Bloem Express -E-edition 21 January 2026

Wednesday, 21 January2026

Livestockstarsmissout

TEBOHO SETENA

Owing to currentcircumstances regarding thedevastatingfootand-mouth disease(FMD) in South Africa, theBloem Show cattle and small-stockshowfor 2026 will not take place.

Thecattle showisa majordrawcard at the annual event, attracting over 100000 visitorsannually.In2024, morethan126 000 audience members were in attendance

As apremier agricultural eventin South Africa, BloemShowfeatures over 5000 breedsoflivestock,includingasignificant number of cattle –competinginvarious national and regional championships

This year’s edition of theconsumer eventwill be marking143 yearsofexistence.Asplanned, it will takeplace in the Free State’scapital of Bloemfontein over tendays, from Thursday 23 ApriltoSunday 2May

ElmariePrinsloo, chief executiveofficer (CEO) of BloemShow, explained that the cancellation of the cattle and small-stock showwas significant to avoid further risk to livestock Sheconfirmed that other divisions of the showwould be presentedas scheduled.

“Itisofgreat importance that the risk of spread to the cattle,sheep,and goatsofour breedersand farmers is limitedasfar as possible Therefore, we at BloemShoware takingthe responsible decision, in theinterest of ourstudbreeders, associations, and the broader agricultural sector,to restrict the gatheringofcloven-hoofed animals on the Bloemfontein Showgrounds until further notice “This decision hasnot been taken lightlyand follows extensiveconsultations with industryleadersand stakeholders. It will have asignificant primaryand secondaryimpact on the

localeconomyinterms of service providers, participants,and the marketingplatformfor breeders, institutions and associations,” said Prinsloo.

Accordingtoher,the decision wasmade with considerationofthe national situation and crisis caused by FMD

“Dataindicatesthat the peak of the outbreakshas not yetbeenreached, and althoughintense work is being done behind the scenes andthe min-

isterofAgriculture,John Steenhuisen, announcedanationalstrategythis week,itappears that timelines and risks remain achallengefor this year’s BloemShow,”saidPrinsloo.

Sheconfirmed that this year’s National SaddleHorse Show andhorse competitions,includingcommercial competitions with exhibitors, are not impacted.Otherstocontinue as scheduled include entertainment, funfair,and food stalls

“Weare confidentthatall role-players, includingbreeders, farmers, breeder societies,the agricultural community, service providersand members of the public will understandthe situation and supportthis difficult decision,” said Prinsloo

While the threatofadeadlyanimal disease strongly serves as areminder of the Covid-19 pandemic,Prinsloo said measures areinplace to ensure the success of this year’s edition

This is the only showinthe country that combines entertainment, agriculturalchampionships,and commercial activities on such alarge scale. BloemShowinjects significant funds,estimated at over R35 million annually, into the localBloemfontein and Free Stateeconomy This is through visitor spending, exhibitors, jobcreation,and business opportunities,boostingtourism and sectorslike agriculture, crafts and entertainment.

Fruit picking herlast deed

TEBOHO SETENA

Themurder of Naledi Ramaisa(8) while picking peachesfroma tree has sent shockwaves through thetownSenekal in the Eastern Free State. Her bodywas foundconcealed in a1000 litrebluewater drum.

A16-year-old boy appeared in the Senekal Magistrates’Court on Monday19Januaryinconnection with the murder of the young Naledi.

Theteenager’sarrest wasthe culmination of the Senekal police’s investiga-

tion followingthe deceased’sdisappearance.

SgtSinah Mpakane, spokesperson for the Free Statepolice, said afoul smell from ashack dwelling ledtothe grim discovery in the neighbourhood of Naledi’s aunt

Sheconfirmed that the investigatingofficershad discovered the body the following day, duringa follow-upvisit to the aunt’s residence

Shesaid that Naledi’s aunt hadinitiallyreported hermissing on Thursday 15 January, aftershe failedto return home to the Tambo settlementthatday Theauntstatedthatshe

Naledi Ramaisa PHOTO: Supplied

hadleft thechild at 07:00 when shewenttowork.

Afoulsmell emanating from ashack ledtothe

breakthrough “Theshack waslocked the previous day, when members went to checkif theycould find anyone

“Whenpolice members forced the door open, they discoveredthe body of a minor insidea 1000 litre blue container.Information gathered at the scene revealedthatthe owner of the shackwas in Welkom and hadleft theshack in thecareofher nephew,” said Mpakane.

Shesaidpolice members then went to the school to fetch the suspect, who reportedly confessedto causingNaledi’s deathand placingher body inside a

largecontainer “Thesuspect confessed to hittingthe deceased (Naledi) with arockupon findingher picking peaches from atree. Thedeceased sustainedaninjurytothe mouth

“Healsosaid that after seeingthatthe victim was unconscious,hedecided to drag her into the shack andput her inside the 1000 litreblue container,” said Mpakane.

