Flies overfinishing line to beat record number of entrants to it
Lankymarathoner Lereko Naileofthe Centre City TitaniumsAthleticsClubinBloemfontein at the finishing line of the Mimosa Mall Marathon’s42km race on Saturday 28 February.Heachievedapersonal besttime that is also a2026 Comrades Marathonqualifyingtime.Nailewas unchallenged,leading toughcontenders by more than 2km to completethe marathon hosted as part of this year’s event,ofwhich allcategoriesattracted 3500 participants.
PHOTO:Teboho Setena
Defraudedbusinesses urgedtocomeforward
TEBOHO SETENA
Thepoliceinvestigationinvolving a young mansuspectedofmasquerading as aprofessional football player to defraudunsuspecting people andbusinesses, hasresulted in theregistration of tencases of theft.
SgtMahlomolaKareli, provincial spokesperson for the Free Statepolice,said tenbusinesseshavecome forwardtoopencases following the arrest of asuspect presumably operatingunder the falseidentityof Junior Mahlangu
Amongthesecomplainants are one businessfromLimpopo and twofromHillbrow in Johannesburg, Kareli confirmed
Thepolice arrested the suspectedconman in Bloemfontein on 17 February. He hasbeen remandedincustody while the police continue with their full-scale investigation.
Kareli said the investigation involved ablack Volkswagen Golf 8, whichwas confiscated duringhis arrest Thecar,bearing the registration number MT 51 CM GP,was foundin the suspect’spossession at the time of his arrest
Thesuspect speaks Sotho fluently
Thesuspected conman,who is using the pseudo-identityofJuniorMahlangu.
PHOTO:Supplied
Kareli said part of the investigation involved profiling to establish the suspect’strueidentityinadditionto investigatingindividualsand businesses he apparently scammed. He said apreliminary investigation revealed that the suspecthad been targetingbusinessesinBloemfontein.
Kareli confirmed that the manwas facingmultiplecharges,including theft and fraud.
Giventhe complexnatureofhis modus operandi,the policehave released aphotoofthe suspectfor circulation. Thepoliceare urgingin-
dividuals and businessentities who mighthavebeendefrauded, to come forward andtoprovide evidence of this
Anyone with helpful information or who wishes to open acaseis advisedtocontact the investigative officer,Capt. Jean Marais on 082 779 8868. Alternatively, report to the nearestpolice stationtoregister aformalcomplaint,ordial08600 10111.
■ Meanwhile,the Bloemfontein Hawks’ SeriousCorruptionInvestigationunit is continuingwith an investigationinvolving ayoung man posing as an official of the Mangaung Metrotoallegedlyscamstudents Thesuspect,VuyaniGibson Mpasie(27), is chargedwith corruption andextortion. He reappeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’Court on 16 Februaryfor abail application.
Lt Col. ZweliMohobeleli, provincial spokesperson forthe Hawks, said thesuspect hadallegedlyscammed students through afakebursary scheme
“Hereportedlyintroducedhimself as an official of the Mangaung Metro, promising to facilitate the approval of bursaryapplications forafee.”
TheHawks in Bloemfontein are appealing to anyone who mighthave fallenvictim to the scam to dial 082 584 4043.
Rogueadvocatecharged withpropertysales fraud
TEBOHO SETENA
Disbarred advocateLerataShadrack Mashee (50) is nowfacingcriminal chargesincourt pertainingtoalleged fraudulentpropertysales involving victims in Bloemfontein TheLegal Practice Council (LPC) expelledhim from practicinginthe profession following disciplinaryactionarising from the matter
Beingremandedincustody followinghis arrest,Masheelaunchedabid forbailinthe Bloemfontein Magistrates’Court on Monday 2March The Bloemfontein Hawks’ SeriousCommercial Crime Investigation unit is continuingwith the investigation into allegedfraud of R890 000, involving property sales
Mashee firstappearedincourt was on 23 February. Ateamcomprisingthe Hawks, Tactical Response Team,and Crime Intelligence pouncedonhim following atracingoperation
“Theaccused hadbeenonthe run since September2024 when theycornered himinBotshabelo,wherehewas in hiding,”said Mohobeleli.
