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TheSouth African statehas secured an importantvictoryinthe R255 million asbestos roof removal corruption scandalinvolving the Free StateDepartmentofHuman Settlements.
This came after the Free StateDivision of the High CourtinBloemfontein grantedthe National Prosecuting Authority(NPA) of South Africa a final forfeitureorder on 21 March2025. Theorder resulted in the forfeiture of sixhigh-value properties and a Mercedes-BenzG63 AMG that was purchasedincash Thepropertiesare situated in Sandton, Hartbeespoort, Wonderboom, Randburg and Parys. Thetotal value of all assets forfeited to the stateisestimated at approximately R32million.
Theforfeiturecomesascriminal proceedings continueinthe High Courtagainstimplicatedindividuals in this high-profile fraudand corruption case
Twocompaniesare central to the asbestos roofing tender awardedin October2014 to Diamond Hill Trading71, ownedbyslain Welkom-based businessmanIgnatius “Igo”Mpambani, and BlackheadConsulting, owned by EdwinSodi, aJohannesburg-based businessman.
Kaizer Kganyago,nationalspokesperson for the NPA,explainedthe significanceofthe forfeiture.
“Thecourt found on abalance of probabilitiesthatthe assets constitutedproceedsofunlawful activities, includingfraud, corruption, theft, contraventions of thePublic Finance ManagementAct (PFMA), and money laundering. It furtherfound that the propertiesand vehicle were instru-
Itisthe end of an erafor BloemExpress,but alsothe introduction of anew, uncharted,and promising future.
This is the last solo edition of this iconic publication –marking the end of achapter spanningover 34 yearswhen this free,weekly communitypublication wasborn on 2July1991. Thejourneywas characterised by acombination of challengingand transformative elements
Theera we aretransitioning from was filledwith greatmemories,growthand milestones. It is significant that the publication became adefinition of true pioneeringentrepreneurship
Thepublication hastransitioned over the past three decades while making apositiveimpact as a vehicle for businessestothrive and asourceofinformation for the community. Sportingabold redtitle and distributing500 000 copies everyWednesday, thenewspaper transformeditself into atrusted source of information.
BloemExpress achievedmilestones as asolo edition. We are grateful for the patronagewe enjoyed acrossboth public and privatelevels of society. This supportinspired the publication to reachgreater heights
However, we areembracingan equallysignificant change –digital publishing, whichhas become a
catalystinthe globalmedia industryand continuestoshape the medialandscape
BloemExpress is mergingits team with itssisterpublication BloemNews/BloemNuus to allow for morediverse and in-depth newspaperarticles,niche topics, and specialisedcontent. This transition will instantlyconsolidatetwo audiences,givingthe new brand alargercustomerbaseand adominantposition in itsniche
This change wasnecessitated by variouseconomicfactors that negativelyimpactedadvertising revenueinthe Free Stateand broader South Africa. Severalprint publications have experienced a significant, long-term decline as advertisersmigrate their budgets to digital platforms.Some have unfortunately closed
This newchapter comeswith benefits for readers and businesses,withthe primarygoalof continuingtoadd value.So, to our patrons –readersand businesses alike– youcan expectlastingvalue during thistransformative period
Coverage of newsworthy communitydevelopmentsand events will continue –enhancing credibility and unlocking business benefits for the commercial market
Watchthisspace andbeamong the firsttograbacopyofthe new publication.
mentalities used in thecommissionof moneylaunderingoffences linked to the irregularR230 million Free State asbestos roofing tender
“Itshould be noted that this forfeitureorder is distinct from the criminal recovery order that requires aconvictionand is civil in nature The respondents in theforfeitureapplication failedtodischarge the burden of provinganinnocentowner defence as theyraisedabaredenial with no credible evidence demonstratinga legitimatesourceoffundingfor the acquisition of the assets in question. Hence the finalforfeitureorder in favour of the State,”saidKganyago.
