Bloem Express E-edition 11 February 2026

Voterportal open to public

TheElectoral Commission of South Africa(IEC) hascalled on eligible South Africans aged 16 years and older to register andupdatetheir details on thenational Online Voter Registration portal to qualifyto vote in the2026 local government elections TheCommission announcedOnlineVoter Registration officiallyopenedon Thursday5 February.

In addition to registeringonline, eligible voters canverify their registration status.Members of the public canfulfilthe processbyvisiting registertovote.elections.org.za.

Thedatefor the upcomingmunicipalelections is yettobeannounced

TheIEC stressed that the Online VoterRegistration campaign marked amajor step towardspreparations for the 2026 localelections

In 2021,the commission introducedthe online portal –a self-service voterregistration system –which hasproveneffectiveamongSouth Africans.Itenables citizens to register, update,and verify their details remotely; significantly improvingthe accessibility, efficiency, and integrity of thevoter registration process.

George Mahlangu,actingchief electoral officer of theIEC,said the commission wasmaximising theefforts to empowerall voters, particularly young people,toactively participateinSouth Africa’sdemocratic and electoral processes.

“Weurgeall eligible South Africans to registeronline,and those alreadyregisteredtoverify and, where necessary,updatetheir address details,” he said.

Accordingtothe IEC, the portal

recorded 26 743 newly registered votersinjustoveramonth this year

This hasincreased the totalnumberofregisteredvotersto27718 204, andthe highly sought-after youth demographic nowaccounts for 7756 911 registered voters,the commission revealed

From Januarythrough September 2025, over 305 200 new voters registeredacrossall platforms.Interms of genderdemographics, women accountfor approximately55% (15 334 103) of allregisteredvoters, while men accountfor 44,75% (12384 101) Accordingtothe commission, during 2025, over 52% of new registrations were women, maintainingtheir majority on the voters’ roll.

“This is underscoringthe urgent need to intensify efforts to mobilise young people ahead of the 2026 local governmentelections

“Itensures voterscan continue to shapethe affairs of their communitiesby participatinginelections in the wardswhere theyordinarily reside,” said Mahlangu

He said the commission would continuetointensify voterregistrationand civic educationinitiatives at institutions of learning nationwide, reinforcing civicand democracy drivesaimed at youngpeople.

Eligible South Africans with avalid identity documentcan registerto vote or updatetheir details online

“Voterswho qualify will onlybe permittedtovoteatthe votingstation where theyare registered.

“Itisthereforeessential that voters ensure their registrationdetails, includingtheir votingdistrict and votingstation, arecorrect andupto dateahead of electionday,” confirmed Mahlangu

Mangaung Metromayoral candidatepoised forchange

TEBOHO SETENA

TheDA’sMangaung Metromayoral candidate, Werner Pretorius (36), is poised forthe dauntingtaskofrescuingthe trouble-riddled municipality in line with the party’saspirationtotake over andrun it as a flagship municipality. Theoppositionparty in theFree Stateannouncedhim on Monday 9 February, at amedia eventheldatthe Edge, NavalHill in Bloemfontein.

Themainoppositionparty is targetingthe municipality in theFreeState’s capitaltodemonstrategovernance capability, competence,and the ability to deliver basicservices Theparty namedPretorius ahead of the crucial 2026 localgovernmentelections

Pretorius said he wasappreciative of the responsibilitybestowedonhim as mayoralcandidate by the party, and noted that it wasa mammoth taskof bringinga run-down municipality to full recovery andprosperity.

Callingonvoterstoalsoembark on seriousintrospection, Pretorius hasnoted that voters’confidence andpsychological mindset remain crucial in theparty’s aspirations to rescue the collapsedmunicipality and bringabout real change in thelives of residents “Voters, we must be clearabout the currentstate of the Mangaung Municipality andthe massivetaskweface. TheMangaung Metroisthe worst-run metropolitan municipality in the Republic of South Africa.Votersin Mangaung need to setthe tone of what good governance is in therestofthe Free Statebyvoting forthe DA,which hasa good trackrecordand blueprint in municipalities we govern in South Africa,” said Pretorius

He described the municipality under the rulingparty as asubjectfor research

Centlec grants 60-day amnestyfor connections

TEBOHO SETENA

Centlec, electricitysupplier to consumers in the Mangaung Metro, haslauncheda 60-day general amnesty for consumers with illegalelectricityconnections The amnestyisfor customerswith illegal, tampered, or movedmeter boxeswho voluntarilydisclosetheir status Theentityannounced the amnesty aimedatallowing residents in the Mangaung Metrotoregularisetheir accounts without facingimmediatepenalties or criminal prosecution. It stated this followeda resolution taken by the Mangaung Metrocouncil on 29 January, approvingthe proposal submittedbythe powerutilityand its board.

