FREE STATE NEWS December 7 2012 sample stories

This web page(s) regularly focuses on the leading Free State (South Africa) newspaper – Free State News – the first regular newspaper to be orchestrated fully by black people in the Free State province. The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Regular items like “Feature of the week” have appeared here over the years.


Free State News crew


Publisher

Moses Vinger

Confidential Secretary/Manager

Maki Mohapi aka “Madam Maki” “H.C”

Editor

Kaya M

News Editor

Omoseye Bolaji

Contributors

Nthabiseng Lisele

Dineo Mokgosi

Raselebeli Khotseng

Lay-out artist

Tumisang Takang

Contact number:

051 447 1655

Museum Celebrates Life and Times of Gilbert Modise

By Dineo Mokgosi

The National Afrikaans Literary Museum and Research Centre (NALN) will be hosting a celebration of the life and times of deceased Free State poet and mbongi, Gilbert Modise today (Friday, December 07.)

“The objective is to honour Modise as a poet, mbongi and a sangoma. His life will be celebrated in the context of the 100 years of the ANC because he was born and bred in Mangaung,” said Mpikeleni Duma, veteran journalist, activist and essayist.

Modise was born in 1964 in Batho Location in the Free State. He obtained his secondary education at Sehunelo High School in Bloemfontein and thereafter educated himself further by reading widely and imaginatively. He went on to become one of the most celebrated black cultural activists in the Free State- an author, poet, general innovator, musician, playwright and literary activist. He has also published novels in Setswana.

During his life time, his house in Mangaung became a pilgrimage of sorts for writers and cultural artists. His most impressive published work, an anthology of powerful poetry, was called “An Eyesore”

The event will take place at NALN Museum in Bloemfontein at 13h00 in the afternoon. Interested persons can contact Charmaine on 071 5573 231 to get more information.


The unsung literary hero (George Rampai)

By Raselebeli Khotseng

Those in the literary fraternity are already calling him the “unsung literary hero” of the Free State – but George Rampai from Ladybrand prefers to remain in the background.

Rampai was named “Author of the Year” at the recent Mbali Literary Awards that took place in Clocolan. This was on the strength of his novel titled From where I stand which was published this year.

“I have loved literature all my life,” George told Free State News. “I was so delighted when I won that award. My novel – From where I stand – I worked on for many, many years till it came out in its present format. I am happy so many positive reviews of the book have been written,”

Indeed, the literary world has appreciated Rampai’s novel. Impressive reviews and criticisms continue to be churned out. Rampai says: “It is a great pleasure for me when I Google myself and see all the excellent articles on my book. This encourages me to write even better and with more focus,”

George Rampai is a shining example of the great talent that exists in the smaller towns of South Africa. He says: “I have always been involved in creative writing at the grassroots level and I know there is a lot of talent out there. I am happy to be a role model for many. Great writers like Omoseye Bolaji and Pule Lechesa have encouraged me along the line,”

With a grin, Rampai adds: “It’s been a successful year. I intend to enjoy the festive season in great fashion!”


FS SAPS WELCOMES NEW POLICE OFFICIALS

By Nthabiseng Lisele

More than two hundred police trainees from different Police Academies have been welcomed at Thabong. The formal welcoming took place at Thabong SAPS Academy on Wednesday 28 November 2012.



Thabong and Kroonstad Cluster Commanders General Lerato Molale and Brigadier Appaphia Modise were among Station Commanders and Field Training Officers who welcomed the trainees. Free State Provincial Head of Field Training Development, Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Erasmus and Thabong SAPS Academy Commander Colonel Linkie Masilela were also present at the ceremony.



The trainees will perform their field training programme at their different stations at six clusters namely Thabong, Welkom, Bultfontein, Tumahole, Kroonstad as well as Zamdela.



When welcoming the trainees, Kroonstad Cluster Commander Brigadier Appaphia Modise encouraged the trainees to go and serve their communities with respect and discipline as they were taught at the Police Academies.



“Each one of you must know and understand that you are the ambassadors of the South African Police organisation. You must not misuse your powers and ill-treat the community members out there”, said Brig Modise.



Major General Molale illustrated a short history of policing and explained the circumstances that led to the establishment of policing in South Africa. He also emphasized the issue of discipline to the trainees and all members who were present at the ceremony.



“If you have joined the police with the intention of getting rich by robbing members of the community, please be informed that you have followed the wrong career and your destiny to jail is very short because you will be locked up in jail sooner that you can think. This organisation has no place for corrupt police officials”, said Major General Molale.

FREE STATE NEWS NOVEMBER 23 sample stories

This web page(s) regularly focuses on the leading Free State (South Africa) newspaper – Free State News – the first regular newspaper to be orchestrated fully by black people in the Free State province. The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Regular items like “Feature of the week” have appeared here over the years.

