FREE STATE NEWS JUNE 28 2013 SAMPLE STORIES

FREE STATE NEWS JUNE 28 2013 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

Letshego Moeng

Raselebeli Khotseng

Lay-out artist

Tumisang Takang

Contact number:

051 447 1655 051 447 1655 

Community service produces budding stars

By Letshego Moeng   

It was exhilarating times as Free State News – which has always committed itself to teaching young high school students about the world of Journalism – added another feather to its cap last week in respect of the newspaper’s educational development programme.

Kamogelo Motse (17) who lives in Bloemanda and Zikhona Hleko (17) who lives in Bayswater, are both from Eunice High school. These two young students are aspiring future journalists and wanted an opportunity to see how the newspaper works.

“We came here to find out more about what journalism entails and we learnt a lot from proficient mentors,” said Kamogelo Motse.

The reason Motse decided to pursue a career in journalism was because she loves reading and has also written articles for the school newspaper.

During the mentorship programme both young ladies were exposed to the layout of the newspaper and given a chance to interview people. Motse’s classmate, Zikhona Hleko was also impressed with the information she received. “We got a lot of information from different perspectives and this enabled us to make an informed decision pertaining to our career,” said Hleko.

According to her, they received an assignment from school to not only research about the career they want but they also want to pragmatically step in the shoes of journalists.

“We went to other newspapers but they were unable to assist us, however the Free State News welcomed them,” said Hleko.

“Other newspapers could not help us but here we felt much welcomed by the publication,” she said.

During the lessons they had an opportunity to meet with the staff who had a positive impact on their choices.  “It was fun and nice to meet the people and see the different characters and still be able to work together,” said Hleko.

The students realised that in order to go somewhere in life, there is always a starting point. “In order to achieve our goals, we needed to take the first step and we also realised that success does not happen without hard work.  It depends on whether to come here because you have to start somewhere and not be in the upper position haphazardly,” said Hleko.

They felt that they did receive what they came to seek. They learnt that they didn’t necessarily have to study journalism to become good journalists or writers.

Motse echoed that now that she has an idea of what Journalism is all about she will definitely look more into studying Law. “Look more into studying law and not journalism only,” said Motse.

“Our expectations were met and we are still going to do more research regarding what we would like to study,” said Motse.

PRAISE FOR IHOBE

By Regomoditswe Motsalane

Praise has been pouring in for the play, Ihobe the freedom song which was dramatized in Bloemfontein last week courtesy of Pacofs. There are now plans to ensure the drama continues to be ensconced on stage.

Ntate Godfrey Nthejane who told Free State news that he is a “veteran” of the struggle having once been a “thespian” for the late Gilbert Modise said: “It is very important that people, the youth in particular must know about South African history and the struggle that almost tore the nation apart in the past,”

“On my own part I am very excited about Ihobe,” Thabo Mafike, a well known playwright and author said. “I found the drama exciting and timely – especially as it was churned out during Youth Month. The actors did well and obviously rehearsed a lot prior to performance”

Matshidiso Rutla, part of the audience that savoured the play, said: “I was a bit ashamed whilst watching the great play, as I realized I hardly know the history of my own country not to talk of what Free Staters, the youth contributed to the struggle decades ago. We the youth are mainly obsessed with material things now, not appreciating what those who came before us in the past did,”

Fikile Qithi, the gentleman of whom the riveting play is essentially weaved around is a former student leader of Ihobe Secondary School, and former political prisoner at Robben Island. He said: “The event commemorates the Mangaung Students Outburst. We are all indebted to younger students in Mangaung who were inspired by the Soweto uprisings of June 1976, who also took part in the struggle against Afrikaans as the medium for education.” Fikile Qithi, real life icon of the struggle has pointed out.

Free State News gathered that such schools included: Ihobe Secondary School, and Marang Primary School, Sehunelo High School, Lereko High School, St Bernard Roman Catholic School. History reveals that these institutions rejected the imposition of Afrikaans. Their heroes included: Mpho Diba, Pinkie Litheko, and the indomitable Fikile Qithi himself.

Mr Mpikeleni Duma, veteran journalist and activist who was instrumental in ensuring the play was successfully put on stage has been milking the applause since. He said this week: “I make no apologies that I want our people to realize the type of jagged history our country has had. Ihobe was conceived in this light. We must not be supine or rest on our laurels,”

Riveting Workshops on Storytelling, et al

By Raselebeli Khotseng

The Archives Organization for poetry sessions in partnership with RAONA Trading organised an amazing educational workshops on story-telling and literature reading for pre-schools and high schools at National Afrikaans Literature Museum in Bloemfontein.

The event was in line with the June 16 celebration month and took place on the 14^th and 15^th June respectively (2013). They both kick-started at 10 am

The first event for pre-schools or crèches took place on a high note with story-telling and puppet show on Friday the 14^th June. Various crèches’ learners from five pre-schools around Bloemfontein attended in great numbers where they (the little ones) were exposed to the ways of telling stories and enjoying puppet shows.

