Vista-E-Edition-7-May2-026

KOMKUIER SAAM AMARI

Amari melodrama: “'n Nuweera breek aan”.Dit is op 15 Mei om 17:30 op dieskool se sportgronde.Kaartjies sluit'nligte etein. R100 per persoon, tafels kosR120per persoon (beperk). Navrae: Kobie Marais 082572 0958

Unrest over solarjobs

MARTIWILL

Theparty said it remainscommittedtosupportingthe commuupholdingthe rule of otectingdevelopment unities

iddelpuntSolar Project ingemploymentand econefits to the Phomolong bour allocation disputes ocommunitytensions tactions denhorstsaid in astatement rrentunrestregarding tisbased on incorrectinand is both unnecessary rning. enotethatthe decision he 60/40% labour split he WardsinMatjhabeng nd 3and the Welkom snot made by Mulilo rce, the recruitment cision wastaken by the ether with senior leadertjhabeng,” she said. ingagainst Mulilo or ewill thereforenot resolve ,astheyare notresponsidecision ngoingprotestsare putting ,infrastructureisbeing people arebeingarrestothersare gettinghurt. This ssary and avoidable.” erates that residents are emain calm and to use tand lawful channelsto cerns so that matterscan sedconstructively. work together to ensure nd protectthe progress of rojects in ourcommunity.”

FLOODING DISPLACES FAMILIES

TheLejweleputswa District Municipality Disaster Management team is providing emergencysupport to residents affectedby flooding in Thandanani, Thabong.

Theflooding began at the watersource before flowing into the Thandanani informal settlement,displacing severalfamilies and damaging homesand belongings.

Affectedfamilies have been relocatedto the Kopanong Indoor Sports Centrefor shelter. Gift of the Givers and the South African RedCross Societyare providingdailymeals and essential supplies, with additional support from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), non-profit organisations (NPOs)and civilsociety organisations.

Themunicipality has appealed to local businesses,community membersand organisations to donate non-perishablefood items, bottled water, blankets,warm clothing, toiletries and sanitary products. Volunteersare also needed at the centre.

Thosewishing to donateorvolunteer cancontact the Lejweleputswa District MunicipalityDisaster Management office

Egpaar sluit saam hul onderwysloopbaanaf

Ilse en Kurt Olivier verlaat Welkom na 82 jaar se gesamentlikediens in die plaaslikeonderwys.Hulle het diep sporegetrap.FOTO:Verskaf

Kurt Olivier (62) en sy vrou, Ilse (60), tree binnekort af en sluit daarmee ’n gesamentlike 82 jaar langeloopbaanindie onderwys af.Die egpaar,wat reeds36jaar getroudis, verlaatWelkomop 22 Meiom hulle in Hartenbos te vestig.

Kurt wasvan 2019 tot2026 die skoolhoofvan OrionVaardigheidskool. Sy loopbaan in die onderwys hetin1984 begin toehybyStHelena Volkskoolaangestel is Hy is in 1989 totdepartementshoofbevorderenin1998 tot adjunkhoof by Bronville Primêre Skool. In 2002het hy as adjunkhoof by Orion Vaardigheidskool begin werk,waarnahyin2011 as hoof vanReitz Park PrimarySchool aangestelis. Hy hetdié postot einde 2018 beklee. Kurt hetsyonderwysdiploma aandie BloemfonteinseOnderwyserskollege verwerfensyBA-,BEden meestersgraadasdeeltydse studentvoltooi

In 2004 ishymet dieDekaansmedaljebekroon as besteBEd-studentaan die Universiteit van dieVrystaat. In 2015 hethydie Lejweleputswa-distrikinBloemfontein verteenwoordig in die kategorievir leierskap in primêre skole

