BloemNuus - E-Edition - 12 Mrt 2026

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Greatsoultakes hisleave

TEBOHO SETENA

In political circles, Mosiuoa Gerard Patrick Lekota was described as acontrarian and conscience-driven politician.

Thosewho trulyunderstood his political consciousnessagreed that Lekota,famously known as “Terror”,was the Champion of the Constitution and theRule of Law, and theseunderpinned his political legacy

He firmly believedtheseprinciples were the bedrockofSouth African democracy.

After Jacob Zuma became presidentofthe ANC in 2007, Lekota wasthe foundingpresidentof Cope

In his tribute, VF Plus leader Corné Mulder said the foundingof theCongressofthe People (Cope) wasthe firstrealbreak-awayfrom the ANC since 1994.

Cope wasreceived with enthusiasm and grew to aparty with 30 seatsin2009.

Theparty thereafter hadmany internal conflicts that almost devastateditin2024.

“Lekota hadthe potentialto change the course of South Africa’s future.

“His good Afrikaans and moderatepoint-of-view gave many Afrikanersahome at Cope,justto be disillusioned.”

In Parliament, Lekota boldly challengedthe rulingparty –the ANC –often emphasisingthat South Africa’sconstitutional democracyislegitimateand that the Constitution is the supreme law.

He firmly argued that governmentactions oughttocomply with the Constitutionrather than political partyinterests

Born in Kroonstad on 13 August 1948, Lekota wasthe eldestofseven children in aworking-class family

In her tribute, Free StatePremier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae acknowledgedLekota’ssteadfast advocacyand ethical leadershipin his lifetime

“Hemade outspokenallegations of corruption within his ownranks, astand for which he paid apolitical price,but whichlater vindicated his foresight and integrity.”

Theincumbent premier hailed Lekota’s immense contribution duringhis tenure as Free State premier from 1994 to 1997, and his steadfastcharacter that resulted in layinga solidfoundationfor democracy

He took the reins of aprovince scarredbyapartheid and began the painstakingworkofbuilding aunified,non-racialgovernment from the ground up

Lekota’s tenure wasabout buildingthe very foundations of our democracy, often at greatpersonal cost

“Helaid the cornerstoneofour provincialadministration, championingreconciliation and initiating the longwalk to establish agovernmentthat served all itspeople.

“Hetaughtusthatleadership means standingonprinciple,even

“His footsteps as our firstpremier marked the path forall of us who followed. Mayhis courageous soul rest in eternal peace,” said Letsoha-Mathae.

RoyJankielsohn, leader of the DA in theFreeState,remembers Lekota for his firm decisionsin leadership rolesingovernment.

“Lekota wasagentleman and politicianwho will be remembered for hislifelong and unwavering questtobuild anon-racial and inclusiveconstitutional democracy in South Africa

“Lekota’s legacy of Ubuntu is visible through the political tolerance, communal consensus-seeking and humilitythatheembracedand that arestill valuedinthe Free State,” said Jankielsohn.

Sanitarypad fears allayed

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

Thestudy titled“Thepresence of endocrine disruptingchemicalsinsanitarypads:A study done in South Africa,” waspublishedinthe Science of the TotalEnvironment journal in February.

Thestudy wasconducted on 16 different sanitarypad products and sevenpantyliner products that hadbeenboughtonline.

Smallquantities of endocrinedisrupting chemicals(EDCs)werepresent in the tested samples,with allproducts tested containingat leasttwo typesofEDCs.

This includedproducts that were marketed as beingchemical-free

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

In anews storypublishedonthe university’s website, the exposure to EDCs in sanitary pads found in the studywas linkedtohormonal imbalances, fertilityproblems,endometriosis and certain typesofreproductivecancer

TheNational DepartmentofHealth engagedwith scientificand clinical experts from anumberofinstitutionsacrossSouth Africa in order to understand whether thereis anyrisktousers

It concluded that the levels of EDCs found in the studywerelow and that this or anyother studyhas notestablished acausal relationship betweenthe detectedchemicals and adverse health outcomes in women or girls

TheUFS said in astatementthat the research did notclaim that short-term useof menstrual products caused specifichealth conditions

Similarly,the studywas notdesigned to establish adirectcausalrelationship between the detectedchemicalsand diseases in women.

when it is difficult.Aswemourn this monumental loss, we alsocelebratea life of profound purpose.

Lekota will be honoured with a SpecialOfficial FuneralCategory 2 on Saturday14March in Bloemfontein, anda memorialservice will be held on Thursday 12 Marchinthe Bloemfontein CityHall, from 12:00 to 15:00.

