Vista-E-Edition-16-July-2026

Thursday,16July2026

Aimingtomakehistory

MARTI WILL

Thecountdownhas begunfor one of Welkom’s biggest annualsporting events as entriesofficiallyopenfor the24th Mediclinic VistaEskom Road Race andFun Walk,whichwill take placeonSaturday22August.

This year Vista celebrates 55 years of reportingonlocal news, marking more than five decades of servingthe community. Thenewspaperhas been theevent’s proudmedia sponsor for the past 24 years.

Thetheme of this year’s event, whichishostedbyEskom Athletics Club Free State, is “Strivewith Pride”. Organisersare encouraging runners, walkers, families, schools, businessesand communityorganisations to takepart, with the goal of making this year’s eventthe biggestin its history

Participants canchoosebetween 1,6km, 5kmand 10 km distances, making the race accessible to people of all ages and fitnesslevels

Theevent alsocelebratesWomen’s Month, celebrated by South Africa everyAugust. This recognises thecontribution of women, theirfamiliesand friends who combat inequalityand violence while promotinghealthy lifestyles and communityparticipation.

Beyond the racing, the eventwill once again supportseveral organisations by creatingawarenessoftheir work,includingthe South African National Blood Service (SANBS), CANSA, and Charlotte Moll Havenin Virginia.

Theace daybegins at 11:00 with the 1,6 km fun event, followedbythe women’s5kmrace at 12:30, the 10 km race for men and women at 13:30, and the open 5kmrace at 14:00. Every finisher will receiveanewly designed gold medal, while trophies and lucky draw prizes will alsobeupfor grabs.

Entries areavailable online through EntryNinjaatentryninja.com,while manual entryforms canbecollected

Entries have officially openedfor the 24th Mediclinic VistaEskom Road Race andFun Walk,which will take placeon22August in Welkom.Several organisations,including the SouthAfrican National Blood Service(SANBS),CANSAand theCharlotte MollHaven willbesupported by creating awareness of their work Vista has been associated withthis race for24years now. PHOTO:Marti Will

at the Vista offices in Stateway,Mediclinic Welkom,SANBS offices in Welkomand Kroonstad, Charlotte Moll HaveninVirginia, and the Brandwag PrimarySchoolinOdendaalsrus Manual pre-entries will alsobe

accepted at Virgin ActiveWelkomon 20 and21August, while late entries will be available on the race dayfrom 07:30. Businesses, schools,and sports clubs in Welkom canarrange for entry formstobecompletedattheir prem-

ises by contactingthe organisers Theannual road race hasgrown into one of the Free State’sbest-supported communitysportingevents, attractingathletes from acrossthe province and beyond while promot-

ing fitness, communityspirit and worthy causes

Formoreinformation or entryenquiries,contact the organisers on 072 499 2602, or followVista Newspaper on Facebook forevent updates.

Mishandelingsaak vanbejaarde totAugustus uitgestel

MARTI WILL

Die opspraakwekkende hofsaak oordie beweerde mishandelingvan ’n 81-jarigevrouby’nouetehuisin

Welkom is Vrydag (10 Julie) in die Welkom Streekhof weer uitgestel.

Diesaakistot 21 Augustus uitgestel nadateen vandie beskuldigdes,Anna Fourie (73), nie in diehof konverskyn nie omdat sy in die hospitaal is ná ’n operasie.’nSieknota is aandie hof voorgelê en as bewysstuk aanvaar.

Streeklanddros Ludidi het ’n lasbrief vir Fourie se inhegtenisneming uitgereik,maardie uitvoeringdaarvan uitgestel totdie volgende hofverskyning. Dit saldie staat die geleentheid geeomhaarverblyfplek te bevestig

Die saak is ookuitgestel omdat

dieprokureur watbeskuldigde een en twee verteenwoordig,aangedui het dathysteedswag op bykomende inligting watreedstydens die vorige hofverskyningaangevrais. Die staat hetaangevoer datdie dokumente wel

saamgestel is,maardat ’n administratiewevertragingdie oorhandiging daarvanvertraaghet

Die prokureur watdie ander vier beskuldigdes verteenwoordig, hetnie teen die uitstelbeswaar gemaak nie

Streeklanddros Ludidi hetbevestig datalses beskuldigdes se bestaande borgvoorwaardesonveranderdbly en streng nagekommoetword.