Shesaid the boy, who is alearner at alocal school, wasimmediatelyarrested andcharged with murder Mpakanesaid the deceased waspositivelyidentified by heraunt.

Man accused of theft, damagingproperty

AZimbabweannational, Felix Magatu (43), standingaccused of damage to an essential Transnet pipeline and theft of crude oil, is awaitingaverdictfollowing atwo-day trial.

Thehearing endedonTuesday20January havingstartedonMonday in theVrede Regional Court.

Magatustood trialalone,ashis co-accused and countryman, ShepardVareni (38), is already servingasentence of 14 years’ imprisonment

Thecasereached this stagefollowingan investigation by the Hawks’SeriousOrganised Crime Investigation unit in the FreeState The Zimbabwean men were arrested by private security personnel on 25 September2023.

Thecourt sentencedVareni on 17 November, to sevenyears each on the charge of damage to essentialinfrastructureand the charge of theftof crude oil.

Alsofound to have enteredSouth Africa illegally,Vareni wascharged with contravention of the ImmigrationAct and finedR5000 or three months’imprisonment. He wasalsodeclared unfittopossess a firearm.

Lt Col. Zweli Mohobeleli, provincial spokesperson for theHawks,saidsecuritypersonnel received an alert aboutcrude oiltheft in progress from the network on afarmnearthe small town of Memel

“Assistedbythe localpolice,the security officerschasedand arrested twosuspects and recoveredtwo vehicles

“Aninvestigationdiscoveredthatthe suspects hadtamperedwith aTransnet pipeline andhad stolencrude oil,”said Mohobeleli.

He said the accusedhad been remanded in custodysincetheir arrest

Brazen crime syndicates continue target-

ingthisSouth Africanstrategic underground network of high-pressurepipelines,transporting essentialliquid fuels (petrol, diesel, jetfuel, crude oil).

Concertedeffortbylaw enforcementagencies in theFreeState hasresulted in significant convictions andsentences in 2022.

Accusedwerehandedsentencesvarying from financial penaltiestoharsh imprisonment. Norman Tsvito andTafadzwaNhirereceived 15 yearsand 20 years’ imprisonment, respectively.

Upon arrestingNhire in 2020, the Hawks discovereda truckand twotankerscontaining 58 681 litres of diesel,with an estimated value of morethanR800 000

Otheraccused individuals were handeddown lesser sentences in theformofa fine of R1 000 each They were Cliff Mtantho,Beckham Mtando andGeorgeKatumba

Driver back in courttofacecharges

TEBOHO SETENA

Theculpable homicide criminal case againstthe driver of the Toyota Hilux bakkie that wasinvolved in theroadaccidentlastyearinwhich three learnersofthe Dr C.F. Visser School died, is settocontinue in the Bloemfontein RegionalCourt today– Wednesday21January.

Thematteragainstthe 20-yearold Tristan Kearney waspostponed to the said date,following his first appearance in courton2 Decemberlastyear.

Accordingtocourt papers, Kearneyisfacingthree counts of culpable homicide,one countof recklessand negligent driving, a charge of disregarding aroad trafficsign, and violatingregulations pertainingtothe number of people he could transport in that vehicle Kearneyisyet to formallyrespond in courttothe charges. His legalrepresentativeisAdv.Allen Simpson.

Thecasereached this stage following the completion of the culpable homicide investigation by members of theBloemfontein police

It nowmarks almost ayearsince thetragic accidentoccurredon 24 January2025.

Theaccidenthappenedat about07:45, when thebakkie Tristan wasdrivingcollidedwith aChevrolet Sparkata four-way trafficlight intersection on the N8 highway, oppositethe Aljos shoppingcentreinKrugerAvenue, Estoire.

Amongthe deceased children were twobrothers, Ryan (6) and Ayden (8) Smit;the third wastheir

cousin Leané vanPapendorp (8). Ryan and Leané diedinstantly Ayden reportedly diedlater that dayatthe BusamedBramFischer PrivateHospital after his hearthad stopped for asecond time Thefourthchild, Tennique

Joubert(6), andAdriJonck, driver of the ChevroletSpark,survived the accident.

Tennique underwent emergency surgeryafter she hadentered a comatose state. Adri is themotherofLeané

Kearney wasreportedlyheading east alongthe N8 in the bakkie at the time of the accident.

TheChevroletSpark driver was following trafficalongKruger Avenue.She wastransportingthe children to school

Healthcare failstoinspire

THEODORE CHIKUMA

Onecouldwriteseveral best-selling volumes documenting thepersistentand systemic failuresofservice delivery at thePelonomi Regional Hospital in theMangaung MetropolitanMunicipality (MMM) in Heidedal, Bloemfontein.