Theresearch findingsand their publication arenot intendedtoconstitute medical advice,consumer directives,or product usagerecommendations – theypresent peer-reviewed scientificdataand identify areaswarrantingfurther scientificand clinical enquiry

Theresearchdoesnot recommend that currentproducts be withdrawnfromthe market, the UFSconfirmed

Love of cats livesoninspecial

LIENTJIE MENTZ

In memory of averyspecial womanknown for herhugelove of cats,acatio project wasstarted at theBloemfontein SPCA

Marnelle vanRooyen, psychologist and artist, battledcolon cancer formorethanadecade and passed away on 15 July last year

Herfriends and thelocal SPCA raised R60 000 to build alarge catio (cat patio) at thelocal animal shelter

ZaandréCampher,chairperson of the Bloemfontein SPCA,saysthis will be aplace for cats and kittens to spend time with visitorsina homelikeenvironment.

“This is the ideal settingfor cats to help them socialiseand make their chances for adoption much better.”

Dr Angie Vorster, localpsychologistand friend to Marnelle,saysthe catio will be openedshortlyafter Marnelle’s birthday on 6March, whichalsocoincideswith ColorectalCancer AwarenessMonth

“Throughout her life,Marnelle meantsomuchtosomany humans,but even moresoto hundreds(perhapsthousands) of feral and rescue kittens and cats,” says Vorster.

“She lovedall animals,but cats were her constantcompanions throughout numerousrounds of chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries and finally, on her deathbed.”

Theideaofthe catio stems from

Marnelle,who grew up and lived in Bloemfontein for mostofher life beforemovingtoGeorgewhenshe became very ill.

“She dreamt of startinga non-governmental organisation where she couldhouse feral and rescue cats,and assist in having themadopted,” Vorsterexplains

“Sadly, she became ill toosoon for this to come true.

“WhenIhad the privilege of beinginher companyone last time,Ipromisedtocreatea space to commemorate her in away that wouldbetruesttoher spirit.”

Vorster says when she took the ideatothe localSPCA, everything

just fell into place.

“They hadbeendreaming of creatinga largeplayareafor the cats for alongtime.”

Animal lovers took hands,and a carportnexttothe catshelter at the SPCA wasturnedintothe catio Camphersayslots of cats in Bloemfontein end up at the doorstep of the SPCA,and in January alonetheytookinaround 295 cats Vorstersaidwith theMarnelle’s Catio MemorialProject,helpand donations of furniture, cattoysand beds were received from all over thecountry

“Therewill be no grandopening –wewantthisproject to servethe

community, ouranimals,” confirms Vorster.

“Wewanttocreateanongoing source of fundraising, and support the excellentworkour SPCA does

“Weencouragevisitorstopost pictures of themselves visitingthe catio

“Wewantlearners, students,the elderly,everyone to feel welcome andspend time playingwith the cats,orreada book,crochet or listentomusic while spendingtime with the felines

“Wewantthistobelikeaspecial home in honour of ourgoodfriend, Marnelle.”

Talents come together

Abold, multidisciplinaryperformance that blends activism andart to confront humanity's most urgent challenges,will be performed by amultitudeofartists in In theBlink of an Eye

This work on climatechangewas commissionedbySouth African composer Arthur Feder Drawinginspiration from OlivierMessiaen’s Quartet forthe EndofTime,this seven-movementworkweavestogether anarrativeofenvironmental fragility, humanresponsibility, and the hope for renewal.

Performedbythe Odeion String Quartet, alongside clarinettist Prof.Danré Strydom,pianistCezarre Strydom,and dancer-choreographer Jeannette Ziady, each movementexplores unique instrumental combinations,creatingadynamic interplay betweenmusic and movement.

Traditional musicalforms arereimaginedtoreflectcontemporaryecological crises,with themes of lossand resilience. Eachmovement unfolds likea chapter in astory:the urgencyofthe present, the consequences of inaction,and the possibilities of transformation. More than aperformance, In the Blink of an Eye is a call to action.

Ziady, amemberofthe International Association of Dance Medicine and Science,isacertified RoyalAcademyof Dance (RAD) ballet teacher since1999, and is an International Dance Organization adjudicatorsince 2018

Sheiscurrently appointedatthe Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) as adance lecturer while completing a doctoral degree with the Department of PerformingArtsand the Department of SportScience and Rehabilitation.

Ziadystill performs,choreographs and teaches at variousdance-related projects

Feder holds an MMus in Composition qualification (cum laude) from theStellenbosch University (SU)

He is particularly passionateabout composition, pedagogy,and thepromotion of new music, andaspartof themanagerialteamfor the South African student musicinitiativeKOMPOS,heassistedin premiéringmorethan80orchestral and chamberworks

Arthur lectures Music Theory,Composition, and Orchestration at theStellenboschUniversity

Strydom (clarinet) hasestablishedher-

self as one of South Africa’s premier solo, chambermusic,and orchestramusicians

Shecompletedclarinet studies in America, Europe,and South Africa,and played with the BrusselsPhilharmonicfor severalyears

On herreturn to South Africa,she was appointedasawoodwind lecturer at the University of the Free State(UFS) and completedher PhDstudies in clarinet performance. Strydom is the principal clarinettistofthe Free StateSymphony Orchestra.