About one hundred and ninety children graced the occasion which was conducted by Me Charmaine Mrwebi and Ratanang Menong, both the co-founders of RAONA; whilst the entertaining puppet show was demonstrated by Lindiwe Damane under the watchful eyes of the archives poetry pundits.

“Children should be informed about the importance of historical celebrations like June 16 and know that what you’re fighting now as a right cause will benefit you in the future” said Charmaine, a well known writer and literary activist. She went on to say that they (kids) must learn to say yes when they realize that it is right to say so and also learn to say no without being forced to say so,” she concluded.

Mme Lindiwe agreed that children should be given an opportunity to learn, by playing, unlike adults whose attention span is more limited to about twenty minutes.

With this the Archives committed to inspire the spirit of reading amongst young children, and also to host many creative workshops throughout the year.

The second most important workshop for secondary high schools and adults took place in the afternoon till Saturday…it was attended by local and other schools from Welkom, Virginia, Odendalsrus and Mangaung. Under the theme, “Creative Writers Workshop” the event sparked into life with the high participation of students from Welkom CUT, Lepholla Secondary (Welkom), Harmony High (Virginia) to mention a few.

Impressively, an array of artists displayed their paintings and craft. One of the well-known writers and author of the scintillating poetry book, SECRETS, Matshidiso Taleng (above) motivated budding writers and generously donated two copies of her book to Harmony and Lepholla schools.

FREE STATE NEWS JUNE 14 2013 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

Letshego Moeng

Raselebeli Khotseng

Lay-out artist

Tumisang Takang

Contact number:

051 447 1655 051 447 1655 

Leburu’s lasting legacy

By Letshego Moeng

Diemiso Leburu, who cut her teeth as a burgeoning journalist at Free State News many years ago and went on to further carve a name for herself in the media fraternity, has died prematurely. Her demise has sent shock waves through both the print and electronic media where Diemiso distinguished herself over the years.

Leburu kicked off her career at Free State news where she was an indomitable reporter and columnist, writing in both English and Sesotho on a wide range of topics. It is no surprise that journalists and colleagues across the spectrum have been paying tribute to her on her demise.

Leading the tribute was Free State News Publisher, Mr Moses Vinger, who said: “I was extremely distraught to hear that she has passed away. Free State news has always nurtured very young journalists, and Diemiso Luburu from inception was a very enterprising and hardworking reporter. It was clear that Diemiso was destined for greatness from the very start of her illustrious career.”

Neo Mvubu, who knew the late Leburu for many years, said: “The first time I saw her was at a media briefing, she was wearing a grey jersey and a grey skirt. I asked around and found out that she was actually working for OFM. I was a very young journalist at the time and hoping to learn much from her, although I didn’t know her that well, she contributed significantly to journalism in the Free State.”

Maki Mohapi, stalwart of Free State News said succinctly: "She was a cheerful, honest, and hardworking person. She always loved working with people. She was one person who never forgot where she came from"

Free State News’ news editor, Omoseye Bolaji, asserted:  “Diemiso was spunky, effervescent, and feisty. I was not surprised that she went on to garner major award(s) in journalism. A truly ebullient spirit; she sort of epitomized the jagged emotions of her time in the new South Africa”

The well known Free State poet and essayist, Raselebeli Magic Khotseng also this week paid this glowing tribute to the late Diemiso: “Good people don’t last indeed, that’s why Shakespeare said ‘Death is a necessary end’. Diemiso’s passing is another grievous injury to Free State News after the leaking wound of the late Gloria Marobele. Although death is unavoidable as it is a journey for us all but if it picks on a charismatic and good person like Diemiso it’s unacceptable and cruel! From the bottom of my soul I plead you my beloved sister to sleep well.”

IHOBE ON STAGE IN CITY OF ROSES

By Regomoditswe Motsalane

Local (Free State) theatre reverberated this week as the historic play, Ihobe the Freedom song, was put on stage; to mark Youth Month. Pacofs (Workshop Theatre) was the venue as teeming audiences enjoyed the drama.

The play was also a great moment for one of the heroes of the struggle, Mangaung-based Fikile Qithi, the gentleman of whom the riveting play is essentially weaved around.  Qithi, a former student leader of Ihobe Secondary School, and former political prisoner at Robben Island said: “The event commemorates the Mangaung Students Outburst. We are all indebted to younger students in Mangaung who were inspired by the Soweto uprisings of June 1976, who also took part in the struggle against Afrikaans as the medium for education.” The gentleman also paid tribute to young black students from the schools in the days of yore who displayed exemplary courage.

