Wednesday, 11 March 2026
GRATIS
Town’s charm capable of capturing the masses
Let’s all back Bhm MADLI GROBBELAAR
The community of Bethlehem is encouraged to stand together and show the country what a united town can achieve as the voting for Kwêla Dorp van die Jaar 2026 nominees gains momentum. Residents of Bethlehem say that although the town may not be perfect, it remains their home – a place where neighbours support one another and where people work together to build something meaningful for the future. “This is our chance to show the country what a real community that stands together to make a difference, looks like,” says Jacques Windt of the Make Bethlehem Beautiful organisation. “Bethlehem is a place we are proud of.” Supporters are urging everyone with ties to the town to take part in the voting process. Residents, former
residents, and anyone who loves Bethlehem are encouraged to cast their votes and to motivate friends, family members and colleagues to do the same. Voting is simple and quick. Supporters can vote by sending an SMS with the word “Bethlehem” to 33157 at a cost of R1,50 per SMS. Voters may send as many votes as they wish, allowing supporters to show their enthusiasm and backing for the town. Voting remains open until Friday 13 March at 12:00, giving supporters across the country time to take part. Every vote counts, and this is an opportunity for Bethlehemites everywhere to help their town shine on a national stage. See some of the town’s most recent achievements and ongoing beautification efforts by visiting the Make Bethlehem Beautiful Facebook page, where regular updates, photos and highlights of recent projects are shared with the community.
Meld dit asseblief aan MADLI GROBBELAAR
This striking aerial view of the Loch Athlone Resort in Bethlehem captures the tranquil charm and natural splendour of the surrounding landscape. PHOTO: Ian van Straaten
Die Vrystaatse departement van landbou en landelike ontwikkeling bestuur ’n grootskaalse inentingsveldtog om die verdere verspreiding van bek-en-klouseer (BKS) te bekamp. Die departement het op Vrydag 6 Maart bevestig 200 000 dosisse van die Biogenesis Bago-entstof is op 25 Februarie ontvang, waarna die veldtog onmiddellik in al vyf distrikte van die Vrystaat begin is. Tot dusver is reeds meer as 43 431 beeste ingeënt. Owerhede beklemtoon dat inenting gratis is en boere word aangemoedig om daarvan gebruik te maak. Die department sê aansoeke vir inenting is oop, en ’n groot aantal is reeds ontvang. Boere moet daarop let dat nie alle aansoeke in die eerste fase van die veldtog goedgekeur sal word nie, aangesien hoërisikogebiede voorkeur kry in ’n doelgerigte strategie om die siekte so vinnig moontlik onder beheer te bring. Intussen geld streng bewegingsbeperkings steeds, veral op plase binne ’n radius van 10km van besmette gebiede. Betrokke plase is onder kwarantyn geplaas, terwyl omliggende plase ook onder voorsorgkwarantyn geplaas is totdat verdere monitering kan bepaal of die siekte versprei het. Die departement het ernstige kommer uitgespreek oor ’n toename in versuim om gevalle van bek-en-klouseer aan te meld. Amptenare waarsku dat dit nie net ’n strafbare oortreding is nie, maar ook die doeltreffende beplanning van inentingsveldtogte ernstig belemmer. Ses nuwe gevalle was teen Vrydag bevestig: in die omgewing van Qwaqwa en Harrismith; Kroonstad; Boshof en Bultfontein; Reitz en Lindley; Parys en Vredefort; en Thaba Nchu. Dit bring die aantal bevestigde gevalle in die Vrystaat op 386 te staan. Die departement meen dat bek-en-klouseer ’n ernstige bedreiging vir die provinsie se veeboerdery en landbou-ekonomie inhou.
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BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
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