He said an investigation revealed that Mashee hadallegedlymisrepresented himself as aconveyancerand received moneyfromvarious victims forpropertysales between2019 and 2022.
“Several complainants hadreported Masheetothe LPCand the Hawks. Victims deposited acumulativeR890 000 into the accused’s bank accounts Mohobeleli said the money wasfor houses the victims were interested in purchasing after seeingthem advertised forsaleinalocal newspaper. Victims became suspicious when time elapsedwithout them movinginto their newhomes.Itwas laterrevealed that the accused wasnot certified to act as aconveyancer, said Mohobeleli. Threevictims came forwardwith information againstMashee. Victims lodged multiple complaints against him with the LPCand the Hawks, leadingtodisciplinaryactions.Mashee wassubsequentlydisbarred on 28 May 2024, accordingtothe LPC’sreport. ■ Masheehas been addedtothe growinglistofFreeState attorneys disbarred regardingunethical practices and found to be erodingthe public’s trust in the legalprofession To date,approximately35practitionershavebeenlistedassuspended, and 15 struck off the roll following investigationsbythe watchdog. This is forthe period from January2023 to February2026.
By November 2023, the LPCwas reportedly investigatingapproximately 765 complaints againstlegal practitionerswithin the Free State. Theprovincial bodysaw to the suspension of 19 attorneys in 2023 – reportedly,the largestnumberof suspensionsinone year,comparedto 2020 to 2022.
TheNational ProsecutingAuthority (NPA) in the Free Statehas welcomedthe sentence of life imprisonmenthanded down to TokelloMachechekoane (36), for multiple criminalcharges
TheBloemfontein Regional Courtsentenced him to alife term plus an effective additional15 years’ directimprisonmentonWednesday25 February.
Machechekoane wasconvicted of premeditatedmurder,attempted murder,unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and defeatingthe administration of justice Mojalefa Senokoatsane,spokespersonfor the NPAinthe Free State, said the accusedhad pleadednot guiltytoall chargeson17February. Theharsh sentence followedagruesome incident on 17 September2021
“Thecourt heardthat the accusedhad gone to the home of his former girlfriend, whereshe was seated outside with her mother and stepfather “Uponnoticingthe accusedapproaching, the stepfather instructed the young womantogo
“Dissatisfied with their response, he produced a firearmand firedtwo shots at closerange, striking the stepfather in thechest andhead. The deceased died at the scene,” said Senokoatsane.
He said the mother andthe former girlfriend escapedthe fatalshooting.
“Themother fled for hersafety, while the accused proceededto fire random shots into the housewherehis former girlfriend washiding. Fortunately,she wasnot physicallyinjured
“Theaccused fled the scene andwas arrested twodayslater,” said Senokoatsane.
He confirmed the case hadbeenfurther aggravated by the accused’sconduct following his initial arrest
Althoughhewas released on bail in 2021, he subsequentlyabsconded.
“This significantly delayed the finalisationof the case and ledtothe issuingofa warrantofarrest Theaccused wasonlyre-arrestedin2024.”
Senokoatsanesaidduringsentencing proceedings,RegionalCourt Prosecutor Adv. Amore Coetzeearguedstronglyfor the imposition of life imprisonment
Shefurther submittedthat the accused had actedwithoutprovocation, demonstratedno remorse,and carriedout the fatal shootingina calculated anddeliberatemanner
“Thestate further argued that astrong message must be sent that such heinous acts of violence,particularly thosearising from domestic-related circumstances,will be met with the full mightofthe law,”saidSenokoatsane
In aggravationofthe sentence,hesaid, the statehandedina victim impact statement from the complainant in theattempted murder charge
“Inher statement, shedetailedthe ongoing emotionaltraumashe continues to endure, as well as the overwhelmingguilt she carries, believingthathad shenot gone into hiding, her stepfather mightnot have been killed.
“She further highlightedthat her younger
brother hasbeenleftwithout afather,asthe deceased wasthe sole breadwinnerofthe household
“Thecourt took thesefactorsintoserious consideration,” said Senokoatsane Thecourt imposedthe following sentences:
■ premeditatedmurder:lifeimprisonment;
■ attemptedmurder:15years’directimprisonment; and
■ unlawful possession of a firearmand ammunition:10years’imprisonment on each of these counts
Fordefeatingthe administration of justice, Machechekoane wassentencedtoone year’s imprisonment, whollysuspendedfor three years.