Free State News gathered that such schools included: Ihobe Secondary School, and Marang Primary School, Sehunelo High School, Lereko High School, St Bernard Roman Catholic School. History reveals that these institutions rejected the imposition of Afrikaans. Their heroes included: Mpho Diba, Pinkie Litheko, and Fikile Qithi.

Many of the audience commented that the play was staged at an appropriate time, with Youth Day just around the corner (June 16) Indeed, many distinguished people turned up to enjoy the didactic, powerful play. The applause for the well orchestrated play was deafening.

Suave actor, Morena Hamilton Berries, grinning from ear to ear told Free State News: “I am proud of what we have done here. Rehearsals have been intensive over the last few weeks, but all has gone well,” Playwright and actor, Ntate Thabang also beamed radiantly.

Mpikeleni Duma, the charming, powerful veteran and activist who was pivotal in bringing the play into fruition, and who also ensured it was put on stage at large, said: “This is the culmination of a dream I have had to honour one of the heroes of our struggle, and Mangaung history in general. We blacks must learn to celebrate, and learn from the checkered twists and turns of our history,”

BRYAN HABANA IS TOPFIKS

Die Springbokke se afrigter, Heyneke Meyer, was verstom en verras deur Bryan Habana se spoed, nadat die veteraan vleuel hierdie naweek die Springbokke gehelp het om hul internasionale seisoen te begin met ‘n 44-10 sege oor Italie in Kingspark, Durban.

Die Westelike Provinsie se staatmaker, wat sy 84ste toets vir Suid Afrika speel, het ‘n uithaler solo drie opgelewer en ‘n het ook ‘n drie moontlik gemaak vir JJ Engelbrecht. Die tuisspan het die besoekers uitgestof met vyf drieë teenoor een.

“Ek verstaan Bryan nie” het afrigter Meyer op die perskonferensie na die wedstryd gesê.

Wat my verbaas van Bryan is dat hy soms doodgewoon lyk wanneer ek hom sien Superrugby speel, maar wanneer hy die Springbok trui aantrek, is hy ‘n totaal ander speler.

Ek dink hy was vanaand ongelooflik. Ek was op ‘n stadium verbaas oor sy spoed, maar as Bryan goed speel, speel die span goed. Hy’t nog altyd vir my puik rugby gespeel en ek is baie dankbaar daaroor.”

FREE STATE NEWS JUNE 7 2013 SAMPLE STORIES

FREE STATE NEWS JUNE 7 2013 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

Letshego Moeng
Sebedi Seroalo
Raselebeli Khotseng

Lay-out artist

Tumisang Takang

Contact number:

051 447 1655 051 447 1655 

FS WOMEN BASK IN ILLUMINATING CAPE TOWN TOUR

By Regomoditswe Motsalane (below)

The Free State Department of Premier and Government took sixty women from five districts in the Free State for a revelatory tour to Cape Town for four days. The ladies hail from Thabo Mofutsanyana, Motheo, Fezile Dabi, Lejweleputswa and Maluti a phofung districts.

This was to educate elderly Free State women about South African pristine history. These women are all members of Women’s League, and priests and wives of priests. In every district they nominated twelve women. After arriving in Cape Town, they were taken to the Parliament where they learnt a lot about the National Assembly chamber and how laws are implemented, they were further taken to the Aquarium to be shown fishes, reptiles and their ilk. They also learnt about how all these aquatic animals live and what they eat.

On their last day in the Mother City, the cavalcade was taken to Robben Island to be shown where their revered icon and hero, former South African president Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 13 and half years of hard labour imprisonment. The tour guide showed them around and explained stories to them along the way; and they were also allowed to ask questions if they did not understand.

They were also given permission to enter struggle stalwart, Robert Sobukwe's, house who died at the age 54 and was house-arrested for 9 years; the tourists were able to pore over letters he wrote to his wife while in prison and to see the shoddy clothes he wore when he trained dogs; his iron, blanket and bed.

Mr Sandlana Smit of the Intervention Unit of the Premier minorities in the Free State Province told Free State news that it is in their best interest to educate people about what their leaders went through during the apartheid time. "It’s saddening knowing that most of these elderly people, their family and friends’ lives were ended during the time of apartheid and they only heard that these selfless activists were dubbed ‘terrorists’ but never really knew what happened to them. It is also good that they learn about how their Parliament works.”

He added: "South Africa is a place of all races, we also wanted to set an example that we are a rainbow nation despite the colour of our skins, when we talk about democracy for all we talking about unity and this is what the Department of Premier and Government is trying to show,"

It was the first time for some of these women to visit Cape Town and their excitement was palpable. Some cried tears of joy, and some even vomited because of their anxiety of being in a ship for the first time. Most cried when they were told stories about Robben Island during the time of apartheid. "I used to bring learners here while I was still a teacher, but it never held such feelings for me like it does now. I got so emotional especially when I remembered how my father got killed here in 1977. It brings back memories but I am glad it all came to pass; now these tears are tears of joy not of pain. I am so happy to have been one of the chosen women to come here" said a tear-soaked Me Ntswaki Thejane (69) from Qwaqwa.

