Cubs takenhome
Twosuspects appearedinthe Bothaville Magistrates’Court on 7April, facing chargesof contravening theNational EnvironmentalManagement BiodiversityAct.
EliasMoloi (36) and Mokete Elizabeth Dikoko(51), apolice administration clerkattached to the Bothaville police,were arrested alongside a14-yearold minor on 2April, while allegedlyattemptingtosell four lion cubs for R100 000 each After the Hawks in Welkomreceived information aboutindividuals involved in the illegalsale of lion cubs, acoordinated lawenforcementeffortwas immediately launched, involvingthe Hawks; the Tactical Responseream; the LocalCriminal Record Centre (LCRC);the Stock Theft unit;the Endangered Species unit;aswell as officials of the DepartmentofAgricultureand RuralDevelopment.
All four of the cubs were returnedtotheir rightful owner in Viljoenskroon.
Dikoko, who wasgranted bail, is alsofacinginternal po-
Thefourlion cubsthe Hawksand lawenforcement officialsrecovered in Bothaville,following the arrest of twoadults andaminor forattempting to sell the endangered animalsillegally PHOTO:Supplied
lice disciplinaryproceedings Moloiwas deniedbailduring acourt appearanceon Thursday9Apriland will reappear alongside Dikokoon29April.
Thesituationconcerning theminor’sinvolvementinthe case hasbeenreferredtothe DepartmentofSocialDevelopment.
Town soon safertowalkin
MADLI GROBBELAAR
Residents of Clarens maysoonsee long-awaited improvements to deterioratingsidewalksand stormwater infrastructure, following an internal municipal assessmentthat identified serious structural and safetyconcerns
Thereport, compiledbythe directorsof Technical Services and Developmentand Town Planning, found that inadequate stormwater managementhad ledtoerosion, crackedwalkways,unevensurfaces and limited accessibility particularly affectingelderly residents and persons with disabilities
TheDAinDihlabenghas indicatedthat it will closelymonitor theimplementationofthe proposedClarens Sidewalk Remediationand Storm WaterUpgrade project, while also advocatingfor its inclusion in the next financial year’s municipal budget to ensure accountabilityand timely delivery.
Accordingtothe assessment, thecurrent infrastructure hasbeensignificantly compromised by poordrainagesystems,which have contributed to the gradual deterioration of pedestrian pathways
The findings underscorethe urgent need for intervention to restoresafetyand usabilityin affectedareas
Themunicipal managerisexpectedto presentthe matterbefore councilfor formal
consideration, in line with calls for improved public infrastructurethatissafe, cleanand properly maintained.
“A comprehensiveStormwaterIntegrated Drainage interventionhas been proposed, outliningseveral keyupgrades,” said Irene Rügheimer,DAcouncillor in the Dihlabeng Municipality.
“Theseinclude increasing the capacityand efficiency of stormwater channels,installing reinforcedconcretecurbs andgutters to better direct runoff,and expandingexistingdrainage channels to accommodate stormeventswith a 1-in-25-yearrecurrence interval.
“Theplanisalsoconnectingnew drainage systems to the main municipal network to preventwater from spillingontoprivate properties.”
In addition to infrastructureupgrades,the municipalityhas signalledits intentiontoenforce compliance with the OutdoorAdvertising bylaw.
Asiteinspectionconductedon12November 2025 revealedthat severalbusinesseshad placed advertisements on sidewalks.
Authoritieshaveconfirmed that writtennotices will be issued to thosefound in violation. If approved andimplemented,the project is expected to significantly improvepedestrian safety and reduce thelong-termimpactof stormwater damage in Clarens
Free
Protectors stand together
Thenewly appointedFreeState Provincial Commissionerofthe SAPS,LtGen Thabang Solomon Lesia,was the opening speakerata three-day Provincial JointOperational andIntelligence Structure(Provjoints) strategic planning sessioninBethlehem.
Thesession, which commencedon Wednesday8April at the Loft Guesthouse, brough together keystakeholderstoassessand strengthen jointoperational strategies aimedat improvingsafetyand coordination acrossthe province
Proceedings on the openingday were facilitatedbyCol MahlomolaMoeketsi, actingprovincial head of SAPS CorporateCommunication andLiaison in theFreeState
In hisopeningaddress, Lesiaemphasisedthe importance of collaborationand accountability within jointoperational structures
He urgedattendeestocontributemeaningfullytowards evaluatingcurrent approaches and
addressing existingchallenges.
“I call on allattendees to contribute towardsassessing ouroperational approach and mitigatingchallenges, so that jointstructures at locallevel caneffectivelyimplementinitiatives that ensure ourcommunities feel safe,” Lesia said.
Thesession featured severalpresentations aimedatenhancingthe effectivenessofjoint structures Theseincluded an outlineofthe mandateand functional responsibilities of Provjoints,highlightingtheir role in coordinating multi-agency efforts
TheElectoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) also participated in the session,delivering apresentation on preparationsfor the forthcominglocal governmentelections This presentation underscored the importance of security planningand interagency collaboration duringthe electoral process.
INSIDE JOB SUSPECTED AFTER ARMED ROBBERY
Aviolent supermarket robbery in Ladybrand has exposedwhat investigators suspect maybea coordinated inside job Sevensuspectsappeared before theLadybrand Magistrates’Court on Monday13April, chargedwitharmed robbery. Among them is 43-year-old policeofficerThabisoMotja, alongside four employees of the Shopritebranchtargetedinthe attack.
Thecasehas been postponed to 20 April forbail applications, whiledetectivescontinue to pursue at least threemoresuspects.
Therobberytook placeonthe evening of 9April, whentwo men reportedlywalkedintothe store
posing as policeofficials. Dressed in areflectiveSAPSjacket and carrying what appearedtobean official docket,theyconvinced staff theywereinvestigating an assaultcaseand needed access to securityfootage.
