Maphaka Five Stuns Afghanistan As Sa U19 Reach Tri-Series Final
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Bloemfontein
Two arrested in missing Sibongile Portia Ngwana case
Two arrested in missing Sibongile Portia Ngwana case
Two men have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Sibongile Portia Ngwana who was reported missing by her family at the Mangaung Police Station on Tuesday, 28 November 2023.
“Information led to the arrest of two African males aged 27 and 33 on Thursday, 04 January 2024. They were confirmed to be foreign nationals. Further investigation led to the discovery of remains on an open veld near M10 Road,” said the police in a statement.
“The remains were confirmed by an expert who also visited the scene to be the remains of a human being; nevertheless forensic tests still need to be done to ascertain the identity if its indeed the remains of the reported missing Sibongile Ngwana,” said the police.
Free State Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane said: “We are pleased with the progress made by the multi-disciplinary team charged with these investigations. We appeal to our communities and next of kin to be patient and allow formal tests to be conducted before we presume the identity of these human remains.”
The police said further investigations are continuing and more arrests are expected.
The two suspects are meanwhile detained and will appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court soon. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Fri, 01/05/2024 - 11:09
386 views
Private Prepaid Electricity, Gas, and Water Meter Suppliers in Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein, the judicial capital of South Africa, is a bustling city that requires efficient utility services. To meet the needs of residents, several private prepaid meter suppliers have emerged in Bloemfontein. These suppliers offer private prepaid electricity, gas, and water meters, providing a convenient and hassle-free way to manage and control utility consumption. In this …
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Free State communities share expectations ahead of Imbizo
Free State communities share expectations ahead of Imbizo
As scores converged at the Kopano Indoor Sports Centre in Thabong, Free State, for the 11th District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo, some local residents of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality shared what they expected to be addressed by authorities at the gathering.
Speaking to SAnews on Thursday in Matjhabeng (which falls under the Lejweleputsawa District Municipality), Kgosi Mmelwana from Welkom said he was keen to hear President Cyril Ramaphosa’s message. He was especially looking forward to hearing what Ministers would have to say on education and health-related matters.
“I am glad that the President and his Cabinet Ministers have descended on our town. We want to tell the President what we need as a community.
“We still need more schools and healthcare facilities. Some of our learners walk long distances to school,” Mmelwana said.
Echoing his sentiments, Dithabo Mmutle, said some community members still travel long distances to access government services.
“We want government offices to be closer to where we stay. We spend a lot of money traveling to government offices to access services,” she said.
A Grade 12 learner at a local high school, Abraham Sithebe, said he was most concerned about the high unemployment among the youth.
“Young people go to school and at the end of the day, they are not employed. Government needs to take care of our people. We don’t want them to end up becoming drug addicts,” he said.
Today’s Imbizo in the Free State is the second in the province since the Presidential Izimbizo started in 2022. President Ramaphosa’s first Imbizo in the Free State took place in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in April 2022.
During the 2022 engagement, 42 community members - representing the seven regions of the Mangaung Metro - voiced their concerns to the President, which included lack of service delivery, corruption, inadequate housing, unemployment and crime. The towns represented in this discussion included Van Stadensrus, Soutpan, Dewetsdorp, Wepener, Thaba Nchu, Botshabelo and Bloemfontein.
Ministers present at last year’s Imbizo had committed to dealing with pressing matters, including the standard of water and sanitation, and the state of roads.
The aim of the DDM Izimbizo, which have taken place throughout the country, is to provide an interactive platform for communities to engage and interact face-to-face with the President, Ministers and the provincial and local leadership.
The District Development Model enhances integrated and sustainable service delivery through the maximisation of intergovernmental planning, budgeting and implementation towards creating inclusive economic opportunities for locals.
The DDM, which was introduced and adopted by Cabinet on 21 August 2019, aims to improve cooperative governance and enhance service delivery, in line with the National Development Plan.