Die saak duur reedslangeras'n jaar nadatses persone in Julie 2025 in hegtenis geneem is

Die beskuldigdes is Lynette Brummer (64), Anna Fourie (73), Nomsa Ngcongwane (56), Prudence Majorobella(35), Mofolo Ntswaki(30) en PuseleletsoMola(33).

Hulle staantereg op aanklagte van pogingtot moord, aanrandingmet die

opsetomernstige liggaamlikeleedte veroorsaak,ontvoeringenoortredings vandie WetopOuer Persone(Wet 13 van2006). Die staat beweer die beskuldigdes het die bejaarde vrou fisies en geestelik mishandel terwyl sy in ’n tehuis vir verswaktes in Welkom gewoon het

Tydens’nvorigehofverskyninghet die hof beklemtoon datdie aanklagte uitersernstigisen, indien skuldig bevind, swaargevangenisstraf kan meebring.

Volgens getuienis watvroeërin die verrigtinge aangebiedis, het Brummer die slagoffer na bewering aangerand. Daar is ookverwysna’n stemboodskap waarin sy glo teenoor die slagoffer se dogter erkenhet datsy die bejaarde vrou geklap het

Die saak het landwydaandag getrek nadatvideo-opnames uit die slagoffer se kamer in 2025 aandie liggekom het.Die beeldmateriaal en foto’s toon verbale, geestelikeen fisiesemishandeling, insluitend datdie vrou met kleefband vasgebindis. Foto’s wat as deel vandie ondersoek bekend geword het,toonglo kneusplekke, krapmerke en beseringsaan haar hande,gesig en lippe Brummer is vroeër op borgtogvan R5 000 vrygelaat, terwyl die ander vyf beskuldigdes elk borgtogvan R1 000 gekryhet

Haar borgvoorwaardes verbied haar onder meer om met getuies of die slagoffer kontak te maak,ofbinne ’n radius van100 meter vandie sentrum te kom.

Municipality ordered to pay

MARTI WILL

TheFreeState High Court hasordered theMatjhabeng Local Municipality to compensate48residents of Kok Street in St Helena,Welkom, afterruling that themunicipality actedunlawfullywhen it demolished security gates erectedbythe residents without first obtaining acourt order.

In ajudgmentdelivered on 6July, the courtfound that while the residentshad acted unlawfullybyinstallingthe gates without municipal approval, the municipality had alsofailedtofollowthe legal procedures required before demolishingthe structures

Thematterarose after residents soughttoestablisha gated communityinFebruary 2023 to improvesafetyand reduce crime in theneighbourhood Through their attorney, theyinformedthe municipality of their intentiontoerect gates at the intersections of Kokand Naude,Kok and Letaba,and Kokand Unicorn streets

Themunicipality responded by advising that the proposed road closures required formal approval following an application processinterms of planninglegislation. Municipal officials latermet with representatives of the residents and

On 5May 2023,officialsofthe Matjhabeng Municipalitydemolished at least twoofthe gatesin KokStreet,StHelena,without obtaining acourtorder or issuing prior compliancenotices. PHOTO: MartiWill

explainedthe procedures that hadtobefollowedbeforeany gates could be erected.

Despitethis,the residents proceededwith construction on 17 March2023 without receivingauthorisation

On 5May 2023, municipal officials, accompaniedby policeand security personnel, demolished at leasttwo of the gates and removedbuilding materials.

Theresidents initially claimedalmostR397 000 in damagesbut laterreduced their claim to R237 732.62, representingthe proven costs of the demolished gatesand associated infrastructure.

