Bloem Express -E-edition 4 February 2026

AMangaung Metrowastetruck seen collectingwaste in the Bloemfonteincentral businessdistrict (CBD)recently.

Companydirectors accusedofswindlingmetro

Tenderfraudcasecontinues

TEBOHO SETENA

Thewastetender fraudcasepertaining to theMangaung MetroMunicipality (MMM) involving twocompanydirectors is settocontinueinthe Bloemfontein Magistrates’Court, scheduledfor 26 February.

Thedirectors areMoemedi Tswelopele Tennyson SeekoeiofKBSquared PTYLtd and Tsolofelo InnocentAugustofBKAugustPTY Ltd, who will reappear forpre-trial proceedings Thematterhas been ongoingsinceDecember

2024, following their arrest by the Bloemfontein Hawks’Serious Corruption Investigation team, basedonprima facie evidence Thepair face chargesincludingfraud, forgery,utteringand moneylaunderingregardinga wastecollection tenderworth R2,7 million.

Seekoeiand August arecurrently outonbail setatR10 000 each Thebailconditions include that theyhonour courtschedules WO FikiswaMatoti,provincial spokesperson for the Hawks,saidanin-depth investigation waslaunchedafter informationhad been received aboutirregularities pertainingtothe biddingand awarding of atender fortrade waste

collectionservices forbusinessesaroundthe metro.

Thebid submissions reportedly included fraudulentdocumentations to bolsterthe suspects’chances of winningthe tender.

Matoti said theirregularities involved fraudulentroadworthycertificates, in additionto referralletters

Shesaidthatsubsequently, the accused companies were appointedtorender trade waste collectionservices forbusinessesaroundthe Mangaung Metro.

“Thesuspects allegedlysubmittedfraudulent roadworthy certificatesfor the trucks theywere

goingtouse

In addition, theyprovidedfraudulentreferral letters while biddingfor the tender. TheMangaung Metrothen paid ajointamountofabout R2,7 millionfor the services.”

Theinvestigation suggestedthe vehicles were either neverphysicallytestedorwerenot in the conditionclaimedinthe bid.

No specificmunicipal officialshavebeen formally chargedinthis case

It is understood the Hawks arecurrently pursuingthe case as acriminal matter involving the twocompanies to recoverthe R2,7 million alreadypaid to the directors

Bookkeeper orderedtopay up

TEBOHO SETENA

ABloemfontein-based bookkeeper convicted of defraudingaprivate company of morethanR500 000 wasordered to repayinfull the moneystolen from the entity.

Theorder by the Bloemfontein Magistrates’Court is part of Jacques Wilhelem Grobler’s ten-yearprisonsentence The courthandeddownthe sentence last week for fraudcommittedbetweenFebruary2019 and October 2020. Thesentencingwas theresult of an investigation by the Hawks’ SeriousCommercial Crime Investigation unit in Bloemfontein.

WO FikiswaMatoti, provincial

spokesperson for the Hawks,said an investigation revealed that Grobler,who wasemployedasa bookkeeperatNovaRefrigeration and Nova Catering in Bloemfontein, hadunlawfullytransferred funds from the company’sbank account into his personal bank account

“Asa result,the companysuffered a financiallossofR584902,” shesaid.

Matoti said the accusedhad pleadedguiltytocharges of fraud and that the court whollysuspended hissentencefor aperiodof five years.

“This is on the conditionthathe is not convictedoffraud or theft committedduringthe period of

suspension,”saidMatoti

However, the courttooka firm stance,further ordering himto repaythe company. Matoti said thecourt hadordered himtopay an amounttothe complainant, startingimmediatelyfollowing the sentence proceedings “Thebalance of R235355,80 is to be paid in monthlyinstalmentson the firstday of each month,commencingon1February2026.”

Matoti confirmed that Cornelia Elizabeth Grobler wasacquittedin the fraudcase.

Maj. Gen. MokgadiBokaba, the provincial head of the Hawks in theFreeState,has commended the investigatingofficer forsterling work that resulted in theoutcome

CONSUMERS’ RIGHTTOPOWER ALTERNATIVEDEFENDED

TheOrganisation Undoing TaxAbuse (OUTA) has rejected recent demands by Eskomand certain municipalities that households register their smallscalesolar installations, calling the requirements impractical, irrational and unfair Theorganisationsaid it had received asurge of queries from the public following threatening communications from Eskomand municipalities, including the Cityof Johannesburg, demanding registration or prior approval forsmall-scale embeddedgeneration (SSEG) systems under 100kW that do not feed electricityback intothe grid. TheOUTAnoted significant amendmentstoearlier requirements and deadlines by the authorities, which it said is generating uncertaintyand ambiguityabout their demands “Whatisatstake hereare the rightsofcitizens whohavegone

to significant personal expenseto protect themselvesagainst years of escalating electricity pricesand an unreliablepower supply,”said Wayne Duvenage,chiefexecutiveofOUTA. He said peoplehad installed solar powersystems, generators,inverters and other alternatives indirect responsetoEskom andgovernment calls to reduceelectricitydemand.

Theuncertaintyhas ledtosolar installation projectsbeing delayed, with some solarinstallation financiers, insurers and installers being unsurehow to proceed.

TheOUTAcautioned finance housesand insurers against refusing to fund or insureresidential solar installationsbased on the confusion. Theorganisation encouraged homeowners to seek alternativeproviders whoare willing to support compliant andsafeinstallations with proof oftechnicaland safety compliance

in theform of avalid certificateof compliance(CoC) from aregistered and qualifiedelectrician.