“Mysuksesbyaldie skole kan toegeskryfwordaan personeel wat my rugsterk gemaak het. Spesiale onderwyslêmynaaan die hart en dit is dieredewaaromekná agtjaarinhoofstroomonderwys teruggekeerhet.Dit waslekkerom oud-leerlinge in die dorpraakte loop wathul dank betuig virmy voorbeeldenwat my onderrigvir hulle betekenhet,” sê Kurt "Welkomhet ons grootvreugde gegeeenons salaltyd dankbaar daarvoor wees.Alons suksesse en goeie jare is aandie Here te danke," sê die egpaar Ilse (Roets) het40jaardiens in die onderwys. Sy hetin1986 by St Helena Volkskoolbegin werk en hetin1991 by JapieSmit Spesiale Skool, nouOrion Vaardigheidskool, aangesluit

Sy is in 2016tot departementshoofbevorderenin2021tot adjunkhoof.Syisalmeeras35jaar aanOrion verbonde

Die skoolhet in ’n verklaring gesê die Olivierslaat ’n grootleemte. “Hulle wasaltyd daar om te ondersteun en by te staan.

“Die koshuispersoneel,onderwyspersoneel en nie-onderwyspersoneel hetbaiebyhulle geleer Onderwyswas virhulle ’n passie en nie net ’n werk nie.Ons is dankbaar virhul bydrae,hul leidingenhul omgee. ”

Erkenning virbydraegelewer

Deon Lodder,voorsittervan die HarmonyStriders,het op 28 April ’n blyk van waardering aan ER24enAECI-mynbou gemaak ná hul bydrae totdie jaarlikse Valentine-wedloop in Februarie.Hysêdié maatskappyelewer uitstaande diens en is altydbehulpsaam.Saam met Lodder (middel) is vanlinks,Arij vanVliet en Carlos Kholumo vanER24.

God se liefde vir elkeen van ons is allesoorheersend

Godseliefde: Hoër,dieper en wyer as wat ons kandink.HeidiMcLaren (jeugleraar NG kerk Bedelia)

Efesiërs3:18,19 “Mag julle in staat wees om saam met al die gelowigeste begryp hoe wyd, en ver, en hoog en diep dieliefdevan Christus strek.

Magjulle Sy liefde ken, liefdewat ons verstand te bowe gaan, en magjulle heeltemal vervul word met die volheid vanGod.”

Hierdie is verseker ‘n vers om inons Bybel te onderstreep en weer en weer te lees

Godseliefde kanons niebepaalnie –ons kandit net beleef –glo.Wanneerdit vir ons moeilikis….Kan onshierdie woorde oefen.

So WYD (kom ons strekons arms na links en regs uit) Godseliefde reik uitnaelkeen vanons om ons toetevou.Psalm 139 sê God is vandie oostetot die westegoedbekend metmylewensdae.

Hy wilmylei en my met Sy regterhand vashou. Strekjou arms voor jouuit,sêdie woorde Godseliefde is so ver.

Dit hounet aanenaan en aan, verewig. Dit geenie op nie .Dit raak niemoegnie .Dit verander nie

Menseseliefdekom en gaan…. MAAR God se liefde blyvir ewig. As Godseliefdesogroot

Vistacelebrates 55 years

is,kan ons nieandersasomdit te deel nie

GodseliefdeissoHOOG(strekjou arms na bo)God is hoog en verhewe. Sy grootheid kanons niebepaalnie

Onsweetnet,God is bekend met al my omstandighede. Dit is Sy liefde watons hoop gee. Virmyenjou ‘n nuwe identiteit gee. Vir my en jouhelp onthoudat in alle omstandighede ishydeelvan onslewens

Raak noudie grond en herinner joudat

Godseliefdeissodiep

Ditbereikons selfs in ons laagste, donkersteoomblikke. Godseliefde gaan dieper as ons sonde.Ons diepsteskuld…ons diepste skaamte… ons diepste seer.Niksistediep vir Godnie.Selfsaan die kruissien ons hoediep Sy liefde gaan. Hy hetallesgegee

Daar is niksinjou lewe watGod se liefde nie kanbereiknie

Ek sluit af met Paulus se woorde in vers 19 "Mag julleheeltemal vervul word met die volheidvan God.”