Focus on Lejweleputsawa
Today’s Imbizo takes place in Lejweleputsawa District Municipality, which consists of five local municipalities, which account for a third of the province. The district municipality is made up of the local municipalities of Matjhabeng (whose economy is mainly anchored on the mining of gold and uranium and it is the hub of the Free State Goldfields), Masilonyane, Nala, Tswelopele and Tokologo.
Under the theme “Leave No One Behind”, today’s Imbizo will allow the President and other leaders in government to assess progress made and be briefed on challenges associated with the improvement of service delivery since the President’s previous engagement with communities.
Ahead of this week’s Imbizo, the national, provincial and local spheres of government, as well as State entities, embarked on pre-Imbizo build-up programmes across the Free State.
These activities were undertaken to stimulate communities’ participation in the Imbizo and to assist residents with services they may require or other challenges they wish to report.
Stabilising Mangaung
Last year, Cabinet approved an intervention by the national executive in the governance of the Mangaung Metro, in terms of Section 139(7) of the Constitution.
Following failure by the Free State provincial executive to implement a financial recovery plan in the metro, the municipality was placed under national intervention.
At the time, The Presidency had said that this intervention was directed at helping the metro to improve its finances and to deliver on its mandate, and to return to sound governance and a better life for residents, the business community and other stakeholders.
In October this year, Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), Pinky Kekana, conducted an oversight monitoring visit of economic and service delivery-related projects in Mangaung.
She noted some of the positive joint efforts to stabilise the metro, including the finalisation of the appointment of the Municipal Manager, albeit challenges remain in certain areas.
Kekana reiterated that the DPME was dedicated to continuing to help the metro overcome its challenges in the interest of service delivery to residents and positive economic spinoffs for South Africa.
“If we can all work together through an integrated approach and create an enabling environment, it will help the municipality and lead to enhanced service delivery, investment, and economic growth.
“Our first and immediate goal is to contribute towards assisting the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality absolve itself from the S139 constitutional intervention,” said Kekana at the time.
The DPME said its departmental specialists have supported the metro with comprehensive frontline monitoring reports and proposed interventions aimed at strengthening the capacity and overall operations of the municipality. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 12/07/2023 - 12:38
431 views
SA Emerging Squad To Take On Bangladesh In 50-Over Warm-Up In Bloemfontein
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President to guide DDM Presidential Imbizo in Free State
President to lead DDM Presidential Imbizo in Free State
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday lead government’s interaction - in the form of a District Development Model Presidential Imbizo - with communities and stakeholders in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State.
The Presidential Imbizo will take place at the Kopano Indoor Sports Centre in Thabong, Welkom, within the Lejweleputswa District Municipality.
This will be the 11th Presidential Imbizo led by President Ramaphosa since March 2022.
The Matjhabeng gathering marks a return visit to the province by the President following a Presidential Imbizo in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in April 2022.
During the 2022 engagement, 42 community members, representing the seven regions of the Mangaung Metro, voiced their concerns to the President.
The towns represented in this discussion included Van Stadensrus, Soutpan, Dewetsdorp, Wepener, Thaba Nchu, Botshabelo and Bloemfontein.
“Under the theme 'Leave No One Behind', this week’s visit will allow the President and other leaders in government to assess progress made [and] to be briefed on challenges associated with the improvement of service delivery since the President’s previous engagement with communities,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The Matjhabeng municipal economy is mainly anchored on the mining of gold and uranium and it is the hub of the Free State Goldfields.
The Lejweleputsawa District Municipality consists of five local municipalities, which accounts for a third of the province which is made up of the local municipalities of Matjhabeng, Masilonyane, Nala, Tswelopele and Tokologo.
Ahead of this week’s Imbizo, national, provincial and local government as well as state entities have embarked on pre-Imbizo build-up programmes across the province.
These activities are undertaken to stimulate communities’ participation in the Imbizo and to assist residents with services they may require or other challenges they wish to report.
“Thus, this Imbizo will also take stock of the progress made since the last Presidential Imbizo in the province.
