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
News Desk
S. Botsime
Contributors
Flaxman Qoopane
David Mofokeng
Office Assistant
Reitumetse Mokhoantle
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Contact number:
051 447 1655
MAY 27 – JUNE 2 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Jagersfontein to be revamped” Front page. By Bongani Tshabalala
Reproduced hereunder:
JAGERSFONTEIN TO BE REVAMPED
…Premier Magashule in fine fettle again
By Bongani Tshabalala
Recently De Beers Diamond Mining Company in conjunction with Super Kolong Consortium launched the Mining Community Trust in the Xhariep District in the small town of Jagersfontein – which lies 110km south west of Free State capital City. The oldest mining town in South Africa which started operating in 1888 closed after 83 years of operation.
Premier Magashule graced the formal occasion with panache. He was accompanied by the Mayor of Jagersfontein, Mr. Ntwanambi, Bernie De Beer an Engineer and Entrepreneur from Vaal in Gauteng Province, Director of De Beers mine Mr.Sandile Ngcobo, Government officials and Entrepreneurs of Free State. Super-Kolong had impressively met all the criteria set by De Beers, including technical competence, available funding to develop the new processing operation, BEE equity participation, employment creation and significant community based initiative.
Sakhile Ngcobo, Director of De Beers Diamond mine in an interview with Free State News explained that the Premier of Free State Mr. “Ace” Magashule asked them when the mines would come into operation (in line with President Jacob Zuma declaring this year as the year of creating jobs); “We consulted a company that does the transaction for us and they started orchestrating the process. Now with dynamic public interest participation, financial capability that will build plant running for 20-years, with a developmental drive capability. It was not an easy road for us six months ago, because there were 40 companies bidding for the tender until we got the right 100% BEE,” said Ngcobo.
Free State News gathered that the mine stopped operating in 1971. “It has been 40 years, as there was no technology to dig up mine dumps and those people didn’t know they have left so many diamonds here,” He went down memory lane. “The Jagersfontein mine operated for 100 years, leaving more than 13-million tons of mineral resources in tailings, with an average grade of 12, 8 carats per hundred tons.” The tender was won by BEE Company Super- Kolong Consortium to the tune of an undisclosed amount six months ago; and De Beers had invested R500 million in the mining of the dumps, and it’s a project that will run for 20 years. He clarified further: “It will be distributed in this manner in the preparation of the mine in construction. 120 people are employed and when the mine is in full operation it will employ 800 – 1000 local people, boosting fresh unemployment,”
The Itumeleng Trust will see the community hold a 10 % equity interest in the assets of the Super Kolong Consortium. The beneficiaries of the Itumeleng Trust will be nominated from the community. According to Chris Kimber of Super Kolong, R60 million will be invested in the Trust and from this amount, 10 million will be afforded to the community members to attain shares; R20 million is earmarked for community projects, and R30 million will accrue interest over time and contribute to the future financial position of the Trust.
Meanwhile, Premier Magashule stressed that the Government will make Jagersfontein “vibrate; we shall wake it up, boosting it with R9 million projects that will bring the local economy to its feet again.” The new Jagersfontein will bristle with wonderful activities and innovations with Projects like the opening of computer center which will be launched and opened soon, Bricklaying project, Sewing project that will make police uniforms, Traffic officers uniforms, T-Shirts, Overall Factories, School uniforms etc. “We will propose to the Municipality to give us the land in order to build a place teeming with all these new activities,” added Magashule.
More jobs have to be created through involvement of other companies for sustainable projects. Recreational facilities will be established. De Beers stated that the Jagersfontein community would be the sole beneficiary of a soon-to-be established community trust, which would hold a 10% equity interest in the consortium’s assets. The Super-Kolong consortium has also made a commitment to facilitate skills’ transfer to the members of the community with a view to ultimately sourcing skilled labor from Jagersfontein, noted De Beers.
MAY 20 – MAY 26 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Exhilarating taste of freedom” Page 2. By Bongani Tshabalala
Reproduced hereunder:
EXHILARATING TASTE OF FREEDOM!
…donations flow in for released duo
By Bongani Tshabalala
It was a day of heightened emotions and celebration when the last two political prisoners marked their release in fulsome fashion! Fusi Mofokeng and Tshokolo Mokoena basked in the exhilarating ambience of the day.
The formal celebration at Bohlokong Stadium was graced by the MEC for Police Roads and Transport in Free State, Mr. Thabo Manyoni, the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Mosebenzi Zwane, Mayor of Dihlabeng Local Municipality Mr. Tjhetane Mofokeng, and his twin Tjheta Mofokeng (who is a member of NCOP in Parliament); and Parliament Chairperson Of Petitions, Jomo Nyambi.
The duo - Fusi Mofokeng and Tshokolo Mokoena – spent 19 excruciating years behind bars for a crime they apparently didn’t commit! They were born and bred in Bethlehem. Hence the co-incident Freedom Day celebrations at Bohlokong Stadium witnessed a large turn-out of people.
Despite the chilly conditions on the day, the community of Bethlehem and Bohlokong basked in the occasion. Mofokeng and Mokoena were arrested on 2 April 1992 after a policeman was killed and another injured, and they were found guilty under the doctrine of “common purpose”, despite maintaining their innocence, claiming they were not even involved. The now dead man who testified against them in court later admitted that he had been pressured by the security police and was promised a cash bribe; but nevertheless their life sentence stood. The MK activists who had killed the policeman were given amnesty by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission but their life sentence still stood because they were not actually guilty of the crime, so they did not qualify for amnesty.
The released duo has stacks and pile of documents where they requested assistance from the Human Rights Commission, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, and Former President Thabo Mbeki’s government etc; but alas, they were turned down by everyone over the years. Until now
At long last, Dihlabeng Activist Foundation which is headed by Harold Swan and Richard Mokoena spearheaded the case with pertinent Petitions around Dihlabeng with a target of 10 000 signatures. Laudably, the eventual signatures turned out to be 25 000! This was up till the time Harold Swan and Richard Mokoena brought the case to Wits Law project under Jeremy Gordon.
The Wits Law Project documented the case and fought it on a legal basis as well as through the powerful glare of the media. Parliament’s NCOP then became involved, with Jomo Nyambi visiting the men in jail initially. Thereafter, he took it further with the Petitions Committee. A salient excerpt from the latter’s report: “The Committee met to welcome and receive Petitioners Mr. Fusi Mofokeng and Mr. Tshokolo Mokoena. Both individuals had been convicted in 1993 for crimes, on the basis of the doctrine of common purpose, and had served nineteen years of their life sentences, despite maintaining their innocence throughout. They had eventually petitioned Parliament after they had realized that, in the face of this maintaining of innocence; they were not eligible for pardons under the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process, nor for Presidential pardons in the normal course…”
Free State News gathered further that members had previously, after considering these matters, resolved that the Minister and Director-General of Correctional Services be asked to attend a meeting of the Committee, at which the matter could be fully discussed, and the views of the Committee clearly stated, so that the Minister could convey fully informed recommendations to the President. The Constitutional Court eventually heard the matter.
Both men were released, after their petition was accepted, on 2 April 2011, after exactly 19 years of incarceration! There were certain conditions attached to their release. Although the petitioners had been released, there were other issues that the Committee needed to deal with, in terms of assisting the petitioners.
Mr. Fusi Mofokeng emotionally expressed his sincere thanks to the chairperson and committee who played a critical role in ensuring their eventual release. On his part, Mr. Tshokolo Mokoena said he was very grateful to each and every person who had assisted them in securing their release. “It has not been an easy journey to travel, and imprisonment for 19 years is not a child’s play,” said a sober but relieved Mokoena.
Mr. Mofokeng was 25 years old, with a standard 7 education, when he was imprisoned. During his incarceration he achieved his Standard 10 Certificate plus a higher certificate, from UNISA, as an Adult Basic Education and Training Tutor. Mr. Mokoena, who was 31 years old at the time of his arrest, and is now 50 years old, has achieved an N4 Certificate of Training. Neither registered a single offence during the 19 years they spent under correctional services. Mr. Mokoena was held in a maximum security facility for 16 solid years. He was eventually removed from there because Mr. Mofokeng had been able to write to the authorities and put their case forward.
MEC Thabo Manyoni donated R10 000 to both gentlemen; whilst the ANC Women’s League donated R13 600 to them, It was stressed that the recipients were leaving prison with no money, no home, no family members, nothing! Dihlabeng Mayor, Tjhetane Mofokeng, and Dihlabeng Activist Foundation also vowed to do all they could to help the duo find their feet and steep them in normalcy.
Touchingly, Mokoena and Mofokeng told the world that they were “not bitter” despite their terrible ordeal. “We forgive those policemen involved in our jailing. We even encourage the crowd to go to the polls and vote for ANC,”
MAY 13 – MAY 19 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “ANC Women’s League resplendent at Dihlabeng” Front page. By Bongani Tshabalala
Reproduced hereunder:
ANC WOMEN’S LEAGUE RESPLENDENT AT DIHLABENG!
BY BONGANI TSHABALALA
It was a job well done in Bethlehem in the Eastern Free State; in the Municipality of Dihlabeng when female top honchos of the ANC made moving visits to child-headed houses, children and poor families, to identify needs in order to alleviate their suffering. Additionally, they also handed out food parcels. Workers’ day was being marked in unforgettable fashion!
Among the cavalcade was the MEC of Social Development and Provincial Leader of ANC Women’s league together with Provincial Secretary of ANC Women’s League Me Olly Mlamleli; as well as social workers and pastors’ wives from different Churches in Bethlehem. They started their journey from Extension 1 until they went to AME Church of Rev Maphisa in Losmy cherry location, where there was a formal ceremony of accepting 300 new members into ANC Women’s league from different wards in Dihlabeng Local Municipality.
The church was full to capacity and comrades were excited, singing rousing freedom songs non-stop. Me Olly Mlamleli, the Program director, and later on Dihlabeng Mayor Mr Tjhetane Mofokeng graced the occasion as well as Thabo Mofutsanyana Regional Secretary Polediso Motsoeneng, Harold Swan Regional Secretary of MKMVA accompanied by the recently released ANC political prisoners, Tshokolo Mokoena and Fusi Mofokeng. Thabo Mofutsanyana Regional Secretary of ANC Women’s League, Me Mosupa touched on the issue of being united and teaching the newly recruited comrades who are going to be new members that “as a person you work for ANC and not to please certain individuals”
Before MEC Ntombela took the podium, Me Olly Mlamleli asked Mr Polediso Motsoeneng to orchestrate the message of support to the Women’s league. Motsoeneng did the honours admirably, going down memory lane and applauding the great deeds of the likes of Me Lillian Ngoyi who stood against all odds with her bravery and worked for the ANC and the people of this country. He acknowledged the strength of the women.
Me Ntombela also rebuked the issue of internecine in-fighting, exhorting “comrades to stop pouring petrol on fire between comrades as they cause division in the organization, These people are the ones who brought ANC into our lives, even encouraging us as parents to fight for our children’s future and our freedom. So let’s stand together!” She said that there must be acknowledgement of the works done by women in the town, and councilors must be ready to lend a willing ear and listen to the people,”
Also resplendent at the occasion – in tow with the proliferating women - the MEC wished them lots of luck before she started dressing new members with blouses of ANC Women’s League.
Candles were lit as a symbol of bright future in front of them. Teboho and friends made the crowd to stand on their toes whilst he sang some of his latest songs from his album. It was a riveting occasion!
ALSO:
THE BOOKSHELF
With Kgang Abel Motheane
Mine Boy is one of the most powerful pieces of fiction ever penned on the South African (apartheid) past. Peter Abrahams, a “coloured” in those days wrote the book and introduced the horrors of apartheid to the world.
Mine Boy was also one of the first novels published by a “black” (using the term loosely) African writer. It was actually published many years before Chinua Achebe’s Things fall apart (1958). But Mine Boy was (is) a very impressive work too.
Young black South Africans will do well to read this book and see how life was in those days, some sixty to seventy years ago; the life of the black populace when discrimination was at its height; a period when the blacks did not have access to things like electricity; when small stoves were used by virtually everybody, and cheap home made beer served for drinks.
But it was not all darkness then. The author brilliantly shows that despite their oppression, black people still somehow embraced, and enjoyed life in their own ways; they enjoyed the weekends, men and women courted each other with wonderful dances and conversation.
Mine Boy focuses on the story of the initially simple man Xuma who goes on to work at the mines, become a “Mine Boy” and most importantly be conscientized into fighting for the struggles of his (Black) people. This book is worth reading again and again…
MAY 6 – MAY 12 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Qabathe promises better life in wake of Tatane demise” Front page. By Bongani Tshabalala
Reproduced hereunder:
QABATHE PROMISES BETTER LIFE IN WAKE OF TATANE DEMISE
By Bongani Tshabalala
The imbroglio continues over the actions and repercussion of the eight policemen involved in the alleged assault and death of Sello Andries Tatane. This was pursuant to a service delivery protest march which took place outside the Municipal offices in Ficksburg recently. Tatane’s funeral was an exceedingly sombre one at the weekend.
It was a moving funeral, graced by National Freedom Party Leader (NFP), Zanele ka Maqwaza Msibi; Cope President Mosiuoa Lekota; DA MP Wilmot James; MEC for Sports Arts and Culture, Dan Khothule, among others. Also present was the dynamic MEC for COGTA and Deputy Secretary of ANC in the Free State, Mamiki Qabathe.
Speaking at the funeral last Saturday, the ANC Free State provincial Secretary Sibongile Besani addressed the crowd of more than 1 000 mourners who attended the Megheleng Stadium under the pertinent marquee tent.
He assured the people that the ANC will provide better life for the people in the area. “The death of Tatane has given us a salutary order to bring poor service delivery to an elevated standard, and not let our people wallow in dissatisfaction,” a calm Besani said.
Mme Qabathe condemned the burning of council buildings by youth during the protest that erupted after Tatane’s death. She went the extra mile for the community when she announced that her Department will carry all the costs of rebuilding the Library, for one; “as it is our children’s future at stake here…I also call on religious leaders to bring peace and stability in this town in their intercessions. We promise a better life for all, as that is our mission,”
Tatane’s sister, Seipati, nipped in the bud the efforts of those she perceived as wanting to use Tatane’s funeral as an opportunity for electioneering. It appeared that various political parties tried to unfurl banners and chant slogans during the proceedings. “Please do not turn Tatane’s funeral into a political spectacle,” she said. “Understand our pain and loss,” Meanwhile Mr. Lekota called for the eradication of the bucket system in Meqheleng, and for better service delivery in general.
Mothusi Lepheana of the SAHRC in Free State described Tatane’s death as a “waste”, saying the Commission would monitor the investigation into Tatane’s death every step of the way. “We shall take legal steps to help the family to preserve Tatane’s dignity,” he said. “The Commission is in discussion with the Tatane family as regards the possibility of bringing a civil lawsuit against those liable for the violation of his rights and ultimate death,”
Molefi Nonyane, the man who famously held Tatane, with consternation etched on his face after he had been shot - a photo that has now gone around the world - told the mourners: “The late Tatane was spiritually ill and perturbed due to poor service delivery. In his heart he was troubled because of the problems here, but his body was healthy,”
Tatane was laid to rest at Ficksburg cemetery. Hundreds of mourners dressed in T – shirts bearing Tatane’s photograph braved the rain, singing lustily as they led the procession to the cemetery which lies on the northern outskirts of the town. And the tears came cascading down...
Friday, May 27, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
FREE STATE NEWS (April 2011 editions)
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
News Desk
S. Botsime
Contributors
Flaxman Qoopane
David Mofokeng
Office Assistant
Gavin Ignitius
Lay-out artist
Keitumetse
Contact number:
051 447 1655
APRIL 29 – MAY 5 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Qabathe promises better life in wake of Tatane demise” Front page. By Bongani Tshabalala
Reproduced hereunder:
QABATHE PROMISES BETTER LIFE IN WAKE OF TATANE DEMISE
By Bongani Tshabalala
The imbroglio continues over the actions and repercussion of the eight policemen involved in the alleged assault and death of Sello Andries Tatane. This was pursuant to a service delivery protest march which took place outside the Municipal offices in Ficksburg recently. Tatane’s funeral was an exceedingly sombre one at the weekend.
It was a moving funeral, graced by National Freedom Party Leader (NFP), Zanele ka Maqwaza Msibi; Cope President Mosiuoa Lekota; DA MP Wilmot James; MEC for Sports Arts and Culture, Dan Khothule, among others. Also present was the dynamic MEC for COGTA and Deputy Secretary of ANC in the Free State, Mamiki Qabathe.
Speaking at the funeral last Saturday, the ANC Free State provincial Secretary Sibongile Besani addressed the crowd of more than 1 000 mourners who attended the Megheleng Stadium under the pertinent marquee tent.
He assured the people that the ANC will provide better life for the people in the area. “The death of Tatane has given us a salutary order to bring poor service delivery to an elevated standard, and not let our people wallow in dissatisfaction,” a calm Besani said.
Mme Qabathe condemned the burning of council buildings by youth during the protest that erupted after Tatane’s death. She went the extra mile for the community when she announced that her Department will carry all the costs of rebuilding the Library, for one; “as it is our children’s future at stake here…I also call on religious leaders to bring peace and stability in this town in their intercessions. We promise a better life for all, as that is our mission,”
Tatane’s sister, Seipati, nipped in the bud the efforts of those she perceived as wanting to use Tatane’s funeral as an opportunity for electioneering. It appeared that various political parties tried to unfurl banners and chant slogans during the proceedings. “Please do not turn Tatane’s funeral into a political spectacle,” she said. “Understand our pain and loss,” Meanwhile Mr. Lekota called for the eradication of the bucket system in Meqheleng, and for better service delivery in general.