“What ahomeownerdoes behind themeter on theirown propertyto reducerelianceonanunstableand expensiveelectricitysupplierisofno real business to thesupplier, provided theinstallation is safe,compliant in terms of national legislation, and thecustomer continuestopay for electricityinline withtheir contract withthe distributor,” Duvenagesaid.

He said if asolar installation has avalid CoC, whichaddressessafety concerns cited by Eskomand municipalities, homeowners were doing what is required.

TheOUTAsaid it wouldcontinue engaging withstakeholders to ensurethat rationalityprevailsand to protect electricityusers from unlawful and unreasonableadministrative overreach

Lawenforcerrecognised for act of braveryamong peers

Apolice officer who saveda mother and child from arampant domestic violence incidentdrove away with abrandnew carpresented to him as a reward for his bravery.

Sgt. Masibulele Qinisile (41), avisible policingmember attachedtothe Cacadu Police Station in the ChrisHani District,Eastern Cape,was presented the vehicleatthe SAPS National Excellence awards ceremony held on 27 January at Lemo Mall in Bloemfontein. Qinisile wascrowned as this year’s Laureate AwardWinner and National Commissioner’s Awardrecipient. This action earnedhim the prestigious prizeofabrand-new vehicle. He respondedtoa complaintwherethe perpetrator washoldinghis familyhostage with a firearm. Oneofhis crew members wasdisarmedduring aconfrontation with the suspectwho startedshooting at the officers. Qinisile showed courageunder fire and engagedthe suspectsingle-handedly,savingthe the suspect’s wife and child, and his crew. EveryyearinJanuary, the police gather to celebrate outstandingperformance, exceptionalcommitment and braverydisplayed by its men and women in blue This prestigious eventservesasa powerful reminder that behind everyaccolade is astory of sacrifice,resilience and service –beingapolice officerisnot

Court’s ruling whollyreceived

Centlec,amunicipal-owned power distributor,has welcomed afavourable judgmenthandeddownbythe High CourtofSouth Africa,FreeState Division in Bloemfontein, in abitterdispute involving thetrusteesofthe Michael Family Trust.

Thecourt ruledinfavourofthe electricitydistributor on 27 January, againstthe trustees representedbyJoseph Reynolds Chamley(firstapplicant),Michael Nicolas Georgiou(second applicant),Andriana Georgiou(thirdapplicant),and Loch LoganWaterfront(Pty) Ltd.

JudgeS.Naidoohandeddownthe judgmentafter thematterhad been heard on 27 March2024. Thehighcourt dispute involved debt worthR150 million owed by the trustees to Centlec, which, owing to non-paymentofoutstandingaccounts, actedtointerrupt the supplyofelectricity to the trustees’businesspremises Thetrusteesbroughtanurgentapplication beforethe High Courton16January 2024 (mainapplication)and an interlocutory applicationon7February2025, seekingtointerdict Centlecfromdisconnecting or interruptingthe supplyofelectricityto their businesspremises

Interimordersweregranted in both applications on the conditionthatthe applicants MichaelFamilyTrust No.TM 2505 andLochLogan Waterfront (Pty)Ltd comply with an agreementreached betweenthe twoparties on 24 October2023, whichstatesthatthe applicants (trustees) should paythe respondent(Centlec) all amounts owed in respectofcurrent usage of electricity.

ADVERTISERNEWS

merelyaprofession, buta calling. This year’s eventwas held underthe theme “Serving with integrity, celebrating excellence”. More than 350 top performers were awardedfor goingabove and beyond the call of dutyduringthe 11th National Excellence Awards There aremorethan40 awardcategories, including: the Ministry’sAward;the National Commissioner’s Award; the awardfor operations memberofthe year;Family

Violence,Child Protection andSexualOffences (FCS) Investigator of the Year;Crime Intelligence memberofthe year;station of the year;and Forensic Services teamofthe year Theactingministerof police, FirozCachalia, together with deputyministers Dr Polly Boshielo andCasselMathale, and the national commissioner of the police, Gen. Fannie Masemola, were joinedby senior policeleadershipand distinguished guests

JudgeNaidoodismissedthe main application with costs, includingthe costsof Counsel on scaleB,and costsof25January 2024, 5February2025, and 6February 2025. Secondly, the rule in the interlocutory application wasalsodischargedand dismissedwith costs.

“Centlecwelcomes and appreciatesthe judgmentofthe High Courtinour favour This judgmentwill enable us to recoverour longoutstandingdebtfromthe Michael FamilyTrust No.TM2505. Failureto honour its obligationsand the provisions of the approved Credit Controland Debt CollectionPolicyiswhatled us to the situation we find ourselves in.Aswehad previouslyindicated, disconnectionisnot our primarygoal; however, Centlec’ssurvival depends on the monies owed to the utility,” Centlecstatedinamedia release. Thepower distribution entityargued therewas abreachofagreements the parties hadsigned, and the courtfound there were good prospects of Centlecrecouping the money

Thetrusteesversion wasthatthe trust and Loch Logan, acommercial lettingentity,werehardhit by the Covid-19 pandemic and experiencedadownturn in rent collection due to tenantswho were experiencing areduction in turnover.

In summarythe courtstated: “Theapplication forinterim interdict prohibitingthe respondent(Centlec) from disconnecting or reducingelectricitysupplytocommercial buildings pending actionfor declaratory order,applicants did notdemonstrate goodprospectofsuccessinthe proposed action– forcourt to grantinterim interdict againstastate entityinthe clearest case.”

