Bloem Express - 28 January 2026

Their memory carries on

LIENTJIE MENTZ

Family members of three learners of the Dr C.F. Visser School who died in a collision at the N8 junction outside Bloemfontein, gathered at the site on Saturday 24 January to pay tribute and lay wreaths, remembering the children. The accident claimed the lives of two brothers and their cousin.

The two Smit brothers, Ryan (6) and Ayden (8), and their cousin Leané van Papendorp (8) died at the traffic light on the N8 at the Aljo’s Superspar on 24 January 2025, when the car in which Leané's mother, Adri Jonck, took the children to school was involved in an accident with a Hilux bakkie.

The driver of the bakkie, Tristan Kearney (20), appeared in the Bloemfontein Regional Court on 21 January.

Jonck and a friend of the children, Tennique Joubert, survived. They were both at the wreath-laying ceremony with family on Saturday.

Three crosses have been erected, with photos of Ryan, Ayden, and Leané. Balloons were released here after the laying of the wreaths.

Tinkie Jonck, the three children's grandmother, thanked the community for their support at the event.

She spoke about how raw and hurt they all still feel.

“They (the children) were taken away from us a year ago on this day. It's sad. Senseless, useless.

“I believe we will get answers someday. I hope to be reunited with them. I believe they are happy and they don't want to swap places with us. I believe they live around us every day.”

She says she and the family are in pain every day.

“Every day hurts us. Since the time of the accident, we've been in the same pain every day.”

In a touching moment, Tennique

released into the air three balloons with the first letters of her three friends’ names. The balloons floated over the traffic light into the blue summer sky of the Free State, above the

spot where they had died a year ago.

Kearney will appear in court again on 24 March on three counts of culpable homicide, one count of reckless and negligent driving, one count of

disregarding a road traffic sign, as well as violating regulations pertaining to the number of people he could carry in his vehicle. He is then expected to plead guilty to the charges. Kearney

was reportedly heading east along the N8 in the bakkie at the time of the accident. The driver of the Chevrolet Spark was following traffic along Kruger Avenue.

Hospital boasts advances in healthcare with theatre

The Life Rosepark Hospital in Bloemfontein boasts new vascular hybrid theatre technology, which is aligned with global advancement of healthcare. The hospital officially opened the new facility on Friday 23 January – marking a major step forward in healthcare for the region.

The first of its kind in Bloemfontein and central South Africa, the facility combines open surgery and minimally invasive endovascular procedures in one highly controlled environment. Designed with both patients and clinicians in mind, the theatre integrates cutting-edge technology and thoughtful design to deliver safer, more precise treatment options.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Asha Malan, presiding vascular surgeon at the hospital and the first female president of the Vascular Society of Southern Africa (Vassa), emphasised the theatre’s significance.

“This is far more than a new operating theatre – it is a step forward for healthcare in central South Africa. For too long, geography has dictated outcomes. Today, we say clearly and confidently that world-class vascular care belongs here, close to home.”

Hein Rossouw, hospital manager, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project and its long-term impact.

“This theatre is not simply an upgrade to our facilities – it is an investment in the future of healthcare for the Free State. From the outset, our vision was to create a space where innovation, patient-centred care, and clinical excellence could come together,” he said.

“We are grateful to Life Healthcare for sup-

Right to learn is protected

TEBOHO SETENA

The Free State office of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is on a Back-toSchool campaign trail, visiting selected schools in the province. The organisation is conducting assessments and evaluating schools' readiness in the province, ensuring access to education. Set to end on 14 February, the initiative commenced when schools officially opened for the term on 14 January. The commission's drive runs alongside various public-private entities.

Thonoko Modise, provincial manager for the Commission, explained that the Commission's campaign, which underscores the right to education as a fundamental human right globally, is effective.

“The Commission's assessment ensures adherence to the right to basic education and safety for all children, including educators. The campaign also focuses on giving support to schools, educators as well as support staff, who are key in ensuring education effectively takes place,” said Modise.

porting a project that will change how vascular disease is treated in our region.”