Mothusi Lepheana of the SAHRC in Free State described Tatane’s death as a “waste”, saying the Commission would monitor the investigation into Tatane’s death every step of the way. “We shall take legal steps to help the family to preserve Tatane’s dignity,” he said. “The Commission is in discussion with the Tatane family as regards the possibility of bringing a civil lawsuit against those liable for the violation of his rights and ultimate death,”
Molefi Nonyane, the man who famously held Tatane, with consternation etched on his face after he had been shot - a photo that has now gone around the world - told the mourners: “The late Tatane was spiritually ill and perturbed due to poor service delivery. In his heart he was troubled because of the problems here, but his body was healthy,”
Tatane was laid to rest at Ficksburg cemetery. Hundreds of mourners dressed in T – shirts bearing Tatane’s photograph braved the rain, singing lustily as they led the procession to the cemetery which lies on the northern outskirts of the town. And the tears came cascading down...
Also:
“Art is my only umbrella!" says white writer
By Flaxman Qoopane
Vic Walker, a Master’s Degree in Drama and Theatre student at the University of the Free State (U.F.S), has published his first book of short stories – Little Wheels of Happiness.
Walker told Free State News: “Little Wheels of Happiness has the following short stories – The Wheel, Horse Power, Samson in the Free State, The Great Trek, Aardvark Jackals, Why can’t Calves As Well, Dear Mother-In-Law, The Cape is Too far”
Vic did his first year in B.A degree in drama and theatre arts at U.F.S in 1992. And he resumed his studies in 2006 and finished his degree at the age of 50, in 2007.
“In 1992, there was no lotto, which meant that there were no loans or bursaries to study in the arts at the University. I could only resume my studies in 2006, after I sold my stand (piece of land for R100 000) in Rosendal in the Free State and I went back to U.F.S to study,”
At the age of 13, Walker was invited to read a theatrical work at the Bethlehem Amateur Theatre in the Free State. “That thing lingered. I went to Durban. I became a beach-bum (a beggar). And I was a swimmer, my love was swimming,”
According to Vic, in 1992 his mother gave him R3000 to go and study at the University. “I was jobless, living with my mother, and I came to UFS to study. I could not buy books at the University. So I worked at the Fonteina Hotel in Bloemfontein. I had a place to stay and I got food. I was a bouncer for six months at the hotel,”
Alas, the hotel was to change hands. “The hotel was sold. I was on the street. I went to the Head of Drama at the University to study on debt. After I told him that I was living in the veld, he accommodated me in the theatre and I was comfortable,”
“Art is my only umbrella,” he emphasised to Free State News. “I have been living with art all my life. I was doing paintings, selling them from door to door. I’m in the said league as a preacher. I am a professional beggar with my paintings,”
APRIL 22 – APRIL 28 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Magashule revels in Sparkling Cleaning Campaign” Front page. By Bongani Tshabalala
Reproduced hereunder:
MAGASHULE REVELS IN SPARKLING CLEANING CAMPAIGN
BY BONGANI TSHABALALA
The go-ahead, dynamic Premier of the Free State, Ace Magashule practically displayed the importance of “example rather than precept” when he personally took centre stage at a revelatory Cleaning campaign in Parys!
Magashule was in tow with critical government departments. Magashule explained to the community at a pertinent press conference at Lentswe Community Radio Station in Tumahole that the Provincial Government in liaison with Government Garage will positively utilise big Graders, Tractors Tipper Trucks to make life easy for our Municipalities, Public Works, Department of Police Roads & Transport.
He said: “We need to look at the suburbs - they are neat and clean. We don’t need diseases that will kill our kids unnecessarily” He, with his entourage took to the street of Tumahole with Parys Mayor, Mr Max Mosholi and Fezile Dab, District Municipality Mayor, Mr Jonas Ramokhoase. They started first at an old Dumping site where the District has plans of Building two multipurpose-parks and removing illegal occupants of that place with their shacks in order for the government to fulfil its mission
As they traversed the Street of Tumahole, Magashule took a turn to Ahang Sechaba Primary School where he entered the playground of the school, and greeted the excited pupils. In the process he identified school needs; having a meeting with School Staff members and addressing educators. “I really must make an example of my own home town as regards punctilious cleanliness,” he said.
The Premier pointed out that educators are part of the community. “They must participate in anything the government does and support the same in order to see progress in our work. I am going to maintain this campaign forever.” He went on to emphasise the fact that taverns must be closed at 12 midnight, and he would not allow taverns next to any schools. “This campaign is working hand in glove with police as they have made some arrests in Welkom in connection with illegal liquor activities.”
Magashule also personally discovered that the school needs a sports field, proper running water and sewage, extension of toilets and a Computer Centre with a need of some 50 Computers “because there are three educators who are willing to offer their time on weekends to teach children about the world of computers, very important in our modern times,”
Magashule went on to assure the people that in two weeks’ time there will be computers, and the sports field will be ready in two months’ time as well. As for the issue of toilets, he said: “Our government wants to run this cleaning campaign process for the betterment of our children and community to believe in us all the time.” All Officials, including Magashule, were excellent, and on the qui vive in cleaning the dusty streets of Tumahole township, etc.
APRIL 15 – APRIL 21 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “OBP’s fecund liaison with Dept of Agriculture” Front page. By Bongani Tshabalala
Reproduced hereunder:
OBP’s FECUND LIAISON WITH DEPT OF AGRICULTURE!
By Bongani Tshabalala
It was a hive of activity on Tuesday this week as the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development orchestrated an occasion which saw people at the farm of Rietfontein South East of Thaba Nchu witnessing the agreement between Onderstepoort Biological Product (OBP) in conjunction with the Department. People of the village come in large numbers to the community hall despite the chilly weather interspersed with torrents of rain.
MEC M. Zwane was accompanied by departmental Officials as well as Head of Department, Dr Dimakatso Moorosi. Dr Mashishi/OBP from the department was the programme director as Me Mosoeu welcomed everyone in the name of the community as a ward committee member. Dr Mojapelo explained the purpose of the day; to wit, the partnership of OBP and the Department of Agriculture and Land Reform “by introducing vaccine in our animals; as we saw in 2002 the outbreak of rabies was so incurable and we don’t want to see that happening again in our farms or communities.”
Mr. Ayanda Ntsho, Acting Chief Executive Officer explained clearly that OBP is a state- owned entity from Pretoria and it has seen good works that have been performed by the Provincial Government of Free State through Operation Hlasela. “It is their desire to come and assist with vaccine and donate a fridge to the person who will be selling the products to the emerging farmers as regards their herds or stock and they have made a research about Rietfontein. Alas, they have to go to Bloemfontein or Thaba Nchu to buy medication for their livestock,”
Now Operation Hlasela is bringing vaccine to emerging farmers, Mr. Ntsho pointed out. He also emphasized the fact that people nowadays are used to the life of urban areas and think that they can make a living out of urbanization, an idea which did not sit well with him. “We have done research that we can develop lives in rural areas and we must ensure that we develop one another throwing in a helping hand. We must take care of our cattle because herds represent our wealth,” He stressed that OBP shall annually supply vaccines to targeted identified areas and especially to emerging farmers. “We shall identify and support entrepreneurs in the Province and supply fridges and initial stock as part of creating new distribution channels for emerging farmers. It will also partner with the Province to provide technical training on trans-boundary animal disease and prevention to farmers and provincial personnel, and assist in contributing financially to the provincial annual scientific forum and joint research projects.”
MEC Mosebenzi Zwane disclosed in Rietfontein that statistically 1709 diseases affect people “and 832 of them we get them from the animals”. He added: “We’re going to empower entrepreneurs of this village so that you no longer struggle to get to the shops. We as the department (DARD) will talk to our service provider to assist us with right stock for your shop because I have made a research and I have found that you struggle a lot to get to the shops nearby,”
Zwane concluded by saying: “We are setting in motion strategies of preventing diseases in Rietfontein until it goes throughout the Province, same as Operation Hlasela.” Thereafter, a memorandum of partnership and agreement was signed between Ondertepoort Biological Products and Department of Agriculture and Land Reform by two heads - Dr Dimakatso Moorosi (from DARD) and Mr. Ayanda Ntsho (from OBP). Refrigerators and initial stock were handed over to the emerging farmer Mr. Neo Edmond Leserwane, and Mrs. Alice Leserwane. After that, all animals in the village were given vaccines.
APRIL 8 – APRIL 14 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Simphiwe Dana’s fillip for the youth”. Front page. By Flaxman Qoopane
Reproduced hereunder:
Simphiwe Dana’s fillip for the Youth
By Flaxman Qoopane
The Bochabela Public School in Mangaung received a donation of ten boxes from the illustrious musician, Simphiwe Dana at the school last Thursday.
Simphiwe Dana told Free State News: “This donation of many books to the Bochabela Public School form part of our campaign The Black Culture Educational Tour held at the Paradise Hall and at Bochabela Public School on Thursday 31 March this year.
Dana partnered with the Creative Works, bold as music.com and Black Carrot Solution aims to promote a culture of reading in the disadvantaged communities in the rural and townships areas.
Speaking at the donation event at Bochabela Public School, Dana said: “We need a national campaign where we will encourage a culture of reading books and stories in our mother tongues and indigenous languages among our children, learners, teenagers, youth and our adults. By donating books to those who don’t have books, forms part of nation-building,”
Lupi Ngcayisa from the Lupi Ngcayisa Foundation in Gauteng accompanied Dana and her team during the tour. He added: “All of us can only promote a reading culture by encouraging parents to read books to their children at home. We need to be members of the libraries in our communities. And we must form reading and book clubs for young and old”
Lesley Mokone, the Principal of Bochabela Public School said: “The school is proud to receive the donation of books from Simphiwe Dana and her team, and also from the Mangaung Local Municipality Library Unit under Elizabeth Francis and her team.
The visit by Dana was emotional. We try to encourage our learners to read and participate in any activity that takes our effort further.”
Ellen Boikanyo, an educator at Bochabela Public School said: “Twenty five learners in Grade 2 and 3 wrote their short stories in Setswana. They were able to hand those stories to Dana who will edit them, and later publish them into a book. Because of the inspiration the learners gained from Simphiwe Dana, they are going to write more stories and songs,”
A community member and cultural activist, Serame “Icebound” Makhele said: “It was really exciting to see the down-to-earth Dana interacting with the learners, educators, and the ordinary people’ encouraging them to be educated and addicted to read books,”
Also:
The BOOKSHELF (Page 2)
With Kgang Abel Motheane
Sesotho Literary Museum buzzes
The Sesotho Literary Museum buzzed as 180 learners from Mahapung Primary School (Ficksburg) came to witness literary history in the making, savouring the profiles and work of many indigenous writers.
The Museum invited Mr. Kgang Abel Motheane (prolific author) to give the learners lessons about writing and reading skills. He also entertained them with old, riveting Tswana songs.
Mr. Motheane stressed the importance of reading and writing, and literary creativity in general. “We must relish intellectual development and appreciate our wordsmiths,” he said. “Who knows how many budding writers and authors are among you young ones now?”
Teachers and learners were very proud at the occasion, and their creativity was sparked off too. They, like the young ones were encouraged with the information they received. “It’s been an enlightening process,” they agreed.
Literary Museums are very, very important places that preserve our literary history. Just like the world class literary Museum in Grahamstown, the NELM (National English Literary Museum), the Sesotho Literary Museum continues to hold its head high.
APRIL 1 – APRIL 7 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Military veterans in spotlight” Page 2 By Flaxman Qoopane
Reproduced hereunder:
Military Veterans in spotlight
By Flaxman Qoopane
The Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thabang Makwetla, attended the Free State, South African National Military Veteran Association (SANMVA) Conference at the President Hotel in Bloemfontein at the weekend.
Mr. Makwetla said: “On behalf of Lindiwe Sisulu, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, I thank the SANMVA Preparatory Committee in the Free State for organising this conference. Minister Sisulu fully supports this conference of the military veterans.
“We took office in 2009, and in August 2009, SANMVA was formed by the Azanian People’s Liberation Army Military Veterans Association (APLAMVA), Azanian National Liberation Army Military Veterans Association (AZANLAMVA), the Council of Military Veterans Organisation (CMVO), Umkhonto We Sizwe Military Veteran Association (MKMVA), Transkei Defence Force, Bophutwatswana Defence Force, Ciskei Defence Force, and Venda Defence Force Military Veterans Association.”
According to the Deputy-Minister, the formation of SANMVA was necessitated by Military Veterans Act of 1999. “We have launched four provincial SANMVA; the Free State SANMVA is the fifth to be launched. We are left with four SANMVA to be launched in four provinces. These developments bring comforts to the military veterans.”
He added: “Before the parliament, there is a Bill that indicates who a military veteran is. All of us South Africans who joined the military organisations that integrated in December 1996 are recognised as the military veterans.”
The Bill says the government will provide support to the military veterans and also their dependants. The policy says the military veterans will be assisted with houses, free transport, and health facilities. They will be trained and educated and will be assisted with counselling. They will also have access to business opportunities and employment.
Free State News crew
Publisher
Moses Vinger
Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi aka “Madam Maki” “H.C”
Editor
Kaya M
News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji
News Desk
S. Botsime
Contributors
Flaxman Qoopane
David Mofokeng
Office Assistant
Gavin Ignitius
Lay-out artist
Keitumetse
Contact number:
051 447 1655
APRIL 29 – MAY 5 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Qabathe promises better life in wake of Tatane demise” Front page. By Bongani Tshabalala
Reproduced hereunder:
QABATHE PROMISES BETTER LIFE IN WAKE OF TATANE DEMISE
By Bongani Tshabalala
The imbroglio continues over the actions and repercussion of the eight policemen involved in the alleged assault and death of Sello Andries Tatane. This was pursuant to a service delivery protest march which took place outside the Municipal offices in Ficksburg recently. Tatane’s funeral was an exceedingly sombre one at the weekend.
It was a moving funeral, graced by National Freedom Party Leader (NFP), Zanele ka Maqwaza Msibi; Cope President Mosiuoa Lekota; DA MP Wilmot James; MEC for Sports Arts and Culture, Dan Khothule, among others. Also present was the dynamic MEC for COGTA and Deputy Secretary of ANC in the Free State, Mamiki Qabathe.
Speaking at the funeral last Saturday, the ANC Free State provincial Secretary Sibongile Besani addressed the crowd of more than 1 000 mourners who attended the Megheleng Stadium under the pertinent marquee tent.
He assured the people that the ANC will provide better life for the people in the area. “The death of Tatane has given us a salutary order to bring poor service delivery to an elevated standard, and not let our people wallow in dissatisfaction,” a calm Besani said.
Mme Qabathe condemned the burning of council buildings by youth during the protest that erupted after Tatane’s death. She went the extra mile for the community when she announced that her Department will carry all the costs of rebuilding the Library, for one; “as it is our children’s future at stake here…I also call on religious leaders to bring peace and stability in this town in their intercessions. We promise a better life for all, as that is our mission,”
Tatane’s sister, Seipati, nipped in the bud the efforts of those she perceived as wanting to use Tatane’s funeral as an opportunity for electioneering. It appeared that various political parties tried to unfurl banners and chant slogans during the proceedings. “Please do not turn Tatane’s funeral into a political spectacle,” she said. “Understand our pain and loss,” Meanwhile Mr. Lekota called for the eradication of the bucket system in Meqheleng, and for better service delivery in general.
Mothusi Lepheana of the SAHRC in Free State described Tatane’s death as a “waste”, saying the Commission would monitor the investigation into Tatane’s death every step of the way. “We shall take legal steps to help the family to preserve Tatane’s dignity,” he said. “The Commission is in discussion with the Tatane family as regards the possibility of bringing a civil lawsuit against those liable for the violation of his rights and ultimate death,”
Molefi Nonyane, the man who famously held Tatane, with consternation etched on his face after he had been shot - a photo that has now gone around the world - told the mourners: “The late Tatane was spiritually ill and perturbed due to poor service delivery. In his heart he was troubled because of the problems here, but his body was healthy,”
Tatane was laid to rest at Ficksburg cemetery. Hundreds of mourners dressed in T – shirts bearing Tatane’s photograph braved the rain, singing lustily as they led the procession to the cemetery which lies on the northern outskirts of the town. And the tears came cascading down...
Also:
“Art is my only umbrella!" says white writer
By Flaxman Qoopane
Vic Walker, a Master’s Degree in Drama and Theatre student at the University of the Free State (U.F.S), has published his first book of short stories – Little Wheels of Happiness.
Walker told Free State News: “Little Wheels of Happiness has the following short stories – The Wheel, Horse Power, Samson in the Free State, The Great Trek, Aardvark Jackals, Why can’t Calves As Well, Dear Mother-In-Law, The Cape is Too far”
Vic did his first year in B.A degree in drama and theatre arts at U.F.S in 1992. And he resumed his studies in 2006 and finished his degree at the age of 50, in 2007.