Theexperiences of patients aresowidespread and consistent that onecould stop at almost anyhousehold in Bloemfontein and receive adetailedaccountofneglect,indignity, and institutional dysfunctionassociatedwith this facility. Thequalityofservice hasdeteriorated to such an extent that even senior political officials, includingFreeState Premier Maqueen Joyce Letsoha-Mathae, have reportedly experienced and acknowledged the poor standards of care at this hospital

Initially,itmay appear as though thesefailures disproportionatelyaffectpeopleofcolour; however, directobservation confirmsthatthe problem is systemic and notracially selective. Whitepatients,too,are subjectedtodismissive treatment, negligence,and ageneral lack of professional care –often at the hands of white medical practitionersthemselves This points to an entrenched cultureofinstitutional neglect rather than isolated incidents of misconduct When citizensaccesspublic hospitals,they aretoo oftentreated as though theyare a burden on the system They areregardedas second-class citizensorexpendable This occurs despitethe fact that public healthcareservices arefundedbytaxpayersand arenot charitable favoursbestoweduponthe public South Africans have alegal and constitutional righttoaccesshealthcare services with dignity, respect, and reasonable quality. Thetreatmentofpatients,asdescribed,representsadirectviolation of theseconstitutional obligations. Chronicdelays, misinformation, neglect,and avoidable deterioration of medical conditions constituteafailuretocomplywith this legallyprotected entitlement. Thedental services at Pelonomi exemplify the broader systemic collapse.Patients queue as early as 05:00 merelytoopena file at 08:00, only to be told to return hourslater –oron another dayentirelytoaccessastudentdentist. Many patients report beingsubjected to painful, inadequate procedures that exacerbate their conditionrather than resolveit. Teeth arebrokenbeyondrepair,leadingtoavoidable surgical extractions that impose additionalcosts on the healthcaresystemthrough surgery, medication, and post-operativecare.

It is allegedthatcritical dental equipment, includingatooth-cleaning machine, hasbeen non-functional fornearly adecade and has neverbeenreplaced. This represents grossmismanagementofpublic resources and afailure to maintain essentialmedical infrastructure, despiteongoingbudgetallocations. Even morealarmingisthe reported waiting period of up to amonth foremergencydental surgeryfollowing an alreadytraumatic experience.Patients sufferingfromacute toothaches areroutinelysenthome and instructed to return weekslater –effectivelybeingtold to endure pain,infection,and potentiallife-threatening complications. In practical terms, this equatesto medical abandonment.

As aresult of thesesystemic failures,many lives have been lost– some directly, others through preventablecomplicationscausedby delayed or inadequate care Thequestion that must be askedis: howmanymorelives must be lostbeforeaccountabilityisenforced?

Ironically,amidstthis widespreaddysfunction,one of the mosthumane and dignified aspects of the hospital experience is agentleman who offersmorningprayers forpatients andprovides clearguidance on hospital procedures This act of compassion stands in starkcontrasttothe institutional failuresurroundingit and highlights howbasic humanity hasbeen replacedbybureaucracyand indifference Public healthcareinSouth Africa is nota favour;itisaright. Anysystemthattreatsits people otherwise is notmerelyinefficient– it is unlawful.

■ Chikumaisanactivist, as well as director of Mr CentralSAand YEZModels My View

Qualityeducation adriving force

TEBOHO SETENA

Dr JuliaMaboya, Free StateMEC for Education, hasstressedthatthe province’s matric class of 2025’s pass rate of 89,3% underscoresthe quality education provided.

Sheemphasisedthis fact while addressing the audience at the provincial Well-Done Function for the Matric Classof2025 held at the Bloemfontein campus of the Central University of Technology (CUT),Free State, on Friday 16 January.

Atotal of 38 205 learners wrote the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) finalexamination. Theoverall pass rate of 89,3% translatesto34 129 candidates who passed Beamingwith pride,Maboyaindicatedthat the province wasnot overly concernedwith theslightdecline in pass rate,notingthat it hadsecured second place behindKwaZulu-Natal, whichachieved firstposition with 90,6%. TheFreeState’s pass rate reflecteda marginal decline of 1.67 percentage points from the 91% achievedin2024.

“Thequalityofoutcomes is reflected by 16 728learnerswho obtained bachelor passes (43,8%), while 11 926 obtaineddiplomapasses(31,2%), and 5407 obtainedhigher certificate passes,underscoringthat progression, when properly supported, strengthens rather than compromises system performance,” said Maboya “Out of atotal of 359 schools,115 schools performedat95% and above. This includes 58 township schools.In

2025, atotal of 46 schools managedto achieve 100%,ofwhich 14 aretownship schools.”

Maboya explainedthat the Free State’smarginal declinedid notreflect acollapseinthe qualityofresults and teaching.

