BloemNewsExpress - E-Edition - 14 May 2026

Metrostill fallingshort

LIENTJIE MENTZ

Theleadership of theMangaung MetroappearedbeforeParliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa)without adequateresponses to questions about themunicipality’s poor financial andservice delivery performance

Thedelegation, whichincluded executivemayor Gregory Nthatisi and municipal managerSello More, appeared beforethe committeeonTuesday5 Maytoaccount forissues includingspending113% of the budget while achievingonly 50% of service deliverytargets

TheAuditor-General (AG) found that only58% of therecoveryplan’s activitieshavebeenimplemented, with the municipalityremainingin the “rescuephase”after 22 months

TheAGcould not verify criticalinformation includingwater revenue, overtime payments and whethersome goodsand services paid for were delivered

Conditional grants increased to R788,53 million in 2024-’25, butthe municipalityunderspent R191,73million, following similar underspendingofR193,59 million the previous year TheNational Treasury withheld R140,98 million in fundingdue to slow projectimplementation, affectinginfrastructure projects

Awater projectvaluedatover

R106 million is only26% complete Mangaung owes R642,05 million for bulk waterwhile losingnearly half of its watersupply, approximatelyR495,55 million, through leaks, burstpipes,and illegal connections

Werner Pretorius,the DA’s mayoral candidatefor the Mangaung Metro, said the delegation’sper-

formancewas “anembarrassment to the municipalityand adisplay of the ANCexecutiveleadership’s poor leadership and lack of politicalwill.”

Pretorius said the metro spent only2%ofexpenditure on repairs and maintenanceofcriticalservice delivery infrastructure.Irregular expenditureincreased to R324 million from R278 million in2024.

“Themunicipality’spoorperformanceand its rankingasthe worst-performingmetro in the country arenot coincidental. It is the result of yearsofweakleadership,zeroaccountability,and the failuretoenforceconsequence managementsystems,asconfirmed by the AG,” Pretorius said.

He said financialmanagementin Mangaung hadbecome audit-driven ratherthanleadership-driven, with problems addressedonly whenauditors flag them rather than beingproactivelymanaged Themunicipality hasbeenunder provincialand national intervention for severalyears with a financialrecoveryplaninplace,but implementation remainsslow.

Man sterfinhuisbrandinFauna

LIENTJIE MENTZ

Die lykvan ’n afgetredeman is Maandagindie vroeëoggendureinsyhuis in Faunagevind watdeur ’n brand vernietigis.

Pottie Potgieter (65), ’n voormalige spoorwegwerker watalleen saam met sy hondjieindie huis gewoon het, is deur dieMangaung-brandweerin sy huis gevind nadathulle die brand geblus het.

Braamvan Zyl, afdelingshoofvir Mangaung se brand-en-reddingsdiens, sê die brandweerisop11Mei om 02:02 na diehuis by Lechwestraat 52 ontbied.

Tien minutelater wasagt brandweerpersoneel,’nbrandweerwaenwatertenkwa op dietoneel

“Die brandwas in daardie stadium reedsin’ngevorderdestadium en ’n deel vandie dakhet ingestort.”

VanZyl sê omstandershet die brandweerpersoneel meegedeel dat’nman en sy hond in die huis woon.

“Die brandweerpersoneel hetdadelik begin om diebrand te blus en na oorlewendes in diehuis gesoek

“Die hond is aandie teenoorgestelde kant vandie huis as waar die dak ingevalhet,lewend gevind en is na

veiligheid gebring.

“Die bure het die hond na hulle toe geneem.”

Hy sê die brand moes reedslank voor 02:00 ontstaan het,endit kanweesdat

die hardeslagwat bure gehoor het,die dakwas watingeval het.Hysêdaarwas ook’ngasbottel in die kamer

Die forensieseondersoekoor die oorsaak vandie brand word noggedoen.

Vertroue in Centlec taan,nes sy diens

LIENTJIE MENTZ

Die situasie rondom kabeldiefstalen langdurigekragonderbrekings in die Mangaung-metrohet nou’npunt bereik waar inwonerstereg vraof Centlecnog oordie bestuursvermoë beskik om basiesedienslewering te verseker

AletJennings vanVoorspoedpad in Bloemspruit en haarburesit reeds sedertmiddelApril sonder krag nadat kabels gesteelis.

Soos deur Centlecvereis,is’nsaakby die polisie geopen, die nodige dokumentasie by Centlecingedien en ’n verwysingsnommerontvang.Daarnahet die wagtyd begin –’nwagtydwat nou al byna ’n maandgeduur het. Hulle het eers weer Dinsdag12Mei elektrisiteit in hulhuisegehad.

ValeriedeKock, VF Plus-raadslid sê in die afgelopeweeksebitterkoueisdit

Loskragkabelswat vroeër die maand ’n kragonderbreeking in Rayton veroorsaak het FOTO:Lientjie Mentz

het, maardie terrein verlaat het sonder om die werk klaartemaakofdie krag tel. Sedertdien hang kabels glo liklaag– feitlik ’n oopuitnodignogdiefstal.Tog word inwoners deel datdie betrokkespanne nie sofoor naweke werk nie.”

Kock sê dit dui op ’n ernstigegeban beplanning, koördineringen woordbaarheid binne Centlec. tiekeinfrastruktuur kannie wone kantoorure bestuur word inwoners daeenwekesonder tnie.”

g’ninwoner,Heidi vanWyk van nRoosstraatinNoordhoek,wag edert12April vir herstelwerkna-

dathul kabels gesteelis. In albeigevalle het gesinne grootgeldelikeverliesegely weenskos watbederfhet in yskasteen vrieskaste. Virbaie huishoudings beteken dit honderde of selfsduisende rande se ekstra uitgawesin’ntyd waar mense reeds finansieel onder druk verkeer.

“Die grootste frustrasie is datCentlec se regulasies só saamgestel is datdit byna onmoontlik is vir inwoners om suksesvolle skade-eiseintedien

“Slagoffersvan misdaad word dus dubbel gestraf– eers deur die kabeldiewe, en daarnadeur ’n stelsel wathulle sonderondersteuninglaat.”

