Race looking to inspire
Entries for the 2026 Mimosa Mall Marathon in Bloemfontein opened on 1 December
After the phenomenal success of the race earlier this year, Bloemfonteins biggest running celebration returns on Saturday 28 February
The 2025 instalment, which was presented in March had record participation with double the number of entries compared to that of its debut year, 2023
Thousands of runners took part from elite athletes chasing qualifying times to families tying up for the 5km fun run
They filled the streets with energy colour and community spirit and turned Bloemfontein into a festival of fitness and pride
The event continues its proud partnership with the Louzanne Coetzee Foundation and raises funds, endeavouring to help with the empowering of athletes with different disabilities and promote inclusion through sport a cause that is at the heart of this event
With preparations well underway, the 2026 Mimosa Mall Marathon, hosted in partnership with the Bloemfontein Striders will deliver an even more elevated experience The marathon will once again be an official Comrades qualifying race and offer runners the chance to test their endurance on a fast scenic and well-supported route through the city
Runners and fans can look forward to refreshing race day experiences live activations and a true celebration of Bloemfontein's community spirit all centred around the heartbeat of the city, Mimosa Mall
The response to this year's marathon was beyond anything we imagined, said Neelofar Issa, general manager of Mimosa Mall
“Watching the streets come alive with runners families and supporters reminded us how powerful sport can be in uniting a community The Mimosa Mall Marathon has truly become more than a race it is a shared moment of pride for our city, culture and community, and we cannot
wait to make 2026 even more extraordinary
Jeannine van Zyl, general manager of Novus Media Community News in the Free State and Northern Cape, also expressed excitement about the 2026 event
“It is a privilege to be the media sponsor of the Mimosa Mall Marathon for the second year running There was such a great atmosphere on race day this year, and we are sure there will be more runners who want to be part of the 2026 event
We look forward to seeing the race grow, to get more of our readers engaged and active When we come together as a community in this way we do not just build health and fitness we also build overall well-being and a healthy mind
“An event like this reinforces what connects our people: perseverance togetherness and having fun
Log onto the website mimosamall co za/ upcoming events to enter now
Keep an eye out for more information in VrystaatKroon
Efforts united for a better community
In a powerful demonstration of community solidarity, the Thabo Mofutsanyana District SAPS Social Crime Prevention team launched a critical awareness campaign targeting gender-based violence (GBV) in Ficksburg
Mampe Mole, district community policing forum (CPF) secretary, collaborated with local organisations including the Ficksburg CPF, Gift of the Givers and the Mary Raletooane Foundation to shine a light on the urgent issue of
violence against women and children
On Wednesday 3 December, the team kicked off their GBV awareness initiative by distributing informative pamphlets addressing topics such as sexual offences, domestic violence, human trafficking and assault
This effort is part of the broader Safer Festive Season policing operations, which will continue through January
The outreach went beyond mere information sharing Recognising the diverse needs of the community, the team provided meaningful support
by distributing essential items to vulnerable populations
Their compassionate approach included: 180 sanitary towels, 40 packets of sweets, 100 jars of peanut butter and 60 bottles of 500ml mageu
According to WO Mmako Mophiring, police spokesperson, these awareness campaigns will be rolled out across the areas of the district’s 31 police stations
The initiative highlights the critical importance of collective action in combating GBV and supporting those most vulnerable
Louzanne Coetzee,founder of the Louzanne Coetzee Foundation,with her guide in the 2025 Mimosa Mall Marathon,Sewies Sewenster. PHOTO: Reblex
The Thabo Mofutsanyana District police’s Social Crime Prevention team,with stakeholders,launched an awareness campaign targeting gender-based violence (GBV) in Ficksburg on Wednesday 3 December PHOTO: Supplied