At the heart of the theatre is the Philips Azerion FlexArm system, offering real-time imaging, reduced radiation exposure, and enhanced precision. This technology enables clinicians to tailor treatment with millimetre accuracy, particularly in complex cases involving the aorta, carotid arteries and visceral vessels.

The hybrid theatre also forms the foundation of the Free State Advanced Aortic Centre, a specialised initiative dedicated to treating complex aortic disease using minimally invasive techniques. Procedures that once required 10 to 12 hours of surgery can now be performed through

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small incisions, reducing risk and recovery time while aligning with international best practice.

The new theatre ensures safer care, faster recovery, and local access to advanced treatment –while providing referring doctors with a regional hub for clinical excellence and collaboration.

Malan believes the success of launching the new hybrid theatre is far-reaching.

“It marks the start of a new chapter in how we deliver vascular care in this region – one defined by precision, collaboration, and a relentless focus on what is best for the patient.”

Attendees at the official opening included private and public representatives, the hospital management, doctors and clinicians.

He said the campaign was further motivated by the success of the Free State, which continued its impressive performance in the results in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exam.

“We wish to congratulate the Free State Department of Education on its achievement in the 2024 matric results and all the learners who succeeded. We also wish to encourage all learners who did not pass that they still have another opportunity as this is not the end of the road. They must pursue the goal to obtain their matric certificate because education is a fundamental human right essential for personal development,” said Modise.

He said the Commission has commit to the mission to ensure access to quality, basic education for all, including children with disabilities.

Ghost worker activities investigated

TEBOHO SETENA

A civilian convicted of fraud involving a “ghost worker” scheme at the Dihlabeng Local Municipality, received a suspended prison sentence with a strict condition to repay the municipality.

The Bethlehem Magistrates’ Court handed down the sentence with the condition Reitumetse Moeng (28) repay an amount of R84 598.22 to the municipality.

The court sentenced Moeng to three years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended on the condition that she repay the municipality. The suspension includes the condition that she is not convicted of the same crime during that period. She was sentenced on Thursday 22 January.

The court found Moeng guilty of fraudulently receiving a monthly salary of R9 399,80 over nine months (totalling R84 598,22), despite never working for the municipality.

Her sentence was the culmination of investigations by the Bethlehem Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team. The ANC-led municipality

runs the towns of Bethlehem, Clarens, Fouriesburg and Paul Roux.

WO Fikiswa Matoti, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said the discovery of the ghost workers fraud scheme was made in 2021.

“A thorough investigation revealed that Moeng was one of the individuals fraudulently receiving a monthly salary from the municipality between May 2021 and January 2022,” said Matoti.

The investigations into the scam led to her arrest on 14 July last year, and she was subsequently released on bail set at R5 000. Moeng made several court appearances, ending with sentencing based on compelling evidence that she fraudulently received money from the municipality.

Moeng was arrested together with Moeketsi Calvin Motloung, currently out on bail of R5 000. His matter is still pending, and he is facing similar charges to his convicted accomplice.

The Hawks’ investigations led to the arrest of other individuals who were officials and allegedly facilitated the “ghost workers scheme” involving civilians.

The investigations found that civilians, including the convicted Moeng, received significant amounts of money through the “ghost workers employment scam,” despite not working for the municipality.

Two former municipality officials implicated are Seipati Mavis Mabula, formerly director of corporate

services, and Nkosi Patrice Mondi, formerly director of local economic development (LED). A civilian implicated is Rerang Nchabane, who allegedly received a monthly salary of approximately R12 083,33 as a contracted worker between January 2020 and December 2021 without ever reporting for duty.

Mondi allegedly instructed a subordinate to create a fraudulent attendance register for Nchabane.

Thereafter, Mabula allegedly signed Nchabane’s contract and was present when the creation of the fraudulent attendance register was ordered.

It emerged that Mabula was serving as the acting municipal manager at the time she facilitated the process.

The Hawks arrested the trio in March 2023, and they were released on R5 000 bail each. They are currently facing charges of fraud, theft, and contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

The scheme reportedly resulted in a total loss of more than R290 000 for the municipality between January 2020 and December 2021.

Neither Mabula nor Mondi is currently employed by the municipality, as their contracts lapsed prior to their arrests.