“Thecourt ordered that the sentences forunlawful possession of a firearmand ammunition runconcurrentlywith the 15-yearsentencefor attemptedmurder Theaccused will therefore serve15years’imprisonment,after which the lifesentence will commence,” said Senokoatsane
Asbestos case continues in FS High Court
LIENTJIE MENTZ
Thecourt proceedingsinthe case that involves theformerpremier of the Free Stateand secretary general of the ANC,Ace Magashule,was expectedto continue on Tuesday3March
This comes afterNthimotseMokhesi, expelledheadofthe Free StateDepartmentofHuman Settlements, indicated that he wasgoing to applyfor LegalAid representation.
During ashortappearance on Monday 2March,the courtheard that this applicationfor legalrepresentation hadbeendeclined. This meansthat although Mokhesipreviously hadlegal representation, he currentlyiswithout alegal representative.
Thestate wasexpectedtocall its firstwitnessonTuesday, when the courtcasecontinuedinthe Free State High Court. All accusedpersons were presentincourt on Monday andhave
legalrepersentation with the exception of Mokhesi.
Magashule is accused of stealing public moneyset aside to audit governmenthouseswith asbestos roofs in 2014, when he waspremier of the Free State. He is chargedwith multiple counts of fraud, corruption and money launderingallegedlycommitted.
Theallegationsrevolvearound the equivalent of R255 million in asbestosaudit contracts awardedduring ex-presidentJacobZuma’sgraft-tainted tenure of 2009 to 2018. Thehazardous roofswerenever removed.
Theother accused include five companies andthe chargescomprisefraud, corruption, moneylaundering and the contravention of the LawonPublic Financial Management.
Magashule is chargedalongwith Johannesburg businessmanEdwin Sodi, Mokhesiand MahlomolaJohn Matlakala,formeracquisitionsmanager of
the Free StateDepartmentofHuman Settlements
Othersalsobeingcharged include Olly Mlamleli (former mayorofthe Mangaung Metroand Free StateMEC forCo-operativeGovernance,TraditionalAffairsand HumanSettlements), Thabane Zulu (former national director-generalofHuman Settlements), Margaret-Ann Diedricks(then temporaryheadofthe department in Gauteng), Bertus Venter (former head of corporateadministration in the premiers’ office), Nozipho Molikoe (financial head of the Free State DeparmentofHuman Settlements) and ThabisoMakepe(chief engineerofthe department).
Companies chargedare Sello Radebe and his companyMastertrade 232, Abel Manyekiand his companythe Ori Group, Sodi’s companyBlackhead Consulting, as well as Diamond Hill Trading 71 and 605 ConsultingSolutions.
Fraudster’s appointmentasCEO probed
TEBOHO SETENA
TheFreeState Premier,Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae,has confirmed that an investigation wasimminent into theappointmentofconvicted fraudster Zongezile Adam Zumane as thechief executiveofficer(CEO) at theSenoriaNtlabathi District Hospital in Ladybrand. Theformer Mangaung Metrocouncilspeaker’s appointmenttoanother public entity, despitehis criminal status, caused outrageafter thiswas made public in mediareports.
In astatementissuedon23February, MatshedisoSetai, spokespersonfor the Free Stategovernment, addressedZumane’s controversial appointmenttoaninfluential position, statingithad occurred before Letsoha-Mathae’stenure.
Shepointedout that Zumane had been subsequentlydirectedto performother functionswith immediate effect, explainingthe decision was aligned with an investigation in terms of Regulation 63 of the Public Service Regulations
Setai stated Zumane hadbeen appointedon1 April2019 as aclinical programme coordinator at the Winburg District Hospitalafter disclosing
his previous criminal record.Hewas appointedasCEO in June last year
“Inher role as the executiveauthorityoverthe provincialadministration, it is importanttonotethatthe premier is notresponsible for the appointmentofhospital CEOs.After decades ofmaladministration and rampant corruption that previously engulfed ourprovince, it would be irresponsiblefor the premier to involveherself
in theoperational mattersofdepartments,” said Setai, addingthat Letsoha-Mathaehad noted the concerns arisingfromZumane’sappointment.