LEADER VACUUM A CONTRIBUTION OF UNEASINESS
For over 18 months, the Moqhaka Municipality has been grappling with a critical leadership gap in its Fire and Rescue Service, as the position of fire chief remains unfilled
An internal assessment has revealed deeply concerning operational challenges that are putting the community's safety at risk The current state of the Fire and Rescue Service paints a troubling picture Operating at merely 50% efficiency, the department is struggling to deliver the professional and comprehensive fire protection that Moqhaka's residents desperately need Critical staffing shortages have severely impacted both the Fire Safety and Training divisions Without adequate professional personnel, the municipality is finding it increasingly difficult to implement fire safety legislation consistently across all communities
This means residents are left vulnerable, with
compromised emergency response capabilities and limited fire prevention education
Despite these glaring issues being highlighted in a recent council meeting, the administration has yet to take concrete steps to recruit a qualified fire chief
Cllr Sidney Pittaway of the DA has been vocal about these concerns, saying residents of Moqhaka deserve an administration that is accountable and proactive in protecting their safety
“The municipality now faces a critical moment
Addressing these capacity limitations is not just an administrative task it is a fundamental responsibility to protect and serve the community Urgent intervention is needed to recruit skilled leadership, enhance training, and restore the Fire and Rescue Service to its full operational potential,” Pittaway concluded
Neem die tyd om gebeure te onthou
In ’n oogwink is die jaar verby. Soos elke jaar het 2025 met sy unieke hoogte- en laagtepunte kom draai
Dit was ’ n eer vir VrystaatKroon om weer ’ n mediavennoot te kon wees van verskeie feeste wat in die streek aangebied word
Die landboubedryf het met verskeie uitdagings te kampe gehad en spook steeds met bek-en-klouseer
Gure en onvoorspelbare weersomstandighede maak steeds groot opslae, met oormatige reënval wat voorkom
Uitstekende sport op skolevlak en toernooie waarby VrystaatKroon betrokke was, was vir seker ’ n hoogtepunt vanjaar
Daarby ook die Bethlehem-derby tussen die Hoërskool Witteberg en Voortrekker wat nooit teleurstel nie en groot opwinding aangebied het
Daar was goeie gemeenskapsnuus, van die Vrouelandbou-unie (VLU) tot talentvolle en ’ n verskeidenheid kunstenaars wat kleur na hul onderskeie gemeenskappe bring Besonderse foto’s deur fotograwe in ons streek met ’ n fyn oog is ook gedeel
Dan is daar natuurlik die voortslepende uitdagings van elke gemeenskap met die plaaslike regerings
Munisipaliteite wat vererger in dienslewering, met ’ n uitsondering op die reël hier en daar waar iets positiefs geskied het
Dit was ’ n jaar van positiewe en negatiewe stor
G op 2 laat
M son Vrys jaar, Janu
Die Suid-Afrikaanse Weerdiens se kantoor in
Bloemfontein,sê
Vrystaatse draai
Oordenking vir die laaste bladsy van die jaar
JACO CROMHOUT
Desember breek elke jaar oop soos ’ n ryp perske: soet, sonnig, effens morsig, en onmoontlik om nie van te hou nie
Die land beweeg stadig, die dae word langer, en daar is altyd iemand wat sê: “Dis mos vakansie, man ” En ja, dit ís vakansie
Die braaivleisvure knetter, die kinders se gelag skuur deur die warm lug, en die sand brand onder jou voete asof die aarde self besluit
het om ’ n bietjie nader aan die son te skuif
Maar Desember is ook eerliker as ander maande
Want tussen die vreugde en die wind in jou hare, lê daar ’ n sagte skaduwee; iets wat fluister dat nie almal hierdie maand met ’ n vol tafel, vol huis of vol hart ingaan nie
Terwyl baie van ons die laaste stuk van die jaar vier, dra ander die stille gewig van verliese, van afwesighede, van siekte, of bloot die eenkant-wees wat ’ n mens op ’ n
warm someraand kan voel
En tog, juis daarom, hou Desember vir my ’ n besonderse wysheid
vas Dit herinner ons dat geluk nie
’ n groot, lawaaierige ding hoef te wees nie
Soms is dit die feit dat iemand jou ’ n glimlag gee
Soms is dit ’ n somersbries ná hitte
Soms is dit net die wete: Ek is nie heeltemal alleen op hierdie planeet nie
So, terwyl ons die son volg en die
Om te volg is om te leer
DR. HANNES ELS
n Matteus 16:24-28 lees ons dat Jesus op soek is na ernstige volgelinge: “As emand My wil navolg, moet hy homself verloën en sy kruis opneem en My volg.”