Free State News crew

Publisher

Moses Vinger

Confidential Secretary/Manager

Maki Mohapi aka “Madam Maki” “H.C”


Editor

Kaya M

News Editor

Omoseye Bolaji

Contributors

Nthabiseng Lisele

Dineo Mokgosi

Raselebeli Khotseng


Lay-out artist

Tumisang Takang

Contact number:

051 447 1655

FSNEWS shines at Mbali Awards

By Nthabiseng Lisele

It was a night of triumph for Free State news at the Mbali Literary Awards at the weekend as both Omoseye Bolaji (Free State News news editor) and Kgang Abel Motheane (Free State News long-standing columnist) garnered major awards.

Out of the four awards dished out, Bolaji was rewarded with a special Lifetime Achievement Award, whilst Motheane was named winner of Commentator/Writer on Literature category. The glittering ceremony took place at Batho Centre in Clocolan.

Here are the Citations on the two winners:

“Mbali Awards Committee is also happy to announce that we decided to bestow a special Lifetime Achievement award on Mr Omoseye Bolaji this year. Here is a man who has seen it all and done it all. Mr Bolaji is truly a great African writer. Not only because he has ublished some 30 books of various genre. Not only because multiple critical books have been published on him; not to talk of countless essays published around the world on his literary work; and never mind his many awards.

"But also mainly because he has dedicated his life selflessly to promoting quintessential literature, inspiring, spreading pertinent literary information and knowledge in excellent fashion whilst somewhat seemingly lurking in the background most of the time. He remains the key, pivotal protagonist in respect of our literature.”

“The award for commentator on literature was also a simple choice. It goes to Ntate Kgang Abel Motheane for his Bookshelf column. It is a superb, concise, informative column which comes out every week.

"This year alone, the column has published excellent appraisals on writers like Leseli Mokhele, Gomolemo Mokae, George Rampai, Job Mzamo etc; why, even the late illustrious Gore Vidal (American) was featured in the column! It is no surprise that a large number of these excellent write-ups have found themselves on the internet for the world to read”

Other winners:

George Rampai – Winner, Author of the Year

Ishmael Mzwandile Soqaga – Winner, Promising newcomer of the year

Above photo: Ishmael Soqaga with his Certificate.

Another land invasion by community

By Dineo Mokgosi

With the Gauteng government’s recent demolitions of houses built on illegally purchased land, the municipality of Maluti-a-Phofung in the Free State province is warning the residents of Bluegumbusch 199 farm to vacate the area or face eviction by court order.

“Occupation of this area is illegal and unlawful as has been confirmed by a High Court Order issued and made available to the illegal occupants in July 2012. The municipality wants to alert the illegal occupants that by staying on this land, they run the risk of being evicted as ordered by the High Court, and losing some if not all of their assets on the premises. Entrance to this area is trespassing, which can be criminally prosecuted,” the municipality said.

Land grabs have become a common site in the country with many blaming the slow progress of government in processing land claims. Critics have also put the blame on government’s policy of willing buy-willing seller saying that land owners can choose not to sell the land.

The Bluegumbusch farm is situated on the south side of the University of the Free State, Qwa Qwa campus. The area is commonly known as Bokamoso.

“There are people who are already erecting permanent structures on this land, and they are warned that nobody will take responsibility of their financial losses as a result of eviction, as ordered by the High Court of South Africa,” the municipality said.

The municipality has advertised serviced sites for sale in Phuthaditjhaba Extension 10, to make provision for those people who are in need of sites to buy and are willing to move there to avoid being evicted.

The municipality has called on all people who need residential sites to apply at the municipal offices to be awarded sites in the proclaimed and serviced areas. Residents can approach the municipality for the available sites from now up until the end of December 2012. Set criteria will be used by the municipality for the allocation of sites.

SPORT

Bloem Celtic saunter into Telkom KO Final!

By Mahlomola Moshe

Bloemfontein Celtic in the final of a major cup! It seems almost surreal to long-suffering proliferating fans. Yet that is the reality, after a resilient display against Free State stars in the semi final.

The city of roses’ darling club booked a place in the final of the Telkom Knockout with a dramatic 3-2 victory over derby rivals Free State Stars at the

Charles Mopeli Stadium at the weekend.



In a five-goal thriller that went to extra time, Phunya Sele Sele were twice pegged back by Ea Lla Koto’s Togolese attacker Dove Wome before netting the decisive goal through Botswana winger Joel Mogorosi.



Celtic should have opened the scoring as early as the third minute when Lyle Lakay whipped in a great cross from a free kick that found the head of Thabo Nthethe, but the Bafana Bafana defender put his effort wide of goal.



Two minutes later Stars striker Moeketsi Mvula tested goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb with a well-struck drive from a tight angle. It was to be the first of several good saves from the Cameroonian between the away team’s posts.