Me Alina Mangaka Ramokhula (61), also told Free State news that for her the tour was all about honouring and respecting those who brought democracy to our country, together with respecting our leaders. She said that people must learn to appreciate what they get from their Free State Government because “this is for the first time I have ever heard of any Provincial Government that puts its people first like the Free State Province does." She added uproariously: “We were spoilt rotten with food, accommodation, and the rest of the tour. I am not going to stop telling people about this trip, I am going to be the butt of jealousy by many!” Suke!

Rewarding Love for the Free State

By Letshego Moeng

Winners basked at the refulgent occasion. Earlier, in April, Free State Tourism Authority launched a page on facebook called 'I love Free State'. A competition was opened in which the Free State community was asked to submit pictures.

"We opened for 2 weeks and the response was overwhelming, over 115 people entered the competition" Tshediso Lerumo, disclosed.

"The Free State Tourism Authority has realised that the social media platform are fast becoming the marketing initiative that allows the entity to be in the pocket of every mobile phone holder who is a facebook user; and the entity registered- ‘I love Free State’ page where ordinary citizens talk about their experience of the province", said Chairperson of Free State Tourism Authority, Glen Motau.

Andile Mokhathi garnered the 1st prize of R5000 for the image of Maloting Hiking Trails in QwaQwa. "I'm inspired by endless beauty, and I relish my breath being taken away through traveling which is what I do for fun. Anything you would like to know about Free State I'll let you know, and if I don't know, I'll refer you to someone who does" said the excited Andile, who is a traveller and an adventurer.

Anthony Mitchell came in second for his image of the Appeal Court, winning R3000. "It’s my hobby to take pictures and the Appeal Court is one of the landmarks in Bloemfontein which encouraged me to capture it and I love Free State" said Mr Mitchell, a part time photographer. Ms Licolette Smit, for the image of Bethlehem covered in snow, won the 3rd prize winner of R2000. However she was unfortunately unavailable, due to her studies.

Laudably, the public at large actually voted for the best picture.  "We launched the page which we needed to interact with community on tourism issues and ensure that Tourism is felt even more in the Free State…now with the inception of the new board, we came up with some new marketing strategies and initiatives are in place" added Motau. One of the initiatives is the Big Five that was launched during the recent Tourism Indaba in Durban. "Our intention is to get more people involved, for Free Staters to share their experiences with Free States and be ambassadors of their province.”

Tourists are encouraged to visit the Free State. "There will be other competitions in the future where we will have best restaurant, best guest house, best 'chisanyama' and the like", said Mr D Pillay, acting CEO. "Once we have completed our social media strategy we will announce more interactive marketing initiatives that will ensure the province is vigorously marketed,” concluded Motau.

WOMEN IN CBO’S ORGANISATIONS EMPOWERED

By Raselebeli Khotseng

The Free State Network on Violence Against Women (FSNVAW) in partnership with the Education and Training Development Programme (ETDP) SETA have come to the rescue of women working with Community Based Organisations (CBOs).

The partnership has organised a successful project management training aimed at capacitating managers from CBOs organizations on project management, or on how to manage their programmes.

The training which took place at Motheo FET College in Bloemfontein was attended by twenty-four CBOs managers (mostly women) from different sectors such as deaf community, disability, Hiv/Aids and Victim Empowerment Project (VEP) organizations.

The first session of the training course kick-started on the 24^th and 25^th April 2013 whilst the second and the last one took place on the 29^th and 30^th May 2013 at the same venue (Motheo FET)

The participants of this accredited training course were to be awarded with NQF level 5 certificates. “Actually we need to develop women’s capacity in leading societal programmes and their respective organizations” said Alinah Mahasela, the director for Free State Network. 

FREE STATE NEWS MAY 24 2013 SAMPLE STORIES

FREE STATE NEWS MAY 24 2013 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

Letshego Moeng
Sebedi Seroalo
Raselebeli Khotseng

Lay-out artist

Tumisang Takang

Contact number:

051 447 1655 051 447 1655 

AFRICA DAY TO BE MARKED WITH PANACHE

By Letshego Moeng

It is all systems go as another riveting edition of Africa Day beckons. This of course is the annual commemoration of the 1963 founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), presently recognized as the African Union (AU).

Here in the Free State, in partnership with Lesedi fm, PACOFS will be hosting an event in celebration of Africa Day in which two artists – namely, Ringo Mdlingozi and Kunle - will be performing. There will be an eclectic tinge to the event.

Free State News gathered that Lesedi FM has in store some acts which will be enjoyed by the audience; however this will be something of a surprise and will be a gripping prelude before the performances of both artists.  “Mamontha Modise from Lesedi fm will be the MC during that time for the event and will be presenting what Africa Day is all about.” said Rolihlahla Alexander, who is Acting Development Manager as well as Human Resource Manager at PACOFS.