Meanwhile, a directive from the National Treasury mandates all departments and municipalities countrywide, to conduct a full physical verification of every person on their payroll by 28 February. The Treasury’s binding circular issued on 8 September last year, requires this of all departments.

This move aimed at rooting out ghost workers, is expected to uncover more cases in affected provinces, which include the Free State and result in more arrests. The National Treasury and the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) launched a nationwide physical verification audit.

Fraud suspect behind get-rich-quick scheme scheduled to appear in court

TEBOHO SETENA

The criminal case against Muzi Belman Mathaba (49) pertaining to a get-rich-quick scam is scheduled to continue in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court with hearings on 2 and 6 March. He is accused of operating a bogus scheme, allegedly defrauding 404 victims.

Mathaba is facing charges that include fraud, money laundering under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca) for the illicit handling of investor funds, and contravention of financial law.

His court appearance followed his arrest after an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in Bloemfontein, which dates back to 2015.

She said that the victims had lost more than R5,5 million combined.

The investors reportedly deposited money into Mathaba’s bank account for his bogus investment scheme, promising 100% dividend returns within 14 days. However, nothing was paid to any of the investors.

According to WO Fikiswa Matoti, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, appearance of the accused is part of the ongoing investigation.

Matoti said that after the victims did not receive any returns, they came forward with information, leading to the registration of the fraud case docket.

Mathaba, who had been released, but later failed to attend court hearings, was sentenced to a fine of R2 000 for contempt of court in March last year. This was due to his failure appear regarding alleged fraud committed in 2015.

‘Stitchings’ still on exhibition

The exhibition currently ongoing at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum Annex Gallery in Bloemfontein is reaching its final days.

The Co-Incidence of Circumstances will officially close on 8 February, having opened in November last year.

This is a solo exhibition by Wessel van Huyssteen. His current practice encompasses detailed watercolour studies alongside large-scale visually impactful stitched textile works.

These labour-intensive “stitchings,” as Van Huyssteen prefers to call them, created from industrial fabrics like viscose and nylon, serve as material critiques of fast fashion’s ecological impact and global supply chains. The talented artist’s focus on manual craftsmanship highlights the value of physical process in an increasingly automated world.

Van Huyssteen is interested in concepts of place

and how to engage with the representation of landscape in the age of the Leviathocene – the current era, defined by the dominant, destructive power of states, corporations and artificial intelligence (AI).

This exhibition brings together a body of work produced in the past ten years. While each work

stands alone and is inspired by specific circumstances, they are all intertwined within a larger narrative.

Van Huyssteen works in a multitude of media, allowing their materiality to steer his practice. Currently, he produces intimate and highly detailed watercolour paintings and collages, as well as abstract fields

of large densely stitched textiles. Most of the works on exhibition consist of his “stitchings”.

These consist of fabric layers that are cut and sewn and re-sewn to excavate and construct disrupted and deliberately unpredictable geographies.

In addition to materiality, work, time and craft are all

essential elements to unpack his practice, which is impossible to duplicate by AI or robots, as the manual dexterity needed to execute these “stitchings” most possibly lies years beyond the reach of the most sophisticated of artificial minds.

About the artist

Van Huyssteen lives in the hamlet of Rosendal in the Free State, where he coowns the Ark Contemporary gallery.

He has been active as an artist, arts educator, curator, and filmmaker since 1986. He holds a Master of Arts in Fine Arts with distinction from Wits University. He has been nominated for, and won, several local and international documentary film awards. The Co-Incidence of Circumstances is his fifth solo exhibition. His works are in several public and private collections.

Initiative aims to inspire creative expression

REDAKTEUR / EDITOR

The Thabure Project, a cultural education initiative focusing on promoting African heritage, storytelling, and community development, is set to return to the stage.

This will commence with the official launch on Saturday 7 February in the Bloemfontein Civic Theatre.

The launch paves the way for the celebratory performance on Friday 13 February at the same venue.

The educational impact of the project lies in how the initiative uses history to empower communities and school-based educational projects.

The Thabure programme includes storytelling and writing workshops for children aged nine to 13 years.