“As an interactive platform, the DDM Presidential Imbizo allows communities to engage and interact face-to-face with the President, Ministers and the provincial and local leadership face-to-face.
“The District Development Model enhances integrated and sustainable service delivery through the maximisation of intergovernmental planning, budgeting and implementation towards creating inclusive economic opportunities for locals,” the Presidency said.
The DDM also aims to intensify the delivery of services, promote social cohesion and advance the developmental state agenda, in line with the National Development Plan, and Growth and Development Strategies of the province.
The participation of leadership from the national, provincial and local levels is directed at maintaining accountability by public office bearers, the administration and promoting collaboration. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 12/06/2023 - 09:08
135 views
Half-Centuries for Zondo and Brand in Bloem
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No sensitive information taken during NPA offices crash in
No sensitive information taken during NPA offices break in
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has moved to assure the country that no sensitive information, dockets or files were taken during a break in at the Director of Public Prosecution’s office in the Free State.
According to NPA Northern Cape regional spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, the break-in occurred during the early hours of Monday morning at the prosecutorial body’s Bloemfontein office.
“These criminals managed to break into the Office of the DPP, offices of Deputy Directors of Public Prosecutions (DDPP), the office of the PA (Personal Assistant) in the office of the DPP, as well as other offices of the other PA within the Office of the DPP. One [thing] the NPA can confirm is that during this break-in, four laptops and voice recorders were taken.
“Even though these criminals managed to break into this Central Nerve of Prosecutions in the province, the citizenry of the Republic and the Free State Province can rest assured that no sensitive information, dockets or files were taken, as they are not stored in these offices but have a secure area where they are safely secured and kept safe,” he said.
Senokoatsane emphasised that the break-in will not discourage the NPA from doing its work.
“The National Prosecuting Authority, even though shocked, disturbed, and disdained by these cowardly acts, will not be discouraged to continue prosecuting all cases without fear, favour, or prejudice.
“The security at the NPA Offices is taken seriously as these offices always have 24-hour security warm bodies, seven days a week. This break-in, which is an isolated case, does not render the security at these important prosecutorial offices as not being taken seriously,” he said.
A case has been opened with the South African Police Service.
“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Free State would like to send a heartfelt appreciation to the South African Police Service, who promptly reacted to this emergency state and began their investigations.
“The crime scene was closed off and specialised units of the SAPS including the Forensic, Intelligence, and Investigations were on the scene in no time, DNA and fingerprints were collected at the scene and sent to the SAPS Forensic Laboratory.
“Investigations that are led by the South African Police Service are continuing in this matter. Members of the community who might have information regarding this matter are encouraged to provide the information to their nearest police stations or HAWKS Offices in Bloemfontein,” Senokoatsane concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 12/05/2023 - 09:24
143 views
SAPS 16 Days campaign: Spotlight on Sergeant Peter’s outstanding work
SAPS 16 Days campaign: Spotlight on Sergeant Peter's outstanding work
As the country observes the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has undertaken to profile the work of its outstanding members.
Today the spotlight is on Sergeant Nombi Peter, a detective attached to the Mangaung Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit in the Free State. She also forms part of the Mangaung District’s serial rape task team.
Peter’s childhood dream of becoming a police officer came true when she was enlisted in the service 14 years ago as a student constable.
She holds a degree in Forensic Investigation (2022), a diploma in policing (2016) and has completed various internal courses.
To date, Peter's sterling investigations have led to a collective number of five life terms and 305 years in prison for 31 rapists, who are now behind bars.
Peter joined the Mangaung FCS in 2018. Her recent career highlights include the sentencing of a 28-year-old convicted rapist to 20 years imprisonment by the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on 18 October 2023 for the rape of a 13-year-old girl.
The accused was found guilty of rape, kidnapping and assault to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). The accused attacked the victim at Phase Six informal settlement, Mangaung, in March 2021. He forcefully dragged the victim into his shack where he repeatedly raped her until he let her go the following day.