“In 1992, there was no lotto, which meant that there were no loans or bursaries to study in the arts at the University. I could only resume my studies in 2006, after I sold my stand (piece of land for R100 000) in Rosendal in the Free State and I went back to U.F.S to study,”
At the age of 13, Walker was invited to read a theatrical work at the Bethlehem Amateur Theatre in the Free State. “That thing lingered. I went to Durban. I became a beach-bum (a beggar). And I was a swimmer, my love was swimming,”
According to Vic, in 1992 his mother gave him R3000 to go and study at the University. “I was jobless, living with my mother, and I came to UFS to study. I could not buy books at the University. So I worked at the Fonteina Hotel in Bloemfontein. I had a place to stay and I got food. I was a bouncer for six months at the hotel,”
Alas, the hotel was to change hands. “The hotel was sold. I was on the street. I went to the Head of Drama at the University to study on debt. After I told him that I was living in the veld, he accommodated me in the theatre and I was comfortable,”
“Art is my only umbrella,” he emphasised to Free State News. “I have been living with art all my life. I was doing paintings, selling them from door to door. I’m in the said league as a preacher. I am a professional beggar with my paintings,”
APRIL 22 – APRIL 28 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Magashule revels in Sparkling Cleaning Campaign” Front page. By Bongani Tshabalala
Reproduced hereunder:
MAGASHULE REVELS IN SPARKLING CLEANING CAMPAIGN
BY BONGANI TSHABALALA
The go-ahead, dynamic Premier of the Free State, Ace Magashule practically displayed the importance of “example rather than precept” when he personally took centre stage at a revelatory Cleaning campaign in Parys!
Magashule was in tow with critical government departments. Magashule explained to the community at a pertinent press conference at Lentswe Community Radio Station in Tumahole that the Provincial Government in liaison with Government Garage will positively utilise big Graders, Tractors Tipper Trucks to make life easy for our Municipalities, Public Works, Department of Police Roads & Transport.
He said: “We need to look at the suburbs - they are neat and clean. We don’t need diseases that will kill our kids unnecessarily” He, with his entourage took to the street of Tumahole with Parys Mayor, Mr Max Mosholi and Fezile Dab, District Municipality Mayor, Mr Jonas Ramokhoase. They started first at an old Dumping site where the District has plans of Building two multipurpose-parks and removing illegal occupants of that place with their shacks in order for the government to fulfil its mission
As they traversed the Street of Tumahole, Magashule took a turn to Ahang Sechaba Primary School where he entered the playground of the school, and greeted the excited pupils. In the process he identified school needs; having a meeting with School Staff members and addressing educators. “I really must make an example of my own home town as regards punctilious cleanliness,” he said.
The Premier pointed out that educators are part of the community. “They must participate in anything the government does and support the same in order to see progress in our work. I am going to maintain this campaign forever.” He went on to emphasise the fact that taverns must be closed at 12 midnight, and he would not allow taverns next to any schools. “This campaign is working hand in glove with police as they have made some arrests in Welkom in connection with illegal liquor activities.”
Magashule also personally discovered that the school needs a sports field, proper running water and sewage, extension of toilets and a Computer Centre with a need of some 50 Computers “because there are three educators who are willing to offer their time on weekends to teach children about the world of computers, very important in our modern times,”
Magashule went on to assure the people that in two weeks’ time there will be computers, and the sports field will be ready in two months’ time as well. As for the issue of toilets, he said: “Our government wants to run this cleaning campaign process for the betterment of our children and community to believe in us all the time.” All Officials, including Magashule, were excellent, and on the qui vive in cleaning the dusty streets of Tumahole township, etc.
APRIL 15 – APRIL 21 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “OBP’s fecund liaison with Dept of Agriculture” Front page. By Bongani Tshabalala
Reproduced hereunder:
OBP’s FECUND LIAISON WITH DEPT OF AGRICULTURE!
By Bongani Tshabalala
It was a hive of activity on Tuesday this week as the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development orchestrated an occasion which saw people at the farm of Rietfontein South East of Thaba Nchu witnessing the agreement between Onderstepoort Biological Product (OBP) in conjunction with the Department. People of the village come in large numbers to the community hall despite the chilly weather interspersed with torrents of rain.
MEC M. Zwane was accompanied by departmental Officials as well as Head of Department, Dr Dimakatso Moorosi. Dr Mashishi/OBP from the department was the programme director as Me Mosoeu welcomed everyone in the name of the community as a ward committee member. Dr Mojapelo explained the purpose of the day; to wit, the partnership of OBP and the Department of Agriculture and Land Reform “by introducing vaccine in our animals; as we saw in 2002 the outbreak of rabies was so incurable and we don’t want to see that happening again in our farms or communities.”
Mr. Ayanda Ntsho, Acting Chief Executive Officer explained clearly that OBP is a state- owned entity from Pretoria and it has seen good works that have been performed by the Provincial Government of Free State through Operation Hlasela. “It is their desire to come and assist with vaccine and donate a fridge to the person who will be selling the products to the emerging farmers as regards their herds or stock and they have made a research about Rietfontein. Alas, they have to go to Bloemfontein or Thaba Nchu to buy medication for their livestock,”
Now Operation Hlasela is bringing vaccine to emerging farmers, Mr. Ntsho pointed out. He also emphasized the fact that people nowadays are used to the life of urban areas and think that they can make a living out of urbanization, an idea which did not sit well with him. “We have done research that we can develop lives in rural areas and we must ensure that we develop one another throwing in a helping hand. We must take care of our cattle because herds represent our wealth,” He stressed that OBP shall annually supply vaccines to targeted identified areas and especially to emerging farmers. “We shall identify and support entrepreneurs in the Province and supply fridges and initial stock as part of creating new distribution channels for emerging farmers. It will also partner with the Province to provide technical training on trans-boundary animal disease and prevention to farmers and provincial personnel, and assist in contributing financially to the provincial annual scientific forum and joint research projects.”
MEC Mosebenzi Zwane disclosed in Rietfontein that statistically 1709 diseases affect people “and 832 of them we get them from the animals”. He added: “We’re going to empower entrepreneurs of this village so that you no longer struggle to get to the shops. We as the department (DARD) will talk to our service provider to assist us with right stock for your shop because I have made a research and I have found that you struggle a lot to get to the shops nearby,”
Zwane concluded by saying: “We are setting in motion strategies of preventing diseases in Rietfontein until it goes throughout the Province, same as Operation Hlasela.” Thereafter, a memorandum of partnership and agreement was signed between Ondertepoort Biological Products and Department of Agriculture and Land Reform by two heads - Dr Dimakatso Moorosi (from DARD) and Mr. Ayanda Ntsho (from OBP). Refrigerators and initial stock were handed over to the emerging farmer Mr. Neo Edmond Leserwane, and Mrs. Alice Leserwane. After that, all animals in the village were given vaccines.
APRIL 8 – APRIL 14 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Simphiwe Dana’s fillip for the youth”. Front page. By Flaxman Qoopane
Reproduced hereunder:
Simphiwe Dana’s fillip for the Youth
By Flaxman Qoopane
The Bochabela Public School in Mangaung received a donation of ten boxes from the illustrious musician, Simphiwe Dana at the school last Thursday.
Simphiwe Dana told Free State News: “This donation of many books to the Bochabela Public School form part of our campaign The Black Culture Educational Tour held at the Paradise Hall and at Bochabela Public School on Thursday 31 March this year.
Dana partnered with the Creative Works, bold as music.com and Black Carrot Solution aims to promote a culture of reading in the disadvantaged communities in the rural and townships areas.
Speaking at the donation event at Bochabela Public School, Dana said: “We need a national campaign where we will encourage a culture of reading books and stories in our mother tongues and indigenous languages among our children, learners, teenagers, youth and our adults. By donating books to those who don’t have books, forms part of nation-building,”
Lupi Ngcayisa from the Lupi Ngcayisa Foundation in Gauteng accompanied Dana and her team during the tour. He added: “All of us can only promote a reading culture by encouraging parents to read books to their children at home. We need to be members of the libraries in our communities. And we must form reading and book clubs for young and old”
Lesley Mokone, the Principal of Bochabela Public School said: “The school is proud to receive the donation of books from Simphiwe Dana and her team, and also from the Mangaung Local Municipality Library Unit under Elizabeth Francis and her team.
The visit by Dana was emotional. We try to encourage our learners to read and participate in any activity that takes our effort further.”
Ellen Boikanyo, an educator at Bochabela Public School said: “Twenty five learners in Grade 2 and 3 wrote their short stories in Setswana. They were able to hand those stories to Dana who will edit them, and later publish them into a book. Because of the inspiration the learners gained from Simphiwe Dana, they are going to write more stories and songs,”
A community member and cultural activist, Serame “Icebound” Makhele said: “It was really exciting to see the down-to-earth Dana interacting with the learners, educators, and the ordinary people’ encouraging them to be educated and addicted to read books,”
Also:
The BOOKSHELF (Page 2)
With Kgang Abel Motheane
Sesotho Literary Museum buzzes
The Sesotho Literary Museum buzzed as 180 learners from Mahapung Primary School (Ficksburg) came to witness literary history in the making, savouring the profiles and work of many indigenous writers.
The Museum invited Mr. Kgang Abel Motheane (prolific author) to give the learners lessons about writing and reading skills. He also entertained them with old, riveting Tswana songs.
Mr. Motheane stressed the importance of reading and writing, and literary creativity in general. “We must relish intellectual development and appreciate our wordsmiths,” he said. “Who knows how many budding writers and authors are among you young ones now?”
Teachers and learners were very proud at the occasion, and their creativity was sparked off too. They, like the young ones were encouraged with the information they received. “It’s been an enlightening process,” they agreed.
Literary Museums are very, very important places that preserve our literary history. Just like the world class literary Museum in Grahamstown, the NELM (National English Literary Museum), the Sesotho Literary Museum continues to hold its head high.
APRIL 1 – APRIL 7 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Military veterans in spotlight” Page 2 By Flaxman Qoopane
Reproduced hereunder:
Military Veterans in spotlight
By Flaxman Qoopane
The Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thabang Makwetla, attended the Free State, South African National Military Veteran Association (SANMVA) Conference at the President Hotel in Bloemfontein at the weekend.
Mr. Makwetla said: “On behalf of Lindiwe Sisulu, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, I thank the SANMVA Preparatory Committee in the Free State for organising this conference. Minister Sisulu fully supports this conference of the military veterans.
“We took office in 2009, and in August 2009, SANMVA was formed by the Azanian People’s Liberation Army Military Veterans Association (APLAMVA), Azanian National Liberation Army Military Veterans Association (AZANLAMVA), the Council of Military Veterans Organisation (CMVO), Umkhonto We Sizwe Military Veteran Association (MKMVA), Transkei Defence Force, Bophutwatswana Defence Force, Ciskei Defence Force, and Venda Defence Force Military Veterans Association.”
According to the Deputy-Minister, the formation of SANMVA was necessitated by Military Veterans Act of 1999. “We have launched four provincial SANMVA; the Free State SANMVA is the fifth to be launched. We are left with four SANMVA to be launched in four provinces. These developments bring comforts to the military veterans.”
He added: “Before the parliament, there is a Bill that indicates who a military veteran is. All of us South Africans who joined the military organisations that integrated in December 1996 are recognised as the military veterans.”
The Bill says the government will provide support to the military veterans and also their dependants. The policy says the military veterans will be assisted with houses, free transport, and health facilities. They will be trained and educated and will be assisted with counselling. They will also have access to business opportunities and employment.
Monday, March 28, 2011
FREE STATE NEWS (MARCH 2011 editions)
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
News Desk
S. Botsime
Contributors
Flaxman Qoopane
David Mofokeng
Office Assistant
Gavin Ignitius
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang (Star)
Contact number:
051 447 1655
MARCH 25 – MARCH 31 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Basking in Correctional Services Awards!” By Flaxman Qoopane. Front page
Reproduced hereunder:
Basking in Correctional Services Awards!
By Flaxman Qoopane
The Regional Inspectorate team of seven members from the Department of Correctional Services in the Free State and Northern Cape region won the second position and was awarded the Deputy-Minister’s Award during the National Corrections Excellence Awards ceremony held at the International Conference Centre in Durban on 4 March.
Speaking to the media during a handing over ceremony of trophies, certificates and a cheque of R5000 to the Regional Inspectorate team held in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, Grace Molatedi, Acting Regional Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services in the Free State and Northern State region, said: “We congratulate our Regional Inspectorate team led by Johan Massyn”
Other team members are the following: Assistant-Directors Rita Botes, Meshack Mgese, Pule Raleting, Chris Mahonono, Frank Tanyane and Olson Murphy, who raised the Region’s flag high when they garnered second position when Depurty Director Massyn received the Deputy Minister’s award on behalf of his team from Dr. Ngoako Ramatlhodi. Each member of the team was given a certificate,
Deputy-Director Massyn said: “I am very proud of the team because they have gone the extra mile to put us in the position to win the national award.
“I won the Batho Pele award on regional level. For Batho Pele award, community involvement and high standard of service delivery is my passion. It is good to assist the public with information so that they know the activities of other departments”
The Deputy Minister’s Award is given to a team that has contributed to a positive healthy environment and to the wellness of fellow employees; has shown excellence in assisting and collaborating with co-workers; has provided a positive role model of the ideal correctional official to other officials and offenders; has treated everyone with respect and dignity; and has championed sound ideas for the development of workplace well-ness and share their knowledge, skills and experience with others.
Also: THE BOOKSHELF
With Kgang Abel Motheane
ACHAL PORES INTO FS LITERATURE
It was an exciting time when the Indian-born Achal Prabhala from Chimurenga, visited the Free State whilst doing research on FS Black Writing. Achal has devoured world literature all his life, and works for a number of international agencies and universities.
Achal, after extensive conversations with Free State writers, and after poring over many of the books produced, will write a lengthy report on the healthy state of Free State Black literature which will be published in the renowned Chimurenga journal – read all over the world.
Achal, both charming and cerebral, met with distinguished writers like Flaxman Qoopane, Pule Lechesa, Hector Kunene, Omoseye Bolaji, Jah Rose, yours truly, among others – during his visit. He also examined the Free State library network which is famed for its sophistication. He made comprehensive notes during all his forays.
Achal Prabhala also took time out to visit Flaxman Qoopane’s famous literary gallery and library situated at Hillside View in Mangaung. Mr Qoopane, a repository of extraordinary knowledge as regards African black literature, explained the whole genesis, growth and fame of FS Black Writing to Achal.
After a satisfactory time in the Free State, Achal expressed his satisfaction all around. “It has been a fruitful, illuminating trip,” he said “I shall be flying to India later this month, but I will make sure I prepare a worthy, lengthy article on Free State grassroots literature which will be published during Winter,” Achal has since returned to India.
MARCH 18 – MARCH 24 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Councillors get grimy for the community” By Seleke Botsime. Front page
Reproduced hereunder:
Councillors get grimy for the community!
By Seleke Botsime
Councillors and volunteers got their hands dirty and cleaned the targeted areas of Mangaung this week. Earlier, they were also in Heidedal. The campaign kick-started last week when they cleaned ward 21. It will continue in places like Botshabelo at ward 38.
Speaking to Mr. Papiki Moeng, he told Free State News that this cleaning has nothing to do with the coming elections. “It is only that we have identified the need for this campaign since there are many places in Mangaung that need a face-lift. Some areas are so bad that if they are not cleaned it will have a negative impact on the community that lives there; and even criminals will take advantage of them.”
Another member, Mr Goilwe Skakane said that they work in conjunction with Mangaung Mayor, Playfair Morule in order to speed up the process of cleaning. “We have been assisted with tractors and side caters for the grass in order to make the job well done and immediately after the rubbish has been collected and put aside, the Municipality comes and collects the rubbish,”
The campaign started at ten o’clock in the morning, with some 130 volunteers taking part in the campaign. Familiar faces like Mme Nomsa, Cllr Phongolo and Erasmus just to mention a few, were very much in the thick of action! It was a day-time job, and by the afternoon one realised the impact of the campaign on their faces - all in the name of offering free service to the community of Heidedal!
MARCH 11 – MARCH 17 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “10 000 shoes for impecunious learners! ” By Michael Tlhakudi. Front page
Reproduced hereunder:
10 000 shoes for impecunious learners!
…Alah-Yen provides ray of hope
By Michael Tlhakudi
Winter beckons on the horizon; the time when the ravages of cold exerts profound suffering on many; especially the impecunious. With this in mind Alah-Yen is already in the forefront of making life easier for the needy!
Alah-Yen Foundation is a non- profit organisation based in Mangaung, Bloemfontein. It is now embarking on a campaign to raise 10 000 school shoes for the disadvantaged communities in and around the Motheo district in the Free State.
The Foundation that was started back in 2009 with the sole aim of assisting learners to restore the culture of learning is now appealing to community, government and local business to come on board on this venture.
“We have seen in our communities number of learners going to school without shoes and this has become a concern, we then decided to do something about it hence we initiated this campaign” said project leader Lehlohonolo Mokoena .
The campaign is in conjunction with Motheo District Municipality and Motheo FM a local based radio station. “We therefore request the government, local businesses as well as the members of the community to come on board and assist in helping these kids to have a smooth process of learning. We know very well in winter is difficult period to concentrate in class when you are cold”.
Alah-Yen Foundation has already raised a significant number of shoes. “We do not know at this stage how many shoes have been dropped off. But we intend to collect at least 10 000 school shoes before the end of May just in time for the cold season” said Mokoena.
This initiative is aimed at Primary learners who are either orphans or disadvantaged.
“We know some parents receive government social grants, but this is not sufficient to help the disadvantaged and orphans to meets their needs.”
The team has already identified schools in the Motheo District Municipality and is in the process of capturing data of how the collected shoes will be distributed. “We want to make it an annual event and expand it to the other parts of Free State in the coming years but for now our focus will be only in Motheo District that includes Thaba-Nchu, Botshabelo, Tweespruit, Ladybrand , Hobhouse and the surrounding areas.” .
Mokoena further added that they are thrilled with the response they have received so far. He said: “The response has been positive thus far. We have received calls from local business inquiring about this initiative. Some of them want to donate in bulk, so yes the response has been incredibly positive.”
The Motheo Youth Desk has also shown support in this programme. “We certainly hope that they will make our job easier with their massive support”. Mokoena said his team is working tirelessly to make this project a success. He indicated that they might not make it to 10 000 but the “little” that they would have acquired will definitely make a difference.