TselisoLeba, acting spokesperson for Centlec, said the initiativeiseffectivefrom 30 Januaryuntil theend of April, excludingholidaysand weekends Therefore, customersare advised to act promptly. After the 60-day period,the utility will resume strict penalties,includingdoubling fees for second offences and potentially removingservice for repeated issues

“Inthe previous financial year,more than 500meterswereidentified as having been tamperedwith,” said Leba “MorethanR12 million in fines were issued.Fines ranged from R17 251,65 to R71 945,92, dependingonthe type and the connection size,” said Leba He said as of December2024, more than 13 000 meterswere flaggedasnot purchasing electricity, following continuedinvestigations to ensure compliance Theentitydistributes electricityto approximately186 858 customers. The entitypointedthat illegalconnections

and electricitytheft significantly impact its operations through financial losses, infrastructure damage,and service disruptions

Leba said the amnesty wasdesigned as aclean-slate interventionaimedat reintegratinginformaland low-income electricity usersintothe regulatedsystem, while promotingfairness, compliance, and long-termsystemstability. Consumerswho voluntarily disclosemeter tampering or illegal connections during theamnesty period standtobenefitinthe following ways:

■ Qualify for afull waiver of penalties–finesand back-dated billingpenalties for tampering will be waived,though some casesmay be subjecttoareduced flat fee.

■ Immunity –nocriminal prosecution for electricitytheft,providedanacknowledgmentofdebtissigned.

■ Free normalisation –Centlec teams will fixand seal the meters for free

Affectedconsumerswill be required to complete adeclaration of electricity metertampering or illegalconnection formaswell asarequestfor electricity meternormalisation form. Addedtothat, applicantsmustprovide proofofhome ownership where applicable,a quotation or fine imposedand avalididentity document(ID). A five-day waitingperiod to assess the application applies.Affected consumersare urgedtomakeuse of this opportunitytoregularisetheir electricity supplyand ensure compliance necessary to maintain areliable electricitynetwork for all.

Forenquiries,customerscan contact the number 051 412 2621 duringoffice hours.

“TheMangaung municipalityisa textbook case of afailed municipality. Anyone wantingtowrite aPhD thesis or textbookcan useMangaung to write their thesis,” said Pretorius,referring to numerousfactorsthatled to the municipalitybeingplacedunderadministration,inadditiontothe current leadership’s inabilitytoimplement desired change

TheDA’srole hascontinuedprimarilyasavocal opposition partyand, at times,through coalition-aligned positions in the province.Atthe height of political turmoil in early 2023, the partybrieflyheld twokey positionsin the council. Maryke Davies waselected speakerofthe council, and David Masoeu waselected as chief whip

Following the 2016 municipal elections,the DA formed its first-ever coalition in the Free Stateinthe Metsimaholo LocalMunicipalitywith theEFF,FF+,and the Metsimaholo CommunityAssociation (MCA). This

coalition began in August 2016, but collapsedafter the MCAwithdrew its support, leadingtoits dissolution in July 2017. By-elections were heldand the DA lostcontrol to an SACP-led coalition Currentlyunderadministration,the Mangaung Metroremains in asevere financial crisis and effectivelybankrupt.Despitemanagementclaims of “improved performance,” the metro facesongoingdebtdowngrades due to poor governance and significant debt, includingR1,1 billion owed to Eskom and R921 million to awater board, causingmassive infrastructureand service deliveryfailures

Themunicipalityisessentially insolvent,with liabilities exceedingassets by R468 million, and unauthorised expendituresatnearlyR1,9 billion As far as service deliveryfailures areconcerned, the cityfaces amajor infrastructurecrisis, with road repairs estimated at over R7,5 billion

SEARCH STILL ON FORMOTHER ANDTHREE CHILDREN

ThepoliceinBloemfonteinare continuing theirintensivesearchfor four membersofthe Moipolai family who have been reported as missing. This includes themother and threeminor children

They are: Merriam Moipolai (43); her two sons, Bokang (12) and Lebohang (3); and herdaughter Kenalemang (6).

Lt Col. Thabo Covane,spokespersonfor the policeinthe Mangaung Metro, said amissing person case had been opened on Friday6February

at theMangaung Police Station, prompting an intensive search forall four TheMangaung FamilyViolence, ChildProtection and Sexual Offences (FCS)unitissearching forthem. Covane said accordingtoMoipolai’s husband, Petrus Tlhakudi (53), she had left their home with the children on 4Februaryatabout 11:00.She reportedly told himshe wasgoing to a localshopping complex to fetchgrant money. However, theynever returned home to their residence in Khotsong,

Bloemfontein

Covane said that efforts to trace Moipolai and the three children to the residences of closerelatives were unsuccessful, as theyreported they had not seen herorthe children. Anymember of the publicwho might knowthe whereabouts of Moipolai and the children is requested to contact Capt.NikiweMokatsanyane on 082453 0815 or to visittheir nearestpolicestation. Alternatively, theycan call the SAPS Crime Stop number,08600 10111.

Hands off Lourierpark land, court rules

LIENTJIE MENTZ

TheFreeState High CourtonMonday6Februaryissuedaninterim order following the DA’s application relatedtoworkstarted by the Mangaung Metroonunlawfully occupiedlandnearLourier Park in Bloemfontein.

Thecourt hereby ordered that the metromustcease the preparatory work on part of the Brandkop farm andthe land in the vicinityof Lourier Park

Greg vanNoord,DAward councilor in the part of Bloemfontein that includesLourier Park, Bloemdal andFerreira, says the courtapplicationcomesafter the municipality hadnot been able to provide satisfactoryanswers about the development that hasbeen taking placethere recently.

