Bloem Express E-edition 24 September 2025

Everyday paper recycling demysti

TEBOHO SETENA

South Africans are encouraged to learn more about recycling and its environmental and economic benefits The clarion call ties in with the annual National Recycling Day, observed on Friday, 19 September, and South African National CleanUp and Recycle Week.

The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (Pamsa) is at the forefront of the campaign on recycling

Samantha Choles, Pamsa spokesperson, pointed out that there is still a significant gap between good intentions and action when it comes to paper recycling She said a recent survey by the body had found that 20% of people admit they do not recycle, but would like to

“The way to close the gap is by raising awareness on the ins and outs of recycling and encouraging consumers to dispose of products responsibly,” said Choles

She said the survey had revealed some positive signs: 81% of respondents clearly understand what types of products can be recycled, an improvement from 78% in 2023

“Of these, 74% of people said they recycle paper and cardboard either consistently or occasionally

“Some 69% responded that they recycle their paper-based packaging such as delivery boxes, food packaging and drinking cartons Only 5% said they never recycle their paper and cardboard products”

According to Choles, Pamsa collects around 1,2 million tonnes of paper and paper packaging every year, diverting this volume from the country’s landfills and converting it into new packaging and tissue products

“Most paper products can be recycled, but there are a few exceptions mainly due to the type of finishing or coating, material composition and contamination from the likes of food contact,” she explained, adding that it is best to check the labelling on the paper product if one is in doubt

A list of paper products that cannot be recycled, include:

■ tissue products;

■ paper towels;

■ napkins or serviettes;

■ toilet paper;

■ contaminated or dirty paper;

■ paper plates and cups with food

residue;

■ waxy fast-food wrappers;

■ wet paper or cardboard;

■ cement bags (due to the cement residue);

■ paper with mixed materials, plastic coating and lamination;

■ laminated office paper;

■ photographs;

■ wax-coated paper (like some fruit or meat wrappers);

■ foil or plastic-lined paper or gift wrap;

■ envelopes with plastic windows (some facilities are capable of handling them);

■ paper envelope with bubble wrap inners; and

■ paper with glitter, metallic ink, or embellishments

As far as possible, any non-paper elements should be removed from recyclable paper This includes sticky tape, plastic liners, metal or plastic binding, staples and paper clips

A list of what should be recycled includes:

■ office or copy paper;

■ brown cardboard boxes;

■ grocery and takeaway bags;

■ cereal boxes, medicine boxes, and

the like;

■ pizza boxes;

■ magazines and newspapers;

■ egg boxes and moulded fibre cup holders;

■ centre cores from products such as toilet paper, kitchen towel, gift wrap, cling wrap and tinfoil;

■ milk and juice cartons remember to remove the plastic closures, rinse lightly and flatten all items such as these; and

■ paper cups

It is important to have a separation system, with bins for rubbish and bins for recycling

“This ensures that your recyclable paper and cardboard will not get wet or dirty and will stay in a good condition until it gets to the recycling mill These can be placed around the house too, not just in the kitchen,” suggested Choles

“While significant research and development is underway to improve the handling of a wider range of paper-based packaging, the re-pulping technology currently used cannot process large amounts of non-paper elements, as these can damage the machinery”

Jurassic giants ready to imprint on local scene

set to capture the imagination of both young and old Prepare for an unforgettable experience as life-sized animatronic dinosaurs take over Bloemfontein during the Dinosaur World Festival

This not-to-be-missed exhibition festival will be held

with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, including a 12-meter-long Tyrannosaurus rex (T-Rex) and a 20-meter-long Australotitan cooperensis, all accessed through the massive mouth of a giant T rex

Dinosaur Street Theatre (C)

Participate in a lively 20 to 30-minute interactive performance featuring a variety of juvenile dinosaurs and puppets Children will have the opportunity to answer dinosaur trivia questions and win exciting prizes during the show

Reptile Show (D)

schools in Bloemfontein and surrounding areas are warmly invited to join the organisers for this unique opportunity to step back into the prehistoric era while enjoying a delightful picnic music and family activities with loved ones The captivating tale of the dinosaurs serves as a poignant reminder for us to actively engage in

ic dinosaurs that spring to life with sound and movement Jurassic Giants (B) Enter a realm of gigantic beings

Experience a 30-minute interactive educational presentation showcasing a diverse range of reptiles, including crocodiles, snakes, tortoises and many other intriguing creatures The exhibition is designed with various facilities, allowing each activity to have its own ticket price