Cezarre startedpiano lessons in Namibiaatthe College of the Arts.During

Diary

high school, he left for Americatofurther hisstudies at the InterlochenArtsAcademy andthe University of Michigan Hiscareerhas included performances across America,Mexico,Germany, Russia,and Belgium.Uponhis return to South Africa,Cezarre worked as the staff accompanistatthe UFS.

He is currentlythe Head of Musicatthe Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch TheOdeionStringQuartetisa flagship of the UFSand symbolisesthe university’s commitmenttothe arts Thequartetcomprises Samantha Durrant(violin), Sharon de Kock (violin), Jeanne-LouiseMoolman (viola) and Anmarivan der Westhuizen (cello).

Khwezi Ndlela is achoirconductor and Africanmusic specialistfromKwaZulu-Natal. Sheiscurrently in her firstyear towardsa diplomainMusic qualification, majoring in Conducting, at the UFS. Passionateabout choral excellence and Africanmusical traditions,she hasactively developed anddirectedchoirs in both educationaland competitivecontexts. Herworkgainednationalrecognition when she andher choirreceived agold awardatthe national finals of the Applous ChoirCompetition.

Beforerelocatingtothe Free Statein February2026 to pursue herstudies, Ndlela served as choirconductor and arts coordinator at the Newcastle High School (KwaZulu-Natal).

In the Blink of an Eye will be performed on Thursday 19 Marchat19:00 at the Odeiononthe UFScampus. Tickets cost betweenR30 andR120, andare available on quicket.co.za.

Storageunittreasures soon sold at auction

Thecontent of twostorage units at OliveHill Self Storagewill go under the hammer in aid of the Kersfonds this Friday,on 13 March.

Bainsvlei AuctionHouse will sell the content, whichincludes antique and vintage furniture and household items such as beautiful teasets

This is the firsttime the committeeofthe Kersfonds is undertakingthe auctioningoff of storageunitcontent,and it provides the perfectopportunity for buyers to delve into the treasures of previous owners

Theauction will takeplace at OliveHill Self StorageinTielman Roos Road.

Viewingcan be done from 10:00 and the auctionwill start at 11:00.

ARTISTS CANSUBMIT PROPOSALS

TheOliewenhuisArt Museumcalls on South Africanvisualartists to submitasoloexhibition proposal forconsideration forinclusion on the museum's exhibition calendar Thosewho meet the criteria will be shortlistedfor placementon the calendar in the next four years. Work will be showcasedatone of the museum’sgallery venues. Artists areencouraged to familiarise themselveswith the various galleryoptions available. Outdoor

exhibitions canbeaccommodated within reason. Benefits include the transport of workswithin South Africa and insuranceofworks whileonthe premises

Theclosing dateis29May,at 11:00.Application forms and the detailed advertisement areavailableatnationalmuseum.co.za/ open-call-to-visual-artists/.Send applications to publicart@nasmus.co.zaand queries,inwriting, to oliewen@nasmus.co.za.

THURSDAY 12 MARCH

WOENSDAG 18 MAART

FRIDAY 13 MARCH

South Africa, indicating ourcommitment to adheretothe Code of Ethics forPrint and online media, which prescribes that ourreportageistruthful, accurate and fair.Shouldyou wish to lodgeacomplaint about our news coverage,dosoonpresscouncil.org.zaoremail the complaint to enquiries@ombudsman.org.za. Contact the Press Council on 011-484-3612

Dr Fanie de Langegives atalk on frackingatameeting of the Universityofthe ThirdAge (U3A)atthe Sewe Damme HallinGen. Beyers Street.Everyone is welcome. Members payR10 and visitors R20.CallPamelaGradwell on 083253 6293 formoreinformation

AGymnastics Fundraiser Bingo Night,which offers a night of bingo, luckydraws anddancing, is hosted at the Sunflower Hallatthe Bloem Showgrounds. Theevents starts at 18:00.Tickets cost R150, or R1 200 foratable of 10.Itcosts R50 per child; they willplayinthe Gymnastics Hall, with snacksand supervision. Send aWhatsApp message to 060528 5121 to book.

TheMoonlight Market is held from 17:00 to 21:00 at the Dutch Reformed Church Gardenia Park, hosted by the Bloemfontein Homeschoolers.

SATERDAG 14 MAART

’n Vroueoggend tenbatevan Bybelverspreiding met gassprekerNicolette Steel begin om 09:00 vir 09:30 by die Ebenhaeser-gemeente in Groenvlei. Die gaskunstenaar is Helga Ellis. Kaartjies kosR150.Verversings en uitstallers kanverwagword. Bespreek bywoning by VanessaMarais by 082821 1529

Bloemfontein-stadtoerebesoek om 14:00 die Avbob-museum op die hoekvan Eerstelaan en Miriam Makebastraat.Rig navrae deur 072418 8665 te skakel

Francois Smith praat om 18:00 metAnton Roodtoor Antonseboek Aandie hemeltrans in die Nasionale Afrikaanse LetterkundigeMuseum en Navorsingsentrum (Naln). Bywoning is gratis, bevestig netvooraf deur e-posnavriendevannaln@gmail.comtestuur.