Thriftyshopper makes waytowinner’s circle

Three Fashion Worldcustomers – one from Thaba Nchu,one from Kimberley, and one from Middelburg – have each won R100 000 cash in theretailer's latest nationwide Scratchand Win competition.

FashionWorld is renowned not onlyfor specialising in affordable,on-trend clothing and footwear forwomen and children, butalso forits regular promotional campaigns and majorscratch card competitions Nthabiseng Jane Mokhele-Chabeli became the first-everScratch and Win winner to hail from Thaba Nchu and wasoverwhelmed withjoy upon receiving her prize

The Fashion WorldThaba Nchu branchinthe Shoprite Centre,led by acting manager Mpho Nthoba and her team, made Saturday 31 January'spresentation aspecial and festive occasion.

The competition ranfrom 19 November to 24 December withthe three in-store winners announced on 15 January.

Philiswa Jack claimedvictory in Kimberley, whilst Nomalaka Evelyn Nkosirepresented Middelburg.

To participateinthe competition, customersneeded to spend R300 or morein-store to receiveascratch card foreach R300 spent.

“When scratching the card

thereand then, youcouldwin R300 on the spot and also be enteredfor the main Scratch and Win prize,”explains Naeem Patel, regional manager. Patel says the initiative demonstrates Fashion World'sgratitudeto customersfor their loyalty whilst giving back to the communityand empowering people Online competitions also run continuously,with details and announcements of all winners available on Fashion World's national Facebook page

“Wesincerelythank everyone whoparticipated.Wetruly appreciate your supportand encourageyou to stay tuned formoreexciting competitions

coming soon,” Fashion World stated Fashion Worldisaprominent SouthAfricanretail chain establishedin1981. The brand focusesonaccessible fashion, including plus-size ranges,targeting everyday consumers. The companyprovides awidevarietyofapparel, from everyday wear to specialised fashion pieces,operating more than200 stores across numerouslocations.

Customerscan visit their nearestFashion Worldstore to stay updated on the latest offeringsand competitions, or visit fashionworld.co.zatoshop online

Murder casecontinu

TEBOHO SETENA

Thereisalight at theend of thetunnel regarding themurder of aLadybrand woman, ThathoRatlalane-Noe (44), following theextraditionofthe murder suspectfromLesothotoSouth Africa.

Thesuspect,PaolosPatrick Lekhooane (41), brieflyappearedinthe Ladybrand Magistrates’Court on Thursday 29 January.

He is chargedwith the murder of his live-in lover. Accordingtothe police,the manisthe prime suspectinthe murder of thewoman in November 2024.

WO MmakoMophiring, spokesperson forthe Free Statepolice, said Lekhooane hadbeenremandedincustody as part of the processtoaffordhim the opportunity to applyfor legalrepresentation in South Africa, as well as to bringabail application.

Thehearing for his bail applicationwas setfor Friday in the same court.

Mophiringsaid Lekhooane’s extradition took place on Wednesday28 January, and involved multidisciplinary lawenforcementagencies: the SAPS,the Lesotho International CriminalPolice Organization (Interpol), and theLesotho MountedPolice Service (LMPS). The SAPS delegation wasled by WO William Matenche Tumedi of the SAPS Pretoria Interpol. Theofficial handoverofthe suspecttookplace at the Maseru Bridge Port of Entry.

Lekhooane’s extraditioncameapproximatelytwo months after fleeingto his nativecountry following thealleged murder “Itisallegedthat the suspectcom-

mittedthe murder in November 2024, after whichhe fled to Lesotho with the deceased’svehicle,” said Mophiring.

“Reports furtherindicatethathe allegedlyset the vehiclealightand attemptedtocommit suicide by drinking poison. He washospitalised in Lesotho and subsequentlyarrestedbyauthorities.”

Thesuspect allegedlymurdered the victim on 11 November 2024, at approximately 15:00.

“Officerswho attendedtoacomplaint found the victim with fatalstabwounds in the bedroom. Apairofscissors was found next to the deceased,” confirmed Mophiring

He said the victim’s daughter, then 12 yearsold, directed the officerstothe bedroom.

“Aninvestigation into the murder of the womanled to the eventual tracing and arrest of the suspectinLesotho.”

Mophirings gationreveale undocumente time of commit ■ Meanwhile,t high-profile ca mello Thamae wheelsofjustice twoyears have the prime susp Thedecease lo Makotoane,i afterhewas ap evidence linkin Makotoanef tatedmurder, tion of justice,k ventionofthe

He wasarres tember 2023, fo by policeforces Lesotho Lawenforcemen thecaseinclud the SAPS Makotoanew after Thamae’s ered in theboo confirmed

He firstapp Magistrates’C tember 2023, an Africa on 21 Au regardingthe Thecasehas Heilbron Magis StateHighCou In August 2025, ferredtothe Hi proceedings While Mako the exact High being finalised

Classical notescaptivate

TheOdeion School of Music (OSM) in Bloemfontein will be ahiveofactivity from 4to7 February, whenabout 70 clarinet teachers andmusicians willgather for theClarinet Extravaganza

DanréStrydom,founder of the festiveand educational extravaganza, says the festival’s aim includes exposuretothe latest international developments in clarinet performance, pedagogy,and repertoire, as well as the promotion of inclusivityinmusic education.

In addition to the masterclasses and performances, participants areexpected to find the information sessions on clarinet equipment, reeds, mouthpieces and instrumentsparticularly valuable Strydom,African Chair of the International Clarinet Association and associate professoratthe Odeion School of Music(OSM) in Bloemfontein, presented the firstextravaganza in 2016, followedbyeditions in 2020 and 2024.

