The Bloem Show team visited schools in Bloemfontein this week to teach the young ones about sheep shearing. On Tuesday, 11 March, the team – along with Herman Maartens of OVK – visited the Martie du Plessis Special School. The children enjoyed having the chance to learn about both hand shearing and machine shearing. Here are Elmarie Prinsloo (CEO of Bloem Show) with Biggy (the Bloem Show mascot) and learners of Martie du Plessis. Photo: Lientjie Mentz
The bail application hearing of alleged murderer Songezo Steven Sejakane (42) in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court is set to continue on Thursday, 13 March, with closing arguments from both the state and his legal representative.
The bail application pertains to the alleged murder of Mpho Judith Moalosi (41).
Sejakane, who has been remanded in custody since his arrest regarding the incident on 17 June last year, is fighting for his rights, and right to be released on bail.
In his renewed bid, he has brought some new facts to be granted bail in the case, wherein which he allegedly and in a brutal fashion ended the life of Moalosi, a female teacher who taught at the Tsoseletso Secondary School in Bloemfontein.
These new facts brough forward are in the wake of the state turning down his application.
Sejakane’s new facts were presented during his appearance on Friday, 7 March.
Thought his Legal Aid attorney, Sejakane alleges that his life was in danger, and that he risks safety concerns and losing his life in jail.
He laments ill-health pertaining to an asthmatic condition, brought upon and exacerbated by an alleged lack of provision of medical health care and food poisoning.
Sejakane’s attorney indicated that her client will be able to have better access to medical healthcare at home, bearing in mind the apparent unconducive conditions that he was subjected to in prison.
In addition to his new grounds of appeal, Sejakane’s reason for the approval of his bail application is to enable him to provide for his two
children – apparently adopted.
According to Sejakane’s attorney, the two children are recipients of a social grant. Despite the fact that the adopted children already receive financial support, Sejakane’s attorney stressed that her client feels obliged to provide for them.
Some of the people in the court gallery reacted with dismay regarding the mention of the children. They were heard whispering amongst themselves, saying: “And what about the two children of Moalosi, if the adopted children are so important?”
Sejakane, ever-smiling during his appearances for bail, is believed to have driven over Moalosi’s body multiple times at the crime scene near the G4S Mangaung Prison on 16 June.
The police reported that Moalosi’s body was found along the Dewetsdorp road.
The new facts are similar to that of McDonald Masithela (39), whose bail application was turned down.
Masithela is remanded in custody following his arrest regarding the alleged murder of Bongiwe Phulampa (35), also last year.
The state is awaiting forensic results of samples of blood found in the car Sejakane allegedly used to run over the deceased woman’s body.
His attorney has since questioned the authenticity of petitions opposing Sejakane’s release on bail.
The petitions were submitted by women’s rights advocacy organisations. These organisations include Buang Basadi, and Man-Up Ndoda, an anti-gender-based violence (GBV) men’s body.
Sejakane’s attorney has objected to the petitions, saying the organisation did not provide reasons for the denial of his bail application.
She argued that the court should not allow the public to dictate terms in the decision-making to grant her client bail.
The Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, continues with the commitment to make it possible for persons with disabilities to follow through with their academic pursuits. This was exemplified by the enrolment of two deaf students, Relebohile Motsoeneng and Aobakwe Tshenge.
The pair’s enrolment ties with the institution’s integrated and inclusive learning environment ensuring equal opportunities for all students, including those living with disabilities.
The university provides a comprehensive range of services designed to truly empower students with disabilities to reach their full potential, demonstrating its dedication to inclusivity.
First-year students Motsoeneng and Tshenge are former learners of the Thiboloha School for the Deaf and Blind in Phuhaditjhaba, and the St Vincent School for the Deaf in Gauteng, respectively.
Motsoeneng is pursuing her dream career in hospitality management.
“I am very excited to start my journey here at the CUT,” she said.
From the left are Dr Lehlohonolo Motake (deputy director for Language Services), Nomalungelo Mvubu (Sign Language interpreter), Relebohile Motsoeneng, Aobakwe Tshenge (both first-year students), Mannowa Tshenge (Aobakwe’s parent) and Mohau Manyarela (deputy director of the Disability Unit). Photo: Supplied
Motsoeneng’s journey with the university began when its recruiters visited her school in 2023.
This was after struggling with university applications.
“I saw an opportunity with the CUT, especially
because they offered my desired programme, Hospitality Management.”
The delighted student mentioned that her biggest challenge since coming to the university was the ability to make new friends due to communication barriers, but she hoped to conquer that with time.
Motsoeneng’s experience highlights the unique challenges that deaf students would face on campus on a daily basis, particularly in social interactions, as well as the importance of creating an inclusive environment that addresses these challenges.
Tshenge is pursuing a BEd degree in the FETphase, specialising in Technology.
He expressed great enthusiasm about becoming part of the institution, and he said he was looking forward to creating lasting memories.
“I feel excited and challenged, but I am looking forward to my journey here at the CUT,” said Tshenge.
He acknowledged facing numerous barriers in pursuing higher education, including previous unsuccessful applications.
“I came to the CUT hoping that they would allow me an opportunity to study, and I am
grateful that I have been accepted.”
Mohau Manyarela, deputy director of the university’s Disability Unit, said the unit was an important landmark for students with disabilities on campus.