“However,while the premier acknowledges theconcerns andrespects the mediafreedom enshrined in ourconstitution, it is imperative that journalistsreportethicallyand factuallyratherthanattempt to create sensationalheadlines
“Had the journalist undertaken thorough research,theywould have
establishedthat she hadnot been involved in the said appointment,” said Setai, referringtoanarticle titled “Premier defends fraudsterappointment” publishedby Sunday World.It waspublishedon22February.
AccordingtoSetai, the article containedfactually incorrectclaims Convicted in 2012, Zumane was sentencedtoeight years’ direct imprisonment, butwas released after servingthree yearsatthe Grootvlei Medium BCorrectionalCentre.
He hadbeenfound guiltyoffraud andmoneylaundering involving more than R5 million between2000 and2005.Hewas among the 11 accused.
Amemberofthe ANC,Zumane holdsa national diplomainnursing andgraduatedfromthe now-defunct Mangaung NursingCollege of the Free State.
Zumane’s appointmenthas triggeredbacklash from opposing political parties in the province,with the DA andthe EFF leadingthe charge
“Thepremier maynot be involved in appointments,but hasa responsibilitytoinvestigate concerns regardingappointments as part of their monitoring, coordinatingand oversightfunction over departments under their control. It appearsthat the premier,byattacking the media,
is shootingthe messenger while avoidingtakingresponsibilityfor the controversyinthe provincial government,”said RoyJankielsohn, DA provincial leader
He said his partywould raisethe issueofZumane’s appointmentinthe Legislature with the departmentand the MECfor Health
Accordingtothe EFF,disclosure of acriminal record,evenifithad been expunged,isnot sufficientto justifythe appointmentofaconvicted fraudstertoa public entity, notingthe importance of cleangovernance
“This is abrazenact of political arrogance that exposesthe moral decay of ANC governance in the Free State. Thelaw governingpublic service appointments in South Africa requires strict compliance with principles of merit,suitability, integrityand thorough verification,” stated the EFF
“Senior managementappointments must undergo rigorous vetting, qualification verification and assessmentof fitnesstohold office
“Theseare notoptionalprocedures; theyare safeguards designedtoprotect the public from preciselythe type of recklessnessweare witnessing “Theposition of ahospital CEOis critical foroverseeing financial management, procurementand ultimately the qualityofhealthcare delivery.”
Newdateset forsentencingindog mauling case
Thesentencing of theowner of thedog that mauledOlebogeng Mosime (8)to death in 2022 is scheduledfor 21 April, afteritwas postponedinSeptemberlast year
TheNational ProsecutingAuthority (NPA) of South AfricainBloemfontein confirmed the new date in the Bloemfontein Regional Court.
ThesentencingofKeabetswe Moroane (43)was initiallyset for 2September
Thecourt found her guiltyona charge of culpable homicide following an incident involvingher dog, apit bull terrier
Shewas convicted on 23 July last year after the incident that sparkedoutrage and intensified the call to banpit bulls as pets in South Africa.
Thedog killedthe boyon12Novemberin 2022 in VistaPark, Bloemfontein
Mojalefa Senokoatsane,spokesperson for the NPAinthe Free State, said sentencingwould continue since apre-sentencing report hadbeenprovided as requestedby Moroane’s legalteam.
Thedog fatallyattackedOlebogeng after it brokefreefromits owner’s property
Theboy wasreportedlyplaying in aneigh-
bouringgaragewhenthe dogattackedhim Olebogengdiedatthe scene due to severe injuries.
Thecourt hadheard that Moroaneowned three dogs includingthe pit bull, whichwas known for aggressive behaviour.
It emergedthat the vicious doghad previously caused much distresstoresidents in the area
An investigation revealedthat, despite receivingrepeatedcomplaintsfromneighbours, Moroane hadfailedtomaintain adequate security measures to containthe animal
Informedbythe evidence of the investigation, Senokoatsanesaidthe courtfound that the ownerhad actednegligently by not takingreasonable steps to preventforeseeable harm
He said evidencepresented revealed that both Moroaneand herneighbours hadattempted to addressthe containment issuethrough the installationoffences and wooden poles
Giventhe known historyofaggression by the dog, and the repeated complaints from community members,the courtruledthat shehad adutytoprotect others from the potentialdangerposed by the animal.