Magjy weet Godseliefde (doenweer dieoefening). Is so WYD, en so VER, en so HOOG en so DIEP

Aan Homwat deur Sy krag watinons werk, magtig is om oneindigmeertedoenaswat ons bid of dink.Jyiskosbaar virGod HeidiMcLaren (jeugleraarNGkerkBedelia)

‘Congratulations Vista’

Apart from email messages like theone from Pastor Gordon below, many readers flooded Facebookwith messages congratulatingVista on our 55-year birthday.

Pastor Gordon Wiliams,Allanridge: LetmecongratulateMarti Will and herteam on their 55 yearsofservice to the communityof Matjhabeng. Thank you for keepingyourpromisetoserve the communityofMatjhabengfor 55 years. Istartedreading Vista since1980 and I am glad that Iwas afreelance reporter for Vista since 1980 Vista became part of me and Ibecame part of Vista.Weusedtoget the Vista early on Thursday mornings in Bronville. Thank you for still keepingyourpromise. Congratulations also on all the rewardsyou have received over theyears.Congratulations alsoonyour37years of service at Vista and forbeingcommitted, loyal andpassionateabout yourwork.

TheFacebookmessagesinclude: VuyiswaSithole: Happybirthday Vista. Iama reader and love it JohanSnyders: Onshet as skoolkinders dieeersteVistas uitgedeel by diekafeesvir die mense. Laterisdit toebyhuiseafgelaai. Magnus Paul Barrett: Ihavebeenareader since 1980/1981, when Istartedspeakingand thiswas the wayI hadtolearn thelanguages and

Stealthe showwithstyle

Hayley Wedderspoon wascrownedMiss Gimmie Senior2026 during aglamorous event thatwas held on 24 April,at Welkom-Gimnasium.Karabo Kondileplacedfirst princessand Simoné Parsonssecondprincess in the seniorcategory.LiraSophie wonthe MissGimmie Juniortitle,with MasechabaLesoleasfirstprincess and Cayleigh Eksteen as second princess.From the left areKarabo,who also wonthe titleofMiss Photogenic; Talitha Radebe,who wascrowned Miss Social Media and Xonnel Long,who wonthe titles of

MissPersonality. PHOTO:Supplied

Family member stillawaited home

numbersspokeninthe household,before going to Welkom PreparatorySchool.

TumishoFlabbaZenza: HappyBirthdayto Vista.

Rita Ferreira: Geluk Vista. Ek het16jaardaar gewerk.Baie liefenleedsaamGoudvelders gedeel.Doensovoort VenessaOosthuizen: Baie geluk Vistamy moeder hetook virpaarjaardaargewerk. Sy is nou93ensêaltyd sy hetbaielekkerdaargewerk.Dit wasindie 1980's.

Trevor Mokeyane: Happy55years

MagdaOosthuizen: Baie geluk Vista. Het vir 19jaardaargewerkenekkoester so baie memories

Kwik-Fit Welkom: Congratulations on your 55 years.

MarindaAmaro Pool: Baie geluk Vista. Lekkerdaargewerk.

Drini Vander Berg: 55 yearsofbringingnews to the communityisaremarkable achievement, Vista hastruly served as acornerstone of information. Well done.

CharlieDelta: Congratulations Vista. Ihave livedinthe Goldfields Since 1972 andhaveread the Vistaeversince Theeditor and staff have become very trustedalliesofthe community, and it's wonderful to seeyourdedication and commitmenttothe communityoverthe years.

Thea Smit: Congratulations Vista, MartiWill and team

Celebrating55 years of news

Pastor KhayaMqeke,Welkom: Today, we proudlycelebrate55remarkable yearsofVista Newspaper, atrusted voice that hasfaithfullyservedthe people of Lejweleputswa District with balanced, informative, and community-centerednews

Formorethan five decades,Vista hasstood as apillar of journalism,keepingcommunities informed, connected,and empowered. Through changing times,the newspaperhas remainedcommittedtofairness, truth,and givingaplatformtothe voices of ordinary people

This milestone is not onlya celebration of thepublication itself butalsoatribute to the hardworkingeditor whosededication, professionalism,and leadership continue to guidethe newspaperwith integrity.