He said thecourt dismissedtechnical defences raised by the respondents,includingarguments regarding theexpiryofthe preservation order andthe existence of parallelcriminal proceedings
“Thedismissalconfirmed that all
procedural requirements were met andthatcivil forfeitureproceedings arenot barred by pending criminal cases,”said Kganyago He said an in-depth investigation revealedthe assets hadbeenregisteredunder varioustrustslinkedto individuals associated with the asbestostender. Theseincludethe McGina Property Trust, the VillaCastello Residence Trust, and the SABFamily Trust. He said the forfeited assets resulted from the National Directorof Public Prosecutions (NDPP) tracing the flow of funds from the Free State DepartmentofHuman Settlements to the acquisition of theseassets Initially, the AssetForfeitureUnit (AFU) hadfrozenR300 million in assets This includedhigh-end sports cars ownedbySodiand his firm, BlackheadConsulting. Amongthem area Rolls-RoyceGhost, aBentleyContinental convertible,and a
PorscheCayenne SCoupe.Intotal, 25 vehicles were registeredtoBlackhead, includingaFerrari,another Porsche, and another Bentley. Accordingtothe NPAreport, Sodi initially enteredacourt-ordered arrangementregardingthe seizureofhis assets wherebythe AFUwould retain luxuryproperties to the value of R260 million forthe purposes of afuture confiscation order,and the vehicles were returnedtohim Theother R40 million wasfromassets of some of the other defendants Thestate described the fraudulent scheme as oneconceived by officialsinthe departmenttodisburse substantial sums of moneytoselected suppliersand contractorstoavoid the funds becomingunspent. Thefraud features prominentlyinthe StateCapture Commission (Zondo Commission), particularly in the Part 4Report released in April2022.
LIENTJIE MENTZ
In aproactiveefforttocurbthe scourge of gangsterism andsubstance abuse within the learningenvironment, members of the police’sAnti-Gangunit (AGU)inBloemfontein conducted a surprisesearchand seizureoperation at the Dr BöhmerSchoolofSkills on the morningof10March Theoperation wasexecutedaspartofthe police’s ongoingmandate to eliminatecriminal elements in schools and ensurea safe environmentfor both learners and educators. During the intelligence-ledraid, AGUmembers systematicallysearched 18 classrooms Theoperation yielded significant results,with members

seizinga varietyofcontraband and illegalitems found in the possession of learners Theseincludevarious knives andbalaclavas, dagga, cigarettes and electronicvapes,aswell as quantities of copper wire
Thelearnersfound to be in possession of theseitems were immediately processedand handedovertothe school’s managementteamfor internal disciplinaryprocedures and intervention.Sgt MahlomolaKareli said the policeremainedcommittedtoits Safe Schools Protocol (SSP)initiative. On 19 Marchthe same wasdoneata school in Winburg, and on 20 Marcha search wasdoneatthe Thabo Thokoza SecondarySchoolinBethlehem This initiativeforms part of ongoing interventionsaimedatcreatingsafer learningenvironments.Itfollows recent incidents of bullyingand misconduct reported at the school, whichhighlighted the need forvisible and proactive crime prevention measures
BloemShow, the premier consumer eventinCentral South Africa,will celebratethe milestone of 143 yearsduring its stagingfrom23April to 2May
This annual eventisa majorattraction in South Africa,uniquelycombining agricultural championships,entertainment, andtrade exhibitions into asingle 10-day festival.
Themilestone celebrationwill feature avibrantand refreshingtheme:“Beach PartyinBloem!” This consumer eventis organised by the BloemShowand the ShowgroundsDevelopment Trust.
ElmariePrinsloo, the long-standing chief executiveofficer (CEO)ofthe BloemShow, said careful planninghas
ensured the deliveryofoverall quality.
“This year’s showpromises awaveof new experiences,refreshedtraditions, andexcitingattractions forthe whole family. This year’s theme invites visitors to see, feel, and explorethe BloemShow from anew angle –parkdifferently, walk differently, experience differently. The show emphasises real,sensory experiences,encouragingvisitorstoenjoy things no device or mediacan replace,” said Prinsloo.
