Bloem Express E-edition 11 March 2026

Lekota achampion of dueprocess and democracy

Agreattreehasfallen

ADVOCATE GRANTEDBAIL

Disbarred advocate Lerata Shadrack Mashee (50) has been released on bail setatR3000 in apropertyfraud case, amid an investigation by the Bloemfontein Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit. Bail was granted in the Bloemfontein Magistrates'Court on 2March, after abrief stay in custody

Thecriminal matterinvolvesalleged fraud worth R890 000 forproperty salesbetween 2019 and 2022. Mashee wasarrestedbyateam comprising the Hawks, the Tactical ResponseTeamand Crime Intelligence followingatracing operation. Accordingtothe police, he had reportedly been in hiding sinceSeptember 2024 until23February2025, whenhewas corneredinBotshabelo.

Lt Col. ZweliMohobeleli, provincial spokesperson forthe Hawks, said chargesagainst himincludedfraud, moneylaundering and contravention of the LegalPracticeAct.Heconfirmed multiplecomplaints had been lodged against Mashee with the LegalPractice Council(LPC)and the Hawksafter the failed transferofproperties to victims, even though theyhad paid.Hewas subsequentlydisbarred on 28 May 2024, accordingtothe LPC’sreport Mohobelelisaid the victims had reportedly paid the accused an accumulatedR890000 towardsthe purchase of properties advertisedinalocal publication. An investigation revealed that Mashee wasunqualified to act as aconveyancer

ectincourt

the and ion of

aSenekal policeinvestigation Naledi hadmysteriously disappeared from her home in the Tambosettlement. Accordingtothe police, the teenageboy confessedto fatallyhittingNalediwith a rock after seeingher picking peaches from atree. Upon seeingthatthe victim wasunconscious, he reportedly draggedher body into ashack and then placed it inside a1000 litreblue container,attemptingtoconceal the incident.

Mpakane said afoulsmell emittingfromashack dwellinginthe neighbourhood of Naledi’s aunt ledtothe grim discovery of the child’s body Investigatingofficersforced open the shackdoorand discovered the body of aminor inside ablue container Naledi’s aunt initially reported the child as missing after she hadnot showupathome Theaunthad reportedly left the deceased at the houseat roughly07:00, when she leftfor work ied

“The increase in bursary allocations to 300 demonstrates government's resolvetoequip young peoplewith the qualifications needed to drive inclusive growth, create jobs, and build a capabledevelopmental state,” said Letsoha-Mathae

Sheexplained that the decision to increase the numberof bursariesallowed the provincial government to respond to the high volume of applications and the demonstrated need among youth.

hat ed tified the ot civil, trical, th y, ormaurity, cirinary matuntnancial Work 's s involves verifying applicant information, assessing eligibility against prescribedcriteria, and evaluating academic merit. Successful applicants willbe notified.

School gate remainsclosed

TEBOHO SETENA

TheMatlaPrimary School in Bloemfontein remainsprohibited for usebythe Free State DepartmentofEducation until it implementscorrectivemeasures alignedwith theOccupational Health andSafetyAct (OHSA).

Abrupt closurefollowedthe DepartmentofEmploymentand Labour’s inspectionteam finding transgressions of health and safety regulations

Thedepartment, acting as the primarywatchdogfor workplace compliance,announced on Thursday5March the indefiniteclosure of theschool, safeguarding the lives of personnel, teachingstaff and learners.

Theconditionswerefound too riskyfor continuedoccupational use.

Theinspection wasconducted on 19 February, resultinginboth contravention and prohibitionnotices beingservedtothe Free State DepartmentofEducation.

It emergedthat the shutdown wasowing to the latter department’sdismal failuretoremedy conditions,despitebeinggiven time to improvethem

ManelisiLuxande,provincial chief inspector,said an inspection conducted by the Departmentof Labour in termsofthe OHSAuncoveredserious and unacceptable non-compliance.

He said that, due to the severity of theseviolations,the Department of Education hadbeengiven three days from 20 to 23 Februaryto comply.

“Itwas requestedtosubmit adetailedaction plan outlining its commitmenttoachieving full compliance.However,since 23 February, the Departmentof Education hasfailedtohonour its undertakings,” he said.

It emergedthat the conditions at the school continuedtoworsen.

“Thehazardous conditions posedanimmediatethreattothe lives and well-beingoflearners and educators,”said Luxande

Theconditions were appallingat this school locatedinPhase 6.

“Theinspection revealedunhygienic sanitation facilities,includingtoilets with urine on the floors, and exposed electrical wiring,” confirmed Luxande

“There arereports of children

beingelectrocuted

“A kitchen and mobileclassroom areoperatingwithout temperature regulation and recordingextreme temperatures exceeding30°C

“Water leaks arecausing pooling around electrical fixtures, increasingthe risk of electrocution.

“Thereisanabsence of pest controlservices;obstructions creatingsignificant fire hazards;and insufficient toilet facilitiesdeny both learners and teachersproper access.”