Strong editorialleadership is theheartbeat of anyrespected publication, andVista’s success reflects the passionand commitmentinvested behind the scenes

Your efforts in highlightingcommunity achievements,raising importantissues,and reportingwith balance have made alastingimpact across Lejweleputswa District

Youhavebecome morethana newspaper you arepartofthe historyand dailylife of our people. As VistaNewspaperturns 55, we saluteyour legacy and wish youcontinuedgrowth, success, and many moreyears of excellent service to our communities

Happy55th Anniversary to VistaNewspaper! Maythe next chapterbeevengreater than the last

ThePinafamily from Riebeeckstad, Welkom,needs assistance with the disappearance of their sister,who went missing eightyears ago.

In 2018, Lebohang Sheritty Pina disappeared from Welkom. Despitethe case being reported at the Welkom Police Station, therehavebeenno significant developmentsor breakthroughssince “Webelieve that someone, somewhere, knows what happened. We areseeking the help through themedia to share

Lebohang Sheritty Pina

Lebohang’s story, notjustasa case number,but as aperson whosefamilyisstill waiting foranswers and forthe justice theydeserve.Our goal is to

move this case from adusty filingcabinet back into the public eye, in the hopes that a renewedsearchorafresh lead might finallybring her home,” afamilyrepresentativewrites. Pinadisappeared on 15 September 2018, in Riebeeckstad. HercasenumberisCAS 09/2018, registeredtothe WelkomPoliceStation Familymembers that maybe contacted areNthabisengPina on 068 395 0502, ThabisoPina on 071 871 2924, and Themba Pinaon067 046 1905.

Servicedeliveryputsall livesatrisk

Aconcern callerofthe Matjhabeng Municipality, LejweleputswaDistrict: Whoisinchargeofthe Matjhabeng-Lejweleputswa ambulance services, especially the ambulance service operator? Iask this because that person is very rude andunprofessional and hasnocommunicationskills

Iamreferring to arecentincident that happenedoverthe weekend of 25 April, at about 04:15. Ipersonallyrequestedanambulance for an elderly womanand the ambulance never arrivedand at about10:15, theycalledto find outwhether the ambulance is still needed This must be investigated

Ihad to think on my feet and come up with aplantobeassistedand getthe emergency across to himfor assistance becausehewas so unprofessional. Ihad to call the privateservices to assist me in my despair Thesepeople were

Landfill site still concerning

Igor Scheurkogel,Odendaalsrus: Matjhabeng,mayI ask what youare doing about theOdendaalsrus landfillsite? Your truckscannot even access thesite,how do youexpect residents to?The area around the road leading to the landfill siteisnow adumping site. Eldoret SecondarySchool learnershavetowalk throughthe mess,which is unhealthyand dangerous to the youth.Reports were sent to the director of communityserviceand the acting municipal manager and neither responded.Youfail us daily.

very professional,and my stress wasimmediately alleviated They made me feel welcome,and the urgencytheygavemade me feel that my call wasofthe utmostimportance Thewoman who answeredthe phone immediatelyforwarded the incidentand Ireceived areference number Themessage Ireceived from Free State(FS) Health was: “Thank youfor callingFSEmergency Service,yourref number is 202604260153. Please feel free to call if the patientcondition changes. FSHealth.” Theone Ireceived from the privatecompany was: “Thank youfor choosing ER24. Your call hasbeenloggedand an emergencyvehicle will be making its wayto you. Thereference number is E202604260139. In the eventthatthe addressisincorrectplease contact us urgently on 084 124.”

Ourpeopleare losingloved ones due to the lack of service from ourambulance services

Many uprooted afterstormyrains

MARTI WILL

Theresidents of five wardsin

Thabong,including News Stands andHani Park,havebeenseverely affectedand many even displaced following heavyrainfalls over the region since Friday 1May.Repeated andviolentstorms,accompanied by strong winds andhail have againleft apathwayofdestruction through theregion.

Heavyrains exceeding100 mm since Friday hasaffectingthe R70 road betweenRiebeeckstad and Hennenman. Many of the suburbanroads and roads in the informalsettlements arealsomud logged and virtually impassable

About500 people from severely affectedareas in Thabonghavebeen affectedand some 250 were evacuated to the ThabongSport Indoor Sport Centre.