Kamogelo De Wee (20), author

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Procurement needs refocus

MERVYN NAIDOO

South Africa’s procurement mindset must urgently evolve from transactional buying to strategic, long-term procurement if we are to achieve meaningful reindustrialisation. Our reliance on transactional procurement is undermining long-term industrial growth. By chasing short-term savings, contracts are structured to squeeze suppliers on price and cash flow, leaving them unable to sustain operations.

The recent collapse of transformer manufacturing company SGB-SMIT Power Matla (SSPM) is a case in point. Pushed on pricing, stripped of milestone payments and forced into single commissioning contracts, the company ran out of cash and entered business rescue. The result is that local manufacturing capacity was wiped out, and prices for imports rose by 10% to 20%.

This is the paradox: Transactional procurement destroys domestic industry, only to leave the country paying more for foreign supply.

Strategic procurement offers the alternative. It means forward visibility, multi-year commitments and support for working capital so suppliers can invest, expand and deliver sustainably.

of the children’s book Thari, initiated the project inspired by the historical significance and value of Thabure in the community.

He began writing and publishing at a tender age.

De Wee explained that his creation of Thabure was inspired by a need to give children a space to express themselves; also, the importance of educating children about culture and heritage, as well as encouraging reading to improve reading comprehension and writing skills for academic success.

“During school holidays, the project keeps children busy with creative activities,” he said.

“They stay engaged and avoid spending too much time on their phones and watching television. The project encourages learners to

write, perform, and take pride in their Sesotho heritage,” explained De Wee.

Thabure stands out due to its fascinating historical and heritage significance.

Historically, Thabure was the famous white horse belonging to Chief Lerotholi, a grandson of King Moshoeshoe I, the first king of Lesotho. It has a connection to Bloemfontein.

The historical significance has been illustrated by the proposal to rename Bloemfontein to Thabure, highlighting the horse’s importance in regional history.

Thabure is also symbolic. In Basotho culture, Thabure is known as the “destroyer of the enemy” and represents respectable qualities of strength, resilience and leadership.

Coming together to strengthen community ties

Currently, manufacturers in South Africa face the harsh reality that they invest in new factories and capacity, but procurement pipelines are too slow and inconsistent to sustain them. Delays in the Transmission Development Plan (TDP), financial bottlenecks in Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and ongoing import competition leave plants idle.

The risk is that companies expand to meet expected demand, but without orders, they bleed losses, eroding confidence and forcing some into business rescue. This cycle destroys local capacity, jobs and skills, while the country ends up importing at higher prices.

In contrast, strategic procurement is about long-term certainty, not short-term transactions. It means committing to book a supplier’s capacity for five to 10 years, giving them forward visibility on orders. With that assurance, manufacturers can plan their resources confidently. They can invest in automation, knowing that a five-year payback period is viable, and they can make bankable decisions to expand capacity because the return on investment is secure.

China’s experience over the past three decades offers South Africa a clear blueprint for industrial resilience. China’s industrial resilience was built on deliberate policy. When manufacturing reached 40% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the government aligned infrastructure investment with industrial policy, giving stateowned enterprises preferential treatment and long-term visibility. Strategic sectors were supported through subsidies, loans, and protection from foreign competition, enabling manufacturers to invest in automation and capacity.

The results were transformative.

More recently, Made in China 2025, a strategic and comprehensive industrial policy, has pushed advanced manufacturing in areas like microchips and biotechnology, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.

The lesson for South Africa is clearly that industrial resilience requires deliberate policy choices. Infrastructure spend must be tied to local capacity, procurement must be strategic rather than transactional, and government must provide the certainty that enables manufacturers to invest for the long term. Without this, factories remain idle, capacity erodes, and the country is forced to import at a higher cost. Government has a decisive role to play in shifting procurement from a transactional exercise to a strategic tool for reindustrialisation. This requires deliberate policy choices and the enforcement of localisation regulations. Without enforceable rules, local procurement remains a matter of discretion, leaving South African manufacturers exposed to imports and inconsistent demand.

In short, government must move beyond intent to implementation. Procurement policy should be designed not only to secure goods and services, but to build industrial resilience, safeguard jobs and drive long-term economic growth.