Ons gee almal aan iets of iemand oor om van stremminge ontslae te raak: ons begeertes, ander mense se wil, slegte gewoontes, fantasieë, moedeloosheid, ontkenning, woede
Oorgee is ’ n basiese vereiste om stres e hanteer Om op te hou weerstand bied een iets of iemand
Die geheim van suksesvolle lewe is om aan die regte dinge oor te gee
Dit vra om onsself te verloën en kruis
op te neem en Jesus te volg Oorgawe aan onsself en eie denke maak van God ons
vyand Nee, ons moet erken en bely: Ons het oorvloed lewe by onsself en ons eie denke en doen gesoek, maar dit het nie
gewerk nie
Dit ontneem ons die ewige lewe as ons dink ons kan dit ontvang deur goeie dinge te doen Ons ontvang ewige lewe wanneer ons oorgee aan die kruis Maar dit hou nie hier op nie
Om in hierdie lewe oorvloed te beleef en in storms te sweef maak oorgawe ’ n daaglikse saak
Ek lê my wil neer ten gunste van die Heilige Gees se wysheid en koers as lewenswinde draai Ons noem dit dissipelskap
Glo jy dat die lewe hier en die ewige net gekry kan word uit oorgawe, of is jy nog oorgelewer aan jou eie denke en manier van doen?
Gebed
Vader, in U hande gee ek my hele
13 DESEMBER
jaar se skoonheid vier, kan ons dalk ’ n liggie laat brand vir dié wat in die skadu sit
’ n Bietjie meer omgee, ’ n vinnige oproep, ’ n koppie koffie vir iemand wat nie gevra het nie Want uiteindelik leer Desember ons hierdie eenvoudige waarheid:
Die son skyn vir almal, maar soms moet ons mekaar net help om in die lig te gaan staan
MAANDELIKS
Die Maluti FM-Kersmark word van 08:00 tot 16:00 in Clarens aangebied Vir meer inligting of om ’n stalletjie te bespreek bel Emaurans Fourie by 072 075 1441
16 DESEMBER
Geloftedag word op die Geloftefeesterrein langs die Preekstoelpad by Bethlehem gevier
Die dag se verrigtinge begin om 08:45 met voorsang, met die diens wat om 09:00 volg Om 11:00 begin ’n bring-en-braaigeselligheid Rig navrae deur 082 336 2353 te skakel
19 DECEMBER
The annual Brentpark Christmas Market in Kroonstad is hosted at the Brentpark Community Hall from 14:30 until late For more information call Binie Jordaan on 083 643 3276 or Florence Mohamed on 083 654 4676
Die Kroonstad-Rotary-mark word op die laaste Saterdag van die maand gehou, op die hoek van Border- en Van der Lingenstraat Die mark duur van 08:00 tot 13:00 Vir meer inligting oor die mark skakel 076 055 7025
Die Affi-Aarde- familiemark in Bethlehem bied maandeliks markte aan Vir meer inligting of om n stalletjie te bespreek, skakel 082 990 0947
VAKANSIETYD
Van 1 tot 31 Desember bied die Kroonstad-buiteklub vakansiegholfspel vir jong spelers aan Spelers kan soveel gaatjies op die baan speel as
hulle wil Lede betaal R50 en nielede R75 Die aanbod
Stellar service goes beyond mere niceties
The official reopening of the Sasol Reitz Street,Kroonstad,on Friday 5 December was a huge success.The new owners and management team invite the community to
top-notch service they offer PHOTO: Madli Grobbelaar
Projek wys dít is waaroor Kersfees gaan
Die Trustees en Vriende van die Museum in Bethlehem bied weer vanjaar hul jaarlikse Kersvader-projek aan.