Thescrapingofroads andpreparations to install services in the area alongthe Jagersfontein Road

(R706) have recentlybeennoticed

Thecourt hasordered that the metro ceaseall preparations, including the scraping, gradingand levelling of the site;demarcation of sites; installation of municipalservices (whether temporaryorpermanent);and installation of ablution facilities or other structures

VanNoord said this wasamatter of the ANC metroaddinganother informalsettlementtothe 52 othersinMangaungwhereresidents have been waitingfor the dignityof basicservices foryears;this matter remainsfundamentallyabout the rule of lawand lawful housing delivery– notaccesstoland.

The“dumpingofpeople” on vacant, unservicedland without legal township establishment, engineeringservices or planningapproval does notconstitutehousing, stated VanNoord.Itentrenches indignity, createslong-term crises in service delivery, and directlycontradicts

both the Constitution and national housingpolicy.

ExecutiveMayor Gregory Nthatisihit back at anews conference on Monday that other parties, especially the DA,wereinterfering with the metro’splans to givethose in need aplace to stay.According to him,thereare 79 000 people in the metrowho arelooking for accommodation,ofwhichabout 35 000 areinBloemfontein alone.

“Wehavetotakecareofthese residents ThoselivinginM-section in Botshabelo have to takethree to four busestoget to work.Wewant to bringthem closer to their workplaces.Weask communities to just be patient. We want to getthem habitableplaces to stay by June this year,” he told the media.

Nthatisiwarnedpeoplenot to occupy land if notpermittedbythe Mangaung Metro.

Thecourt rulingwas postponed to 5March

Strategy to reform education rolledo

TheFreeState DepartmentofEducation is forging aheadwith its commitmenttosystemicreform of Early Childhood Care andEducation (ECCE)

This is beingdone in the wake of an announcementbythe MECfor Education, Dr JuliaMaboya, duringthe 2025 matricWell-Done Function in January.

AccordingtoMaboya, earlylearning and foundational literacyand numeracyprogrammes arepositionedas non-negotiable pillarsfor sustainable improvementacrossthe system.She said part of the strategy would involve trainingpractitionersinthe earlychildhood development(ECD) centresand teacher developmentprogrammes to be better equipped to focusoncurriculum mastery, subjectknowledge,diagnostic teaching, and differentiated instruction that responds to learner needs.

“Our view is that education must become an engine of economic inclusion, not merelyagatekeeperofcredentials.It is for this reason that we have developed a five-yearplantodiversify ourschools with abiastowards an increase in the number of technical schools,agricultural schools,artsschools,and high-tech schools offeringcoding, robotics and drone flyingasanextracurricular activity,” said Maboya

Shesaid the departmenthad resolved to focusonthe following priorities:

■ Curriculum deliveryacrossall grades will place emphasis on depth over cover-

age; understanding over memorisation; and application over recall; while assessmentpractices will be strengthenedto better evaluate reasoning, problem-solving, and conceptual clarity.

■ Districts will be strengthenedasengines of instructionalleadership,with a stronger focusonearly interventionand morestrategic useoflearner performancedatatoguide support.

■ Accountabilityand consequence managementsystems will be reinforced through improvedmonitoring andevaluation, regularfeedback on programme

FOCUSON: DR VIVIAN SIMMONS

implementatio enedschool-b to trackimpac

■ Awhole-sch with targeted implementedt underperformin er primarysch

■ An intensifi to deliver high tion that is re economy, inc to andparticip subjects

Screeningsprove vital

In recognition of ColorectalCancerAwareness Month, whichtakes place every March worldwide, amajor communityhealth initiativeisunderway in the centralregionofSouth Africa

On 5and 6March,DrVivianSimmons, aspecialist surgeon, in partnership with Emoyamed Bloemfontein and other medicalprofessionals, will host acolorectalcancer awarenessendoscopymarathon to providefreescreeningsto60 patients

The eventcoincideswith International ColorectalCancer Awareness Dayon6 March, akey date duringthe globalawareness campaign that highlightsthe importanceofearly detectionfor colorectalcancer – one of the most preventable forms of cancer when caught earlythrough screening

Colorectalcancer,which affects the colon or rectum, remains asignificanthealth concern in South Africa,ranking among thetop cancers among both men and women.

Early stages often shownosymptoms, making proactive screening essential. The initiative aims to reachthose whomight otherwise face barriers to testing

Patients from the centralregion – including thoseonmedicalaid,private pay, andgovernment-assisted programmes – areeligible to apply

Prioritywill be giventoindividuals displaying common warning signs or risk factors,suchas:

■ astrongfamily history of colorectal cancer;

■ blood in the stool;

■ changes in bowelhabits; or

■ unexplainedweightloss.

The free endoscopyscreenings (colonoscopies) will allowdoctorstodetectprecancerouspolyps or early-stagecancer,potentiallysaving lives through timelyintervention.

Simmons,who practisesatEmoyamedBloemfontein and hasaspecial interest ingastroenterology,emphasisedthe campaign's goal of making life-saving screening accessible

EmoyamedBloemfontein, amodernacute care and rehabilitationfacilityinGroenvlei, provides the idealsetting with itsadvanced theatre complex and specialist support.