■ Mervyn Naidoo is chief executive officer of Actom, a major supplier of electrical equipment, services and balance of plant to the renewable energy sector.

Large number of new students apply

The Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, has received an overwhelming number of applications for the 2026 academic year.

The institution announced receiving a total of 250 182 applications from prospective first-year students.

In 2024, the CUT received 324 494 applications from prospective first years, which was at that stage the highest number ever recorded.

Applications received by far exceeded the institution’s actual enrolment capacity of 21 000 students at both Bloemfontein and Welkom campuses.

The high volume of applications indicates intense competition for available spaces.

As of mid-January 2026, a total of 3 171 first-time entering undergraduate students had already successfully completed their registration.

The application cycle for the new academic year – undergraduate, advanced diploma, and postgraduate programmes –closed on 30 September last year.

Registration for first-time entering undergraduate students for the new academic year took place from 19 to 23 January.

Senior students’ registration will officially close on Friday 30 January having started on Tuesday.

Seithati Semenokane, spokesperson for the CUT, said the institution was ready to commence with programmes in February as planned.

She said the university had received applications from prospective students not only from the Free State, but from across the country, particularly from KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

From far and wide

Friendship seemed to instantly take shape as first-year Hospitality Management students Fekile Mokoena (22), from Everton in the Vaal, Gauteng, and Minetle Nkosi (19), from KwaZulu-Natal, shared the experience of beginning their academic path to tertiary education.

Yamkelo Nkomo (20) from Durban, who has enrolled at the CUT for Hospitality Management, mentioned that he believes

this step truly symbolises the start of adulthood.

Among the new arrivals is Reitumetsi Mokati (17) from Ventersburg in the Free State, who has enrolled for Mechanical Engineering.

Mokati confirmed that he had discovered the CUT through social media, while he was in the process of researching institutions that could be best suited for his career goals.

Project helps keep noses in books

Members of the public are urged to help choose schools and academic organisations that deserve to be recipients of a 2026 Road to Literacy mobile library trolley. The initiative is supported by the Oxford University Press Southern Africa (OUPSA) and AVBOB.

Members of the public are invited to nominate primary schools and education-focused non-profit organisations (NPOs). In total, 2 000 trolley libraries, each stocked with 500 Capsaligned books, will be donated to help nurture a lifelong love of reading among young learners.

Voting will close on 31 March, and can be accessed via avbob.co.za/ roadtoliteracy. Nominees should be underserviced public primary schools or education-focused NPOs that will use the trolley library to strengthen reading in the foundation and intermediate phases.

“Speaking to educators who have received trolleys has shown me just how transformative this initiative is,” said Karen Simpson, managing director at the OUPSA.

Nakedi Pilane, executive director for Business Development and Financial Services at AVBOB, said the initiative’s impact was far-reaching.

“The number of 2 000 trolley libraries mean an additional one million books in the hands of young readers. We have seen how a single trolley can change the energy of a classroom and the confidence of a learner.”

Launched in 2022, Road to Literacy is a public participation campaign that mobilises communities to

contribute to the efforts to empower learners with relevant reading resources in all 11 official written languages, by increasing access to reading materials across South Africa.

The initiative supports early-grade reading by donating mobile trolley libraries that support literacy and numeracy. Its purpose is to equip teachers with versatile, ready-to-use classroom libraries and give learners regular access to engaging books.

The initiative has been extended to reach even more classrooms and communities by doubling the number of trolley libraries from the 1 000 of 2025, to 2 000. This represents an investment of R115 million, as each library is valued at roughly R57 500.

“Access to books in a learner’s mother tongue improves reading for meaning at formative stages, as well as classroom engagement, and contributes towards retention of learners

through their school career,” said Simpson.

“This initiative gives the public a unique opportunity to help address South Africa’s literacy crisis and support their local schools by simply spending a few minutes submitting a nomination.”

Each nomination will be carefully reviewed to ensure a fair and impactful selection process. The aim is to identify schools and organisations

that not only demonstrate a need, but are also deeply committed to improving literacy in their communities.