Sedert Desember 2018 lewer Kersvader met die 1949-Mack-brandweerwa geskenke vir geliefdes op Oukersdag by inwoners van Bethlehem af Die projek is begin om geld vir die museum in te samel
“Inwoners van Bethlehem is welkom om geskenke vir hul kinders, mans of vroue by die museum op Dinsdag 23 Desember, tussen 14:00 en 16:00, af te lewer Koste per geskenk beloop R250 en daar is geen beperking op die hoeveelheid geskenke wat afgelewer moet kan nie,” sê Terius du Preez, organiseerder van die projek Betalings kan gedoen word sodra die geskenke afgelewer is hulle beskik nie oor kaartmasjiengeriewe nie Geskenke moet duidelik gemerk wees met die ontvanger se naam en adres
Op Woensdag 24 Desember sal geskenke vanaf 14:00 afgelewer word ’ n Roete met ’ n tyd van aflewering word uitgewerk en Du Preez sal almal op hoogte hou Om te verseker jou geliefdes se geskenke word afgelewer, kontak Du Preez op 082 889 4294
Die trustees en vriende van die museum in Bethlehem sal weer op Woensdag 24 Desember geskenke ter geldinsameling vir lede van die gemeenskap in Bethlehem aflewer.Hier is Tertius du Preez,by die 1949-Mack-brandweerwa waarmee die geskenke afgelewer sal word FOTO: Verskaf
Risks can be mitigated with constant vigilance
As the holiday season approaches, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is reaching out with critical safety advice to help residents and travelers navigate the increased crime risks during the festive season
Comprehensive guide to keeping yourself and loved ones safe
■ Home protection - Your home is your sanctuary, so secure it carefully Before leaving, double-check that all doors and windows are locked
Avoid broadcasting your travel plans on social media or leaving messages that suggest you are away
Instead, ask a trusted neighbor or neighborhood watch member to periodically check on your property and manage curtains to create the illusion of occupancy
Landscape strategically by trimming trees and shrubs that could provide hiding spots for potential criminals
When you receive expensive gifts, dispose of packaging discreetly to avoid advertising new valuables to opportunistic thieves
■ Shopping smart and avoiding scams - Financial safety is crucial during the busy holiday season Minimise cash carrying and opt for alternative payment methods
When using your card, always shield the keypad and be cautious of unsolicited help
If something feels suspicious, trust your instincts and abort the transaction
At shopping centers, keep your purse close to your body and store wallets in front pockets
Park in well-lit areas and immediately lock shopping bags in your vehicle's trunk
When shopping online, stick to reputable sites and be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true
Stokvel members should use bank transfers and require multiple signatories for withdrawals to enhance financial security
■ Vehicle and road safetyEnsure your vehicle is roadworthy, checking tyres, brakes, lights, and steering Always carry a spare wheel and emergency kit
The message is clear: zero tolerance for drinking and driving Lock your doors at traffic lights and keep valuables out of sight
Pedestrians must also exercise extreme caution Avoid walking on highways or busy roads, and always use designated pedestrian bridges for safe crossing
■ Social gathering safetyWhen enjoying social events, never leave drinks or food unattended
Always arrange a designated driver or use reliable ride-sharing services
■ Child and water safety -
Drowning can happen quickly - in as little as 30 seconds and in just a few centimeters of water
Parents must vigilantly supervise children, especially near any standing water, including small ponds or buckets
■ Community action - The Free State police emphasises community collaboration in preventing crime
Remember: if you see something suspicious, say something You can contact the police crimestop line at 08600 10111, dial 112, or use the MySapsApp to report anonymously By staying alert and implementing these precautions, we can work together to ensure a safe and peaceful festive season for everyone