Luxande lamentedthatthe DepartmentofEducation’scontinued disregard of the OHSA wasagrave concern

“This blatantneglect of safety standards inevitablyexposes learnersand educatorstoharmand potentialfatalities.

“Wecannot gamble with the lives of childrenand staff by allowingthe school to operateunder such glaring occupationalsafety violations,” he said Luxande confirmed that the school would remain prohibited for useuntil the DepartmentofEducation hasfullyimplemented all correctivemeasuresand satisfies the occupational health andsafety requirementsasdeterminedby inspectors.

Non-compliancewidespread

SeveralFreeState government departments have been found to be chronicallytransgressing the OHSA.

Inspections conductedin2025 at 187 governmentofficesand facilitiesrevealedalarming findings,with 129facilities flaggedas non-compliant.All 129 were found to be non-compliant with one or morerequirements of the OHSA.

Furthermore, 29 facilities were issued with prohibitionnotices Themostaffectedfacilities are clinics, schools, SocialDevelopmentoffices,SAPSofficesand municipal offices and workshops.

Luxande raised graveconcern, sayingthat the extent of non-compliancerecordedwas alarming

He warnedthatthe conditions not onlyendangeredemployees,but alsocompromisedthe safetyof communitymembers

Repeated calls for Free State governmentdepartmentstotake correctivemeasureshaveproven futile

Repair work at school suffers delays

Repairsatthe storm-ravaged BoitumelongSpecial School in ThabaNchu seems farfromgettingoff the ground, morethanthree months since the devastation wascaused.

TheFreeState DepartmentofEducation initiallyindicated that acontractor would be appointedafter quantifying thecosts of damage incurred.

However, thereisnosignofany work in progress to repair damagedclassrooms at the school, which remains onlypartlyaccessible to the teaching andadministrationstaff

Thedepartmentindicated that the impact of the stormwas far-reaching andhas since appealedfor public assistance to restorethe damaged infrastructureand to mitigatefurther damage due to inclement weather.

Theseverestorm left eightclass-

rooms rooflessand resulted in the immediatesuspension of learningand teaching at the school.

Theeducation departmentsuspended classes as asafetymeasure and to allowreorganisation of the situation at the school.

Thedepartmentthen ordered the 384 learners with severe intellectual disabilities,including44with autistic conditions,toreturn to their respective homes.

Thedepartment’sdecision waspart of precautionarysafetymeasureswhile officials were in the processofassessingand quantifyingdamage, as well as exploringalternativemeans to revamp all affectedclassrooms

Repeated efforts by BloemExpress to geta responsefromthe department regardingthe appointmentofacontractor, includingrepair costsand learning programmes,werefutile

During arecentvisit to the school, therewere, however, signsofprogress and acontractor on the premises

■ Meanwhile, work involvingthe refurbishmentofthe Bloemfontein-based MatlafalangPrimary School, whichwas damagedbyathunderstorm in 2024, hasbeenprolonged.

Theoriginal damage occurred when severe storms hit the Mangaung region, affectingseveral schools that were either establishedorstill under construction at the time

While the DepartmentofEducation initially sent teams to assess the damageincurredinthe region,the affected sectionofMatlafalanghas remained in adilapidated state, without anysuccessful restoration

Thestorm of 2024 hadshattered some windows and damagedparts of the classrooms,makingasection of the school unsafe

Armedrobbers handed punishment

TwoLesotho male nationals found guiltyoncharges of armedrobberyat the ThabaNchuPostOffice received aminimum sentence of 11 yearsin prison each The ThabaNchuRegionalCourt handeddownsentences to Teboho Mosiane (30) andLehlohonolo PhillimonMasenyetse(36) on 26 February, following their conviction.

Thesentencingwas aresultofthe investigationbythe Bloemfontein Hawks’ SeriousOrganised Crime Investigation unit into the armedrobberywhich occurred in September2020.

WO FikiswaMatoti,provincial spokesperson forthe Hawks, said the

courthad foundthe accused guiltyon chargesofrobbery with aggravating circumstances and contravention of the Immigration Act. Shesaid both Mosiane andMasenyetsewereinSouth Africa illegallyand were subsequently sentencedtoa fine of R1 000 or six months in prison

Matoti stated that incriminatingevidence discoveredduringthe arrest includedcashamountingtoR270 000 and three cellphones.She said members of the Hawks,together with SeloseshaVisible Policingand the Tactical Response Team (TRT), tracedand arrested the tworobbers.

Employeesatthe post office were

performingtheir dailyduties when theywereambushedbythree armed suspects

“Thesuspects enteredthe premises, pointeda firearmatthe manager, and demandedcash Thesuspects instructed the managertotakethem to the safe.Uponreachingit, theyremoveda bagcontainingcash and fled the scene. In the process, theyalsorobbedthree employeesoftheir cellphones.Mosiane and Masenyetsewerecornered and arrested laterthe same day,”said Matoti. Shesaid the courtfurther ordered that both convicts be deportedtoLesotho upon completion of their custodial sentences in South Africa

Gathering to uplift school

TEBOHO SETENA

TheBochabelasupporters’ branch of theSiwelele FC has extended ahelping hand towards theMabolokaPrimarySchool in Bloemfontein, donating much-needed stationery. The donationreplaced stationerylost to thedevastating fire that lefttwo classrooms in ruins on thenight of 4February.