This marathon builds on globalefforts during March, recognisedinternationallyasColorectal Cancer Awareness Monthsinceits designationin

America in 2000 and supported by organisations worldwidetopromotescreening starting at appropriate ages,healthylifestyles, and awareness of symptoms.

Interestedindividuals areencouraged to contact the team promptly, as spaces arelimited to 60 patients over the twodays.

Formoreinformation or to book ascreening phone 051 0117818 or 071894 5503 during office hours.

This community-driveneffortunderscores the powerofcollaboration in the fight againstcolorectalcancer – earlydetection truly saveslives Residents in the Free Stateand surrounding areasare urgednot to delay; if youqualify, take this opportunitytoprioritiseyour health.

Band aimstocapture fans

TEBOHO SETENA

Themarimba band of the BrebnerPrimarySchool in Bloemfontein has established itself as part of South Africa’s vibrant marimba culture.

This ensemble of talented learnerscaptivateaudiences with their mastery of playingthe instrument’s unique rhythmic and melodic range.

They areastaple on the Bloemfontein musicscene, frequentlyperformingon their ownand sometimes alongside other talented regional bands

This groupisknown for its energetic liveperformances,whichinclude a mix of traditional Southern African rhythms and contemporaryarrangements

Evidence of thegroup possessing amazingtalent wastheir invitationtobe part of acollectiveeffortto breakthe GuinnessWorld Recordfor the largestmarimbaensemble

Themassive performance took place in Cape Town on 2Augustlast year,and featured arecord-breaking 1276-player

ensemble

Approximately12marimba bands from South Africa and Zimbabwe showcased their talent.

“Weare nowthe proud holders of that prestigious title, which we sharewith morethan1000 participants.

“WhilewewereinCape Town,wealsohad the opportunitytopromotethe Guinness WorldRecord eventfurther by performing at the V&AWaterfront,” said AyandaMay,band

manager.

Accordingtothe music teacher, this stands outas one of the highlights of the band.

Thebandhas been in existence for just over ayear and Maysaiditwas built on asolidfoundation. The band hasabout 30 full-time playersfromthe school, whoare in Gr.4 to Gr.7.

“TheBrebner Primary School hashad amarimba band for many years. Ourgroup wasformed between2024 and2025.

Some learnersstarted earlier,asfar back as 2022. Alongthe way, interested learners joinedour band andbecame ourpermanentmarimba family,”May explained.

Shesaidthe band stands outfromthe rest

“Weare not just an after-school cultural activity; we area united music familywith many memories in ourmidst.”

In 2024, theband debutedinthe Education Africa MarimbaFestival

held in Boksburg

“Wegained valuable experience following participationwith other schools around Southern Africa,” said May.

Locally, the band performsatvarious events, entertaining audiences at gala dinnersheld at venues includingrestaurants,oldagehomes and schools

Their latest performance wasatthe Free StateDepartmentofEducation’s 2025 Matric Well-Done Function heldatthe Central University of Technology (CUT),FreeState

Inspired by the musicalvibrancy, Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathaeperformed with the band asongtitled“Thabo dulafatshe”– much to the delightofthe audience “That wasindeed amomentwewill neverforget,” said May.

Maysaid that as aband theyhaveabig dream.

“Our vision is to one dayperformonone of the biggeststagesinthe world andshare ouruniqueness andexposeour talent.

“Importantly, we want to have fun while doingitand definitelymakemoreand morelasting memories,”

Exhibition elucidatesrelationshiptoinheritance,memory

Theexhibition titled Beyond Walls: EmergingContemporary Voices is still open for public viewingand for artpatrons to enjoy at the Oliewenhuis ArtMuseum in Bloemfontein. Curatedfromthe ArtbankSACollection,itofficially openedearly in Decemberand will closeon6April.

This exhibition reveals urgent themes coursing through contemporarySouth African art: intergenerational knowledge transmission; cultural custodianship; memory’scontested territories;and identity’scontinuous

formation. Arthereunfolds through layers of remembrance and revelation. BhekiSibiya’s indigenous symbolsencodeancestral knowledge of creation and time, whilst Hlavutelo Ngobeni’sclayvessels carrycenturies of ritual significance.

ThalenteKhomo’s haunting photograph Introspection:Usofa depicts abarefoot figure in white, identityobscuredbyaheaddress, seated in an eeriespace where childhood objects become portals to absenceand memory.

Asiphile Luthuli’s large-scale charcoal drawings render stress anddepression visible through masterful mark-making. TshogofatsoNkhumelengmapssurvival’s labyrinthine patterns where humandeterminationmirrors rats navigatingmazes –neither background nor circumstance determiningdestination.

Theexhibitioninvites viewers to recognisetheir ownnegotiations with inheritance,memory, andbecoming within these works. This is contemporary art that refuses to remain

My View

Qualityraises alleyebrows

ROBERTERASMUS

Access to safe andclean waterremains acritical concern in South Africa.Recentincidents, including ahighlycontaminated watersample from Secunda that showed extremelevels of E. coli,havehighlighted theurgentneed for faster andmorereliable waterquality monitoring across thecountry.

Public health depends on the safety of the water flowingthrough ourrivers, dams and municipalsystems,yet currentmonitoring processesoften struggle to detectcontamination before it reaches communities.Improvingthese systems will require acombination of practical testingmethods,independent oversightand communityinvolvement.