“Thedecline in the Free Stateis neitheracollapsenor anythingnew; it is a fluctuation within asystemthat hasdemonstrated resilience over a decade of sustainedexcellence

“For instance, in 2018, theFree Stateshifted to secondpositionwith avarianceofapproximately3%, and again in 2020 with amarginal differ-

ence of 3,3%. On both occasions,we recalibrated andreturnedstronger. This demonstrated asystemcharacterisedbyresilience,coherence,and correctiveleadership, enablingthe province to rebound decisively.”

Furthermore, Maboya basedthe province’s qualityeducationon learnerperformance,demonstrated by learners who achieve at anational level.

Bokang VincentMokubungofthe Bluegumbosch SecondarySchool in Phuthaditjhaba (Qwaqwa) is the provincial Best Overall Achiever in Mathematics andPhysicalSciences

Violencerearedits ugly head

TEBOHO SETENA

Another attackontwo staff members at the ThabongClinic,reportedlybya disgruntled patient, hassparked safetyconcernsamid outragebythe Free State’sDepartmentofHealth Thedepartmentreportedan angrypatientassaulted both a male filingclerkand afemale clinic managerinside the clinic on Thursday 15 January. Both workerswereattacked while on duty.

Thedepartmenthas condemnedthe violenceagainst healthcareworkers,saying such behaviour will not be tolerated.Ithas further called on all communitymembers to respecthealthcarestaff who arecommittedtoservingthe public

BonnySehularo, spokesperson for the department,

said accordingtoinformation received,the incident arose duringa routine biometrics and file-issuingprocess, whereinamisunderstanding ledtothe patient becoming aggressive

“Thepatient physically assaultedamale clerkresponsiblefor issuing files and later assaultedthe clinic manager, whoattempted to intervene and resolvethe matter,”said Sehularo

Shesaid the suspectwas arrested and chargedwith assaultafter acasewas opened at the ThabongPoliceStation in Welkom Thesuspect was released on awarningwith the condition to appear in the Welkom Magistrates’ Courton Monday 26 January.

Reacting to the incident, MECMonyatsoMahlatsi said the departmentwould conduct

athorough investigation into the matter andexplore measures to preventsimilar incidents in thefuture.

“Asanemployer, we have aresponsibilitytoensurethe safetyofour employees,a duty we take very seriously,”hesaid.

This incidentatthisprimary healthcarefacilityofthe provincial departmentfollowed another, whichhappenedin July 2024. It involved adisgruntledparolee, TshedisoMbele, who poured abucketoffaeces over ahealthcareworker.

He allegedthatthe employee of the clinic hadnot provided himwith medication the previousday TheWelkomMagistrates’Court convicted and sentencedMbele to 18 months’ imprisonment.Hehad been released on parole at the time afterserving part of a15-year sentence forrape.

SENIOR POLICE OFFICERFACES CHARGESINCOURT

Thecriminal case of asenior officerattached to the Free State Stock Theftand Endangered Species unit is settocontinue in the Bethlehem Magistrates’ Court on 29 January.

WO Ferdinand Jacobus van Vuuren (58) is currentlyout bail setatR15 000 He wasgranted bail on 11 December after spending time in custody following his arrest regarding acomplex case VanVuuren is facing chargesof illegalpossession of ammunition and suspectedpossession of stolen property.

Johannes Deysel of HoërskoolJim Fouché in Bloemfontein is the provincial OverallTop Achiever, excellingin Mathematics

“Theseresults indicatethatthe Free Stateisontrack to achieve both quality outcomes and equity,”said Maboya Sheemphasisedthe significance of celebratingthe achievements of the 2025 matric generation Maboya revealed that this cohort representedthe largestnumberof learners whopassedand thrived despitethe devastatingglobal Covid-19 pandemic With ameretotalof359 secondary

schools –the second lowest nationally –the Free Statecontinues to sustain impressive performance and hasobtained firstposition seventimes in the last tenyears,includingfourconsecutiveyears from 2021 to 2024. Theyears areasfollows:2019 (88,4%), 2020 (85,1%), 2021 (85,7%), 2022 (88,5%), 2023 (89,0%)and 2024 (91,0%). Thenumberofsecondary schools perprovince is as follows:KwaZulu-Natal (1 764), Limpopo(1278), Eastern Cape (964), Gauteng(938), Mpumalanga (583),Western Cape (469), NorthWest(449) and the Northern Cape (146).

Theapplication, relevant plans,documents andinformationwill be available forinspectionduring office hours (08h00– 15h00) at theoffice oftheTownandRegionalPlanningSub-directorateoftheMangaungMetropolitanMunicipality,Room802,8thFloor,BramFischerBuilding, Corner Nelson Mandela Driveand Markgraaf Street,Bloemfontein foraperiod of 30 days fromthe date of publicationhereof, namely Wednesday,21January2026.

