 70% Brick 3x 500g

Bokomo Corn Flakes 1kg Bokomo Traditional Oats 1kg Bokomo Weet-Bix 900g

Farmgate 89 Long Life each Milk 6x 1Lt

each

Heartland Cornﬂakes 1Kg Fusion Dairy Blend 5Lt

each

2689

2989

7989 29

each

FOR 6

2500

1489

FOR 6

each

Maq

9989 each

Satin Skin Bubble Bath 2Lt

6889 each

a chance to win a Stand

TV or an Airfrye

Jungle Oats 1 Kg

Rainbow IQF Mixed Portions 2 Kg

3489 each

Dairy Corporation Switch Maas 2Lt Energy Drinks 500ml

800 2799 each

7500

4489

each

Brut Ingrams Camphor Cream Triple Deodorant Spray Glycerine 400ml 120ml

each

2989 each

Aquafresh Toothpaste 2 x 100ml

Playgirl Deodorant Spray 90ml Nivea Roll On 50ml

2889 each

STOCK GUARANTEED

each

2889 each

Bakers Eet-Sum-More Biscuits 200g

SoSo Toilet Tissue 2 Ply (350 Sheets) 2 x 18's

5800

Maq Washing Powder Auto 2Kg

Maq Washing Powder 2Kg

5889

Airoma Airfreshner 3 x 210ml

Sunlight Laundry Bar 500g

6889

2289

each

Easy Waves Twinpack 2 x 250ml

2989

each

So 'n Free Oil Moist Lotion 2 x 350 ml

each

2189

1589

each

8389

Doritos Corn Chips 145g Assorted

Simba Potato Chips 120g Assorted

each

Trolley Dash Winners

Buy Top White or Farm Foods Products for a chance to win

So 'n Free Curl Moist Spray 250ml

3389

R50

Sta So Fabric Soner 2Lt

Baby So Toilet Tissue 2 ply (350 Sheets) 18's

3989

9989

each

So 'n Free Oil Sheen Xtra Dry Spray 250ml

R500 0 Grocery Voucher e

each

Isoplus Oil Sheen Spray 240ml

2689

each

5P0elnlsWionINers will

5500

3389

each

Nutriday Smooth Yoghurt 6x 100g

1689

4289

11589

2189

each

Stork Country Spread Tub 1Kg

Parmalat Sliced Cheese 900g

each

CC Chicken FrozenBreast Bones 5Kg

1689

2489 each

‘s

9989

BakersTennis Biscuits 200g

Sunlight Washing Powder Assorted 3Kg

6989

each

Cadbury Slab Chocolate Assorted 80g

15900

2200

3989

7389

each

De#olHygiene Soap 3 x 175g

3300 Max Munchies Dog Food 8 Kg

Farmhouse

Miracle Mom: Dishwashing Liquid 2Lt Bleach 1.5L Pine Gel 1Lt

So 'n Free Relaxer 250ml + Easy Waves hair food Coconut 125ml

4600

each

Pepsi, Mirinda, Mountain Dew, 7Up - 2Lt

each

7889

each

per box

Dishwashing 2189 5000 Liquid 3x 400ml

4289

Flat Screen

3489

7989

Ultramel Custard 1 Lt

Simba Nik-Naks 50 x 20g

Black Cat Peanut Bu#er 800g

All Gold Apricot Jam 900g

Bokomo Cornﬂakes Poly Bag 1.4kg

Cremora Creamer 750g

each

Fruitree Nectar Juice 6x 200ml Mr Orange RTD Juice 6x 300ml

Oros Orange Squash 5Lt

Knorr Soup 5 x 45g

Drink Cream 12589 2000 So3x 750ml 9500 Ice2x 1.8Lt

Bokomo Weet-Bix 1.35g

2989

2150

Ricoﬀy Joko Tagless Trinco Tagless Instant CoﬀeeTeabags Teabags Pouch 800g 100's 100's

4989

Refresh

7200

Casa Mia Noodles 4 x (5 x 65g)

2489 1589 each

12500

6000

6589

each

KOO Baked Beans 6 X 400G

8000

Sunstar Excella Pure CookingPure Sunﬂower Oil 5Lt Oil 2Lt

10889

Itau Super Maize Meal 10kg

51000

BUY 3 x155g Lucky Star Pilchards & Get 410g Lucky Star Tomato Puree

4000

Hearty Harvest Maize Meal 10kg + Farm Foods Cake Flour 10kg + Royal Rice 10kg + Hullets Brown Sugar 8 kg + Yame Samp 5kg + Nola Cooking Oil 2Lt

each

Y LUCEKRS!

WI N N 0 R1VO0UC0HER

ach

NM10078655-VI291026

Vista

Donderdag 29 Oktober 2026

Vista

Vista 1 2

Donderdag 29 Oktober 2026

DA caucus leader murdered TEBOHO SETENA The DA in the Free State is mourning Metsimaholo caucus leader Michael Thulani Mbana, who was shot dead execution-style in Sasolburg on Monday night. The targeted killing raises immediate fears of a political hit as South Africa experiences a massive surge in political violence. In the run-up to the 2026 Local Government Elections, political killings have spiked dramatically across the country, with the tally now standing at almost 50 murders. The crisis has raised alarm bells about the safety of political activists and candidates. Police in Free State reported that Mbana was fatally shot at about 21:40 at his residence in Taylor Park, Zamdela by two unknown males who called him outside. Officers have

Michael Thulani Mbana, who was shot dead execution-style in Sasolburg on Monday night. PHOTO: Supplied

launched a manhunt for the two armed men, who remain on the run. Provincial Police Commissioner

Lt. Gen. Solly Lesia announced that a team made up of the Zamdela Trio Task Team and Serious Organised Crime unit had been assigned to investigate. The probe aims to establish the motive and circumstances surrounding the murder. Roy Jankielsohn, DA provincial leader, expressed shock at Mbana’s brazen murder and extended heartfelt condolences to his wife, family, friends and colleagues. He said Lesia informed party members that an investigative team was tasked shortly after Mbana’s fatal shooting. “The DA in the Free State is deeply saddened by the tragic death of our Metsimaholo Caucus Leader, Mbana. His passing is a devastating loss to the DA and the community he served so tirelessly,” said Jankielsohn. Mbana played a significant role since joining the DA in 2017. He dedicated himself to political activism,

community service and building the party’s grassroots structures. As Caucus Leader, he worked through election campaigns and by-elections. He worked as a councillor and Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Spatial Planning and Human Settlements while the DA was in government in Metsimaholo. “Thulani will be remembered as a dedicated public servant and a champion of his community,” said Jankielsohn. Brig. Thandi Mbambo, provincial spokesperson for the police, said the two men called Mbana and he approached one of them. The suspect produced a firearm and shot him several times at close range. Mbana sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. ■ Read articles such as this one, and more local, national and international news, on novanews.co.za.