Caring supporters,some of whomattendedthis school, rallied supportbyfundraisingtopurchase stationerythat includes pens and other essentials

Mantele Mosamo,chairperson of the Bochabelobranch, said supporters felt duty-bound to lend ahelpinghand to children.

“This is part of caring and supportingaffectedchildrenofthe school. Branchmembers deemed it fittocontributetogettingthe school back on track, teaching children.Various branchsupporters contributed financially towardsthis gestureofgoodwill,”said Mosamo

Some of the supporters still have children attendingthe very same school.

AdelightedAmos Mlonyeni, principal of Maboloka, said the donation hasgreatly minimised the impact of the fire incidentthat affectedmorethan130 learners.

“I did not expectanything of this naturefromsupporters of aclub.I

TheBochabelasupporters’branch of the SiweleleFCdonating stationery to theMabolokaPrimarySchoolinBloemfontein.

From the left areMantele Mosam(chairperson of the Bochabelabranch),AmosMlonyeni (headmaster of Maboloka),Victor Mahatanyaand Pule Mabena (SiweleleFC,national chairperson of supporters’branches). PHOTOS: Teboho Setena

am very grateful becausetheyshow theyreallycarefor schools.

“This is very crucialastheyprove that parentshavea role to play in the education of their children and caring for schoolsasimportant institutions of education. An importantthingthat must be known is that aschooldoesnot existand operateinavacuum

“These supportersshowthat as parentstheyare interconnected with the school as part of the community,and theyhavebecome

very attached to the school, having learnedthatsome startedtheir educationhere.

“Theschoolispartoftheir infrastructurewhich must be protected at all costsfor the benefitofthe futureofevery generation,”said Mlonyeni.

He said the fire incidentaffected approximately130 learners who did nothavestationery. Mlonyeni said thegesture would have afar-reachingpositiveimpactinthe school whosetotal enrolment capacityis

648 learners

Victor Mahatanya,surviving foundingdirectorofdefunct Bloemfontein Celtic,said he was encouraged by supporters’gesture to help the affectedschool.

“Fansare crucial to schools as to anyfootball club and its successof clubs in general acrossthe world. My children, whoare adults,started their education at this school. Beinginvited to shareinthis presentationisveryheartwarming,” said Mahatanya

Museum marks 30 years of SA Constitution

TheOliewenhuis ArtMuseum will mark Human Rights Dayon21March by hosting an event underthe theme “BillofRightsat30: Making HumanDignityReal”

This year’s HumanRightsMonth coincides with the celebration of 30 yearsofthe adoption of the Constitution of South Africa

Thehistory of HumanRightsDay is grounded in the Sharpeville Massacreon21March 1960, wherethe apartheidpolice shot and killed69 people duringa peaceful protest.

About180 people were woundedbypolice duringapeaceful protestagainstapartheid pass laws

Thetragicincidentnow serves as inspiration for aday of reflection, celebratingthe democratic Constitution andhonoringthe fightfor human rights,dignityand equality. In addition, it serves asa reminder of the sacrifices made for thefreedoms we enjoy todayand highlights the importanceofrespect,fairnessand equalityfor all.

Themassfatal shootingled to the Sharpeville Massacre. It is believedthat this massacre exposedthe apartheid government’sblatant human rights violations

Oliewenhuis aims to,together with members of the public from allwalksoflife,fostergreater

social cohesion, nation buildingand ashared national identityand to celebrate the rights of all citizens as protectedbyour Constitution.

TheConstitution of the Republic of South Africa is premised on the values of non-racialism andnon-sexism;socialcohesion andnation building; tolerance; diversity and equality–aimedatprotectingthe rights and freedoms of all, andaffirmingequalitybetween men and women andpeopleofall races

On Saturday 21 March, from 09:00 to 15:00, visitors will have the opportunitytorelax and engage in meaningful reflection in the museum’s tranquil surroundings

Drama inspires explorationoffaith

Apowerful newtheatricalproduction, Moses – Geroep!,can be seen in theSandduPlessis

Theatreovertwo days,20and 21 March, starting at 19:00. Thisisa show that takesaudiences on an inspiringjourneyoffaith

Producedbythe ATKV-tak Gemeenskapsteater,incollaborationwith Pacofs,thiscompellingproduction brings to life the storyofMoses with afresh and deeplypersonalperspective. It explores God’swill forone’s life –the call to step forward in faith,eveninmomentsofdoubt and uncertainty

Under the visionaryleadership of Ebeth Wilson, the production is directed by acclaimed

theatre-makersPeter Taljaardtand Anneri Bosman

Thescript,written by NicBeukes and CW Laten, offersa movingand relevant retellingofthe biblical narrative, connectinganancientstory to modern-day struggles with identity, purpose andobedience

Theplaypromises arichtheatricalexperience filledwith powerful performancesfromits actors,with stirring moments and thought-provoking themes that resonate with audiences of all ages

Tickets areavailable on webtickets.co.za at R120 andR150 perperson.