“Africa Day is a celebration of 50 years of the AU and is even more significant to us as South Africans because the current chairperson of the union is a South African, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, who will also be honoured during the celebration. As regards any sceptics out there, they are going to miss out on some awesome African talent. For example, I think majority of people have not listened to the powerful Kunle” Rolihlahla added.

Indeed, on the whole, the African Union, comprised of 53 member states, has brought together the continent of Africa to collectively address the challenges it has faced, such as armed conflict, climate change, and poverty. It is day many observers believe is worth celebrating.

Free State News was informed that the reason behind just having two artists is that in a show of this magnitude, illustrious people don’t come cheap and the audience might also be reluctant to pay through their teeth. Again, PACOFS’s multi-faced programme schedule regularly organises many events and different occasions; additionally, every month they have artist(s) strutting their stuff.

“The important thing is that Africa Day will be marked on our shores,” well known Free State pan-Africanist and author, Ishmael Mzwandile Soqaga, told Free State News. “Our continent has witnessed so much carnage and pillaging, hence it is good to mark something positive,”

‘FS Literature is healthy and fecund’ – Pule Lechesa

By Regomoditswe Motsalane

There has been an astonishing output of published books in the Free State this year. Literary experts told Free State News this week that this phenomenon should not be considered as anything negative, but rather as a step in the right direction.

Works published thus far have embraced so many genres; including fiction, poetry, literary criticism, and general studies. Pundits say this further confirms the tremendous progress Black writing continues to make in the Free State. But what about others who are uneasy with this development?

“I think it is very much welcome,” renowned literary critic, Pule Lechesa, said. “We have come a very long way within a short time. “We must continue to move forward. I was a bit worried some years ago that the focus here was too much on poetry; but these days – especially this year - the process has become much more balanced and eclectic.”

Lechesa added that he was not worried about the possibility of some of these published works being “sub-standard”. He said: “It’s pretty much the same all over the world, even in advanced Eurocentric societies. Some very good books are published, some are average, and some not-so-good or of terribly high literary quality. But books must always be churned out…the wheat will be separated from the chaff in the course of time,”

“I am actually happy to see so many writers coming out and publishing. It is healthy and fecund,” he went on. “The confidence is there now. The sacrifices of the likes of Bolaji and Qoopane are bearing fruit now. Our people should read even more and more. It is paradoxical that book publishing is much more expensive now, yet more and more books are seeing the light of the day; this points to enlightenment on the part of the people,”

But Lechesa admitted that he is indeed a bit worried about escalating costs of bringing books out. “Yes, that is something we have to deal with. Fewer people can buy books now and it is a pity the whole thing might even be moving along elitist lines…the ideal thing is for books to be affordable to most potential readers. Many fine readers of books now do say that they might not be able to afford to buy as many books as they would love to…but on the whole the situation is vibrant in the FS, with perceptive reviews, interviews, and the positive role of the libraries,”

Poems of love

By THABANG LEBUSO

1.     Love feeling.

Falling in love with you is the best thing in this world to be done

Loving you is a feeling that no man can deny,

 Looking at you is like gazing thousand times at the sky,

 Missing you is like crying my tears till they dry,

 Wishing when will that day come for me to fly,

 To you and in you abide,

 That’s how loving you to me feels like

2. Love is skin deep.

 What haven’t thou known that love is skin deep,

 So not even man’s thoughts think,

 So colorful than rainbow’s beauty,

 It’s music so sweet not even a single bird can sing,

 Love is skin deep so deep that even a blind man can see so deep,

 Deeper than the deepest sea,

 Oh…And the sea is deeper than thee,

 That’s why sometimes we with eyes can’t see

See what love’s very beauty

And oh we all have it but not all can put it to its duty

Some when tasting love its bitter

But to same is sweeter

It comes to some very poor

To some it comes so rich.

FREE STATE NEWS MAY 10 2013 SAMPLE STORIES

FREE STATE NEWS MAY 10 2013 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

Letshego Moeng
Sebedi Seroalo
Raselebeli Khotseng

Lay-out artist

Tumisang Takang

Contact number:

051 447 1655 051 447 1655 

All about ‘Shades’!!

By Regomoditswe Motsalane

What happens when one switches from music to theatre? It is said that there is always growth and an artist has to evolve. That is what has happened with the legend, Seleke Botsime (SLK). He is now based in Kroonstad and has started BANTU THEATRE PRODUCTION which embraces the “the plight of the youth who are jobless”

                                                             Above pix: Seleke

SLK has switched from music and is now writing plays! When did all this start? He says: “I started to understand the dynamics of theatre in the year two thousand but putting down one play was the most difficult thing because I just wanted to do it right for the very first time, so last year I wrote a play called Shades of Grey which I am even directing.”