Voters given unprecedented access to results South African voters will have real-time, district-by-district access to local government election results through an interactive map launched by NovaNews – part of an unprecedented media collaboration bringing together NovaNews, Die Papier and Nuuspod for comprehensive coverage of the 2026 local government elections on Wednesday 4 November. The interactive map, freely accessible without paywalls on NovaNews, will display live voting results as they are counted, empowering citizens to monitor outcomes in their own districts and across the country in real time. The platform transforms how South Africans engage with election data, offering immediate transparency and community-level insights as results

unfold. This powerful digital tool anchors the most ambitious joint election coverage initiative ever undertaken by the three platforms. For the first time, NovaNews, Die Papier and Nuuspod are pooling their full reporting resources to deliver uninterrupted, multi-language election coverage across live streaming, digital reporting and on-the-ground journalism throughout election day. With reporters deployed across multiple provinces, the collaboration ensures that audiences nationwide receive timely, trusted election coverage in their preferred language and format: Nuuspod, hosted by Izak du Plessis and South Africa's leading Afrikaans news podcast on the Afrikaans.Radio platform, will stream continuous live election updates and analysis throughout the day.

The live feed will be embedded directly on both NovaNews and Die Papier websites. NovaNews and Die Papier will conduct simultaneous live reporting, with journalists stationed at voting stations and key locations filing video updates

and news reports in both Afrikaans and English. NovaNews.co.za, the digital news platform of Novus Media, serves as the home of 20 community newspaper titles across the Western Cape, Boland, Eastern Cape, Free State and Northern Cape, reaching millions of readers weekly in print and online — all without paywalls with Lise Beyers as digital news editor. Die Papier, Novus Media's weekly Afrikaans newspaper, delivers quality journalism to Afrikaans-speaking communities across South Africa in print and online under the editorship of Barnard Beukman. This historic collaboration represents a commitment to democracy, transparency, and accessible journalism — ensuring every South African can follow their local government elections as they happen, without barriers.

El Niño threatens millions with climate chaos The effects of El Niño are being felt globally, ranging from floods in Argentina, deadly fires in Peru and drought in French Guiana, prompting a UN call for speedy action to face an unprecedented “wrecking ball” this year. El Niño warms surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, bringing worldwide changes in winds, pressure and rainfall patterns. It typically takes place every two to seven years and lasts around nine to 12 months. The naturally occurring weather phenomenon is set to bring higher temperatures to much of the planet this year, with its impact compounding the effects of man-made climate change. “The current El Niño event could be unprecedented in strength: literally off the monitoring charts that we have used for the past four decades,” said Celeste Saulo, head of the UN’s weather and climate agency, the World Meteorological Organization. She and UN aid chief Tom Fletcher issued a joint call for “urgent and coordinated anticipatory action” to protect the most vulnerable communities already living on the edge. “We cannot stop El Niño, but we can prevent many of its worst human consequences,” said Saulo. Fletcher said El Niño was a “wrecking ball” that would bring havoc to Latin America, eastern and southern Africa, Asia and the Pacific. “The risk is you have tens of millions of people pushed into humanitarian need,” he said, warning that 50 million people could face increased hunger. Argentina battles rising waters “From one day to the next, a metre of water rushed into my house,” Juan Pablo Gomez, a resident of the northeastern Argentinian tourist town of Paso de la Patria told AFP. The flooding linked to El Niño has claimed two lives in recent days and in some parts of the town only the rooftops of houses remain above water.

The devastating effects of El Niño are being felt globally. PHOTO: Adobe Stock

Last week, more than 2 000 people had to leave their homes in the northeast of the country due to heavy rainfall that swelled the Parana, Uruguay, and Iguazu rivers, which separately border Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. These rains are linked to El Niño. Deadly fires scorch Peru “We have a huge mass of hot, dry air over the whole of Peru as a result of El Niño,” biologist Daniel Valle, a professor of the Scientific University of the South in Lima, told AFP, explaining deadly fires in Peru. Valle said the flames spread quickly due to high temperatures and dry conditions caused by the weather phenomenon. At least 12 people have died since June in forest fires that have left hundreds of disaster victims, authorities said last week. French Guiana faces severe drought French Guiana has been experiencing a significant rainfall deficit for several months. River traffic

has gradually come to a halt due to a sharp drop in the level of the French overseas territory’s waterways. The authorities have set up an air bridge to supply about 40 000 residents of isolated municipalities with no road access. Somalia braces for mass displacement The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says 874 000 people could be forced to leave their homes in Somalia over the next three months due to flooding. The rainy season is expected, according to forecasts, to be marked by above-normal precipitation in the country as El Niño strengthens, the IOM warned last week. The agency says it has obtained only about 14.4% of the $16.6 million needed to prepare the response to the floods. Colombia has recorded four consecutive months of record monthly temperatures, with the thermometer there about 1.5°C above normal in July, August and September, according to an AFP analysis of data from the European Copernicus Climate Change Service. In the face of increasingly frequent extreme events it is difficult to formally attribute a specific event to El Niño. “El Niño can be compared to a highway with weather phenomena like the vehicles on it. El Niño does not let us predict the speed of a particular vehicle, nor the lane it’s in, and sometimes vehicles suddenly exit or enter the highway,” Michelle L’Heureux, a physicist at the US National Weather Service, NOAA, told AFP. “However, El Niño can make certain weather events more or less likely over the course of a season. We simply can’t attribute an entire weather phenomenon or associated extreme event solely to El Niño, because other factors also play an important role”. Davide Faranda, research director at France’s National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) said: “It is incorrect to directly attribute a particular event to El Niño because its effects vary by region and season, and also depend on the natural variability of the climate and other meteorological factors”.