De Kock sê hierdie probleme strek veel verder as individuelegevalle Sedert1Mei het Centlecsenetwerkprobleme grootdele vanMangaung geraak:Ondernemings in Hamilton wasses daesonder krag;Inwonersvan Ferreira, Kwaggafontein,Bainsvlei en Bloemspruit sitgereeld ureaaneen sonderelektrisiteit;enindividuele klagtesworddikwels afgeskuif totdat groter “areafoute” afgehandel is

“Dit skep die indruk datCentlecse stelsel vir hoevoorkeur gegeeword blootgebaseerisophoeveel mense gelyktydig geraak word,eerder as op hoelank inwoners reedssonder diens is of hoeernstighul omstandighede geword het.”

Werner Pretorius,die DA se burgermeesterskandidaat,sêdié partyversoek ’n dringende vergaderingmet die waarnemende uitvoerende hoof vanCentlec om die kragonderbrekings te bespreek

UNEMPLOYMENT CRISIS CONTINUES

South Africa’s unemployment rate has climbed to 32.7% in the first quarterof2026,representing a1.3 percentagepoint increase from the previousquarter’s 31.4%,according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

TheQuarterly Labour ForceSurvey revealed that 345000 peoplelost their jobsbetween the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, bringing totalemployment down to 16.8 million.

Simultaneously, the numberofunemployed individualsrose by 301 000 to 8.1million. Theseshifts resulted in anet decrease of 44 000 people in the labour force, representing a 0.2% declineduring the three-month period.

Youth unemployment soars to alarminglevels. Young South Africans aged between 15 and 34 years bore

the heaviestburden, with youth unemployment jumpingby2.0 percentage points to reach 45.8%. Thenumber of unemployedyouth increasedto4.7 million, whileemployed youth decreasedto5.6 million. This means that nearlyhalf of allyoung South Africans seekingwork cannot find employment

BasedonQ1 2026 data,the official unemployment rate in the Free State stands at about 37.9%, placing the province among the highest in the country. Theprovincehas the third-highest official unemployment rate in South Africa,trailingonly the North West (40.4%)and the EasternCape (39.3%).The Free State’sexpandedunemployment rate stands at 44.3%, which reflects heavy concentration of discouraged workers, Stats SA revealed

Uncle jailed forviolation

TEBOHO SETENA

Th

eBloemfontein Sexual OffencesCourt hassentenced a45-year-old mantolife imprisonmentfor repeatedly raping his niece,resulting in hergiving birth

This followed occurrences of sexual abusefromearly 2016 to July 2017.

MagistrateCarmen Parks, who presidedoverthe trialand sentencing, handeddownthe sentence on 29 April, ending the case that began in 2022 with the arrest of the accused. Sheordered that the accused’s particularsbeentered into the National RegisterofSex Offenders(NRSO), and he wasdeemed unfittopossess a firearm.

Thesentencingwas supported by forensic DNAevidence confirmingpaternity, establishing that the accused wasthe father of the victim’schild born as aresult of repeated rape.WOTshidi

Seale of the Mangaung Family Violence,Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS)unit conductedthe investigation.

Theaccused attemptedto evade justice,failingtohonour scheduledcourt appearances for morethanayear, despite havingbeenreleased on bail with conditions. However, the collaborativeworkofthe investigatingofficer and state prosecutor AzolaKey ensured a watertight prosecution.

During sentencingproceedings,the accused pleadedfor a lesserorsuspendedsentence, claimingthat he wascaring for his three children and had 14 people employedathis company.However,the court highlightedthe vulnerabilityof the victim and the grossbetrayal of trustbyarelativewho was supposed to protecther

Thevictim’s biological mother diedin2016

Keyarguedthat the offence wastoo seriousfor leniency, citingavictim impact statement in whichthe victim detailedthe profound impact on her mental health and wellbeing.

In 2019,the victim hadthe couragetorevealher “secret pregnancy,”tellingher aunt (wife of the accused)and other

family members abouther sexual abusefromearly 2016 that resulted in herpregnancy.

Shedisclosed allshortlyafter hergrandmother haddiedin 2019. During proceedings,the courtheard details of howthe accusedpurchased alcohol to intoxicate his now-deceased mother-in-law Thecourt heard that when thegrandmotherwas intoxicated, the accused would call the victim to his bedroom and undress and rape her. She was14years oldatthe timeand wasattending the same primary school as the accused’sson.

Evidence presentedincourt revealed that the accused first rapedthe girlin2016 inacar alongthe N8roadwhile en route to Bloemfontein from Thaba Nchu Theaccused hadbeen taskedwith collectingthe victim andher transferdocumentsas part of aplannedrelocation to Bloemfontein. Hermovetostay with heraunt, the wife of the accused, wasanarrangement following the deathofher biological mother.

Thecourt alsoheard that the victim wassubjectedtothe furthertraumaofa failedabortion attempt. It emergedthat adoctordeclinedtoperform the abortion, citingthe high risk to the victim’s life given the advanced stageofthe foetus

Thecourt heardthe abortion proposal arosefromameeting betweenthe late grandmother, the accused, and the victim, during which the grandmother reportedly said “the pregnancy would destroy herdaughter’s marriage” –referring to the victim’s aunt. This wasafter the grannydiscoveredthe victim waspregnantinlate2017.

“Thissentencesends aclear and unambiguousmessage that gender-basedviolenceand femicide (GBVF)willnot be tolerated withinour communities,” said the Free StateDeputy ProvincialCommissioner for CrimeDetection, Maj. Gen. ApaphiaModise.

“Wecommend the victim for herimmensecourage in coming forward,and the meticulous work of the investigatingofficer and the prosecution teamfor ensuring that this predator is removedfromsociety indefinitely.”

Vehicle collisionsunder investigation

TEBOHO SETENA

Aminibus taxi driver hasbeenadmitted to alocal hospitalfor treatmentofsevere injuries following acollision involving an Interstate BusLines (IBL) businthe Bloemfontein central businessdistrict (CBD) at about06:30 on Friday 8May

No fatalitieswerereported. Thebus driver escapedunharmed, while four buspassengersweretransported to the Pelonomi RegionalHospitalfor treatment of minor injuries Theaccidentoccurred at the traffic-light-controlledintersection of Hanger andCharles Street

Theminibus waswritten off,while the bussustainedfront-end damage

Gopolang Monnatlale,IBL’s stakeholder relations officer,confirmed that only passengers were affected.

“A preliminarymedical assessmentof the busdriverrevealedhewas unharmed. Thefourpassengersweredischarged from hospitalfollowing treatment,”he said.