SA visual artistsinvited to submit proposals

TheOliewenhuis ArtMuseum calls on South African visual artists to submit asolo exhibition proposal for considerationfor inclusion on the museum’s exhibition calendar Artists who meet the criteria for asolo exhibition will be shortlistedfor placementonthe exhibition calendar within the nextfouryears.It will be showcased at one of the suitable gallery venues in the museum Artists areencouraged to familiarisethemselves with the variousgallery options available

My View

Financial longevitykey

TONY SINGLETON

FormanySouth Africans in their late 30s to 60s,life increasingly involves looking both forward andbackwards at thesametime. While youngergenerations arebuilding careers,raising children, or still findingtheir financial footing,manyare alsostepping into theroleofcaregiver for ageing parents. Longer life expectancy,rising living costs, and delayed financial independence among young adults have createda newdynamic wheretwo generations rely on thesameperson for support. This emerging “sandwich”generation is growing rapidlyinSouth Africa,reshaping familyresponsibilitiesand financialpriorities in ways fewexpectedadecadeago

Adults betweenthe ages of 30 and 60 experience significantly lowerlevels of financial confidence than both youngerand older groups This trendreflects the realitythatmanyare simultaneouslyresponsible forschoolfees, groceries, transport,and household expenses,whilealso helpingparents coverhealthcare,medication, and dailyneeds.With approximately5,6 million South Africans nowoverthe ageof60, the demand forfamily-basedelder care continues to rise.For younger adults tryingtobuild their own financial future, this dual responsibilityplaces an enormous strain on emotional and economic well-being. Healthcarecosts have become oneofthe most intensesources of strain.Medical inflation continues to runfar ahead of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and specialistfeesoften exceed medical aid ratesbyseveral hundred percent. Despitethis,onlyasmall portion of medically insuredSouth Africans have gapcover,leaving many families exposedtosudden medical bills when parentsneedhospitalisation,specialist treatment, advancedscans or chroniccare. Foryounger adults alreadyjugglingmultiple expenses,theseunexpectedmedical shortfalls canquicklyerode savings,push householdsinto debt,orderail long-term goalssuchasbuying property or savingfor retirement. Theemotional demands placedonthe sandwich generation arejustassignificant as the financial ones.Caregiversoften describefeeling stretchedthin, burnedout,and strugglingto maintain asense of balance betweenwork, parentingresponsibilities,and caring forageing parents. Theconstantpressuretobepresent for everyone canbeoverwhelming. Without adequate financial and social support, the burden canleadtochronic stress,reducedproductivity and strained family relationships This is particularly true in householdswhereresources are alreadylimited,orwheresiblings areunable to sharethe load.

Outdoorexhibitions canalsobeaccommodated within reason.Benefits include the transportof artworks within South Africa andinsurance of artworks while on the premises

Theclosingdatefor submittingproposals is 29 May, at 11:00. Application formsand the detailedadvertisementare available at nationalmuseum.co.za/open-call-to-visual-artists/. Send applications to publicart@nasmus.co.za, while queries must be submittedinwritingto oliewen@nasmus.co.za.

Giventheseoverlappingpressures,many youngeradults arerethinking howtheyplanfor healthcareand financial stability. Gapcover,for example, is becominganincreasingly importanttoolfor bridgingthe widening financial gap betweenwhatmedical schemes coverand the actual cost of specialistcare. It offerspractical relief by absorbingthe shortfalls that would otherwise fallonfamilies,allowing caregiversto manage parental healthcarewithout sacrificing their ownsavings or long-term goals. Many youngSouth Africans arebeginningto reassess their budgets,discuss shared caregivingresponsibilities with siblings,and look for ways to strengthen their financial resilience. For some,that means prioritisingemergencyfunds; forothers, it means reviewingmedical aid optionsorseeking professional financial advice Alongside the financial considerations, there is also agrowing recognition that emotional well-beingiscentral to copingwith the intensity of dual caregiving. Caregiversneedtime to recharge and protecttheir ownmental health to sustainably supportboth parentsand children. TheriseofSouth Africa’s sandwichgeneration reflects aprofound shift in family structures As healthcarecosts continue to rise andfamily dynamics evolve, preparingnow is oneofthe most powerful ways younger South Africans can protectnot only their parents, butalsothemselves and the next generation to come ■ Tony Singleton is chief executive officer (CEO)atTurnberryManagementRiskSolutions

It’s ascam, Sassa warns thepublic

TheSouth African Social Security Agency (Sassa) hasstrongly warned grant beneficiariesagainstsharing their personal details with anyoneclaiming to be of theagency. This cameafter asuspectedscam incident involving at least twopeople.