Illegal mining in choke hold Four men aged between 28 and 40 have been arrested for various offences, including the suspected possession of gold-bearing material (GBM), contravention of the Immigration Act and trespassing, during targeted operations against illegal mining in Welkom and Theunissen. The arrests were made during separate operations conducted by the Operation Prosper team, with law enforcement agencies targeting illegal mining activities and the possession of suspected gold-bearing material. On 22 October, a joint operation was conducted at Western Holdings Mine and in Reahola, Welkom. It was led by the SAPS, with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Public Order Police (POP) and mine security personnel also participating. Two South African citizens were arrested after being found in possession of suspected gold-bearing material and equipment believed to be used for illegal mining. A third man was arrested for allegedly contravening the Immigration Act. Police seized 25,32 kg of suspected gold-bearing material, two pickaxes, two garden spades, a steel plate and a homemade strainer. In a separate operation conducted in Theunissen on 16 October, a 31-year-old man was arrested for the suspected possession of gold-bearing material and trespassing. Police confiscated 46,60 kg of suspected gold-bearing material, as well as 20-litre buckets, a steel plate, a garden spade, a shovel and a pickaxe. The confiscated items from both operations were booked in as evidence for further investigations. The operations form part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat illegal mining and the unlawful possession of gold-bearing material.

YOUR FREE TICKET TO EXPLORE From the top deck of a red City Sightseeing bus winding through Cape Town, to the world's largest optical telescope beneath the dark skies of Sutherland, South Africa is packed with places worth discovering — and they are all inside the Destination Guide 2026, free with your community newspaper this week. The 12-page tabloid guide takes readers on a journey across the country, showcasing destinations, experiences and adventures for the summer season and beyond. Rediscover the Mother City with the City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus, or ride the Table Mountain Cableway with new WhatsApp ticketing and improved accessibility. Dive into ocean wonder at the Two Oceans Aquarium, where penguin feedings and shark encounters bring the deep blue to life. Head down to Jeffrey's Bay for the inaugural JBay GrootFees — a jampacked December programme of concerts, family days and fireworks — or wind through the craft markets of the Helderberg and the N2, from Somerset West to Sir Lowry's Pass. Travel further afield to Sutherland for stargazing at SALT, or to the Eastern Free State, where the Maluti Mountains frame hot-air balloon flights, horse trails and farm-stay adventures near Clarens and Fouriesburg. Whether you are planning a day trip, a weekend escape or a longer holiday, the Destination Guide 2026 is your starting point. Look out for your free copy, inserted in selected community newspapers or read online. Explore. Discover. Experience. Read this article, and other exciting news, at: novanews.co.za

Donderdag 29 Oktober 2026

Vista

104 CONSTANTIA STREET • WELKOM TEL: 057 355 2347 / 057 355 1682 CELL: 078 698 2138 / 078 698 9694 EMAIL: admin@kwikfitdundee.com

PASSENGER TYRES

12" / 13"

155R12C .................................FROM 155/70R13...............................FROM 155/80R13...............................FROM 175/70R13...............................FROM

14"

165/60R14...............................FROM 165/65R14...............................FROM 175/65R14...............................FROM 185/60R14...............................FROM 185/65R14...............................FROM

15"

185/60R15...............................FROM 185/65R15...............................FROM 195/50R15...............................FROM 195/60R15...............................FROM 195/65R15...............................FROM

16"

205/55R16...............................FROM 205/60R16...............................FROM 215/60R16...............................FROM 215/55R16...............................FROM

17"

195/45R17...............................FROM 205/40R17...............................FROM 205/45R17...............................FROM 205/50R17...............................FROM 205/55R17...............................FROM 215/40R17...............................FROM 215/45R17...............................FROM 225/45R17...............................FROM 225/65R17...............................FROM

18"

215/35R18...............................FROM 215/55R18...............................FROM 225/40R18...............................FROM 225/45R18...............................FROM 235/40R18...............................FROM 245/40R18...............................FROM

19" / 20"

225/35R19...............................FROM 225/40R19...............................FROM 225/45R19...............................FROM 235/35R19...............................FROM 255/35R19...............................FROM 265/30R19...............................FROM

4x4 / BAKKIE

TLB / GRADER / TRACTOR TYRES

195R14C ....................................FROM R 995.00 205/70R15C ...............................FROM R1 095.00 215R15C A/T..............................FROM R1 295.00 245/75R15C A/T.........................FROM R1 495.00 245/70R16 A/T ...........................FROM R1 595.00 265/65R17 A/T ...........................FROM R1 795.00 265/60R18 A/T ...........................FROM R1 895.00 R R R R

595.00 550.00 550.00 595.00

R R R R R

595.00 595.00 575.00 650.00 650.00

R R R R R

675.00 675.00 750.00 750.00 750.00

R R R R

795.00 850.00 995.00 995.00

R 895.00 R 850.00 R 850.00 R 895.00 R1 095.00 R 995.00 R 950.00 R 995.00 R1 195.00

RUGGED TERRAIN 245/70R16 R/T ...........................FROM R1 995.00 245/75R16 R/T ...........................FROM R1 995.00 255/70R16 R/T ...........................FROM R1 795.00 265/70R16 R/T ...........................FROM R1 995.00 265/60R18 R/T ...........................FROM R1 895.00 265/65R18 R/T ...........................FROM R1 995.00

275/40R20...............................FROM R1 695.00 275/45R20...............................FROM R1 695.00

R 3 495.00 R 7 250.00 R 8 995.00 R13 995.00 R 1 795.00 R 8 495.00 R 9 495.00

RIM & TYRE COMBO RIM ONLY COMBO PASSENGER 13" ALLOY WHEELS ......FROM R3 995.00 R 6 495.00 14" ALLOY WHEELS ......FROM R4 995.00 R 7 500.00 15" ALLOY WHEELS ......FROM R5 495.00 R 7 995.00 17" ALLOY WHEELS ......FROM R6 495.00 R 9 995.00 BAKKIE / 4X4 ................ 15" BAKKIE WHEELS .....FROM R6 995.00 R10 995.00 16" BAKKIE WHEELS .....FROM R7 995.00 R12 995.00 17" BAKKIE WHEELS .....FROM R8 995.00 R14 995.00 18" BAKKIE WHEELS .....FROM R9 995.00 R16 995.00

TAXI/LIGHT TRUCK/COMMERCIAL 185/70R14 WSW ...............FROM 195R14C BSW...................FROM 195R14C WSW..................FROM 195R15C BSW...................FROM 195R15C WSW..................FROM 205/75R15C WSW.............FROM 195/75R16C .......................FROM 205/75R16C .......................FROM