Any person whohas an interest in thematterorwho wishes to object to thegrantingofthe applicationorwho desirestobeheard,orwants to make representations concerning thematter,mustcommunicate in writingwith theTownand Regional Planning Sub-directorate of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipalityatthe above-mentioned address,ore-mail: george.masuabi@mangaung.co.za,orpost to P.O. Box 3704, Bloemfontein, 9300 within aperiodof30days fromthe date of publicationhereof, namely 21 January2026– 22 February 2026, quoting your name, address, contact details,interestinthe applicationand0reasons foryourcomments. TheMunicipalitymay refuse to accept commentsreceived after theclosingdate.Any person whocannotwrite will be assisted by aMunicipal officialbytranscribing their comments NOTICE

It is hereby notified forgeneral informationintermsofthe provisions of Section50ofthe Mangaung Metro Municipality MunicipalLandUse Planning By-laws(2021) that applications have been submitted by theapplicant Makecha DevelopmentAssociates, trading as MDA pertainingtothepropertiesbelowfor: ConsentUseintermsofSection21(2)(b)(iv)

(1) Erf 13013, Bloemfontein Extension 77, Brandwag(80 Melville drive)(ConsentUse-Commune). Property owner: Kanathasen Munsamy IDNo.6301055227082&MarlinMunsamy,IDNo.6712010920084

(2) Erf 8434, Bloemfontein Extension 55, Universitas (67 Jim Fouche Avenue)Section1 &2ofAltohofSectionalScheme (Consent UseCommune).Propertyowner:ZisilePropertiesPtyLtd,RegNo.2023/537775/07&NomsaElizabethZaly,Born6March1991 (3)Erf 13202, Bloemfontein Extension 77,Brandwag(62 McHardy Avenue)(ConsentUse-Commune). Property owner: Hui-YuNaomi Chen,IDNo.0204180084087

(4) Erf 12873, Bloemfontein Extension 76,Universitas (36 Jacobs Street)(ConsentUse-Commune). Property owner: DML Properties Pty Ltd,RegNo.2018/579300/07

Theelite crime fighting wing reported VanVuuren wasinitially arrestedfor possession of an unlicensedfirearm. However, he wasapparently released withawarningafter appearing in court

He is attached to the Stock Theftand Endangered Species Unit, which is basedinFouriesburg. Thecriminal case came after hewas re-arrestedon28 November by theprovincial Hawks’SeriousOrganised Crime Investigation Unit followingthe discoveryofprima facieevidence of allegedwrongdoing

WO Fikiswa Matoti, provincial spokesperson forthe Hawks, said intelligence-driven information wasreceivedregarding the detective’ssuspected serious wrongdoing.

She said that furtherinvestigation uncovered primafacie evidence, leading to VanVuuren’s re-arrestand subsequent court appearances

Matoti said during thesearch, SAPS exhibit bags were found.

“The bags containedcellphones, used buccalsamples, dockets not yetfinalised, police registers, as well as ammunition.All exhibitswereseizedfor furtherinvestigation,” confirmed Matoti

Shesaid theinvestigators had obtainedasearchwarrant to conducta search at thesuspect’s residence.

Theinvestigation is ongoing.

(5) Erf 13015, Bloemfontein Extension 77,Brandwag(76 Melville drive)(ConsentUse-Commune). Property owner: EliaTrust, Reg No TMP4182/1994

RemovalofRestrictiveConditionsofTitleandaConsentUseintermsofSection21(a)(iii)&(vii) (6)Erf 8179, Bloemfontein Extension 55, Universitas (22 BlokStreet) (RemovalofRestrictive ConditionsB(a)onpage3ofT15944/2019 andConsentUse-Commune).Propertyowner:AlettaCatharinaMeades,IdNo.6808030019087 (7) Erf 8428, Bloemfontein Extension 55, Universitas (4 VonBonde Street)(Removal of Restrictive ConditionsB(a)and B(b)onpage3 of T16810/2017andConsentUse-Commune).Propertyowner:DJJacobsEiendomstrust,RegNo.IT743/2016(B) (8)Erf 9085, Bloemfontein Extension 55, Universitas (29 Steven Street)(Removal of Restrictive Conditionsii(a)and ii(b)onpage3 of T7559/2022 and Consent Use- Commune). Property owner: Finie vanWyk,IDNo. 840303 0062 085andAbraham vanWyk,IDNo. 870102 5004081 (9) Erf 8957, Bloemfontein Extension 55, Universitas (16 DreyerStreet) (RemovalofRestrictive Conditions(a) on page 3ofT12188/2020 andConsentUse-Commune).Propertyowner:DMLPropertiesPtyLtd,RegNo.2018/579300/07