Shesaidplanning hadbeenredesigned to adapttothe devastatingfootand-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, which preventedcattle and small livestockchampionships
“Bloem Show hasadapted with innovation and resilience,despitea
challengingstarttothe year due to the outbreak of the disease,” said Prinsloo Agricultureand livestock exhibitionsare making astrongcomeback, showcasingtheir contribution to the country’seconomic growth This year’s expandedagricultural programme includes five championships, includingthe WorldOutdoor Saddle HorseChampionship TheBloem Show maintainsits reputation as acatalystfor growth in the Free State, injectingroughlyR100 million into the localeconomy forBloemfontein and the province annually. It continues to create opportunities forentrepreneurs, the privateand public sectorstoshowcasetheir products and services

Ayoung autobodyrepair apprenticefromBloemfontein, Mesuli NandeGxalaba(21), has earned national recognition afterwinning thegold medalin theAutobodyRepair category at theWorldSkills South Africa (WSZA) national competition.
He scoopedthe national gold medalduringthe competition that washeld from 8to12March at the Chief AlbertLuthuli International ConventionCentrein KwaZulu-Natal.
Gxalaba is an apprentice at Technicolour AutobodyRepair in Bloemfontein, aSouth African MotorBodyRepair (SAMBRA) accredited workshop.
Hiswin automaticallysecured his place to representSouth Africaatthe global WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai, China, in September 2026.
Thenational legofthe competition alsosaw strong performances from Gxalaba'sfellow Free Statecompetitors. Setlhare Onthatile Motlomelo (21), also from Technicolour,scooped silver while SizweMotaung(22) from B&H Panelbeaters secured the bronzemedal, highlighting the strength of talentemerging from the region.
All three competitorsare apprentices linked to the Motheo TVET College in Bloemfontein. Thetrainingprogrammes continue to produce highlyskilled artisans
Vuyane Ndamane,Autobody RepairsFacilitatoratMotheo and coachtothe competitors, said the results areatestament to the dedication and determination shown by the apprentices throughout the competition.
“I am extremelyproud of the team. They demonstrated not onlyahighlevel of technical
abilityand passion for thetrade, butalsoresilience, hard work and tenacity throughout the competition,”said Ndamane He emphasisedthe significanceofthis achievementin inspiringGxalabaand preparing him for theinternationalstage “Therealworkbeginsnow as we prepareGxalabafor the international competition, which isjust five months away.Our focusistosecurethe rightlevel of specialisedtrainingand industrysupporttoensurehecan competeatglobalstandards,” said Ndamane
He hasplayedakey role in preparing the competitors for the national competition, workingclosely with industry partners such as Technicolour Autobody Repair,which supportedthe training process by providingaccesstothe tools, equipment, and workplace exposure aligned with international autobodyrepair standards
ForGxalaba, the victory reflects months of intensive preparation. “After winning the provincials we trainedlikecrazy We were hungry for that global podium,” he said WorldSkillsSouth Africaforms part of the globalWorldSkills International movement,which promotes vocational and technical excellence acrossmore than 70 membercountries and provides aplatformfor young artisans to benchmarktheir skills againstinternational standards
“For South Africa'sautomotive sector,the successofcompetitorslikeGxalabahighlights the depth of talentemerging through technicaltrainingand apprenticeships,reinforcingthe importanceofcontinued investmentinartisan development and industry partnerships,"said Louis vanHuyssteen, national trainingdirectoratthe RMI.


South Africa’s paperrecyclingratereached 63,3% last year,animprovementfrom60% in 2024, the PaperManufacturersAssociation of South Africa (Pamsa) hasrevealed.
This increase wasachievedthrough theefforts made by papermills anda nationwide network of collectors– includingsmall recyclingbusinesses and informalwaste pickers
About1,2 million tonnes of paperand paper packagingare diverted from landfill each year and returnedtothe recyclingloop, accordingto Pamsa.
Thetheme for this year’s Global Recycling Day, heldannuallyon18March,was “Don’t Think Waste– Think Opportunity”
Theday is designed to raiseawarenessand promoterecyclingasa vitalresourcetocombatclimatechange, save energy andsupporta circular economy.
Pamsastatedthatwhile this progress reflected the growingrole that consumersplayinkeeping recyclable materials in circulation, therewas still significant room for improvement.
“Unfortunately,a substantial volume is still endingupinlandfill or the environmentdue to poor wasteseparationand recyclinghabits,” said
Cholesstressedthatevery tonne of recycled papersaved around 3m3 of landfill space
“Ifbaled, therecovered material would cover the equivalent of 218 football fields or 154 rugby fields, fill 1438 Olympic-sized swimmingpools, or stretch1 797 km,iflaidend to end– roughly the distance from Cape Town to the Kruger National Park,” shesaid.