South Africa’s public watertestingframework is accurate, butslow. When contamination is suspected, samples arecollected,couriered to an accredited laboratory and cultured to detect biological threats.Whilepotential of hydrogen and chlorinelevels canbemeasuredquickly on-site, biological teststakeone to twoweeks becausethe organisms must be grownbefore results canbeconfirmed This delay leaves a dangerousgap in whichwater qualitycould deterioratewithout immediatedetection. Theprocessisalsocostly. Asingle accredited test,includinglogistics,can cost around R5 000, whichmakes frequenttestinginaccessiblefor householdsand many communityorganisations.

As aresult,manypeoplerelyonthe assumption that waterfromthe tapissafe.When contamination does occur, individualsmay fall ill without realisingthe causebecause thereis no real-time feedback on waterquality. In-housetestingcan speedupdetection. Although accredited labs arestill required for official reporting, newapproaches areemerging that canhelp organisationsidentify risks earlier Some companies arenow investinginequipmentthatallows them to carryout basictesting in-house. Thesetests arenot accredited,but theygivefast, useful readings that act as early warningindicators.Ifanorganisation detects abnormal results,itcan immediatelyescalate the matter to an accredited lab.

Routine monitoringalsoplays avaluable role Thesetests areinexpensive,easytoperform and canbecarried outcontinuously within businesses or localfacilities.Whiletheycannot detectbiological contamination,theyhelp ensure that the chemical balance of the waterstays within safe limits.When combined with monthly or cyclical biological testing, this createsa moreproactivemonitoringsystem.

This approach recentlyprovedcritical in Secunda, whereabusinessconductingits own branch-level testingdiscoveredthatmunicipal waterenteringthe site wascontaminated with sewage. Thein-housetest flaggedthe issue quickly,promptingfurther investigation. Withoutthis internal programme,the problem might have gone unnoticedfor far longer.

Collaboration improves watersafety. Astrongerwater monitoringsystemcannotrelyon public authorities alone. Partnerships between municipalities,private companies and communities canhelp improveboth the speedand reliabilityofresponses.Independent testingat business levelintroduces greatertransparency and canhighlight waterqualityissues that may otherwise go unreported. When patterns of poor qualityemerge,communities gain evidence to push forcorrectiveaction.

Asafer waterfuturefor South Africa will dependonstrengtheningboth formal andinformalmonitoringsystems.Accredited labs remain vital forofficial results,yet in-housetesting, routine checks and communityreportingcan highlightrisks longbeforeformalsamples are processed. When contamination is confirmed, solutionscan be deployed quickly to restore safety

What this shows is simple: Thesafetyoftap watercannotbetaken at face value.With better coordination betweenpublic bodies,private organisationsand communities,South Africa can build awater monitoringsystemthatidentifies problems earlyand protects everyhousehold. ■ Erasmus is themanaging director of acleaning service.

Marking WorldCancer DayonWednesday4February,breast cancerpatients at the Pelonomi Regional Hospitalreceived heart-shapedpillows,courtesyofEarly Detection SavesLives. Representatives of thedonor and otherparticipating institutions are,from theleft,JoyceBam,GwenPhooko,Mitta Soaratlhe,PalesaKobi, Matron Ncubula,ConstanceZenzileand Dipolelo Hou. PHOTO:Supplied

Cancer in thespotlight

Agroup of approximately30breast cancer patients at thePelonomi Regional Hospital in Bloemfontein have received heart-shaped pillows,courtesyofthe non-profitorganisation Early DetectionSaves Lives This gesture of goodwill coincidedwith WorldCancerDay, globallymarkedon4Februarytoraise awareness of cancerand to encourageits prevention,detection andtreatment

TheBloemfontein CommunityCorrections and Grootvlei Medium BCorrectionalCentre supportedthe initiative.

Thetheme for this year’s WorldCancer Day was“United by Unique,” implying that cancer canaffectanyone and that thereare real people behind the statistics

“Cancersfound early aremuchmorelikelyto

be successfullytreated,with some having near to 99% five-yearsurvival rates. Early detection often enables moreconservative, less invasive treatmentsthanthe complex, systemic treatments needed for advancedcancer,” said MmanokoMaduane of MedipostPharmacy.

“This is whyregular screeningisespecially valuable for minimisingriskofcancer andthe potentialfor it to impact ourlives,and thoseof ourloved ones.”

Membersofthe public areencouraged to undergo screening, whichisespeciallyimportant for certain typesofcancer,assome typescan be detectedbeforethe person starts experiencing anysymptoms

“Some recommended common cancer screenings –for example,Pap smearsorcolonoscopies– arecapable of identifyingprecancerouschanges to cells,” Maduane explained.

Unchangedrepo rate abig plus

Thedecisionbythe Monetary PolicyCommittee (MPC) of the South AfricanReserve Bank (SARB) to maintain therepo rate at 6,75% andthe prime lendingrateat10,25%was significantly beneficial to stability andgrowthprospects

This is the case accordingto FrederickMitchell, chief economist at AlumaCapital.