Thankstothis event, the firstclassical concerts of the musicyearare presented at the Odeion. Threeof five concerts arefreeofcharge

Steiner,DanreStrydom,VincenzoCasaleand BrenceSzepesi. PHOTO:Supplied

– the openingconcertand twolunchtimeconcerts on 5and 6Februaryat12:00. Theopening concert on Thursday 5February, Echoes of Elegance,isfree. Themusicians performing areChrisna Smithand Morné vanHeerden from Gauteng; Severine Sierens from Belgium;Brooks Thon from Japan; BenceSzepesi from Hungary; Vincenzo Casale from Italy; as well as Strydom PianistCézarre Strydom

WIN ROMANTIC TREAT

Threecouples canwin aromantic night under the stars at the Canvas andCupid Event,hostedatthe Oliewenhuis Art Museum on 13 February. This competition invites couples to shareaheartfelt reason whytheydeserve amagical Valentine’s celebration.Winning couples willreceivetickets to the event and enjoy afully stocked picnic basket valued at overR1000.Submit ashort paragraph online at forms.gle/Wv8P2tsFMb8kn6t29 It is open to those aged 18 years and older Theclosing dateis8Februaryat00:00

will accompanythem.

Worksperformed include Mendelssohn’sConcertpieceNo. 2inDminor, Op. 114 fortwo clarinets; Poulenc’s Sonata forClarinet andPiano;“Perpetuum Mobile”byKovacs/Strauss; Gade’s Four FantasyPieces, Op. 43;and After You, Mr Gershwin

At the Clarinet Soirée at the Brandkop Estate will have performances by the OdeionStringQuartet together with the visiting

internationalmusicians. Szepesiopens the programme with Reicha’s Clarinet Quintet in B-flat major, Op. 89.Casale follows with Mozart’s Clarinet Quartet, K. 79 Thon will be heardin Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet,and Sierens performs Landscapes VII by hercompatriot,Belgian composer WilfriedWesterlinck. Membersofthe renowned OdeionQuartet areviolinists Samantha

Durrantand Sharon de Kock,violistJeanne-LouiseMoolman, and cellist Anmari vander Westhuizen will play at adinnerconcert on. Tickets areavailable on quicket.co.za and cost R250, whichincludedinner. The soirée will startat18:00. TheGalaConcerton7 Februarywill be aclarinet choirofmorethan60playersinthe firstmovement of Beethoven’sever-popular SymphonyNo. 5inC minor They arecoached by BelgianmasterEddy Vanoosthuyse, who will conduct the gala concert. Theprogramme is as follows:VincenzoCasale performs movements 2and 3of Vanderhagen’sConcerto No.3;SeverineSierensand DanréStrydom form aduo for Benoit’s Luim; Brooks Thon performs Weber’s Concertino in E-flat major, Op. 26;Sierenstackles Vanderhagen’s Rondowith Variations;and Bence Szepesi brings the concertand week to arousing closewith Verano Porteño(Summer) from Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of BuenosAires Theconcertwill start at 19:00, in the Odeion Auditoriumonthe main campus of the University of the Free State(UFS).Book viaquicket.co.za at R60.

Four artists’ masterydisplayed

An exhibition celebratingfourextraordinaryartists whoseworks formanintegralpartofthe Oliewenhuis ArtMuseum’s PermanentCollectionisopento the public for viewing MarksofMastery celebrates Justinus Khoalibe,Ben Botma, Christiaan Diedericks and AndriesGouws

Eachisamasterofmark-making in their chosen medium and left an indelible impression on the South Africanart worldbefore their passingin2024 and 2025. Through aselection of sculpture, charcoal drawings,printsand paintings,thisexhibitionreveals their masteryofcraft – technical brilliance and distinctivecreativevoices that definedeachpractice. Through their distinctiveworks,theycontinue to inspireand invitecontemplation.

At the heartofthisexhibitionlies afundamental artistic truth:Every mark matters. Whethercarved into wood,inscribedwith aneedleontoanetching plate, drawnincharcoalacrossvastsurfaces,or applied with miniatureprecisiononcanvas, each gesturereveals not onlytechnicalmastery,but also aunique wayofseeingand interpretingthe world.

Justinus Khoalibe (1937–2024)understoodthis instinctively.His journeyasanartistbegan in childhood on afarm, wherehecreated images of animals and peopleinclay. Living at BotshabeloMission sinceits establishmentin1979, Khoalibenever received formalart training. Hisinterestinwood carvingdevelopedwhile workingasa carpenteron afarmnearBloemfontein.

Khoalibe possessedanextraordinarynatural talentfor carvingwood – hishonest mark-makingand carvingtechnique create not onlyvisual interest, butalsoadeepsense of admiration for the hand that held the chisel Theabsence of formal training makeshis work allthe more remarkable,demonstrating an innateabilitytocreateconceptually resonant artpieces.Eachcarvedline speaks to an authentic creativevisionunmediated by academic convention.

WhereKhoalibe’smarks emergedfromintuitive understanding, BenBotma(1953–2025) approached mark-makingwith philosophical deliberation. Botma often referred to himselfasa mark-maker,and whetherdrawing with charcoal, painting, inscribing thin needle marksonanetching plate, or working with scraperboard,itwas alwaysthe mark itself,on anysurface,thatintrigued him.