Recyclingmorepaper involves the following:
■ Know what canberecycled. Items such as office paper, cardboardboxes,cerealboxes, magazines andnewspapers,aswell as milk and beverage cartons canall be recycled;wet or dirty paperproducts,tissues,nappies and laminated papershould be disposed of as generalwaste
■ Keep paperseparate, cleanand dry. Remove plastic windows, tape,staples or other non-papercomponents wherepossible before recycling.
■ Supportlocal recyclingsystems.Consumersare urgedtocollect paper, usemunicipal recyclingprogrammeswhere available,ordrop materials off at recyclingcentres or shopping mall recyclingpoints.
FinanceMinister EnochGodongwana announceda3.4% increase in alcoholic beverages in the2026 Budget Speech, effectivefrom 1April.
Theincrease aligns with inflation as part of the government’s fiscal strategy while moderatingprices to balance revenueand consumption concerns.Yet,despiteyears of tax hikes on alcohol, South Africa ranksamongthe top five countries globally in alcoholconsumption per drinker, at around 30 litres annually.
This persistent overconsumptionreflects anational challenge that extends far beyond economics. Widespreadmisuseofalcohol has severe consequences forroadsafety, crime rates, domestic stability, and workplace productivity.
South Africa’s drinking cultureisstronglyembeddedinsocialand cultural practices,where alcohol is seen as anormalfeature of gatherings, celebrations, and even day-to-day routines The impact of this extends acrosssociety. Acommon issueisthatmanyindividualsunderestimate their levelofintoxication,makingdecisions that putthemselves and othersatrisk.
South Africa's drinking patternshaveevolved over the decades.Inthe 1990s,alcohol wasmore openly accepted in professional environments, with daytime drinking duringbusinessmeetings notuncommon.
At the same time,public awarenessofalcohol's dangers, particularly its effects on driving, waslimited Thelegal drink-drivinglimit then stoodat 0,35mgper litreofbreath, whichwas later loweredto0,24mgfor ordinarydrivers and 0,10mgfor professional driverssuchasbus,taxi, and truckdrivers Theintention wastoimprove safety by reducingthe amountofalcohol drivers could legallyconsume
However, this shift wasnot supportedbyconsistentenforcementorbroad education campaigns.Reducingharmful alcoholconsumption requiresboth immediateenforcementand longterm cultural change.Short-terminterventions include stronger lawenforcementatroadblocks, consistent application of drink-drivinglaws, and widespreaduse of breathalyser testinginpublic and workplace contexts
In the longerterm, meaningful change depends on reshapingsocialnorms This canonly be achievedthrough sustainedinvestmentin youth education and awarenessprogrammes, teachingchildren from ayoung ageabout alcohol'shealth risksand its dangersonthe road and in the workplace.Overtime,this kind of education canshift public perception,making drink-drivingsociallyunacceptable,but such cultural change is agenerational processthat takes decades to achieve
Breathalysersare acritical tool in reducingalcohol-related harm.For lawenforcement, roadside testingprovides objectiveresults that deter drink-drivingand hold driversaccountable In workplaces,especiallyinhigh-riskindustries such as mining, construction,and manufacturing, regulartestinghelps protectboth safety and productivitybyensuringemployees arenot impaired on the job.
Equallyimportantismakingbreathtestinga standardprocedurefollowing accidents,whether on the road or in the workplace.Immediate testingprovides clarity aboutwhether alcohol played arole,supports fairinvestigations,and reinforces accountability.
When this practice is routinelyimplemented,organisationsand authorities send aclear message that alcohol-related negligence will not be tolerated
Taxhikes alonecannotundo decades of entrenched drinking habits.A balancedapproach is required– firm enforcementthrough roadside and workplace breath testing, consistent accountabilityafter accidents,and long-term investmentineducation that reshapes social norms.
■ Evans is themanaging director of amedical equipmentsupplier that specialisesindrug andalcohol screening tests






TheUniversity of theFreeState (UFS) will confer honorary doctorates on four distinguished women during its upcoming autumn graduation ceremoniestobeheld on theuniversity’sBloemfontein and Qwaqwa campuses
Theceremonies will runfrom10 to 18 April, with the main campus hostingalargernumber.