Ea Lla Koto were mere inches away from a goal in the eighth minute when Dove Wome fired a free kick into the danger area that was touched on by Sadate Ouro-Akoriko, with the ball striking the upright.



Stars played with a strong breeze at their back in the first half and made good use of it to stretch Celtic’s defence, while also never being shy of shooting from long range, but they were unable to get the better of Tignyemb.

And the celebrations are still spilling over….

Free State News November 9 2012 samples

This web page(s) regularly focuses on the leading Free State (South Africa) newspaper – Free State News – the first regular newspaper to be orchestrated fully by black people in the Free State province. The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Regular items like “Feature of the week” have appeared here over the years.

Free State News crew

Publisher

Moses Vinger

Confidential Secretary/Manager

Maki Mohapi aka “Madam Maki” “H.C”

Editor

Kaya M

News Editor

Omoseye Bolaji

Contributors

Nthabiseng Lisele
Dineo Mokgosi
Raselebeli Khotseng

Columnist (Feminine Flutters)

Regomoditswe Motsalane

Lay-out artist

Tumisang Takang

Contact number:

051 447 1655

9-YEAR-OLD CHESS PRODIGY!

By Nthabiseng Lisele

He’s still very young, but his mind is impeccably sharp and ready to beat his folks in chess. His personal bedroom is bedecked with certificates, medals and trophies garnered thanks to chess championships.

Itumeleng Leeuw is only 9 years- old but brilliant in chess; even his father Edwin Leeuw confirmed to Free State News this week that his boy is good at what he does.

Itumeleng has won about 15 chess competitions around the Free State. He has 15 certificates of chess championship, 2 medals and a trophy. He has won most of these competitions at the provincial and national level.

Itumeleng told Free State News that he started picking up notes and rules for chess at the age of 7 years when he was doing grade 1. He’s now in grade 3 at Kruitberg primary school in Bloemfontein.

According to Itumeleng, he got inspired to play chess from his uncle who usually played outside their house with friends. “He showed me some tactics and the rest of training I got from school.”

Itumeleng’s proud parents said that they support their boy all the way as they see good results of this game to their son even academically.

“We are proud of the sport our boy has chosen at school and we support him. We have realized that this sport can take him places as young as he is and we are especially happy that it plays a big role in his education”, said his mother, Connie Leeuw.

When Free State News interviewed the young, intelligent and brave Itumeleng, about education he gets from playing chess, he said: “I don’t only enjoy playing chess but I learn academically from the game”.

Itumeleng said that chess game helps him a lot with his Mathematics at school and currently he’s doing very well in the subjects. This young boy has academically achieved about 5 certificates in Mathematics for being one of the best achievers in the subjects.

“Chess really helps me a lot to be the best in Maths in my class and that’s one of my advices to my fellow schools mates who think Maths is too difficult for them”, said Itumeleng.

Itumeleng also vouchsafed that when he finishes his matric he wishes to study Electrical Engineering, Information Technology or Accounting because he’s the best in Mathematics.

Itumeleng is going to Cape Town on the 14 December this year as he’s one of the competitors for 2012 South African Chess Championship.

His parents need sponsorship for their son and for his chess team mates of about 13 pupils. They mostly need assistance in accommodation, refreshments, chess uniform and transport and they will spend 4 days in Cape Town.

If you are willing to give any assistance you can call the Free State News offices to pledge or sponsor this chess champions.

City of Roses hosts mammoth literary occasion

By Raselebeli Khotseng

The International African Writers Conference kicked off this week with focus concentrated on the University of the Free State which was the venue of the pivotal events. An incredibly large number of distinguished arts and culture exponents were present at the occasion.

Dignitaries included the national Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Dr Joe Phaahla, Prof Keorapetse Kgotsile the superb poet, Lebo Mashile, a celebrated female poet, Dr Osinubi who was the keynote speaker, Tinah Mnumzana well known actress and writer; Prof Andries Oliphant the academic; Oswald Mtshali the long-standing poet and activist; and Elinor Sisulu the brilliant biographer and writer; and of course Nadine Gordimer the outstanding Nobel Laureate for literature.

Wordsmiths from the Free State who from the early stage contributed to the proceedings included Nthabiseng Jah Rose Jafta, Charmaine Mrwebi, Icebound Makhele, Raselebeli Khotseng, and Alinah Morake.

Mr Khotseng, a poet, held sway over a large group of youngsters from Legae Primary School (from Phahameng in Mangaung). He highlighted the importance of libraries and literacy in general to the kids. He also encouraged the young ones to relish poetry and general reading; using personal examples as illustration.

Charmaine Mrwebi from the Bloemfontein Public Library was in her element as she introduced many literary works to the children; she utilized her experience as a librarian to point out how important it is for the young ones to start reading creatively from their infancy.