DONDERDAG 19 MAART

Die Bloemfonteinse Skrywerforum (BSF) vergader om 18:00 in die Bainsvlei-biblioteek in Langenhovenpark. Francois Smith bied 'n werksessie aanoor perspektief. 'n Kort skryfoefening salaangepakword; bringskryfgoed saam. Gasteiswelkom. Rig navrae oor lidmaatskapaan Amosvan der Westhuizen by 082280 0136 of Margerethie Bredenkamp by 082477 7111.

VRYDAG 20 MAART

Moses – Geroep! word deur die ATKV-tak Gemeenskapsteateraangebied, in samewerkingmet Pacofs.Die vertoning begin om 19:00 in die Sand du Plessis-teater. Kaartjies kostussen R120 en R150 op webtickets.co.za.

Lost Chord is in die Aasvoëlklubmet 55 Yearson,om 19:30.Dit kosR100.Bel Hein Griesel by 084 5598991.

SATERDAG21MAART

Dennis en Brian bring in hul vertoning watom20:00 in die Aasvoëlklubbegin huldeaan die musiek vanNeil Diamond.Kaartjies kosR150 en is beskikbaar by 084 5598991.

Moses – Geroep! word deurdie ATKV-tak Gemeenskapsteateraangebied, in samewerkingmet Pacofs.Die vertoning begin om 19:00indie Sand du Plessis-teater.Kaartjies kostussen R120 en R150 op webtickets.co.za

'n ABBA-vertoning deurKath and Crew word op die Summerwood-landgoedaangebied. Hekkeopen om 17:30.Kaartjies kosR200opwebtickets.co.za. Rig navrae aan MadeleinLandman by 079276 3277

DONDERDAG 26 MAART

'n Paneelbesprekinginsamewerkingmet die WerkgroepVrystaat vandie Suid-AfrikaanseAkademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns en die Vriende vanNaln begin om 18:00. Dr.Martin Laubscher, dr.Francois Smith en prof.Johann Rossouw gesels met skrywer Johannesde Villiers oor sy boek Op padna'nkloosterindie sneeu Bespreek plek vir bywoning deur'ne-postestuur na hoffmanl@ufs.ac.za.

VRYDAG 27 MAART

'n Rock-pop-en-country-musiekvertoning begin om 20:00indie Aasvoëlklubten bate vanGenade in Aksie Kaartjies kosR150. Bespreek plek by 082894 3013.

SATERDAG28MAART

Die OVSFilatelieseVereniging vergaderom10:00 in die personeelkamervan die Laerskool Sentraal. 'n Veiling salgehou word,ennuweaanwinstesal vertoon word.Rig navrae aan Voet du Plessis by 082449 9488

Empowering thedifferentlyabled

LIENTJIE MENTZ

It is with alookofdetermination andconcentration on his face that Moses Thokotje (Gr.12) speeds throughthe brand-new wheelchair trainingtrack at theMartie du Plessis School.

Mosesisone of thelearnersthat demonstrated the new trackdeveloped on the school ground as an extension of the work of the physiotherapydepartmentatthe school

MagdaWessels,headofthe department, said at the launchonMonday 9 Marchthe ideastems formwhenshe visitedsomethingsimilar in Switzerland.

“I sawhow thosechildren enjoyed the challenge of awheelchair course, and Irealised in South Africachildren with disabilities areoften overprotected.Weneed to teach ourchildrenthat theyare not disabled, butdifferently abled. We need to teach them to go around as independentlyaspossible.”

Shecame back with this dream of awheelchair course at the school andwith the help of donorsand the school maintenance team, acourse wasdesignedand built Magdaexplains:“It is easy enough for the children in wheelchairsto move around on the school grounds, butathome and in the worldout there, thereare difficult terrainsthat theyhavetonavigate. We wanted to improvetheir skills -teachingeach child to optimallyuse his or her wheelchair

Thepaved path takesthe user onan upward and downward slope, through some sandypatches and small steps as well as through gravel and alonga grasspatch to the end. Thereisalso atransferstation that teaches the children howtoget outand back into their wheelchairs."

After ademonstration by learners, some of the adults alsotookon the challenge They realised quicklythat what some of the older children do in a flash,takes some practice

“Shortlyafter we startedusing the course,wecould seethe confidence

andself-esteem of the children growing,”Magda said.“Theteenagers straight away took to the challenge and nowcompete againstthemselves, takingtheir timesonthe course.”

Safety on the wheelchair trackis very important, especiallyfor the

little onesthatare gettingusedtothe challenges of their wheelchair,sothey wear safetyhelmets

“Not onlyisthisfun for the children, it alsogreatly improves their fitness, andtheylearn that theyare able to complete challenges which

Thenew wheelchair coursehelpschildren in wheelchairsnavigatelifelikecircumstances and different terrains.

theynever thoughtof.”