Theuniversity will alsoaward a Council Medalinrecognition of exceptionalcontributions to musicand the arts in additiontothe honorary doctorates
Four recipients of the prestigious recognition areIngridWinterbach, ZukiswaWanner,ProfRelebohile Moletsane,and SheilaSisulu
Theuniversity bestowshonorarydegrees on individuals whose achievements reflectthe university's values and aspirations
This is in keepingwith theuniversity’s strategic vision of advancing Responsible Societal Futures(RSF)
“Through thesehonourswe celebrateindividualswhosework embodiesthe transformativepower of knowledge,creativity, and leadership in serviceofsociety
“Thehonoureesreflectour commitmenttoadvancingResponsibleSocietal Futures– recognising scholars, writers, and leaderswhose contributions challenge us to think critically,act ethically,and contribute meaningfully to amorejustand inclusive world,”said Prof.HesterKlopper, vice-chancellorand principal of the UFS.
Therecipients of thehonorarydoctorate degreesare:
■ Ingrid Winterbach –DoctorofLiterature(DLitt) (honoris causa):
An acclaimed author andvisual artist, Winterbach will receivethe honoraryDoctorofLiteraturedegree in recognition of heroutstanding contribution to South Africanliteratureand the arts.Widely regarded as one of the mostinfluentialvoices in contemporary Afrikaans literature,Winterbachhas publishedan
acclaimedbodyofworknoted for its intellectual depth, stylistic innovation, andsocio-political insight.Her novels have received numerousprestigious awards,includingthe HertzogPrize, the WA Hofmeyr Prize, the M-Net Prize, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Prizefor CreativeWriting, and the kykNet-Rapport Prize. Herwork hasbeentranslatedintoseveral languages,cementingher international reputation.
■ ZukiswaWanner –DoctorofLiterature (DLitt) (honoris causa):
An author,publisher,and cultural commentator, Wanner will receive thehonoraryDoctorofLiterature degree in recognitionofher contribution to Africanliteratureand cultural discourse
Shehas authored severalnovels includingchildren'sbooks andworks of non-fiction.
Heraward-winningnovel London Cape Town Joburg received the South AfricanLiteraryAward andwas later adaptedfor the stage, firstperformed at the UFS. Wanner is alsoknown



forchampioningAfrican writersand foundedthe virtual literaryfestival Afrolit Sans Frontières,whichbrought together morethan80writers from across Africaand the diaspora
■ Prof.RelebohileMoletsane –Doctor of Education (honoris causa):
Moletsane will receivethe honorary Doctor of Education degree in recognition of her contribution to research addressing genderinequalityand social justice.She holdsthe FALF-WitsNRF Research Chair in gender-based violence and femicide at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and serves as aUnescoUniTwin Co-Chair in mental health and psychological supportfor teachersand learners.
■ SheilaSisulu –DoctorofEducation (honoris causa): Sisulu will receivethe honorary Doctor of Education degree in recognition of her distinguishedcontributions to education,public service, andsocialdevelopment. Arespected South African diplomat and advocate, Sisulu served as chancellor of the Walter Sisulu University (WSU)until
2023. Shealsoheld senior leadership roles at the United NationsWorld Food Programme in Rome between 2003 and 2013, includingdeputyexecutivedirectorfor Policyand External Affairs.
Earlier in her career,she served as South Africanambassadortothe United States and Consul General in NewYork. Sisulu hasalsoplayed significant leadership roles in civil societyand government, contributingto education policy, youth development, genderequity,and earlychildhood developmentinitiatives
TheUFS Council Medalwill be awardedtoProf. Anmari vander Westhuizen Joubertinrecognition of her exceptionalcontribution to music and musiceducation
An internationally acclaimedcellist, she serves as adjunct professorand head of the Odeion String Quartetat the UFS.
Herdistinguishedcareerincludes performanceswith majorSouth Africanorchestras and international appearances in morethan15countries








TheToyotaStadium in Bloemfontein will host future Springboktestmatches following elevation to Class B(Tier 2) test match status ayearafter it was downgraded to aClass C venue.