On her own part, Tinah Mnumzana talked about the age-old art of story-telling to the young. She emphasized how the world of animals can be woven into such stories in a fascinating manner to grip the attention of the very young ones.

The event culminates tomorrow in the South African Literary awards which would be graced by the great African writer, Prof Chinua Achebe.

SPORT:

Mangaung Rugby Club Annual General Meeting

By Mahlomola Moshe

The Mangaung Rugby Club held its annual general meeting on 01 November 2012 at the Mangaung Outdoor Centre in Bloemfontein. The meeting which was attended by players of the team was a platform to give the team and management the opportunity to come up with new plans to help the club and also strengthen their management which was a problem for the club.

The main business of the annual meeting was to elect the Office and also to give awards to the players that have played vital role to ensure that Mangaung became a better side during their league campaign this year. The meeting which was conducted by Manager of Development from Free Sate Rugby Union, Mr Dick pointed out the current situation that confronted the club.

According to him, the status of Mangaung Rugby Club was not in good shape which forced them to come to the decision of placing the club under administration. Dick stated that the club’s entire resources come directly from the union, due to bad management.

He elaborated that due to the fact that the club was placed under administration, there were no minutes, annual and financial reports. As the result of the status the club, the new Office bearers were nominated and elected. They included Chairperson James Letuka, deputy chairperson Mpho Ditedu, Secretary Jerry Maele, and additional member Tsikane Litsoane.

The new chairperson, James Lutuka stated that their plan is to place Mangaung rugby club on the map by creating a strong side that will compete, and distinguish itself next year. He thanked people that entrusted them into the leadership. “We shall ensure that Mangaung will never be placed under administration again” he promised.

The meeting adopted the motion that the awards should be postponed to the next meeting.

Free State News November 2 samples

Free State News November 2 samples

This web page(s) regularly focuses on the leading Free State (South Africa) newspaper – Free State News – the first regular newspaper to be orchestrated fully by black people in the Free State province. The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Regular items like “Feature of the week” have appeared here over the years.

Free State News crew

Publisher

Moses Vinger

Confidential Secretary/Manager

Maki Mohapi aka “Madam Maki” “H.C”

Editor

Kaya M

News Editor

Omoseye Bolaji

Contributors

Nthabiseng Lisele

Dineo Mokgosi

Raselebeli Khotseng

Columnist (Feminine Flutters)
Regomoditswe Motsalane

Lay-out artist

Tumisang Takang

Contact number:

051 447 1655 051 447 1655


FS YOUTH FRUITFULLY ENGAGE WITH MAGASHULE

By Nthabiseng Lisele

The Premier of the Free State Ace Magashule hosted a Provincial Youth Indaba facilitating a two day conference at Phillip Sanders Resort and Conference Centre in Bloemfontein.

According to Magashule, this is part of the effort by the Free State Provincial Government to advance sustainable youth development as recognition that the youth are the oyster of their common and sustainable future.

This conference is called Youth Indaba and their theme is: “Advance Youth Development: Working Together To Eradicate Poverty, Inequality and Unemployment”.

Premier Magashule said that the Provincial Government will be convening a Free State Youth Indaba where the government will create an opportunity to interact with all youth on matters relating to empowerment and development.

Premier’s office said that since the State of the Province Address earlier this year, the Youth Affairs Unit in the Office of the Premier has been hard at work to develop an all-inclusive database of youth organisations, businesses, identification of youth cooperatives, as well as group and individual initiatives and excellence.

“This has been with a view to widen and broaden youth participation and activism in all spheres of life such as Education, Business, and the wider spectrum of Entrepreneurship”, premier’s office stated.

Premier Magashule further has earlier this year outlined various interventions that were showcased by the Provincial Government since 2009 that were meant to advance youth development like such as Provision of Bursaries to more than 4000 young people since 2009.

Provision of support to Provincial Government Bursary Holders through mentorship by Skills Development Officers and dedicated annual visits by Premier and Members of the Executive Council to all Institutions of Higher Learning were also showcased.

Magashule also created opportunities for Provincial Government Bursary Holders to be employed in the private sector whilst absorbing more than 200 of these in the various provincial government departments

According to the premier all these initiatives are an indication of the commitment of the Free State Provincial Government in implementing a sustainable programme to advance sustainable youth development.

“This programmatic approach is unleashed to secure a sustainable future and a meaningful role and beneficiation of our youth in the current socio-economic and political environment”, Magashule indicated.

Premier Magashule said that this is not enough as this government must and should do more to ensure that they build a future that is secure for the youth.

“The Youth Indaba is indeed a decisive step towards ensuring that the youth take their rightful place in determining their future and destiny”, he said.

The Provincial Youth Indaba is expecting more than 400 young people across the province that has responded to the invitation.



SAHRC CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION

By Thapelo Molebatsi

Northern Cape - The alleged beating to death of a man in police custody in the Northern Cape must be investigated, the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) said this week.