Onceinside the manager’s office,the deception turned to violence.The managerwas assaultedwith afirearm, and a cashier wasforcedtoopenthe safe.The suspects fledwith bags of cash, as well as severalmobile phones. Agunshot washeard outside as theyescaped, though no injuries were reported
Theinvestigation quickly uncoveredtroublingdetails. A whiteVolkswagenPolobelieved
to have been used as agetaway vehiclewas found abandoned nearby, fittedwith mismatched registration plates Shortlyafterwards, police interceptedMotja near the scene. Checksrevealedhehad aprevious criminal record for kidnapping and extortion, raising serious concerns about oversight within the policeservice Thearrestofstore employees has further strengthened suspicions that the robbery may have been carefully plannedwith insiderassistance, giving the suspects both access and timing. Thecasehas sincebeen handed to the provincial Serious and ViolentCrime unit
Nalatigewerkswyseveroorsaak
Die Dihlabeng-munisipaliteit in Bethlehem het onder skootgekom nadathopegrond, watná die oopmaakvan verstoptedreinein ThompsonstraatinEurekauitgegrawe is,wekelankop sypaadjies agtergelaat is
Die situasie is vererger deur reënvalwat die grond in die dreine laat terugspoel en verdere verstoppings veroorsaak het.
Inwonershet hulle totAfriForum gewend nadattoegang tothul eiendom deur die voortdurende kwessiebemoeilik is.Die organisasie se Bethlehem-tak hetingegrypen’nopruimingsprojek aangepak waar die munisipaliteit versuim hetomoptetree.
Die opruimingswerk is op 2April begin toe vrywilligers die opgehoopte grondbegin verwyder het.
Eers nadatdié proses reedsaan die gang was, hetdie munisipaliteit op Woensdag8April met opruiminghier begin. Volgens ChristaIkking, AfriForumsedistrik-
skoördineerder vir die Hoogland, is dit onaanvaarbaar datgrond watuitgegrawe is,vir so lank agtergelaatword. Sy meen inwoners kanverstaanindien sulke werk ’n dagoftweeonafgehandel bly; om di die grondwekelank te laat lê is egteronooglik en veroorsaak boonopverdereskade.Inhierdie gevalwas die werk watoorspronklik gedoen is, feitlik ongedaan nadatdie grondteruggespoel het Hoewel daar ’n merkbareverbetering in Bethlehem se voorkoms is,bly verval en ’n gebrek aandringendheid steeds ’n uitdaging.
“Die positieweveranderingwat welsigbaar is,wordgrootlikstoegeskryfaan inwonerswat besluit het om in te gryp en verantwoordelikheid vir hulomgewingteneem,”sêIkking. Die situasie dien volgensbetrokkenes as ’n bewysvan wat’ngoedgeorganiseerdegemeenskap kanvermag, ondankstoenemende druk vanwankelrigedienslewering.
Delegatesatthe Provjoints strategic planning session hosted in Bethlehem,where lawenforcement and key stakeholders gathered to strengthen coordination and,in doing so,enhancecommunitysafetyinthe
State. PHOTO:Supplied
Vogelfontein se mensemoetaldekademet halfklaar
Woedeenfrustrasieonder inwonersvan Vogelfontein in Bethlehem oor’nHOP-behuisingsprojek watnájarenog nie afgehandel is nie,het breekpunt bereik
Die DA het ’n onlangseondersoek na die projek verwelkom, maarbeklemtoon datdie proses nie bloot “nog leëbeloftes” mag oplewer nie.Die partydring aan op die afdwingvan aanspreeklikheid en onmiddellikeoptrede teen diegene watvir die wanpraktyke verantwoordelik is Die krisis sloerreedssedert 2016, klaarblyklik omdat ernstige
waarskuwings oordie gebreke vandie projekgeïgnoreeris. Vandag leef inwonerstussen halfvoltooidehuise, gebrekkige water- en rioolstelsels, asook bykans onbegaanbarepaaie
Virbaie gesinne hetdit ’n daagliksestryd geword om onder menswaardige omstandighede te leef
RaadslidEstie Senekal vandie Dihlabeng-munisipaliteit het diesituasie as onaanvaarbaar bestempel.
“Inwoners betaal virdienste wathulle eenvoudignie ontvang nie. Ditkom neer op ’n skending
vanhul basieseregte,enhulle word vanhul menswaardigheid beroof,” hetsyoor dieomstandighedegesê.
Inwonerswaarskudat hulle nie langer diegesloer salduld nie.Hulle dringboonop daarop aandat die projek voltooiword en die betrokkebelanghebbende partye totverantwoordinggeroep word ■ VrystaatKroon hetdie Dihlabeng-munisipaliteit om kommentaar oordie situasie genader,maarteendruktyd is noggeenterugvoeringhieromtrentontvang nie
Humble steps lead to epic path
MADLI GROBBELAAR
Aproud sonofKroonstad, MosesAlphons Kaunyana Kau(62), continues to bring honour to thetownthrougha distinguished careerinpublic service, diplomacyand literature.Kau, who nowresidesin Bloemfontein, wasborn and raised in Kroonstad.
He began his schoolingat the St PeterClavers Roman Catholic PrimarySchool, wherehis talents extendedbeyond the classroom to music, servingasthe school pianist. He laterattendedthe Kananelo Secondary School and BodibengHighSchool, layingastrongeducational foundation. He went on to studylaw at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), whereheobtaineda Bachelor of Jurisprudence degree He is currentlycompletinga Master of Laws in International Criminal Law, with graduation expectedinJune 2026.
Over the years, Kauhas strengthenedhis expertise through international training, includingdiplomatic studies in Pretoria and advanceddiplomatic traininginIslamabad, Pakistan.