■ In othernews,the policeare investigatinga case of culpable homicide aftertwo

people were killedinanaccidentinwhich their Hyundai i110 collided with aToyota bakkie on the Kenneth KaundaRoadon Monday 4May

Thedeceased, a65-year-old manand 63-year-old woman, were trappedinside

the motor vehicle theyhad been travellingin.

Lt.Col ThaboCovane,spokesperson forthe Free Statepoliceinthe Mangaung Metro, said the driver of the Toyota,a 40-year-old man, washospitalised

LEARNERSARRESTED FORTHEFT OF TABLETSATSCHOOL

TEBOHO SETENA

Threelearners, aged between 14 and 16 years, have been arrestedinconnection withthe theftof19Samsung tablets after a burglaryatthe ItemelengPrimarySchool in Reddersburg.

TheFreeState DepartmentofEducation has commended thepoliceinReddersburg on theirbreakthroughinthe case and

strongly condemned the criminal conduct of the learners.

Preliminaryinvestigation revealed that onesuspect is from the same school, while theother twoare of the Beang tseMolemo SecondarySchool,a neighbouring school in theMatoporong township Lt.Col Thabo Covane,provincial spokesperson forthe Free Statepolice, said the arrest on Friday8May followed the recovery of

11 devicesfromahidingplace.The combined estimated valueofthe recovereddevices is R27500

AccordingtoCovane,the learners are scheduled to appear in the Reddersburg Magistrates’Court on 19 May, facing charges of burglaryand theft of 19 tablets

“Theyhavebeen released into the custody of their parents in accordancewith the Children’s Act,”hesaid.

Crackdown on heavyfreight vehicles requested

TheDAinBloemfontein hasraisedseriousconcerns aboutthe growingproblemofheavy freightvehiclesentering residential areasofthe cityand causing significant damage to road infrastructure.

Theparty haswritten to councillorsVusi Soqaga andLogan Kruger,the Mangaung MetropolitanMunicipality's (MMM) Membersofthe MayoralCommittee (MMCs) for InfrastructureServices and Public Safetyand Transport.

Theparty hasraisedgrave concerns specificallyabout heavyfreight vehicles near the FleurdalMall andrelated residential accessroutes. Lyle Bouwer, DA councillor,saidimmediateactionis required to addressthe ongoingproblem of freightvehiclesinresidential areas.

“InBloemfontein, heavytruckshave been frequentlyobservedusing residential streets as shortcuts or alternative routes to avoidtrafficcongestionand lawenforcement. Roadsand infrastructure not designed to carryheavy loads -includingmanyresidential andnarrow secondaryroutes-are experiencing accelerated wear anddeterioration as a

result Thedamagehas hadawide-rangingimpact, disruptinglocal mobility, increasing vehicleoperatingcosts,and slowingemergencyresponsetimes,” said Bouwer.Headdedthatresidents in affectedcommunities have also raised concerns aboutincreasednoisepollution anda reducedqualityoflife.

In its correspondence,the DA requestedthat both MMCsimmediately implementmeasurestomanagefreight transportthrough the citywhileprotect-

ingpublic infrastructure. Thesemeasures include:

■ Strict enforcementofdesignatedtruck routes throughout the city;

■ prioritisation of road repairsinareas affectedbyheavy-vehicle damage;

■ stringentregulation of heavyvehicles in lightoftheir documentedimpact on road wear;and

■ ongoingmonitoringtoensurethe sustainability, safety,and functionalityof Bloemfontein's road network.

DruglaboratoryraidedinBochabela

TheBloemfontein police’s continued fightagainstillicit drugs in theMangaung Metro hasyieldedanother significant success. Policediscoveredan illegaldrugmanufacturing laboratory operatingfroma privatehouse in Kala Street, Bochabela, andarresteda 40-year-old foreign national.

Lt.Col. ThaboCovane, Free Statepolice spokesperson in theMangaung Metro, said it followedinformationreceived by members of the multidisciplinarypolice team, who raidedthe houseonSaturday 9May They confiscated drugs, equipmentusedfor producing differenttypes of drugs,and foreign currency.

“TheMangaung Met-

Different types of drugs and methaqualone powder police seized at an illegaldruglab

ro Crime Combatingunit received atip-off aboutapossible‘kitchen drug lab’ operating from ahouse,” he said.

“A thorough search ledtothe team seizing1515 Mandrax tablets,0,314 kg of methaqualonepowder and 3,977 kg of crystal meth.Members also

seized 0,205 kg of Cat, and 12 containers, of 25 litres each,of ethanolusedtomanufacture illegalalcohol.

“A bagcontainingvarious foreigncurrencynotes wasalso confiscated as evidence.”

Thecurrencyincludethatof Nigeria, Malaysia,the United Arab Emmirates and England. Thevalue of drugs discovered at the illicit drug labis estimated at R289 477. He said the suspectfaced chargesincludingpossession of drugs,dealingindrugs, manufacturingdrugs,and distribution of illegalalcohol. Covane addedthatthe discovery of the laboratory and the arrest formed part of the ongoingOperation ShanelaII. Thecampaignresulted in 803 arrestsduringthe weekend.

Elkeboek vertel twee stories

ELSABE DE JAGER

In 1986 geemygeliefde virmy“Idiolek”,op daardiestadium diejongstedigbundel van T.T. Cloete, present. Voorin skryfhy: “Sooswat ’n idiolek enigemens se unieke taalfafdruk is,ismywens datjou ménsafdrukook altyd uniekinons lewe salwees.”

Vier dekades later, met wavragte volherinneringeuit ons lewesaam, jare vankinders grootmaakentye watwinste én verliese toon, dink ek steedsdikwels terugaan daardie eerste geskenk vanhom Wanneer ek daardeur blaai, leesekdie onthou van’nleeftyd raak,een vanvormingengroei vanuniekemenswees deur die jare heen. En ek besefdat elkeboeknie net sy eie storie vertel nie, maarinderdaad ook’nafdraaipad neemwat elkeleser op sy eie onthoureis neem. My eerste skooljarehet hand aanhand geloop metMasevoorlesings uit AlbaBouwerse“Stories vanRivierplaas” Ek het aanMaselippegehang. Togisdit enkele woorde watmydeur diejarebygebly het en watmyvandag dikwels op verskillende onthoupaaie,weg vanRivierplaas, neem.Steeds onthouekdie woord“toefelantat”,wat deurtant Lenie as ’n “towerlantern” beskryfis. Al het dit na die destydsebioskoopvertonings verwys,het dietowerlantern vir my deur my leweverskillende betekenisse aangeneem. Dithet my geneem op droomreisever hiervandaan, soms as ’n rigtingwyser vir ontvlugting, soms as ’n ligwat my gelei het na ’n nuwe bestemming Virmytweejongkindershet ek,25jaar gelede,kortnaons aankoms in Kanada,aan Engels blootgestel, met die lees vanAnne of GreenGables,deels omdat die verhaalafspeel op Prince Edward Island, deel vanhul nuwe land. Ookhet ek my jongstese “tweede” storie raakgehoor toesyonlangs vertel haar grootste onthouvan daardieverhaalwas diewoorde: “It’s delightful when yourimaginations come true, isn’t it?”