“The commission is currently in a process of further investigating this matter after a complaint was laid with our provincial office by the family of the deceased,” the SAHRC said in a statement.

The man was allegedly assaulted on October 6, while he was an awaiting trial prisoner being held at the Rosedale police station, in Upington.

Preliminary reports showed that he died of bleeding on the brain, a fractured skull and aspiration, the SAHRC said.

“The commission is also worried about reports of similar cases implicating the police from the same station in instances of brutality against suspects in lawful custody.”

The commission said it had scheduled a meeting with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate and would ask what action would be taken to deal with the allegations of brutality.

“The death or assault of anybody in the custody of the police is a matter that deserves full investigation,” it said.

SPORT:

Telkom KO Humdinger for Bloemfontein Celtic

...meet Orlando Pirates this weekend



By Mahlomola Moshe

The quarterfinals of the 2012 Telkom Knockout will get underway today `with a clash between Maritzburg United and SuperSport United at Harry Gwala Stadium.

The last fixture of the last eight round takes place on Sunday, November 4, at the Free State Stadium where Bloemfontein Celtic face the daunting task of overcoming defending champions, Orlando Pirates, who were clinical in their 2-0 away win over Black Leopards in the

round of 16.



Siwelele were equally impressive when they came back from a goal down

to win 2-1 against a determined Chippa United side at Philippi. Clint

Larsen will hope to make it two out of two against the Sea Robbers,

having already beaten them in the league this season.



Back to the first game today (Nov 2), Maritzburg are nicknamed, have done well so far and will look to continue with their impressive form when Gavin Hunt’s charges come to Maritzburg.



Matsatsantsa on the other hand will play their second away match in

this year’s TKO tournament and a fight against Ernst Middendorp’s much

improved side will provide a stern test for the Pretoria based outfit.



The second encounter of the last eight will take place tomorrow (Saturday,

November 3), where Mamelodi Sundowns will travel to KwaZulu Natal to

face AmaZulu at the King Zwelithini Stadium. Kick-off for that match

will be 3pm.



Both sides have been struggling in the league this season and a win

for either side will go a long a way in changing the mindset among the

players fighting to prove their worth in these trying times.



On the same day, Bidvest Wits will welcome Free State Stars at the

Bidvest Stadium, kickoff 8pm. The Students overcame a resilient Kaizer

Chiefs side 3-2 in the opening round to get to this stage, while Ea

Lla Koto were impressive in their 3-1 demolition on Golden Arrows.


Full fixtures



Friday, 2 November 2012

Maritzburg United vs SuperSport United- Harry Gwala Stadium, 8pm


Saturday, 3 November 2012


AmaZulu vs Mamelodi Sundowns- King Zwelithini Stadium, 3pm

Bidvest Wits vs Free State Stars- Bidvest Stadium, 8:15pm

Sunday, 4 November 2012



Bloemfontein Celtic vs Orlando Pirates- Free State Stadium, 3pm

FREE STATE NEWS October 19 2012 samples

Free State News October 19 samples

This web page(s) regularly focuses on the leading Free State (South Africa) newspaper – Free State News – the first regular newspaper to be orchestrated fully by black people in the Free State province. The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Regular items like “Feature of the week” have appeared here over the years.


Free State News crew

Publisher

Moses Vinger

Confidential Secretary/Manager

Maki Mohapi aka “Madam Maki” “H.C”

Receptionist

Thobeka Funani

Editor

Kaya M

News Editor

Omoseye Bolaji

Contributors

Nthabiseng Lisele
Dineo Mokgosi
Raselebeli Khotseng

Columnist (Feminine Flutters)

Regomoditswe Motsalane (below)

Lay-out artist

Tumisang Takang


Contact number:


051 447 1655 051 447 1655

KOMPHELA REVEALS CRIME STATS

By Nthabiseng Lisele

The Mec for police, roads and transport Butana Komphela released the provincial crime statistics for the period of 1 April to 31 March this year.

“This is a duty that must be understood by society as a reflection o the work done in the fight crime”, said Komphela.

Komphela said that, “the crime stat that we are sharing with the province indicates a mixed bag with marginal downward trends in some of the crime categories. We will continue to draw from the lesson and replicate in other areas”.

Numbers shows that for the 2011/12 financial year, the sexual offences ratio increased by 1, 8% and as for rape it increased by 2, 5%.

“We need to emphasize that as government we are still concerned about the scourge of rape in our province”, said Mec Komphela.

Komphela admitted that this one of challenging for police to police. He said that it is also influenced by a reporting behavior, if victims trust the police then they will get more reporting.

“So the issue of under-reporting remains a challenge and not just in the Free State but also in South Africa and internationally”, said Komphela.

For 2011/12 financial year only, car hijacking increased by 20, 9%, cash-in-transit decreased by33, 3%, as for the bank robberies there was a stable reports with no increase or decrease reported.

