The plight of local media is dire. In the wake of COVID-19, our members have seen revenues halved, struggling to compete with the cutthroat nature of programmatic advertising. Businesses and government departments have shifted their ads elsewhere, leaving us financially strained. While people still rely on our information, the meager rates negotiated by tech giants like Meta and Google make it impossible to sustain operations or pay our employees. We demand fairness—a fair rate for ads on our sites that reflects our business costs. We urge the government to bring their ads back and appeal to the public and local businesses to understand the consequences of diverting ad spending offshore. Every dollar lost impoverishes us, our communities, and the very buyers they seek to reach. We simply ask for fair compensation for our labor. That’s all.
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Winter Wonderland Emerges in Thaba Nchu and Bloemfontein
As the winter chill sets in across South Africa, residents of the Free State have been greeted with a picturesque transformation of their landscape. This week, the province experienced a rare and enchanting snowfall, turning the familiar scenes into a serene winter wonderland.
The snow began to blanket parts of the Free State on Tuesday, with areas such as Ficksburg, Thaba Nchu, and Bloemfontein reporting significant snow. The unexpected weather has brought a mix of joy and challenges to the locals. While the snow provides a scenic backdrop and a reason for excitement, it also poses difficulties for travel and daily activities.
The South African Weather Service had predicted more snowfall on Wednesday morning, indicating that the cold front is not yet ready to retreat. This has been a continuation of the winter ‘wonderland’ that started over the weekend, with the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape also experiencing snow.
The Free State, known for its vast plains and agricultural landscapes, is not a stranger to cold winters, but the snowfall adds a magical touch to the region’s beauty. The snow has not only covered the urban areas but also the rural expanses, providing a rare opportunity for the residents to enjoy snow activities and capture stunning photographs.
The snow report from South Africa suggests that the heavier snowfall is expected to continue, especially in the higher elevation areas. This means that places like Clarens and Fouriesburg might see even more of the white blanket.
While Gautengers may not witness snow this time around, the excitement remains high as the possibility of snow later in the year is still on the radar. Last year’s snowfall in Johannesburg was a memorable event, and residents are hopeful for a repeat.
As the Free State embraces the snow, it serves as a reminder of the diverse and dynamic climate of South Africa. From the warm beaches of the coast to the snowy peaks of the interior, the country offers a bit of everything for everyone.
For now, the residents of the Free State are making the most of this winter surprise, building snowmen and enjoying the chilly but cheerful atmosphere that the snow has brought with it.
While the snowfall is a cause for celebration, it’s essential to remember to stay warm and safe. The South African Weather Service advises residents to prepare for continued cold conditions and potential disruptions due to the snow. It’s a good time to gather around the fireplace, enjoy hot beverages, and share stories – a perfect way to bond with family and friends during this chilly season.
As the snow continues to fall, let’s embrace the beauty and uniqueness of this natural phenomenon, all while looking out for each other and staying snug and secure in the winter’s embrace.
WHO WILL IT BE:
Election Results Rejected Political Parties Cry Foul
The Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) announced the official results of the 2024 national and provincial elections last night, May 3, 2024, declaring the elections “free and fair”
The African National Congress (ANC) lost its majority for the first time since 1994, dropping to 40% of the total vote share.
In a dramatic turn of events, about 20 political parties have rejected the recent election results, citing allegations of fraud, irregularities, and discrepancies. The move has thrown the country into a state of uncertainty, with many questioning the legitimacy of the electoral process.
The opposition parties claim that the election was marred by widespread irregularities, including voter suppression, ballot stuffing, and tampering with election materials. They point to discrepancies in vote tallies, unexplained changes in voter registration, and the mysterious appearance of additional ballots.
MK leader Jacob Zuma said; “We cannot accept the results of an election that was so blatantly rigged,” said the leader of the main opposition party. “The people’s voices were silenced, and democracy was subverted. We demand a thorough investigation and a re-run of the election.” Among other prominent leaders who were focused in disputing the results was the leader of ACT, Ace Magashule. He claimed that he had the evidence and proposed to share it with the media. The opposition has since approached their legal representative to lodge an urgent application with the Electoral Court.
The ruling party, however, has dismissed the allegations, calling them baseless. They claim that the election was free and fair and that the results reflect the will of the people.
The election commission has promised to investigate the allegations, but the process is expected to be lengthy and contentious. As the country waits with bated breath, the political landscape remains tense and uncertain.
The rejection of election results by political parties raises serious questions about the state of democracy and the rule of law. It highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and fairness in the electoral process. The world watches with keen interest as the situation unfolds, hoping for a peaceful and democratic resolution.