R 795.00 R 995.00 R 995.00 R 995.00 R1 095.00 R 995.00 R1 150.00 R1 150.00

R 995.00 R1 295.00 R1 095.00 R1 195.00 R1 295.00 R1 295.00 R1 195.00 R1 295.00 R1 295.00 R1 195.00 R1 395.00 R1 495.00

12.5/80-18 R4 TLB .................FROM 16.9-28 R4 TLB ......................FROM 17.5-25 E3L3 ..........................FROM 17.5-25 L4...............................FROM 750-16 TRACTOR ..................FROM 18.4-30 (15-30) .......................FROM 18.4-34 (15-34) .......................FROM

PREMIUM TYRES 195/50R15 DUNLOP FM800...............FROM R 995.00 185/65R15 DUNLOP TOURING..........FROM R1 150.00 215R15 DUNLOP TRAKGRIP.............FROM R1 795.00 245/70R16 DUNLOP AT5/TRAKGRIP .FROM R2 495.00 265/65R17 DUNLOP AT3G OWL ........FROM R3 195.00 265/60R18 DUNLOP AT3G OWL ........FROM R3 695.00

TRUCK 750R16...................................FROM 900R20...................................FROM 1000R20 .................................FROM 215/75R17.5 ............................FROM 235/75R17.5 ............................FROM 275/70R22.5 ............................FROM 11R22.5 STEER/MULTI ............FROM 315/80R22.5 STEER/MULTI......FROM 315/80R22.5 DRIVE .................FROM 385/65R22.5 STEER/MULTI......FROM

TRADING HOURS: Monday - Friday: 08:00 - 17:00 • Saturday: 08:00 - 13:00 Monday to Thursday closed between: 12:30 - 13:30 • Fridays closed 12:00- 14:00

PRICES VALID UNTIL 25 NOV. 2026 OR WHILE STOCKS LAST.

R2 195.00 R3 995.00 R4 495.00 R2 195.00 R2 595.00 R3 695.00 R3 495.00 R3 495.00 R3 895.00 R4 995.00

PREMIUM BAKKIE TYRES 245/70R16 GENERAL GRABBER AT3 FROM 245/70R16 BRIDGESTONE AT002 FROM 265/70R16 GENERAL BRABBER X3 FROM 265/65R17 BRIDGESTONE D693 FROM 265/65R17 BRIDGESTONE AT002 FROM 265/60R18 GENERAL GRABBER AT3 FROM

R2 695.00 R2 595.00 R3 595.00 R2 195.00 R2 595.00 R2 895.00

All Prices Include VAT (Unless Stated Otherwise) & are for Cash only. (No Dealers). Subject to In-Store Fitment. Prices exclude valves, balancing and accessories. Old Tyres remain as trade-in. No take-aways. Terms and conditions apply. E&OE Accepted. Prices Subject to stock availability. Prices valid for the purchase of 2 or more tyres. Valid for flyer brought in-store. Promotional items may vary to advertised pictures above. SAMXXX-VI291026

Vista 1 4

Donderdag 29 Oktober 2026

Lejweleputswa learners granted clearer future A large group of 88 learners of 14 schools across the Lejweleputswa District have received free eye tests and prescription spectacles through a social investment initiative aimed at improving their vision and supporting their academic progress. Astron Energy in the Free State partnered with the Free State departments of Health and Education to provide the services to learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, bringing professional optometric care directly to their schools. Undiagnosed vision problems can significantly affect children’s development and school performance, particularly when they struggle to read their textbooks or see what is written on the classroom board. For learners who cannot access eye care and treatment, these difficulties can become barriers to learning, limiting their ability to participate fully in lessons and extracurricular activities. The initiative undertaken in Lejweleputswa seeks to address these challenges by identifying vision problems early and ensuring that learners who need spectacles receive them. According to Trevor Elie, director of Freestate Petroleum Distributors (FPD), branded marketer of Astron Energy in the Free State, the driving force behind the intiative is the idea thet access to appropriate eye care can make a meaningful difference in learners’ lives, helping them to participate more confidently in the classroom and improve their educational opportunities. Beyond its academic benefits, the initiative also aims to address the social and emotional challenges that some visually impaired learners experience. Difficulties navigating school environments and participating in social activities can contribute to feelings of isolation, anxiety and low self-esteem. “By providing eye-testing services in familiar school environments, the programme makes essential healthcare more accessible to children who might otherwise go without treatment,” said Elie. The organisers described the provision of spectacles as an investment in learners’ potential, enabling them to overcome avoidable barriers to education while promoting their

Navigating school environments can be difficult for visually impaired learners, creating anxiety and impacting their ability to attend classes or participate in extracurricular activities. To bridge this gap Astron Energy in the Free State, in collaboration with the Free State departments of Health and Education, sponsored 88 learners of 14 schools in Lejweleputswa to undergo free eye testing and receive free prescription spectacles. PHOTO: Supplied

Some dignitaries who attended a function in Welkom to mark the initiative are from the left Lehulere Mophosho (optomotrist of the Moposho Trust), Ronette Prinsloo (Department of Education), Trevor Elie (Freestate Petroleum Distributors: Astron Energy), Thabo Seretse (Freestate Petroleum Distributors: Astron Energy), Erna van Zyl (Department of Education) and Mathilda Senyane (Department Education). PHOTOS: Coleen Cilliers

confidence and independence. The initiative is intended to continue. Astron Energy plans to make it an annual programme, extending its support to more schools in other districts during 2027 and beyond. Elie explained that through the partner-

ship with the provincial health and education departments, the programme aimed to reach more disadvantaged learners and help ensure that preventable vision problems did not stand in the way of their education or any of their future opportunities.