Theincidentbecame public after arecent videoonsocialmedia platforms pertaining to the incident andallegations of officials’ involvementinthe deduction of pensioners’ moneybyalleged financial serviceproviders. It is understood that apolitical partyreleased the videowith claims of insurance deductions

Themba Matlou,chief executive officer (CEO) of Sassa,said that in the video, twoindividualsallegedthat theyhad been approached by individuals purportingtobefromClientèle Life Insurance and theIFA,who made promises of food vouchersand otherbenefits They then gave their personal detailstothe said individuals. He said accordingtothe report an undisclosed amountofmoneywas deducted from the twopersons’accounts

Matlouhas distancedthe stateagencyfrom theseacts and refuted allegations of officials beinginvolved,asthe agency’s systems do not allow such practices.Hehas alsopleadedwith allsocialgrant beneficiaries to not sharetheir personal details with anyone claimingtobe from Sassa or anyother organisation.

“Weadviseour beneficiaries to be careful who theyshare their personal details with, especiallytheir bankingdetails,” he said Matlouemphasisedthatnot even Sassahas the authoritytomakeany deductions on social grants without the consentofthe beneficiaries

“Wherefuneraldeductions arepermissibleby legislation, Sassaruns averytightly controlled processthatincludes biometric enrolmentand consent.”

Thoseclients who would liketodispute a deduction from their social grantfor afuneral policy areadvised to actimmediatelybysendinganSMS to 34548 with their identitynumber and the financial services provider’s name

If the deduction is not made by Sassa, but directlythrough adebit order from the client’s bank account (inother words, if they cansee it on their bank statement), theclient needsto engage their bank to dispute the debit order

Iftheyare not able to resolvethe matter with the service provider whohas actionedthe debit order,the clientcan then approach the National Financial Ombudsman Scheme.Visit nfosa.co.zaonhow to lodgea complaint.

Grants increase on 1April

Meanwhile,for 2026-’27, social grantincreases areeffective on 1April as announcedbyEnoch Godongwana, ministerofFinance,ontabling the national budget on 25 February:

■Theold agegrant,disabilitygrant andcare dependencygrant increase by R80, standingat R2 400.

■Thewar veterans grantalsoincreasesbyR80 to R2 420.

■Thefostercaregrant goes up to R1 290in April, aR40 increase;and to R1 300 in October, aR10 increase ■Thechildsupportgrant andgrant-in-aid grant increasebyR20 to R580.

Runner astaunch supporter of impactful interventions

LIENTJIE MENTZ

Amongstthe 3500 runners that linedupatthe startofthe MimosaMall Marathon races on Saturday28February, was Realeboha Matia(21).

This youngman from Ficksburg wasonce on an operating table.Now,thankstothe Smile Foundation, he hasthe courage to run.

He wasborn with Moebius syndrome (facial paralysis) and syndactyly (webbed fingers).

He grew up facingand overcomingphysicalchallenges that many people neversee or understand.

In 2012, theSmile Foundation facilitatedthe reconstructivesurgeries

Thesesurgeries improved his physical function andopened the door to confidence he had neverknown before.

Over theyears,Realeboha has continuedwith hisrefusal to be definedbyhis condition.

He worked hard,built his mental andphysicalstrength andfound freedominmovement, anddiscoveredhis confidence step by step

On Saturday he took part in theMimosa Mall 10km race Realeboha wasdeterminedto provethathis journeyofhealing did notend in the operating theatre.

“TheSmile Foundationdidn't

Realeboha MaiseonSaturday28 February,after he successfullyfinished the10kmraceinthe Mimosa MallMarathon. PHOTO:Juan-Marie Steyn

just helpmephysically,”says Realeboha.

“Itgavemeachance

Running this race is my way of showing other children that whereyou startdoesn't have to be whereyou finish.”

He ranproudlytosupportthe Smile Foundation

Hisgoalistoraiseawareness aboutMoebius syndrome.With his participation,hewanted to highlightthe importance of accesstoreconstructivesurgery

forchildren with facial differences Realeboha’sstory is notabout perfection.Itisabout possibility.

It shows families currently navigatingsurgery that thereis lifebeyondthe hospital ward Confidence cangrowinthe mostunexpectedways.

Hisrun preceded Smile Week from 2to6 Marchatthe Universitas Academic Hospital where 22 children received reconstructivesurgery

MON-FRI: 12:00 -17:30 •SAT:14:00 -17:00 SUN:14:00 -17:00 12:00-17:30

Apprenticesput to thetest

Threeapprentices from Bloemfontein, supported by theRetail MotorIndustryOrganisation (RMI), areputting their skills to thetestastheycompeteatthe

WorldSkills South Africa (WSZA) national competition taking place from 8to12March at theChief Albert LuthuliInternational Convention CentreinKwaZulu-Natal.

Representingthe Free Stateand MotheoTVET College areSizwe Motaung(22), SetlhareOnthatile Motlomelo (21) and Mesuli Nande Gxalaba (21), all competinginthe AutobodyRepair category

Thetwo top-performingcompetitorsnationallywill earn the opportunitytorepresentSouth AfricainChina.