There was also increase in crime regarding house robberies by 4, 0% and business robberies increased by 8, 0%.

Komphela indicated that most crime takes place within communities and many members of the public are aware.

“As such the public is encouraged to be whistle-blowers against crime and report crime at all times”, he said.

He further said that communities must resist from creating a market for stolen goods including CDs and DVDs by not buying stolen items and participate in neighbourhood safety forums.

The illegal possession of firearms ratio decreased by 1, 5% while ATM bombings decreased by 26, 6% from 15 cases to 11 cases.

“For at least the past four financial years the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition case remained absolutely constant however we still remain concerned and we shall be rolling out various campaigns to address this challenge”, said Mec Komphela.


Arts and Crafts feast at Macufe

By Dineo Mokgosi

Accomplished deaf artist, sports coach and arts teacher at Bartimea School for the Deaf and Blind in Thaba Nchu, Simon Ndaba exhibited his artworks at the 15th annual Macufe arts and crafts exhibition in Bloemfontein.

Ndaba who has exhibited and sold his art pieces at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival, showcased two of his most prized pieces at this year’s Macufe. He exhibited a painting called Mask and Women Dance valued at a whopping R5 000 and a Mahatma Gandhi portrait valued at over R3 000.

Other exhibitors on the day included Thaba Blinds from Phuthaditjhaba in the Eastern Free State. Thaba Blinds are manufactures of unique African range of natural grass products. Their collection of blinds is well known in both South Africa and international décor. This proudly South African product is suitable for a whole range of environments and offers a natural aesthetically pleasing alternative to providing privacy and light diffusion in the home.

The Thaba Blinds cooperative is situated about 50 km outside of Harrismith in Phuthaditjhaba. The local community joined forces with the Department of Social Development and the Department of Arts and Culture to establish the Phuthaditjhaba Grass Weaving Factory Trust that has been providing the area with a highly successful and sustainable job creation and empowerment project, benefiting hundreds.

One of the benefactors of the project is Mamoya Mofokeng from QwaQwa. She is one of the women involved in crafting the products.

“I really enjoy this job. It has benefited our community a lot. We are now able to feed our families from the money that we receive,” said Mofokeng.

Mofokeng said they provide a full service to their customers. They take all measurements in the house and windows, and deliver your products via courier.

Thaba Blinds’s other products include African pots, baskets, ceiling finishes, bags, wall and floor, wine bottle covers and table mats which are valued at R30 each, small décor hats go for R5 and blinds are valued at R50 each.

THE BOOKSHELF (Column) With K A Motheane

Illuminating wordfest!!

It’s been exciting times for FS literature again, as the government – via Dept for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation put together a three day superb Wordfest; as part of the just concluded Macufe.

A wide range of speakers turned up and delivered speeches on many aspects of writing, publishing, marketing etc. There was especial focus on Sesotho literature from the very beginning and current trends and developments.

Speakers included the likes of Mongane Wally Serote, Simphiwo Mahala, Flaxman Qoopane, KPD Maphalla, Pule Lechesa and many others. It was an artistic and dramatic occasioned characterized by cultural dances, songs and open mike sessions where stakeholders joined in the fun.

The MEC for Sport, Arts Culture and Recreation Dan Kgothule who basked in the occasion also delivered key address where he pointed out the vital significance of writing, especially in the mother tongue. He was on hand to advise younger writers against certain temptations

Mr Qoopane delivered an excellent address on the fusion of journalistic and fictional aspects of writing. Using eclectic examples from around the world including Eurocentric and African wordsmiths he painted a vivid picture to the audience.

Mr Pule Lechesa also held forth on Sesotho writing over the years especially as regards the importance of the mother tongue. He also elaborated on other aspects of writing like self-publishing, rejection by publishers and their readers – in sum he took the floor and fielded many questions with some expertise

PIX: Free State News' Raselebeli Magic Khotseng and O Bolaji at the wordfest

Free State News October 5 2012 samples

This web page(s) regularly focuses on the leading Free State (South Africa) newspaper – Free State News – the first regular newspaper to be orchestrated fully by black people in the Free State province. The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Regular items like “Feature of the week” have appeared here over the years.


Free State News crew

Publisher

Moses Vinger

Confidential Secretary/Manager

Maki Mohapi aka “Madam Maki” “H.C”

Receptionist

Thobeka Funani

Editor

Kaya M

News Editor

Omoseye Bolaji

Contributors

Nthabiseng Lisele

Dineo Mokgosi

Lay-out artist

Tumisang Takang

Contact number:

051 447 1655 051 447 1655


Correctional Services week commemorated

By Dineo Mokgosi

The Department of Correctional Services in the Free State and Northern Cape region embarked on a corrections week which began on September 24th to September 30th in an effort to showcase pockets of excellence throughout the correctional centres at the department.