BLOOD STOCK DROPS BELOW FIVE DAY TARGET The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has urged eligible South Africans to donate blood as national stocks fall to just 3.9 days’ cover, below the organisation’s minimum target of five days. SANBS needs approximately 3,500 units of blood daily to meet patient demand, but current collections are falling short, placing pressure on the country’s blood supply ahead of the festive season. Some regions are experiencing even greater shortages, with stocks falling below three days’ cover. The declining reserves raise concerns about the availability of blood during a period when hospitals continue to rely on transfusions for life-saving surgery, childbirth complications, cancer treatment and emergency medical care. Group O blood is particularly important in emergencies, as it can be used when there is limited time to establish a patient’s blood group before a transfusion is required. Monique Schreiner, senior manager of donor relations at SANBS, said public support was urgently needed to rebuild stocks before the festive season. “The current blood supply is under significant pressure, and we need the public’s support to rebuild stocks ahead of the festive season,” she said. Schreiner appealed to regular donors, those who had not donated for some time and eligible South Africans who had never donated blood to come forward. “Every donation counts and can help save lives,” she said. SANBS is encouraging eligible donors to make blood donation a priority rather than postponing it until later in the year. Donations made now can help ensure that sufficient blood is available for patients throughout the festive season. Members of the public can contact SANBS on 0800 11 90 31 or visit www.sanbs.org.za to find out where their nearest donor centre or mobile blood drive is

FOCUS ON: MIMOSA MALL MARATHON

The date for the 2027 edition of the Mimosa Mall Marathon in Bloemfontein, is 27 February. PHOTO: Supplied

Marathon returns in 2027 The Mimosa Mall Marathon returns to Bloemfontein on 27 February 2027, bringing runners from across South Africa together in the heart of the Free State. What began as a community-focused family run has developed into one of Bloemfontein’s premier road-running events. The marathon grew from a 1 000 entries in 2024 to 2 044 in 2025, before reaching its capped capacity of 3 500 runners in 2026. Each event sold out, re-

flecting the increasing demand and momentum behind the race. The 2027 event will offer four distances: the 42,2 km marathon, 21 km half marathon, 10 km race and 5 km fun run. As a Comrades Marathon qualifying event, the race provides serious athletes with an important opportunity to pursue their qualifying times, while also welcoming families, social runners and first-time participants. Although firmly rooted in the Free State, the Mimosa Mall

Marathon is attracting wider interest. The 2026 ﬁeld included runners from all nine provinces and Lesotho, demonstrating its potential to become an increasingly important ﬁxture on South Africa’s running calendar. With its community spirit, growing national reach and established qualifying status, the Mimosa Mall Marathon is ready for its biggest start line yet. Mark the date: 27 February 2027.

Donderdag 29 Oktober 2026

1 5 Vista

Vista 1 6

Donderdag 29 Oktober 2026

1 7 Vista

Gathering explores how community can be better guarded Farmers, community members, and law enforcement officials gathered at the Hennenman Primary School Hall on Friday 23 October, for a Rural Safety Imbizo aimed at strengthening cooperation and addressing crime in rural communities. The meeting was attended by representatives of the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Community Police Forum (CPF), Community in Blue, emerging and commercial farmers,

and members of the public. Presentations focused on practical measures to improve farm security and prevent stock theft. These included the branding of animals for identification, regular stock counts and the maintenance of accurate registers. Participants also received guidance on securing gates and fencing and preventing unauthorised access to farms and commonages. Lt Col Aldrich urged farmers and

Virus causes precaution South African health authorities are monitoring developments as the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak spreads across parts of Africa, highlighting the importance of early detection and public health preparedness. Africa is facing a serious Ebola outbreak centred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where thousands of confirmed cases and deaths have been recorded. The spread beyond the DRC has heightened concerns about cross-border transmission and the risk of imported cases in other countries. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) figures available on 19 October, the DRC had recorded 9 637 confirmed cases and 4 646 deaths. The outbreak had affected eight provinces and 66 health zones. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reported slightly lower figures based on data up to 18 October, reflecting different reporting cut-off dates. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare species of Ebola virus. Efforts to contain it have been complicated by insecurity, population displacement and difficulties reaching affected communities. Nigeria confirmed an imported case on 20 October after laboratory tests detected the virus in a woman who had recently travelled from Uganda. She developed symptoms on 7 October and sought medical attention in Abuja on 11 October before being isolated and treated. Authorities identified 44 contacts for monitoring, while investigations continued to establish her exposure history and the likely source of infection. Kenya had reported nine cases, including one death, by 20 October. The cases were linked to a cluster associated with an imported infection from the DRC. Uganda, which recorded 20 cases and two deaths, declared its outbreak over

on 27 August after 42 days without a new confirmed case. France also reported one imported case, with the patient recovering and being discharged in July. The developments underline the continuing risk of international transmission, even where outbreaks have been contained. South African health authorities continue to monitor the situation and maintain preparedness measures in case an imported case is identified. Surveillance, early diagnosis and accurate public information remain essential to limiting the spread of the disease. Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person. Transmission can also occur through contaminated objects, medical equipment and the bodies of people who have died from the disease. It is not spread through the air or ordinary casual contact. Symptoms may develop between two and 21 days after exposure. Early signs include fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness and fatigue. Vomiting, diarrhoea and bleeding may occur as the illness progresses. Because these symptoms can resemble malaria and other common illnesses, people who become ill after possible exposure should seek urgent medical advice and disclose their travel and exposure history. They should call ahead before visiting a healthcare facility. There is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease. Early identification, isolation, supportive medical care and effective infection prevention measures are therefore critical. Healthcare professionals can contact the NICD’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 212 552 for guidance on suspected cases. The WHO has not recommended general travel or trade restrictions in response to the outbreak. Travellers should follow official health advice and seek medical assistance if they develop compatible symptoms after possible exposure.

LIVESTOCK SWIFTLY RECOVERED A 59-year-old man has been arrested for alleged stock theft in Winburg after police recovered ten Bonsmara calves valued at R150 000 from a trailer attached to the vehicle he was driving. Police were summoned to a farm in Winburg on Saturday 24 October, following a report of suspected stock theft. Officers stopped a white Isuzu bakkie towing a trailer before conducting an investigation. The complainant had gone to the kraal that morning to carry out a routine inspection. He noticed vehicle

tyre marks on the ground and observed that some of the calves were suspiciously close to the gate. He also allegedly saw a white Isuzu bakkie leaving the farm, prompting him to alert private security and the police. Ten calves were found in the trailer. The complainant positively identiﬁed the animals as his. Police seized the bakkie and trailer that are believed to have been used in the commission of the alleged crime. The suspect was arrested and is expected to appear in the Winburg Magistrates’ Court soon.

smallholding owners to report all incidents to the police, even those that might appear insignificant. Such reports can help investigators identify criminal patterns and understand the methods used by offenders. He also cautioned community members against taking the law into their own hands, encouraging them to contact the SAPS for assistance instead. Col Moeketsi called on the farming

community to work together and consistently implement the decisions taken during the meeting. She further encouraged community members to put forward and implement practical ideas that could improve security on farms and help curb stock theft. The meeting concluded with an opportunity for community members to ask questions and seek clarity on rural safety concerns, including the

branding of animals. The issues raised were addressed during the discussion. The imbizo provided an opportunity for farmers, residents and law enforcement officials to share concerns, exchange information and strengthen partnerships. Continued cooperation and the reporting of suspicious activities were highlighted as important measures in improving rural safety in the Hennenman area.