Addedtothe listislarge partsof Welkom,Odendaalsrus,Hennenman and Virginiathat have alsobeenwithoutelectricityfor morethan five days Odendaalsrus hasbeensuffering prolongedoutagesfor morethantwo weeks. Themunicipalityascribesthis inconvenience to failinginfrastructure, the rain, and vandalism

Someresidents of Thabong have dug trenches around theirhomesinan attempt to divert the constant threatof flooding.

Largeareas of Thabongare saturated with water,andhouses have fallen victim to flooding.

On Wednesdaymorning6May,the rain clouds were againgathering overthe skiesof Welkom.Tuesdaynight wasmarked by heavystorms,includinghailand accompanying strong winds.

in Thabong areflooded and residents arebogged down following the heavyrainfalloverthe regionsinceMonday 1May

Record donation helpsanimals

Petshop Science and Montego PetNutrition have seta Guinness WorldRecordfor the largest donation ofpet food collected in a24-hour period,amounting to 67 200 kg,atBloem Show in Bloemfontein over the past weekend.

Thetotal surpassedthe previous recordof36750 kg,set in theUnited States in 2023.

Therecordattempt ranfromFriday, 1May at 17:00 to Saturdayat17:00, with GuinnessWorld Records officials verifyingeachdonation and independentlywitnessing the processbeforeconfirmingthe finaltotal.

All donations collected will be distributed to eight registeredanimal welfare organisations in the Free State, whichincludes the Virginia

SPCA,with additional allocations to sheltersinother provinces

TrevorPaxton, general managerfor Petshop Science, said arecordwas one thing,but what mattersiswhere thefood wasgoingand the differenceit wouldmake.

Johanvan Jaarsveld, managingdirectorat Montego PetNutrition, said the record gave the companiesanopportunitytohighlightthe dedication of people who runanimalrescues

Thefoodcollected for the record is donated in additionto the R3,3 million worthofpet food and accessoriesPetshop Sciencedonated to 35 animal welfareorganisations across South Africa in the past financialyear. SeniorInspector ErnestKhakhau of the Virginia SPCA attended the ceremonyto receivethis branch of the SPCA’sdonations,after the successfulGuinness World Record attempt at Bloem Show. PHOTO:Supplied

Waterlogged homes and flooded roads and footpaths areacommon sight in theinformal

Update givenonextendedproject

TheMEC forCooperativeGovernanceand TraditionalAffairs (Cogta) andHuman Settlements, SakiMokoena,onWednesday 29 April, metwith community membersofHani Park in Welkom to shareaprogressupdateonthe infrastructure project. Thedepartmentreported that package oneofthe project hasnow been successfullycompleted.

Theproject,which commenced

in November 2018, hasa value of aboutR139 million andincludes thedevelopment of 5400 sites.

Thescope of work covers:

■ Installationof54,4 km of sewer pipelines (160mmto400 mm);

■ installationof53,6 km of water pipelines (63 mm to 250 mm); and

■ refurbishmentofthe existing pump station.

Following the liquidationofthe original contractor,the Matjhabeng LocalMunicipality proposed the reallocation of the projecttoAl-

anridgeinMarch 2024, whichwas approved by the department.

On 27 May2025, Mokoena met with the council regarding theproject after arequestfor its continuation.InAugust2025, the MECvisited Hani Park to officially introduce the service providers.

Thedepartmenthas adopted a phased implementation approach, allocatingmultiple work packages to differentcontractors. This strategy is designedtoimprove efficiency andincrease the likelihood of suc-

cessful and timelyproject delivery.

Work on the remainingpackages is progressingwell, and allare expected to be completed within the settimelines Thedepartment, together with the municipality, will continue to closelymonitor progress to ensure qualitydelivery. “Wethank the communityfor its continuedpatience and support. Positiveoutcomes areonthe way, and the benefits of this project will soon be fully realised,” said Mokoena.