“We do not anticipate people to drop very old shoes, but we also do not want to put pressure on people to buy brand new shoes as long as they are in good condition they are welcomed,” he concluded. The foundation also intends to host a gala dinner and music festival just before they hand shoes to the respective schools.
Those who want to donate school shoes should drop them at Youth centres in Bloemfontein, Thaba Nchu and Botshabelo as well as Motheo FM studios in Bloemfontein.
MARCH 4 – MARCH 10 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Priest saves miscreant from mob justice” Page 3 By Flaxman Qoopane
Reproduced hereunder:
Priest saves miscreant from mob justice!
BY FLAXMAN QOOPANE
An incensed, angry mob nearly killed a youth who allegedly stole R500 from a woman in Bloemfontein on Monday afternoon. Thanks to a priest who came to his rescue, and saved him from being killed by the mob. He was later arrested and admitted at Pelonomi Hospital after he suffered severe injuries.
This journalist was at the Post Office in Maitland Street on Monday at 14:00 pm, and to my chagrin I witnessed a group of men approaching a youth; and one of the men requested the youth to give him the R500 he allegedly stole from a woman.
“I don’t know anything about the stolen money from any woman” said the suspect. A quarrel ensued between the men and the suspect. The man started attacking him with knobkerries and iron bars; they hit his arms, face and the head. He screamed for help, and he admitted that he stole the money from the woman. He gave the R500 that he stole to one of the men.
The woman whose money was allegedly stolen by the suspect came to the scene, and punched the suspect in the face with her fist, and she demanded her money from the thief. She received her stolen money back. The suspect tried to run away but the angry mob chased him, tripped him and he fell down on the pavement in front of the pharmacy!
One of the furious people said; “Leshodu ha le bolawe” (kill the thief). They started beating up the suspect with everything they could find, they kicked him, and he laid on a pavement in severe pains. He was too weak to talk to the crowd. However a Good Samaritan (the priest) came to the rescue of the suspect. Tears fell down from his eyes. He begged for mercy; “I thought I am going to die” he said.
At 14:45 pm, two police come to the scene. They found the suspect next to the pharmacy where he was hiding. He was arrested and locked in a van and driven to Thabure Satellite Police Station in Bloemfontein.
Also:
IEC HOLDS FORTH ON IMMINENT ELECTIONS!
By Seleke Botsime
The IEC had an illuminating workshop/summit at President Hotel recently. The workshop was meant to foster and encourage political tolerance ahead of the local government elections.
The stakeholders who attended the function included the political parties ANC, APC, DA DPSA, PAC, COPE; and others, including the traditional leaders.
IEC Provincial Chief Electoral Officer, Chris Mepha was pleased to declare that order and serenity essentially prevail in the Free State. He said: “It is no secret that the Free State elections are always peaceful. We are happy to have our other IEC colleagues here”
Eastern Cape’s Provincial chief electoral officer, Revd Bongani Finka adumbrated on what makes an election free and fair. “Free meaning free of speech, political tolerance and it is the work of the IEC to intervene in this coming election. There is no universally recognised standard by which the quality of election is judged and measured. It’s been said that the election of South Africa has been respected around the world but we at IEC must not rest on our laurels,”
Interestingly, the political parties were given seven minutes each to do their presentation on the issue of how to achieve free and fair election.
African National Congress was the first party to be given the podium and the speaker was Sbongile Besani (the provincial secretary) who said that there is a need for transparency. “We need to remember that the elections start when the campaign begins. He said that it is important that we should encourage people to vote irrespective of their doubts or problems that they are encountering.”
The second party to take the podium was a member of ACDP who posed the concern that IEC must make it a point that they must be punctual either on opening and closing of the polling station. Also, posters that are destroyed during the election must come to a stop since it costs a party a lot of money to put up the posters.
APC’s Paseka Mosoadiba (Provincial Chairperson) said that it is only through hard work and collective responsibility that a free and fair election can be enhanced. Thereafter, it was COPE’s Mr Kganare who said that votes should be of equal value and IEC must give clarity to the voters.
The DA’s Jankelshon said that the party concentrated on small issues like thorough training of the IEC staff in order to exercise their duties smoothly; and the shortage of ballot papers. He said that it is a collective duty to respect political parties; and Hlasela must not be treated as a political party since there is a lot of money that is being invested into it.
Thereafter it was Dikwankwetla, of the UCDP who said that the parties must not abuse their political status through broadcasting on community radio stations. It was also stressed that the visibility of the police will be seen at the polling station. Traffic will be regulated as there will be intelligence to do screening of voters.
Free State News crew
Publisher
Moses Vinger
Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi aka “Madam Maki” “H.C”
Editor
Kaya M
News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji
News Desk
S. Botsime
Contributors
Flaxman Qoopane
David Mofokeng
Office Assistant
Gavin Ignitius
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang (Star)
Contact number:
051 447 1655
MARCH 25 – MARCH 31 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Basking in Correctional Services Awards!” By Flaxman Qoopane. Front page
Reproduced hereunder:
Basking in Correctional Services Awards!
By Flaxman Qoopane
The Regional Inspectorate team of seven members from the Department of Correctional Services in the Free State and Northern Cape region won the second position and was awarded the Deputy-Minister’s Award during the National Corrections Excellence Awards ceremony held at the International Conference Centre in Durban on 4 March.
Speaking to the media during a handing over ceremony of trophies, certificates and a cheque of R5000 to the Regional Inspectorate team held in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, Grace Molatedi, Acting Regional Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services in the Free State and Northern State region, said: “We congratulate our Regional Inspectorate team led by Johan Massyn”
Other team members are the following: Assistant-Directors Rita Botes, Meshack Mgese, Pule Raleting, Chris Mahonono, Frank Tanyane and Olson Murphy, who raised the Region’s flag high when they garnered second position when Depurty Director Massyn received the Deputy Minister’s award on behalf of his team from Dr. Ngoako Ramatlhodi. Each member of the team was given a certificate,
Deputy-Director Massyn said: “I am very proud of the team because they have gone the extra mile to put us in the position to win the national award.
“I won the Batho Pele award on regional level. For Batho Pele award, community involvement and high standard of service delivery is my passion. It is good to assist the public with information so that they know the activities of other departments”
The Deputy Minister’s Award is given to a team that has contributed to a positive healthy environment and to the wellness of fellow employees; has shown excellence in assisting and collaborating with co-workers; has provided a positive role model of the ideal correctional official to other officials and offenders; has treated everyone with respect and dignity; and has championed sound ideas for the development of workplace well-ness and share their knowledge, skills and experience with others.
Also: THE BOOKSHELF
With Kgang Abel Motheane
ACHAL PORES INTO FS LITERATURE
It was an exciting time when the Indian-born Achal Prabhala from Chimurenga, visited the Free State whilst doing research on FS Black Writing. Achal has devoured world literature all his life, and works for a number of international agencies and universities.
Achal, after extensive conversations with Free State writers, and after poring over many of the books produced, will write a lengthy report on the healthy state of Free State Black literature which will be published in the renowned Chimurenga journal – read all over the world.
Achal, both charming and cerebral, met with distinguished writers like Flaxman Qoopane, Pule Lechesa, Hector Kunene, Omoseye Bolaji, Jah Rose, yours truly, among others – during his visit. He also examined the Free State library network which is famed for its sophistication. He made comprehensive notes during all his forays.
Achal Prabhala also took time out to visit Flaxman Qoopane’s famous literary gallery and library situated at Hillside View in Mangaung. Mr Qoopane, a repository of extraordinary knowledge as regards African black literature, explained the whole genesis, growth and fame of FS Black Writing to Achal.
After a satisfactory time in the Free State, Achal expressed his satisfaction all around. “It has been a fruitful, illuminating trip,” he said “I shall be flying to India later this month, but I will make sure I prepare a worthy, lengthy article on Free State grassroots literature which will be published during Winter,” Achal has since returned to India.
MARCH 18 – MARCH 24 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Councillors get grimy for the community” By Seleke Botsime. Front page
Reproduced hereunder:
Councillors get grimy for the community!
By Seleke Botsime
Councillors and volunteers got their hands dirty and cleaned the targeted areas of Mangaung this week. Earlier, they were also in Heidedal. The campaign kick-started last week when they cleaned ward 21. It will continue in places like Botshabelo at ward 38.
Speaking to Mr. Papiki Moeng, he told Free State News that this cleaning has nothing to do with the coming elections. “It is only that we have identified the need for this campaign since there are many places in Mangaung that need a face-lift. Some areas are so bad that if they are not cleaned it will have a negative impact on the community that lives there; and even criminals will take advantage of them.”
Another member, Mr Goilwe Skakane said that they work in conjunction with Mangaung Mayor, Playfair Morule in order to speed up the process of cleaning. “We have been assisted with tractors and side caters for the grass in order to make the job well done and immediately after the rubbish has been collected and put aside, the Municipality comes and collects the rubbish,”
The campaign started at ten o’clock in the morning, with some 130 volunteers taking part in the campaign. Familiar faces like Mme Nomsa, Cllr Phongolo and Erasmus just to mention a few, were very much in the thick of action! It was a day-time job, and by the afternoon one realised the impact of the campaign on their faces - all in the name of offering free service to the community of Heidedal!
MARCH 11 – MARCH 17 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “10 000 shoes for impecunious learners! ” By Michael Tlhakudi. Front page
Reproduced hereunder:
10 000 shoes for impecunious learners!
…Alah-Yen provides ray of hope
By Michael Tlhakudi
Winter beckons on the horizon; the time when the ravages of cold exerts profound suffering on many; especially the impecunious. With this in mind Alah-Yen is already in the forefront of making life easier for the needy!
Alah-Yen Foundation is a non- profit organisation based in Mangaung, Bloemfontein. It is now embarking on a campaign to raise 10 000 school shoes for the disadvantaged communities in and around the Motheo district in the Free State.
The Foundation that was started back in 2009 with the sole aim of assisting learners to restore the culture of learning is now appealing to community, government and local business to come on board on this venture.
“We have seen in our communities number of learners going to school without shoes and this has become a concern, we then decided to do something about it hence we initiated this campaign” said project leader Lehlohonolo Mokoena .
The campaign is in conjunction with Motheo District Municipality and Motheo FM a local based radio station. “We therefore request the government, local businesses as well as the members of the community to come on board and assist in helping these kids to have a smooth process of learning. We know very well in winter is difficult period to concentrate in class when you are cold”.
Alah-Yen Foundation has already raised a significant number of shoes. “We do not know at this stage how many shoes have been dropped off. But we intend to collect at least 10 000 school shoes before the end of May just in time for the cold season” said Mokoena.
This initiative is aimed at Primary learners who are either orphans or disadvantaged.
“We know some parents receive government social grants, but this is not sufficient to help the disadvantaged and orphans to meets their needs.”
The team has already identified schools in the Motheo District Municipality and is in the process of capturing data of how the collected shoes will be distributed. “We want to make it an annual event and expand it to the other parts of Free State in the coming years but for now our focus will be only in Motheo District that includes Thaba-Nchu, Botshabelo, Tweespruit, Ladybrand , Hobhouse and the surrounding areas.” .
Mokoena further added that they are thrilled with the response they have received so far. He said: “The response has been positive thus far. We have received calls from local business inquiring about this initiative. Some of them want to donate in bulk, so yes the response has been incredibly positive.”
The Motheo Youth Desk has also shown support in this programme. “We certainly hope that they will make our job easier with their massive support”. Mokoena said his team is working tirelessly to make this project a success. He indicated that they might not make it to 10 000 but the “little” that they would have acquired will definitely make a difference.
“We do not anticipate people to drop very old shoes, but we also do not want to put pressure on people to buy brand new shoes as long as they are in good condition they are welcomed,” he concluded. The foundation also intends to host a gala dinner and music festival just before they hand shoes to the respective schools.
Those who want to donate school shoes should drop them at Youth centres in Bloemfontein, Thaba Nchu and Botshabelo as well as Motheo FM studios in Bloemfontein.
MARCH 4 – MARCH 10 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Priest saves miscreant from mob justice” Page 3 By Flaxman Qoopane
Reproduced hereunder:
Priest saves miscreant from mob justice!
BY FLAXMAN QOOPANE
An incensed, angry mob nearly killed a youth who allegedly stole R500 from a woman in Bloemfontein on Monday afternoon. Thanks to a priest who came to his rescue, and saved him from being killed by the mob. He was later arrested and admitted at Pelonomi Hospital after he suffered severe injuries.
This journalist was at the Post Office in Maitland Street on Monday at 14:00 pm, and to my chagrin I witnessed a group of men approaching a youth; and one of the men requested the youth to give him the R500 he allegedly stole from a woman.
“I don’t know anything about the stolen money from any woman” said the suspect. A quarrel ensued between the men and the suspect. The man started attacking him with knobkerries and iron bars; they hit his arms, face and the head. He screamed for help, and he admitted that he stole the money from the woman. He gave the R500 that he stole to one of the men.
The woman whose money was allegedly stolen by the suspect came to the scene, and punched the suspect in the face with her fist, and she demanded her money from the thief. She received her stolen money back. The suspect tried to run away but the angry mob chased him, tripped him and he fell down on the pavement in front of the pharmacy!
One of the furious people said; “Leshodu ha le bolawe” (kill the thief). They started beating up the suspect with everything they could find, they kicked him, and he laid on a pavement in severe pains. He was too weak to talk to the crowd. However a Good Samaritan (the priest) came to the rescue of the suspect. Tears fell down from his eyes. He begged for mercy; “I thought I am going to die” he said.
At 14:45 pm, two police come to the scene. They found the suspect next to the pharmacy where he was hiding. He was arrested and locked in a van and driven to Thabure Satellite Police Station in Bloemfontein.
Also:
IEC HOLDS FORTH ON IMMINENT ELECTIONS!
By Seleke Botsime
The IEC had an illuminating workshop/summit at President Hotel recently. The workshop was meant to foster and encourage political tolerance ahead of the local government elections.
The stakeholders who attended the function included the political parties ANC, APC, DA DPSA, PAC, COPE; and others, including the traditional leaders.
IEC Provincial Chief Electoral Officer, Chris Mepha was pleased to declare that order and serenity essentially prevail in the Free State. He said: “It is no secret that the Free State elections are always peaceful. We are happy to have our other IEC colleagues here”
Eastern Cape’s Provincial chief electoral officer, Revd Bongani Finka adumbrated on what makes an election free and fair. “Free meaning free of speech, political tolerance and it is the work of the IEC to intervene in this coming election. There is no universally recognised standard by which the quality of election is judged and measured. It’s been said that the election of South Africa has been respected around the world but we at IEC must not rest on our laurels,”
Interestingly, the political parties were given seven minutes each to do their presentation on the issue of how to achieve free and fair election.
African National Congress was the first party to be given the podium and the speaker was Sbongile Besani (the provincial secretary) who said that there is a need for transparency. “We need to remember that the elections start when the campaign begins. He said that it is important that we should encourage people to vote irrespective of their doubts or problems that they are encountering.”
The second party to take the podium was a member of ACDP who posed the concern that IEC must make it a point that they must be punctual either on opening and closing of the polling station. Also, posters that are destroyed during the election must come to a stop since it costs a party a lot of money to put up the posters.
APC’s Paseka Mosoadiba (Provincial Chairperson) said that it is only through hard work and collective responsibility that a free and fair election can be enhanced. Thereafter, it was COPE’s Mr Kganare who said that votes should be of equal value and IEC must give clarity to the voters.
The DA’s Jankelshon said that the party concentrated on small issues like thorough training of the IEC staff in order to exercise their duties smoothly; and the shortage of ballot papers. He said that it is a collective duty to respect political parties; and Hlasela must not be treated as a political party since there is a lot of money that is being invested into it.
Thereafter it was Dikwankwetla, of the UCDP who said that the parties must not abuse their political status through broadcasting on community radio stations. It was also stressed that the visibility of the police will be seen at the polling station. Traffic will be regulated as there will be intelligence to do screening of voters.
Monday, February 28, 2011
FREE STATE NEWS (February 2011 editions)
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
News Desk
S. Botsime
Contributors
Flaxman Qoopane
David Mofokeng
Office Assistant
Gavin Ignitius
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Contact number:
051 447 1655
FEBRUARY 25 – MARCH 3 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “IEC holds forth on imminent elections” By Seleke Botsime. Front page
Reproduced hereunder:
IEC HOLDS FORTH ON IMMINENT ELECTIONS!
By Seleke Botsime
The IEC had an illuminating workshop/summit at President Hotel on Wednesday this week. The workshop was meant to foster and encourage political tolerance ahead of the local government elections.
The stakeholders who attended the function included the political parties ANC, APC, DA DPSA, PAC, COPE; and others, including the traditional leaders.
IEC Provincial Chief Electoral Officer, Chris Mepha was pleased to declare that order and serenity essentially prevail in the Free State. He said: “It is no secret that the Free State elections are always peaceful. We are happy to have our other IEC colleagues here”
Eastern Cape’s Provincial chief electoral officer, Revd Bongani Finka adumbrated on what makes an election free and fair. “Free meaning free of speech, political tolerance and it is the work of the IEC to intervene in this coming election. There is no universally recognised standard by which the quality of election is judged and measured. It’s been said that the election of South Africa has been respected around the world but we at IEC must not rest on our laurels,”
Interestingly, the political parties were given seven minutes each to do their presentation on the issue of how to achieve free and fair election.
African National Congress was the first party to be given the podium and the speaker was Sbongile Besani (the provincial secretary) who said that there is a need for transparency. “We need to remember that the elections start when the campaign begins. He said that it is important that we should encourage people to vote irrespective of their doubts or problems that they are encountering.”