Vista 1 8

Donderdag 29 Oktober 2026

Chess champions crowned after season of resolve The Lejweleputswa chess community celebrated a year of dedication, hard work and sporting achievement when players gathered for the Lejweleputswa Chess Closed Championship 2026 on 10 October. The championship recognised the players who distinguished themselves throughout the season, with awards presented in four categories: adults, U16, U14 and U12. In the adult category, Diveshan Pillay claimed first place, followed by Christoph Rode in second and Jandré van Brakel in third. The U16 competition was won by Ompile Segoete, with Tinus Cornelissen taking second place and Amogelang Seekoei finishing third. In the U14 category, Letlotlo Maseko secured the top position. Botshelo Seutloali finished second, while Rethabile Moshodi took third place. The U12 category saw Olam Majola emerge as the winner, followed by Charlie Legend in second place and Bohlale Makola in third. The championship marked the culmination of a season in which players had opportunities to develop their skills, gain competitive experience and learn valuable lessons through the game. Organisers expressed their gratitude to every player who participated during the year, as well as the coaches, parents and supporters who contributed to the success of the chess season. They emphasised that every game played, lesson learned and challenge faced had helped players grow, both on and off the chessboard. Chess encourages strategic thinking, concentration, patience and decision-making, skills that extend beyond competition and can benefit young players in their everyday lives.

Business Notice

Eight of the top achievers in the Lejweleputswa Chess championships, with their coaches, are from the left, front: Molemo Tsoeute, Chereé Gerber, Olam Majola and Rokang Melato; back: Fanie Pretorius (coach), Marianca Rode (coach), Bohlale Makola, Mphoyarona Mofokeng, Ibilola Adeyemi, Charlie Legend and Jo-gean Pienaar. PHOTOS: Supplied

Some of the top Lejweleputswa chess achievers in the U16 category, with their coaches, are from the left Fanie Pretorius (coach), Martinus Cornelissen (second), Omphile Segoete (ﬁrst) and Marianca Rode (coach).

Runners conquer distances

Besigheidskennisgewing

MARTI WILL

Prokureurs - Attorneys

Transfer in terms of a contract of business

SAKEKENNISGEWING OORDRAG INGEVOLGE ‘N SAKEKONTRAK Kennis word hiermee gegee, ingevolge artikel 34(1) van die Insolvensiewet, Nr. 24 van 1936, aan belanghebbende partye en krediteure, van die voorgenome oordrag – kragtens 'n kontrak – van besighede, en/of klandisiewaarde, goedere of eiendom wat deel uitmaak van besighede, na verloop van 'n tydperk van 30 dae vanaf die laaste publikasie van die betrokke advertensies. Provinsie:VRYSTAAT 1. Dorp of Distrik,Afdeling of Graafskap:VIRGINIA 2. Verkoper of Handelaar of Vennootskap: MISTO SERVICE STATION (PTY) LTD Registrasienommer: 2018 / 568333 / 07 3. Besigheid of Handel, Aard, Naam en/of Handelsnaam, en die Adres waar dit bedryf word: BP CONCORDE MOTORS, wat onder meer die bedryf van 'n petrolvulstasie (Kleinhandellisensie Nr: R/2021/0215) en 'n geriefswinkel insluit, tesame met alle bates en klandisiewaarde daarvan, bedryf vanaf: MARKETSTRAAT 12,VIRGINIA,9430 4. D o e l e n v o o r n e m e ( v e r v r e e m d i n g , v e r k o o p , afstanddoening, verandering of ontbinding van 'n vennootskap, verskuiwing of verandering van adres, naamsverandering, kansellasie van 'n verkoop, ens.); Voorwaardes, en Datum of Tydperk (indien anders as 30 dae): DieVerkoper sal,na ontvangs van: 1. Die Departement van Minerale Hulpbronne se goedkeuring van die oordrag van die kleinhandellisensie na die Koper; 2. Die Koper se skriftelike bevestiging dat daar aan die opskortende voorwaardes voldoen is, of dat sodanige voorwaardes deur die Koper kwytgeskeld word; en 3. Bevestiging van Rossouw & Vennote, Prokureurs te Welkom, dat betaling van die Koopprys ontvang is, ’n datum bepaal wat nie minder nie as sewe (7) dae en nie meer nie as veertien (14) dae ná die datum van ontvangs van die laaste van bogenoemde bevestigings sal wees. Daardie datum sal die Ingangsdatum wees. 5. Koper, Nuwe Eienaar en/of Eienaar of Vennoot, of Kontrakterende Party: TIKWE 21 (PTY) LTD Registrasienommer: 2022 / 821655 / 07 Adverteerder en/of Agent, Adres en Datum: Rossouw & Partners,Stateway 352,Doorn,Welkom,9459 24 Oktober 2026 NAAMVANADVERTEERDER: ROSSOUW & PARTNERS ADRES VAN ADVERTEERDER: STATEWAY 352, DOORN, WELKOM,9459 E-POSVANADVERTEERDER: deeds@rosven.co.za TELEFOONVANADVERTEERDER: 082 490 4444