This understandingofmark-making as both processand concept found differentexpression in the work of Christiaan Diedericks (1965–2025), who will be rememberedasone of South Africa’s most outstandingprintmakers.Every piece he created

symbolisedafragmentofhimself – strong conceptual artworks infused with ironyand beauty The linocuts andetchingsheproduceddemonstrate meticulous fine lines that emphasisehis precision and passion. Diedericks trulyunderstood the science behind printmakingprocesses, yetnever allowedtechnicalmastery to overshadowexpressive intent. Hisworks balance intellectual rigour with emotional resonance

While Diedericksworkedwith the precision of printmaking, Andries Gouws (1952–2025) applied similarly meticulous attentiontominiature painted still lifes. Through the precisemarks of his brush strokes, he mediated meaningfromthe mundane –acupboard,a cloth,a barofsoap.

Gouws portrayedseeminglybanal objects and scenes that belie hiddendepths, slowingdown the viewer’s eyeand allowing everyday objects to become transfiguredwhenobservedclosely. In his hands,the ordinary revealedits extraordinarynature,invitingaudiences to reconsider what deserves careful attention. Hispatient, deliberatemarks transformed humble subjects into meditations on presence andperception.

MarksofMastery invitesaudiences to experience howfourdistinct creativevoices,unitedbytheir commitmenttothe fundamental gestureofmaking marks, continue to speakwith clarity, complexity, andenduringrelevance Theexhibition canbe viewed until 6April – from Monday to Friday between08:00 and17:00, andonSaturdays,Sundays, andpublic holidays between09:00and 16:00.

My View

Jobcrisis still ableak reality

DR MEMUNA WILLIAMS

Themorethan900 000 young South Africans whojustreceived their matric results represent thecontinent’smosteducated andmost connectedgenerational cohort. Yet, 40% of them will join theranksofyouth whoare not in employment, education, or training within months This is aSouth African tragedythatis repeating across thecontinent.

Recall that the SAPS recruitmentfor the Basic PoliceDevelopmentLearningProgramme (BPDLP) surpassedthe 1million mark before the submission deadlineon18Julylastyear. Statistics South Africa (Stats SA)confirms what everymatriculant knows: Thepathforward is blocked. Over 100 000 qualified candidates couldnot accesspublic universities in recent yearsdue to space constraints.Immediateemploymentprospects remain scarce despiteSouth Africa beinghome to Africa’s largestcompanies and havingone of the continent’sfastest-growingentrepreneurialintention rates. This scenario compels us to answerthe question:Can oursystemconvert ouryouth’s potentialintoeconomic strength? Theglobal contextmakes ourinactionmore urgent. At September’sUnitedNations(UN) GeneralAssembly, the Global AfricanBusiness Initiativecentred discussionsonenergytransition,digital transformation,creativeindustries and sports Theseare the sectorsthatrequire exactlythe talentweare sidelining. Thegap betweencontinental need and youth readinessrepresents an underutilised competitiveadvantage forSouth Africa.Our matriculantshold credentialsthat position them among Africa’s best educated They aredigitallynative in acontinentundergoingrapid technological transformation They aremultilingual andculturally fluentacrosscontextsthatmultinational corporationsstruggle to navigate Butcredentialswithout pathways become sources of frustration,not engines of growth Thefollowing needstochangeimmediately.

Foremployers andcorporates:

■ Convertcontributionsmade on global platformsintostructured internship pipelines

■ Create apprenticeship modelsinsectors where youare alreadydiscussingpossibilities

■ Recognisethat“work experience required” is abarrier,not aquality filter – designentry points fortalentedmatriculantstodemonstrate capability.

Foreducationstakeholders andfunders:

■ Increase visibilityofexistingopportunities –scholarships remain unknowntomostmatriculants

■ Go beyond business plan competitions and fund pathwayprogrammes that translate entrepreneurialintention into venturecreation.

■ Supportcredential recognition frameworks so youth educated abroad canreturn home withoutbureaucratic penalties

Forpolicymakers:

■ Audit howmanycurrent governmentand parastatal roles could absorb matriculant apprentices in 12-monthrotational programmes

■ Incentivisecompanies creating first-jobpathways fornon-university-bound youth

■ Commission research on what post-apartheid winners did in their twenties and what conditionsenabled it,then replicatethat. In reality, we areaskingyouth to have self-efficacy in systems that tend to erodeit. We celebrate entrepreneurialintention, but maintain regulatory barriersthatprevent youth from testingbusinessideas without capital We discuss “futureskills”, butdefundTechnical and Vocational Education and Training(TVET) colleges. Thequestion forSouth Africa’s privatesector, funders,and policymakers: What areyou transformingright nowthatwill create the same momentumfor this generation of matriculants? This critical question is prompted becausethe continent’sneeds will notwait forour systems to catchup.

■ Williams is thefounderand chief executive officer(CEO) of Empowering Sustainable Change.

Father suspectedofkilling hissix-year-old

TEBOHO SETENA

Aman (28) from Mashaeng in Fouriesburg suspectedofmurdering his six-year-oldbiological sonwas settoappearinthe FouriesburgMagistrates’Court on Tuesday3February. WO MmakoMophiring,spokesperson for theFreeState police in the ThaboMofutsanyana district, confirmed thesuspecthad been chargedwith murder

He said the Fouriesburg police arrested the suspectfollowing thediscovery of the child’s body in his house. Mophiringsaid acommunity membermade the discovery underabed on Sunday 1February, at about10:40.

“Thechildhad visible bruises on hisbody,”he said “A communitymemberentered the suspect’s residence,noticingunusual darknessand disorder in one of thebedrooms

“Uponshininga cellphone lightunder the bed, the communitymembermadethe shockingdiscovery of the child’s body,” said Mophiring.