RemovalofRestrictiveTitleDeedConditionstoallowforasecondDwellingintermsofSection21(2)(a)(iii)and21(2)(b)(v) (10) Erf 4487, Bloemfontein Extension 22, Noordhoek(27 JohanBrits Street)(Removal of Restrictive Conditions(a) and(b) on page 2of T15807/2020).Propertyowner:Car-LuTrust,RegNo.IT813/2016 (11) Erf 4186, Bloemfontein Extension 22, Bayswater (11GelderlandStreet) (RemovalofRestrictive Conditions(a),(b) and(c) on page 3of T168/1992.Propertyowner:JohannesHendrikvanderWalt,IDNo.5901125007089&ErikavanderWalt,IDNo.6705300009089 RemovalofRestrictiveTitleDeedConditionsandaSubdivisionintermsofSection21(2)(a)(iii)and(v) (12) Erf 179 Langenhoven Park (12 FransVenter Street)(Removal of Restrictive Conditions1(d), 2(a)(i), 2(b)(i), 2(b)(ii) and2(d)onp.4 of T7247/2024,andtheSubdivisionofErf179LangenhovenPark).Propertyowner:DeonJordaan,IDNo.7012035039088

Pacofs begins search foranew CEO

ThePerformingArts Centreofthe Free State(Pacofs) in Bloemfontein hasbegun thesearchfor anew chief executiveofficer(CEO) to replace theoutgoing Themba Dlamini, whose fixedcontractcomes to an endonMonday26January.

His five-yeartermran from 1November 2022.

In the interim, the agency of the Free StateDepartmentofSport,Arts and Culturehas appointedGabisile Simelane as actingCEO

Theagencyannouncedthis developmentonWednesday14January in amedia statement. Simelane currently holds the position of chief financial officer (CFO).

Theagencymaintains her experience as achartered accountant, spanning13years in the public sector, stands in her agoodsteadasthe interimCEO

Theorganisation hasexpressed confidence that Simelane will ensure the continuityofleadership andoperations until anew CEOisappointed

Accordingtothe agency,Dlamini managedtosteady the organisation's leadership during aperiodoftransition.

“ThePacofs Council wishes to acknowledge Dlamini's contribution and service to the broader performing arts sector

“Duringhis tenure and working alongsidethe PacofsCouncil,Dlamini wascharged with strengthening governance processes, stabilising operations,and advancing its public mandate,”the organisation commu-

nicated Theinstitutebelieves he showed leadership abilityinstabilisingthe affairs, notingthatheattainedthis despitea constrainedbudget.

Dlamini took over duringa period of turbulence,whichwas fraughtwith legalbattles involvingemployees

in fact included twoformer CEOs Thetwo former CEOs who were at the centreoflabourdisputes, were PeterPedlarand Greg Segoneco Thelatter's significant labour dispute wasconcluded around mid2021, with the Labour Courtruling

in Pacofs'favourinalong-running conflict over his departure from the organisation in 2017. Segoneco wasthen replacedby Pedlar in 2019.

However, the agency suspended himbarely14months after being appointed, citingallegationsofcor-

ruption.

This dispute endedafter Pacofs signed amutual agreementwith Pedlar, leadingtoDlamini's appointment. MeshackXabaand Sharon Snell were appointedasactingCEOsinthe interimbeforeDlamini’s appointment in 2022.

Country’seconomy on a steadypathtorecovery

Economist Frederick Mitchell maintains South Africa’s economyisonrecoveryafter a decade of stagnation.

With an anticipated gross domestic product (GDP)growth of approximately1,4% to 1,5% for 2025 andahopeful 1,6% for 2026, the path to recovery hinges on unleashingthe lockedpotentialofthe economythrough strategic reforms and improved international relations

Over the past 30 years, South Africa’seconomic shareinboth Africaand the global arenahas wanedsignificantly

From contributingnearly 28% of the African GDP in 1994, this hasdwindledtoaround 14% by 2024. Similarly,its shareofthe global economydeclined from 0,54% to 0,37% over the same period

This decline is symptomatic of broader systemicissues, includingpoorpolicyframeworks, infrastructural decay, and insufficientinvestmentincritical sectors, mostnotablymanufacturing.

Themanufacturingsector, a cornerstone for employmentand economic stability, hassuffered adisturbingdecline of over 6%

sincethe onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.Manufacturers report dwindling confidence levels due to weak demand and infrastructuralinadequacies,with November2025 reflectinga concerning 1,1% drop in production.

Resolving these issues is essential, not onlyfor recovery butfor cultivatinga competitive edge in both localand export markets.