Notice is hereby given in terms of section 34(1) of the Insolvency Act, No. 24 of 1936, to interested parties and creditors of the intended transfer in terms of a contract of businesses, and/or goodwill, goods or property forming part of businesses, after a period of 30 days from the last publication of the relevant advertisements. Province: FREE STATE 1. Township or District,Division or County:VIRGINIA 2. Seller or Trader or Partnership: MISTO SERVICE STATION (PTY) LTD Registration Number: 2018 / 568333 / 07 3. Business or Trade, Kind, Name and/or Style, and the Address at which carried on: BP CONCORDE MOTORS consisting inter alia of the operation of a petrol filling station (Retail License No: R / 2021 / 0215) and a convenience store including all assets and goodwill thereof conducted by from: 12 MARKET STREET, VIRGINIA, 9430 4. Purpose and intent (alienation, sale, abandonment, change or dissolution of partnership,removal or change of address, change of name, cancellation of sale, etc.); Conditions, and Date or Period of time if other than 30 days: SALEThe Seller shall,after receipt of: 1 The Department of Mineral Resources grants the retail license to change of hands to the Purchaser; 2 The Purchaser's written confirmation of compliance with or waiver of the suspensive conditions as; and 3 Confirmation from Rossouw & Partners, Attorneys, Welkom, of receipt of payment of the purchase price, select a date, being not less than seven (7) days and not more than fourteen (14) days after the date of receipt of the last of the confirmations referred to above, which date shall be the Effective Date. 5. Purchaser, New Proprietor and/or Owner or Partner, or Contracting Party: TIKWE 21 (PTY) LTD Registration Number: 2022 / 821655 / 07 Advertiser and/orAgent,Address and Date: Rossouw & Partners,352 Stateway,Doorn,Welkom,9459 24 October 2026 ADVERTISER NAME: ROSSOUW & PARTNERS ADVERTISERADDRESS: 352 STATEWAY,DOORN, WELKOM,9459 ADVERTISER E-MAIL: deeds@rosven.co.za ADVERTISERTELEPHONE: 082 490 4444 NM10079006-VI291026

NM10079008-VI291026

Harmony Striders runners were out in force at races in Vanderbijlpark and Bloemfontein over the weekend of 24 and 25 October, while club members continued to test their fitness and improve their performances during the club’s weekly time trials. The club was represented at the Actom Turbo Machines Half Marathon in Vanderbijlpark on Saturday 24 October, where Bennie Wilding took part in the 21.1 km race. Also on Saturday, Gerald and Mina Sullivan competed in the 10 km race at the CUT Alumni Race in Bloemfontein, while Cornelius Visagie tackled the 21.1 km distance. The following day, Harmony Striders turned out in numbers for the ABSA Run Your City race in Bloemfontein. Twenty-five club members participated in the 10 km event, showcasing the club’s continued commitment to road running and participation in events beyond its home base. Those who took part were Edward Raboroko, Morne Nel, Clayton Anderson, Twane Anderson, Yvonne Visagie,

Cornelius Visagie, Deleen van Rooyen, Bernadette de Costa, Marietjie van Loggerenberg, Gerald Sullivan, Mina Sullivan, Luiz de Andrade, Micheal Molahloe, Andre van Niekerk, Kershney Nortman, Adel Henderson, Riaan Henderson, Potlako Sekokotana, Augustus Makhasana, Pieter Marais, Meshack Lepele, Justice Shelile, Vusi Maseko, Puseletso Seitshiro, and Ishmael Dhlamini. The weekend’s races followed the club’s time trials held on Wednesday 21 October, where runners tested themselves over 8km and 4km distances. In the 8km time trial, Moeketsi Msindisi recorded the fastest listed time of 30:25, followed by Raboroko Mojalefa in 32:06, and Andre van Niekerk in 41:06. Amelia du Plessis completed the distance in 44:55, while Jacques du Preez, Bennie Wilding and Johan Rheeder each recorded 45:49. Andre Els, Deon Lodder, and Morne Nel all finished in 48:05. Deon du Plooy clocked 51:03, followed by Anne-Lee Penny, Arthur Penny, Mavis Motaung and Rina Nel, who each recorded 54:14. Jack

Harms finished in 54:20, with Muso Molefi completing the trial in 54:21. Cornelius Visagie recorded 54:45, while Eben Venter finished in 57:00 and Deleen van Rooyen in 57:07. Luzanne Venter completed the distance in 57:44, followed by Portia Mgini in 61:00 and Johan Pretorius in 66:40. The 4 km time saw Kananelo Sejentu record the fastest listed time of 14:14, followed by Isaac Kompi in 17:33 and Kananelo Mohlosela in 20:01. Kershney Nortman completed the distance in 24:17, with Lesley van Niekerk finishing in 24:28. Katleho Tsiu recorded 28:10, followed by Lientjie Blom in 30:08 and Zama Fixane in 30:17. Rhian Rose finished in 38:00, while Kekeleetso Khomari recorded 44:15. Runners can now look forward to the Sunset Night Race on Friday 27 November, hosted at the NG Church in Harmony. The event will feature a 4 km race at R50 and a 10 km race at R100, offering runners a choice of distances. For more information, call or send a message to 071 682 6615.

Steal the show again Tristan Venter and Shyenne Laubscher of Welkom-Gimnasium took the senior victor ludorum and senior victrix ludorum accolades for swimming at the SPS Short Course School Gala in Brandfort on 16 October. This duo took the same titles together in 2023 in Kroonstad. PHOTO: Supplied

Donderdag 29 Oktober 2026

1 9 Vista

Woorde vloei uit pen MARTI WILL Ruzé Lombaard (15) van Virginia bou nuwe wêrelde met woorde terwyl baie van haar portuurgroep die sosiale media verkies. Haar liefde vir lees het binne enkele jare ontwikkel tot ’n nuwe werklikheid: Ruzé is nou ’n gepubliseerde skrywer. Sy het al drie boeke geskryf, waarvan die twee nuutstes binne enkele weke digitaal gepubliseer is. Ruzé se debuutboek, Maanplante, is in gedrukte formaat beskikbaar. Op 28 September vanjaar het sy haar tweede boek, The Cursed Town, digitaal gepubliseer. Haar derde boek, Beneath the Waves, het op 11 Oktober gevolg. The Cursed Town handel oor spanning, donker geheime en

gevaar. Beneath the Waves is ’n fantasieverhaal met geheimsinnige wesens, antieke legendes en onderwateravonture. The Cursed Town en Beneath the Waves is digitaal beskikbaar op Kobo Books en Kindle Store. Gedrukte uitgawes sal later verskyn. Ruzé, ’n leerder aan die Hoërskool Henties Cilliers, is in Klerksdorp gebore en woon saam met haar gesin in Virginia. Haar passie vir stories het in gr. 6 posgevat toe sy boeke van die gewilde Afrikaanse skrywers Jaco Jacobs en Fanie Viljoen verslind het. Ruzé het besef dat sy haar eie stories wil vertel. “Skryf gee my die geleentheid om nuwe wêrelde te skep, mense se verbeelding aan te wakker en stories te vertel wat nog lank onthou sal word,” vertel sy.