The accused threatened the victim by saying he would kill her if she discloses the incident to anyone.
A month later, the victim fell ill at school, which led to the discovery of her being pregnant following a visit to the hospital.
The victim then told her mother what had happened and the police were alerted. The case was assigned to Peter, who immediately commenced with her investigation.
The accused was arrested the same day and appeared before court where he was granted bail.
The accused, a Lesotho national, contravened his bail conditions and failed to appear in court. Peter left no stone unturned and through information she obtained, she re-arrested the accused in Phomolong earlier this year.
The accused remained in custody until he was sentenced. Peter says she resonates with victims of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and along with her team, they continuously conduct campaigns within the communities they serve to create awareness on topics such as domestic violence, different forms of abuse, how to apply for a protection order and what to do when you are a victim of rape.
"Being a FCS investigator is my calling, therefore, I go beyond my desk and office hours to catch rapists. I urge community members to report crime to their nearest police station for investigations to commence immediately,” Peter said.
Peter flies the South African Police Service’s flag high as she continues to put more rapists behind bars. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 12/04/2023 - 08:59
510 views
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President heads to Dubai for UNFCCC’S COP28
President heads to Dubai for UNFCCC’S COP28
President Cyril Ramaphosa will this week lead South Africa’s delegation to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai.
The President will lead the delegation on 1 and 2 December 2023, however, in total the conference runs from 30 November to 12 December 2023.
“Following the President’s participation this week, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, will stay on and lead the country’s participation for the remainder of the conference until 12 December 2023.
“South Africa’s delegation to the conference will include government and business representatives in recognition of the value of partnerships in dealing with the challenge of climate change and sustainable development,” the Presidency said.
The 18th COP Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP18) and the fourth COP Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA) sessions will be convened on the sidelines of the COP28.
The conference will witness the first Global Stocktake (GST), which will provide a comprehensive assessment of progress made since the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015.
This will help align efforts on climate action, including measures that need to be implemented to bridge the gaps in progress.
The purpose of the stocktake is to help parties prepare their next nationally determined contributions to the Paris Agreement to raise ambition and accelerate climate action, as well as to enhance international cooperation.
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa will next Thursday lead government’s interaction with the Matjhabeng Local Municipality during the second leg of the District Development Model Presidential Imbizo in the Free State.
The Matjhabeng municipal economy is mainly anchored on the mining of gold and uranium and is the hub of the Free State goldfields.
The Presidential Imbizo will take place at the Kopano Indoor Sports Centre in Thabong, Welkom, within the Lejweleputswa District Municipality.
Under the theme “Leave no one Behind”, the President will be continuing on the last visit undertaken on 9 April 2022 in Bloemfontein at the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.
The Lejweleputswa DDM Presidential Imbizo follows on the commitments the Free State Provincial Government made to tackle service delivery challenges during the 2022 Imbizo which was held in Bloemfontein.
Thus, this Imbizo will also take stock of the progress made since the last Presidential Imbizo in the province. During the 2022 engagement, 42 community members representing the seven regions of the Mangaung Metro voiced their concerns to the President.
The towns represented in this discussion included Van Stadensrus, Soutpan, Dewetsdorp, Wepener, Thaba Nchu, Botshabelo and Bloemfontein. Representatives of people with disabilities were also able to raise their concerns.
“As an interactive platform, the DDM Presidential Imbizo allows communities to engage and interact face-to-face with the President, Ministers and the provincial and local leadership face-to-face,” the Presidency said.
The DDM also aims to intensify the delivery of services, promote social cohesion and advance the developmental state agenda, in line with the National Development Plan; and Growth and Development Strategies of the province.
President Ramaphosa will further, on 12 December 2023, host the Inaugural Science, Technology and Innovation Presidential Plenary that will bring together leaders in government, industry, academia and civil society.