“Our commitment to literacy extends beyond donations. It’s about creating a lasting change through initiatives that work. Through the Road to Literacy campaign, we are able to reach schools that often lack resources, helping to nurture a generation of readers who can imagine and achieve more,” said Pilane.

Thabo, who could be the biological father of Onthatile Matuka a female born on 10 December 2025 in Bloemfontein or any family member, contact Magda de Beer at Engo Adoptions, 051 522 6914/ 079057 4597

Hans Bonakele Morgan or family, please contact Esmari du Plessis from Engo Adoptions on 082 202 4306 during office hours with regards to the adoption of a girl child born on 2019-10-31

Joshua Eybers or family, please contact Esmari du Plessis from Engo Adoptions on 082 202 4306 during office hours with regards to the adoption of a boy child born 2019-11-05.

T1314/2008 LOST OR DESTROYED DEED

Notice is hereby given in terms of regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of Deed of Transfer T1314/2008, passed by CATHERINE LINKENG MOETI

Identity Number 631125 0944 084

Unmarried in respect of certain: HOLDING 32 SHANNON VALLEY SETTLEMENT

DISTRICT BLOEMFONTEIN, PROVINCE FREE STATE IN EXTENT : 4,2827 (FOUR COMMA TWO EIGHT TWO SEVEN) HECTARES which has been lost or destroyed.

All interested persons having objection to the issue of such copy are hereby required to lodge the same in writing with the Registrar of Deed at Bloemfontein within two weeks from the date of publication of this notice.

Dated at Bloemfontein on this 15 day of April 2024

CONVEYANCER: FRANCO JOHAN WASSERMAN LPCM NO.: 60974

NAME: LEACH

ATTORNEYS

ADDRESS: 1 PRES. STEYN STREET WESTDENE BLOEMFONTEIN 9301

LOST OR DESTROYED DEED

Notice is hereby given in terms of regulation 68 of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply for the issue of a certified copy of Deed of Transfer T1459/1999 passed by MASINTI ELSIE OLIFANT, Identity Number: 2909070227087, Unmarried in favour of STEPHEN RABALIANA NTSANE Identity Numer: 6709045400082 And NOKUFA JERODEMA NTSANE Identity Number 670427 0411 08 6 Married in community of property to each other in respect of ERF 48999 MANGAUNG, DISTRICT BLOEMFONTEIN, PROVINCE FREE STATE IN EXTENT 171 (ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY ONE) SQUARE METRES HELD BY DEED OF TRANSFER T1459/1999 which has been lost or destroyed. All interested persons having objection to the issue of such copy are hereby required to lodge the same in writing with the Registrar of Deeds: Free State at Bloemfontein within two weeks from the date of the publication of this notice. Dated at Bloemfontein on 26 JANUARY 2026

APPLICANT: Stander Venter & Kleynhans Attorneys C/o President Steyn- and Second Avenue Westdene, Bloemfontein 9310 Tel: +27514303630 Email: admin@svk.co.za

K.P.G. DINTLHOANE NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN DECEASED ESTATES

All persons having claims against the under-mentioned estate must lodge it with the Executor concerned within 30 days (or as indicated) from date of publication hereof. Late estate

KEGAKILWE PATRICK GODFREY DINTLHOANE, ID-no. 551224 5799 08 4, date of birth 24

DECEMBER 1955, date of death 25 FEBRUARY 2025 and surviving spouse KEDIBONE MONICA DINTLHOANE, date of birth 23 SEPTEMBER 1963, last address: 2986 MOTHIBI STREET, ROCKLANDS, Province of the FREE STATE, Master's Office BLOEMFONTEIN, Estate-no. 6198/2025

Advertiser Name: BEZUIDENHOUTS INC. (GC4485) 104 KELLNER STREET, WESTDENE, BLOEMFONTEIN Email: belinda @bezuidenhouts.co.za Telephone: 051 448 9755

M.S. MOSEME NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN DECEASED ESTATES