Olebogengattended the Roseview Primary School in Bloemfontein.
MaqueenLetsoha-Mathae,premierofthe Free State.
TEBOHO SETENA
Flowers and aphoto placed in memoryofOlebogeng Mosime after his death. PHOTO:Supplied
Dramashows painfulpast
AtholFugard’spowerful drama, My Children! My Africa!,makes its return to Bloemfontein with live performances at thePacofs theatre. Theplayreturns as part of the“From Classroomto the Stage” campaign. Pacofs presents the dramaincollaboration with Flipping theScripts andwill be directed by theatre-maker Karabelo Plaatjie
What is even moreexcitingis that it will featureahighlytalented cast from Bloemfontein. The firstprofessional, unabridged production of theplayinBloemfontein was staged by Pacofs at the Batho Community Hall in 1993.
My Children! My Africa! depicts how the apartheid regime reserved wealth and powerfor whitepeople by dividingSouth African societyalongracial lines and ruthlessly exploitingthe Blackmajority. The two-act play is setinSouth Africain1984, ayearbeforethe StateofEmergencyin South Africa. It wasthe year severallearnersintownships were boycottingschoolto defy the apartheid regime Thegovernment respondedbysendingwhitesoldiers into townships to fightagainstanti-apartheid activists.
Theprotest escalatedintowidespread violenceinvolvingcrowdsofblack people
In the meantime,some individuals were killed becausetheywereaccused of being spiesfor the apartheid authorities Theplayopens in aBantu classroom with Anela Myalatya as Mr M, ateacher and principal at the Zolile High School, moderatinga debate betweenhis star student, Thami Mbikwana,and Isabel Dyson, astudentfromthe affluentwhite girls' school, Camdeboo High.Althoughthe governmentatthe time used race to segregate people, adebatecompetition betweenthe schools is used to integratelearners.
Despite Thami’spassionateclosing remarksand his popularity amonghis classmates, Isabel wins the debate.After the rest of the class leaves,Isabeland Thami engage in aconversation, culminatinginafriendship, despitetheir different backgrounds
However, as the school boycotts escalate, Mr Mand Thami's relationship falls apart. As tensions rise in theEastern Cape,a rebellious Thami goes to warn Mr Mabout his fate,but he isresoluteinhis political stanceand pays the ultimateprice.Tickets costR70 for students andR120 forthe public
Life-saving gesturehas spreadingeffect
TheBloemfontein branchofthe International WeLoveUFoundation hosted asuccessful blood driveon 15 Februaryatthe Southern Centre Mall in Fichardtpark.
As an non-governmental organisation affiliated with the United Nations DepartmentofGlobal Communications (UNDGC), WeLoveU continues to promotecompassion andcommunityservice through life-savinginitiatives
Theevent welcomedparticipants from Bloemfontein and Kimberley, reflectingstrongregional support.
Donor Nthabiseng Martin shared: “Beingone individual, yethavingthe abilitytohelp save three lives feels incredible.Iamgrateful for the opportunityand hopethat morepeople will join us in thenearfuture.”
Through initiatives such as blood drives,the foundation fosters a cultureofhope, unity, and meaningful action –a reminder that whenwe shareingiving, we alsoshare in joy.