KeytoSouth Africa’srecovery is the renewalofthe African Growth and OpportunityAct (AGOA), offering crucialtrade benefits to South Africanexports to America

Despitethe bill passingwith bipartisan supportinthe American HouseofRepresentatives, uncertainty remains regarding South Africa’s eligibility due to straineddiplomatic relations, particularly followingrecent geopolitical alignments The recentimposition of tariffsby America,including anew 25% tariff on countries engaging with Iran, adds anotherlayer of complexity to these economic challenges

Domestically,recentmonetarypolicyadjustmentsreflecta responsiveapproach to changingeconomicconditions

With the South AfricanRe-

serveBank(SARB) likelytocut interest ratesfurther,bolstered by astrengthenedRandagainst theAmerican Dollar,lower inflationexpectations andstable oilprices will supportconsumer spendingand investment. Theseratecuts signal aproactive stance amidglobal uncertainties,fostering aconduciveenvironmentfor potentialgrowth.

Furthermore, deteriorating relationshipswith keyinternational partnershighlightthe importance of recalibratingdiplomatic strategies Themilitary exercises betweenSouth Africa, China, andRussia– amidst ongoingAmerican tensions –pose seriousre-evaluation of the country’spositioninthe global tradelandscape TheBrics naval exercises in Simon’sTown, while strengtheningties with these nations,could triggerconcerns in Washington, impactingtrade agreements pivotaltoSouth Africa’s economy.

Apersistentthreatlooms in the formofaneconomic slowdown in China, whichcould devastateSouth Africa’s recovery trajectory.Asa nation heavily reliantontrade,particularly with the global shift in commodity prices anddemands,any downturn in the Chineseeconomy

will resonate back home,risking anothersetback in growth rates andinvestmentlevels.

Amidstthese challenges,it remains imperativefor South Africa to solidify its economic foundations through structural reformsand enhancedinternational trade negotiations. Improved policies will be central to rebuildingthe industrialcapacitythathas been in decline.

Encouragingly, measures aimed at revitalisingthe manufacturingsector, alongside strategic investments in infrastructure, particularly in renewable energy, representa chance forsubstantivegrowth.

While theprospects for growth in South Africa’s economyare beginningtostabilise, the trajectory remains fragile,shapedby both domestic andglobal events By fosteringa harmonised approach to policyreform and internationalrelations,particularlywith America,South Africa canstrivetowards sustainable growth

This pivotal moment could lead to revitalisationand the reaffirmationofits position within the Africanand global economiclandscape,signalling adesirefor progress afteryears of stagnation.

Take home the gold

TheDiamond Ladies footballteamfrom Kimberley wonthe Dlala Ntombazana Women’sTournament,held on 13 December last year in Bloemfontein. Theteammembers will preparethemselvesto defend the trophythis year during December.

PHOTO:Supplied

Smallerteamavoids giants in lucrativecup draw

TheBethlehem-based FC Cardinals have received an arguably favourable draw in this edition of theNedbank Cuplast-32.Conducted on Thursday15January, thedrawpitted theteamwith Jacksa Spears,athird-tier team from theNorthern Cape

TheCardinals team, the onlyfourth-tierside in thelast-32, is basedinDihlabengand play in the Safa ThaboMofutsanyana RegionalLeague. TheSpearsreached the last-32 in 2013 andlost 3 – 0againstthe second-tier African Warriors Defendingchampions Kaizer Chiefs were drawnagainstStellenbosch FC The fixtureisa repeat of last season’s quaterfinal, whichwas wonbyAmakhosi. They went on to end their trophy droughtof10years when theybeatOrlando Pirates in the finalatthe MosesMabhida Stadium in Durban.

ThePSL will announcethe datesand venues in due course Theother results of the fulllast-32 draw are:

■ Stellenbosch FC vKaizerChiefs;

■ Army Rockets vCasricStars;

■ Hungry Lions vUniversity of Pretoria;

■ TshakhumaTshaMadzivhandilavOrlando Pirates;

■ DurbanCityFCvChippaUnited;

■ Polokwane CityvAmaZulu FC;

■ SSUMI17 FC vMilfordFC;

■ SAFA Western Cape vLuthuli Brigades FC;

■ FC CardinalsvJacksaSpears;

■ Mkhambathi FC vLerumo Lions;

■ Upington CityvMagesiFC;

■ Highbury FC vSekhukhune United;

■ Golden Arrows vOrbit College;

■ Mamelodi SundownsGomoraUnited;

■ TS Galaxy vMarumo Gallants;and

■ Siwelele FC vRichardsBay FC

Mounds tr

Cy co Un Ra li (P Su Ma to of Oc ri tiv st Ap be aimin sp Ta 200, cy ro No Th Se pl the Fo St ov ro wi fr es 165km), (50km). hy men st the

RE-ADVERTISEMENT VACANCY:

MECHANIC

(1 POST) –CIVIL DEPARTMENT

Sand-Vet WaterUsers’ Association herebyinvites suitably qualified/experienced personsto apply forthe following permanent vacant post on itssta establishment.Sand-Vet WaterUsers’ Association is an equal opportunityemployer.Itintends to promoterepresentation in the institution by filling thispost.