TheMPC announcedits decision on 29 Januaryand revealedthere hadbeena certain levelofdebateregarding thebestpathforward,which resulted in asplitvote: with twomembers advocatingfor further cuts

“This decision comes against the backdrop of atumultuous financial landscapeand reflects acautious,yet balanced, approach to managingthe nation’smonetary policy,”said Mitchell.

“However,the prevailing sentimentunderscores the importance of stabilityamid ongoingglobal uncertainties, particularly thoseemanating from America,” said Mitchell.

LesetjaKganyago, governor of the SARB,noted that while South Africa facedeconomic headwinds, the overall growth trajectory remainedstable Arisingfromthis, the economy is projectedtorisetoapproximately2%inthe medium term,spurred by improved household consumption, albeit againsta backdrop of weak investment.

“Importantly,the SARB’s decisiontohold interest rates

reflects acommitmentto maintainingameasuredmonetarypolicyinlight of these variationsininflation risks.

“Byadoptingthis stance,the bank acknowledges that the market’s currentexpectations alignwith maintaininghigher interest rates, whichhave alreadyexperiencedanotable reductionby150 basispoints since late 2024 after asignificanthikingcycle that saw ratespeakat11,75% This has been described as somewhat restrictive, whichcan provide a buffer againstpotential surges in inflation duringuncertain times,” said Mitchell.

He explainedthatbyprioritisingabalancedapproach to inflation and market conditions, the MPCwas positioning South Africa to navigatethe futurewith greaterresilience, allowing forimprovedeconomic conditions over time

“This careful stewardship of monetarypolicyiscrucial forensuring financial stability while fosteringconditions conducivetosustainable growth.”

Mitchellsaid inflation dynamics further complicated the situation,notingthatDecember2024 hadseenaslight uptickininflation,to3,6%, though the annual averagesettledatarespectable3,2% –just shyofthe ReserveBank’s new targetof3%.

He warnedthatwhilethe decision to keep the repo rate unchanged wasencouraging, thereweregrave concerns regardinghighfoodprices

“Thenation grapples with outbreaksoffoot-and-mouth disease affectingcertain agricultural regions. Additionally,risingelectricity costsloomlarge,particularly following Nersaand Eskom’s recentsettlementregarding an R22 billion miscalculation in electricitypricing, whichis expected to lead to significant increasesinelectricityprices forconsumersthatcould lead to some inflation in 2026,”said Mitchell.

Accordingtohim,the decision to retain the repo rate unchangedaddedtothe benefit of the South Africanrand’s resilience,strengtheningagainst the American dollar due partly to broader dollar weakness, coupledwith ariseinthe gold price amid increasedinternational uncertainty “This,coupled with lowerinternational oil prices,ispromisingfor South Africa’s inflation outlook.Lower oil prices can alleviatepressureoninflation, representingawelcome developmentfor both consumers and businesses alike.

“Looking forward, analysts arecautiously optimistic,with predictionsindicatingpotential additionalratecuts in the next 12 to 18 months,possibly drivingthe repo rate down towardsthe 5,75% to 6,00% range. Such reductions would certainly stimulategrowth, particularly in the housingmarket, and facilitate moreaccessible corporateand government borrowing,”said Mitchell.

Teens,parentscan useahelping hand

As backpacksgrowheavier andthe new school year hits its stride,parents everywhere arenavigating familiarterritorywithfresh anxiety. Amid academicpressure, extracurriculardemands andthe ever-mysterious worldofteenage emotions, it is tempting to either wrap your child in cotton wool or hide underthe covers until December

ButaccordingtoLumkaKraai,an occupational therapistatNetcare AkesoUmhlanga specialisinginadolescentmental health and familysupport, the keytohelpingyourteen thriveisnot abouthoveringordisappearing – it is about findingthe middle ground, where consistent, intentional supportathome canmakea meaningful difference

“The firstthingtounderstand is that allteens arenot thesame.Whatworks for someone else’schild will not necessarily work for yours, ” explains Kraai.

Shecautions against copyingwhat worked for aneighbour’s teen or even an oldersibling, warningthat parentsplace themselvesatagreat disadvantage when they trytoapplya “one size fits all”approach

So,what is aparenttodo? Kraai’sstarting pointmight surpriseyou:“Simply askyourteenager what theyneedfromyou.Itisamazing how often we forgetthat the person with themost insightintosupportingyourteenis… yourteen.” Helpingyourchild develop executive skills such as time management, planning, organisation, and emotional regulation canmakea real difference in howtheyshare the family calendar Your child canthen seewhen youare busy too, making planninglessabout naggingand more abouteveryone beingonthe same page We all thriveand function better with routine

Include everythingfromchores to downtime, and yes, that meansscheduledtime to scroll TikTok guilt-free.Also, institutea weekly session in whichthe familyplans for the week ahead to preventMondaymorning meltdowns.

“Offeringacademic supporttoyourchild throughoutthe year is important, butthatalone is not enough,” continues Kraai, “they need to be supportedemotionallyaswell”

During this time of their lives,teenagers are juggling everythingfromidentitycrisesand friendshipdrama to figuring outwho theywant to be – allwhile tryingtomasteralgebra and pass chemistry

To ease pressure,Kraai suggests making time for fun as afamily.Not everythingneeds to be aboutgood grades,preparing for university,and lifebeyond. Keep communicationlines open –butdonot interrogatethemthe moment they walk in the door.Resistthe comparison trap

“Avoid comparingthemtoothers, including their peersand siblings.Yourteenageralready does enough of that on social media.”