Festivities sullied by murder
In a heart-wrenching incident that has shocked the Meqheleng community of Ficksburg, local police have apprehended a 32-year-old man in connection with the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Nomsa Kotope, a 24-year-old woman
The suspect, driven by alleged suspicions of infidelity, is now facing serious criminal charges
The devastating sequence of events unfolded on Sunday 6 December, when the victim's life was cut short The suspect’s ex-girlfriend took the step of reporting the potential murder to local law enforcement, prompting a swift response from the Ficksburg police
Upon arriving at the victim’s rented room in Zone 2, officers discovered Kotope's lifeless body on the floor
Vereer vir toewyding
Leonard Welthagen,hoof van die Laerskool Trio in Kroonstad,het spesiale vermelding ontvang op die SOS Onniveerder van die Jaar-geleentheid, wat op Donderdag 27 November in Pretoria by die Afriforum-teater plaasgevind het Dié eerbewys het hy vir sy toewyding,leierskap en passie vir die skool en gemeenskap ontvang. Hier oorhandig Leon Fourie (links) die eerbewys aan Welthagen
FOTO: Verskaf
Despite the immediate dispatch of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), she was pronounced deceased at the scene, leaving behind a community in mourning and a family devastated by loss
The suspect was taken into custody, facing the serious charge of murder He is expected to appear before the Ficksburg Magistrates’ Court in the coming days, where the legal process will begin to seek justice for Kotope
The police says this heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges of domestic violence and the critical importance of addressing toxic relationship dynamics that can escalate to such tragic consequences, especially during the festive season
Vierpootkind kan só beskerm word
Die feestyd is amptelik op hande en soos elke jaar berei die DBV in Bethlehem voor vir die stygende getal troeteldiere wat tydens die feestyd óf deur hul eienaars verwaarloos word óf verlore raak
Marius Dreyer, voorsitter van die DBV, sê elke jaar gedurende Desember is die organisasie se hokke vol weens diere wat verlore raak
“Dit bly jaarliks vir die DBV ’ n reuse-uitdaging om diere te versorg en te huisves, veral oor Desember,” sê hy
Die organisasie rig daar-
om ’ n dringende versoek aan troeteldiereienaars om seker te maak dat wanneer hulle met vakansie is, daar goed na hul troeteldiere omgesien word
“Ons beskik nie oor genoeg hokke om na mense se diere te kyk nie
Kalmeerpille kan ook by ’ n veearts bekom word om die diere te help rustig hou
Die DBV doen ook ’ n dringende beroep op die gemeenskap om dierekos vir Desember te skenk, omdat die DBV dan na baie verlore diere moet omsien Hulle benodig ook genoegsame skoonmaakmiddels
Om navrae te rig, of vir meer inligting, skakel die Bethlehem DBV by
“Daar is wel private dierehotelle en mense wat troeteldiere oppas wat hiermee kan help; maak asseblief gebruik van dié geriewe as jou diere alleen tuis moet bly,” benadruk Dreyer Om troeteldiere teen die gevolge van die feestyd se vuurwerk te beskerm, sê Dreyer, moet troeteldiereienaars hul diere liewer binne die huis hou
die skema bekend as BALLY ESTATES ten opsigte van die grond en gebou of geboue geleë te PLOT 27 BALLYDUFF
' n gesertifiseerde afskrif van Verbandakte B6604/2018 gepasseer deur JOHANNES HENDRIK
KLEINHOEWES DISTRIK
BETHLEHEM, PROVINSIE VRYSTAAT, soos getoon en vollediger beskryf op deelplan Nr SS 27/2013 en gehou kragtens Sertifikaat van Saaklike Regte Uitsluitlike Gebruiksgebied SK253/2014 wat verlore geraak het of vernietig is. Alle belanghebbendes wat teen die uitreiking van sodanige afskrif beswaar het, word hierby versoek om dit skriftelik in te dien by die Registrateur van Aktes Vrystaat te BLOEMFONTEIN binne twee weke vanaf datum van publikasie van hierdie kennisgewing.