Foundedin1950, WorldSkills International promotes vocational, technological and service-oriented education acrossmorethan70 membercountries.InSouth Africa, theinitiativeischampionedbythe DepartmentofHigher Education and Trainingaspartofgovernment’sdrive to strengthen artisan developmentand addresscritical skills shortages.

This year over 200 students will participatein27skill areasand winnerswill proceed to represent South Africainthe WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai in September.

Thecompetition will run alongside the WSZA conference, whichthis year carriesthe theme, “Buildingaskilledand competitive workforce of the future”

Louis vanHuyssteen, national trainingdirectoratthe RMI, says the competition provides an importantbenchmarkfor both industry and traininginstitutions.

“WorldSkills is farmorethan acompetition. It is aplatformto measureour apprentices against global standards and to demonstrate that technical careersare not asecond choice,but a firstchoice “Theautomotivesectorisfacing an ongoingskills shortage,and initiatives likethis play avital role in

attracting topyoung talentintothe industry,”saysVan Huyssteen.

“Competitors aretestedonprecision, accuracy,efficiencyand strict safety complianceunder intense time pressure.Itisthe ultimatetest of competence and professionalism.”

Vuyane Ndamane,Autobody RepairsFacilitatoratMotheo,says havingthree apprentices competingnationally positions the college as aserious contributortoartisan excellence

“Itprovesthatour trainingmeets competitivenational standards under WorldSkills South Africa and that the Free Stateisproducing industry-ready automotive talent,” says Ndamane Preparation for WorldSkills goes well beyond trade test level. Apprentices undergo intensivedaily technical training, time-controlled simulations and performance

given me confidence and shows othersthatanythingispossibleif you believe in yourself,” he says “TorepresentSouth Africa globallywould be ahugeexperience andset an example forthe dusty streets of MandelaPark.”

Motlomelo,who beganhis apprenticeship in 2025 and works at Technicolour Autobody Repair in Bloemfontein, says the preparation hasrequired intensefocus on both technical abilityand mental resilience

“Thecompetition enhancesyour practical skills and gives youexposure to differenttools,equipment andglobal standards. It also opens doorstocareeradvancementand reduces thestigmaaround artisan careers,”hesays.

Gxalaba, originally from the Eastern Cape,and the other apprentice from Technicolour competing, describes theopportunity in simple terms.

“Itmeans life.Myfuturedepends on this.Winningwould bringhope to thosewho don’t believe that skills canbring lightintoyourlife.”

Study has no illintent

Thestudy of the DepartmentofChemistryat the University of the Free State(UFS) on the safety of sanitarypads createdpanic amongst women and younggirls who usetheseproducts regularly

Thestudy named“Thepresence of endocrine disruptingchemicalsinsanitarypads:A study done in South Africa,” waspublishedinthe Science of the TotalEnvironmentJournal during February2026.

Thestudy wasconducted on 16 sanitarypad products and sevenpantyliner products that were boughtonline.

Smallquantities of endocrinedisrupting chemicals(EDCs)werepresent in the tested samples,with allproducts tested containingat leasttwo typesofEDCs. Thesechemicalsare widespreadman-made or naturalcompounds This includedproducts that were marketed as beingchemical-free

Thestudy concluded that menstrual products areasignificant, butoverlooked, source of exposure to EDCs

coaching to meet global benchmarks.

“WorldSkills standardsequal, andoften exceed,premium industryexpectations.Competitorsmust demonstratezero-defect workmanship,exceptionalaccuracyand the abilitytoperform under pressure,” Ndamaneexplains

He believesparticipationin WorldSkills playsa critical role in supportingSouth Africa’s artisan development agenda.

“Itelevatesthe status of artisans, strengthens industry-college partnerships andcreates ahigh-performance culturewithin technical education.”

ForMotaung, originallyfrom Qwaqwa in theFreeState andcurrently workingatB&H Panelbeaters, competingnationallyisdeeply personal.

“Competingatthe WSZA means alot in my career journey. It has

All three apprentices arepassionateabout encouragingother young South Africans to consider technical qualifications.

“With unemploymentsohigh, you can’t go wrongbychoosinga technical career,” says Motaung. “Therewill alwaysbeproblems that need skilledtechnicians.”

VanHuyssteen agrees,saying: “Artisansare the backbone of our economy. If we areserious about economicgrowth, jobcreation and industrialdevelopment, we must invest in skills excellence These young competitorsare proofthat South Africa hasthe talent – we simply need to nurtureand showcase it.”

As the competition unfoldsin KwaZulu-Natal, the RMI,both employersand the MotheoTVET College arewatchingclosely, hopeful that twooftheir rising starswill soon be flyingthe South African flag on the global stageinChina.