During the trial, municipal

officialsconcededthatno inspectors hadbeenappointed,nocompliance notices had been issued and no interdict or demolition order hadbeen obtained before the structures were removed.

Thecourt found that both parties hadacted unlawfully While the residents knowingly ignoredthe municipality's approval process, the municipalityresortedto“selfhelp” insteadoffollowing the procedures prescribed by the SpatialPlanning and Land Use ManagementAct (SPLUMA) and its ownby-laws In his judgment, the presidingjudge said permitting such conduct would amountto allowing “survival of the fittest,” addingthatpublic authorities areequally bound to act within the law.

Thecourt wasalsocritical of partsofthe municipalities evidence,describingone senior official as evasiveduring cross-examination,while findingthe residents’witnessesto be credible and consistent. Thecourt awardedthe residents R237 732.62, together with interest at 10.25% per annum from 18 January2024 until payment. TheMatjhabeng LocalMunicipalitywas also ordered to paythe plaintiffs’ legalcosts on the ordinary party-and-partyscale However, the courtdeclined to grantapunitivecosts order

Water,sanitationeffortsincreased

TheFreeState governmenthas renewedits commitmenttoaddressingongoingwater and sanitation challenges in Matjhabeng following a stakeholdermeetingand infrastructuresitevisit held in Welkom on Friday 10 July Free StatePremier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae wasaccompaniedbythe executivemayor of the Matjhabeng LocalMunicipality, Thanduxolo Khalipha.

They met with representatives of the DepartmentofWater andSanitation(DWS),VaalCentral Water, the South AfricanNational Defence Force(SANDF) andother keystakeholdersto discuss measures aimed at improvingservice deliveryacrossthe municipality.

Discussions focusedonstrengtheningthe implementationofwater andsanitation projects, improvingcontractoraccountability, enhancing the operationand maintenance of infrastructure,and increasing cooperation betweenthe variousrole playersresponsible forrestoring

essentialservices

Following the meeting, the delegation conducted asiteinspectionatConstanciaRoad, whereprogressoninfrastructureinterventions wasassessed.

Stakeholdersalsodiscussed additionalmeasurestoacceleratethe completion of projects and improvethe reliabilityofwater and sanitation services forresidents

Themeetingforms part of government’s ongoingefforts to addresslong-standingservice deliverychallengesinMatjhabeng, where residents have experiencedrecurring water supplyinterruptions,ageinginfrastructureand sewerage problems

Accordingtothe provincial government, the engagementreaffirmed its commitmentto implementingsustainable solutionsthatwill restorereliable waterand sanitation services and improvethe qualityoflifefor communities acrossthe municipality.

Regulate self to weatherall storms

Read2Timothy2:3-6(CEV): “Asagood soldier of ChristJesus you must endureyour shareofsuffering …Soldiers onduty do not work at outside jobs…Noone winsanathletic contestwithout obeying therules…Farmers who work hard arethe first to eatwhatgrows in their field.”

What does asoldier,anathlete, and afarmer have in common?

TheApostle Paul uses thesethree everyday examples to teach atimelesslesson: ameaningful and fruitful life begins with managing ourselves well.

In an ageofconstant demands,distractions and uncertainty, his wordsremainasrelevant in the Goldfields todayastheywerenearlytwo thousand yearsago

Thesoldier teaches us thevalue offocus

Agood soldier is committedtothe task at hand. He remains faithful underpressureand seekstopleasethe one whohas called himto service

Likewise,weare challengedtoavoid distractionsthat weaken ourpurpose, whether they

areunhealthyhabits,unnecessary conflict or discouragement.

As Colossians3:23 reminds us:“Whatever you do,workatitwith allyourheart,asworking for the Lord.”

Whetherinthe mines,onthe farm,inaclassroom,anoffice or aplace of worship, ourwork becomes anact of service when carriedout with integrityand excellence

Theathleteremindsusthatsuccessrequires discipline

Victoryis neverachievedbytalent alonebut through consistent training, self-control, and respectfor the rules.