Minhet ek geweet datekdertigjaarnadat ek,met die geboorte vanons kind “Thelittle Prince” vanmyallerliefdeontvang het,hierdie troosboodskap uit die einste boek soukry in my allerseerstetyd vanverlies:“In one of those starsIshall be living. In one of them Ishall be laughing.”

Soon on stage: It runs in the family

Invitingaudiencetobeentertained

It Runs in the Family,a production directed by Dr Thys Heydenrych,willhit thestage of theWynand Mouton Theatreonthe main campus of the Universityofthe Free State(UFS) in Bloemfontein on Thursday14May and Friday15May.Both shows start at 18:00.Final-yearstudents of the UFSdepartment of Drama and TheatreArts who canbeseen in the production arefromthe left Noluthando Mzondi,Mthokozisi Mthethwa,Michelle du Toit,JCVenter en CalebSchroeder.Tickets,withprices ranging fromR25 to R60,are availableonwebtickets.co.zaand at the door. PHOTO:Supplied

Diary

THURSDAY 14 MAY

Dr Hennie Butler talksabout animal behaviour at ameeting of the Universityofthe ThirdAge (U3A), starting at10:30.The meetingwillbeheldinthe Sewe Damme Hall. Members payR10 andnon-members R20 Themembership feefor theyearisR100.Dial 083253 6293 formoreinformation.

SATURDAY 16 MAY

TheFreeState SymphonyOrchestra(FSSO)entertains with Music Inspires Music,under conductor Alexander Walker – featuringBloemfontein doublebassist Ruan Baartman as soloist.The performancetakes placein the Odeion on the main campus of the Universityofthe Free State(UFS),startingat19:30.Tickets, withprices ranging from R60 to R160,are availableonwebtickets. co.za, or call Dr Luzanne Eigelaar on 051 401 2342

Molly &Wors metLizzMeiringenWillieEsterhuizen begin om 19:00bySummerwood Country Estate.Kaartjies virvolwasseneskos R150.Pensioentrekkers en kinders 14 jaar en jonger betaal R100.Koop op mollyenwors.co.za of tmtheatre.co.za, of whatsapp 067560 9291.

Dr.Chris Vorstergeselsoor Tobie Cronjé se lewe voor die roem, in Onwillige volksnar by die Nasionale Afrikaanse

LetterkundigeMuseum en Navorsingsentrum (Naln). Die Vriende vanNaln bied vooraf sy jaarvergaderingaan, om 10:00.Rig navrae aan vriendevannaln@gmail.com.

Theannual bird-ringingdemonstrationishostedat theOliewenhuisArt Museum, from 07:00to11:00. The sessionwillbeled by Dawie de Swardt,headofthe OrnithologyDepartmentatthe National Museum.

THURSDAY 21 MAY

Windswept,with DanréStrydom (clarinet),Johan Ferreira(oboe), Shannon Armer (French horn), Liesl van der Merwe (bassoon) and Leatitia Orlandi(piano) starts at 19:00 in die Odeiononthe main campus of theUFS Tickets cost R120,pensioners payR60 and students,as well as learners, payR30 on quicket.co.za

Die BloemfonteinseSkrywersforum (BSF) vergader om 18:00 in die Bainsvlei-biblioteek. Prof.Henning Pieterse praat oor digkuns en doen 'n praktieseoefening met die groep.Rig navrae aan Amosvan derWesthuizen (082 280 0136) of Margarethie Bredenkamp (082477 7111).

VRYDAG 29 MEI

’n Kalligrafie-kursus (“brush lettering”) vir beginners vind van13:30 tot16:30 in die Bainsvlei-biblioteek plaas.

Wanneer die kursusgeld vanR490betaal word,ontvang die kursusganger 'n verfpen,aantekeninge, oefenvelle en verversingsopdie dag. Rig navrae by 076235 6563.

SATURDAY 30 MAY

Voices acrossBorders,presented by theBloemfontein Men's Choir withAmiraWillighagenand Corneil Müller takesplace at 19:00atthe Sand du Plessis Theatre. Tickets cost R240 and areavailableatwebtickets.co.za.

’n Kalligrafie-kursus (“italics”) vir beginners duurvan 09:30 tot12:30 in die Bainsvlei-biblioteek. Wanneer die kursusgeld vanR490betaal word,ontvang die kursusganger 'n kalligrafie-kokipen,aantekeninge, oefenvelle en verversingsopdie dag. Rig navrae by 076235 6563.

SteveHofmeyr tree om 20:00opinThe Buffalo. Kaartjies kosR220opquicket.co.za,byLejit Is in die Southern Centre of by TheBuffaloinKelly's View.Sitplekkeisonbespreek; deure open om 18:00. Skakel 083760 0609

TUESDAY16JUNE

Cars in thePark, by theOFS VeteranCar Club at theMartie du Plessis School, runs from 09:00to14:00.Tickets cost R50 and R20 at thegate. Seecars, vintagecars, motorbikes and have something to eatatfood stalls

Aangrypende toneelstuk oortref verwagting

Verhalewat temasvan versorging, verliesenverbondenheid bied, het’nbesonderse vermoë om tot gehoretespreek.

DieVrystaatKunstefees bring met’nvol program’ngroot verskeidenheid vanhierdie temasin JulievanjaarnaBloemfontein.