Programme’s successesmarked
Agroup of 34 graduatesof the CentralUniversity of Technology (CUT), Free State, obtainedcertificates in advanced trainingin Coding,Programming and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Theprogramme they followedisoffered by the CUT’s FacultyofEngineering, Built Environment and InformationTechnology. According to the university, thegraduation is amilestone,noting it increased the totalnumber of graduatesto82since the programme’s launch in 2022. TheSamsungInnovation Campus(SIC) equips CUT students with in-demand digital competencies, givingthemadistinct competitiveedge. More than just preparingthem to participateinthe Fourth IndustrialRevolution, it
My View
Notonlycharity starts at home
Iwas lucky to be invited to the Mangaung Investment Summit 2025, and without doubt, it waswell organised Relevant points were discussed Theselectionofspeakers wastop-class
It wasagolden opportunityfor attendees to getfamiliar with some of the economic,industrialand technological developments in the province.A rangeofinventions and emergingventureswereinterrogated, andthe horizon of hopeand optimism widenedaswecould allforesee trends of employmentopportunities emergingfromexisting entrepreneurships,aswell as newindustrialinnovations Oneofthe highlights of the eventwas the abundanceofnew innovativeskills and expertisethatthe youth of the province have acquired from institutionsofhigher learning, locally and abroad. It wasamazing, and outofthat came asenseof aspirations, pride and patriotism.Duringthe intervals, we brushedshoulderswith topguns in various fields,suchas academia, business gurus, expertsand industrialists Then came the anticipated crunch-time Thewhole showbecame electrifyingwhen the MECs,directors andHODshad to addressthe questionsfromthe audience
Most of the concerns were relatedtopractical anddoable mechanisms that only needed follow-through,application and implementation.Common and perpetual issues such as road conditions, potholes,lackofjob opportunities,unemploymentrate, the decayingMangaungCBD,crime and lack of service deliveryingeneral took centrestage.Some of the shortfalls regardingMangaung were around the stateof ourheritage sitesand lack of sportingfacilities
Without takinganythingawayordisparagingthe efforts of the citycouncil, Istillharbour questions aboutthe implementationofsome of the promises that were made at that high-profile and inclusiveplatform. Through the eyes of alayperson and aloyal citizen,Ihavenot seen improvements;onlythe sickening deterioration of the situation. Then on 18 and 19 Februarythis year,therewas another gatheringtermedSafer CityIndaba. Iattendedagain although Ifelt despondent and decidednot to attend on the second day.
Speakerafter speakerand the panellists were vocaland addressing high technicaldevices plannedtobeinstalled in the city. TheSAPS, Road and Traffic, as well as SANDF departments,werewell representedbyhigh-ranking officials. Academics from localhigher education institutions were also participating. Thepremier,the executivemayor, and the Road and TrafficMEC and the othershonoured the event. People from Thaba-Nchuand Botshabelowerealso in attendance and were vocalwhen expressing their frustrationsrelativetosafetyintheir areas.
empowers them to actively shapeand lead it
Accordingtothe acting deputyvice-chancellor for Teaching andLearning, Prof.WendySetlalentoa, 24% of graduateshave already securedemploymentorpaidinternships; while 26% have advanced to further studies
“Manyare nowbuilding careersasdataanalysts
andPython programmers at leading financial institutions,demonstratingthe programme’s measurable andmeaningful impact,” shesaid.
Setlalentoa believesthat, as morethanjusta skills development initiative, the SIChas become apowerful catalystfor students’employabilityand academic progression.
Very conspicuous in their regaliawerethe CPFs andthe communityneighbourhood watchorganisations They were pleadingfor support, synergyand cooperation with the law enforcementagencies to play an effectiveroletocurbcrime Iwas tryingtoapplymymindand synthesisemystand and philosophy around the crime mayhem in ourcityand in the country. My pointis, if ourleadersand the powers that be arehonestand determined to eradicatecrime in our cities,towns and ruralareas,efforts could be focusedon concertedfamily-buildinginitiatives.Wehavecommunity-based neighbourhood watchagencies,men’sand women’s forums and youth organisationswho aredetermined to runtheir movements without recognition, material and financial support. They arethe ones who livewith the crime perpetrators. They know them from birth.I am talkingabout people who have played arole in the nurturingand bringing up of this delinquent lot They areorwereatschoolwith them,some taughtthem at school, some took them through the church classes They welcome them into societywhen theycome back from prisonsorwhen theyare on parole When theygoastray, indulge in liquor anddrugabuse tendencies,when theysuccumbtoprostitution anddrop outofschool, leavetheir homes to liveinthe streets,they come from homes and nowhereelse. They do not just drop from obscurity. They were broughttothis planet by people who were in arelationship Thegender-based violence and femicide happensinthe neighbourhoodwherecommunity members witnessitday in and dayout
Perpetratorsare thereforeknown and canbeexposed and identified by the community. Ourhopeand endeavours againstcrime arelogically doomedifweare goingtofocus on technicalresources,staff increasing means, costly conferences, indabasand summits that addressthe symptoms and notthe root causes
Thethrustshould be on empowering andsupporting the communitywho areaffectedbycrime anddetermined to contribute towardsnation-building, startingfromthe homes,surroundings,streets,sections, andthe wholetown or village
High-profile officialsshould refrain from attending communityforums –iftheydo– listen, takenotes,make promises and then disappear thereafter
Thetime hascome to review and carryout apostmortem of allthathas been done so far by governmentsectors in their endeavours to bringabout some change,whichiscontinuously eludingthem.Time forthe paradigm shiftisnow –ModiseRantsieng is an author andretired educator
Anela Myalatya as Mr M,aGr.10 teacher and mentor, in My Children! My Africa! PHOTO:Supplied
Theseare afew of the19municipalities governedbythe ANCinthe Free State. Theremaining11continue to function as goingconcerns,amid the latest interventiontotry to bring stability.
Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae,Free Statepremier,announcedduringthe deliveryofher Stateofthe Province Address(Sopa)on20Februarythat an additional eightmunicipalitieshad been placedunder administration.
Severalmunicipalities in the provincehavefacedscrutinyand intervention from the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).
“Intervention is anecessary and bold exerciseofstate powertoroot outmaladministration, stabilise governance,and protectour people from the consequences of institutional failure,”said ThaboMeeko,ANC provincial spokesperson.
“Thisisconsequence management in action, not forpolitical expediency, butasarevolutionary duty.”
He said everyprioritythe premier announced– from fixing municipalities to industrialisation, to thewar on crime,tothe National Dialogue– was adirectreflection of the resolutions
adopted by the ANCPEC Lekgotla.
In alast-ditchefforttorescuethese municipalities,the ANC’sremedial action as the governingparty included axingseven mayors,chief whips and speakers from the failedmunicipalities.
TheMangaungMetrowas the first to be placedundernationalintervention due to its inability to effectively manage finances,service delivery and governance issuesarising from internal powerstruggles
Additional common issues that led to administrationinclude: an inability
to manage finances,aswellastopay escalatingdebts to Eskomand water boards;unauthorised,irregular,and wasteful expenditure; andfailing to paythird-party contractorsand staff
Otherwell-documentedfactors include service delivery failureevident in broken infrastructure; inefficient waterand sanitation systems;and crumblingroadinfrastructure.
Thefailures in governance points to alackofconsequence management, corrupt activities,and high staff turnover.
Remedial action taken, owingto
repeated failures by authorities to comply with financial controlmeasures, as well as lack of consequence management, sawthe National Treasury withhold the equitable share of 10 of the 19 municipalities in the province
Opposition parties in the Free State, the DA in particular,welcomedthe National Treasury’s firm decision to tightenthe belt Thesemunicipalities were foundtohaveviolated financial expenditurecontrol measures and failedtomeetbasic obligations– and Dave McKayofthe DA described
them as a“financial sinkhole”.
The findingsincludefailureto properly handleemployeecontributionssuchasthose forpay-as-youearn (PAYE) and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
The19municipalities have been flaggedasthe worst-performingin South Africa,with 16 municipalities havingunfundedbudgets and exceedingR4,2 billion in unauthorised expenditure. They hold recordsofrepeated disclaimer audit opinionsand failuretosubmit financial statements on time
Wastedisposedofbyresidents on asection of road in Phahameng,Bloemfontein,attests to the never-ending challengepresented by the lack in delivery of basic services in the
Mangaung Metro. PHOTO:Teboho Setena
Dries Pretorius,tournament director of the series.
GysCoetzee,executive director of theWesgrow series.
Henri Wilken,deputy executive director.
MarkLouwies,an additional team member behind theseries
Wednesday, 4March 2026
PIRATES SUPPORTERSARRANGE GENERAL MEETING
TheOrlando Piratessupporters’ branch in Bloemfonteinisextending an invitation to other supporterswithin thecitytoits generalmeetingonSunday 8March
Themeeting willbeheldatTselane Ntsebe's
residenceat5743Motsamai Street,Rocklands, and is settostart at 09:00 Formoredetails, contact Matshidiso“Stimela” Lebona on 065 8115274orPulePitsoon083 708 4125.