Hisknowledge of international relations hasbeen further enhancedthrough programmes in eSwatini, Zimbabweand Austria, as well as studies in Spanish,Portuguese and German. Hisprofessional journeyhas seen him serve in avarietyofroles.Hebegan
TheKroonstad-borndiplomat, author andpublicservant,Moses Kau(62),whose distinguished career in lawand international relations continues to placethe Free Stateon the global stage. PHOTO:Supplied
workinginstudentadvisory positions at the UWCand the University of Cape Town (UCT), beforemovingintothe legal field asa stateprosecutor in the Western Cape He laterrepresentedSouth Africaabroad, servingin Mozambique,Botswana and Germanyas part of hisdiplomatic career.Kau hasalsoheld severalseniorgovernment positions,including director of co-operativegovernance in the Free Statepremier’s office andchiefdirectorfor international health liaison at the National Department of Health.Hefurthercontributedatacontinental levelas programme managerfor the
AfricanMinisters’Council on WaterinAbuja,Nigeria.Until May2024, he served as th head of intergovernmentalrelations in theFreeState Premier’s Office Kauisalsoapublished author whoseworks focuson personal experiences,governance,and South Africa’s development. Hisbooks include ALife WorthLiving–Trialsand Tribulations (2018), Protocol, Allegiance,Patriotism andSolidarity (2020), and South Africa’s ForeignPolicy: Evolution from Apartheidto Post-Apartheid Democratic Dispensation (2022). Hismore recentpublications explore South Africa’s national symbols,public holidays andthe role of internationalstudents in theFreeState.Heiscurrently workingona bookregarding hislatemother, Conradine SarahTatiKau (Phooko), who recentlypassedaway, and anotherdocumentingthe premiersofthe Free Statesince 1994. Thosefamiliar with his work sayhis writingreflects his wide-rangingexperience and deep understanding of South Africa’s journey. By combininghis background in law, governance and diplomacy, Kautells stories that highlightthe challenges andprogressofthe nation. From humble beginnings to an influential presence on the internationalstage,Kau remains an example of howdedication andeducationcan open doors beyond one’s hometown,while still stayingconnected to it
INGRYPING GEVRAOMOORSTROMINGSTEKEER
Inwoners vanKoppies trotseer sedert September verlede jaar toenemenddie oorstromingvan en skade aan hul eiendom weens gebrekkigestormwaterdreinering.
Ineengestortepypleidingsveroorsaak aanhoudend wateropdamming, watveral indie huidige reënseisoen vererger het
Die DA het aan die Ngwathe-munisipaliteit geskryf en dringende ingryping geëis.
Volgens Carina Serfontein, DA-raadslidindie munisipaliteit,kan die situasie niemeer geïgnoreer word nie en moet toepaslikeherstelwerk sonder verderevertraging uitgevoer word Verskeie huiseindie betrokkestraatwordreeds
direk geraak, met inwoners watdaaglikswateropdamming, skade en veiligheidsrisiko’smoet hanteer
Wataanvanklik’ninfrastruktuurprobleem was, het nou’ndirekte invloed op mense se lewensomstandighede.
Die versoekisnou datbeskadigde pype onmiddellikherstel of vervangword.
Daar word ook gevradat ’n deeglike tegniese assessering gedoen word,endat tydelikemaatreëls ingestel word om diewatervloei tydens reënbuie te beperk. ’n Duidelikeendeursigtige tydlyn moet ook aan inwoners gekommunikeer word,vra die DA
Inwoners vanVogelfontein in Bethlehem is ontevrede oor dieonvoltooideHOP-huise en gebrekkige dienslewering in die
woonbuurt,’nsituasie watsedert 2016 duur FOTO:Verskaf
Padvorentoe is onduidelik
Suid-Afrikastaan vandagop’nkritiekekruispadwaarplaaslikeeninternasionale krisisse mekaar versterkendie ekonomiese stabiliteit onderernstigedrukplaas.
Aan die eenkantwoedbek-en-klouseer deur dielandbousektor en ontwrigdit produksie, handel en werksekerheid.
Aandie anderkantskepwêreldspannings, veraldie konflik tussen Iran en Amerika, ’n kettingreaksiewat eindelik elkehuishouding raak
Die uitbrekingvan bek-en-klouseerisnie bloot’nveeprobleem nie,maar’nstrukturele ekonomiese bedreiging
Elke nuwe gevalwat aangemelden bevestig word,beteken nie netverliese op plasenie,maarook minder werk vir plaasarbeiders, laer inkomste vir vervoermaatskappyeenverminderde aktiwiteit inplaaslike dorpe.
Wanneer veenie geskuif of verkoop kanwordnie,verbrokkel diesirkulasievan geld in die landelikeekonomi, en dit het ’n direkte invloedopgemeenskappesevoortbestaan.
Terselfdertydjaaginternasionaleonsekerheid oliepryse op,wat brandstofkoste verhoog. Omdat vervoerdie ruggraat vandie ekonomieis, word elkeprodukduurder vankos tot basiesegoedere.
Hierdie inflasionêredruktrefveral lae- en middelinkomstehuishoudings diehardste, waar reedsbeperkteinkomste verder ingekort word
Die gevolg is ’n gevaarlikesiklus hoër kostelei totbesigheid-afskaling, wat werkloosheid verhoog, watweerkoopkrag verminder
Sonder doelgerigteingrypingisdie tendens buitebeheer.
Indien beleidmakersnie vinnigengeïntegreerd reageernie,loopdie land die risiko van ’n langdurigeekonomieseafswaai watdiep en blywendsal insnyingemeenskapsleween ontwikkeling.
Verwelkomdie herfsmaandemet ope arms
se kantoor in Bloemfontein voorspelvir die komende week in dieNoord-enSuid-Vrystaat minimum temperature vantussen 11 °C en 13 °C; maksimum temperaturewat wissel van20°Ctot 25 °C; en ligtereënwat plek-plek kanvoorkom.Opeen vandie gematigde herfsdae
onlangservaar,istweereiers afgeneem waar hulle speels vlerke klap.Die foto is op 31 Maartopdie plaas Klipplaat-Wes tussenSenekal en
Vrystaatsedraai
Eenvoud
MADLI GROBBELAAR
vannatuur bring kalmte vir die siel
MetPaasnaweekwas ’n vinnige wegbreek saam metgeliefdes presiesdie regtemedisynená’n besige eerste kwartaal.