“Discussions will focus on progress of the National System of Innovation (NSI) and challenges in this sector, and will explore ways for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) and skills development to impact positively on the South African economy,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 09:45
301 views
Petersen, Van Tonder Impress On Day One In East London
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Government announces novel awards for arts, culture sector
Government announces new awards for arts, culture sector
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has announced that government will be hosting an all-encompassing awards ceremony to recognise those who exhibit outstanding artistic and technical achievement in the arts and culture sector.
“The creativity and imagination of the South African designers, artists, producers, writers, and performers are continuing to shine the light on the global stage and driving the growth of our creative economy,” Kodwa said on Tuesday in Pretoria.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture intends to confer South African Creative Arts Awards (SACA) annually in appreciation of the outstanding contributions to the creative sector.
“This is another way in which government is developing a participatory cultural platform by supporting artists and arts and culture initiatives, as essential elements to stimulate the growth of the country’s creative economy.
“These are creatives from across cultural domains that push the boundaries of their creative ability and show devotion to excellence with uncompromising quality, ground-breaking creativity and relentless innovation that defines those that are outstanding from the best.
“The South African Creative Arts Awards are for creatives from across cultural domains who push boundaries of their creative ability and show devotion to excellence,” the Minister said.
The launch date for the SACA will be announced in due course.
Meanwhile, South Africa will be hosting the 2024 International Cricket Council (ICC) Under 19 Cricket World Cup from 20 January to 11 February 2024.
The event was initially scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka, however, the ICC Board decided to move this tournament from Sri Lanka and awarded it to South Africa.
“The move was taken as a consequence of the ICC provisionally suspending Sri Lanka Cricket due to extensive government interference in the board's administration. Sixteen countries are expected to participate. No government funding is required. The International Cricket Council and Cricket South Africa will provide funding for the tournament,” Kodwa said.
The event will take place at the following venues:
- Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium, East London
- Diamond Oval, Kimberley
- JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
- Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein
- Willowmore Park, Benoni
2027 Netball World Cup
With preparations for South Africa’s participation in the 2027 Netball World Cup underway, the Minister also announced the appointment of an Independent Advisory Panel on Netball Professionalisation, which will ensure the development, sustainability, and competitiveness of netball.
The Independent Advisory Panel has been appointed with the objective of developing a blueprint for the development of Netball in the country.
The panel will be expected to review netball’s strategy and increase Mass Participation to ensure Netball becomes a sport of first choice in communities.
Furthermore, the panel will ensure the national league as a commercial product and that it generates revenue for the system that increases the broadcast value and aids professionalization.
It is also responsible for achieving excellence in the international rankings at major international competitions as well as dealing with matters pertaining to governance and finance.
The following are members of the Independent Advisory Panel on Netball:
- Ms. Maria Magdalena Bezuidenhout, University of Pretoria Netball
- Ms. Nozipho Jafta, CEO of SASCOC.
- Ms. Blanche De la Guerre, former CEO of Netball South Africa
- Ms. Zanele Mdodana, former Spar Proteas Captain, Netball coach at University of Stellenbosch
- Dr. Hajira Mashego, an academic and Director of Sport at Tshwane University of Technology
Board of Boxing SA
The current term of the Board of Boxing South Africa expires on 11 December 2023.
The Minister thanked the outgoing board members for the work that they have done during the period.
He also announced the appointment of the following new members of the Board of Boxing SA with effect from 12 December 2023 until 11 December 2026:
- Mr Sifiso Shongwe (appointed as Chairperson of the Board)
- Ms Princess Mangoma
- Ms Nande Mheshe
- Mr Sakhiwe Sodo
- Mr Luxolo September
- Ms Romy Titus
- Dr Mary-Gene Manthata-Setati
The World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA) has once again awarded South Africa with the hosting of the its Africa Regional office. This office is currently hosted in Cape Town and will continue to be based in Cape Town.
“In April 2023, WADA published a call for Expressions of Interest to host its Africa Office. Three countries, namely Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa, formally expressed interest and submitted a candidate file. Evaluation visits took place in these three countries at the beginning of October 2023,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 11/28/2023 - 13:04
141 views
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