The second party to take the podium was a member of ACDP who posed the concern that IEC must make it a point that they must be punctual either on opening and closing of the polling station. Also, posters that are destroyed during the election must come to a stop since it costs a party a lot of money to put up the posters.
APC’s Paseka Mosoadiba (Provincial Chairperson) said that it is only through hard work and collective responsibility that a free and fair election can be enhanced. Thereafter, it was COPE’s Mr Kganare who said that votes should be of equal value and IEC must give clarity to the voters.
The DA’s Jankelshon said that the party concentrated on small issues like thorough training of the IEC staff in order to exercise their duties smoothly; and the shortage of ballot papers. He said that it is a collective duty to respect political parties; and Hlasela must not be treated as a political party since there is a lot of money that is being invested into it.
Thereafter it was Dikwankwetla, of the UCDP who said that the parties must not abuse their political status through broadcasting on community radio stations. It was also stressed that the visibility of the police will be seen at the polling station. Traffic will be regulated as there will be intelligence to do screening of voters.
HILLSIDE VIEW CHILDREN’S LIBRARY
By Flaxman Qoopane
Reading in the townships should be encouraged to promote literacy.
Oscar Pitso, a story teller, stressed this whilst addressing teenagers at the Hillside View Children’s Library in Mangaung last Saturday. He said: “The Hillside View Children’s Library aims to develop a culture of reading among the children and the adults of Hillside View. If we read books, magazines, newspapers and comics, we get knowledge and we become educated. Reading in the townships should be encouraged to promote literacy”.
The library was born after the University of the Free State (UFS) Library Service donated 1000 books to the library in April 2010. The library is in a huge shack donated by a businessman from Gauteng, through the help of Jacomien Schimper, Director of the Provincial libraries under the Free State Department of Sport, Arts Culture and Recreation.
The furniture including twelve chairs, two tables and two shelves were donated by Marthalize Van der Westhuizen from Astellas Pharma PTY LTD. The Exclusive Books and Die Volksblad newspaper made a great contribution to the library. Part of the library’s success can be attributed to the partnership it received from the University of the Free State, Exclusive Books, Die Volksblad, Marthalize van der Westhuizen and the Department of Sports, Arts Culture and Recreation.
“We appreciate this support from our funders. “We are planning to launch the library soon,” said the children who are members of the library
FEBRUARY 18 – FEBRUARY 24 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Correctional Services’ Excellence Awards” By Flaxman Qoopane. Page 2
Reproduced hereunder:
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES’ EXCELLENCE AWARDS
By FLAXMAN QOOPANE
The Department of Correctional Services in the Free State and Northern Cape region held the third Regional Excellence Awards in Bloemfontein last Friday.
Pastor Mohau Rammile from the Global Reconciliation Church in Bloemfontein said; “People should not miss their season, famine is a place of dryness, a seed has a relationship with the ground, people should not walk away from their hostile environment. God says to us we don’t have to move away from the place of problems, remember seasons come and go.”
Councillor Eddie Goliath, from Motheo District Municipality welcome the guests and dignitaries to the award ceremony, he said; “To those officials who are awarded awards, it is a proof of your hard loyal work and dedications, and also your effort to strive to achieve the best. And those that won’t receive awards, remember there will always be a next opportunity to excel and achieve your goal.”
Grace Molatedi- Acting Regional Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Service in the Free State and Northern Cape said; “We are honoured to be having this wonderful occasion, those officials who have been nominated for the awards, we recognise your hard work and your successes because of your sacrifice and dedication to the Department of Correctional Service and the country as a whole. Some of our officials paid the highest price to our department. They even sacrificed their lives. We honour them for their sacrifice; we thank the families of these officials who will be given the awards for their support during their work period. We need to improve our fight against corruption and fraud in our region”.
During the occasion, Marlene Droskie, Division Head Supply Chain Management, from the Fauriesmith Correctional Centre and her team Noleen Eksteen (finance), Esther Kale (supply chain clerk) and Regan Mokgwera (staff support) were the winners of the Minister’s Award. “On behalf of my team, I am very glad to receive the award as an appreciation for our hard work” said Marlene.
The team of eight officials led by Johan Massyn Deputy Director; Head Inspectorate Correctional Services in the Free State and Northern Cape (Bloemfontein Regional Office) won two awards, the National Commissioner’s Award and the Deputy- Minister’s Award. “It is a privilege to win these two awards, we worked hard as an inspectorate team and deserve this token of appreciation, we really tried to make a difference and I think today is the proof that we were successful in our task”, said Massyn, who was also awarded the Batho Pele Award.
The Good Governance Award was won by Vaughan Owen Feder, Regional Policy Coordinator at the Regional Commissioner’s office in Bloemfontein; “He said; this is the second time I have won this award on the regional level. On 16 April 2010 I won the National Correctional Excellence Award in the same category. I feel very blessed to be nominated to represent our region in Durban on 4 March 2011. By the grace of our Heavenly Father, I am what I am. I would like to proceed to be an Ideal Correctional Officer and the Ambassador to Excellence”.
The Best Performance Compliance Manager Award went to Phillip Rudolf Ferreira from Upington Area Commissioner’s office, Manager Security and Facilities. Gert Van Huyssteen, Section Head; Supply Chain Management Springbok/ Namaqualand in the Northern Cape was awarded the Best Performance Supply Chain Manager on Management Area level Award.
Helena Johanna Fourie, a Correctional Officer in charge for Skills Development and Handcraft with the inmates, at the Goedemoede Correctional Centre in Aliwal North was awarded the Masibambisane Award. “I am dedicating this award to the inmate at our centre and the community of Aliwal North. I am excited about this achievement”, said Fourie.
Lebogang Morakile an Opera singer of note and also an officer from Grootvlei Correctional Centre Medium B in Bloemfontein entertained the audience with four classical songs including O’Sole Mio, Non Piuandrai, Piei Isu and Friends for Life. The corporate gifts were awarded to Pastor Rammile and Councillor Goliath. Johan Massyn, Vaughan O. Feder, Helena J, Fourie, and Marlene Droskie will represent the Region at the National Excellence Awards in Durban, KwaZulu Natal on the 4th of March 2011.
Safety Month launched amidst fanfare!
By Seleke Botsime
The Department of Police, Road and Transport pulled out all the stops at its function at Memel – as Safety Month was launched with fanfare!
The Executive Mayor of Phumelela, Mayor T.J Motaung was there in full force. The function was opened by a prayer by Pastor Matlala who acknowledged the presence of everyone at the function including all the councillors, stock farmers and leaders of the community. “It is vital that the community helps the police in order to track down those who are taking the law into their own hands,” he emphasised
General Motsoenyane said that it is the responsibility of civic society at large to help to remove those who think they are above the law from the society. She emphasised that there must be a street committee in order to maintain order. Meanwhile, the representative of the Farmers, Mr Loui Steenkamp said: “We have to stand and say enough is enough to crime. There are an alarming number of stock thefts and when an individual exposes those who are doing crime, they might disappear!”
There were traditional dancers who entertained everyone at the function. As part of her speech, Motsoenyana said that the theme of this year is “Crime is our concern”. She added that in Memel the crimes that are most committed are rape and assault including stock theft. “We have to deal with the root core of that problem, not the symptoms if we are serious about eliminating crime.”
The speech of the Mayor highlighted issues such as the livestock, “people who possess have become the victims of the stock…there is the need for more police visibility, the need for community patrols” There was the unfortunate allusion to the fact that some elements of the police collude with stock thieves because of personal interest.
The Mayor added that people should put an end to stock theft. “It is obvious that there are specialists when it comes to stock theft, and the community should be aware that people who do this are experts in their own way. It is only when we close the community kraal that things will change.” He also talked about the invisible stock theft where people lost their animals which were confiscated by commercial farmers.
His last word was to the effect that this year, the local Government Elections and National Census will take place; hence “I am urging everyone to go and register for the coming election. Those who won’t be going for the vote must know that other people will vote for them.”
FEBRUARY 11 – FEBRUARY 17 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Blind couple makes sweet music” By Flaxman Qoopane. Page 5
Reproduced hereunder:
Blind couple makes sweet music
By Flaxman Qoopane
“We sing first to entertain ourselves, then we entertain our children and lately we entertain the crowd or our audience,”
The above words were uttered by the famous blind couple, Simon Tshidiso and his wife Primose Manyambo from Phase 2 in Mangaung.
Tshidiso was born blind in Mangaung on 1 February 1967. He attended the Bosile School for the Blind and Deaf in Petersburg. Between 1990 -1994 he was a private teacher at the Thuboloha School for Blind and Deaf.
“At the school, there were many musical instruments, and in 1990 I learned how to play a piano and a keyboard. And in 1992-94 I was a conductor of the school choir,”
Primrose was born blind at Empangeni in Durban on 8 July 1972. She attended at the Vuleka School for the Blind and Deaf in Durban.
How did the blind couple meet? Primrose said: “In 1989 I was attending at the Philadelphia school for all disabilities in Tshwane, and my husband was attending at Optima College in Tshwane as a switch- board operator,”
So in 1989, the Optima College Football Club, visited our school and our school played a draw of 1-1”
Simon said: “During the evening we held a concert and Primrose sang There is music in the air by Letta Mbuli. I also performed, a number of songs accompanied with a keyboard,”
“After the concert, my husband sent his friend Joseph Nkosi [blind man] to me and …that’s how it started!”
Free State News crew
Publisher
Moses Vinger
Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi aka “Madam Maki” “H.C”
Editor
Kaya M
News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji
News Desk
S. Botsime
Contributors
Flaxman Qoopane
David Mofokeng
Office Assistant
Gavin Ignitius
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Contact number:
051 447 1655
FEBRUARY 25 – MARCH 3 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “IEC holds forth on imminent elections” By Seleke Botsime. Front page
Reproduced hereunder:
IEC HOLDS FORTH ON IMMINENT ELECTIONS!
By Seleke Botsime
The IEC had an illuminating workshop/summit at President Hotel on Wednesday this week. The workshop was meant to foster and encourage political tolerance ahead of the local government elections.
The stakeholders who attended the function included the political parties ANC, APC, DA DPSA, PAC, COPE; and others, including the traditional leaders.
IEC Provincial Chief Electoral Officer, Chris Mepha was pleased to declare that order and serenity essentially prevail in the Free State. He said: “It is no secret that the Free State elections are always peaceful. We are happy to have our other IEC colleagues here”
Eastern Cape’s Provincial chief electoral officer, Revd Bongani Finka adumbrated on what makes an election free and fair. “Free meaning free of speech, political tolerance and it is the work of the IEC to intervene in this coming election. There is no universally recognised standard by which the quality of election is judged and measured. It’s been said that the election of South Africa has been respected around the world but we at IEC must not rest on our laurels,”
Interestingly, the political parties were given seven minutes each to do their presentation on the issue of how to achieve free and fair election.
African National Congress was the first party to be given the podium and the speaker was Sbongile Besani (the provincial secretary) who said that there is a need for transparency. “We need to remember that the elections start when the campaign begins. He said that it is important that we should encourage people to vote irrespective of their doubts or problems that they are encountering.”
The second party to take the podium was a member of ACDP who posed the concern that IEC must make it a point that they must be punctual either on opening and closing of the polling station. Also, posters that are destroyed during the election must come to a stop since it costs a party a lot of money to put up the posters.
APC’s Paseka Mosoadiba (Provincial Chairperson) said that it is only through hard work and collective responsibility that a free and fair election can be enhanced. Thereafter, it was COPE’s Mr Kganare who said that votes should be of equal value and IEC must give clarity to the voters.
The DA’s Jankelshon said that the party concentrated on small issues like thorough training of the IEC staff in order to exercise their duties smoothly; and the shortage of ballot papers. He said that it is a collective duty to respect political parties; and Hlasela must not be treated as a political party since there is a lot of money that is being invested into it.
Thereafter it was Dikwankwetla, of the UCDP who said that the parties must not abuse their political status through broadcasting on community radio stations. It was also stressed that the visibility of the police will be seen at the polling station. Traffic will be regulated as there will be intelligence to do screening of voters.
HILLSIDE VIEW CHILDREN’S LIBRARY
By Flaxman Qoopane
Reading in the townships should be encouraged to promote literacy.
Oscar Pitso, a story teller, stressed this whilst addressing teenagers at the Hillside View Children’s Library in Mangaung last Saturday. He said: “The Hillside View Children’s Library aims to develop a culture of reading among the children and the adults of Hillside View. If we read books, magazines, newspapers and comics, we get knowledge and we become educated. Reading in the townships should be encouraged to promote literacy”.
The library was born after the University of the Free State (UFS) Library Service donated 1000 books to the library in April 2010. The library is in a huge shack donated by a businessman from Gauteng, through the help of Jacomien Schimper, Director of the Provincial libraries under the Free State Department of Sport, Arts Culture and Recreation.
The furniture including twelve chairs, two tables and two shelves were donated by Marthalize Van der Westhuizen from Astellas Pharma PTY LTD. The Exclusive Books and Die Volksblad newspaper made a great contribution to the library. Part of the library’s success can be attributed to the partnership it received from the University of the Free State, Exclusive Books, Die Volksblad, Marthalize van der Westhuizen and the Department of Sports, Arts Culture and Recreation.
“We appreciate this support from our funders. “We are planning to launch the library soon,” said the children who are members of the library
FEBRUARY 18 – FEBRUARY 24 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Correctional Services’ Excellence Awards” By Flaxman Qoopane. Page 2
Reproduced hereunder:
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES’ EXCELLENCE AWARDS
By FLAXMAN QOOPANE
The Department of Correctional Services in the Free State and Northern Cape region held the third Regional Excellence Awards in Bloemfontein last Friday.
Pastor Mohau Rammile from the Global Reconciliation Church in Bloemfontein said; “People should not miss their season, famine is a place of dryness, a seed has a relationship with the ground, people should not walk away from their hostile environment. God says to us we don’t have to move away from the place of problems, remember seasons come and go.”
Councillor Eddie Goliath, from Motheo District Municipality welcome the guests and dignitaries to the award ceremony, he said; “To those officials who are awarded awards, it is a proof of your hard loyal work and dedications, and also your effort to strive to achieve the best. And those that won’t receive awards, remember there will always be a next opportunity to excel and achieve your goal.”
Grace Molatedi- Acting Regional Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Service in the Free State and Northern Cape said; “We are honoured to be having this wonderful occasion, those officials who have been nominated for the awards, we recognise your hard work and your successes because of your sacrifice and dedication to the Department of Correctional Service and the country as a whole. Some of our officials paid the highest price to our department. They even sacrificed their lives. We honour them for their sacrifice; we thank the families of these officials who will be given the awards for their support during their work period. We need to improve our fight against corruption and fraud in our region”.
During the occasion, Marlene Droskie, Division Head Supply Chain Management, from the Fauriesmith Correctional Centre and her team Noleen Eksteen (finance), Esther Kale (supply chain clerk) and Regan Mokgwera (staff support) were the winners of the Minister’s Award. “On behalf of my team, I am very glad to receive the award as an appreciation for our hard work” said Marlene.
The team of eight officials led by Johan Massyn Deputy Director; Head Inspectorate Correctional Services in the Free State and Northern Cape (Bloemfontein Regional Office) won two awards, the National Commissioner’s Award and the Deputy- Minister’s Award. “It is a privilege to win these two awards, we worked hard as an inspectorate team and deserve this token of appreciation, we really tried to make a difference and I think today is the proof that we were successful in our task”, said Massyn, who was also awarded the Batho Pele Award.
The Good Governance Award was won by Vaughan Owen Feder, Regional Policy Coordinator at the Regional Commissioner’s office in Bloemfontein; “He said; this is the second time I have won this award on the regional level. On 16 April 2010 I won the National Correctional Excellence Award in the same category. I feel very blessed to be nominated to represent our region in Durban on 4 March 2011. By the grace of our Heavenly Father, I am what I am. I would like to proceed to be an Ideal Correctional Officer and the Ambassador to Excellence”.
The Best Performance Compliance Manager Award went to Phillip Rudolf Ferreira from Upington Area Commissioner’s office, Manager Security and Facilities. Gert Van Huyssteen, Section Head; Supply Chain Management Springbok/ Namaqualand in the Northern Cape was awarded the Best Performance Supply Chain Manager on Management Area level Award.
Helena Johanna Fourie, a Correctional Officer in charge for Skills Development and Handcraft with the inmates, at the Goedemoede Correctional Centre in Aliwal North was awarded the Masibambisane Award. “I am dedicating this award to the inmate at our centre and the community of Aliwal North. I am excited about this achievement”, said Fourie.
Lebogang Morakile an Opera singer of note and also an officer from Grootvlei Correctional Centre Medium B in Bloemfontein entertained the audience with four classical songs including O’Sole Mio, Non Piuandrai, Piei Isu and Friends for Life. The corporate gifts were awarded to Pastor Rammile and Councillor Goliath. Johan Massyn, Vaughan O. Feder, Helena J, Fourie, and Marlene Droskie will represent the Region at the National Excellence Awards in Durban, KwaZulu Natal on the 4th of March 2011.
Safety Month launched amidst fanfare!
By Seleke Botsime
The Department of Police, Road and Transport pulled out all the stops at its function at Memel – as Safety Month was launched with fanfare!
The Executive Mayor of Phumelela, Mayor T.J Motaung was there in full force. The function was opened by a prayer by Pastor Matlala who acknowledged the presence of everyone at the function including all the councillors, stock farmers and leaders of the community. “It is vital that the community helps the police in order to track down those who are taking the law into their own hands,” he emphasised
General Motsoenyane said that it is the responsibility of civic society at large to help to remove those who think they are above the law from the society. She emphasised that there must be a street committee in order to maintain order. Meanwhile, the representative of the Farmers, Mr Loui Steenkamp said: “We have to stand and say enough is enough to crime. There are an alarming number of stock thefts and when an individual exposes those who are doing crime, they might disappear!”