Onswas dankbaar virdie geleentheid om na ’n wildsplaas in die hartjievan dieNoord-Vrystaat te konontsnap ’n plek so naby,en togsostil,waardaarsommerop
Sielskos
jouvoorstoep ’n ware lafenis virdie siel wag
Die geraas vandie samelewing het agtergebly terwyl die grondpad die oopveldinlei.
Metons aankoms het’nsagte stilteoor dievlaktes gehang,endit wasasofdie Vrystaat jounooiom stadiger te leef en dieoomblik in te neem
Soggens hetdie sonoor die horison gebreekendie veld in goue liggehul.
Hoogmoed’nlokval
DR.HANNESELS
In 1Timoteus6:17-19 lees ons oorteenspoedenanti-trots
Viralmal is verandering’n pynlikeervaring. Virsommige is dit ergeromdat hulle trots reageer. Hulledink “dit is nie reg datprobleme my tref nie”. Voorspoedis’nreg,ishul lewensuitkyk.
Diesaakwat pynvererger, is datons hooghartig dink datdit oorons gaan. Die verlossing hiervanisom vanmytroon af te klimenvan Godsekantafoor lewe te dink Diéwat in hierdiewêreldryk is, moet…hulle hoop …vestigop Godwat alles ryklikaan onsgee om te geniet. (1 Timoteus 6:17) Diegoeie nuus is datGod nie teen genot en voorspoedisnie Maar wiehooghartiggeniet en dink hulleverdien dit, word so geskok deur probleme datdit hulle verlam
Hulle is eiegeregtigendink netaan wathulle gaanverloor Daarom kanhulle nie stabiel
blyinonseker tyenie
Wienederig en afhanklik alle lewe uit Godsehandgebruik virgroei, geniet eintlik dubbeld: Hulle is tevredemet diegeskenk self en benutdie inhouddaarvanomdat hulle dit saam met Goddeurloop
Wielewesóhanteer,ontvang eerbyGod en mense. Nederigheid bringeer,maarhoogmoed bringtot ’n val(Spreuke 29:23).
Johann Wolfgangvon Goethe hetgesê: Vreemd genoeg gaan alle paaievoormyoop vandat ek in nederigheid daarop wandel Hetjyalnederig virVader gevraomjou op joukronkelpaaieteleerenlei eerder as arrogant teen dieprikkelsskop?
Gebed
Vader,ekbelydat my eie-ek die hardepad nogerger maak Dankie datugeduld met my het, en vantrots wilverlos.Amen. Els is ’n oudleraar van Kroonstad
In die vertehet allerlei wild rustig gewei, terwyl kameelperde stadig tussen die bome deur beweeg
Die eenvoudvan hierdie tonele het’nkalmtegebring
Teen skemer het die geluide verander.
Die voëls het stil geword en die kriekehet begin sing
Sagtenaggeluidehet die stilte verdiep,terwyldie sterrehemel soos ’n kombersoor die veld gespreihet
Diary
17 APRIL
Die Bethlehem-gholfklubbied 'n geslote geselligheid met gaskunstenaarsBelinda en Amyaan as geldinsameling vir die klub Skakel 058 3030940.
24 APRIL
Die Oos-VrystaatsedorpClarens se jaarlikse kunstefees begin.Dit duur tot27April. Die fees bied 'n verskeidenheid vanliteratuur-, musiek-enkunsaktiwiteite.
16 MEI
Maskerade 2026 is 'n geleentheid watfokus op die skep vanhoop en bewustheid rondom chroniese siektetoestande.Dit begin om 10:00bydie NG kerk Kroonstad-Noord. Bywoning vandie geleentheid, waarop 'n eteook bedien word,kos R280 per persoon. Virmeer inligting, bel dr.Susanne vander Merwe by 063478 5988
Om die kampvuur is die dagstilstil afgesluit
Dit wasmeerasnet ’n wegbreek-geleentheid. Dit wastyd watdie kans gebiedhet om asem te skep en om weer te onthouwat werklik saak maak
In die stiltevan die natuur vind ’n mens jouSkepper en ervaar jy ’n vredewat lank by joubly Hierdie rusbring nuwe krag en laat ’n mens met dankbaarheid in jouhartterugkeer
30 MAY
29 MEI
Die Salileni-gholfdagwordinsamewerking met die Bethlehem Rotariërs by die Bethlehem-gholfbaan aangebied. Die formaat is vierbal-Amerikaansekiesspel ("shotgun"). Skryf in teen R2 000 per vierbal. Spelers slaan om 11:00af. Bel Louisavan den Berg by 072893 4623 vir meer inligting.
Theannual Wingsand WheelsBethlehem Air Showtakes place. Spectators canlook forwardtoafullday of excitement, featuring aspectacular air display and avariety of entertainment.For moreinformation and booking details, visit theMyDihlabeng website.
VRYDAE
Die Kroonstad-buiteklubbied Chicken Run Fridays aan. Gholfspelers slaan elkeVrydag om 12:00af, en die formatisindividuele Stableford(IPS) vir die eerste nege gaatjies. Virmeer inligtingskakel063 233 3144 of 056 2125169. Wees deel vandie geleentheid om te sienwie met die hoender huis toe gaan.
SATERDAE
Elkeeerste Saterdag vandie maand bied die Hoërskool Trio in Kroonstad sy Trio-boeremark aan. Dit vind plaas op die Trio-landbouterrein,van 07:00tot 11:00. Heerlik vars en tuisgemaakte produkte word te koop aangebied. Virmeer inligtingbel CarinaSerfontein by 083635 2851.