Stepping up to lead with distinction Die 15-jarige Ruzé Lombaard is nou ’n gepubliseerde skrywer, met drie gedrukte boeke wat sy al geskryf het. FOTO: Supplied

Staff have been newly appointed to leadership roles at the Orion School of Skills in Welkom. Henrico Schoeman (left), formerly of the Dagbreek Primary School, is now deputy headmaster; while Schalk Vosser (right), who previously served as the school’s deputy, takes over as headmaster. PHOTO: Supplied

Hooﬂeiers aan stuur van sake

Meet Riebeeckstad High School’s leaders

Die nuut gekose hooﬂeiers van die Primêre Skool Naudeville vir 2026 is, van links, Bjorn Bezuidenhout (onderhoofseun), Hanno van Jaarsveld (hoofseun), Tommie Doubell (skoolhoof), Linke van Rooyen (hoofmeisie) en Annabella van Aswegen (onderhoofmeisie). FOTO: Verskaf

Riebeeckstad High School has chosen its Executive Six of 2027, a group of young leaders ready to represent the learner body and contribute to the continued growth and success of the school. From the left are, Omolemo Mothibi (treasurer), Lemphiwe Molahloe (PRO), Olebogeng Kholumo (president), Oreratile Rantsi (vice president, Ncumisa Toni (secretary) and Hope Siwendu (vice secretary). PHOTO: Supplied

Donate to spread Christmas cheer

Dedicated to excelling in chess Setshabelo Primary School learners participated in the Lejweleputswa Chess Federation Tournament at the St Helena Primary School on Saturday 24 October. This was their ﬁrst time taking part, and their performance was outstanding. The school is proud of the learners’ achievements as the Lejweleputswa Legends Champions. From the left are Fusi Khomoaleburu (sport overseer), Disebo Tau (coach), Tswelopele Tshehlane (ﬁrst position), Omphile Tshehlane (4th), Thuto Tshehlane (3rd), Steve Mokoena (headmaster), Kopano Mokhethi (4th), Letsele Mahlomola (coach) and Mothibe Mohau (deputy headmaster). PHOTO: Supplied

Boxes ﬁlled with speciﬁcally donated items, in support of the Santa Shoebox Project, were contributed by Widows Sons and the Rotary Club of Flamingo Welkom as a joint venture. With this being a nationwide project, these were dropped off in Bloemfontein on Saturday 24 October. Given to under privileged children, they contain items according to a guideline – like toiletries, toys, sweets and clothes. Of Rotary are from the left Jill Lombard, Zack Lombard, Vicki Harrison, Audra Visser (president) and Elvee Lotter. PHOTO: Supplied

Community asked to assist police in investigation Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) are appealing to the public for their assistance in tracing Kaizer John Motheo (38). Motheo is wanted in connection with a domestic violence-related common assault and intimidation investigation.

According to the Meloding Detectives, a 38-year-old woman was allegedly assaulted and threatened at approximately 18:00 on Saturday 24 October, in Meloding. It is alleged that the woman and Motheo were travelling together when the incident

occurred. The alleged assault reportedly took place in the presence of their two minor children, aged six and 10, and their 12-year-old nephew. A case of common assault and intimidation was opened at the Meloding Police Station, and

investigations are still underway. Police have confirmed that a warrant of arrest has been issued for Motheo, whose photograph has been circulated to assist with efforts to locate him. Members of the public who may have information about his whereabouts are urged to

contact WO Zwelisandile Thetani of the Meloding Detectives on 082 466 8025. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Alternatively, information can also be shared via the MySAPS mobile application.

Kaizer John Motheo. PHOTO: SAPS

Unique Blinds

ALL ALL TYPES TYPES OF OF PAVING PAVING

TEL 057 352 3176

244 STATEWAY WELKOM W/A 074 465 0276 - CELL 082 322 9946

TORIS PAVING

NM10078942-VI291026

Thursday, 29 October 2026

NM10079169-VI291026

Cycling prowess tested MARTI WILL Cycling continues to bring together riders of different ages and abilities in the Goldfields, with the Welkom Cycling Club playing an important role in promoting the sport and providing opportunities for cyclists to test themselves on the road. The club’s commitment to cycling was on display at the fifth annual Free State Challenge road race, held in Welkom on 10 October. The event attracted 164 entries, including seven professional teams, and welcomed participants from across the country. Cyclists travelled from centres such as Bloemfontein and Johannes-

burg, while others came from as far afield as East London in the Eastern Cape and Barberton in Mpumalanga. The Free State Challenge featured three distances – 20km, 50km and 100km – catering for different levels of fitness and experience across various age groups and open categories. The 100km licensed men’s race delivered a close contest, with Gustav Roller and Ryan Gibbons sharing the top spot after both recorded a time of 2:10:35. Kellan Gouveris followed closely behind. In the 100km licensed women’s category, Marzaan Mellett claimed victory in 2:32:46 after a strong breakaway. Madelaine le Roux finished second in 2:32:48, just two seconds behind, while Lisa Bone took third place in

2:35:57. The results highlighted the competitive standard of the event and the opportunities it provides for both established riders and emerging talent to compete. Now in its fifth year in Welkom, the Free State Challenge has become an important fixture on the local cycling calendar. Its ability to attract professional teams and participants from several provinces helps raise the profile of cycling in the region. Events such as this also give recreational cyclists an opportunity to participate in organised road racing, with shorter distances offering an accessible entry point for riders who are not yet ready for the full 100 km challenge.

Local cyclists and club members are from the left Peter David Muller, Tertius Lotter and Dr Ebrahim Patel. PHOTO: Supplied

1 Langenhoven Street, Jan Cillierspark, Welkom (057 352 5694 Specials valid while stocks last

Bell’s Whiskey

Captain Morgan Dark Rum

R18999

Klipdrift Premium

R16999

R21499

Amarula

Spiced Gold

750ml

Harriers Whiskey

R14999

750ml

Heineken

750ml

R14299 R15899 7 50 m l

R329 R82

24 x 330ml

6 x 330ml

24 x 330ml

Castle Lite

R339 R84 99

R36999 R9249

750ml

Castle Lite

Savanna Dry/Lite/Angry Lemon

24 x 500ml 6 x 500ml

6x 330ml

Black Label

R309 R77 99

24 x 330ml

6 x 330ml

R33999 R8499

24 x 500ml 6 x 500ml

No alcohol for sale to persons under the age of 18. We reserve the right to limit quantities NM10078098-VI291026