In the same way, strong characterisformed through dailychoices -choosinghonestyover compromise, forgivenessoverresentment, diligence over complacency, andprayerover anxiety

Theseare oftenquiet decisions,madewhen no one elseiswatching, yettheyshape the courseofour lives

Thefarmeroffersperhaps thegreatestlesson in perseverance

Everyharvest begins with aseed,and every seed requirespatience

Thereare seasonsofh progress is visible,yet faith bearsfruit

As Galatians6:9 encour come wearyindoinggoo we will reap aharvest if we Thesethree images pr forbuildingstrongerfami communities

Stay focusedlikethe so

Live with discipline lik Perseverelikethe farm

TheGoldfields hasnev people.Our communities economicchallenges,cha uncertain times

As we continue to serv faith anddetermination, wordsofRomans 5:4: “End ter,and character produce Maywemanageourse faithfullyand continue to confidence in God.

■ Dr Jackie Botesservest congregations in Bedeli breek, Rheederparkand

Pyjamas in public: Have we redefined social standards?

Pastor KhayaMqeke,Welkom:

Therewas atime when pyjamashad one clearpurpose: They were nightwear,worn in the privacyofour homes or while preparingfor bed.

Today, however, it is increasingly common to seepeople wearingpyjamaswhile shopping, takingchildren to school, fillingupatpetrol stations, or strollingthrough shoppingmallsin broaddaylight.

PerhapsIamold-fashioned, butI cannot help asking:When didsleepwear become everyday fashion?

This is not aboutjudgingpeople basedonwhat theywearorhow much moneytheyhave. It is aboutwhether, as asociety, we areslowlylowering the standards we once associated with self-respect,public presentation, and appropriate dressfor differentoccasions

Everysettinghas traditionallyhad its

owndress code.Wewearuniforms to school, business attiretowork, sportswear for exercise, and formalclothing for specialevents. Pyjamashavealways belonged to the home andthe bedroom.If thoseboundaries disappear, arewesimply embracingcomfort, or arewelosingsomethingmoremeaningful?

Businesses alsoplayarole.When customers areallowed to entersupermarkets, shoppingcentres,orrestaurantswearing pyjamasatone o’clock in the afternoon, it sends the message that anything goes. While businesses have everyright to welcome customers as theychoose, theyalsohelpshape the standards of what becomes socially acceptable.

Of course, societyevolves.Fashion changes, customs change,and younger generations often challengetraditions

Comforthas become apriorityfor many people, especiallyinafast-paced

world. Some arguethatclothingisa personal choice andthatcharacter mattersfar morethanappearance That is afairpoint

Yetpersonalfreedom alsoexists alongside shared social expectations Dressing appropriatelyfor different settings haslongbeenseenasa sign of respect– for oneself,for others,and for the occasion.

So Iask:Isthistruly the decade of the pyjama?Are we simply witnessing anotherfashion trend, or arewerewritingthe social norms that oncedistinguished privatelife from public life?

Perhapsthe answerlies somewhere in between. Societywill continue to evolve, butthe conversation aboutstandards, respectand personal responsibilityremains worthhaving.

What do youthink? Is wearing pyjamasinpublic simply aharmless expression of comfort, or does it reflect abroader shift in oursocialvalues?

Impress at national level

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Notice is hereby given in

Lostordestroyed Deed: Deed of Transfer T29594/2001 FORM JJJ

LOST OR DESTROYED DEED

Notice ishereby givenin

termsof Regulation 68(1) of the Deeds Registries Act, 1937, of the intention to apply forthe issueofa certified copy of DEEDOF TRANSFER T29594/2001 pa ss ed by TH E

EXECUTORS IN THE ESTATE OF CHRISTIAAN JOHANNES GEELNR 372/99 in favor of DIE

TRUSTEESfor the time beingofthe CHRIS GEEL FAMILIE TRUST TMP 1321 inrespectofcertain