Die Kroonstad-Rotary-mark word op die laasteSaterdagvan die maand gehou, op die hoekvan Border-enVan der Lingenstraat,van 08:00 tot13:00.Vir meer inligting skakel 076055 7025.
watdie streek
Winburggeneem. FOTO:ThysduPlessis
sa A4 ed sa po the dis indus hau e ap wa Sh 9A po bu and at me op fur cu con wi Th Mamohau fo
klink op mylpaal
us-tak enis asie en n. at re se at huleding ïnspireer dsteeds ulself an ndie
nvier eid verrigolle
meer gehoor ekenis die hul hetDr nHerbst gelewnerfenis gedra oor-
met n, wat end thul ek leenookdie om van eviering
DieSteynsrus-tak vandie Vrouelandbou-unie (VLU)vier vanjaar met trotssy100stebestaansjaar.Die takspeel sedert sy stigting op 5Junie 1926 ’n eeu lank al ’n belangrikerol in diegemeenskap.Vanlinks is Elsabé Kotzé(president vandie VrystaatseVrouelandbou-unie – VVLU),LinaWatson (voorsitter), Frieda Zerwick (ere-president),Elmarie Heyns,Welma Richter en TinkelsPrinsloo (voormaligevoorsitters) FOTO’S:Verskaf
Die Steynsrus Vroue Landbou-unie het hul 100ste bestaansjaar tydensdie Area 1-konferensie gevier, met eregaste,insluitendvoormaligevisepresidentevan die VrystaatseVroue Landbou-unie,wat die geleentheid saam metafgevaardigdes vanverskeie takkebygewoon en diemylpaal saam herdenk het VanlinksisGerda Pienaar (ere-president),Elsabé Kotzé(VVLU-president),FriedaZerwick(ere-president) en Vanda Gagiano (ere-president).
ElevatePerformance Through Emotional Intelligence
W
•Increased self-awareness to improveperformance and accountability
•Betteremotionalregulationinhighpressure situations
•Strongerleadership presenceand influence
•Moreeffectivecommunication across teams and departments
•Improvedconflictmanagementand collaboration
•Greater resilience, adaptability, and overallworkplace wellbeing
CALLFORPROPOSALS: VALSRIVERREGATTA
REVIVALPROJECT
MoqhakaLocalMunicipality
MoqhakaLocalMunicipalityherebyinvitesinterestedinvestors, event organizers, andstrategicpartnerstosubmitproposalsfor therevival,development,andlong-termmanagementoftheVals RiverRegatta in Kroonstadand management of the Noord Oewer Park. Noord Oewer lies on the banks of theVals Rivier, justadjacentoroppositetoKroonParkHolidayResort
TheMunicipalityproposestoenterintoalong-termleaseagreementofupto20years withasuitablepartnerto:
· DevelopandmanageRegatta-relatedinfrastructure
· OrganizeanannualValsRiverRegattaevent
· Implementyear-roundtourism,recreation,andentertainmentactivities
· Promotelocaleconomicdevelopment,includingSMMEsandcommunityparticipation
MUNICIPALSUPPORT
TheMunicipalitywill:
· Provideaccesstothesite/parkandnecessaryapprovals
· Facilitatebasicservices(subjecttoagreement)
· Supportmarketingandstakeholdercoordination
This initiativeaimstoreposition Kroonstad as aleading watersport, leisure, and cultural tourism destination, anchored on the Vaal River.
SUBMISSIONDETAILS
· ClosingDate:30June2026at12:00(midday)
· SubmissionMethod:Hand-delivered
PhysicalAddress: MoqhakaLocalMunicipality
OfficeoftheMunicipalManager.HillStreet,Kroonstad. Contactdetailsandclarification:Contactdetails:Khojane Madiba@madibakhojane@gmail.com
Handwerk bring hoop aankinders
Inwoners van Kroonstad se Jordaniapark-aftreeoord hetonlangsdie eerste vrugte van hul Poppiesvir liefde-projek oorgedra toe handgemaaktepoppeaan dieMaokeng-sentrumvir kinders metgestremdhede geskenk is
Die projek word deur die vrouevan die aftreeoord gedryf en fokus daarop om gebreide poppeassimbool vanliefde,ondersteuningen hoop aankindersinjeugsorgsentrums en kinderhuise te skenk
Volgens Alta Els, eienaar vandie aftreeoord,het die vrouebesluit om die projek te begin as ’n manier om iets betekenisvols te skep wat kinderskan koester.
“Ons wouiets met ons
hande maak watvir kinders wysdat hullegeliefdisendat daar menseiswat aanhulle dink,” sê sy Totdusveris reedssowat 250 poppies met groot toewyding gebrei. Dieeerste skenking is vroeginApril aandie kinders vandie Maokeng-kindersentrum oorhandig.
Elssêdie poppedien as meerasnet speelgoed– dit is’ntasbare simboolvan sorg en betrokkenheid, en ’n herinnering aanelkekind dathulle nie vergeetword nie.Elkepop word metsorg gemaak,met helder kleure, om ’n boodskap vanliefde oortedra
Enigeenwat weet van kinders of instansies watby dieprojekkan baat,word aangemoedig om die aftreeoordtekontak
Poppe watbydie Jordaniapark-aftreeoordhandgemaak is,isbegin Aprilmet liefde aan die Maokeng-sentrum vir kinders metgestremdhede in Kroonstadoorhandig as deelvan die Poppies vir liefde-projek.Met die kindersvan die sentrum watpoppe ontvang het is vanlinks,agter,MatshedisoMaqabe, BabsGrobler,AltaEls,Mampe Lekitlane,Ansie vanRensburg,Evelyn Motloung,Elsabe Peacock,Ntwaki Toolo,Dalina Heymans,MatebelloMphosien Mpai Mokoena (hoof vandie Maokeng-sentrum). FOTO:Verskaf
Deelnemer houoëopwengeld
Salòme Fourie,’nleerder aandie HoërskoolVoortrekker in Bethlehem en die eienaarvan Salòme Candles watsytuis begin het,het na die nasionale ronde vandie Wieword ’n miljoenêr?-kompetisie deurgedring
Op 1April het sy aan’n werksessie deelgeneem waarop sy ’n besigheidsboekasdeelvan diebeoordelingsproses ingedien het
Ná die evalueringsal daar besluit word of sy na die volgende fase, die brandbank-ronde,deurdring.
Virdie volgende ronde salslegs 30 vandie 60 deelnemersgekies word om voorttegaan.