Watchfor warningsigns.Sudden isolation, mood swings,outbursts of anger, or alossof interest in activities they used to love could signalsomethingdeeper. Build asupportnetwork Regularcheck-ins with teachers,coaches,and otheradults in your adolescent’slife canhelp you spot issues youmight otherwisemiss.

Kraaiadvocates fosteringa growth mindset “where effortand progress arevaluedoverperfection.” This helps youngpeoplebuild the resiliencetheywill need longafter leavingschool.

And if things gettough?

“Seeking additional supportfromschool wellbeingstaff or mental healthprofessionals canbea proactivestep, not asignoffailure,”she reminds parents. – netcare.co.za

Guardjudgedfor criminal act

TheWelkom Hawks’Serious Organised Crime Investigation team’sfull-scale investigations regardingthe theftofcopper cable with an estimated value of R2 million have culminated in the sentencingofone security guardamongthe individuals implicated.

TheSasolburgRegional CourtsentencedZakaria Sekgoane Tamane (56) to three years’ directimprisonmenton 30 January.

WO FikiswaMatoti, provincial spokesperson forthe Hawks,said Tamane had pleadedguiltytocharges of conspiracytocommit robbery

with aggravatingcircumstances.His sentencing pertainedto an incidentthatoccurredatthe ERDWarehouse in the Naledi IndustrialParkinSasolburg on 19 November 2024.

“Two security guards on dutyatthe ERDWarehouse were attackedbyseven suspectswearing balaclavas. The guards were restrainedwithcablesand locked insidea storeroom Then the suspects drove atruck into the warehouseand stolethree drums of copper cablevaluedatapproximately R1,9 million,”said Matoti Shesaid multiple surveillancecamerasinstalledat the

warehouseassistedthe investigatorstoresolvethe case

“Aspartofthe investigation process, polygraph testswere conducted on all security guards.One failedand subsequentlymade awritten confession. Theguardlater failed to report forduty,”saidMatoti Shesaidthe Hawksteamlater traced andarrestedTamanein Welkom

Matoti said he wasremanded in custodyfor the duration of the trial; he wasdeniedbail.

“Investigations regarding othersuspects involved in the matter arecontinuing,”said Matoti.

GENERAL& HOMESERVICES

FORHIRE 1820

ESTATENOTICES

ESTATES: LIQUIDATION& DISTRIBUTION 4205

Estate Late: KOBOHELA SIMON KGOOE

Id entity Num ber: 5710195785083

LEGAL &TENDERS

M.P. MOKOTSO

In dieboedel vanwyle MOSIUOA PET ER MOKOTS O, Ide nti tei tsn ommer: 5302265452081 gebore 26 Februarie 1953 wie oorlede is op 06 April 2023 van1653 Setlaba Street, Rocklands Bloemfontein. Getroud binne gemeenskap vangoed met Molitsane Magdeline Mo kots o( ID ) 6106050453082. Boedelnommer 0005193/2023., Kennis geskied hiermee datdie Eerste en Finale Likwid asie-en Dist ri busier ekening (tensy anders vermeld)in LOST DOCUMENTS 4040

Estate Number: 002382/2023 Ma st er so ffice : BLOEMFONTEIN Date of death: 2023-03-30 Date of birth: 1957-10-19 Last address: 6931 PHAHAMENG EXT 9, BLOEMFONTEIN9301 The FIRST AND FINAL LI QUIDATION AND DISTRIBUTIONACCOUNT in the abovementioned estate will be available

(EXTENSION 16), DIS TRI CT BL OEMFONT EIN, PROVINCE FREE STATE IN EXTENT 468 (FOUR HUNDRED ANDSIXTY EIGHT) SQUARE METRES HELD BY DEED OF TRANSFER T5720/2017 & VA1034/2020 which has been lost or destroyed

All interested persons having objection to the issue of suchcopyare hereby required to lodge the sameinwriting with the Registrar of Deeds: Fre eS tate at BLOEMFONTEIN (DEEDS OFFICE BLOEMFONTEIN)

85 NELSON MANDELA DRIVE, BLOEMFONTEIN CENTR AL, BLOEMFONTEIN,9301 within two weeks from the dateofthe publication of this notice. Dated at BLOEMFONTEIN on 5February 2026. Conveyancer:LEANDI ELS (LPCM NO 58808) EG Cooper &Majiedt Incorporated 17 THIRD AVENUE WESTDENE 9300 Tel: 0514473374

Email: kaylin@egc.co.za REF: LELS/ KS KING/ DIT14

Wednesday, 11 February2026

Free Statestartrio make national team

TEBOHO SETENA

eFreeState athletes entlyin fine form, ding 2016 Rio ympics400m gold dallist Wayde van erk, have been dedinthe South an trackand field to competeatthis WorldAthletics ys in Botswana.

ther twofromthe andincludedinthe am areMthi MthimGabriellaMarais. oming global showAfricancontinent to take placein on 2and 3May erkand Mthimkulu nthe men's 4x400m nthe team areLyakithiNene,Gardeo ndertKoekemoer, on, TumisangShezi, nie MatthysNortje. iellaforms part of the women’s4x100m team that features the likes of Hannah Hope Vermaak, Joviale Mbisha,

Chardone Smidt, LeonetteVosloo, andViweJingqi.