REMAINDER OF PORTION 1OFTHE FARM EERSTE GELUK 61,DISTRICT ODEN DAAL SRU S, PROVINCE FREE STATE

Lostordestroyed Deed: TitleDeed: T15059/2022

LOST OR DESTROYED DEED

Noticeishereby givenin termsofRegulation 68 of the DeedsRegistries Act 1937,ofthe intention to apply forthe issue of a certified copy of the Title Deed T15059/2022 passed by BRENDA ELIZABETH MATTHEE, IDENTITY NUMBER: 3808230048 087, Unmarried in favor of SAND RIVER AGENCIES CC, REG IS TRATION NUMBER:

Boedel wyle: JAVan Gent

Boedelnommer: 004148/2026

BOEDELKENNISGEWING

In die boedel van wyle

JAMESALFRED VAN GENT(ID:710126508008 4) in lewe van ODEN DAALSRUS, ONGETROUD.

STERFDATUM:18APRIL 2026

BO EDEL NO MMER: 004148/2026

KENNI SG ES KI ED HIERMEE aanDebiteure en Krediteure om bedrae

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Notice is hereby givento allCreditors and Debtors of the Estate Late HESTER ELIZABETH VAN ECK, Identity Number: 3401190038080, with last known addressbeing,2B VALLEY DRIVEEAST, VIRGINIA, whowas unmarriedand who died on 2026-04-02, with Estate Num ber

Dorp se ryke geskiedenis

MARTIWILL

Ventersburg-dorpenaars beywer hulleomnie netdie dorp,maarook diedorp se besienswaardighede en historiese terreine, te herstel. Die grootopruiming is sedert dieeinde Junie sterkaan diegang en groot vordering is reedsgemaak.

Paaie,sypaadjies,parke,die twee begraafpaseenwandellane is reeds aangepak

Dr Piet vanWyk, oudburgemeester vanVentersburg,het bakkiesvolgrys op strategieseplekkeafgelaaiensy werkershet ingespring om gruispaaie te herstel. Ookdie ingang na die Voortrekker-begrafplaasismet gruis mooi gemaakengroot klippeisgebruik om diepaadjie netjies te maak Ventersburgisop6Mei 1873 geproklameer

Die Nederduits Gereformeerde kerk is in 1891 in Ventersburggebou,maar is in 1900 deur Britsemagte tydens dieAnglo-Boereoorlog afgebrand. Die kerk is later, in 1912, herbou Ventersburghet ’n ryke geskiedenis Britse grafteuit die Anglo-Boereoorlog in Ventersburgishoofsaaklik in dieVentersburg-begraafplaas binnein die dorp, en nabygeleëlandelike plaasbegraafplasegeleë.

Die dorp is swaargeraakdeurdie konflik en die Voortrekker-begraafplaasbevat slagoffersvan plaaslike skermutselings.Die Statebondsgrafte in die gebied word dikwels langsBoere-burgergrafteenkonsentrasiekampslagoffersgevind.

Henk Theron, ’n inwoner vandie dorp,sepahet ’n boekoor Ventersburg se geskiedenis saamgestel en gepubliseer.

Theron doen nounavorsing oordie begraafplaas, watdie geldelikebydrae vandie Britseregeringsal insluit

DiéVoortrekker-begraafplaasbevat verskeie geïdentifiseerde Britsegrafte, insluitend diévan slagoffersvan regimente soos die Pembroke Yeomanry watgesneuwel hettydens gevegtein diedistrik

Daar is verskeie geïsoleerde en gelokaliseerdebegraafplaseoor die Ventersburg-distrikheenwaarkleiner afdelingsofpatrollerende troepe ter rustegelê is

Daar salbelangstellendes die grafstene vanonderanderemaj Joseph Hanwell en RalphPaynter William (Pembroke Yeomanry) kry. Na watverneemword, stuur die Britseregering’ngeldelikebydraeaan dieMatjhabeng-munisipaliteit om die Britsegrafteteonderhou. Sover kanniemand vasstel waar die geld is.Daarwordgeenonderhoud deur diemunisipaliteitindie begrafplaas gedoen nie

Diebekende Sandrivier-konvensie (dikwels na verwys as die Sandveldkonvensie) is op 17 Januarie 1851 ondertekenopdie plaas Boskop (geleëlangsdie Sandrivier)indie distrik vanVentersburg.