This means visitors can buy tickets tailored to the specific areas they wish to explore For instance, a full-access ticket grants entry to all exhibition sections, excluding rides and certain

activities Additionally there are special discounted tickets available for families of four as well as groups of eight and 16

Below are different packages of Dino World Festival admission ticket prices

Bronze tickets options:

■ Child or adult: R50

■ Family of four ticket (two adults and two children): R190

■ Group of eight ticket (mixed adults and kids): R360

■ Group of 16 ticket (mixed adults and kids): R690

A bronze ticket will give access to the following areas: 1 Markets area

Legal action follows dam tragedy

TEBOHO SETENA

Criminal proceedings against five company employees facing charges related to the Jagersfontein tailings dam tragedy of 11 September 2022, are set to resume on 22 October.

Separately, a civil matter remains pending involving a group of 26 aggrieved persons, lamenting the negative impact on their livelihoods in this Free State diamond mining town

The criminal case is proceeding, involving five employees of an engineering company, and took place in the Jagersfontein Magistrates’ Court on 11 September According to the charge sheet, the individuals are Marius De Villiers (59), compliance officer; Petrus Johannes Combrick (60), operations manager; Petrus Jacobus Oosthuizen (60), company director; Gert Abraham Coetzee (34); and Jan Holmes Viljoen (80), both company employees

The matter was postponed to 22 October after their brief appearance They face charges including murder, malicious damage to property, and contravention of the Health and Safety Act

The case followed the completion of extensive evidence gathering, including forensic analysis and witness statements into events that led to the dam wall collapse in September 2022 The five were served with summons The investigations were undertaken by the Environmental Management Inspectorates from both the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and

Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), as well as the Bloemfontein Hawks' Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) In addition, the department had appointed the universities of Pretoria (UP) and the Witwatersrand (Wits) to investigate the causes of the failure of the dam The Hawks’ gathering of criminal evidence led to the latest developments

A criminal case docket was opened and referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa

in Bloemfontein After analysing the case docket and establishing that the activities constituted a crime, the prosecution ordered that the five men appear in court to face the charges instituted

The toxic liquid sludge from the dam had a far-reaching impact Five people died and several properties were damaged in the Charlesville and Itumeleng townships The victims were identified as Aaron Ralehana Moseou, Msokoli Petrus Khuthu,

Katleho Solly Olifant, and Shadrack Williams Mantele Mokgadi from Charlesville is still missing and presumed dead The sludge impacted livestock, agricultural land, road infrastructure, the ecosystem, and polluted watercourses such as the Kalkfontein Dam and Processpruit River A total of 200 houses were reportedly destroyed or damaged in the two settlements of Charlesville and Itumeleng People in Charlesville suffered the most

Residents might get short end

LIENTJIE MENTZ

Instead of solving the service delivery issues in Bloemfontein, the Mangaung Metro managed to put a spanner in the works and ensure that the residents will pay for it

The planned implementation of a shift system for workers to ensure savings in overtime and better service delivery, backfired because management never consulted with workers before executing it at the beginning of July

This resulted in members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) going to court The Labour Court agreed that the Mangaung Metro had acted unlawfully by changing employment conditions unilaterally The court ordered that Samwu members’ working terms and conditions were to revert back to what they had been on 1 August

With the onus now being on the metro to cover the legal costs of the application, residents will, in effect, have to pay for the court case

The Mangaung Metro filed an application for leave of appeal on 10 September effectively suspending the judgment until the appeal comes to court The decision to implement a shift system was aimed at curbing the enormous amount of overtime spending Overtime overspending increased sharply over the last two financial years, with the 2024-’25 figure more than three times higher than the previous year Overtime spending in 2024-’25 was an enormous R136 million

Both the executive mayor, Gregory Nthatisi, and the municipal manager, Sello More, presented the shift system as the primary method for controlling overtime spending However, they implemented it without consulting workers

Hardie Viviers, DA councillor, said at a recent Section 80 Finance Committee

meeting that the DA learned that the met-

ro ’ s July overtime spending was nearly triple its monthly budget

“The DA supports the shift system,

which was designed to allocate 12-hour shifts to metro employees,” he said

He strongly warned about the impact on residents when the metro filed an application for leave to appeal, effectively suspending the labour court judgment and interdict

“As a result, residents risk paying double for services, once for excessive overtime and again for potential legal costs if the Mangaung Metro loses its appeal The consequences of these failures have directly impacted residents, as critical services such as waste collection and law enforcement have nearly collapsed”