The elections were announced to have been free and fair by the IEC, however since there is no party with the outright majority, political parties have already started negotiating on how to form coalitions. The big question however remains; WHO WILL BE THE PRESIDENT OF SOUT AFRICA?
THE PRESIDENT OF THE GOVERNING PARTY IS UNDER FIRE FOR UNDERMINING THE ELECTORAL CODE OF CONDUCT
According to the DA and the EFF President Ramaphosa has abused his office for political gain. This comes after the president’s address on the national broadcaster on Monday 26 May 2024 evening just two days before the national elections on Wednesday 29 May.
The EFF in its statement issued just minutes after the President’s national address, has called for an investigation into what it called a misuse of the SABC by the President’s office and to avoid similar mistakes in the future.
The DA is calling the president to appear before the Electoral Court by accusing him of abuse of his office for political gain on the eve of the elections. DA accuses the president of using the State of National address to campaign for his party the ANC.
In his address, Ramaphosa detailed the progress made during the sixth administration, including the government’s handling of COVID-19, state capture, and gender violence among others. The president talked about the National Health Bill and other bills that have been signed into law such as the National Council on GBV and Femicide Bill and the NPA Amendment Bill. He further talked about the importance of the elections on Wednesday and the security measures that are in place to fight any acts of violence or sabotage during the election.
The DA’s national leader John Steenhuisen decided to take Ramaphosa to task on this by filing an application in the Electoral Court for violating the Electoral Code.
In his statement Steenhuisen, said it was not the first time, Ramaphosa had chosen his corrupt ANC over South Africa. As the president, he should have known better and must be held to account. This type of abuse cannot be allowed.
In a statement, he said the Electoral Code of Conduct, as contained in the Electoral Act, states expressly that no person may abuse a position of power, privilege, or influence, including parental, patriarchal, traditional, or employment authority, to influence the conduct or outcome of an election. He is further accusing Ramaphosa of undermining the country’s constitutional democracy by trying to hold on to power.
Meanwhile, the EFF only made its concerns around the use of the SABC for political gain, the party accused Ramaphosa of hijacking the national broadcaster in order to score political points.
However, the president’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, said the address by the president was not about campaigning for the ANC. The president was being the president of the country and not a party. Magwenya stated that the president was accountable to the nation as the term of the 6th administration had come to an end. The president did not mention the governing party, nor did he criticized other political parties, said Magwenya.
Meeting with PhD and Masters Candidates
On Friday, 05 May 2023 the College held a meeting with College appointed Facilitators and potential candidates for Masters and PhD degrees. The purpose of this meeting was to support Motheo TVET College staff members on their journey towards obtaining their Masters and PhDs degrees. The College has entered a partnership with University of South Africa with the intention to register the said staff members.
During her opening address the College Principal Prof Phutsisi who joined the meeting virtually said her vision is to establish a Technical University where staff members would be adequately qualified as academics in the Technical and Vocational qualifications. This concept emanates from countries such as the United Kingdom, Russia and other related countries, which embrace the concept of a University College or Technical University. “This is a historic moment for us as a College as I celebrate a decade of my appointment as the Principal at this College. Please be committed and sacrifice your time for the benefit of the institution, yourselves and our students,” said Prof Phutsisi.
During her presentation Dr Gaelebale Phukuntsi advised staff members to sacrifice their time in order to obtain their qualifications. “Reading is also important in research proposal and remember that you own that work. This is going to be an independent process and there will be time where it will be interdependent,” said Dr Phukuntsi. She also encouraged staff members not to quit as there will be challenges in life.
During his address Dr Phori, one of the Facilitators, explained that this is going to be a structured program for a period of 24 months. “You will be required to work hard and do your own work. You will be expected to write your titles in 13 to 15 words, and it must give direction. You must make meaning of the data that you have generated. Your research must arouse curiosity and be original,” said Dr Phori.
This commencement project will benefit around 23 staff members, ranging from Curriculum Management to Engineering Related Studies. ETDPSETA funding allocated for staff development at Motheo TVET College will fund this initiative. “We are grateful for the support provided as such”, said Prof Phutsisi. The College Management wished all participants well in their studies.
Safa Mangaung e ile ya tswara dikgau tsa dipapadi
Safa Mangaung e ile ea tshwara mokete wa likhau tsa libapali tsa sehla 2022/2023 holong ya Mahube Tumelo Hamilton Industrial Bloemfontein bekeng e fetileng ka Moqebelo.
Tautona (President) wa Safa Mangaung Lucas Matobako a re ba abela barshamiki ba ba dirileng sentle mo setlheng se se fetileng go rotloetsa ba bangwe go tswelela le bone ba dira ka natla.