During the week, the department sought to inform and educate the public about the achievements in the delivery of corrections, rehabilitations and reintegration of offenders into the society, ensuring a safer and more secure country.

Regional Commissioner, Subashni Moodley said they were only following the mandate of the minister of correctional services, Sbu Ndebele when he said “correctional centres must not be places for locking people up and throwing away the key, not letting offenders rot in cells, but where offenders have to face up to what they have done to victims, engage with restorative justice processes, complete corrections and development programmes and become involved in production workshops and return to the community with skills,” Commissioner Moodley said.

The commissioner said correctional services are the last hope for victims of crime and for many of the individuals sentenced for crime.

“All offenders except for lifers who are considered inappropriate for parole, return to society at the end of the sentence. It is the responsibility of us all to ensure that they are in the best state to be constructive members of society upon their release. Corrections is a societal responsibility in partnership with each other and with the department, we can help reduce the levels of crime in our country,” the commissioner said.

Corrections week was commemorated to create awareness among communities and different stakeholders to take responsibility for correcting offending behavior through foundation units in the family.

Activities in the corrections week included restorative justice processes at the Colesburg centre where there were interactions with victims of crime and awareness on victim participation in parole hearings. There was also a public awareness day in Upington where different regions embarked on a public awareness drive targeting masses as busy intersections, taxi ranks and busy routes to distribute educational information packs about correctional services. Kroonstad correctional centre had an offender family day to encourage family members to visit their offenders in the correctional centre.



FS ROAD ACCIDENT FUND MEET THEIR CLIENTS

By Nthabiseng Lisele

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) dedicated a day to every resident who has been affected by death and injuries from the everyday road accidents. They organized a campaign where people where informed more about the procedures of RAF.

According to the Road Accident Fund (RAF), 2012 has been declared as “The Year of the Customer” which implies that the RAF will be embarking on various initiatives to take their service offering to their customers.

The department such as marketing, communications including stakeholder relations was in collaboration with RAF’s provincial offices, regions and customer services network in the Free State. This special event took place at Batho Township in Mangaung.

The communication manager Jacquie Sobantu indicated that, “In our endeavour to meet the faces behind our files, as well as those families who have been affected by motor vehicle accidents, the RAF hosted this massive community outreach campaign for you”.

The Free State News did learn that the mandate of the RAF is to assist the residents with the status of claims, making settlement offers, to issue medical undertakings certificates and invite eligible community members to lodge claims directly with the RAF.

This campaign amongst other things helped the RAF management to also educate residents of the Free State province, community members of Batho Township and the society at large including the surrounding communities about the RAF.

“The aim of this campaign is to bridge the gap between the RAF and our customers in order to improve service delivery and meet the RAF’s overall strategic objectives”, said Jacquie.

The RAF management also added that this campaign is being rolled out nationally and the visit to Bloemfontein, Batho Township was their 9th lap of the highly successful ‘RAF on the Road’ community outreach, since beginning of the year.



Illuminating Seminar in Mangaung

By Raselebeli Khotseng

The community hall teemed with diverse activities as the World Bible School from America orchestrated proceedings.

The resonant theme at the occasion on the day was – “The word of God must be known to the people, the word says we must trust in god” Indeed, many people here warmed to this theme, as Free State News gathered.

Eddie Mogopodi excelled at the occasion. The main speaker, Mr Mabena, extolled the virtues of the World Bible school. “One nation, one God!” He pointed out that people should join the school, as the courses were not only free, but also illuminating.

“The school is very important for all communities around the world,” he said. A wide medley of people, including officials, the community at large, the Grootvlei choir, basked at the seminar.

It was a majestic day that witnessed fine speeches, moving prayers, and responses from stake holders. The way forward was suggested by many, with the society at large expected to move forward.

Others called for the positive transformation of the people, more especially the prisoners from Grootvlei. Sipho, who works at Gospel Chariot Mission touched on the significance of the bible, and community libraries.

“The Lord is surely coming soon,” he said. Also in attendance was Ntate Kgang Abel Motheane, the well known, prolific, versatile writer and columnist

Free State News September 21 2012 samples

This web page(s) regularly focuses on the leading Free State (South Africa) newspaper – Free State News – the first regular newspaper to be orchestrated fully by black people in the Free State province. The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Regular items like “Feature of the week” have appeared here over the years.


Free State News crew

Publisher

Moses Vinger

Confidential Secretary/Manager

Maki Mohapi aka “Madam Maki” “H.C”

Receptionist

Thobeka Funani

Editor

Kaya M


News Editor

Omoseye Bolaji

Contributors

Nthabiseng Lisele
Dineo Mokgosi



Lay-out artist

Tumisang Takang

Contact number:

051 447 1655 051 447 1655



Grey College dominates quiz competition

By Dineo Mokgosi

Grey College came out on top at the Free State provincial quiz competition winning a total of five awards on Friday, September 14 at the Motheo Education Resource Centre in Bloemfontein.