Delays in improvingthe status have resulted in the stadium not beingearmarked for the Nations Championship, featuringEngland, Scotland and Wales in July
TheFreeState Cheetahs and Free StateRugby Union (FSRU) confirmed the excitingnews of futureBoksmatches recently, on 25 February.
TheSouth African Rugby Union (Saru) downgraded the stadium to ClassC, significantly restrictingitfrom hostingtop-tier Springboktest matches
Thedecision to downgrade the stadium in Februarylast year wasdue to variousfactors, includinglimited flight access and accommodation capacity, as well as maintenance concerns
Tier 2teststatusmeans the 45 000-capacitystadium now meetsthe required national standards to hostquality Springboktestmatches These standards relate to infrastructure, cosmetic updates, facilities, mediarequirements, hospitalityareas,and the overallspectator experience
TheFSRUand the Cheetahs have welcomedthis significant developmentthatwillboost the sportinthe province and Bloemfontein.
Touring sides like Argentina, Italy, Wales, Japan, the BarbarianF.C., and even aWorld XV, canplayagain in the city
Rory Duncan, outgoingCEO of the Cheetahs,has expressed excitement.
“Thebig thingisthat we look forward to hostingtest matchesand we knowthe next test matchcycle.Weknow that Saru is alsochangingits commercialmodel,and we arehopeful that in thefuture we will hosttestmatches in Bloemfontein.”
Accordingtoboth the union and the Cheetahs,the stadium upgrade hassignificant bene-
fits,positioningBloemfontein onceagain as aviable hostcity forqualityinternationalrugby events andaffirmingthatthe stadium is equippedtoaccommodate internationalteams
Stakeholders pointedout that the significant achievementofupgrading the stadium status wasthe result of strong collaboration. They includethe FSRU,FSCheetahs,Mangaung MetroMunicipality,FreeState Sports Confederation andSaru.
Thelasttestmatch the Springboks played at the stadium wasagainstPortugal on 20 July 2024, with the Boks winning64– 21.
Accordingtothe parties,the upgradeofthe stadium has potentialbenefits including boostingtourism,increasing hospitalitydemandinhotels, boostingrestauranttrade, supportinglocal transport providers, andstimulatingretail activity. It is envisagedthis will alsoincrease the potential for creatingevent-related job opportunities
Thestadium hostedmatches forthe 1995Rugby WorldCup and2010 Fifa WorldCup

Matthys Corneluis Malan of the CentralUniversityofTechnology(CUT),FreeState,Ixiasteamduring acrucial match theylostagainst the UniversityofJohannesburg (UJ) at the CUTStadium in Bloemfontein.Thematch wasplayedonMonday. PHOTO:Supplied
TEBOHO SETENA
Thefutureofthe men’sside of the CentralUniversity of Technology (CUT),FreeState,inthe premierVarsity Cupisuncertain. They arewinlessafter six rounds of matches played thus far in the competition
In their finalmatch of this year’s edition of the competition,theywill face the rampant Maties of the Stellenbosch University (SU) in a fixtureto
be played in Bloemfontein The visiting team from theWestern Cape,currently in fourth position on the log, desperatelyneeds maximumpoints to cementtheir placeinthe semifinals
Whilethe Ixiashavea history of narrow escapesfrom the “relegation axe” over the years, the prospectsofsuchan escape look impossible Their 13 –29losstothe University of Johannesburg(UJ)onMon-
day23March worsenedtheir situation. Last year the Bloemfontein lads avoidedrelegationby defeatingMadibaz64– 16 in a playoff TheIxias face relegation to the Varsity Shield, the second-tier university rugby union competitioninSouth Africa They find themselves on the knife’s edge owingtodismalperformance,despitethe appointmentofnew personnel in thetechnicaldepartment.

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TheUniversity of the Free State’s(UFS) men’s rugbyside,the Shimlas,will play to thebestof their abilityinanattempt to salvagetheir pride in theirnextVarsity Cup fixture.

This match is againstthe Durban-based Emeris rugbyteam(known as the Comets) of the IndependentInstituteofEducation’s(IIE) Varsity CollegeonMonday 30 March. Thetwo-time cupwinner is notguaranteed a semifinalspot, despitesucceedinginacrucial 40 –33bonus-point winoverthe defending champions,the Ikeys, of the University of Cape