A re Mangaung e tletse talente ea bolo mme ho bile thata ho baahloli ho khetha libapali tse tla amohela likhau.
“Re na le litalenta tse ngata libakeng tsa rona mme seo ke motlotlo ka sona ke hore re hlahisitse libapali tse ngata tse hloahloa nakong e fetileng mme re ntse re tsoela pele ho hlahisa tse ding.
Sehla sa 2022/20223 se tsamaile hantle dihlopheng tsohle tsa rona mme re tla tswelapele ho sebetsa ka thata ho netefatsa hore talenta ya ngoana wa moAfrika e ya maemong a holimo,” ho boletse Matobako.
Dikhau di khahliloe ke bahlomphehi ba bangata ho kenyelletsa monga sehlopha sa Bloemfontein Young Tigers Khoarai Khoarai ya boleletseng dibapadi hore bolo ya maoto e tsamaya hammoho le thuto.
“Etsa hore thuto le bolo ya maoto e be ntho e le nngwe feela, o se ke wa shebana le bolo ya maoto feela empa o tobane le thuto hobane ha mosebetsi wa hao o fela o tlameha ho tseba hore o khona ho iphedisa ka ho sebetsa tshimong ya hao kapa kae kapa kae,” ho boletse Khoarai.
O entse mohlala ka dibapadi tse kopantseng thuto le bolo ya maoto ho kenyeletsa le sebapaldi sa mehleng sa Kaizer Chiefs Lehlohonolo Majoro eo le eena a kileng a bapalla Young Tigers.
E mong oa dibapali tse fumaneng Sebapadi se Khabang ka ho Phahama Khanya Selelane ho tswa Mangaung City, o itse khau ena ke khothatso e ntle ho eena mme o tla tswela pele ho sebetsa ka thata.
A re o lebeletse sehla se tlang moo a batlang ho fumana khau enngwe hape.
Baamoheli ba bang ba ileng hae le dikhau ke:
The Best goalkeeper of the season: Thankiso Senthebane (Pro-Mates), Best Defender of the season: Andale Nxokani (United Belgium), Best Midfielder of the Season: Malefane Mathoka (Morojaneng United), Best Striker of the Season: Moseneke Khara ( Junior Birds), Sebapali se Solofetsang sa Sehla: Khanya Selelane (Mangaung City), Sebapali sa Sehla: Thabo Johnie (Pro-Mates) le Mabote Phejane (Pro-Mates) le Mookameli oa tlhōlisano: Laveine Vries (Ocean XV) .
UCaleb Motshabi NC uqaqambile
phezu kwePhoenix NC
IQela lomnyazi likaCaleb Motshabi liqaqambe kwiKlabhu yoMnyazi yasePhoenix kumdlalo wabo weMangaung Netball League obudlalelwa kwibala lebhola yomnyazi eCUT kwimpelaveki ephelileyo.
Amantombazana aphuma kwindawo ye-Batho athathe iintambo kulo mdlalo kuzo zone iikota.
Kwikota yokuqala bayilawule ibhola baphumelela ngo’7-4, kweyesibini iPhoenix ibuye yaphinda yaphumelela ngo’9-7, kwikota yesithathu uCaleb Motshabi uqale okwendlu evutha umlilo waphumelela ngamanqaku alishumi elinanye ngelixa elinye iqela labo lifumene amanqaku amahlanu.
Kwikota yokugqibela baphumelele 7-6, nto leyo eyabanika impumelelo yokugqibela 32-24.
Pro-Mates e hapile Mangaung Regional League
Pro-Mates Football Club ho tswa Botshabelo dikilometara tse seng kae feela ho tloha Bloemfontein e hapile liki ya Setereke ya Mangaung ka mora ho hlola Morojaneng United ho tswa Dewetsdorp 4-1 nakong ya makgaola-kgang a bona a papapading e neng e bapalla Clive Solomon Stadium ka Moqebelo wa la 22 Mmesa.
Hore dihlopha tsena tse pedi di kene makgaolakgang, ho ile ha ba le di karolo tse pedi tsa liki, Pro-Mates e ile ya haha liking ya bona ha Morojaneng le yona e ile ya haha ka moo e neng e bapalla teng.
Pro-Mates e ile ea qala papadi ka lebelo le holimo haholo ya ba hlaba dintlha tse pedi ha Morojaneng yona e ile ea hlaba ntlha e le nngwe mme ya lahlehelwa ke menyetla e mengata ya ho lekanya dintlha pel3 karolo ya pele ya papadi e fela.
Karolong ya bobedi ya papadi, Pro-Mates e ne e kapile malakabe ho hlasela Morojaneng hotswa ka mahlakoreng ohle mme ba ba ba hlaba dintlha tse ding hape tse pedi hore ba hlole papadi ka ntlha tse nne kaofela.