There were traditional dancers who entertained everyone at the function. As part of her speech, Motsoenyana said that the theme of this year is “Crime is our concern”. She added that in Memel the crimes that are most committed are rape and assault including stock theft. “We have to deal with the root core of that problem, not the symptoms if we are serious about eliminating crime.”
The speech of the Mayor highlighted issues such as the livestock, “people who possess have become the victims of the stock…there is the need for more police visibility, the need for community patrols” There was the unfortunate allusion to the fact that some elements of the police collude with stock thieves because of personal interest.
The Mayor added that people should put an end to stock theft. “It is obvious that there are specialists when it comes to stock theft, and the community should be aware that people who do this are experts in their own way. It is only when we close the community kraal that things will change.” He also talked about the invisible stock theft where people lost their animals which were confiscated by commercial farmers.
His last word was to the effect that this year, the local Government Elections and National Census will take place; hence “I am urging everyone to go and register for the coming election. Those who won’t be going for the vote must know that other people will vote for them.”
FEBRUARY 11 – FEBRUARY 17 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Blind couple makes sweet music” By Flaxman Qoopane. Page 5
Reproduced hereunder:
Blind couple makes sweet music
By Flaxman Qoopane
“We sing first to entertain ourselves, then we entertain our children and lately we entertain the crowd or our audience,”
The above words were uttered by the famous blind couple, Simon Tshidiso and his wife Primose Manyambo from Phase 2 in Mangaung.
Tshidiso was born blind in Mangaung on 1 February 1967. He attended the Bosile School for the Blind and Deaf in Petersburg. Between 1990 -1994 he was a private teacher at the Thuboloha School for Blind and Deaf.
“At the school, there were many musical instruments, and in 1990 I learned how to play a piano and a keyboard. And in 1992-94 I was a conductor of the school choir,”
Primrose was born blind at Empangeni in Durban on 8 July 1972. She attended at the Vuleka School for the Blind and Deaf in Durban.
How did the blind couple meet? Primrose said: “In 1989 I was attending at the Philadelphia school for all disabilities in Tshwane, and my husband was attending at Optima College in Tshwane as a switch- board operator,”
So in 1989, the Optima College Football Club, visited our school and our school played a draw of 1-1”
Simon said: “During the evening we held a concert and Primrose sang There is music in the air by Letta Mbuli. I also performed, a number of songs accompanied with a keyboard,”
“After the concert, my husband sent his friend Joseph Nkosi [blind man] to me and …that’s how it started!”
Thursday, January 27, 2011
FREE STATE NEWS (January 2011 editions)
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
News Desk
S. Botsime
Contributors
Flaxman Qoopane
David Mofokeng
Office Assistant
Gavin Ignitius
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Contact number:
051 447 1655
JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 3 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “She disappeared without a trace!” By Flaxman Qoopane. Page 2
Reproduced hereunder:
She disappeared without a trace!
By Flaxman Qoopane
A mother of three children left home on 30 November 2010, and has not been seen since!
Dineo Mabeta [25] from Phase 10 in Mangaung told Free State news: “Our mother Maleshoane Veronica Mabeta [39] lived with my sister Masebabatso Mathetse [22] my brother Katleho Mathetse [18] and myself at Phase 10. On November last year at 09:30 a.m she went to attend a church service of the Jehova’s witnesses at phase 10 and she never came back at home.
According to her other daughter Masebabatso Maleshoane was reported at the Sonskyn Police station at Phase 5, as a missing person
Dineo Masebabatso and Katleho looked for their mother at all the hospitals and mortuaries in Bloemfontein, Botsabelo and Thaba Nchu. Unfortunately they could not trace her
Dineo said: “We are very worried about our mother. We don’t know whether she is still alive or she is dead. We are praying day and night that our mother must come home safely. We are desperate to meet her
Anyone with information about the where about Maleshoane Veronica Mabeta should contact the nearest police station, either Dineo; 082 056 5805 or Katleho; 073 658 0014
JANUARY 21 – JANUARY 28 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “A splendid painting” By Flaxman Qoopane. Page 2
Reproduced hereunder:
A Splendid Painting
By Flaxman Qoopane
Stephen Chinedu Achugwo has become famous in Mangaung for his splendid painting paying tribute to eleven international musicians.
Achugwo told Free State News: “I was commissioned by the owners of the Ekhayeni Pub & Grill to use oil colours on canvas to paint the following late musicians, Luciano Pavarotti, Tupac Shakur, Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross.
Marvin Gaye, Barry White, Gerald Levert, Groover Washington, Notorius Big and Bob Marley, the painting is titled the last Super @ Ekhayeni the size of the painting is 3m by 1 and half meter.
His eye – catching paintings also hang on the walls of many business buildings in Bloemfontein. “During the World Cup, tourists bought many of my paintings. It has been my wish to sell some of my work to the tourists. I have also exhibited my paintings at several art galleries in Bloemfontein and also during Macufe festival in 2002.
Achugwo is from Nigeria. He came to South Africa in October 2002. “My philosophy in art is based on inspiration. I love creating paintings and artworks that inspire people. I believe that with inspiration, a man can achieve stupendous success in any calling.
“In the South African Society, today, where several efforts are made to encourage people for self – development. I hope to use my paintings to inspire South African people”, he concludes.
Also: (Page 5)
BARD REACTS TO BEING HONOURED!
This week Hector Kunene was announced as the “Free State Author of the Year” (2010). Already a well known bard, this is how Hector "Okonkwo" reacted ecstatically (via poetry!) to the news…
I failed dismally to find this piece a title!
How do I even begin to thank thee
When I am vocally wounded with glee
This magnanimous award just for me!
I could not have even afforded it with any fee
The Eclectic Writers Club has sent me world packing!
Packaging me through the wires to reach even the aging
A massacre avenging words to sink ignorance and sing for victorious parades
Can cards speak the truth like a heart does, but not diamonds neither clubs nor spades
What an accolade for a virgin who just lost his ink
Lost it in the middle of dotted lines that look pink
I blink, wink and think about such a moment of introspection
With gratitude to comrades who have bandaged me to benediction
These are the days of harvest
Every soldiers spear smeared with blood to recognize the bravest
The dough is ready for sunrise
Thus the territory is enlarged by grace with no price
- Hector S. Kunene
JANUARY 14 – JANUARY 20 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Son attacks Mom’s boyfriend!” By Flaxman Qoopane. Front page
Reproduced hereunder:
Son attacks Mom’s boyfriend!
…Nurse’s uniforms destroyed in the process
By Flaxman Qoopane
The uniforms of a female nurse were destroyed by fire last Friday. Her son, who is an ex-convict allegedly hit his mother’s boyfriend with a brick on Saturday. The victim was rushed to the hospital. And the suspect was arrested on Sunday.
Letshego Tshepe (20) from Hillside View said: “On Friday at 5.30 pm, we were shocked when we discovered that the bedroom of our mother Peggy Tshepe (54) was on fire. Our mother was not at home – she had visited her boyfriend Piet Skweti (71) somewhere in Hillside View.”
He continued: “Our neighbours came to help us to extinguish the fire. The uniforms of my mother who works as nurse, her important documents, her beds, wardrobe were destroyed by fire. We don’t know what caused the fire,”
Peggy Tshepe’s son who is an ex-offender went to the house of Piet Skweti. Piet Skweti from Hillside View said: “The son of my girlfriend came to my house on Saturday at 7.45 am, we had an argument. He then hit my left arm with a brick. His mother tried to call him into order, but the son was stubborn he beat me in the face with a fist and eh managed to escape”
The grandfather was rushed to Pelonomi Hospital where was x-rayed and plaster was put on his injured arm. Piet Skweti went to Kagisanong Police Station to open a case against the son of his girlfriend.
The suspect was arrested by the cops on Sunday
Also:
FRAUDSTER has to repay R 35 580.00 to SASSA
By Flaxman Qoopane
Josephine Mamontsheng Roman (34) an employee at Trade Centre in Bloemfontein appeared in the Bloemfontein Regional Court 17 for allegedly defrauding the Free the South African Social Security Agency. (SASSA) an amount of R35 580.00 from 2004 until 2009.
Prosecutor Keith Muller said Mrs. Roman pleaded guilty to one count of fraud, she was sentenced to three years imprisonment which was suspended for five years. On condition that she continued to pay back the SASSA the money that she defrauded R 35 580.00.
According to Prosecutor Muller, Roman will pay R 350 per month. “Since February 2010 Mrs. Roman has been repaying the money to the SASSA. The Presiding Officer Mr. Koekemoer commended that it was a very common crime and that imprisonment would have been a suitable sentence for Mrs. Roman,”
She received a monthly foster care grant for a child (10) whose mother died in 2003, but told lies to the Commissioner of Child Welfare on 15 April 2004 that father of the child was unknown until October 2009.
In November 2009, Jacob Cebe former investigator from the Compliance and Fraud Management under the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Bloemfontein found that the father of the child was alive and has been maintaining his daughter; Jacob Cebe investigated the alleged fraud and opened a case of fraud against Josephine Roman of Phelindaba, at Kopanong Police Station in Mangaung. The case was transferred to Commercial Branch at Park Road Police Station in Bloemfontein.
Roman first appeared in the Bloemfontein District Court 19 on 12 May 2010 on charges of fraud. She pleased guilty in the Bloemfontein Regional Court 17 on 24 May and on 7 June.
Mr. Gerald Roberts Regional Executive Manager SASSA Free State Region said, SASSA does not tolerate fraud or anyone who defrauds it irrespective of who they are. The number of cases taken to court each year for fraud bears testimony to this. The Agency has made good progress in its against fraud and corruption. Thus far, the Agency in partnership with the special investigations Unit (SIU) has been able to investigate 14 513 people for grant fraud. As many as 12 540 of these were convicted and signed acknowledge of debt to repay the fraudulently received grants. In addition to those prosecuted an additional 18 174 people also signed acknowledgements of debt and are repaying the Agency.
SASSA is serious about uprooting fraud and corruption in the social grant environment. The Agency is there to ensure that it pays the right social grant to the right person who deserves it as government measure of poverty alleviation. A total amount of R61.3 m has a thus far been recovered.
Over 32 687 fraudulent grants were removed from the system in the current financial year. This is a clear message that SASSA has zero tolerance of people accessing social grants fraudulently. Society has to blow the whistle on this heinous crime as the fraudulent grant could have benefited someone in dire need. Those intending to defraud the Agency can rest assured that will be hunted down and prosecuted. They will face the full might of the law as in cases above.
Free State News crew
Publisher
Moses Vinger
Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi aka “Madam Maki” “H.C”
Editor
Kaya M
News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji
News Desk
S. Botsime
Contributors
Flaxman Qoopane
David Mofokeng
Office Assistant
Gavin Ignitius
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Contact number:
051 447 1655
JANUARY 28 – FEBRUARY 3 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “She disappeared without a trace!” By Flaxman Qoopane. Page 2
Reproduced hereunder:
She disappeared without a trace!
By Flaxman Qoopane
A mother of three children left home on 30 November 2010, and has not been seen since!
Dineo Mabeta [25] from Phase 10 in Mangaung told Free State news: “Our mother Maleshoane Veronica Mabeta [39] lived with my sister Masebabatso Mathetse [22] my brother Katleho Mathetse [18] and myself at Phase 10. On November last year at 09:30 a.m she went to attend a church service of the Jehova’s witnesses at phase 10 and she never came back at home.
According to her other daughter Masebabatso Maleshoane was reported at the Sonskyn Police station at Phase 5, as a missing person
Dineo Masebabatso and Katleho looked for their mother at all the hospitals and mortuaries in Bloemfontein, Botsabelo and Thaba Nchu. Unfortunately they could not trace her
Dineo said: “We are very worried about our mother. We don’t know whether she is still alive or she is dead. We are praying day and night that our mother must come home safely. We are desperate to meet her
Anyone with information about the where about Maleshoane Veronica Mabeta should contact the nearest police station, either Dineo; 082 056 5805 or Katleho; 073 658 0014
JANUARY 21 – JANUARY 28 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “A splendid painting” By Flaxman Qoopane. Page 2
Reproduced hereunder:
A Splendid Painting
By Flaxman Qoopane
Stephen Chinedu Achugwo has become famous in Mangaung for his splendid painting paying tribute to eleven international musicians.
Achugwo told Free State News: “I was commissioned by the owners of the Ekhayeni Pub & Grill to use oil colours on canvas to paint the following late musicians, Luciano Pavarotti, Tupac Shakur, Miles Davis, Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross.
Marvin Gaye, Barry White, Gerald Levert, Groover Washington, Notorius Big and Bob Marley, the painting is titled the last Super @ Ekhayeni the size of the painting is 3m by 1 and half meter.
His eye – catching paintings also hang on the walls of many business buildings in Bloemfontein. “During the World Cup, tourists bought many of my paintings. It has been my wish to sell some of my work to the tourists. I have also exhibited my paintings at several art galleries in Bloemfontein and also during Macufe festival in 2002.
Achugwo is from Nigeria. He came to South Africa in October 2002. “My philosophy in art is based on inspiration. I love creating paintings and artworks that inspire people. I believe that with inspiration, a man can achieve stupendous success in any calling.
“In the South African Society, today, where several efforts are made to encourage people for self – development. I hope to use my paintings to inspire South African people”, he concludes.
Also: (Page 5)
BARD REACTS TO BEING HONOURED!
This week Hector Kunene was announced as the “Free State Author of the Year” (2010). Already a well known bard, this is how Hector "Okonkwo" reacted ecstatically (via poetry!) to the news…
I failed dismally to find this piece a title!
How do I even begin to thank thee
When I am vocally wounded with glee
This magnanimous award just for me!
I could not have even afforded it with any fee
The Eclectic Writers Club has sent me world packing!
Packaging me through the wires to reach even the aging
A massacre avenging words to sink ignorance and sing for victorious parades
Can cards speak the truth like a heart does, but not diamonds neither clubs nor spades
What an accolade for a virgin who just lost his ink
Lost it in the middle of dotted lines that look pink
I blink, wink and think about such a moment of introspection
With gratitude to comrades who have bandaged me to benediction
These are the days of harvest
Every soldiers spear smeared with blood to recognize the bravest
The dough is ready for sunrise
Thus the territory is enlarged by grace with no price
- Hector S. Kunene
JANUARY 14 – JANUARY 20 2011 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Son attacks Mom’s boyfriend!” By Flaxman Qoopane. Front page
Reproduced hereunder:
Son attacks Mom’s boyfriend!
…Nurse’s uniforms destroyed in the process
By Flaxman Qoopane
The uniforms of a female nurse were destroyed by fire last Friday. Her son, who is an ex-convict allegedly hit his mother’s boyfriend with a brick on Saturday. The victim was rushed to the hospital. And the suspect was arrested on Sunday.
Letshego Tshepe (20) from Hillside View said: “On Friday at 5.30 pm, we were shocked when we discovered that the bedroom of our mother Peggy Tshepe (54) was on fire. Our mother was not at home – she had visited her boyfriend Piet Skweti (71) somewhere in Hillside View.”
He continued: “Our neighbours came to help us to extinguish the fire. The uniforms of my mother who works as nurse, her important documents, her beds, wardrobe were destroyed by fire. We don’t know what caused the fire,”
Peggy Tshepe’s son who is an ex-offender went to the house of Piet Skweti. Piet Skweti from Hillside View said: “The son of my girlfriend came to my house on Saturday at 7.45 am, we had an argument. He then hit my left arm with a brick. His mother tried to call him into order, but the son was stubborn he beat me in the face with a fist and eh managed to escape”
The grandfather was rushed to Pelonomi Hospital where was x-rayed and plaster was put on his injured arm. Piet Skweti went to Kagisanong Police Station to open a case against the son of his girlfriend.
The suspect was arrested by the cops on Sunday
Also:
FRAUDSTER has to repay R 35 580.00 to SASSA
By Flaxman Qoopane
Josephine Mamontsheng Roman (34) an employee at Trade Centre in Bloemfontein appeared in the Bloemfontein Regional Court 17 for allegedly defrauding the Free the South African Social Security Agency. (SASSA) an amount of R35 580.00 from 2004 until 2009.
Prosecutor Keith Muller said Mrs. Roman pleaded guilty to one count of fraud, she was sentenced to three years imprisonment which was suspended for five years. On condition that she continued to pay back the SASSA the money that she defrauded R 35 580.00.
According to Prosecutor Muller, Roman will pay R 350 per month. “Since February 2010 Mrs. Roman has been repaying the money to the SASSA. The Presiding Officer Mr. Koekemoer commended that it was a very common crime and that imprisonment would have been a suitable sentence for Mrs. Roman,”
She received a monthly foster care grant for a child (10) whose mother died in 2003, but told lies to the Commissioner of Child Welfare on 15 April 2004 that father of the child was unknown until October 2009.
In November 2009, Jacob Cebe former investigator from the Compliance and Fraud Management under the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Bloemfontein found that the father of the child was alive and has been maintaining his daughter; Jacob Cebe investigated the alleged fraud and opened a case of fraud against Josephine Roman of Phelindaba, at Kopanong Police Station in Mangaung. The case was transferred to Commercial Branch at Park Road Police Station in Bloemfontein.
Roman first appeared in the Bloemfontein District Court 19 on 12 May 2010 on charges of fraud. She pleased guilty in the Bloemfontein Regional Court 17 on 24 May and on 7 June.