He said the child hadlastbeenseenon Thursday29January, shortlyafter beingassaulted –allegedlybythe short-tempered father.Mophiringsaid thechild wasnot reported as missing despite disappearing forafew days afterthe allegedassault

Accordingtopreliminary findings,the suspect allegedlyassaulted the child in thepresence of

the child’s grandmother “Thefatherisclaimedtohaveassaulted the child with awooden stick. When the grandmother questionedthe reason forhis action, the father reportedly responded by sayingthathe could do as he pleasedwith his child. This was the last time the grandmother sawthe boy,”said Mophiring.

However, the reason forthe assault and ultimate murder remains unexplained Mophiringsaidaninvestigation is underway regardingthe murder andthatanautopsy is beingconducted to determine the cause, manner, andmechanism of deathofthe child.

■ In December, the Bloemfontein Regional Courtsentencedafatherto20years’direct imprisonment after findinghim guiltyofthe

murder of his ownson

Theaccused 27-year-old hadseverelybeaten his six-year-old sontodeath

Thealarmingand inexplicably brutal beating of the boytookplace duringthe morningof9 June 2023. Theact occurred at their home in the Khayelitshasettlement.

An investigation revealed that the father,while bathinghis son, losthis temper and startedassaultingthe boywith open hands and clenched fists. This happened in fullsight of his other 14-year-old son, who wasthe victim’s brother Returningfromschool, the brother foundthe victim lyingmotionlessonacouch inside the house.

Emergencymedical services personneldeclaredthe six-year-old child dead.

Kindlyvisitwww.nationalmuseum.co.za

Innate talent givenstage to flourish

LIENTJIE MENTZ

Thenew sport facility that was opened at theCredencePrimary School on 2Januaryserves as a major facelift for thecommunity of Heidedal, Bloemfontein.

Gayton McKenzie,ministerof Sport, Arts and Culture, visited Heidedaltohand over amultipurpose sportcourt and equipment sponsored by MultiChoice

ANC ward councilor Logan Kruger said at afunction held at Credence that the state-of-the-art facility would transformthe community.

“A sonofthe soil who grew up righthereinHeidedalcame back and is sayingtothe community: Here is somethingfor you. ”

Shesaid the new facilitywas greatlyappreciatedbyall.

CalvoMawela, chairperson of Canal+ Africa, said this waspartof many similar projects across South Africa.

“Wewill continue with these projects,but it is wonderful to finallyopenthis fieldonthe minister’s home ground,”he said.

“With theseprojects,wetry to enrichthe livesofchildrenand give them hope.”

DecemberMoloi, district director for theMangaung Metrointhe DepartmentofEducation, said they were humbledand grateful forthis generosity.

“Thereare so many social illsin this community.

“ThecommunityofHeidedal battle gangsters, bullying, theft, vandalism and drugs

Givingthe children this facility will help takethem away from these problems.Insteadofgoingtothe streets,theywill be able to play and lead morebalancedlives.”

He pleadedwith thecommunity to look after the facilityand useitto its full potential.

Ntombizanele Sifuba, MECfor Sport, Art, Cultureand Recreation, said children needed to be developed in all areas.

“Takingpartinsport does not

Other localprimary schoolsinHeidedal also received kitfor their teams.At thehanding over are,from the left, BonisiweDlamini (seniormanagerfor corporate social investmentand transformation at MultiChoice),Bernard Holtzhausen(headmaster of the Olympia PrimarySchool) and LitlhareMoteetee (headofcorporateaffairsat MultiChoice). PHOTOS: Lientjie Mentz

onlyremove themfromsocialills, butcan alsobethe beginningofa career in sport.

“Sport forms asourceofincome for many;itbuilds character.”

Sifubaurged the community to takecareand treasure this new facility.

Teams of the Heide Primary School, OlympiaPrimary School and JoeSolomon PrimarySchool received newoutfits and equipment at the ceremony McKenzie alsoattendedthe handingoveroftable tennis equipmentdonated to the People’s Republic of Chinainpartnership with the South African Table Tennis Federation, to supportyouth and school sportdevelopment.

In addition, swimmingpool equipmentwas handedoveraspart of the legacy of the 2025 National School SportChampionship

dence PrimarySchool in Heidedal,Bloemfontein,sponsored by MultiChoice.

Thepair of TshepoLediga(left,financial clerk at the TrompsburgPoliceStation) and Capt.AyandaLanga(from Mpumalanga) received awards in thecategory of sportsmen withadisabilityatthe 11th SAPS National ExcellenceAwards heldinBloemfontein on 27 January. Ledigareceived recognition forexcellent performanceinchess,whileLangaenjoyedthe same forimpressiveform in para games.Theywerefinalistsintheir category.Bothrepresented the policein various competitions and were recognised forachievements in 2025. PHOTO:Teboho Setena

BASIE LIQUOR FORM FSLA2NOTICE OF INTENTIONTO APPLY IN TERMS OF SECTION27READ WITHSECTION31FOR REGISTRATION

FREESTATE GAMBLING AND LIQUOR ACT, 2010

Notice is hereby given that TEISI EDWINMADIE

Intends to lodgean application on 06 FEBR UARY 2026, particulars of which appear hereunder.

1. Mu n icipal ity : MANGAUNG METRO MUNICIPALITY

2. Full names, street and postaladdressof applicant and identity no. or registration no. TEISI EDWIN MADIE,2095 PHO MOLONG , BLOEMFONTEIN 7503036985089

3. Kindofregistration applied for: Liquor Store

4. Kind of product to be

EAST BURGER LIQUORS NOTICEOFINTENTION TO APPLY APPLICATION IN TERMS OF SECTION 27 READWITH SECTION31FOR REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE

FREE STATE GAMLING, LIQUOR ANDTOURISM ACT NO.6OF2010AS AMENDED Noticeishereby given that DLM Holdings (Pty) Ltd intends to lodgean application on_06 February 2026, particulars of wh ic ha ppear hereunder.