NabygeleëWinburg, die oudste geproklameerde dorp in die Vrystaat,is gestig in 1836,enstaan bekend as die eerstehoofstad vandie Voortrekkers. Dienaamspruitvoort uit ’n geskil oor beeste en grond metdie Bataunghoofman Makwana, watdie Voortrekkers “gewen”het Winburgbeskikoor die oudste Voortrekker-begraafplaasinSuid-Afrika.Die NederduitsGereformeerde kerk,die dorpsesentrale sandsteenkerk,dateeruit 1899 en hetindie Anglo-Boereoorlog as hospitaal gedien.

die opruiming) watgehelp het om dieroete vandie Ventersburgparkrun skoontemaak. FOTO’S:Marti Will

Youngqueens aspiretoinspire

MARTI WILL

Welkom is celebratingthe successoftwo young girls whohave broughtnational recognition to the Free Stateafter outstanding performances at prestigious modellingand pageantcompetitionsin Pretoria Thetwelve-year-old Lesedi Kimberly Morolongand sevenyear-old SeraphimNthoanamay be separatedby five yearsinage, buttheyshare acommon storyof determination, confidence and the couragetopursuetheir dreams Lesedi, aGr. 6learner at the St Dominic’s College in Welkom and aresidentof Thabong, enjoyed an unforgettable weekendafter beingcrowned both Miss Mini

Teen South Africaand Face of South Africa Junior at the national finals held at the Hatfield Arenain Pretoria

Competingagainstsome of the country’s topyoung contestants, sheimpressed judges with herconfidence,eloquence, graceand stage presence after monthsofintensive preparation that included public speaking,runwaypresentation, leadership training,and personal development.

ForLesedi, the twonationaltitles representfar morethanbeauty pageants

Sheentered pageantryata young agetoovercome shynessand build self-confidence,and says the experience hastransformedher into amoreconfident and determined

young person.

“I wasoverthe moon whenmy name wascalled,”she said.

“Itstill feels likea dream.”

Despiteher success, Lesedi remains humble and hopes her journeywill encourageother children to believe in themselves

“Believe in yourself,workhard andnever giveup,”isthe message shewants to sharewith young people across South Africa

Herdouble national victorynow opens opportunities to serveasa youth ambassador, participatein communityoutreach initiatives andrepresentSouth Africa on various modellingand youth development platforms

Anotheryoung Free Statestar making headlines is Seraphim,a Gr.2learner at the Edmund Rice School.

Although she onlybegan modellingatthe ageofsix,Seraphimhas already built an impressive listof achievements

Herjourneybegan in 2025 when shewon the title of Miss Tiny Face of Matjhabeng at the Mr and Miss Face of Matjhabeng pageant.

Sherecentlyrepresentedthe Free Stateatthe Miss andMrJunior South Africa competition, held in Pretoria from 1to4 July,where contestantsfromacrossthe countrycompetedfor national honours

Herconfidence,poise and naturalstage presence earnedher threeprestigious titles:MissPetite UniversalSouth Africa,MissPetite South Africa Free State, andthe Most Photogenic Award.

Despitebalancingschoolwith a growingmodellingcareer, Seraphim continues to excel andhas become an inspiration to other young childrenwho dreamofsteppingontothe stage.

Cooperationhopes to reduce orthopaedicsurgery backlog

TheMediclinic Welkom haspartnered with the Bongani Regional Hospital in an efforttohelpreduce the growingbacklog of orthopaedicsurgeries in the Welkom community.