What is the play all about? A beaming Seleke says: “Shades of Grey is a family drama, it’s about love, acceptance and forgiveness and I have been performing the play since from the beginning of this year. I am very excited about this play ‘cos it’s just one of the plays that will be a stepping stone for me; there is a lot to follow, but just for now I wanna focus on Shades of Grey"…It’s a mad house play, but my aim is to take it to the next level like Grahamstown, but unfortunately the selection has already been done and we can just wait and be ready to crack it next year when there is District festival that will be scheduled for early next year.”

The play is about a father and a mother who have two children. The male child brings home for the very first time a girlfriend… all this happens through a family dinner. “One has to book a seat and watch it and see how the plot thickens...I simply cannot dish out everything!” said Seleke. One of the main characters of the play is Ascante Langa, who plays the girlfriend of Lebone and her name on the play is Nnane Buthelezi. She appears to be rather brash and doesn’t mince her words, turning the Khumalo family upside down! She is twenty years old and studied Human Resources.

Apparently her parents could not afford for her to finish her studies and she was just at home thinking about a way out. “I am not bubbly and I am extremely shy, so it took more for me to be able to act the part, but I am thankful to people like Mr Seleke Botsime who was able to step in and unleash my latent talents as an actor; not in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I could act.”

The young lady adds: “I had to put a lot of effort to excel in her character, I have to dig deep deep inside of me, and Mr Seleke gave me advice that in my family I have to look at people that fit the description of the character, Nnane Buthelezi, and that has helped me a lot in order to perform it.”

Please book yourself to be exhilarated, Ascante Langa stresses. “I am definitely going places with this guy and I know that my star is always shining; wisdom is that when you are ready, the teacher will appear.”

SLK chips in: “I am very thankful to the department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation in Fezile Dabi which has been so supportive about my vision. Starting a production is not a child’s play.”

The play will start going around the country after winter as it is busy being promoted at Kroonstad first. Those interested in seeing the play can call Mr Lethola @ 071 0868 161\ 073 500 6326  

COMMUTERS’ FORUM EXHORTS POSITIVE COLLECTIVE RELATIONS

By Letshego Moeng

The Free State Commuters’ Forum has called on disparate cogs in the wheel of progress to pull together and ensure that the industry at large forges ahead.

“We value all stakeholders in the transportation industry such as taxi operators, bus service operators, railway, private vehicle commuters and other road users and air travel commuters. As much as we value them, we are requesting improved customer relations, encouraging team work spirit.” Mr. M.L Bokako, Chairperson and the Executive Committee, pointed out.

Free State News gathered that sequel to desk negotiations the Forum should be able to establish service levels of operations peacefully, support and encourage the government at central, provincial and local level to carry out its declared vision of promoting public transport for the benefit of the entire community. “This includes promoting the idea of provision of adequate public passenger as the primary means of transportation through education pilot program.”

Additionally, “government at all levels is urged to create the conditions for the introduction of public transport services which are reasonably comparable to private cars in terms of convenience and accessibility. The main idea behind it is to strive for improvement of safety for the beloved drivers and the commuters in all forms of transport while travelling and while waiting at road side stops, bus terminal and taxi rank.”

It is also gathered that scheduling management has an impact on pertinent mental health; also, a practical guide to creative efficient commuter communication is for commuters to be treated as contributors to social and economic development. “Passengers’ and drivers and transport operators are requested to treat each other with respect and dignity in order to achieve the goals of sustainable, affordable and reliable transport services.”

Admirably, the Free State Commuters’ Chairperson and his executives hope to foment the best and most pristine of values; “to make a difference in promoting the spirit of UBUNTU and cooperation as well as tolerance between all structures involved in the transport industry.”

Contact M.L Bokako via 061 082 0264; 074 779 5889; and 072 957 3115

The Significance of Story Telling

By Raselebeli Khotseng

The Commission of the Promotion of the Rights of Cultural Religious and Linguistic Community (CRL) has once again hosted a dialogue on the importance of story-telling in South Africa.

The event was held at Protea Hotel, Bloemfontein, on the 7^th May 2013 kicking off at 9h00. Different representatives from diverse cultural and religious background graced the event. These included Rastafarians, Christians, cultural organizations, and other NGOs.

Mr Brian Makekeeta, the programme Director and CRL official from its head office welcomed the guests and reminded them about the resolutions taken by the National Council of CLR in Pretoria where it was decided that all three aspects (Culture, Religion and Language) should be treated separately. “Hence today we are only focusing on story-telling as a cultural aspect” he said.

This issue raised the concern that TV soapies have made modern children to forget their own indigenous stories “that our parents used to tell when we sat around the fire with them”

Mr Joseph Ntabeni, also from CRL briefed the guests about the purpose of the event as to get views and methods of how story-telling can change the society to maintain our cultural teaching. He went further to ask what message does story-telling carry to nourish our children’s minds?