1.Local Municipality: ManguangMetropolitan Municipality

2. Company Name, Ide nti t yN um ber /Company Registration number,Postal Address:

DLMHOLDINGS (Pty)Ltd, Reg no: 2014/232339/07, Edgar Avenue, Noordwyk, Midrand, 1678

3. Type of Registration applied for: Liquor Store

4. Type of producttobe sold/manufacture: All kindsofliquor;

5. Nameunder whichthe business is to be conducted andfull address of premises: East Burger Liquors, 54 East Burge rS treet,

Star Bottle Store FORM FSLA2 NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLYINTERMS OF SECTION 27 READ WITHSECTION 31 FOR REGISTRATION

FREE STATE GAMBLING ANDLIQUOR ACT, 2010

Noticeisherebygiven tha t… Mo ni cah Mol elekeng Ma re ka Intends to lodgean applicationon06February 2026, particularsofwhich appear hereunder.

1. Municipality: Mangaung Metro

2. Fullnames, streetand postal address of applicantand identity no. or registration no Monicah Molelekeng Mareka 5599 Section FBotshabelo 7512011187082

3. Kind of registration applied for: LIQUOR STORE

4. Kind of product to be sold/manufactured: ALL KINDS OF LIQUOR

5. Name under which businessistobe

TMZTAVERN FORM FSLA2 NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLYINTERMS OF SECTION 27 READ WITHSECTION 31 FOR REGISTRATION

FREE STATE GAMBLING ANDLIQUOR ACT, 2010, Noticeisherebygiven that MASOOAZAKARIA TSEKELIIntends to lodge an applicationon06 FE BRUA RY 2026, particulars of which appear hereunder.

1. Muni cipal ity : MANGAUNG METRO

2. Full names, streetand postal address of applicantand identity no. or registration no MA SOOA ZAK AR IA TSEKELI, 29106 GRASSLAN D PHASE 4

BLOEMFONTEIN

7104135275082

3. Kind of registration appliedfor:Tavern

4. Kind of producttobe sold/manufactured: All kindsofLiquors

5. Name under which business is to be conducted andfull address of

G619/1987 LOST OR DESTROYED DEED

Noticeishereby givenin termsofregulation 68 of the DeedsRegistries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply forthe issue of a certified copy of Deed of Grant Number G619/1987 passed by THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA in favour of TEFO JOSEPH SESINGIdentity Number 2910 10 5424 087

Unmarried, in respect of ERF 867BOTSHABELO-B, DISTRICT THABA 'NCHU, FREESTATE PROVINCE which has beenlostor destroyed

Allinterestedpersons havingobjection 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 publicationofthis notice

Dated at BLOEMFONTEIN this 29th Day of January 2026. Applicant: VAN WYK &PRELLER INC Address:

O.A. PITSO

Estate Late: OUPA ANDRIES PITSO Identity Nº:5205295734081

Estate Nº: 000569/2026

Mast ers offic e: BLOEMFONTEIN

ESTATENOTICES

BOEDELS: KREDITEURE EN DEBITEURE 4201

Date of death: 2025-02-11, Date of birth: 1952-05-29, Spouse: SENYADITSWE SARA PITSO, Identity Nº 701123 0955 080, Last address: 984MOROKA LOCATION, THABA NCHU, Allpeople havingclaims against the above Estate are called upon to lodge theirclaims with the Executor(s) concernedwithin aperiod of 30 daysfrom the date 2026-02-06. Any debtors of the estateare requestedtopay amounts owing to the executor within the aforesaid period.

AL VISSER KRAMER, WEIHMANN INC PO BOX12322

BRANDHOF9324

TEL: (051) 4114000

Verw: LVISSER/CR/K02947

G.D.MAOTOANE LIQUIDATION AND DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNTS IN DECEASEDESTATES LYING FOR INSPECTION In the Estate of the Late: GAETHU SE DAV ID MAOTOANE, Identity number: 4501255476080

Last address: 17444 Hillside View,Blomanda, Bloemfontein 9301, In case of amarriagein community of property: Fullnames and Surname of Surviving Spouse: MMAMARUA MARIA MAOTOANEIdentity Number:5308290684 085, The AMENDED FIRST ANDFINAL Liquidation and DistributionAccount in this estate will be open forinspectionfor aperiod of 21 daysfrom 15 August 2025 at the office of the Master of the High Court BLOE MFONT EI N.FOR

Wednesday, 4February 2026

Players, management realisedauntingtaskawaits

Clubpressedtoimpress

TEBOHO SETENA

Therelegation-boundMarumoGallantsfacethe toughtask of an away trip to play against thein-form TS Galaxy in theNedbank Cuplast-32 round. The fixturewill be played on Sunday 8February.

Both sides have ahistory,having wonprevious editions of this tournament.

Galaxy wonitwhile in the National FirstDivision. In the finalheld on 18 May2019 at the MosesMabhida Stadium,theystunnedKaizer Chiefs with a1 – 0victory.

In their inauguralappearance in 2021(then competingasTshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila),the Gallants wonthe trophy. They reachedthe finalagain in 2022, but finishedas

‘Nolack ofe execution tr

SpringbokSevens head coachPhilip Snym did not mince wordsfollowing histeam’s disappointingfourth-place finish at the H SVNS SingaporeonSunday 1February, po to poorexecution and decision-makinga primaryculprits behind their NationalStadi double defeat.