Viviers said that the metro could not continue to spend more than R100 million per year on ineffective services

Thabang Tseuo, provincial secretary of Samwu, in a statement issued on Wednesday, 17 September, highlighted inconsistent decision-making in the shift system by More

“The city manager ’ s call for a shift system also fails to acknowledge the severe staffing shortages that have plagued the municipality for years The auditor-general (AG) has explicitly highlighted high vacancy rates, especially in critical technical and operational posts It is unclear how a shift system can be effectively

implemented when there are not enough workers to fill the shifts Workers are often forced to work extended hours to compensate for chronic understaffing and ensure essential services are rendered to residents This is not an abuse of the system, but a necessity driven by the municipality’s failure to fill posts and implement a sustainable workforce strategy”

Tseuo has dismissed the assertion that excessive overtime is the central cause of the municipality’s financial difficulties as fundamentally false He referenced the most recent audit outcomes from the auditor-general of South Africa (Agsa), which flagged the continuation of chronic far-reaching governance and financial crisis

“The audit reveals a third consecutive qualified audit opinion, a material deficit of R468 million, and staggering amounts of unauthorised (R1,8 billion), irregular (R278 million), and fruitless and wasteful (R130 million) expenditure These figures, along with the under-utilisation of grants and a lack of investment in critical infrastructure, point to a crisis that cannot be attributed solely to employee overtime,” said Tseuo

He said the union supports legitimate efforts to reduce wasteful expenditure and improve service delivery

“However, these efforts must be grounded in fairness, legality, and sound labour practices Samwu will oppose any measures that unilaterally impose new working conditions, violate existing collective agreements, or penalise workers while ignoring the municipality’s own financial and governance failures

“We reaffirm our readiness to engage constructively on matters of efficiency and financial sustainability, but we will not allow workers to be used as scapegoats for failures caused by poor leadership and mismanagement,” said Tseuo

■ It was reported on bloemnuus co za that More had warned workers that if an alternative for overtime could not be reached, it could lead to job losses

The unhappy group has filed a lawsuit against the operating company, JD, including government ministers, seeking compensation for lost property This action is despite the company stating it made R20 million available to aid affected people The funds were intended for immediate relief and restoration efforts At the time of the disaster, the dam was reportedly operated by JD and owned by Stargems Group, a Dubai-based diamond trading firm

Police investigation into heist on N8 intensifies

TEBOHO SETENA

A multi-disciplinary police investigation into the recent cash-in-transit heist on the N8 road has resulted in the arrest of two of the brazen robbers involved

The police are continuing with their investigation into the heist and are searching for other suspects, who are still on the run

The arrestees, Keketso Muso (35) and Pitso Clement Mpholo (58), appeared in the Botshabelo Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 19 September, for bail application

The police’s breakthrough came with the arrest of the first suspect, Muso, a day after the robbery that occurred on Tuesday, 2 September, at about 09:00

The team that affected the arrest comprised the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation (Soci) team, Crime Intelligence, the Tactical Response Team (TRT), Visible Policing, the Explosives unit, and the Local Criminal Record Center (LCRC)

WO Fikiswa Matoti, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said the second suspect, Mpholo, had been on the run from the police

“He handed himself over to the police at the Boithuso Police Station on 17 September, in the presence of his lawyer

“The suspect is the owner of a house in Section H, Botshabelo, where two vehicles, several rifles, ammunition and explosives were recovered shortly after the robbery,” said Matoti

She said initial charges against the pair included armed robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle, and the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition as stipulated in the Firearms Control Act

Matoti said the weapons discovered were assault rifles, a pistol, and rounds of ammunition In addition, bullet-resistant vests, clothing items, as well as an unknown concoction inside a bottle, was confiscated Matoti said intelligence-driven information led the team to the house in Botshabelo where significant evidence was discovered She said one of the getaway vehicles had been reported as stolen in Bloemfontein in May this year At the time Muso was arrested in Botshabelo, he was driving one of the cars

Matoti said the group of heavily armed men travelling in a BMW reportedly rammed into a cash-in-transit vehicle, resulting in it overturning They ambushed the cash vehicle a few kilometres outside the town They managed to take an undisclosed amount of cash and thereafter fled the scene in a grey Toyota Hilux, driving in the direction of Botshabelo Matoti said the police do not rule out the possibility of the robbers’ involvement in other robberies; the investigations are ongoing The possibility of a connection follows a heist on the N8 on 4 July near the Mandela View settlement Explosives were used to blow up the vehicle, causing a complete road closure The police are yet to make an arrest

Last chance to win new car

A brand-new Renault Kwid Climber, valued at R222 000, is the ultimate prize in Engo Free State's Project of Hope for 2025. By making a donation of just R50, anyone could stand a chance of winning.