In response to that, attendees mentioned what has been largely lost by sending their kids to ‘model schools’ that are unable to teach the young ones about indigenous story-telling. The other problem raised, touched on the fact that children are now interested in technological things at the expense of indigenous ones.

“As a result we should combine them together so as to build or promote our story-telling method in a modern way.”

Lastly, it was suggested that cultural centres should be established in every town as a means to encourage children to engage in story-telling and indigenous games. It was also recommended that the department of Education, Arts and Culture and SABC Radios should broadcast the old indigenous stories that used to regale past generations.

The CRL Officials promised to “come back to stakeholders and fulfill some of the resolutions, and hosting of further dialogues on religion and language”  

FREE STATE NEWS APRIL 26 2013 SAMPLE STORIES

Free State News April 26 2013 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

Letshego Moeng
Sebedi Seroalo
Raselebeli Khotseng

Lay-out artist

Tumisang Takang

Contact number:

051 447 1655 051 447 1655 

Oguchi at 50!

By O Bolaji

Sundry friends, acquaintances, associates, and well wishers will this weekend converge to salute and felicitate with Oguchi Manume as he celebrates his 50^th birthday with elan in Bloemfontein city.

As if this was not enough, to boot Oguchi will also be launching his debut book – laced with spiritual and motivational exhortations – titled THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER – A SPIRITUAL WARRIOR. The venue for this twain, combined events is the Bloemfontein Baptist Church Hall at Fairview Street (Bloemfontein)

Oguchi is understandably well chuffed to be notching the impressive age of fifty. Brimming and bristling with pride and savoire faire, he told Free State News: “Of course I am delighted to be marking such a milestone. I give all the glory to the Almighty. The icing on the cake would be my new book which helps us to cast aside the shackles of the devil,”

He waxes lyrical on the inspiration behind his book. “Alas, I found myself spending some days in jail about a year ago. It was not the best of experiences but at least I was able to change the lives of some inmates for the better. I discovered that some of them were using pocket bibles to smoke dagga! This unnerved me.

“I began to minister to these miscreants and organized brief church sessions for them. I taught the inmates about miraculous episodes in the Bible and they began to respond positively to the word of God. In general, I had also been wondering about many things: for example why is it that so many lovely women can not get adequate partners or why is it that divorce is so rampant these days? Why is it that so many people have poor health with blood problems, and the like?

“I have no doubt that it is all about spiritual bondage which conventional Doctors etc can do nothing about. Spiritual therapy is what is needed in so many cases and this is what I focus on in the book. We must be vigilant as the devil comes to steal, destroy and kill. I wrote my book so that people can be aware of the tricks of the devil,”

Oguchi adds that there are indeed things like “ancestral curses” in African parlance. “The evil chain must be broken. I wrote my book to inform people as to how to break the chains and the shackles of the devil. The world is in a way a battle field and we must be vigilant!”

The book, titled THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER has a number of thought-provoking chapters. They include The Christian Soldier, The Spiritual Warrior,  Prayers and Types of Prayers, Strategies of the Enemy, and How to Dislodge Strategies of the Enemy

“He forced me to perform oral sex on him” – female teacher

By: Sebedi Seroalo

Northern Cape: A senior staff member at the Noupoort Combined School, who was charged for coercing a young teacher into perform oral sex on him in the computer room, has since tendered his resignation on two occasions.

 The accused, Rudy Reed, was granted R1 000 bail in the Noupoort Magistrate’s Court late on Thursday afternoon.  Police spokesman, Lieutenant Sergio Kock, said the 38-year-old man was arrested by the police at his home in Noupoort evening on charges of sexual assault. Educators at the school had requested that the school be closed until further notice, although lessons continued as normal on Thursday, according to the Department of Education.

The complainant on Thursday gave details to the department on how she was allegedly taken by force by the staff member after she was summoned to bring him the class list.  “When I entered the computer room he was already inside waiting behind the door. He locked the door but I was not aware of what was happening. He then hugged and kissed me by force. I refused and wished to know what was happening because I don’t have any relationship with him. “I screamed, but he told me that it was no use because nobody could hear me.

“He touched my breasts, rubbed my body and told me that I was cute and that he wanted to have sex with me for a long time. He loosened his belt and forced me to perform oral sex on him.

“I cannot cope with anything my life is a mess.”  She also related how she was sexually abused by her uncle and was threatened with a pistol when she was very young.

“I don’t know where to go. I request your immediate intervention in this regard,” she told the Department of Education. Spokesman for the department, Sydney Stander, said that Reed was suspended with immediate effect.

“In this case, because we deem his action of resigning after being suspended as a way of avoiding due process, the Employment of Educators Act empowers the employer to block such an employee on the Persal system.”  He indicated that the necessary steps were taken to protect the victim and safeguard the interests of women and children.