In anews storypublishedonthe university’s website, the exposure to EDCs in sanitarypads found in the studywas linkedtohormonal imbalances, fertilityproblems, endometriosis and certain typesofreproductivecancer.Common exposure routes to theseman-made or natural compounds diet,personalcareproducts,householddust, and contaminated water. Keysources include plastics,pesticides and flame TheNational DepartmentofHealth engaged with scientificand clinical expertsfromanumberofinstitutionsacrossSouth Africa in order to understand whether therewas anyrisktousers It concluded that the levels of EDC’sinthe studywerelow and that this or anyother study hadnot establishedacausalrelationship betweenthe detectedchemicalsand adverse health outcomes in women or girls

TheUFS said in astatementthat the research did notclaim that short-term useofmenstrual products caused specifichealth conditions Similarly,the studywas notdesignedtoestablish adirectcausalrelationship betweenthe detectedchemicalsand diseases in women Theresearch findingsand their publication arenot intendedtoconstitutemedical advice, consumer directives,orproduct usagerecommendations; theypresent peer-reviewed scientificdataand identifyareas warrantingfurther scientificand clinical enquiry

Theresearchdoesnot recommend that current products be withdrawnfromthe market

Moreconsumersadopt modernpayment technology

South Africanconsumersare increasinglyembracinginnovativepayment technologies such as digitalwallets, artificial intelligence (AI), andcryptocurrency. Visa hasreleasednew survey data,revealingthese trends

Lineshree Moodley, managerofVisa South Africa,attributessecuritytools and innovation to boostingconsumers' confidence to adopt technological paymentmethods.

“This confidence is reinforced by the widespreadadoption of advanced paymentsecuritytools.While traditional paymentmethodscontinue to play an importantrole –with physical cards still regarded as the mostpreferredand convenientway to pay–South Africans areshowing that trustand technology cangohandinhand, with consumers increasingly willingtoadopt new paymentsolutions whentheydeliver both convenience andpeace of mind,”said Moodley.

Two-thirds(66%)ofSouth African consumersalready authorisepayments usingbiometric authentication, such as fingerprintorfacialrecognition, suggestinga high levelofcomfortwith secure,technology-enabledtransactions

Nearly four outof10(39%)South Africans saydigitalwallets arethe

fastestpaymentoption, and morethan athird would recommend them to others,signallinggrowing confidence in digital-firstexperiences

AmongSouth Africans who have sent moneyabroadinthe past,57% saythey would considerusing stablecoinsasa formofpayment, highlightingastrong appetitefor fasterand moreefficient cross-border transactions

South Africanshoppersare increasinglyturningtoAItomakeshopping easier andmoreefficient. They aresignallingthe importance of transparency as thesetools become part of everyday life

Roughly63% of South African consumershaveusedAItoassistwith shopping-related tasks,including brainstorminggiftideas,researching products,orcommunicatingwith customer service

As shoppers integrateAIintotheir routines,theyare settingclear expectations.Almost45% believe that AI-powered tools aremorelikelyto find the best possible price.However,63% prefer to speakwith ahuman customer service representativerather than AI Security remainsakey concern for South Africans,but consumersare acceptingthe role theyplayinensuring asafepaymentexperience

Security is the biggestconsideration in choosing apaymentmethod, with 88% of respondents callingit“extremely important”

Shoppers aretakingresponsibility butstill rely on the industry: While South Africanconsumersview banks (76%)and then paymentnetworks (71%)asthe primaryguards against emergingsecuritythreats,67% feel that consumersthemselves are“extremely responsible” forthe detection of paymentfraud and security threats

South Africanconsumersare taking their security seriously, with almost50% enablingtwo-factor authentication,and 40% regularly changingpasswords That beingsaid, AI security still remainsaconcern. Approximately60% of consumersare concernedabout howtheir personal data is beingused by AI-powered shoppingand payment tools

Yet, 42% saytheyare confidentthat theywould be able to detectAI-driven paymentscams TheVisasurveyresults areasfollows: Nearly four outof10South Africans saydigital wallets arethe fastest paymentoption, with 66% of consumers authorisingpayments usingbiometric authentication,and 63% havingusedAI to assist with shopping-relatedtasks

Wicketkeeper gets call-up

Talentedwicket-keeperand batter Rethabile Nthoba from Botshabelo hasbeenincluded in theSouth African U19 women’s squad, to competeinthe NigeriaCricket Federation Women’sT20I Invitational Tournament.

Theinternational eventisscheduledtotake place in NigeriafromWednesday18March to 29 March.

Nthoba’sinclusion in the country’sjunior national teamrepresents aproud momentfor the KnightsWomen and herself

Herselection signals she is on the righttrack to make aname for herself, and South Africa,on the international stage.

It rewardsher sterlingperformancefor the provincial teams,her hard work,dedicationand fighting spirit

Nthobaisregardedasaninspirationfor the nextgeneration of cricketers across theFree Stateprovince

Havinggraduatedfromthe CricketSouth Africa(CSA) girls’U16 National Week,she is aproduct of the Botshabelo Hubundercoach Kamohelo Ntlhokoe,who wasalsothe head coachofthe KnightsGirls’U16 at the National Week in 2024.