Theinitiativeforms part of the Mediclinic Welkom’s corporatesocialinvestmentprogramme, whichaims to improve accesstospecialisthealthcare through collaborationwith public health institutions

As part of the partnership,orthopaedic surgeonDrTiroRooi, assisted by anaesthetistDrQwaba Mokoena, performed orthopaedic procedures on patients at the BonganiRegional Hospital. AccordingtoMediclinic Welkom,the

collaboration is intendedtosupportthe public healthcaresectorbyassisting patients who have been waitingfor orthopaedic surgery, while helpingtoease pressure on hospital services Thehospital said the initiative reflectedits commitmenttoimproving healthcareinthe communitythrough partnerships that expand accessto specialistmedical care whereitisneeded most.

By workingalongside the Bongani Regional Hospital, the Mediclinic Welkom hopes to make ameaningful contribution to reducingwaitingtimes and improving patientoutcomes forresidents requiring orthopaedic treatment.

Capitalising on talent

Learners of the Wessel Maree HighSchool –Bokamoso Pholoana (photo),Kelly Gatyeni and Nomthandazo Mabaso – were chosen for,respectively,the U15, U17and U19Northern Free Statenetballteam. PHOTO:Supplied

Blink uit in so

Die Laerskool Bronville het stadion aangebied.Die span het ’n tweede plek behaal en nendeeindstryd met strafsk linksis,voor: Kelvin Dhlamini; Milon en Neo Mokhampanya Thito,Jody Mmusi,Sibongil afrigterisDevlinCohenVries en JacoTjakane Nyelele. FO

Diary

18 JULIE

Die opening vandie Theunissen-jukskei-bane word by die Theunissen-gholfbaan gehou. Helefamilie welkom.

Time trials

Members of the HarmonyStriders athletics club were in action on the weekendof11and 12 July,representing theclubateventsinKwaZulu-Nataland Gauteng.

Riaan and Adel Henderson took on the 12,5 km eventatthe Lake Eland Oribi GorgeExtreme Trail Run, held at theEland GameReserve in KwaZulu-Natalonthe Saturday.The scenic trail is known forits rugged terrain and demanding climbs, attracting trail runners from across the country

On the Sunday, ClaytonAnderson and Twané Anderson representedthe Harmony Striders at theGeraldFox Race,hosted at theJohannesburgZoo

Theclub’sweekly time trials, held on Wednesday8July, onceagain attracteda good turnout,withmemberscompleting either the4kmor8kmroute.

In the8kmevent,Thapelo Khanalirecorded thefastesttimeof31:21, followed by Andrevan Niekerk in 40:30 andAmelia du Plessisin43:01. Other finishers were Cornelius Visagie (55:07),JohanPretorius (64:10), Deleen vanRooyen(68:00) and Yvonne Visagie (68:00).

Thefastestrunneroverthe 4km

distancewas RaborokoMojalefa, who crossedthe finishing line in 14:50 Bertusvan Wykfollowedin23:01, as well as Reghardt Bester(23:19), Deon Lodder (23:21), AndreEls (24:25), Morne Nel (24:28), RinaNel (25:44),Rudolph Rabie (26:20), Kananelo Mohlosela (28:02), Zama Fixane (29:30), NicoDicks (31:16), Gert vanWyk (36:00), Benedict Tsenoli(36:10), ChristienEls (36:41), JulieOpperman (36:41),Ronel vanWyk (37:19), Ishmael Dhlamini (37:27), Clayton Anderson (40:00) and Twané Anderson (40:00).

Members of the HarmonyStriders have participated in multiplecycling and running events acrossthe countryinrecent weeks, withone athleteclaiminganage category victory AmeliaduPlessiswon the 50-plus age category at the cross-countryevent in Welkom on 27 June

Also,five club memberstook part in the50kmMatjhabengCycle challenge in Welkom on 5July. Deon Lodder, Andre Els, Rudolph Rabie, RinaNel and Reghardt Bester completedthe event. Runners ClaytonAndersonand Twané Anderson competedinthe BrooksCradle

Cracker 15 km and 28 km run in Muldersdrift on 28 June

Mina Sullivanrepresented the club at the Doek on Fleek –She MovesSA10km race in Gauteng at the James and Ethel Gray Park on 27 June

TheHarmonyStriders and friendsalso supported the PolarBearSwim at Aldam on 27 June.Participants includedRudolph Rabie, Eugene vanHuyssteen,RinaNel, Deon Lodder, Morne Nel,MornayduPlessis, Danica Nel and FreddieSteyn. Theclubheldtime trialsonWednesday 1July.