Francois vanHeerden,principalof Martie du Plessis, extendedaninvitationtoother facilities in Bloemfontein that do rehabilitation to make useof this specialcourseintheir therapy.

“This is notonlyawonderful educational tool forthe school, butfor the whole Bloemfontein comunity.”

Like little Morero Mogane (Gr. 1) said when theythanked the sponsers: “This is super-duper fun!”

Seevideo'sonthe BloemNews Facebook page

Grey-hoof groeteersdaags

Ná vier jaar by Grey-kollege (sekondêr), tree die skoolhoof, Braamvan Wyk, aandie einde vandie jaar af Die voorsitter vanGreyse beheerliggaam, JanHarm Greyling, hetDinsdagdie aankondinggemaak.

“Mnr.van Wykspeel sedert sy aanstelling’nbelangrike leierskapsrol by Grey-kollege Hy is ’n uitstekendeonderwysleier met baie ervaring en kundigheid en Grey hetdie afgelopepaarjaargroot hoogtes bereik met hom aandie stuur”, lui die nuusverklaring.

GreylingsêVan Wykhet sy visievir die Grey vandie toekoms gebouopdie grondslag vandie skoolserykekultuur en onderwysgeskiedenis

“Syuitsonderlikeinsig in menseisduidelik uit die manier waarop hy die skoolgemeenskapkon saamsnoer rondom sy doelwitte.”

VanWyk sê in dieverklaring dit wasvir hom ’n voorregom

sy onderwysloopbaantekon afsluit by die skoolwat hom as ’n jong seun gevorm het

“Grey-kollege is internasionaalbekendvir die skoolse uitnemendheid op alle gebiede –van akademie en sporttot kultuur en sosiale impak. Om aandie stuur te staanvan só ’n geskiedkundige onderwysinstelling, was’ngroot uitdaging, maar ook’nwonderlike voorreg.

“Asoud-Grey en Grey-ouer en nouook as skoolhoofsal

die Grey-geesaltyd in my hart voortleerf. Maar vir eers blymy fokusopdie resvan die jaar, met die belangevan die seuns soos altydmyeersteprioriteit.” Volgensdie beheerliggaam saldie proses om ’n nuwe skoolhoofaan te stel –die twaalfde skoolhoofsedertdie skoolin1855 gestig is –binnekort begin.Asdeelvan die proses,werkdie beheerliggaamsaammet die provinsiale onderwysdepartmentom die voorgeskrewe prosedures te volg.Greylingsêhulle wil die Grey-kollege-skoolgemeenskap verseker datdie skoolseetosinalle besluite die rigtingwyser salweesen datdie volgende skoolhoofvan dieselfde kaliber as VanWyk en sy voorgangerssal wees “Vir Grey is dit ’n eerom mnr.Van Wykseloopbaanin die onderwystevier en onssal toesien datsynalatenskap op gepastewysegeëer word,” sê Greyling.

Sitkoppe bymekaar om slimmer sake te doen

AfriForum Sakenetwerk het op 24 Februarie ’n netwerksessie by die Herholdt’s-groepinOoseindeaangebied.Bestuurslede saam metbestuurslede vanHerholdt’sisvan linksMarisaKruger(voorsittervan AfriForum Sakenetwerk),Mirna Butler,Sanderien vander Walt,RudiBotha (Herholdt’s),ElrikeViljoen,Rohan Makaum (Herholdt’s) en Corné Cronje FOTO:Lientjie Mentz

digital PET-CT scanner at the UniversitasAcademic Hospitalare from theleftDrGerritEngelbrecht (clinical head of tMohlahlo(head of department at the Free StateDepartment of Health),Prof.OsayandeEvbuomwan (medical talheadofNuclearMedicine),Prof.DeliweRene Phetlhu (deanofthe Universityofthe Free State’sFaculty of ameKwakwa(deputydirector forFinanceatthe Universitas Academic Hospital). PHOTO:Lientjie Mentz

logy unlocks potential at hospital

demic Hospital ET-CTscanner, milestone in the ostic imagingand State. sa state-ofgsystemthat

enablesclinicians to visualiseboth the anatomicalstructureofthe bodyand its physiological functions.

This advancedtechnology enhances diagnostic accuracy,supports earlydisease detection,and improves treatment planningand patientoutcomes

Prof.Osayande Evbuomwan, medical specialistand departmental head of NuclearMedicineatthe Universitas Adademic Hospital, said buyingthis scanner enhancedqualitycare. “Itisagame changerinearly diagnosisand cansavelives.”

Streng toepassing vanreëls nodig

AfriForum eis datdie Mangaung-metrodringendoptreeomdie veiligheidsrisiko’sbyBloemfontein se vullisterreineuit dieweg te ruim. Ditvolg op twee strafregtelike sake watdie organisasie reedsinSeptember2025 teen diemetroaanhangig gemaakhet weens hul versuim om dievereistestandaardebydie Noordelike en Suidelikestortingsterreine in Bloemfontein te handhaaf.