Nthoba’sconsistent performancealsosaw her namedinthe 24-playersquad that attendeda preparatorycampfor the ICCU19 Women’sT20 WorldCup 2027 in Bangladesh and Nepal.

Thisinternational sports eventwillfeature 16 nations Thetournamentistentatively setto begin in January2027.

TABLE TENNISCLUBS CLASH

This year's CalebMotshabi TableTennis Tournament will be staged in Bloemfontein at the Mangaung IndoorSport CentreonSaturday 14 March. This willbethe 18th tournament sinceitwas first hosted.

Organised by aclubofyouthful members,the upcoming tournament willcoincide with the club's celebration of marking 26 years sinceits formation. Theclubcontinueswith themission to unearth and nurturetalent from townshipsinthe Mangaung Metroand to promotethe sporting code to gain popularity.

Theone-daytournament is open forjunior andsenior players, who willcompete in different categories: U13, U15, U18 and senior – bothmales and females.

Theplayers finishing in the topthree in the respectivecategories willreceivetrophies in addition to medals – bronze, silverand gold,rewardingtheir efforts.

“The tournament has transitionedoverthe years, growing in staturedue to the numberofclubs and players participating in it,” said David Kgabale, manager-cum-coach.

Interested clubsmay register at R100 forjuniors andR150 forseniors. Theclosingdatefor registration is 13 March.

Formoreinformation, contact David Kgabaleon 073712 0048

Wednesday, 11 March2026

Teams must improveclosertocrucial stage

TEBOHO SETENA

TheShimlas,the men’srugby team of the University of theFreeState (UFS), areunder pressure to improvetheir position inthe Varsity Cuptournamentand securea slot in thesemifinals TheKovsie lads areamong the potentialsemifinalists,but need at least two winstoadvance.

They areinastiff contest with the Matiesof Stellenbosch University (SU) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ).All three aretiedat11 points after four tournamentrounds

TheShimlas find themselves in apredicament following a34– 45 losstothe second-place Ea-

gles of the North-WestUniversity (NWU) in the round-four match played on Monday 9March

This wasthe Shimlas’second lossfollowing their 22 –38defeat inflicted by the University of Pretoria (UP-Tuks) twoweeks ago. Goingintoround five of the competitionon Monday 16 March, the Shimlas arelooking for a tie-break winthatwill improvetheir prospects to qualify for the semifinals Theimportant win could be at the expenseofthe UJ in a fixturethat is equallyimportant forboth sides Thecrucial matchwill be played in Johannesburg TheShimlas’two remainingmatches are againstthe IkeysTigersofthe University of Cape Town (UCT)inBloemfontein on 23 March, with their last matchawayagainstEmeris (formerly Varsity College) on 30 March.

With just tworoundstogotoend this year’s competition, bottom-rankingteams likethe Ixiasofthe CentralUniversity of Technology (CUT),FreeState,are compelledtoavoid relegation. They areyet to record awin in the competition, leavingthemsittingsecondfromthe bottom of the logtable with ameretwo points Their poor runsaw them lose17– 78 to the log-leadingUP-Tuks in an away fixture, extendingtheir losing streak to four To escape the dreadedrelegation,the Ixias arebound to wintheir threeupcoming fixtures They could startwith fellowtroubledopponent Emeris on 16 Marchina match to be played in Durban. Their othertwo remainingmatches of areagainstUJon23March,and then Maties on 30 March.

Club hasnew base

TEBOHO SETENA

TheMarumoGallants have afully-fledged facility for administration, training and development, thankstoa partnership with theMangaung MetroMunicipality (MMM). Theclub was, on Saturday 7March,officially handed thesports facility in Noordhoek previously used by defunctBloemfontein Celtic.

In termsofthe agreement, the premiership side becomes the custodian, and with it acceptingfull responsibilityfor the maintenance of the facilityfor the duration of its stay Thefacilityis also the headquarters of the club Theclub temporarily used differentvenues since relocatingto Bloemfontein

Themunicipalityisthe rightful ownerofthe facility.

Delightedowner Dr AbramSello,chairperson, maintainsapermanent facilitywould stabilisethe club

“This will go alongway in stabilisingthe club overall, havingadedicated facilityfor training at given times.Westruggledto find asuitable facilitysince ourrelocation to Bloemfontein. “Changeoftrainingvenues impacted the club’s preparation forleagueand competition matches.Wehad to realignwith the arrangements of the rightful custodianoffacilities we hadbeenrentingtemporarily,” said Sello. Theteamtemporarily used differentfacilities, includingthatofthe CentralUniversityofTechnology (CUT), Free State; the University of the Free State(UFS); and the St Andrew’sSchool. Sello said the communityand communitydevelopmentclubs stand to benefitfromusing the facilityfor the developmentoffootball, noting the importance of strengtheningrelationships “This is ourproudestmoment, havinga facility, and we aregrateful forsupportfromthe municipality,”said Sello

Afteracts of vandalism,the facilityhas been significantly revamped and rebrandedtobear the newname of GallantZone, replacingwhat waspreviously Siwelele Park