Members of the public have a chance to make donations until the closing date of 30 September and qualify for the ultimate prize The draw to determine the lucky winner of the car will take place on Friday, 31 October

The Project of Hope is an initiative aiming to raise funds to support communities across the Free State, while giving participants an exciting opportunity to win a car Renault Bloemfontein and Novus Media Community News (of which BloemExpress, BloemNews, Vista and VrystaatKroon are Free State titles), together with Evolve Audit and Advisory Services in Bloemfontein, are this year ’ s sponsors Proceeds of every ticket purchased go towards the non-profit organisation (NPO) to enable it to continue to change the lives of the needy Engo has 67 centres, houses and

offices across the province that will benefit from the project Engo Free State is rooted in Christian values of courage, excellence, honesty, integrity, care, and empathy It has been spreading eternal

hope, or “tshepo esafeleng,” with this project for more than a decade Now in its 12th year, the Project of Hope supports Engo’s extensive work, which includes care for children, the elderly, families, people

with disabilities, and hospital patients in need across the province

Donations are far-reaching in terms of providing much-needed aid to the welfare organisation

“Every R50 donation made not only gives you a shot at driving away in a Renault Kwid Climber, but also helps us extend our reach to those who need it most

“It is an opportunity to change your life while transforming the lives of others,” said De Wet Claassens, chief executive director at Engo Free State

Tickets with which to make a donation can be bought on engo co za

Visit the home page and click on the “Online Shop” link

The opportunity to make a donation is also made available at all Engo programmes and offices across the Free State

For more information on the project, or to somehow become involved, send an email to info@ engo co za, or dial 060 548 5543

Inspiring women given their due recognition

Members of the public are called upon to nominate women making an impactful contribution in their community for the 2026 Woman of Stature Awards South Africa

This is an opportunity to honour the women who lead with purpose, uplift their communities, and leave a legacy of impact

The Woman of Stature Awards invites female entrepreneurs and community leaders who drive positive change, to be recognised for their impact

The nominations process closes on 31 October

The awarding of this recognition celebrates the resilience, leadership, and impact of women, fostering inspiration and opportunity

Nominees must submit a detailed application with supporting documents showcasing their

Compliance a benefit to all

PIENAAR ZIETSMAN

For many financial institutions in South Africa, compliance has long been treated as a cost of doing business, a necessary function to satisfy auditors and regulators, and to avoid penalties But that mindset no longer holds up. As the regulatory environment tightens and innovation in the payment solutions market accelerates, businesses that treat compliance as a side function are left exposed reputationally, operationally, and strategically Embracing compliance in your core operations can open new opportunities These range from reduced reputational and financial risks, to stronger relationships with clients and industry role players

achievements, leadership and contributions

The awards initiative is one of South Africa’s most respected platforms

“This is your chance to be recognised for the impact you are making,” said Charlotte du Plessis, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Woman of Stature Awards

Women who meet the eligibility criteria can either enter themselves or be nominated by others

Categories for the 2026 season

■ entrepreneur of the year

■ CEO of the year

■ woman in arts and culture

■ woman in automotive

■ woman in coaching and mentoring

■ woman in community

■ woman in education and training

■ woman in engineering and mining

■ woman in financial services

■ woman in health and wellness

■ woman in legal services

■ woman in logistics

■ woman in media and journalism

■ woman in meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (Mice), tourism and hospitality

■ woman in property

■ woman in technology

To nominate someone or submit a nomination of one ’ s own impact, simply visit wosawardsglobal com and complete the online nomination form

Show offers comedic outlook

Komediant is a unique, bilingual comedy experience that mixes Afrikaans and English in a way only Virgil Prins can master

The talented act will be in Bloemfontein to offer his experience at the Windmill Casino on Saturday, 26 September

Prins brings his one-man lively experience following successful shows at the 2025 KKNK, the Umtiza Arts Festival in East London, and performances in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) and Johannesburg Also known as the Komandant in some circles, the award-winner’s ability is measured with one of his shows titled, Our Diversity is Diverse