Daarnavolgdie uitdaag-rondte, waarin slegs20deelnemerssal meeding.
Salòme moet nouoor die volgende twee maande haarverkope verhoogom onder die 30 topsakeondernemings te wees en sodoende ’n kans te staan om na die volgende ronde deurtedring.
Die kompetisie bied’n waardevolle geleentheid vir jong entrepreneursomhul sakevaardighede te ontwikkelenopnasionale vlak uit te blink
Salòme Fourie,’n leerder aan die Hoërskool Voortrekker in Bethlehem,is ’n deelnemer aandie Wieword’nmiljoenêr?-kompetisie en hoop dat haar besigheidsvaardighede haar onderdie topdeelnemers sallaat presteer FOTO:Verskaf
Vermeendeskaapdiewegevang
Vier mans is in hegtenis geneem in verbandmet ’n saak vanveediefstal naby Viljoenskroon.
Dit komnadat ’n gekoördineerde operasie deur dieFezile Dabi-distriksinfrastruktuur-taakspan suksesvoluitgevoer is Volgens die polisie hetdie inhegtenisnemings gevolg op inligting watopDonderdagaand 9April ontvangis. Dit hetgelui datdie verdagtesbeplan hetomskape op ’n plaaslangs dieVredefort-pad te steel.
Op grondvan hierdie inligting is die beweringsdeur die plaaslike polisie opgevolg,en’nondersoekis onmiddellik begin
Op Vrydagoggend, omstreeks 05:30, is ’n verdagte bakkie op die R76-padnabyViljoenskroondeur polisiebeamptes voorgekeer
Die voertuig,sonder ’n registrasienommer,isnaby’nkleinhoewe deur die polisie totstilstandgebring en deursoek.Tydensdie deursoekingis12skaapkarkasse in die voertuig gevind.
Die vier insittendes,tussendie ouderdomvan 43 en 49 jaar,isopdie toneel in hegtenis geneem Verdereondersoekhet die polisiebeamptes na ’n nabygeleëplaas gelei, waar nogvier skaapkarkasse watvermoedelik gesteelis, gevind is Die verdagtesbly in aanhouding; terwyl die voertuig,wat glo in die misdaad gebruik is,deur die polisie in beslaggeneemis. Hulle salna verwagtinglater vandeesweek in die landdroshof in Kroonstad verskynop aanklagtevan veediefstal
URGENT ACTION REQUIRED TO ADDRESSSAFETYCONCERNS
ResidentsofReitz arefacing asafety risk after an electrical boxcontaining live components wasleftexposedand inadequatelysecuredfor an extended period, raising concerns about municipaloversight and public protection.
Theinstallation,situatedwithin a residential neighbourhood, has reportedlyremainedinahazardous condition formonths. It is currentlyenclosed onlybyamakeshift wirebarrier. Such ameasurecan easilybebypassed, leaving live electrical cables accessible to anyone passing by Themattercame underscrutiny following an oversight inspection conductedbylocal DA councillors Anelia Smit and Thinus Blignaut,alongside provincial legislator David Masoeu Theirfindingspoint to aglaring lapse
Theliveelectrical boxidentified by councillors Anelia Smit (left) and Thinus Blignaut (right). PHOTO:Supplied
in basic safety standards. Critics argue that the apparent inaction reflects a troubling lack of accountability within theNketoana LocalMunicipality.Despitethe evidentrisks,there has been no visible attempt to repair or secure
the electrical box, prompting questions about maintenanceprotocols and responsetimes to reported hazards. “The urgencyofthe situation is underscoredbyarecentfatal incident in Bothaville, where anine-year-old boywas electrocuted after coming into contact with aliveanchor cable. That tragedyhas cast astark light on the consequences of neglectedelectrical infrastructureand the need forproactiveintervention,”saysBlignaut Callshavenow been madefor immediateremedialaction to secure the site. Theincidentcontinues to draw attention as decisivesteps areawaited to addresswhat manyviewasapreventableand dangerous oversight.An enquiry wassenttothe municipality forfeedback regardingthe issue
PhD-houerbekleesleutelpos
Dr.MarkBurke (36), ’n Kroonstadter in murg en been en DA-parlementslid, is op Sondag 12 Aprilopdie partysefederale kongrestot federale finansiële voorsitter verkies
Hy dien voortaan ookaslid vandie DA se federale uitvoerende komitee
Burkehet in die afgelopejaar’nbelangrike rolindie DA se veldtog teen dievoorgestelde 2%-BTW-verhoginggespeel.
Hy wasook betrokkebydie partysesuksesvolle pogingomdie brandstofheffing te verlaag. Die DA het versoekdat die brandstofheffings met 50% gesnywordvir die duur vandie brandstofkrisis
As voorgraadsestudentaan dieNoordwes-Universiteit (NWU) se Potchefstroomkampushet hy,met spesiale toestemming, twee grade gelyktydig voltooienbehaal. In dié tydis hy ookaseen vanSuid-Afrikase “100 Brightest YoungMinds”aangewys.
Hy het daarna’nmeestersgraadaan die Universiteit vanKaapstad (UK) verwerf, wat ’n studietydperk aandie KU Leuven in België ingesluit het
Verder het hy ’n PhDinKwantitatiewe Ekonometrie en ’n meestersgraadaan die Universiteit vanCambridge,met beurse van verskeie internasionale instellings.
Voor sy toetredetot dieparlementin2024
Dr.Mark Burke,oorspronklikvan Kroonstad,is totdie
DA se federale finansiële voorsitterverkiesisensal op die partysefederaleuitvoerende komitee dien. FOTO:Verskaf
het Burkeinwaagkapitaal gewerk en verskeie suksesvolle fintech-ondernemings opgebou.
Sy ouers, Edward en Jeannie Burke, woon steeds inKroonstad.
Children’sbest interest put first
Fartoo many South African parentsbelieve that marriage, or theend of it, determines who hastosupport achild financially.