Gabriellaprimarily competes in thetwo sprintingevents: the 100m and200m.Her inclusionfollowed impressive form showed at the FISUWorld University Games in 2025, winninga bronzemedal in thewomen’s100m finalinRhineRuhr,Germany,with atime of 11.51 seconds.

At the USSA Athletics Championships (2025),she wonthe gold medalinthe women's 100m final,

Popular citymarathon beckons runnerscloser

TEBOHO SETENA

TheLemo Mangaung Marathon for 2026 is scheduled to takeplace in Bloemfontein on 2May,marking the thirdinstalment. Themarathon is significant on twofronts: It continues instillingthe spirit of amarathon in the Free Statecapital, in addition to qualifyingrunnersfor theComrades Marathon. This hostingcontinues the organiser’s efforttopositionthe race as apremier featureinthe sportingcalendar

Theevent features four differentrace distances:42,2km, 21,1km, 10kmas well as the 5km fun run. Activities start and finish at Lemo GreenPark. The eventmakesprovisionfor buddingand seasonedrunnerstopropeltheir efforts to claim the prizesatstake in thethree main categories:the 42,2km,21,1km, and 10km races

Themarathon is staged in partnership with the Centre CityTitaniums Athletics Club.Accordingtostatistics of the past twoinstalments,of2024 and2025, approximately2600 runners

hadregistered. Of these, roughly500 runnersparticipated in thefull marathon, whichqualifies runnersfor the Comrades Marathon.

Theorganiser awards both the first manand firstwoman from the Free Stateprovince crossing the finishing line R2 500 in prizemoney. TheBloemfontein-based runner Arouchelle Nieuwenhuis took the prizeasthe firstFree Statewoman to crossthe line in the 42,2km race at the inauguraledition. ChabeliNyedimanewon the prizeas the winner of the half marathon.

Localteams gear up forafierystart

The2026seasonofthe twouniversity rugbycompetitions –the Varsity Cupand Varsity Shield –was officiallylaunched on Monday 9FebruaryatCapeTown’sV&A Waterfront in the Western Cape

Thelaunchhas setthe tone foranother epicyearofstudent rugby, and what promises to be anotherunforgettable sports season.

Twolocal university teams– the University of the Free State’s(UFS) Shimlas and theIxias of theCentral University of Technology (CUT),FreeState –are participatinginthe competitions

Thetwo-time FNB VarsityCup champions,the Shimlas, will commence their 2026 campaign in Bloemfontein on Monday 16 Februarywhen they host their arch-rivalsMaties, of Stellenbosch University (SU),inamouth-wateringroundone clash

TheIxias will be lookingfor an improved start– alsoin Bloemfontein on Monday nightwhentheyhostthe North West University (NWU) Eagles

Thereisa breath of fresh airinthe Ixiascampfollowing the appointmentofnew head coachLubabalo Lento. He has taken over thereins,with experiencedcampaignersSarel Pretorius andWianduPreez joininghim as assistants.Itis hoped that the new technical teamwill reignitethe fire in the team that hasbattledrelegationinpreviousyears

On the field, Tokelo Ntaopanehas been handedthe Ixias captaincyfor the season,with KehanMyburgnamedashis deputy, as the Ixiaslooktobuild strong leadership within a youthful squad TheCUT endured twoextremelychallenging seasonsmarkedbyinconsistencyand uncertainty,but the mood hasshifted decisivelywith thenew appointmentsin the technical team

with atime of 11.51 seconds.She representedthe University of the Free State(UFS). Gabriella’smeteoricriseis thankstomasterful coachingbythe legendaryAns Botha(TannieAns), known globally foralsomentoring VanNiekerkto2016 RioOlympics success. He claimedthe 400m gold medalatthe 2016 RioOlympics in aworld-recordtime of 43.03 seconds.Hebroke Michael Johnson's 17-year-old record The32-strong South African

team featuringtop sprintershas settheir sights on repeatingtheir dominance at the WorldAthletics Relays from last year.Atthe World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, last year,the South African team finishedtop of the overall tablebyearningthree medals The men’s4x100m and 4x400m squads securedgold,whilethe women’s 4x400m quartetnabbedbronze. TheASA hasincluded 19 men and 13 women in the preparation squad in the 4x100m and 4x400m events This is chieflytoenablethe athletes to produce their best performances at this year’s relayshowpiece.All athletes in the squad will be invited to trainingcamps where theywill preparetogether with the national relaycoaches TheSouth Africansquad comprises:

■ Men’s4x100m:Shaun Maswanganyi, Gift Loetlela, Akani Simbine, Sinesipho Dambile,Bayanda Walaza,KaraboLetebele,Bradley Nkoana,Tsebo Matsoso, Retshidisitswe Mlenga,and Abduraghmaan Karriem

■ Women’s4x400m:ShirleyNekhubui, Zeneyvan der Walt,Hannah vanNiekerk, MirandaCoetzee, Marlie Viljoen, Tamzin Thomas, and Precious Molepo.