It also reflects on the strength and diversity of South Africa’s senior men ’ s rugby team the Springboks

The Komediant show is a behind-the-scenes look into the world of being a comedian the expectations, the awkward moments, the brilliance, the bombs, and everything in between With his signature wit, Prins walks the line between prepared punchlines and pure improvisation

Half of the show is planned, and the other half happens there and then, with the audience as active participants

You start laughing, perhaps thinking a little, and maybe realise comedy is more complex than it seems

Prins manages to make you laugh about the silliest things, but also about the things you have long since forgotten to laugh about

Whether you are fluent in English, Afrikaans, or both, Komediant delivers something fresh, sharp and honest Comedy patrons are assured

of a lively experience and an evening full of storytelling Tickets sell for R80 per person for early bird pricing (limited to 20 tickets per person), and R100 per person for regular pricing

Whether it is the Protection of Personal Information Act (Popia), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Know Your Client (KYC) obligations, or industry frameworks like Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), the compliance bar has never been higher Financial service firms operate under constant scrutiny from regulators, clients, and stakeholders who expect secure systems and ethical data handling Trust is not built with slogans It is built with good governance And when that is missing, even unintentional gaps can result in reputational harm that is difficult to undo When compliance is woven into your processes, not tacked on at the end, it does more than just protect you It prepares you It strengthens reputation, improves resilience, and helps you scale without having to retrofit systems every time the rules change That is how businesses move from reactive compliance to strategic compliance readiness In business, sustainability is often reduced to environmental and social factors But without sound governance, those efforts are undermined Governance (the “G” in ESG, which stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance the criteria used to measure a company ’ s sustainability and ethical impact) includes everything from board accountability to regulatory compliance and ethical data use In the payments space, it is the cornerstone of a sustainable enterprise

At computer service and premium payment solutions providers for businesses, the belief is that enabling unregistered or non-compliant entities, whether knowingly or through oversight, undermines the integrity of the national payment system Their role goes beyond processing payments As a payment solution provider, they have a responsibility to ensure that clients are registered with the appropriate regulators and comply with all relevant legislation This protects the ecosystem’s sustainability This also means taking an active role in keeping bad actors out As a payment solution provider, you are not just offering access but protecting access Every player enabled gains entry to a broader financial ecosystem, and with that comes responsibility If they do not apply the same scrutiny and compliance standards across the board, the integrity of the system is compromised for everyone

Compliance is not easy, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises Regulations change, and resources are tight Many startups do not have full-time compliance officers

But more than that, service providers work closely with their clients Offering guidance, implementing controls, and keeping pace with regulatory developments

Compliance is not the job of a single department or specialist Instead, it is a shared commitment that touches every part of a business, from how you onboard customers to how you engage with regulators It is not just about staying out of trouble but about building a company that lasts

As South Africa’s financial services industry continues to evolve, the question is not whether your business can afford to invest in compliance It is whether you can afford not to In South Africa’s evolving financial services landscape, it is the foundation for sustainable growth, resilience, and trust

■ Pienaar Zietsman is the chief operating officer (COO) of a computer support and services provider

Job cuts on the horizon

LIENTJIE MENTZ

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) intends to make adjustments to its organisation, but no final decision has been made on the effects it will have on workers in Bloemfontein. This is according to Motshidisi Mokwena, head of communications and reputation of the CCBSA, on queries on whether the local plant will be closed.

“In response to evolving industry dynamics, the CCBSA intends to make adjustments to its organisation,” said Mokwena

She said if adjustments are made to the organisation, and implemented, it may result in some roles being impacted and may unfortunately result in job losses

“We have started a consultation process with unions and non-unionised employees who may be impacted,” she said to BloemNews, a sister publication of BloemExpress under Novus Media Community News in the Free State and Northern Cape

“Our priority is to support affected colleagues with fairness, transparency and compassion during the process

”

Reports from other media houses suggest the potential workforce reduction of more than 600 workers at some plants in the South Africa

David van Vuuren, DA spokesperson on economic development in the Free State Legislature, said the possible closing of the production plant in Bloemfontein is concerning

“With the Free State having the third-highest unemployment rate in the country, the issue of job security and the creation of further employment in the province is our number one concern We

have seen an alarming trend in other parts of the province and country, where companies are forced to end their operations due to the increased cost of running their businesses,” Van Vuuren said