SALARY: PeromnesSalary Level9/1 (R 464199 annual basicsalary)

FRINGE BENEFITS: As applicable to Sand-Vet WaterUsers Association(Housing, Pension, Medical Aid, 13th Cheque &Vehicle Allowance)

REQUIREMENTS: Registered Artisan’sCertificate/Trade test (Diesel Mechanic). *Atleast 4 years’relevant experience. *Knowledgeofrepairsand maintenanceofearth-moving equipment (YellowFleet). *Knowledgeand experiencein repairsofvehicles(i.e. LDV’s) and Quadbikes Knowledgeand experienceinrepairsofbrushcutters,chainsawsand powertools.AValidCode (8) -EBDriver’s license.* Computer literacy(MS Word and MS Excel). *Knowledge of theOHS Act.A PDPwill serveasanadvantage.

DUTIES: *Routineservicing and maintenanceofequipment,vehicles, quadbikes,and power tools. *Mechanical inspections at Dams *Compile and schedule maintenanceworkfor fleet. Administration of Job Cards. *Control overworkshopbudget. *Training and Technical advice to subordinates.* EnsureOHS compliance.

ENQUIRIES: All enquiries shouldbedirectedtothe Acting HOD:Civil &Mechanical Department, MrA Labuscagne, at the following contactdetails: (057) 3527375/81

ALLAPPLICATIONS: Applications forthe above post mustinclude acovering letter and a comprehensiveCV, including original,certified copies of qualifications. Applications mayeither besubmittedthrough the post: Sand-VetWater Users’ Association, HR Management,Private BagX35, Welkom, 9460,for attention: MJ Maloka or maybehand-deliveredtothe Sand-Vet WaterUsers’Association Administrative O�ces(situatedbetween Welkom and Bultfontein) for attention: MJ Maloka. Applicantswho do notreceive confirmation or feedback withinfour(4) weeksfromthe closing datemustaccept that theirapplications were unsuccessful. PLEASE NOTEthat NO faxedore-mailed applicationswillbeaccepted. Canvassing forthis post willlead toautomatic disqualification

CLOSING DATE: Monday,2February2026 at 16:00

Wednesday, 21 January2026

Wineagerly hunted

TEBOHO SETENA

Pressure is on theMarumoGallants to breaktheir winless streakgoing into thecritical finallap of the Premier Soccer League (PSL). The club resumesthe race with atough away fixtureagainst TS Galaxy on Wednesday21January.

It will be played in theMbombela Stadium,inNelspruit TheGallants arestuck on 15 points andlanguishinginthe relegationzone of the PSL table

TheGallants have managedto record just three wins andsix draws thus far. Thedraws were against giants Kaizer Chiefs,Mamelodi Sundowns, Orbit College,Magesi FC,Polokwane Cityand Sekhukhune United

All three wins came with 2– 1 scorelines againstOrlando Pirates, ChippaUnited andRichardsBay This status quo hasthe current

TEST DRIVE

head coachAlexandreLafitteunder immensepressure. Thetargetset is that he ensures the club qualifies for the topeight. Theclock is ticking forthe Frenchmanand his technicalteamto find a solution to curb the club’s downward spiral in the league,whichisblamed on the players’ inabilitytoconvert scoringchances.

Theclub’s concertedeffortto solvethe goal droughthas seen the enlistingofthree players, oneSouth Africanand twointernationalsfrom Zambia and IvoryCoast Thelatter areRomaric Dognimin Ouattara (21) from IvoryCoast,acentre-forward who joinsfromAlgerianclub Olympique Akbou; and Emmanuel LyonzeMwiinde (25) from Zambia, an offensiveplayerwho played for clubs includingHatta Club,Masafi Sports Club and Al-SalamSCin recentseasons MsindisiKunene (24),aSouth African, joinsfromAmaZulu. He featured forhis former team in league

matches

Thelatestenlistmentofinternational playerstosolvethe goal-scoringproblem is in additiontothree dealsconcludedduring2025. Those signed earlier areMofosse Karidioula TrésofromIvory Coast, Ibrahim Bance from BurkinaFasoand Eroine AgnikoifromIvory Coast

TheFrenchman Lafitteconceded the strike forceremains agrave concern due to alackof firepower. This inabilityisevidentfromthe fewgoals scored:12intotal.

Theteamhas conceded17goals in total.

TheGallantshad been dependingonselected playerstoscore much-needed goals.

However, thosewho have been instrumental includerovingmidfielder-strikersPhillip Ndlondloand Jaisen Clifford. Thelatterreturnsto actionafter recovering from an injury he sustainedagainst Magesi in a league fixturewhichended1 –1 in Bloemfontein