In ’n skrywe aanSello More, stadsbestuurder vir die Mangaung-metro, waarskuAfriForum datdie voortgesetteteenwoordigheid vanonwettige bewonersophierdie stortingsterreine ’n ernstige veiligheidsrisikovir omliggende residensiële gemeenskappe inhou.

Ondanksverskeie veiligheidsoperasies watreedsuitgevoer is om onwettigebewonersvan dieterreine te verwyder,blykdit datdie situasie grootliksonveranderdbly

AfriForum meen datdie metrose onlangsemediaverklaring –waarin aangedui word datherwinners’n proses moet volg om te registreer alvorens hulle op die terreine kan werk –nie die kern vandie probleem oplos nie

Hoewel administratieweregulering vanherwinningbepaalde voordele kaninhou, los dit nie die probleem vanonwettige bewoningvan munisipale eiendom en die gepaardgaande misdadige aktiwiteiteopnie

Die organisasie betwis ookdie metroseontkenningdat georganiseerde bendes,soosdie sogenaamde Born to Kill (BTK)-bende,opdie

stortingsterreine teenwoordigis. Tydens verskeie veiligheidsoperasies is verskeie onwettigebewoners identifiseer watglo bandemet georganiseerdemisdaadstrukture het.

HOSPITALMANAGER VACANCY

Daarbenewens is daar in omliggende woonbuurte verskeie voorvalle van huisbrake, verdagte persone en ander misdadige aktiwiteiteaangemeld. In verskeie gevalle waar inhegtenis-

neminggemaakisofverdagtes ondervrais, het dit geblyk datsommige vanhierdie personebande met die BTK-bende het Volgens ChristoGroenewald, dis-

trikskoördineerder vir AfriForumin Bloemfontein,kan daar nietoegelaat word datmunisipaleinfrastruktuur hawens vir misdadige elemente word nie

“Die voortgesette teenwoordigheid vanonwettige bewoners op hierdie vullisterreinestelomliggende gemeenskappe aanernstige risiko blootenondermyn wetstoepassingspogings

“Die metromoetdringendoptree om hierdie terreinebehoorlik te beveiligendie onwettigebesetting daarvantebeëindig,”sêGroenewald. AfriForumwys ookdaaropdat die organisasiereeds vir ’n dekade lank jaarliksstortingsterreinelandswyd oudit,dit sluit die noordelikeen suideliketerreineinBloemfontein in Tenspyte daarvandat tekortkominge vandie vullisterreinegereeld in die oudits uitgewyswordwas daar, volgensAfriForum,min totgeenbetekenisvolle verbeteringindie veiligheid en bestuur vanhierdie terreine oordie afgelopetien jaar nie. AfriForumhet die Mangaung-metro versoekomdringendstrenger toegangsbeheer en sekuriteitsmaatreëls by albeivullisterreine in te stel, alle onwettigebewoners te verwyder en saam met wetstoepassingsowerhede op te tree teen die teenwoordigheid vangeorganiseerde misdadige elemente

Die organisasiehet ookversoek dat die kantoorvan die stadsbestuurder binne tien werksdae ná ontvangs vandie skrywe skrifteliketerugvoer verskaf oordie stappe watdie metro beplan om te doen om die kwessieop te los

Verdagtesbykwekery vasgetrek

LIENTJIE MENTZ

’n Verdagte winkeldief is op Sondag 8Maart om 16:20 by dieGreenside-kwekery deur personeel en veiligheidspersoneel aangekeer.

Marius Annandale vanGreenside sê die in hegtenisnemingvan die vrou (39) komnadat nogverdagtes, twee mans,op14Februarie in hegtenis geneem is “Ons houreedsdie afgelopetwee maande sewe verdagtesopons kringtelevisie dop.Ons vermoed die twee gevalle houmet mekaar verband. Hulle volg dieselfdemodus operandi: Eenisopdie telefoon terwyl die ander na duur saad of gereedskap kyk,”vertelhy.

In ’n Facebook-inskrywinghet Greenside sy kliënte watSondag ten tyde vandie voorvalbydie kwekery was, om verskoninggevra vir die

ontwrigting.

“Die betrokkepersoon is in hegtenis geneem nadatsybetrap is dat sy gesteelhet.Ongelukkigishierdie voorvalnie ’n alleenstaande voorval nie.Oor dieafgelopetweemaande hetGreenside verskeiegevalle van diefstal ervaar,” lui dieinskrywing.

Lt.kol ThaboCovane,polisiewoordvoerder,het bevestig ’n 39-jarigevrouisinhegtenis geneem en datsyvroeërdie week in die hof souverskyn op aanklagte van winkeldiefstal,aanrandingencrimen injuria by die Greenside-kwekery

Vandié aanklagte houverband daarmeedat sy Sondag by Greenside na bewering ’n veiligheidswagaangerand het.