Morojaneng e lekile ka hohle ho hlasela empa Pro-Mates e ne e le matla haholo leboteng le ka morao.
Sephetho sa papadi: Pro-Mates 4-1 Morojaneng United.
Ka ho hlola papadi, Pro-Mates e tla be e emetse Mangaung dipapading tsa di-playoffs tsa profinse moo dihlopha tse pedi tse itlhomphang bakeng sa makgaola-kgang di tlang ho phahamisetswa ho ABC Motsepe League.
Mokwetlisi wa Pro-Mates Mabote Phejane eo hape e leng mokwetlisi wa sehla o itse qetellong tje mosebetsi o boima wa lefa.
A re ba thabetse ho iphumana ba ya di-playoffs mme sepheo le morero wa bona ke ho ipona ba bapala liki ya ABC Motsepe sehleng se tlang.
KFC MINI-CRICKET INTRODUCES COMMUNITY FESTIVALS
C
ricket South Africa (CSA) in partnership with KFC journey back to the grassroots level and bring 2023 KFC Mini-Cricket to local communities around the country.
The duo held the Mini-Cricket Community Festival at Mangaung Outdoor Sports Centre in Rocklands near Bloemfontein last week Friday 24 February.
More than 500 kids from 34 schools attended the festival on the day.
CSA’s Mass Participation Manager, David Mokopanele, said; “KFC Mini-Cricket prides itself with being one of South Africa’s premier development programmes, with an impact that goes beyond the cricket field.
he said over the years the programme has unearthed household professional cricketers and administrators as well as develop astute citizens and ardent cricket fans.
“This year, instead of utilising the main provincial stadia, the festivals will move back to grassroots to community fields with hopes that we reach every child in the country and provide them with the opportunity to play the sport.
We want to elongate our story 40 years on and celebrate the programme whilst we continue to build the stars of tomorrow, Mokopanele said.”
KFC Marketing Manager Brand and Purpose Andra Nel said kids have been watching first-class cricket at its best over the past month, and the festivals allow the professionals and selectors a platform to glance into the future.
“Our community festivals are unique in that the playing field is levelled and our children can play together no matter where they come, and they get a chance to cast aside any challenges they might be facing.
We are proud to be a partner in cricket that affords our youth an opportunity to play the game they love and gives them a chance to dream and achieve goals,” said Nel.
Free State Senior Provincial Coach, Edward Mokoenanyana said this is where it all started for him and he played Mini-Cricket from the age of 6 and that days like today take him back to those fun years.
“It has been a remarkable journey and what started as enjoyment has become my passion, it is awesome to bring a KFC Mini-Cricket festival back to the community as it will attract more interest to the programme,” said Mokoenanyana.
Rafeek Ismail, Free State Cricket Services Manager said, “the programme speaks to our strategic priority of broadening and growing the game and making it accessible to all.
Having the festival in Rocklands was appropriate as there are many talented crickets from this community, and we want more of them to join the programme.”
Ismail added that the Free State provincial cricketers such as the Mokoenanyana brothers, (Johannes, Ernest and Edward), Pedi brothers (Gift and Kagiso), Norman Sefuti, Sylvester Motsamai and CSA Mass Participation Manager , David Makoponele, all played their cricket at the Outdoor centre and hail from this community.
“We also want to use this opportunity to encourage CSA to bring more international teams here, such as the match between the West Indies and Free state played a few years back,” Ismail said.
The ITEC Knights Cricket players Alfred Mothoa and Pite van Biljon spent the day with the kids coaching, motivating, and giving them valuable cricket tips.
Free State Cricket Union Coordinator, Relebohile Ntikane remarked, “Today has been a remarkably memorable one of fun and excitement.
I love the fact that this programme is inclusive with the playing fields levelled allowing kids to learn through sport. Kids can thrive through KFC Mini-Cricket as those that excel can be incorporated into the CSA hubs and eventually get bursaries to study, no matter what their background.
Caption: Alfred Mothoa of the ITEC Knights during the KFC Mini-Cricket Community Festival at Mangaung Outdoor Sports Centre in Bloemfontein
PROVINCIAL POLICE
AWARDED
The Free State Provincial Police stall at the BloemShow awarded a golden award for being the best exhibitor on Tuesday.
The trophy was proudly received by Brigadier Motantsi Makhele and Col Mamikie Moeketsi.
Makhele applauded the members on behalf of the Provincial Commissioner Lt-Gen Baile Motswenyane.
He encouraged the police to keep on shining and continue doing their best on the coming events by remaining professional.
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