Mr. Gerald Roberts Regional Executive Manager SASSA Free State Region said, SASSA does not tolerate fraud or anyone who defrauds it irrespective of who they are. The number of cases taken to court each year for fraud bears testimony to this. The Agency has made good progress in its against fraud and corruption. Thus far, the Agency in partnership with the special investigations Unit (SIU) has been able to investigate 14 513 people for grant fraud. As many as 12 540 of these were convicted and signed acknowledge of debt to repay the fraudulently received grants. In addition to those prosecuted an additional 18 174 people also signed acknowledgements of debt and are repaying the Agency.
SASSA is serious about uprooting fraud and corruption in the social grant environment. The Agency is there to ensure that it pays the right social grant to the right person who deserves it as government measure of poverty alleviation. A total amount of R61.3 m has a thus far been recovered.
Over 32 687 fraudulent grants were removed from the system in the current financial year. This is a clear message that SASSA has zero tolerance of people accessing social grants fraudulently. Society has to blow the whistle on this heinous crime as the fraudulent grant could have benefited someone in dire need. Those intending to defraud the Agency can rest assured that will be hunted down and prosecuted. They will face the full might of the law as in cases above.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
FREE STATE NEWS (December, 2010 editions)
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 celebrated its 10th year anniversary last year). The paper has been published on a weekly basis since 1999. Regular items like “Feature of the week” have appeared here over the years.
This community newspaper will be taking a break – festive season beckons! – until the second week of the New Year (2011) Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Free State News crew
Publisher
Moses Vinger
Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi aka “Madam Maki” “H.C”
Editor
Kaya M
News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji
News Desk
S. Botsime
Neo Mvubu
Contributors
Flaxman Qoopane
David M Mofokeng
Office Assistant
Gavin Ignitius
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Contact number:
051 447 1655
DECEMBER 17 – 23 2010 editions
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Former Regional Commissioner off with fanfare” By Flaxman Qoopane. Front page
Reproduced hereunder:
FORMER REGIONAL COMMISSIONER SENT OFF WITH FANFARE!
By Flaxman Qoopane
The Department of Correctional Services in the Free State & Northern Cape Region bade farewell to Zacharia Moleko Modise, the former Regional Commissioner.
Speaking at the farewell function held at Kopano Nokeng lodge in Bloemfontein on Monday, Grace Molatedi, the Acting Regional Commissioner in the Free State and Northern Cape said the Department congratulates the former Regional Commissioner Modise who has been appointed to the National Department as the chief – Deputy Commissioner: for Corrections, “Goodbye, the National Department made the right choice. We wish you good luck with your future endeavors.”
The cynosure of all eyes, Zacharia M.I. Modise said: ‘I came to the Free State (Northern Cape Region) to implement the recommendations of the Jali Commission. We needed to clean up the Correctional Services. At Grootvlei Correctional Services, there was large corruption. My task was to root out corruption and we have succeeded. I had a good working relationship in the region.”
He continued: “The Acting – Regional Commissioner has a huge responsibility to work hard with her colleagues to contribute to the service delivery within the region. Thank you for your good working relationship with me; and goodbye and may you have a wonderful Christmas and a Prosperous Happy New Year!”
Gustav Wilson, Regional Head: Development and Care at Grootvlei Correctional Centre prayed for the family of Modise. He was accompanied by his wife Angie (41), children Waratoa (13), Matshego (17), Tshego (6), Modise (17) and Tumelo (24).
The following speakers Joe Joseph, Area Commissioner: Kimberly Management Area and Brigadier GENERAL Thingi Moadira from the SANDF talked about their great experience with the former Regional Commissioner Zacharian M.I.Modise.
During the farewell function, Zacharia Modise received some gifts from the Old Mutual.
Also:
THE BOOKSHELF (Column)
With Kgang Abel Motheane
Great year for FS Black Literature!
This is likely to be my last column for this year; hence I want to pay tribute here to an outstanding year of Free State Black Writing, with so many new authors publishing their first books. We started by celebrating the world class fiction writing skills of NMM Duman which found expression in her debut novel, Deepest Springs.
Most people would agree however that Hector Kunene is probably the writer of the year (such a pity the Province no longer has an award for ‘writer of the Year’) But anyway, by publishing two fine books, Through the Tunnel (poetry) and Omoseye Bolaji (literary criticism) Hector has already made an indelible mark on literature and deserves the world- wide respect he is now getting.
JahRose (Nthabiseng Jafta) also published her debut book, Rooted from the Heart, making a strong impression too; most importantly showing that young black women can hold their heads high too in the genre of literature. JahRose is well known as a poet, and also went out of her way to produce a beautiful book.
The literary promise of Teboho Masakala – in his very early 20s – has been known for quite some time now, and he has gone some way towards fulfilling his promise by publishing his first book, Mind, Pen and Ideas. Inevitably, the young man needs time to mature even better, but he has also made his name – putting Thaba Nchu on the map!
The year was rounded off with a “veteran” poet and essayist, Raselebeli Khotseng publishing his very first book of poems. The book, titled Hold Back your Tears contains a number of “Magic’s thought provoking poems. So – a remarkable year for Free State Black Writing!
DECEMBER 10 – 16 2010 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Horror! Lesotho boy strangled to death” By Flaxman Qoopane. Page 2
Reproduced hereunder:
Horror! Lesotho boy strangled to death
By Flaxman Qoopane
The seven year – old boy from Lesotho who was allegedly raped, his neck broken, and put into the pit latrine at Dinaweng Squatter Camps in Mangaung last Friday has been identified as Seabata Moremoholo (7)
His brother Kgosi Moremoholo (8) was also allegedly raped by the rapist; the rapist also burnt the body of Kgosi with matches, sticks, and subsequently an angry mob killed the man known as Lungile Booi.
The mother of the two boys, Dineo Moremoholo told Free State News: “Kgosi(8) and the late Seabata(7) are our sons with my husband Tshehla Moremoholo (34). They are from Mafeteng in Lesotho, they came to visit us in Mangaung in October this year.”
Modiehi Lekometsa (24) from Dinaweng Squatter Camp said; “On Friday at 03:30 early morning while we were asleep with my husband Mokoto Ramonyatsi (36) we heard a knock at our shack, Mokoto went outside and found Kgosi wearing only a T-Shirt full of shit. The smell was unbearable, I went to inform Kgosi’s parents “
Tshehla Moremoholo said “We went to the house of Modiehi we were shocked to find our son in that terrible condition. Kgosi told us that a man named Lungile allegedly raped him and his brother Seabata. He also allegedly burnt their bodies with matches sticks, Kgosi said he left his brother at the house of the rapist, we were very furious.”
After the residents of Dinaweng Squatter Camp heard of the child abuse of the two brothers, they decided to take the law into their hands. Thabo Lesia (30) said: “I saw everything, it was on Friday at 07:00am , the angry mob went to the shack of the suspect and started beating , punching ,kicking and assaulting him. The suspect pointed at the pit latrine where the body of Seabata was found.
The parents of the brothers said; “It pains us lot because our sons came to visit us to be with us during the festive season. The mob stoned the rapist to death and he was slaughtered like an animal.
Lt- Colonel Thandi Mbambo said: “The police discovered two bodies not far from another at the scene. A case of sexual assault and two counts of murder were registered .No one has been arrested and the police are following the leads”
DECEMBER 03 – 09 2010 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Polished Mangaung Artist” By Flaxman Qoopane. Page 2
Reproduced hereunder:
Polished Mangaung artist!
By Flaxman Qoopane
Artist, Tshidi Motsumi (21) from Ipopeng in Mangaung is not an ordinary artist. His works have been exhibited in Belgium and in Britain.
Motsumi told Free State News: “It has been my dream that one day I should exhibit my works abroad. In September 2006, the Free State government sponsored me with another artist Thapelo Mawela, musicians Kaya groups, Peter Nthwane and Kubu Dancers to represent our country in Belgium and Britain, during a cultural exchange programmes with the two countries.
“We were abroad for two weeks to show people in those two countries what the Free State artists could offer them through arts and culture. We exhibited our works, several art-lovers, art-collectors and owners of the art galleries bought some of our works. We exchanged ideas with artists in Belgium and Britain. And we also met some African artists who emigrated abroad. I thank the government for making my dreams a reality!”
In June 2006, Tshidi won R7000 and a certificate during the Annual Youth Commission Premiers Awards held in the Free State. He got position three in the visual arts category. “I was inspired, with the R7000 I bought art-materials and I felt motivated to continue improving my skills”.
He started practicing art professionally in 1999. Motsumi painted art-works that now hang on the walls of companies, hotels, offices and advertising-agencies in the Free State. Most of the time he paints portraits of individuals and also of famous people. His prices are very reasonable and Motsumi also does mural paintings He is best known in Mangaung , Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu to have done the ANC emblem next to the portrait of the ANC President Jacob Zuma. Some ANC members have congratulated him for his works painted on the walls of buildings in Mangaung.
“While I was at Ikaelelo High School in Thaba Nchu, I did a lot of the decorations during the functions. Teachers, students and their parents often asked me to design cards for them during their birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mothers Day and Father’s Day”. His talent blossomed when he was doing Sub-B at Selosesha Primary School in Thaba Nchu “I was already drawing as a teenager. At school I drew dogs, cats and lions. I also used to draw pictures for my friends and my school mates and they used to give me money and I used to buy fat-cakes”
He says art-centres and art-galleries are needed in our townships “where the artists can share their skills”. Motsumi has also exhibited his works all over the country.
Also:
THE BOOKSHELF (With Kgang Abel Motheane)
THE BOOKSHELF
With Kgang Abel Motheane
Chinua Achebe at 80
This columnist has in the past celebrated the extraordinary legacy of Chinua Achebe, the first black African to write a novel that shook the whole world (Things fall apart)
The world has been celebrating Achebe’s 80th birthday in style and countless lovers of literature have been praising and applauding him for what he has done to put Africa on the world map, imaginatively and intellectually.
In all (over a 30-year period) Achebe produced five world class novels: Apart from Things fall apart (1958) he also wrote No longer at ease (1960), Arrow of God (1964) A man of the people (1966) and Anthills of the Savannah (1987)
Of these works, by far the most famous is of course Things fall apart which even after 50 years has been voted the most illustrious and best African novel ever. As for Achebe himself, so many books and studies have been written and published about him all over the world.
This columnist also wishes Chinua Achebe a wonderful Birthday and many years more…
This community newspaper will be taking a break – festive season beckons! – until the second week of the New Year (2011) Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Free State News crew
Publisher
Moses Vinger
Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi aka “Madam Maki” “H.C”
Editor
Kaya M
News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji
News Desk
S. Botsime
Neo Mvubu
Contributors
Flaxman Qoopane
David M Mofokeng
Office Assistant
Gavin Ignitius
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Contact number:
051 447 1655
DECEMBER 17 – 23 2010 editions
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Former Regional Commissioner off with fanfare” By Flaxman Qoopane. Front page
Reproduced hereunder:
FORMER REGIONAL COMMISSIONER SENT OFF WITH FANFARE!
By Flaxman Qoopane
The Department of Correctional Services in the Free State & Northern Cape Region bade farewell to Zacharia Moleko Modise, the former Regional Commissioner.
Speaking at the farewell function held at Kopano Nokeng lodge in Bloemfontein on Monday, Grace Molatedi, the Acting Regional Commissioner in the Free State and Northern Cape said the Department congratulates the former Regional Commissioner Modise who has been appointed to the National Department as the chief – Deputy Commissioner: for Corrections, “Goodbye, the National Department made the right choice. We wish you good luck with your future endeavors.”
The cynosure of all eyes, Zacharia M.I. Modise said: ‘I came to the Free State (Northern Cape Region) to implement the recommendations of the Jali Commission. We needed to clean up the Correctional Services. At Grootvlei Correctional Services, there was large corruption. My task was to root out corruption and we have succeeded. I had a good working relationship in the region.”
He continued: “The Acting – Regional Commissioner has a huge responsibility to work hard with her colleagues to contribute to the service delivery within the region. Thank you for your good working relationship with me; and goodbye and may you have a wonderful Christmas and a Prosperous Happy New Year!”
Gustav Wilson, Regional Head: Development and Care at Grootvlei Correctional Centre prayed for the family of Modise. He was accompanied by his wife Angie (41), children Waratoa (13), Matshego (17), Tshego (6), Modise (17) and Tumelo (24).
The following speakers Joe Joseph, Area Commissioner: Kimberly Management Area and Brigadier GENERAL Thingi Moadira from the SANDF talked about their great experience with the former Regional Commissioner Zacharian M.I.Modise.
During the farewell function, Zacharia Modise received some gifts from the Old Mutual.
Also:
THE BOOKSHELF (Column)
With Kgang Abel Motheane
Great year for FS Black Literature!
This is likely to be my last column for this year; hence I want to pay tribute here to an outstanding year of Free State Black Writing, with so many new authors publishing their first books. We started by celebrating the world class fiction writing skills of NMM Duman which found expression in her debut novel, Deepest Springs.
Most people would agree however that Hector Kunene is probably the writer of the year (such a pity the Province no longer has an award for ‘writer of the Year’) But anyway, by publishing two fine books, Through the Tunnel (poetry) and Omoseye Bolaji (literary criticism) Hector has already made an indelible mark on literature and deserves the world- wide respect he is now getting.
JahRose (Nthabiseng Jafta) also published her debut book, Rooted from the Heart, making a strong impression too; most importantly showing that young black women can hold their heads high too in the genre of literature. JahRose is well known as a poet, and also went out of her way to produce a beautiful book.
The literary promise of Teboho Masakala – in his very early 20s – has been known for quite some time now, and he has gone some way towards fulfilling his promise by publishing his first book, Mind, Pen and Ideas. Inevitably, the young man needs time to mature even better, but he has also made his name – putting Thaba Nchu on the map!
The year was rounded off with a “veteran” poet and essayist, Raselebeli Khotseng publishing his very first book of poems. The book, titled Hold Back your Tears contains a number of “Magic’s thought provoking poems. So – a remarkable year for Free State Black Writing!
DECEMBER 10 – 16 2010 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Horror! Lesotho boy strangled to death” By Flaxman Qoopane. Page 2
Reproduced hereunder:
Horror! Lesotho boy strangled to death
By Flaxman Qoopane
The seven year – old boy from Lesotho who was allegedly raped, his neck broken, and put into the pit latrine at Dinaweng Squatter Camps in Mangaung last Friday has been identified as Seabata Moremoholo (7)
His brother Kgosi Moremoholo (8) was also allegedly raped by the rapist; the rapist also burnt the body of Kgosi with matches, sticks, and subsequently an angry mob killed the man known as Lungile Booi.
The mother of the two boys, Dineo Moremoholo told Free State News: “Kgosi(8) and the late Seabata(7) are our sons with my husband Tshehla Moremoholo (34). They are from Mafeteng in Lesotho, they came to visit us in Mangaung in October this year.”
Modiehi Lekometsa (24) from Dinaweng Squatter Camp said; “On Friday at 03:30 early morning while we were asleep with my husband Mokoto Ramonyatsi (36) we heard a knock at our shack, Mokoto went outside and found Kgosi wearing only a T-Shirt full of shit. The smell was unbearable, I went to inform Kgosi’s parents “
Tshehla Moremoholo said “We went to the house of Modiehi we were shocked to find our son in that terrible condition. Kgosi told us that a man named Lungile allegedly raped him and his brother Seabata. He also allegedly burnt their bodies with matches sticks, Kgosi said he left his brother at the house of the rapist, we were very furious.”
After the residents of Dinaweng Squatter Camp heard of the child abuse of the two brothers, they decided to take the law into their hands. Thabo Lesia (30) said: “I saw everything, it was on Friday at 07:00am , the angry mob went to the shack of the suspect and started beating , punching ,kicking and assaulting him. The suspect pointed at the pit latrine where the body of Seabata was found.
The parents of the brothers said; “It pains us lot because our sons came to visit us to be with us during the festive season. The mob stoned the rapist to death and he was slaughtered like an animal.
Lt- Colonel Thandi Mbambo said: “The police discovered two bodies not far from another at the scene. A case of sexual assault and two counts of murder were registered .No one has been arrested and the police are following the leads”
DECEMBER 03 – 09 2010 edition
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Polished Mangaung Artist” By Flaxman Qoopane. Page 2
Reproduced hereunder:
Polished Mangaung artist!
By Flaxman Qoopane
Artist, Tshidi Motsumi (21) from Ipopeng in Mangaung is not an ordinary artist. His works have been exhibited in Belgium and in Britain.
Motsumi told Free State News: “It has been my dream that one day I should exhibit my works abroad. In September 2006, the Free State government sponsored me with another artist Thapelo Mawela, musicians Kaya groups, Peter Nthwane and Kubu Dancers to represent our country in Belgium and Britain, during a cultural exchange programmes with the two countries.
“We were abroad for two weeks to show people in those two countries what the Free State artists could offer them through arts and culture. We exhibited our works, several art-lovers, art-collectors and owners of the art galleries bought some of our works. We exchanged ideas with artists in Belgium and Britain. And we also met some African artists who emigrated abroad. I thank the government for making my dreams a reality!”
In June 2006, Tshidi won R7000 and a certificate during the Annual Youth Commission Premiers Awards held in the Free State. He got position three in the visual arts category. “I was inspired, with the R7000 I bought art-materials and I felt motivated to continue improving my skills”.
He started practicing art professionally in 1999. Motsumi painted art-works that now hang on the walls of companies, hotels, offices and advertising-agencies in the Free State. Most of the time he paints portraits of individuals and also of famous people. His prices are very reasonable and Motsumi also does mural paintings He is best known in Mangaung , Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu to have done the ANC emblem next to the portrait of the ANC President Jacob Zuma. Some ANC members have congratulated him for his works painted on the walls of buildings in Mangaung.