Eenvoorbeeld hiervan is die eenvroustuk Die anderdogter,met die bekroonde Sandra Prinsloo. Hierin word dieinvloed vangeheime in ’n gesinoopgevlek Ditisgeskoei op diebiografiese verhaalvan die Franse skryweren Nobelpryswenner Annie Ernaux, TheOther Girl,of L’Autre fille (2011). Die vertalingisdeur Naómi Morgangedoen, met dieverwerking deur Saartjie Botha. Die regisseur is LaraFoot. Sandrasê met dieeersteleesvan Ernaux se teks hetsygewonder hoe dit in ’n teaterstuk omskepgaan word “Ekweetnie eens of dit werklik teater is,enofdit nie dalk net kuns

is nie,” sê sy “Tog,met Ernauxsemanier van skryfenhaardiepte vanpersepsie konekdit nie neersitnie.Ekhet dit in eensittingklaar gelees.”

Sandrasêdit was’nlangpad tot op die verhoog.

“Ekhet Naómi se pragtige vertaling aanSaartjie gestuur en sy hetgesêdit kanbeslis as teaterstuk werk.”

Sandrawas steedsbekommerd “Niksgebeur werklik in die stuk nie.Dit is net dievrousereaksieop watmet haar gebeur het. Togisdit eenvan die wonderlikstereisevan ontdekking vantekswaarmee ek tot nogtoe gewerk het.”

Sy sê die stuk is nie ooglopend emosioneel nie,maardaariswel diepliggende emosies

“Dit is soos ligenskaduwee wat komengaan. Hierdie vrou probeer iets verstaan waaroorhaarouers nooitgepraat hetnie.Syhet die skokontdekking,dat sy ’n suster gehadhet watvoorhaargeboorte

kom? Mensehet ooknaafloopvan die vertonings op die Stellenbosch Woordfees aanhaarkom vertel: “Ek het ’n soortgelykesituasie gehad,” of “Ekhet welnie ’n broerofsuster aandie dood afgestaan nie, maar ek het gevoel asof ek in eenvan hulle se skaduwee gelewehet.My broerofsusterwas die goue kalf.” Ma’s vind beslis aanklank by die vertoning.

VirSandra, watreeds die rolgoed ingeleef het,bring die teaterstuk ’n boodskap:Moetnooit vir jou kinders liegnie

dood is,op10-jarigeouderdom gemaak.”

Sandrasêomhieraantewerk hetenormevreugde en frustrasie gebring.

“Asiemand so grootskryf,dan lê dit nieindie oppervlaknie.Om alles te verstaan het tydgevat, die dieper versluierde goed.”

Volgenshaarreageer vroueen mans ná die toneelstukdikwels soos:Waarhet ek as ouer te kort ge-

“Nie oorsulkegroot dinge nie. Praatmet hulle ooralles sodatdaar nie’nskaduwee oorhulle lewe hang nie.”

Sy sien uit na die kunstefees, waarop Dieander dogter op 7, 8, 9en11Julie in die ATKV-Wynand Moutonteater opgevoer gaanword. Kaartjies kosnou R220, en laterkos dit R250. Besoek die Facebook-blad Bloemnuus Expressvir ’n skakel na die webblad, vir meer inligting.

Voices uniteto mark60years

Thehighlyanticipated High School Choir Showcase will takeplace on Tuesday19May at the Odeion on the University of the Free State’smain campus It promises an inspiringevening celebratingchoral excellence,youth talent, and musicalcollaboration acrossthe Free Stateand Northern Cape Theannual showcaserecognisesthe outstanding musicalquality, discipline, and commitmentdemonstratedbyhighschoolchoirsinthe region. By bringingtogether leadingschoolensembles,the eventaims to strengthen and celebrate the vibrant choral culturethatcontinues to flourish in South Africa.Eachparticipatingchoir will presentanexcitingprogramme,creatingadiverse and memorable musicalexperience foraudiences

This year’s showcasealsomarks asignificant milestone forthe UFSBloemfontein CampusChoir as the choir celebrates60years of musicalexcellence, fellowship,and song.

Establishedin1966 by Prof.Chris Swanepoel, the choir enters its diamond jubileeyearin2026, andthis showcaseconcertwill mark the firstofficial celebration honouring60blessedyears of singingand artistic achievement. TheUFS Bloemfontein Campus Choir also affectionatelyknown as the Kovsie Choir hasbecome oneofthe university’s flagship cultural ensembles.

Comprising 100 students from diverse backgrounds,the choir contributessignificantly to student lifeand artistic excellence at the university

Theconductor of the choir is Werner Stander andis accompaniedbyFrelét de Villiers.

Musiclovers, families,alumni, and members of the public areinvited to this celebration of talent, teamwork,and the transformativejoy of singing, while also commemorating60remarkableand blessed years of choral music-making by the UFSBloemfontein CampusChoir

TheHichSchoolChoir Showcase will takeplace from 18:30 and tickets cost R100.

Tickets areavailable on quicket.co.za or at the door

onm s. eni-

inse tdié ge ywat was soos maak. e’n ma ot ns like n

Ds.Deon Potgieter,voorsittervan dieplaasliketak vandie BotanieseVereniging vanSuid-Afrikabydie bordjie in dieAdelaideTambo-biblioteek.Die foto is in 2025 aan diebegin vandie projek,geneem.

datdie ruimte steeds vir die publiek toeganklik en mooi is.’’

Vandie plante komuit sy ouma Millie Crause se tuin en is kosbareerfenisplante wathier nuwe leweaan die tuin bring.

RonelJacobs vandie biblioteek, sê dit is lekkeromtesien hoedie publiek die tuin gebruik Die Mangaung-metrohet vier bankies geskenk watgeverfisennou sitplek in die koeltevan die grootbome daar bied.Webbers borg reeds steeds 2021 die instandhoudingvan die tuin. Die plaaslikeVrystaatse NasionaleBotaniese Tuin het ookplantegeskenk vir die tuin.

FOCUSON: BLOEMCARE

/AURORA

Landmark collaborationset newstandard

Astrategic collaboration to address dual diagnosis andtreatmentwas signedrecentlybyBloemcarePsyciatric Hospital andAuroraAddiction Recovery Centre.

This collaboration will ensurebetter care forindividuals facing both mental health andsubstance usechallenges Aurora and Bloemcaresigneda memorandum of agreement(MOA) on Friday 8May

This partnership bringstogether twoleadersintheir respective fields, united by ashared commitmentto improvepatient outcomesthrough integrated,multidisciplinary care

The agreementrecognisesthe growing need to addressmentalhealth and substanceuse disordersnot as separate conditions, butasrequiring acoordinatedclinicaland therapeutic approach

Currentresearchand clinical experienceindicatethatmorethan 70%ofindividuals seeking treatment foreither substanceabuse or mental health conditions presentwith adual diagnosis –meaning theyexperience both simultaneously.