GETEKEN te BETHLEHEM op 12 NOVEMBER 2025. TRANSPORTBESORGER
S A R E L J O H A N N E S VENTER (LPCM 58507)
S A R E L V E N T E R PROKUREURS CAMBRIDGESTRAAT 110 BETHLEHEM TEL 058-0500494 EPOS: corne/sventerlaw.co.za
GOEDERE ten aansien van sekere
1.GEDEELTE 1 VAN DIE PLAAS SPITSKOP 126 DISTRIK FICKSBURG
VRYSTAAT
51,5898 (EEN EN VYFTIG KOMMA VYF AGT NEGE AGT) Hektaar 2.DIE PLAAS MENTONE N R 1 0 4 D I S T R I K MARQUARD PROVINSIE VRYSTAAT GROOT: 156,8547 (EEN HONDERD SES EN VYFTIG komma AGT VYF VIER SEWE) Hektaar wat verlore geraak het of vernietig is. Alle persone wat teen die uitreiking van sodanige afskrif beswaar het, word hierby versoek om dit skriftelik in te dien by die Registrateur van Aktes
Vrystaat te Bloemfontein binne twee weke ná datum van publikasie van hierdie kennisgewing.
Gedateer te Ficksburg op die 2 dag van Desember 2025
Aansoeker Du Toit Louw Botha Inc
(Francois Carl Louw)
81 Piet Retief Street Ficksburg
933 2351
BETHLEHEM, PROVINSIE VRYSTAAT, van welke deel die vloeroppervlakte, v o l g
( D R I E H O N D E R D E N AGTIEN) vierkante meter groot is; en (b)'n onverdeelde aandeel in die gemeenskaplike eiendom in die skema, aan genoemde deel toegedeel o o r e e n k o m s t i g d i e deelnemingskwota soos op genoemde deelplan aangeteken. wat verlore geraak het of vernietig is. Alle belanghebbendes wat teen die uitreiking van sodanige afskrif beswaar het, word hierby versoek om dit skriftelik in te dien by die Registrateur van Aktes Vrystaat te BLOEMFONTEIN binne twee weke vanaf datum van publikasie van hierdie kennisgewing.
GETEKEN te BETHLEHEM op 12 NOVEMBER 2025. TRANSPORTBESORGER
S A R E L J O H A N N E S VENTER (LPCM 58507)
S A R E L V E N T E R PROKUREURS CAMBRIDGESTRAAT 110
BETHLEHEM TEL 058-0500494 EPOS: corne@sventerlaw.co.za
I d e n t i t e i t s n o m m e
540331 5080 086
gemeenskap van goedere ten aansien van sekere
GEDEELTE 1 van die plaas
SPITSKOP 126 distrik
FICKSBURG Provinsie Vrystaat
GROOT: 51,5898 (EEN EN VYFTIG KOMMA VYF AGT
NEGE AGT) Hektaar wat verlore geraak het of vernietig is. Alle persone wat teen die uitreiking van sodanige afskrif beswaar het, word hierby versoek om dit skriftelik in te dien by die Registrateur van Aktes Vrystaat te Bloemfontein binne twee weke ná datum van publikasie van hierdie kennisgewing. Gedateer te Ficksburg op die 2 dag van Desember 2025 Aansoeker
Du Toit Louw Botha Inc (Francois Carl Louw) 81 Piet Retief Street Ficksburg
liezl@dlbprok.co za Tel 051 933 2351
SIGNED AND DATED AT WELKOM ON THIS 02ND DAY OF DECEMBER 2025