In the 8kmevent,CorneliusVisagie recorded 55:13, Johan Pretorius 65:00,and Deleen vanRooyenand Yvonne Visagie both finished in 68:00.

OratileNandela recorded the fastest 4kmtime at 16:30, followed by Kananelo Mahlaselain16:29. Reghardt Bester finished in 21:35, whileMorne Nel clocked 25:11.

In the Friday 24 June time trials, Andre vanNiekerkcompleted the 8kmin40:00, whileKananelo Mahlaselafinishedin 30:29.

In the 4kmevent,Kananelo Sejentu recorded 16:53 and ReggieMokhosi 17:31

Eet- en drinkgoed te koop Skakel 079402 2428.Ope Klubtoernooi ABC, vier spanne per afdeling teen R200per span. Die opening is 09:30,endie spel begin om 10:00.Bring en braai ná die prysuitdeling

24 JULY

Welkom Community Police Forum Bingonight fundraiser at the Goldfields Casino,at18:45. The event is to generatefunds to installsecuritycameras in the neighbourhoods in Welkom. Theevening will take the form of fivebingo rounds, and therewillbe prizes up forgrabs.Platters areincluded in the priceofR150 foradults and R90 forchildren. Addisional tickets areR20.A cash barwillbeavailable.

Enquiries: Elizabeth Nunes on 082710 3705, or Marco Nunes on 066 2432448

1AUGUST

Die NG Kerk Virginiahou ’n rolbaldagbyHarvinia-rolbalklubom08:30 vir 09:00.Spanne vanvier spelers kandeelneem. Dit kosR600 per span wat teeen’nworsrol insluit

Daar saldrie spelle van10 koppe wees.

Rig navrae aan Gerda van Zylby083 6524559of 072384 64 71

UniqueBlinds Unique Blinds

Thursday,16July2026

Fighters poised forsuccess

MARTIWILL

TheRing Contact Fighting Arts (RCFA)Bhubezi Fight Clubispreparing for an exciting newchapter after itscoaches andsenior students completed an intensivenational instructor training seminar aimed at strengthening both the club’s technical standards andfutureleadership

Thetwo-day seminar, held at the ChaZen Dojo in Paryson27and 28 June, broughttogether instructorsfromacrossthe country for advancedtechnicaland weapons trainingunder the guidanceofRCFAfounder, Grand Master JoeViljoen.

ForSenseiJoe Gladstone Ralejoe,headinstructor at

He explainedthatone of the club’s priorities this season wastogrowthe sportbydevelopingnew coaches and mentoring senior students who will eventually establish clubs of their own.

Amongthosetaking an importantstepforward wassenior student

Keagan Smith,who used the seminar to preparefor afutureleadership role within the club.Smith is workingtowards grading forhis Ushidoshi title in December, amilestone that will seehim takeongreater coachingresponsibilities

instructor

Theseminar also served as valuablepreparation for the club’s upcomingcompetitivecampaign.

TheBhubezi FightClub will travel to Vereeniging on 25 July to competeinthe prestigious Best of the Best Tournament.

Smith is settomakehis full-contact ring debut alongside teammates BrandonKellyand Junior Mosoeunyane,who will also be competingintheir firstfull-contact bouts

the BhubeziFight Club and RCFA Free Statepresident, the seminar wasabout morethanimproving fight-

ingtechniques

“Itwas aboutlayingthe essentialgroundwork for what’s to come.”

Ralejoe praised Smith’s commitmentduringthe demandingtrainingweekend, sayinghehad shown the dedication required to become afuturejunior

Ralejoe said the club is excited aboutthe transition of its athletes into full-contact competition and believesthe experience gained duringthe national seminar hasprovided astrongfoundation for success.