This underscores the importance of aholistictreatmentmodel that addressesthe full scopeofa patient’s needs.

Through this collaboration, the multidisciplinary teams at both institutions will work closelytoprovide comprehensive,patient-centred care

At the signing of the memorandum of agreementare from the left,front: ds.Jannie Smith (Chairperson: Aurora)and William du Plessis (Director:Bloemcare); back: Marietjie Landsberg (director: Aurora),BarbaraSteenkamp (Hospital Manager: Bloemcare) andDrSello LucasMokwena (Clinical Head of Pelonomi RegionalHospital).

By combining expertise in psychiatric services and addiction recovery,the partnership will enhancethe effectivness of treatmentinterventions and continuityofcare.

Aurora Addiction Recovery Centre plays acriticalrole in this collaboration as the onlyinpatient rehabilitation facility in the region registered with the Department of Social Development

to providenon-acute medicaldetoxificationfor substanceusers

This specialisedservicewill significantly supportthe multidisciplinary team at Bloemcare Psychiatric Hospital, registered with the Department of Health, enabling moreeffective

Speakers at the event were from left Leloko Matsenyane (Director Preventionand treatment of Substanceabuse: Department of Social Development),Dr EmilyMachai (Consulting Psychiatrist),Catherine Moipolai (Acting DeputyDirector: Standard Complianceatthe Department of Health)and Dr SelloLucas Mokwena (Clinical Head at Pelonomi Regional Hospital).

stabilisationand ongoing treatmentof patients withpsychiatricneeds

The primary objectiveofthis agreementistodeliverprofessional, ethical and evidence-basedservicesthatimproverecoveryoutcomesand support long-term wellbeing

Aurora is one of the oldest NPO’sin the Free Statewith 60 yearsdedicated experienceinsubstanceabuse treatmentand rehabilitation.

Bloemcareisaprivate registered psychiatric facilitywith 26 yearsof service.

Acollaboration betweenthese two organisationreflects ashared commitmenttoenhancing standards of care and proactivelyaddressing the growing prevalenceofdual diagnosis within the community.

This partnership represents a significantstepforwardinhow they approach treatment.

By working together,theycan ensurethatpatientsreceive integrated care thataddressesboththeir mental healthand substanceuse challenges in ameaningful and sustainable way.

DECADESOFTRUSTED CARE

ONE INTEGRATED PATHWAY

Bloem Show weathers everystorm

TEBOHO SETENA

High patronagecontinues to drive theBloem Show,serving as amajor economic catalyst for theFreeState andBloemfontein despitechallengingsocio-economic conditions.

This wasevidentinthis year’s edition, whichattracted 81 818 attendees over the 10 days of the show,despite adverse weather.Bestattendance was on Friday 1May and Saturday 2May On the last day, multitudes of patrons descendedonthe hostingvenue of the Showground to bringthe curtain down on this spectacular eventwith audience queues snakingmorethan 500mfromthe gates of thevenue The2026 BloemShowmarkedits 143rd year of existence since 1883 and ranfrom23April to 2May in Bloemfontein under the theme ‘‘BeachParty in Bloem!’’Inclementweather did not dampen the spirit of the multitudes of showgoers.Itfeaturedmorethan 350 exhibitorsand extensiveagricultural, creativearts, and entertainment programmes

This year the eventwas withoutcattle and sheep shows,which were cancelleddue to the impact of foot-and-mouthdisease Thesewere cancelledtosafeguardthe animals,

exhibitorshavealsoalready rebooked for2027,”said Prinsloo TheBloem Show’s innovativeapproach sawitregain momentumand showcasecreativitypostthe Covid-19 pandemic.Creativethinkingsaw the introduction of newcrowd-pulling programmes such as the Husqvarna BeachParty Obstacle Course and a Guinness WorldRecord-breaking67 200 kg petfooddonation.New additionsfeaturedthe “DoekNSlay” ladies’event and the BloemOld School Picnic TheMissSouth Africa Plus WorldFashionParade,the primary fashion showfor localdesigners,was also featured forthe second consecutiveyear. It attracted asignificant new breedofyoung and aspiringfashion designers

which remain astrongcomponentof the consumerevent

ElmariePrinsloo, chiefexecutive officer of BloemShow, attributes the show’ssustainabilitytoresilient patronageand innovation whichsaw the introduction of newpioneering programmes to navigatethe unforeseen impact.“Thelargest impact on attendancewas the absence of the livestocksection, with more than 4000 cattle and sheep.Inaddition

to this,the weatherplayeda bigrole, especiallyon30April when rain waspouring the whole day, with the lowest dailyattendance in 20 years, " shesaid.

Prinsloolamented the severe impact of fuel price hikes, primarily driven by conflict in theMiddle East, specificallyrisingtensions involving Iran andthe closureofthe Strait of Hormuz.“Certainly, the hike in diesel andpetrol prices hadaninfluence,

as we hadafew cancellationsearlier from exhibitorsdue to this,and we were lucky to fill their spaces.Visitors from other townsand provinces would have felt pressure due to these hikesand the associated costs. On the bright side,certainly the smiles on the faces of children and families enjoyingvaluabletime together were rewarding. In addition, livestock championships for2027 arealready fullybooked, and morethan70% of

AccordingtoPrinsloo, innovation thinking remainscritical to sustainabilityofthe eventand improving localeconomy

Theevent is regarded catalystin drivingthe Free State'ssocio-economy, contributinganestimated R70 million annuallytothe localeconomy.Itcreated 1150 jobopportunities forsecurity, cleaning,gatestaff and temporaryassistants

Prinsloo said it remainsacrucial marketinghub formorethan350 exhibitors, with roughly45% of participantsoriginatingfromthe Free State.