“While I was at Ikaelelo High School in Thaba Nchu, I did a lot of the decorations during the functions. Teachers, students and their parents often asked me to design cards for them during their birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mothers Day and Father’s Day”. His talent blossomed when he was doing Sub-B at Selosesha Primary School in Thaba Nchu “I was already drawing as a teenager. At school I drew dogs, cats and lions. I also used to draw pictures for my friends and my school mates and they used to give me money and I used to buy fat-cakes”
He says art-centres and art-galleries are needed in our townships “where the artists can share their skills”. Motsumi has also exhibited his works all over the country.
Also:
THE BOOKSHELF (With Kgang Abel Motheane)
THE BOOKSHELF
With Kgang Abel Motheane
Chinua Achebe at 80
This columnist has in the past celebrated the extraordinary legacy of Chinua Achebe, the first black African to write a novel that shook the whole world (Things fall apart)
The world has been celebrating Achebe’s 80th birthday in style and countless lovers of literature have been praising and applauding him for what he has done to put Africa on the world map, imaginatively and intellectually.
In all (over a 30-year period) Achebe produced five world class novels: Apart from Things fall apart (1958) he also wrote No longer at ease (1960), Arrow of God (1964) A man of the people (1966) and Anthills of the Savannah (1987)
Of these works, by far the most famous is of course Things fall apart which even after 50 years has been voted the most illustrious and best African novel ever. As for Achebe himself, so many books and studies have been written and published about him all over the world.
This columnist also wishes Chinua Achebe a wonderful Birthday and many years more…
Friday, November 26, 2010
FREE STATE NEWS (November 2010 editions)
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 celebrated its 10th year anniversary last year). 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
News Desk
S. Botsime
Neo Mvubu
Contributors
Flaxman Qoopane
M.D Mofokeng
Office Assistant
Gavin Ignitius
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Contact number:
051 447 1655
NOVEMBER 26 – DECEMBER 2 2010
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “A great Cherry Festival unfurls!”
Reproduced hereunder:
A great Cherry Festival unfurls!
…Ficksburg comes alive again…
Ficksburg has done it again! The latest edition of the world famous Cherry Festival has come and gone in devastating fashion; with a pot-pourri of special events to mark the occasion.
Cllr Mbothoma Maduna, Mayor- Setsoto Municipality, was in fine fettle and addressed the world, wishing for a Magnificent 2010 Cherry Festival. He said: “Welcome to the 2010 Cherry Festival. The Festival provides the Municipality with an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our community and also to showcase our town in a manner that gives me great pleasure — all our visitors and investors are most welcome to experience and enjoy our hospitality.
“We are extremely proud and excited to see the Festival go from strength to strength every year as more event organisers become involved and the quality of the events produced gets better. All this makes us, as the Setsoto Municipality, very proud.”
He stressed, significantly: “As the Festival attracts more tourists and investors to our area, it also stimulates the local economy. The stimulation of our economy provides our people with an opportunity to showcase their talents and also to sell and market their products to both local and international tourists. It is indeed a great pleasure for me to convey my heartfelt gratitude to all residents, event organisers, volunteers and everyone involved in ensuring that our Cherry Festival is a success.”
Meanwhile the Setsotho Local Municipal Manager also said: “Setsoto Local Municipality wishes to extend a warm and hearty welcome to all visitors who will transcend to our area in large numbers to take a break and experience the tranquility on offer. Setsoto Municipality and its inhabitant are proud to present another chapter of the Cherry Festival to close the spectacular year of 2010.”
He added: “The festival, like the 2010 Soccer World Cup promises to be one of the best organized events in the calendar of events for South Africa. Experience the best as Setsoto Local Municipality positions itself to be the best/tourism destination, as well as a gateway to ‘Katse Dam’ in Lesotho!”
A great time was had by all!
*Courtesy, News editor
Also:
“The Bookshelf” (Column)
THE BOOKSHELF
With Kgang Abel Motheane
Book: OMOSEYE BOLAJI
By Hector Kunene
Hector Kunene has done it again! The young man bringing quality literature to the Free State, has released his second book titled, OMOSEYE BOLAJI
This book follows on the heels of the fine collection of poems (Through the Tunnel) that marked the debut of Hector as a very promising writer. In his first book he shows his great love for lyrical poems and turns on the style with ease.
In his second book, Hector has produced a fantastic work of literary appreciation and criticism which would be celebrated for many years to come world-wide. It is a world class book that one would normally associate with academics, complete with excellent articles on literature, and a painstaking Bibliography.
In this new book, Hector reproduces dozens of articles on the protagonist Omoseye Bolaji who is a top African writer whose works have been exceedingly evaluated and written about by many critics and admirers over the years. These contributors include the white movie supreme and writer, Aryan Kaganof; Peter Moroe, Flaxman Qoopane, Pule Lechesa, Raphael Mokoena among others.
It is exciting to see how well and vigorously Bolaji’s many fictional works have been dissected in this new book – important books of fiction like Impossible Love, People of the Townships, The ghostly adversary, Tebogo and the Haka, Tebogo and the pantophagist; all are evaluated in this new book of Hector’s.
Like many other literary commentators this columnist is very excited about the new book, OMOSEYE BOLAJI.
NOVEMBER 19 – NOVEMBER 25 2010
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Doctor Shikhibane honoured” By Flaxman Qoopane (Page 2)
Reproduced hereunder:
Doctor Shikhibane honoured
By Flaxman Qoopane
.
The Chief Directorate; FET Colleges and ABET within the Department of Education Free State gave Dr Jigana Joe Shikhibane an award at the Motheo FET College central office in Bloemfontein recently.
Zonia Alexander, the Chief Director; FET Colleges and ABET- Department of Education Free State said; ’The Chief Directorate FET Colleges and ABET awarded a trophy as a token of appreciation and acknowledgement to Dr Jigana Joe Shikhibane, manager- Student Networking and Partnership, Job Placement, Exchange and Wellness Programme from Motheo FET College, for his hard work towards, welfare and accomplishment of student’s success in life. And also acknowledge him officially in his endeavours, and being constantly devoted to bringing hope to the students.’
Dr Shikhibane told Free State News: “I am very happy that the office of the Chief Directorate; FET Colleges and ABET has honoured me. I hope I will work ever harder to devote my work to our students.”
The occasion was also attended by Simon Maboya; Principal of Motheo FET College and Tsatsi Mantso; Deputy Chief Education Specialist FET Colleges.
Dr Shikhibane completed his degree of Bachelor of Education at the University of Fort Hare in 1982..In 1994 he completed a degree in Master in Education at the University of the Orange Free State. In 1997 the same university awarded him a degree in Philosophiae Doctor [PHD] in Psycho- Education.
Dr Shikhibane has represented his country many times abroad. In September 2002, he was invited to consult different poor communities concerning health education in Ceara State, Northeast Brazil. His experience contributed significantly to develop health education programmes in those communities. In September 1995, he visited the Fukuoka University in Japan. During that time he spent a year in Japan. He was involved in HIV/AIDS research course.
In 1996 he visited Vienna for a month. He presented a lecture on HIV/AIDS from Southern Africa. In 1997 he went to Palermo in Italy for eight weeks he was part of the South African delegation attending Universiade [all university internationally]
In the Free State, Dr Shikhibane is very active as a football administrator, and is also an activist in HIV/AIDS related activities and projects.
NOVEMBER 05 – NOVEMBER 11 2010
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Mutilated Body found in Mangaung” By Flaxman Qoopane (Front page)
Reproduced hereunder:
MUTILATED BODY FOUND IN MANGAUNG
…even police in tears at the scene!!!
By Flaxman Qoopane
Stephen Mphole Nakedi (27) was found mutilated in the premises of a church at J B Mafora Block 4 Mangaung on Saturday (October 30, 2010).
His cousin, Samuel Nakedi (38) told Free State News; “My cousin Mphole Nakedi was found early morning of Saturday lying in a pool of blood next to the door of the church- Jesus Never Fails Ministry at J B Mafora Block 4. His head, heart, liver and his private parts were missing – it was a horrific scene”
Nomvuyo Qoloka (27) a resident near the church, said: “At 5:00 am, on Saturday we heard a rumour that a headless body was found at the church. With some of my neighbours we decided to go and look at what was happening at the church. On our arrival the deceased was covered with a white cloth. I noticed police crying, some women fainted and my eyes were filled with tears...”
Mphole's mother, Kedibone Martha Nakedi (58), with her eyes filled with tears said; “Mphole is my last born in the family of four sons and a daughter. We last saw him on Friday at 7:00 pm. My son did not deserve to die the way he died. As family members, of Nakedi we are traumatised by the death of our child. We still can't believe that he was killed like an animal and how could his killer do such a terrible thing to my son? What hurts me the most is that my son had just graduated at Damelin with a Diploma in Electrical Engineering, and he was planning to get a stable job and help his family to survive...”
What does the community say about the horrific death of a promising life? Thabo Leeuw said; “To tell you the honest truth, I am very scared for my life”.
Suzan Motaung said; “I get emotional when one of us is killed. It upset me. We are not safe at all at Ward 10, J B Mafora. The first murder of a youth happened in 2008 just in front of this church, so this time another murder has happened at the same church.”
The other residents are furious. Somebody who did not want to be named said: “We heard that two suspects have been arrested. If the Court of Law will give them bail since we know them, we are going to revenge by killing them”
Captain Harry Nagel from Communication and Liaison Services of SAPS of the Free State confirmed the incident of murder. He said: “Two suspects who mutilated the body of Stephen Nakedi were arrested. And a bag containing the missing body parts namely head, private parts and some of the main organs of the deceased, was found in their possession”
Free State News crew
Publisher
Moses Vinger
Confidential Secretary/Manager
Maki Mohapi aka “Madam Maki” “H.C”
Editor
Kaya M
News Editor
Omoseye Bolaji
News Desk
S. Botsime
Neo Mvubu
Contributors
Flaxman Qoopane
M.D Mofokeng
Office Assistant
Gavin Ignitius
Lay-out artist
Tumisang Takang
Contact number:
051 447 1655
NOVEMBER 26 – DECEMBER 2 2010
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “A great Cherry Festival unfurls!”
Reproduced hereunder:
A great Cherry Festival unfurls!
…Ficksburg comes alive again…
Ficksburg has done it again! The latest edition of the world famous Cherry Festival has come and gone in devastating fashion; with a pot-pourri of special events to mark the occasion.
Cllr Mbothoma Maduna, Mayor- Setsoto Municipality, was in fine fettle and addressed the world, wishing for a Magnificent 2010 Cherry Festival. He said: “Welcome to the 2010 Cherry Festival. The Festival provides the Municipality with an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our community and also to showcase our town in a manner that gives me great pleasure — all our visitors and investors are most welcome to experience and enjoy our hospitality.
“We are extremely proud and excited to see the Festival go from strength to strength every year as more event organisers become involved and the quality of the events produced gets better. All this makes us, as the Setsoto Municipality, very proud.”
He stressed, significantly: “As the Festival attracts more tourists and investors to our area, it also stimulates the local economy. The stimulation of our economy provides our people with an opportunity to showcase their talents and also to sell and market their products to both local and international tourists. It is indeed a great pleasure for me to convey my heartfelt gratitude to all residents, event organisers, volunteers and everyone involved in ensuring that our Cherry Festival is a success.”
Meanwhile the Setsotho Local Municipal Manager also said: “Setsoto Local Municipality wishes to extend a warm and hearty welcome to all visitors who will transcend to our area in large numbers to take a break and experience the tranquility on offer. Setsoto Municipality and its inhabitant are proud to present another chapter of the Cherry Festival to close the spectacular year of 2010.”
He added: “The festival, like the 2010 Soccer World Cup promises to be one of the best organized events in the calendar of events for South Africa. Experience the best as Setsoto Local Municipality positions itself to be the best/tourism destination, as well as a gateway to ‘Katse Dam’ in Lesotho!”
A great time was had by all!
*Courtesy, News editor
Also:
“The Bookshelf” (Column)
THE BOOKSHELF
With Kgang Abel Motheane
Book: OMOSEYE BOLAJI
By Hector Kunene
Hector Kunene has done it again! The young man bringing quality literature to the Free State, has released his second book titled, OMOSEYE BOLAJI
This book follows on the heels of the fine collection of poems (Through the Tunnel) that marked the debut of Hector as a very promising writer. In his first book he shows his great love for lyrical poems and turns on the style with ease.
In his second book, Hector has produced a fantastic work of literary appreciation and criticism which would be celebrated for many years to come world-wide. It is a world class book that one would normally associate with academics, complete with excellent articles on literature, and a painstaking Bibliography.
In this new book, Hector reproduces dozens of articles on the protagonist Omoseye Bolaji who is a top African writer whose works have been exceedingly evaluated and written about by many critics and admirers over the years. These contributors include the white movie supreme and writer, Aryan Kaganof; Peter Moroe, Flaxman Qoopane, Pule Lechesa, Raphael Mokoena among others.
It is exciting to see how well and vigorously Bolaji’s many fictional works have been dissected in this new book – important books of fiction like Impossible Love, People of the Townships, The ghostly adversary, Tebogo and the Haka, Tebogo and the pantophagist; all are evaluated in this new book of Hector’s.
Like many other literary commentators this columnist is very excited about the new book, OMOSEYE BOLAJI.
NOVEMBER 19 – NOVEMBER 25 2010
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Doctor Shikhibane honoured” By Flaxman Qoopane (Page 2)
Reproduced hereunder:
Doctor Shikhibane honoured
By Flaxman Qoopane
.
The Chief Directorate; FET Colleges and ABET within the Department of Education Free State gave Dr Jigana Joe Shikhibane an award at the Motheo FET College central office in Bloemfontein recently.
Zonia Alexander, the Chief Director; FET Colleges and ABET- Department of Education Free State said; ’The Chief Directorate FET Colleges and ABET awarded a trophy as a token of appreciation and acknowledgement to Dr Jigana Joe Shikhibane, manager- Student Networking and Partnership, Job Placement, Exchange and Wellness Programme from Motheo FET College, for his hard work towards, welfare and accomplishment of student’s success in life. And also acknowledge him officially in his endeavours, and being constantly devoted to bringing hope to the students.’
Dr Shikhibane told Free State News: “I am very happy that the office of the Chief Directorate; FET Colleges and ABET has honoured me. I hope I will work ever harder to devote my work to our students.”
The occasion was also attended by Simon Maboya; Principal of Motheo FET College and Tsatsi Mantso; Deputy Chief Education Specialist FET Colleges.
Dr Shikhibane completed his degree of Bachelor of Education at the University of Fort Hare in 1982..In 1994 he completed a degree in Master in Education at the University of the Orange Free State. In 1997 the same university awarded him a degree in Philosophiae Doctor [PHD] in Psycho- Education.
Dr Shikhibane has represented his country many times abroad. In September 2002, he was invited to consult different poor communities concerning health education in Ceara State, Northeast Brazil. His experience contributed significantly to develop health education programmes in those communities. In September 1995, he visited the Fukuoka University in Japan. During that time he spent a year in Japan. He was involved in HIV/AIDS research course.
In 1996 he visited Vienna for a month. He presented a lecture on HIV/AIDS from Southern Africa. In 1997 he went to Palermo in Italy for eight weeks he was part of the South African delegation attending Universiade [all university internationally]
In the Free State, Dr Shikhibane is very active as a football administrator, and is also an activist in HIV/AIDS related activities and projects.
NOVEMBER 05 – NOVEMBER 11 2010
FEATURE OF THE WEEK: “Mutilated Body found in Mangaung” By Flaxman Qoopane (Front page)
Reproduced hereunder:
MUTILATED BODY FOUND IN MANGAUNG
…even police in tears at the scene!!!
By Flaxman Qoopane
Stephen Mphole Nakedi (27) was found mutilated in the premises of a church at J B Mafora Block 4 Mangaung on Saturday (October 30, 2010).
His cousin, Samuel Nakedi (38) told Free State News; “My cousin Mphole Nakedi was found early morning of Saturday lying in a pool of blood next to the door of the church- Jesus Never Fails Ministry at J B Mafora Block 4. His head, heart, liver and his private parts were missing – it was a horrific scene”
Nomvuyo Qoloka (27) a resident near the church, said: “At 5:00 am, on Saturday we heard a rumour that a headless body was found at the church. With some of my neighbours we decided to go and look at what was happening at the church. On our arrival the deceased was covered with a white cloth. I noticed police crying, some women fainted and my eyes were filled with tears...”
Mphole's mother, Kedibone Martha Nakedi (58), with her eyes filled with tears said; “Mphole is my last born in the family of four sons and a daughter. We last saw him on Friday at 7:00 pm. My son did not deserve to die the way he died. As family members, of Nakedi we are traumatised by the death of our child. We still can't believe that he was killed like an animal and how could his killer do such a terrible thing to my son? What hurts me the most is that my son had just graduated at Damelin with a Diploma in Electrical Engineering, and he was planning to get a stable job and help his family to survive...”
What does the community say about the horrific death of a promising life? Thabo Leeuw said; “To tell you the honest truth, I am very scared for my life”.
Suzan Motaung said; “I get emotional when one of us is killed. It upset me. We are not safe at all at Ward 10, J B Mafora. The first murder of a youth happened in 2008 just in front of this church, so this time another murder has happened at the same church.”
The other residents are furious. Somebody who did not want to be named said: “We heard that two suspects have been arrested. If the Court of Law will give them bail since we know them, we are going to revenge by killing them”
Captain Harry Nagel from Communication and Liaison Services of SAPS of the Free State confirmed the incident of murder. He said: “Two suspects who mutilated the body of Stephen Nakedi were arrested. And a bag containing the missing body parts namely head, private parts and some of the main organs of the deceased, was found in their possession”
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