Public urgedtonot impede officialswhencompletingtasks

TheLejweleputswa District Municipalityhas expressed concern over reportsofthreats and intimidation directedatenvironmentalhealth practitioners(EHPs) conductinginspectionsat spazashops within the district

Themunicipalitysaid EHPs areauthorised officials mandated to protectpublic health and ensurecompliance with healthlegislation, regulations and municipal by-laws. Their inspections aim to safeguardcommunities against health risks includingunsafe food handling,

unhygienicpremises,expired products andpest infestations

TheEHPsconducttheir work under the National HealthAct,2003 (Act No.61of2003), which provides formunicipal healthservices includingfood control, health surveillance of premises, wastemanagementand waterquality monitoring.

“Theirworkislawful, necessary andaimedat protectingall residents equally,”the municipalitystated.

ADVERT CALLING FOR SUBMISSIONOFBIDS- May 2026

“Any threats,obstruction, harassmentor intimidationofmunicipal officialsperforming their duties will not be tolerated.”

Themunicipality warnedthatobstructingauthorised officials from carryingout inspections mayconstituteanoffence under applicable legislation andmunicipal by-laws. Thosefound interferingwith lawful inspectionsmay face enforcementaction, includingprosecution.

Thedistrict hascalledonthe policetocontinue workingwith themunicipalitytoensure

official safety,maintain public order,investigate reported threats and takeactionagainst individuals who intimidatemunicipal employees.

TheLejweleputswa District Municipalitysaid it remainscommittedtofair,lawful and professional enforcementofhealth standards across allbusinessesoperatingwithin the district, regardlessofownership or nationality.

Themunicipalityurged allbusinessowners to cooperatefullywith EHPsand addressany concerns through lawful channels.

BidsmarkedfortheattentionoftheMunicipalManagermustbesubmittedinasealedenvelopemarkedpreferred“TenderNumberandtenderdescriptionmustbedepositedinthetenderboxlocatedatTswelopele LocalMunicipalitynolaterthantheclosingdateindicatedaboveaspereachtender,12H00pmatthefollowingphysicaladdress: TswelopeleLocalMunicipalityOffices;No.1BosmanStreet;CivicCentreBultfontein;9670. Alltheabove-mentionedtendersarenotsubjectedtoclarificationmeeting. TenderdocumentsareavailablefromTswelopeleLocalMunicipalitywebsitewww.tswelopele.gov.zaande-tenderportalwww.etenders.gov.zaonthe08May2026. Thetenders will be evaluated andadjudicatedinlinewith the approvedSupply Chain Management Policy of Tswelopele LocalMunicipalityusing80/20 preferencepoint system in accordance with the Preferential ProcurementRegulations,2022.

1. ComplianceReturnable

2. Functionality

3. Price=80

4. Specificgoals=20(gender,race,disabilityandyouth)

Tenderswhicharelateorsubmittedbyfacsimileorelectronicallywillnotbeaccepted.Pricesquotedmustbevalidfor90daysfromclosingdateofthistender.Themunicipalitydoesnotbinditselftoacceptthelowestorany tenderandreservestherighttoacceptanytendereitherwhollyorapartthereofortodisclosereasonsfortheirdecision

Mr.TManele Acting Municipal Manager

Time trials

TenHarmonyStriders competed in the 42,2 km race at the Lemo MallMarathon in Bloemfontein on Saturday2May: Morne Nel, Deon Lodder,Andre Els, Chantelle Rheeder,Johan Rheeder,Charmaine Nortier, Mavis Motaung, Morris Ketshe, Daemane Makhateand Justice Shelile.

Afurther tenclubmembers took part in the half-marathon: Rina Nel, NtombizodwaDanisa, Lebohang Lala,ChadibaMahasa, Augustus Makhasana, Muso Molefi,Stephen Mthembu, Lerato Paul Seloane,RefiloeSimango and Diana Zwane. Christien Elsand Micheal

Molahloerepresentedthe club in the 10kmevent Harmony Striders also competed in the N12racein KlerksdorponSaturday. Jacques du Preezand Mokotsolane Mokharomesotackledthe 50 km ultra-marathondistance.