Mzwandile

IN THE HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA, FREE STATE DIVISION, BLOEMFONTEIN

CASE NUMBER: 2026-015390

EK KOOP NETJIESE gebruikte klere, skoene, linne, gordyne, komberse

In the matter between: ABRAHAMSKRAAL CC

IN THEHIGHCOURT OF SOUTH AFRICA, FREE STATE DIVISION, BLOEMFONTEIN

CASE NUMBER: 2026-015402

In the matterbetween:

ABRAHAMSKRAAL CC APPLICANT REG NO: 2004/038661/23 And MARIAALETTA KOTZEN.O

T11846/2009 LOST OR DESTROYED DEED

Notice is hereby givenin termsofRegulation68of the DeedsRegistries Act, 1937, of the intentionto applyfor the issueofa certified copy of Deed of Transfer T11846/2009 passedbyMANGAUNG

LOCALMUNICIPALITY TO BETTIE LE JOHN, Identity Number7910020178086, Unmarried in respectof

T14944/2012 LOST OR DESTROYED DEED

Notice is hereby givenin termsofregulation68of the DeedsRegistries Act, 1937, of the intentionto applyfor the issueofa certified copy of Deed of Transfer T14944/2012 passedbyCHRISTOFFEL TI MOTH EUS GROBBELAARIDENTITY NUMBER 7602175152 087 AND ELAI NE GROBBELAARIDENTITY NUMBER 8006100035 087 MARRIED IN COM MUN IT YO F PROPERTY in favour of MASILONYANA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY in respect of ERF 80 VERK EERDEVLEI, DISTRICT BRANDFORT, PROVINCE FREE STATE IN EXTENT 1487 (ONE TH OUSAND FOUR HUNDREDAND EIGHTY SEVEN) SQUARE METRES HELD BY DEEDOF TRANSFERT14944/2012 which hasbeen lost or destroyed

Allinterested persons having objectiontothe issueofsuchcopy are hereby requiredtolodge the same in writing with the RegistrarofDeeds: Free St ate at BLOEMFONTEIN (DEEDS OFFICEBLOEMFONTEIN)

85 NELSON MANDELA DRIVE, BLOEMFONTEIN CENTRA L, BLOEMFONTEIN, 9301 within two weeksfrom the date of the publication

T4715/2022

FORM JJJ LOST OR DESTROYED DEED

Noticeishereby givenin termsofregulation 68(1) of the DeedsRegistries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply forthe issue of a certified copy of Deed of Transfer T4715/2022 in favour of JOHN MONYANE MOETI Identity Number 611211 5662 089and MOMOI MONICA MOETI Identity Number 7008150885081 in respect of Erf 33651 situatedinthe township of MANGAUNGDistrict BLOEMFONTEINProvince Free State which has been lost. Allinterested persons havingobjection to theissue of such copy arehereby required to lodge the same in writing with the Registrar of Deeds,Free State at Bloemfontein with two weeks from the date of the publicationofthis notice

Dated at BLOEMFONTEIN on 08 May2026.

Applicant Lynette Joubert –LPCM57961

TE19022/1999

LOST OR DESTROYED DEED

Notice is hereby givenin termsofRegulation 68 of the DeedsRegistries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply forthe issue of a certifiedcopy of Deed of Transfer TE19022/1999 passed by THE BLOEMFONTE IN TRANSITIONAL LOCAL COUNCILinfavour of TSIETSI SIMONMOTSEKI

Id entity Num ber 5006305552087 and MATSHIDISO CONFIDENCEMOTSEKI, Id entity Num ber 5808050978080, Married in Community of Property to each other in respect of ERF 48268 MANGAUNG DIS TRICT BLOEMFONT EI N PROVINCEFREE STATE, EXTENT 171 (One Hundred and Seventy One)which has beenlost or dest royed. All interestedpersons having objection to the issue of such copy are hereby required to lodge the same in writing with the Registrar of Deedsat Bloemfontein within two weeksfrom the date of publicationofthis notice

Dated at BLOEMFONTEIN ON THIS 7DAY OF MAY 2026

BJ VIVIERS (LPCM 58041) Horn& van Rensburg

J.E.deScande

In die boedel van wyle Johanna Elizabeth de ScandeIdentiteitsnommer 5006270015086 Gebore 1950-06-27

Oorlede 2026-03-09van 8

Beumon tC omplex Alibama Street Pellissier Bloemfontein 9300, en nag elate eggenoot /eggenote Marthinus Gerhardus de Scande Id enti te its nommer 5205145020087

Boedelnommer 002314/2026 Krediteure en debiteure in bogemelde boedel word versoek om hullevorderingeinte lewer en hulleskuld te betaal by die kantoor van die ondergetekende binne 'n tydperk van dertig (30) dae

Naam en adres van eksekuteur of gemagtigde: Marietjie Norval as genomineerdevan PSG TRUST (PTY)LTD PRELLER WALK

GENLHERTZOG DRIVE DAN PIENAAR BLOEMFONTEIN

A. van Zyl

In die boedel van wyle

Arina van Zyl ldentiteitsnom mer

4409170005085 gebore

1944-09-17 oorlede

2025-08-25 van 7

Rosenheim Retirement Village Fichardtpark Bloemfontein 9301

boedelnommer

006676/2025Kennis geskied hiermee dat die eerste en finale likwidasie- en distribusierekening (tensy anders vermeld) in bogenoemdeboedelter insae sal lê ten kantore van die Meester van die Hoo gge regs hof Bloemfontein en van die landdros Bloemfontein vir 'n tydperk van een en twintig (21) dae vanaf 15 Mei 2026

Naam en adresvan eksekuteur of gemagtigde: Marietjie Norval nominee or PSG Trust (Pty) Ltd

Preller Walk Genl Hertzog Drive Dan Pienaar Bloemfontein

F.R. MULLER

Notice is hereby given that the First and Final Liq uid at ion and Distribution accountin the estate of thelate FREDERICK ROY MULLER (Identity Number 420320 5071083), whowas married out community of property and whoresided at 27 ALSACE STREET, BAYSWA T ER, BLOEMFONTIEN,willlie open for the inspection of all interested personsat the office of theMaster of the HighCourtin Bloemfontein foraperiod of 21 daysfrom 15 MAY 2026.Shouldnoobjection thereto be lodged with the Master duringthe specified period,the executor will proceedto makepaymentsin accordance with thesaid account. NO.1715/2025

COLINCILLIERS c/o Webbers P.O.Box 501 Bloemfontein 9300

KURATORSKAP

T.P.