“When large businesses close or alter their operations, the impact is usually felt immediately by the surrounding community In some cases, the spin-off effects can be as devastating as the closure of the company Local suppliers and service providers lose a major client, transport businesses collapse, informal markets and stalls around the company are forced to close, and there is significantly less money circulating in the local economy due to the loss of income,” he said

■ The news of possible job cuts comes in the wake of the Tiger Milling company

highlighting that 24 jobs were lost between December 2023 and July 2024 due to declining production in the Free State Vista, also a community newspaper of Novus Media, reported the company stated that an additional 15 jobs had been lost due to alcohol abuse linked to socio-economic stress, directly tied to worsening conditions

The collapsing roads, poor infrastructure, blocked stormwater systems, and rampant cable theft in Hennenman have directly cost Tiger Milling R5,2 million in losses

The looming risk of the plant ceasing operations altogether is a disaster for Hennenman and Matjhabeng, as Tiger Milling contributes R5 000 000 per month (R60 000 000 annually) to municipal revenue

E-commerce is on an upward surge

South Africa’s online retail sector is projected to exceed R150 billion and account for 12% of total retail turnover by 2027 This is the central finding of the Online Retail in South Africa 2025 report produced by World Wide Worx, in collaboration with Mastercard, Peach Payments, and Ask Afrika, as announced on 11 September

Arthur Goldstuck, chief executive officer (CEO) of World Wide Worx, said the findings mark a turning point for South African retail, cementing its role as the structural driver of growth in commerce He said South Africa’s e-commerce turnover is expected to exceed R130 billion by the end of 2025 and capture nearly 10% of the country’s total retail market

“Online retail has moved from being an experiment on the margins to a structural force in the economy Nearly one in every ten rand spent at retail will now be online

“The study revealed that online retail grew by 35% in 2024, reaching R96 billion, representing 8% of total retail sales

Growth has continued through 2025 at an annualised rate of 38%, far outpacing physical retail, which increased by just 2,5% in 2024 and 1,6% by mid2025, with digital platforms now embedded in everyday consumer behaviour,” said Goldstuck He attributes

significant growth to increases across groceries, fashion, health and beauty, and value retail

“The evidence is overwhelming that e-commerce is now the growth engine of South African retail Retailers across all categories are reporting robust online performance, ” said Goldstuck

According to Goldstuck, significant drivers include popular platforms:

Shoprite’s “Checkers Sixty60” platform which grew by 47% in the first half of 2025, generating nearly R19-billion in sales

Pick n Pay’s on-demand and scheduled delivery services expanded by more than 60% in its most recent financial year Woolworths recorded a 37% increase in online sales of fashion, beauty and home products, alongside nearly 50% growth in its “Woolies Dash” grocery delivery service

The Foschini Group (TFG) reported a 40% increase in “Bash” platform sales, which now contribute 12% of group turnover, while Truworths’ online channel reached 6% of South African sales after growth of 38% Retailers such as Mr Price and Clicks, though starting from smaller bases, also reported double-digit growth in their online divisions

Budding scientists do the FS proud

A group of 20 learners of various primary and secondary schools in the Free State will compete at the national Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF) final, set to take place in Kempton Park, Gauteng

Scheduled for 6 to 10 October the event will host 303 learners from 35 regions across South Africa and 16 international participants from Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mexico, Ireland, India and Russia

Additionally, seven participants from Ghana and Mozambique will have an opportunity to participate virtually

The candidates representing the province achieved top places at regional finals

Various entities with a shared vested interest in providing opportunities for emerging scientists and engineers have committed prizes worth millions Babcock International, Siemens Energy, the University of Pretoria (UP) and the UP’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (Ebit) are sponsoring eight full bursaries for learners to pursue engineering degrees at a South African university of their choice, contingent on meeting the required criteria upon receiving their matric results These bursaries have a total value of more than R6 million

Additionally, monetary prizes of more than R400 000 cash are up for grabs These include sponsored lap-

tops and tablet computers

“Eskom’s corporate social investment (CSI) into Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Industry (Stemi) is more than a financial contribution; it is a direct commitment to changing lives,” said Mologadi Motshele, acting chief executive officer (CEO) for the Eskom Development Foundation

“By enabling more than 17 000 learners to participate in Eskom Expo this year, the programme is giving opportunities to young people who would otherwise not have access

“Importantly, this includes learners from previously disadvantaged communities and girls, who have

historically been underrepresented in science and technology Eskom Expo serves as a vehicle that ensures these learners are exposed to Stemi pathways, developing both confidence and skills”

Six learners of schools in the Mangaung Metro will participate in the upcoming expo Free State participants include:

Welkom

■ Calista Gerber (Welkom-Gymnasium High School);

■ Helené Fourie (Trio High School);

■ Leila Erasmus (Welkom-Volkskool);

■ Andile Malubela (Barnard Molokwane Secondary School);

■ Mphe Moloto (St Andrew's School, Welkom);

■ Tshoanelo Setai (Eldoret Secondary School); and

■ Fatima Noor (Welkom-Gymnasium High School)

Bloemfontein

■ Jana Swanepoel (Oranje Meisieskool);

■ Zanele Witbooi (R T Mokgopa Secondary School);

■ Nneka Nwafor (Eunice High School);

■ Jaco Deysel (Jim Fouché High School);

■ Jemma Myburgh (Eunice Primary School); and

es brother’s life nating vital organ

ETENA

c Hospital in

s making strides in ey transplants after rformed another anging surgery

The hospital’s muldisciplinary team mprising vascular rgeons, urologists d nephrologists ompleted a life-savg kidney transplant ocedure on 2 Sepmber

The respected Prof eziwe Bisiwe, nephrologist and head of the Nephrology Department at the hospital, led the medical team that performed the ansplant

The recipient, Khotso Clayton Montse (31), from Kimberley, received this gift of life from his sister, ieketseng Prudence 43) This gesture een described as an y act of love and ipient and the doischarged and are ng a full recovery ansplant transferred from are unit (ICU) on 10 ment marks another hospital following re done in October

0 3

The life-saving procedure performed in 2023 involved a happy couple, Judith and Thabo Mvalo, with Thabo as the recipient

His wife donated her kidney to save her spouse The loving couple are seemingly living life to the fullest and attend many health promotion events to raise awareness of a healthier, alternative lifestyle

Dr Balekile Mzangwa, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Universitas Academic Hospital, has hailed the medical team for achieving another great feat

“This transplant is a reminder of the power of compassion and modern medicine working hand in hand We are deeply grateful to Nombula for her courage and generosity, and we commend our dedicated medical team for their exceptional skill and commitment

“At the hospital, we remain steadfast in our mission to restore hope and transform lives through advanced healthcare,” said Mzangwa

A shortage of suitable donors

According to Organ Donation South Africa, the list is growing of people waiting for suitable kidney donations as the country faces a short supply of donors It is estimated that over 2 500 people are on the active waiting list for organ and tissue donation, while others lose their lives while waiting to receive this life-saving gift

The organisation attributes the organ donor shortage to limited knowledge among citizens

In 2023, approximately 4 700 people were waiting for organ or corneal transplants, while the number of available donor organs remains extremely low, with only 0,2% of the population registered as organ donors

To donate a kidney in South Africa, you must be over the age of 18 and a healthy adult with no chronic conditions that could affect the recipient, such as heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease

To register as an organ donor or for more information about this, contact the Organ Donor Foundation on 0800 22 66 11 (toll free), or visit odf org za

■ Rorisang Mohlobuli (Bloemfontein High School)

Bethlehem

■ Mosa Motsoeneng (Sentinel Primary School);

■ Mpolokeng Makgohlo (Sentinel Primary School);

■ Pheello Moloi (Kgola Thuto Secondary School);

■ Tumelo Thateng (Beacon Secondary School);

■ Thabang Radebe (Beacon Secondary School);

■ Bolielo Serongoane (Hoërskool Harrismith); and

■ Nobuhle Sibeko (Lindley High School)

Brushing is just the beginning

Cleaning between your teeth matters for your mouth and your body Dental hygiene is in focus during this September, also dedicated as Oral Health Month

The public is strongly encouraged to practice good dental health

It goes a long way, because it protects your overall well-being, preventing serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes complications, pneumonia, and even impacts fertility and pregnancy outcomes

Beyond physical health, maintaining good oral hygiene also significantly improves one ’ s quality of life by preserving the ability to speak, eat and smile properly

Effective brushing technique is vital

To maintain good dental health, routine dental visits, typically every six months, allow for professional cleanings This helps in early identification of problems before they become serious and provides personalised advice on oral hygiene to maintain a healthy smile and prevent future complications

According to experts, brushing only cleans 60% to 70% of tooth surfaces, and the rest mainly the tight spaces between teeth (40% of tooth surfaces) is often neglected, allowing plaque to accumulate These tight spaces potentially cause gum disease, increasing in whole-body health risks