TheBlitzboksfell to Franceinthe semibeforeNew Zealand consigned them to fo placeinthe bronze medalplayoff “Itwas certainlynot ourbestperformanc awhile,” Snyman admitted.

“Therewas no lack of effortout there,b execution and decision-makingwerenot standard, and we paid the pricefor that.”

Thedisappointingweekend sawSouth tumble from the summit of thestandingst thirdplace on 46 points.Fiji claimed their tournamentofthe 2026 worldseries to su the topofthe table with 52 points,whilstN Zealand nowoccupysecond spot on 48 po Snyman identified numerousareas whe his chargesfailedtomeettheir customaryh standards,but refused to attributethe over result to his squad’s lack of experience

“Therewas ariskinbringingacoupleo erswith very little,ifany tournament expe es under the belt,but we areworking towa squad depth as well,”heexplained.

Thecoach highlightedpoordecision-m andalackofclinical finishingasthe mostg ingdeficiencies

PROTEAS COME OUTA

TheSPARProteas delivered a clinical performancetodefeat England 65 – 50 on Sunday1 February, securing athrilling 2 – 1 series victoryinthe SPAR Challengeinternational netball test at EllisPark Arena. Ablistering first half laid thefoundation for the triumph; the home side dominated from the opening whistle. TheProteas racedtoa 16 – 9 lead after the first quarter.South Africa mai througho despite parting ment Re without rhythm; stitution TheP witha3 third qu fightba

MANGAUNG METROPOLITANMUNICIPALITY SPATIALPLANNING ANDLAND USEMANAGEMENT ACT, 2013 (ACT NO. 16 OF 2013)

The application, relevantplans,documentsand information willbeavailablefor inspection during ofce hours (08:30 –15:00) at theofce of theTown andRegional Planning Sub-directorateofthe Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM), Room 802, 8thFloor,BramFischer Building, Corner Nelson Mandela Drive andMarkgraaff Street, Bloemfontein foraperiodof30daysfrom thedateofpublicationhereof, namely Wednesday 4February 2026.

Anyperson whohas an interest in thematterorwho wishes to object to thegranting of theapplication or who desires to be heard, or wantstomakerepresentations concerningthe matter,must communicateinwritingwiththe Town andRegional Planning Sub-directorate of theMangaung Metropolitan Municipality at theabove-mentioned address, or e-mail: george.masuabi@mangaung.co.za,orposttoP.O.Box 3704, Bloemfontein,9300withinaperiodof30daysfrom the date of publication hereof,namely 4February 2026 –8March 2026, quoting your name,address, contact details, interest in theapplication andreasonsfor your comments. TheMunicipality may refuse to acceptcommentsreceived afterthe closing date.Any person whocannot writewillbeassisted by aMunicipal ofcial by transcribing their comments.

NOTICE

1) Removal of RestrictiveTitleDeedConditionsand Amendment of theMMM Land Use Scheme (2021) by rezoning:Erf239,Langenhovenpark,Bloemfontein

It is hereby notied forgeneral information in terms of theprovisions of Section 50.(1) (a) to (d), (2) and(3) of the Mangaung Metro Municipality Municipal Land Use Planning By-law (2021), that an application hasbeensubmitted for theamendment of theMMM Land Use Scheme (2021) by therezoning of Erf 239from “Residential 1” to “Ofce 1” in order to allowfor administrative ofces(restricted to 90m² GLA) andmedical consulting rooms (restricted to 261m² GLA) as well as theremoval of restrictive TitleDeedconditions 1. (b), (c), (e), (f) and(g) on page 2and 2. (a) (i) &(ii), (b) (i) &(ii), (c) and(d) on page 3aswell as “WOORDOMSKRYWING” on pages 3&4inDeedofTransfer T7844/2021

Access to theapplication property is from16AGVisser Street, Langenhovenpark, Bloemfontein.

2) Removal of Restrictive Title DeedConditionsand Amendmentofthe MMM Land Use Scheme (2021) by rezoning: Erf2641,Westdene,Bloemfontein

It is hereby notied forgeneral informationinterms of theprovisions of Section 50.(1) (a) to (d), (2) and(3) of the Mangaung Metro Municipality Municipal Land Use PlanningBy-law (2021), that an application hasbeensubmitted for theamendment of theMMM Land Use Scheme (2021) by therezoning of Erf 2641 from“Residential 1” to “Residential 2” to allowfor aguest houseonthe property. Restrictive TitleDeedconditions 1.,2.&3.onpage2inDeedofTransfer T3848/2017alsohavetoberemoved.

Access to theapplication property is 8Brebner Road, Westdene, Bloemfontein

3) Amendment of the MMMLandUse Scheme (2021) by means of rezoning andrelaxationofbuildinglines:Erf 560,City,Bloemfontein

It is hereby notied forgeneral information in terms of theprovisions of Section 50.(1) (a) to (d), (2) and(3) of the Mangaung Metro Municipality Municipal Land Use PlanningBy-law (2021), that an application hasbeensubmitted for theamendment of theMMM Land Use Scheme (2021) by therezoning of Erf 560from “Ofce 2” to “Institutional” to allow foraplace of worship on theproperty as wellasthe relaxation of side andrear building lines. Thedevelopment willbe restricted to amaximum permissibleGross LeasableArea (GLA)of312m² andnot exceeding 292seats.

Access to theapplication property is from5First Street, City, Bloemfontein (undeveloped property)