PITSO NOTICE OF CURATOR

ANDTUTOR

In terms of section 75 of theAdministration of Estates Act, No.66of 1965 (as amended),notice is hereby givenof appointment of aperson as CuratororTutor by Mastersofthe High Court, or of terminationof such appointment person, Person Under Curatorship:

TSHOKOLO PETRUS PITSO, Address:1301 SECTION W, BOTSHABELO,Nameand address of Curator:

RIAANAHRENS, Address of Curatoror Tutor:67PRES PAUL KRUGER AVENUE,

Runnersinpursuit of global glory

Alearner of the Eunice High School represented the South AfricanAquatics Team at the Africa Aquatics Championships in Oran, Algeria, and broughtbackninemedals. Theevent washostedfrom5May to Sunday 10 May.

in

Cheetahs triomfeer

Met’nbietjie geluk en baie deursettingsvermoëhet die Vrystaat Cheetahs Vrydag 8 Meihul plekindie halfeindronde van dieSA-bekertoernooibespreek.

Daniel Maartens,SisonkeVumazonkeenClayton Blommetjiesvan dieCheetahsvierhul oorwinningteen GriekwasinVrydagselaaste ligawedstrydeindie SA bekertoernooi.FOTO:JohanPretorius

Spanne meet behoorlik kragte

Diejaarlikse kragmetings in die Wesgrow Sentrale Skole Sportreeks tussen die HoërskoolDiamantveld en die HoërskoolSentraal het op Donderdag8 Mei amptelik in Bloemfontein begin. Die naweek se sporthet begin met dieopwindende hokkiewedstrydtussen die eerstesmeisies-hokkiespanne. Dit het reedsvroeg die toon vir die naweek se sportaksieaangegeehet

wasdie o.16A-meisiespanvan Sentraal, wat’nindrukwekkende 6–0 oorwinningoor hul eweknieëvan Diamantveld behaal het. Dit was ’n hoëtempo-wedstryd waarin Sentraal vandie eerste oomblik af beheer geneem het.

Die interskole het Vrydag voortgeduur met hokkie-, rugby- en netbalwedstryde Weens al die reën die afgelopetyd,is die rugbywedstryde by die UV se velde gespeel. Eenvan die hoogtepuntevan diedag

Reedsindie eerste kwarthet die span hulintensiteit gewysdeur drie doeleaan te tekenensodoende ’n stewigevoorsprong te vestig. Altesaam seshokkiewedstryde is gespeel, waarvanSentraalalmal gewen het–’nduidelikebewysvan hulsterk vertonings oordie verskillende sportsoorte. Sentraal se eerstenetbalspanwas bietjie onder druk in die eerste twee kwarte Waar hulle gelykwas ná die eerste kwart, hetdie meisiesvoortgevegenuiteindelik met 38 -22 huloorhand bevestig

Die rugbywedstrydwaarindie skole se eerste spanne mekaar gepakhet,was 'n mooi vertoonwedstryd.

Sentraal hetvasgevalteenDiamantveld. Daar is 9wedstryde gespeel, waarvanDiamantveld almal gewenhet Diamantveld se o.16B-span hetduidelik gewyswie die baas is en het‘ntellingvan 60-0aangeteken. Tenspyte vandie telborde blydie Interskole tussen Sentraal en Diamantveld veel meer asnet ’n kompetisie.Dit is ’n geleentheid waar vriendskappegebou word en sportmanskapgevier word –iets watelkejaaras’nbesonderevoorreg ervaar word

In die mees dramatiesewyse, tdie Cheetahs die agt-wedstryd wenreeks vandie Griekwasdramaties beëindigmet ’n laaste minuut oorwinning van 32-31. Die Cheetahs het ’n beheerde, taai vertoningonderuiterste in die Toyota-stadiongelewer lplek in -beker se topvier te kry. ’n wedstryd watvir die volle minutenaenige kant toekon n, het die Vrystaters die basis gelê met ’n dominante eerste helftemet ’n 25–12 voorsprong teen halftyd. Vroeëdrieë vanhaker Louis vander Westhuizen en vleuel Cohen Jasper is ondersteun deur die akkurateskopvan Jaco van der Walt Die Griekwashet geweier om te geeenindie tweede helfte ie wedstryd in ’n gespanne telingontwikkel. ieëvan Damian Markus, relvan der MerweenConnor Mahoneyhet Griekwasstadig weer totdie strydlaattoetree, yl die Cheetahs gedwingisom met twee geel kaarte voortte gaan.

Krities wasdat die Cheetahs

toegeslaan het toedit die meeste saak gemaakhet

Senter Munier Hartzenberghet kort na halftyddie doellyn oorgesteek, met Cohen Jasper watdie doelskop bygevoeg het

Dit het verseker datdie telbord aanhoutel. Die Griekwas-vleuel, DylanMaart het in die 82ste minuut in die hoek gaandrukendie agterstand toteen punt laat krimp. Die beslissende doelskophet die pale gemis

Dus, na die laaste rondtevan ligawedstryde, het Griekwasboaan geëindigmet 42 punte, met Pumas tweede met 38 en die Cheetahs derde (35) Boland en SWDhet albeiop32 puntegeëindig, maardie Kavaliers het die vierde plek verseker weenshul beterpunteverskil.

Valke(29),EP(18),Griffons(13), Leopards (9) en Grens(0) voltooidie punteleer

Die Cheetah se jong kaptein Neels Volschenk(23) sê hulle weet watvan hulle verwag word teen die Pumas. DieCheetahs reis na Mbombela (Nelspruit) om diePumas in dieeen halfeindstryd op Vrydag 15 Meiom 18:00 te ontmoet.

Gallants face unfavourable odds

TEBOHO SETENA

TheMarumo Gallants’chances of survivingrelegationfromSouth Africa’s top-flight Premier Soccer League (PSL)remainona knifeedge Their relegation probability hasincreasedtoroughly 95% to 99%,interms of projection. This follows their continuedinabilityto collect maximumpointsinthree crucial matches, all of which ended in 1 1draws againstRichardsBay, TS Galaxy,and Sekhukhune United Worsestill, the Gallants failedto collect maximumpointsin fixtures in whichboth sides were reducedto 10 men afterthe referee dismisseda player from each teamfor dangerousplay. Thegamesinquestion were againstAmaZulu and Siwelele FC played in Bloemfontein.

TheGallants are firmly stuckin the danger zone for automatic relegationorpromotion play-off spot alongside Magesi FC (21 points), Orbit College FC (24 points), and ChippaUnited (25 points).

TheGallants’stagnationinthe league hasleft them rooted in the relegationzone with 23 points in 15th position apositionthat forces them to fighttoretain their top-flight status viathe relegation-promotion play-offs. In truth,the relegation-promotion play-offsdonot guaranteethe