Covane hetook bevestig dattwee mans deur die Bainsvlei-polisie in hegtenis geneem is virwinkeldiefstal nadathulle deur middel vankring-

televisiemateriaal geïdentifiseer is.Hy sê die klag teen hulle is laat vaar

“Deur ons interne moniteringen samewerking met die owerhede kon ons soververskeie individue identifiseer watnabeweringbetrokkeis,”het Annandale Maandagaan BloemNuus gesê

Annandale sê deur die foto’s van sewe verdagtestepubliseer, wilhulle deursigtigmet diegemeenskapwees en ookbewustheid skep “Ons hoop datdit anderplaaslike ondernemings salhelpomwaaksaam te blyenmoontlik salverhoed dat die individue hulaktiwiteiteelders voortsit.”

Hy sê met dieinhegtenisnemingin Februarie is dieselfde twee verdagtes ookverbind met diefstalbydie Local Choice-apteekenDeJagers-klerewinkelby TheTowers-winkelsentrum in Langenhovenpark

Groot pryseopdie spelvir talentvolleliedjieskrywers

Inskrywingsvir die tweede FAK-Skryf’it-liedjieskryfkompetisie open op 16 Maart, en pryseter waarde vanR100 000, insluitend R25 000 kontant, is op die spel.

FAK-Skryf’it 2026 spog met ’n indrukwekkende paneel bekende kunstenaars wat as mentors en beoordelaars optree,groot belangstellingvan aspirant-liedjieskrywers, en die bekendstellingvan ’n nuwe afdelingwat die gebruik van kunsmatigeintelligensie (KI) in musiek verken.

Volgens BarryMüller,FAK se nasionale hoof vangemeenskap, geskiedenis en ad hoc-projekte,isdie kompetisie daarop gemik om nuwe Afrikaanseliedjies te ontdek, en om ’n breërgesprek oordie tegnologieseomwentelingin die musiekwêreld aandie gang te sit.

“Tegnologie ontwikkel teen ’n ongeloofliketempo,enKI speeltoenemend’nrol in hoe musiek geskep en vervaardig word.Pleksdaarvan om hierdie werklikheid te ignoreer, kies ons om dit verantwoordelik te hanteer,”sêMüller “Tegnologie kanklankeskep, maarmenseskepliedjies.Die hart van’nAfrikaanseliedjie salaltyd in die liriekelêwat uit menslikeervaringenemosie deur storievertellinggebore word.”

Twee afdelings, eentaal Deelnemerskan in twee afdelings meeding. Die eerste is die tradisionele liedjieskryfafdeling, waar elkeelement vandie liedjie –van dielirieke en melodie totdie produksie –geheelenaldeur mense geskep moet word

Tydens die aanwys vanFAK Skryf’it 2025 se wenners by die Voortrekkermonument is vanlinksBarryMüller(FAKsenasionalehoof vangemeenskap,geskiedenis en ad hoc-projekte),LoganPietersen (wenner), Nadine enMachiel Roets (beoordelaar).FOTO:IrizaEngelbrecht

Die tweede afdeling fokus op KI-verwerkte produksies,waar tegnologie as hulpmiddelin dieverwerkingofproduksievan ’n liedjiegebruik mag word

Eenbelangrike reël geld egtervir albeiafdelings:Die liriekemoet100% oorspronklik deur ’n mens geskryfwees. Grootname as ghoeroes ’n Groottrekpleister van Skryf’it 2026isdie indrukwekkende lys bekende Afrikaanse kunstenaarswat as mentorsof ghoeroes gaan optree Vanjaarseghoeroessluit in Danie “Reënwolf” du Toit, Ampie,AndriëtteNorman, William Wolf en John-Henry Oppermanvan Klopjag Hierdiekunstenaarsgaan diedeelnemerswat na die eindrondtedeurdring, begelei,

insig geeoor dieskryfproses en help om diéopkomende talent te ontwikkel.

“Die ghoeroes bringervaring, maar ook’npassieomdie volgende geslagliedjieskrywers te help ontwikkel,”sêMüller

Die beoordelaarspaneel bestaanook uit bekendes in die Afrikaanse musiekbedryf Dit sluit in Jakkals Vibes, Blixim Straat,Steve Hofmeyr,Gian Groen, Pieter Smith,Bibi du Preez, LoganPietersen(2025 se Skryf’it-wenner), Monica Maree, StefanJansen, Jannie du Toit en Machiel Roets

Hierdie paneel verteenwoordigverskillendestyle en genres vanAfrikaansemusiek

Besoek Skryf’it.co.zaom meer inligtingtekry -dié webwerf salvanaf Maandagaktief wees

Applyfor SmartIDatbank branches

TheDepartmentofHome Affairs haslaunched adigital partnership with banksthat will allow people to applyfor SmartIDcards directlyat participatingbank branches Thepartnership enteredits liveoperational phaseonSunday. Through this,South Africans cancomplete asecureSmart ID application at selected bank brancheswithin five to tenminutes.