Therealitycould not be moredifferent though,points outAnn-Suhet Marx,director and head of Litigation at VDMIncorporated
“Thelaw doesn’t tie children’srightstomaintenance to the parents’ relationship. That right exists from birth.Both parents, whether they’re married,divorcedorhavenever lived together, areresponsible for meetingtheirchild’s needs.”
Misunderstandings aboutparentalresponsibilities causeconflict,particularlywhencouples separate butremain legallymarried
“What people need to understand is that separation does not suspend aparent’sduty of support, nor does marriageguaranteeit.
Maintenance is alegal obligation. Thelaw looks at the child’s needsand each parent’s financial capacity, not their relationship status.”
TheChildren’sAct 38 of 2005 sets outfour main parental responsibilities and rights,which applytoall parentsunless acourt ordersotherwise,she points out:
■ Care –Providingasafe,stable environment andmeetingthe child’s dailyphysical, emotional and developmental needs.
■ Contact –Maintaining ameaningful relationship with the child through time spenttogether andregular communication even when the parent doesn’t livewith the child.
■ Guardianship –Makingmajor decisions that affectthe child’s life,includingmedical consent, travel documents,legal mattersand property administration.
■ Maintenance – The financial dutytosupport the child’s reasonable needsisanobligation that cannot be waived,transferred or avoided.
Parentsoften conflatecontact and maintenance,Marxavers,but aparent maynot withhold maintenance becauseofanaccess dispute,and accesscannot be denied because maintenance is unpaid. Thelaw protects the child’s rights aboveparental conflict.
What thecourts say
South African courts consistently reinforce that achild’s righttosupportisboth constitutional and non negotiable,Marxsays.
Maintenance is alsonot a50/50 calculation.
“InJvJ (2008), the Supreme CourtofAppeal made it clearthat contributions must be proportionatetoeachparent’smeans,not divided equallyorbased on marital status.” Another area of confusion concerns the duties
Jong harteklopvrolik
Die jong inwonersvan Christenburgbuite Bethlehemglimlag deesdaebreed nadat ’n nuwe klimraamhier opgerigis.
Volgens Estie Senekal, DA-raadslid in die Dihlabeng-munisipaliteit,isdie invloedopdie kinders duidelik sigbaar. Sy sê datdie opgewondenheid en dankbaarheid vandie kindersbesonders is en datdie nuwe speeltoerustingmet groot entoesiasme geniet word
of unmarried parents, butthe High Courtconfirmed that unmarried fatherscan acquirefull parental responsibilities andrightswhenthey acknowledge paternity, contribute to the child’s upbringing andmaintain arelationship with the child,she points out.
And thenthere arethe instances whereparents separate butremainmarried.Interim maintenancemay be necessary to protectchildren from financialinstability, explains Marx
Shehighlightsthe High Courtemphasised that interimmaintenance exists preciselyto ensure children’sneeds aremet duringperiods of transition, longbefore adivorce is finalised
Married but separated
Anothermisconception is that obligations only kick in oncedivorce proceedings begin.
“Not so!Whenspouses separate,even informally,the dutyofsupportcontinues.If one parent refuses to contribute,the other may approach the Maintenance Courtfor an order, without needingto file fordivorce.”
Thecourt will then consider:
■ the child’sreasonable needs;
■ each parent’s income andexpenses;
■ the standardoflivingtowhich the child is accustomed; and
■ proportional contributions basedonaffordability.
Unmarried parents
Unmarried parentshavethe same duty:
■ Mothers automaticallyacquirefull parental responsibilities at birth
■ Unmarriedfathers acquirefull responsibilities and rights if they:
-acknowledge paternity; -contributeorattempt to contribute to the child’s upbringingand maintenance; and -maintain arelationship with the child.
To reduce conflict,Marxurges separatingparents to register aparentingplanwith thefamily advocateorvia courtorder to formalise:
■ care and contact arrangements,
■financialresponsibilities,
■ decision making structures,and
■ communicationexpectations
“Maintenance is not anegotiationtactic.It’sa legalobligation groundedinthe best interests of the child.Whenparents understandtheir responsibilities early, children areprotected from unnecessary hardship,” concludes Marx
Sy voeg by datdit juis sulkegemeenskapsprojekteiswat ’n mens se hart warm maak en wyswat bereik kanwordwanneer mensesaamstaan en ’n bydrae lewer. Die klimraamis deur VickyNel van Bethlehemgeskenk, terwyl die vervoeren oprigtingdaarvan deur Mike Gorman en sy span behartig is Christenburg, wat hoofsaaklikuit behoeftige inwonersbestaan, hetnou ’n waardevolle toevoegingtot sy speelgerieweontvang, wat die lewe vandie jong inwonersmerkbaar opvrolik.
groot oorgawe benut FOTO:Verskaf
PUBLIC NOTICE
REVIEW OF THE 2025/26INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENTPLAN
TheHonourableExecutiveMayor,CouncillorM.EMokatsane,herebygivesnotices that Council at itsmeeting held on the 31 March 2026, tabled the Draft Integrated DevelopmentPlan2026-2027(Fourthreviewofthe2022-2027IDP)
Tosatisfyprovisionsofsection29oftheLocalGovernment:MunicipalSystemsAct, Act32of2000andsection21oftheLocalGovernment:MunicipalSystemsAct,Act NO 56 of 2003 Members of the public are herebyinvitedtocomment, make inputs, submitamendmentsand any additional information to the tabled Draft Integrated DevelopmentPlan
Whilesuchcommentsandinputscancovertheentiredraftdocumentyourattentionis drawn to the following specificchapters: Chapter 4thatdeals with Public participation,Chapter5MunicipalKeyPerformanceIndicators,andChapter8which list projects to be implemented and planned for the periodinquestion as contained therein.
Compliancewithcircular88providedkeyguidancetothisreviewdocumentofwhich canbemadeavailableonrequest.
CopiesofthetabledIntegratedDevelopmentPlancanbeaccessedfromthefollowing MunicipalOfficesinallthreetowns,Kroonstad,Viljoenskroon,Steynsrusincluding RenovalandVierfontein.