Dirna Grobbelaar, oral hygiene advisor at Ivohealth, said the findings reveal that gum disease is reportedly linked to over 50 systemic conditions The health conditions include heart disease and diabetes to poor pregnancy outcomes, pancreatic cancer, and even depression

She said tight spaces are where cavities and gum disease usually begin, with serious consequences for your mouth and your body

“Cleaning in between remains one of the hardest things for patients to do yet it is one of the most important New plaque is soft and easier to remove Leave it for a day or two, and it matures into biofilm a sticky layer that’s much harder to shift That’s why a small daily habit can have a big impact it only takes 30 to 60 seconds,” said Grobbelaar

Wednesday, 24 September 2025

Cup glory will be determined by upcoming clashes

Matchismakeorbreak

TEBOHO SETENA

The University of the Free State’s (UFS) men’s team is gearing up for a crucial away game in the Varsity Football semifinal clash against the North-West University (NWU) on Thursday, 25 September

The winner will meet the victor of the other semifinal between the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

The first semifinal, a Gauteng derby between the UJ and TUT, is scheduled to kick-off at 17:00 followed by grudge match between the Kovsie boys and NWU at 19:30 The final is scheduled for Thursday, 2 October, at a venue yet to be announced

The four clubs qualified following their outcomes in round 7 matches played on Thursday, 18 September, at different venues The NWU boys delivered a commanding performance, defeating Wits FC 3 0 at their home turf in Mahikeng An in-form UJ maintained their unbeaten run in the group stages after edging the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, 1 0 in Bloemfontein

The Kovsies lost 1 2 to the TUT at

Thesemifinalbetweenthe KovsiesandNWUisarepeat oflastyear’schampionship

their home ground of Shimla Park in Bloemfontein However, their consistent performance in the round-robin matches saw them advance to the semifinals for the second year in a row

The semifinal between the Kovsies and NWU is a repeat of last year's championship However, last year the Kovsies lost 4 0 to the hosts on penalties and the result saw the NWU avenge their 3 1 loss at the hands of the Free State boys Revenge is on the cards in this intriguing fixture

The championship has eluded the aspirations of the Kovsies and their current head coach, Mokete Tsotetsi, to end this misfortune The NWU and UJ lads are searching for their second trophy since winning in 2019 and 2021, respectively

The most successful team is the TUT, having won it four times in 2023, 2022, 2018 and 2016 The University of Pretoria (UP Tuks) won the tournament twice, in 2014 and 2017, while the University of the Western Cape (UWC) won it in 2015 and 2020

Football fever hits city as two clubs brace for derby battle

TEBOHO SETENA

The battle lines are drawn in the first eagerly awaited Premiership local derby between Bloemfontein football clubs: the Marumo Gallants and Siwelele

The super-charged fixture is scheduled for Sunday, 28 September, at the Dr R P Molemela Stadium

It will mark the beginning of a battle for derby bragging rights This will be the first round of the derby, with the

return leg to be staged at the same venue next year Both teams will be looking for improved performances, considering they have each recorded just one win at this venue

The Siwelele lads win was 3 1 against the Lamtonville Golden Arrows, while the Gallants celebrated a 2 1 victory over the Orlando Pirates

Siwelele played to a 0 0 draw with Richards Bay FC in the second fixture here, while the Bahlabane ba Ntwa shared the spoils with Polokwane City

and Mamelodi Sundowns, playing them 1 1, respectively

Siwelele is under immense pressure to try and turn their misfortunes around after losing four matches in a row The club s lacklustre form saw a shake-up, with the announcement of the sacking of Stan Mathews and assistant coach Andre Arendse on Sunday, 21 September These drastic changes followed the club’s 0 2 defeat by Durban City on Tuesday, 16 September

Lehlohonolo Seema remains the head coach of Siwelele and will be working with Willem Jackson as assistant coach Both played for the now defunct Bloemfontein Celtic during the tenure of the late Dr Rantlai Petrus “Whitehead”Molemela

Le John, chairman of the Siwelele FC, stated the shake-up was necessary to strengthen the team and find stability In addition, he pointed out that players who did not perform to their full potential will have their

contracts terminated and be replaced with at least five or six players The transfer window closed on Monday, 22 September

The Gallants are inspired by their current performance, which saw them hold off the Premiership defending champions, Sundowns on Wednesday, 17 September

They are facing a rejuvenated Kaizer Chiefs side in an away league outing taking place on Wednesday, 24 September Kick-off is at 17:30