The school came in number one in English (home language) and third in English (second language). They also achieved first position in Mathematics and second position in Natural Science.

Relebohile Tsoai, 11, a grade 6 pupil at Grey College said he was happy to be part of the winning team.

“I am very happy with our performance. I think we did very well. Some of the questions were very difficult but we managed,” Tsoai said.

More than 700 learners from across the Free State province converged at the Motheo Education Resource Centre in Bayswater to take part in provincial quiz competition. The learners from Grade 4-9 wrote quizzes in Mathematics, Natural Science, Economics and Management Sciences (EMS), Technology, Social Sciences and Arts and Culture.

Not all schools were as lucky as Grey College though, Tlhabaki Intermediate School from Sediba Trust in Thaba Nchu only made it to the third round of the quiz competition on Friday. They scored a total of 14 out of 25 in EMS which was not enough to see them through to the next round.

“It was our first time taking part in this competition and I am very happy with the outcome. Before this competition, we came first in EMS at cluster level and second in district level. My children did well today. I didn’t even expect them to go so far as this is only their first time. This will motivate them to work harder next time,” Mathematics and EMS teacher at Tlhabaki Intermediate, Sam Abeoagye said.

Abeoagye said they’ve always had quizzes at their school however the provincial competition is on a different level than what they are used to.

Reabetswe Leepile, 15, a grade 9 pupil from Tlhabaki Intermediate said that in retrospect the tests were not that difficult but due to the lack of resources at their school, they found themselves lacking certain information to fully tackle the quizzes.

Shadrack Phele, Director Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges in the Free State said that the quizzes are an opportunity to develop the full potential of learners in specific subjects, foster good and improved performance, and promote the culture of learning as well as to prepare learners for the Annual Assessments in languages and mathematics.

MBALI LITERARY AWARDS

By Nthabiseng Lisele

Mbali Press Literacy Assn has confirmed that the inaugural Mbali Literary Awards will commence this year. The award would initially be restricted to the Free State.

Mbali Press is an internationally respected publishing firm which inter alia churns out quality books in both South Africa and Lesotho, books which are distributed globally. This year the firm has published a number of top quality works.

Papa Kimenyo of Mbali told Free State News this week that the firm has always intended to orchestrate such awards. “In more advanced countries there are countless awards for writers to give them a boost, to encourage them to enhance their work. Whilst it is true that relatively we have few creative writers here, we should acknowledge and honour the outstanding ones”.

Free State News learnt that this inaugural award will honour writers who have distinguished themselves this current year (2012).

Kimenyo said: “A number of books have been published this year, and they are being considered. We are also excited that we’ll also be honouring other writers who are not necessarily authors of books, but who have contributed to pure literature (this year) by way of their critical articles or reviews, columns or blogs”.

Already, Free State writers are excited about the awards. “Yes, it is a good idea. It’s about celebrating literacy and literature, showing writers that their efforts are at least appreciated”, frontline poet Lebohang Thasi said.

Kimenyo also said that the awards are scheduled for November this year, also disclosed some other details pertaining to pertinent categories and those short-listed thus far.

SHORT-LISTED FOR AWARDS…

Book of the year category:

Free State of mind (by Jah Rose Jafta, Rita Chihawa)

From where I stand (by George Rampai)

Landscape from within (by Seipati Thomas).

Writers/Commentators on Literature category:

Paul Lothane

Kgang Abel Motheane (The Bookshelf column)

Tiisetso Thiba.

Promising newcomer of the year category:

Sam Mothupi

Mayibongwe Mpanda

Ishmael Soqaga.


SPORT:


Proud champions of Engen!

By Mahlomola Moshe

The Engen soccer knockout challenge 2012 attracted soccer lovers and teams from all walks of life, when knockout games were played in Bloemfontein.

The Engen games which started from 14 September, 2012, came to its final stage when defending champions, Harmony met with Grey College on 16 September 2012 to determine the best team for the competition.

Harmony from Welkom showed everybody why they were defending champions as they displayed a good game in the final when they met with host team, Grey College. The Grey College which was struggling with the game in the first half of the game could not match the Welkom side which was composed in all departments; but their problem was that they failed to put the ball inside the net even though they created more opportunities.

The game gained a different complexion in the second half when Grey College began to show total commitment and took the game to Harmony which felt the pressure from Grey. Harmony which was on top of the game in the first half of the game could not do as they wished because Grey came with a different tune for the second half which helped them to understand the momentum of the game.

The game which was hot for both teams could not produce the result as players failed to convert chances created .Due to the situation whereby no goals were scored in the first half and in the second half too. The match was compelled to go to a penalty shoot-out which Grey won by 8-7.