“The department is continuing with internal investigations. The district has sent a multi-disciplinary team that will provide support to affected learners and female educators. There is no crisis in terms of attendance and there no truth in suggestions that the school will be closed indefinitely.”

He added that, according to their records, the staff member resigned on Wednesday, withdrew his resignation almost immediately, and then tendered his resignation again on Thursday morning.  Stander explained that a staff member is granted 30 days in which to retract a resignation.

“Once a resignation is submitted to the district director, it is forwarded with recommendations to the head office of the Human Resources Unit for a final decision.”

The police have requested that any information regarding the case be forwarded to Detective Sergeant Melany Oliphant on 053 632 9627

FREE STATE NEWS APRIL 12 2013 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
Sebedi Seroalo
Raselebeli Khotseng

Lay-out artist

Tumisang Takang

Contact number:

051 447 1655 051 447 1655 

ANIMALS TO BE AUCTIONED

By Nthabiseng Lisele

The annual event of the game auctioning is ready to roll again this year and the department tends to improve more this year.

 

The Free State department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs will host the 28th Annual Game Auction from the 12^th till 13^th April this year at the Willem Pretorius Nature Reserve.

The Game Auction is a part of the game management plan which manages game population. Currently the department has livestock of 24 348 animals in the reserves.

And with the absence of predators in the reserves, game auction remains the most viable method of controlling game population.

During this two-day event, a total of 865 animals will be sold to the highest bidder. On the first day, 80 hunting packages will be auctioned off at 14:00. The packages consist of 46 trophy hunts, 34 biltong hunts and 9 buffalo bulls.

The hunt will take place on 9 of the 14 different Nature Reserves. On the second day from 11:00 485, live games of 106 different species including 42 diseases free buffalo and 1 white rhino will be sold. All sales will be per catalogue.

The department said: “we are working tirelessly to transform the game industry. Four black game farmers around the Free State Province have been loaned game to make sure that the previously disadvantage communities are involved in this industry.”

In his 2013/14 budget vote speech the new Mec for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Mosebenzi Zwani pleaded with the farm owners to comply with norms and standards for large predators.

According to Zwane, the challenge is game farmers who keep more that specified number of lions on their farms resulting in escapes. Subsequently, numerous incidents were lion have escaped and threatened the lives of our people have necessitated that permit conditions for keeping large predators be reviewed.

“Our enforcement unit is working around the clock with the SAPS to identify any illegal activities in this regard and other environmental crimes,” said Zwane.      

The game auction is set to be a family affair as there will be a marathon and bicycle race on Saturday 08:00 as well as numerous vendor stalls, beer garden and different food outlets.

Matshidiso’s literary debut

The frisson of excitement is gathering pace as female poet, Matshidiso P. Taleng launches her maiden book, titled “Secrets” next week

She vouchsafes: “I was born here in the Free State Bloemfontein in 1988. I live with my mother and twin brother, my father passed away when I was very young. I'm a student at Motheo FET college and I'm also working at National hospital as an HCT.

She goes down memory lane to latch on to how the ‘poetry bug’ bit her with elan! “My love for poetry began while I was in high school, then I started joining a poetry club that was called "Beyond Mind Control" where we would meet with other poets and recite poems.”

She is already spreading her metaphorical wings with gusto. “I've also performed at the Vuka poetry festival that was held at Pacofs in the year 2008, and shared stage with the likes of, Napo Masheane, Lebo Mashile, Kgafela, Jah Rose and other poets.”

She adds: “In the year 2009 I was awarded a certificate of appreciation in recognition of valuable contribution to literature in the Free State by the Bloemfontein public library. It was tentative but satisfactory – a great initiative by the dynamic Charmaine Kolwane,”

Her new book, “Secrets” is an anthology of poems based in English. “It is titled after one of my poems "Secrets" because I believe one shouldn't be having secrets because sometimes secrets are holding us back from enjoying our lives and nothing good comes from hiding things!”

She adds: “And if you read the poem "Secrets" you'll see it’s a very deep poem that talks about what most people don't like talking about, so since it’s what I experienced as a child I can say I'm giving voice to the voiceless,”

Illuminating Career Day!

By LETSHEGO MOENG

The Faculty of Economic Management and Science at the University of the Free State, in partnership with Centre for Accounting will be hosting a Career day on the 30 of April 2013.

Some fizz is already being generated over this.  “A total of 38 Top companies will be there such as Banks, marketing firms and Chattered accounting companies will be there among others” Ms Marnie Venter pointed out.

Free State News further learnt that all students in the University are invited for the morning session at 10:30 - 12:00; 12:00 till 13:00 will be catering for honours and third year students and scholars around the Free State at 13:00 till 16:00.

It has been vouchsafed that this will be a great opportunity to network with people in the company in which they aspire to be employed in once they have completed their degrees.

For more information contact Marnie on 051 401 3819 or venterms@ufs.ac.za.