All persons having claims against the under-mentioned estate must lodge it with the Executor concerned within 30 days (or as indicated) from date of publication hereof. Late estate MOJABENG SARAH MOSEME, ID-no. 480904 0167 08 2, date of birth 04 SEPTEMBER 1948, date of death 09 JANUARY 2021, last address: BOTSHABELO, Province of the FREE STATE, Master's Office BLOEMFONTEIN, Estate-no. 8163/2023

Advertiser Name: BEZUIDENHOUTS INC. (MH1180) 104 KELLNER STREET, WESTDENE, BLOEMFONTEIN Email: belinda @bezuidenhouts.co.za Telephone: 051 448 9755

Club marks significant landmarks

TEBOHO SETENA

The Marumo Gallants FC mark five years of triumph in the face of adversity in football this season in South Africa's top-flight division –the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

The club marked this significant chapter on Wednesday 21 January –coinciding with the day of purchase of the franchise of Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila Football Club (TTM FC) in 2021.

Dr Abram Sello is bankrolling the

Gallants as founder and chairperson. He continues building on the club’s proud legacy - both on and off the field - while seeking to transform the team into a formidable force in South Africa.

Since then, the Gallants have steadily grown into a respected name in South African and continental football. The club has managed to leave significant footprints in competitions both domestically and continentally. Notably, they reached the semifinals of the CAF Confederation Cup in the 2022-23 season. They also won the Nedbank Cup in the 2021-’22 season

and participated again in 2022-’23, reaching the semifinals.

Sello commented: “This reflects key milestones since the acquisition of the franchise and reaffirms the club's commitment to community development. In its five years of existence, the club has competed at the highest level, in the CAF Confederation Cup, managing to reach the semifinal stage, marking a historic achievement for the club.”

The club has shown great potential to succeed and has challenged for prestigious competitions domestically. The team's low point was relegation

to the national first division from the Premiership at the end of the 2022-’23 season. However, they returned to the top-flight for the current 2024-’25 season after purchasing the franchise of Moroka Swallows FC. This pursuit by chairperson Sello continues the legacy of the club.

The club shows potential to succeed upon returning to the top flight of South African football. A notable achievement was finishing as runners-up in the 2024 Carling Knockout Cup after a narrow 0 - 1 loss to Orlando Pirates in the final played on 6 December 2024. In the previous

2023-’24 season, the Gallants reached the semifinal of the same competition, as well as the Nedbank Cup. To mark this significant chapter, the club participated in the Back-toSchool initiative, cleaning the premises of the Mothusi Primary School in Rocklands, Bloemfontein, on Wednesday 21 January. This forms part of the club’s Community Social Investment (CSI) initiatives, Sello Nduna, spokesperson of the club, explained.This was undertaken in partnership with public-private partners that include the Rehydration Sponsor and the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.

Top woman skateboarder lands exciting deal

HELENA BARNARD

Kimberley-born Boipelo Awuah, the highest-ranking African woman skateboarder in history, has become the first skater in South Africa to secure a car sponsorship.

The 20-year-old Awuah has represented the country and continent on the world stage, and with the sponsorship of a brand-new Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, she is now brand ambassador for Chery Kimberley.

The handover took place at the dealership on Friday 23 January, followed by a photo session at the Kumba Skate Plaza in Kimberley.

The Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism said its Kimberley Diamond Cup (KDC) acted as a crucial launch pad for Awuah’s skateboarding career. Awuah has been learning stunts at the skate plaza since the age of five, and received vital development, exposure and opportunities through the KDC, helping her

become a two-time Olympian.

Among her achievements, she was placed 18th in women’s street skateboarding at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and fifth in the Grand Skate Tour 2025 in Moscow. Even while having been featured across local, national and international news platforms, Awuah remains deeply rooted in her community, and in youth development work.

Through her 053 Fantasy Girls Skateboarding Foundation, she presents skate lessons for young girls, amongst other activities. On 21 February, she is presenting a 053 Girls’ Skate Workshop at the Kumba Skate Plaza, from 14:00 to 20:00. Girls of all ages are welcome. Follow Awuah on Instagram at @053_girlsskateboarding. With the 2028 Olympic Games in mind, Awuah is currently raising funds to attend the Olympic qualifier event in Brazil in March.

Chery Kimberley will sponsor her for a year, including insurance coverage for the car.