Enquiries inputs andobjection can be directed to on the the (IDP Manager)Mr S,T Leie at office number20-2 Hill Street- Kroonstad atelephone number056 216 9170 and/or emailaddress thekisol@moqhaka.gov.za or MrJMMagcuntsuat0562169171
CLOSINGDATEFORSUBMISSION15MAY2026AT12H00
Die klimraam vir diekindersvan Christenburgwordhier opgerig.Die nuwespeeltoerusting word nou met
4015
KENNISGEWING AAN
DIE PUBLIEK: Aansoek om Watergebruik –
Openbare Deelname
Neem kennis dat'n aansoek ingevolge die NasionaleWaterwet, 1998 (Wet Nr. 36 van 1998) ingedien sal word vir magtiging om water te onttrek vir landboudoeleindes.
Lig gi ng van wateronttrekking: Plaas: 1380Verelands
Distrik: Fezile Dabi Distrik Munisipaliteit GPS koördinate van onttrekkingspunt: -27.266409, 27.174011
Be la ng he bb end ee n geaffekteerde partye wat kommentaarofbesware het teen die voorgestelde wateronttrekking word versoek om dit binne 60 dae vanaf publikasie van hierdie kennisgewing skriftelik in te dien. Kommentaar of besware kan per e-pos gestuur word na: E-pos: nadileonard1987 @gmail.co
PUBLIC NOTICE: Application forWater Use –
PublicParticipation
Noticeishereby given that an application willbe submitted in terms of the NationalWater Act,1998 (Act No.36of1998) for authorization to extract water foragricultural purposes. Location of water extraction: Farm: 1380 Verelands District: Fezile Dabi
DistrictMunicipality
GPS coordinates of ext ra cti on po i nt: -27.266409, 27.174011
Interested and affected parties who wish to comment orobjecttothe proposed water extraction are invited to submit written comments within 60 days ofpublicationof this notice. Comments or objectionsmust be submitted viaemail to: Email: nad ileona r d1 987 @gmail.com
Phomolong, Kroonstad
Estate number: 8955/2025
Creditorsand Debtors abovementioned estate are hereby requestedto submit their accounts and pay their accounts to the undersigned with in 30 thirty days from of 17th of April 2026.
Executor in the Estate BOC Attorneys Inc 4Blignaut Street Kroonstad Ref: AT0092
in lewe woonagtigwas te 6917 IT HOB ALLE, BETHLEHEM, PROVINSIE VRYSTAAT,indie kantore van die Meester van die Hooggeregs hof Bl oem fontein en Landdros, Bethlehem vir 'n tydperk van 21 (eenen twintig)dae vanaf 17 APRIL 2026 ter insaelêvir alle persone watdaarby belanghet
C. Isaacs
KENNISGEWING
Indien binne genoemde tydperk geen besware daarteen by die Meester van die Hooggeregshof, Bloemfontein ingedien word nie, gaan die Eksekuteuroor tot die uitbetaling ingevolge
Kennisgeskied hiermee dat die Eerste en Finale Likwidasie- en Distribusie Rekeningindie boedel van wyle CHARLOTT E ISAACS, IDENTITEITSNOMMER: 460210 0138 089, in lewe woonagtig te SONSKYN STRAAT 10,SUNWARD PARK, BOKSBUR G (VOORHEEN VANDIE PLAASMERIBA NR 94), DISTRIK FOURIESBURG, PROVINSIE VRYSTAAT DATUMVAN DOOD: 10 OKTOBER 2025 STATUS TENTYE VAN DOOD:WEDUWEE BOEDELNOMMER : 8933/2025 ter insae sallêten kantore die die
N.P. Tlale
NOTICE ESTATE LATE: NTSANE PETERTLALE BORN: 1944-08-09 ID NR.: 4408095424082 DECEASED: 2023-06-05 PROVINCE: FREE STATE ESTATENR: 4498/2024 LAST ADDRESS: 1253 GELUKWAARTS, KROONSTAD Pursuant to Section 35(5)
S.H.Grobler In the Estate of the Late: Surname: Grobler
First names: Susanna Hendrica Estate number: 04697/2024
Identity/passport number: 5405290049085
Date of death: 19/05/2024
Last address: Edelkroon Woonstel 18, Meyerstreet, Morewag, Kroonstad
The AME NDED SUPPLEMENTARYFIRST &FINALLiquidation and Distribution Accountin this estate will be open forinspection foraperiod of 21 days from 13 February2026atthe office of the Master of the High CourtMasterof the High Court
Wednesday, 15 April 2026
Cyclistspushedtolimits amid scenic background
TheGravelRush autumn mountain bike race took placeoverthe weekendof11April, attracting riders from across South Africa andoverseastothe Boskoppie Lion andTiger Reserveoutside Kroonstad
Thestandout performances of the daycame from Peet Eloff who completedthe 47 km in 2:11; Hayden Rawwho completed the 90 km in 4:15; Dewald vanBreda who completed the 165 km in 5:48; andNico vander Merwewho mastered the demanding265 km in 10:39. Christelle Wiggens wasthe firstwoman to cross the 265 km finishingline andtookthe overall second placewith atime of 11:26.
AlexiaGenne,who travelledfromDubai, said thespectacularsceneryalongthe routehelped ease the intensityofthe physicalchallenge Themajorityofentrantscame from Gauteng, reinforcingthe province’s strong presence in South Africa’s endurance andgravelcycling scene
Hou
AJ Erasmus,’n gr.11-leerder aan dieHoërskool WitteberginBethlehem,het die naweek sy deursettingsvermoë in Kaapstad bewys.Op Vrydag 10 April het AJ dieTwo Oceans Trail Run,wat ’n roetevan 16 km aan diehangevan Tafelberg behels,aangepak en voltooi.Hy het Sondag dieTwo Oceans-halfmarathon tenbatevan CHOC,’n niewinsgewendeorganisasie watkindersmet kanker en hul familie ondersteun,voltooi. FOTO:Verskaf