Thedepartmentsaid on Monday the system allows bankstoconnect directlytothe department’ssystems,enablingapplicationstobe processedwithout completingpaper forms or making prior bookings.

The firstparticipatinginstitutions include Capitec Bank and StandardBank,whileFirst Na-

tional Bank is in the finalphase of testing. Other banksthatjoinedthe partnership arepreparing to roll outthe service.Initially, the service will allowSouth African citizens,qualifyingnaturalisedcitizens and permanentresidents who stillhold the greenIDbooktoconvert to the Smart ID card.ExistingSmart ID holderswill also be able to applyfor re-issues Thedepartmentplans to expandservices through the bankingpartnership Theseare expected to include first-time SmartIDapplications,passportservices,courier deliveryof documents and the abilitytoapplythrough bankingapps Find participatingbranchesatdha.gov.za

Vandie verdagteswat op Greenside-kwekery se kringtelevisiekameras geïdentifiseer is.

“Ons het rede om te glo datdie individue ondernemings oorBloemfontein heen -veral winkels in Langen-

Eenvan dieverdagtes watopkringtelevisiekameras geïdentifiseer is.

hovenpark-teiken.” Sake vandiefstal is by die Bainsvleipolisiekantoor oopgemaak.

Waterproblemeduur voort

LIENTJIE MENTZ

Die probleme metwaterdruk watdie laaste paar daeindie suidevan Bloemfontein ondervind word,isweerweens die swaarafloopvan die Caledonrivier watgroot hoeveelhedeslik en rommel by diewatersuiweringsaanleg by Welbedachtdam laat instroomhet Volgens kommunikasie vandie Mangaung-metroopWoensdag11Maart,isdit weens onderhoud watonlangs daar gedoen is Kort daarnahet eenvan die damskerms ineengestort, watveroorsaakdat rommel deur die skermstelsel en pompebeweeghet en dit verstophet

Om die stelseltestabiliseereninfrastruktuur te beskerm, is diewatertoevoertydelik verminder na Wepener,Dewetsdorp en Longridge.

Dit wasnodig om die De Hoek-reservoirste laat herstelendie Brandkop-reservoirstelsel weer te balanseer.

As gevolg hiervankan laewaterdruk voorkom in delevan die stad soos VistaPark, Phelindaba, Rocklands,Pellissier,Lourier Park,Wilgehof, Fauna, Fleurdal, Universitas en omliggende areas. Tegniesespanne bestuur die stelsel en implementeer regstellende maatreëls om die toevoer te stabiliseer.

As deel vandie DA se NasionaleDag van Aksieteendie land se voortdurende waterkrisis, het talle lede vandie partyinMangaungook Woensdag oorBloemfontein heen byeengekom en betoog Dit is baie relevant in Bloemfontein watdie afgelopetyd weer ergdeurloop onder onbetroubare waterleweringmet die Maselspoort-watersuiweringsaanleg watMaandag ’n kragonderbrekinggehad het wature geneem het om te herstel.

In hierdie tydkon waternie na die noorde van die stad gepomp word nie.

Sassawarns public againstascam

TheSouth AfricanSocialSecurity Agency(Sassa) hasstrongly warnedgrant beneficiaries againstsharing their personal details with anyone claimingto be of the agency. This came afterasuspected scam incident involvingatleast twopeople. Theincidentbecame public afterarecentvideoonsocial mediaplatforms pertainingto the incidentand allegations of officials’involvementinthe deductionofpensioners’ money by alleged financial service providers. It is understoodthat apolitical partyreleasedthe videowith claims of insurance deductions

Themba Matlou, chief executiveofficer (CEO)of Sassa, said that in thevideo, twoindividuals allegedthat theyhad been approached by individuals purportingtobe

from Clientèle Life Insurance and the IFA, who made promises of food vouchersand other benefits They then gave their personal detailstothe said individuals. He said according to the report an undisclosed amountofmoney wasdeducted from the twopersons’ accounts Matlouhas distancedthe stateagencyfromtheseacts and refuted allegationsof officialsbeinginvolved,asthe agency's systems do notallow such practices.Hehas also pleadedwith allsocialgrant beneficiaries to notshare their personal detailswith anyone claimingtobefromSassa or anyother organisation

“Weadviseour beneficiaries to be careful who theyshare their personal detailswith,especially their bankingdetails,"

he said.

Matlouemphasisedthatnot even Sassa hasthe authorityto make anydeductions on social grants without the consentof the beneficiaries Thoseclients who would like to dispute adeduction from their social grantfor afuneral policyare advised to act immediatelybysendinganSMS to 34548 with their identitynumberand the financial services provider's name If the deductionisnot made by Sassa,the clientneedsto engage their bank to dispute the debitorder.Iftheyare not able to resolvethe matter with the service provider who has actionedthe debit order,the clientcan then approach the National Financial OmbudsmanScheme.Visit nfosa.co.za on howtolodge acomplaint.

Thursday,12March 2026