Sevenathletes completed the half-marathon:Marietjie van Loggerenberg, Anne-LenePenny, ZanyiweFixane, Adri Weideman, Luyanda Fixane,Deleen van Rooyen and EstelleHenrico Arthur Pennyand Antoinette Bothma participatedinthe 10 km race

HarmonyStriders also competed in the club's time trials

on 29 April. During thetimetrial theathletesrun 8kmand 4km distances In the8kmevent,Kananelo Sejentarecorded thefastest time of 30:21, followedby Mzi Tshabalala(35:00) and Andrevan Niekerk (42:51). Other finishers included Jack Harms (49:08), AmeliaduPlessis (49:44), Marietjie vanLoggerenberg(49:44), Daemane Makhate (49:36), JandeKoning (51:19), MorneNel (51:19), AndreEls (51:23), Deon Lodder (51:23), Cornelius Visagie (53:56), Diana Zwane (60:15), Johan Pretorius (67:06), Deleen van Rooyen (68:00)and Yvonne

AANKONDIGING: MATRIKULANT VANDIE JAAR-KOMP

Wyegeleentheidwag

Sitbeste voetjie voor

Twee leerders aan Welkom-Gimnasium, Aimee Stoltz en Elri Dannhauser,het op dieDTMAVrystaat-dansproewe watop 24 en 25 April in Bloemfonteingehou is,uitstekend presteer.Aimee hetsaam methaar groepdans 81%behaal en deurgedring na die provinsialeronde watvan 22 tot24Mei plaasvind.Elri (foto) het in Contempo Solo ’n derde plek behaal (87%),asook in Lyrical Solo (90%).Sywas deel vandie Contempo-groep(82%) en sy het ook’nspesialeeerbewysvir haar solo’s ontvang. Elri het ook gekwalifiseer om aan die provinsialeronde in Bloemfontein deel te neem,van22tot 24 Mei.

UniqueBlinds Unique Blinds

Thursday,7 May2026

Trio bringpride to province

DrakeO’Tool in action during his breaststrokebronzemedal accomplishment

Threetalented swimmers from theGoldfields regionDrakeO’Tool, Levi Bouwer, andTristan Venter -proudly representedthe Free Stateat therecentSASchools Championships held in Cape Town, showcasingdetermination, resilience,and exceptional sporting characteragainst the country’sbest.

The2026 SA SchoolsSwimming Championships were held at the University of the Western Cape (UWC)inCape Town from 24to27April. Drakeearnedawell-deserved bronzemedal in the 50 mbreaststroke.

In addition to his individual success, he waspartofthe men’s 4x100 mfreestyle relay team that securedasilver medal.

TheGoldfields trio who representedthe Free Stateatthe 2026 SA SchoolsChampionshipsinCape Town,between 24 and 27 April,are from the left Tristan Venter,LeviBouwer,and DrakeO’Tool.This year’s swimming championshipswas heldatthe Universityofthe Western Cape (UWC). PHOTOS: Supplied

Levi also producedstrong swims throughout the competition. He achieved personal best times in both the 100 m

backstroke and100 mbut-

terfly, underlininghis steady progress andgrowing compet-

itivenessatnational level.

Tristan addedfurther successtothe team’s efforts, reachingthe finals in both the 50 mand 100 mbreaststroke events,whereherecorded personal best times.Healso played akey role in the men’s 4 x50m individual medley relay team,whichearnedabronze medal, contributingtothe Free State’spresence on the podium

Despitechallengingweather conditions and the demands of alongand competitive season,all three swimmers remained focusedand composed. Their performancesreflectdedication,perseverance, and astrongworkethic Drake, Levi, and Tristan have notonlyrepresentedthe Free Statewith distinctionbut have also laid asolid foundation forevengreater achievements in the future.

Laat diespies vertrek

Britz Reinders,’nleerderaan die Goudveld-Hoërskool,het ’n agtste plek in spiesgooi vir seuns o.17 op dieSuid-Afrikaanseskoleatletiekbyeenkoms verwerf.Die byeenkoms is van29April tot 2Mei in diePilditch-stadion in Tshwane gehou.