“We recognise the stigma attached to disability, and our goal is to facilitate access to higher education for such student,” explains Manyarela.
“Our aim is to ensure an enabling environment that empowers them to achieve their full potential by providing a range of services.
“Our labs are equipped with assistive devices and technology to support their learning needs, and we have introduced sign language to accommodate deaf students.”
As with the pair’s application process, the CUT’s Disability Unit continues to provide them with the necessary resources and support to ensure their success.
Tshenge and Motsoeng are part of the group of 4 515 first-time students enrolled for the 2025 academic year.
According to the institute, it received approximately 243 261 applications for first-time entry for the academic year.
A suspected cash-in-transit robber, Letsika Cosby Mmola (34), re-arrested regarding an armed robbery at the Botshabelo’s Sasko bakery depot in 2022, is set to stand trial with his five co-accused in the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein.
The trial will commence on 12 May and run until 30 May, following an investigation by the Bloemfontein Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit.
Mmola’s rearrest in Sharpeville on Thursday, 6 March, followed his failure to reappear in court on 3 February.
WO Fikiswa Matoti, provincial spokes-
person for the Hawks, said the team comprising of the Bloemfontein Hawks, Bloemfontein Crime Intelligence and Evaton Police Detectives arrested Mmola.
“Mmola’s bail of R5 000 was revoked. He reappeared in the Magistrates’ Court on 7 March on charges of robbery with aggravated circumstances, illegal posses-
sion of firearms, and illegal possession of ammunitions.”
Other suspects are: Sonwabo Madada (41), bakery employee; Khayalethu Mpangeni (30); Tumelo Hlathe Ramotshabi (39); Lebogang Martin Mokgele (37); and Teboho Benedict Letsoho (37). They are out on bail – from R5 000 to R10 000.
Three new certificates are available at the Peritum Agri Institute that held its official opening ceremony for the 2025 academic year on Monday, 17 February.
Peritum hosted its official opening ceremony at Leopard and Lace Venue, marking a significant milestone in agricultural education. With directors Emmie Pietersen and Belinda Louw at the helm, the event celebrated the institute’s continued commitment to developing skilled professionals in the agricultural sector.
This year marks the inaugural rollout of the Higher Certificate programme, complementing the well-established Diploma programme in both Animal Production and Plant Production. Additionally, Peritum Agri Institute has expanded its offerings with the introduction of the Occupational Certificate in Grain Depot Management, addressing a crucial need for specialized training in the grain storage and logistics industry.
The more than 180 attendees, amongst them parents, students and lecturers, were reassured by Nihan Olivier, who opened the ceremony with scripture referring specifically to the need
for hard work and dedication, with reference agriculture.
Later on students and parents were showed the various prestigious partnerships that Peritum holds, such as partnerships with Senwes Equipment, John Deere Africa, Middle-East and Asia, the Red Meat Producers Organisation and with Aeres University of Applied Sciences. The ceremony was graced by esteemed industry partners, including representatives from the Red Meat Producers Organisation (RPO), John Deere, Senwes, AgBiz Grain, and other influential stakeholders. Their presence underscored the strong collaborative efforts between Peritum Agri Institute and the agricultural industry to cultivate future leaders in the field.
A key highlight of the event was the awarding of bursaries from Vinimark, reinforcing the institute’s dedication to making quality agricultural education accessible to deserving students. Pietersen emphasized the pathway to life-long learning that Peritum strives to promote. Pietersen spoke about her and Louw’s 24 year partnership and it’s continued growth. “Not only do we recognize the talent in front of us today but we recognize the need for educated people in the agricultural sector,” Pietersen said.
TEBOHO SETENA
A Bloemfontein woman who attempted to save the life of her now deceased daughter has suffered another blow following her sentencing for medical aid fraud.
The Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court slapped Mamello Kate Khabo (49) with a minimum prison sentence of four years on 27 February, after finding her guilty on a charge of medical aid fraud.
The fraud pertained to her providing false details when she booked her daughter for treatment at the Busamed Private Hospital in August 2022. She was arrested in November last year following an investigation by the Bloemfontein Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team.
Col Zweli Mohobeleli, provincial spokesperson of the Hawks, said Khabo’s sentence of four years’ imprisonment was wholly suspended for five years on the condition that she is not convicted of a similar offense during the period of suspension.
He said evidence presented in court revealed Khabo provided the details of her other daughter, who is registered as a beneficiary on her Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) medical aid.
In addition, Khabo reportedly confessed to giving false information when she booked her deceased daughter at the hospital.
She confessed to her deeds after the passing of her daughter and when the death certificate was issued with the details of the surviving daughter, who is duly the
beneficiary on the medical aid.
After undergoing treatment at the Busamed hospital, Khabo’s deceased daughter was then transferred to Bloemfontein MediClinic, where she reportedly died after two weeks.
Mohobeleli said an investigation revealed that due to the fraudulent act, the medical aid was prejudiced and suffered a total loss of R438 674.95. The medical aid paid R43 159.95 towards Busamed, and R395 515 to Bloemfontein MediClinic, respectively.
Khabo had been released on bail set at R2 500.
The hijacking of business-owned vehicles in the Free State is comparable to that of Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga.
This is according to the Tracker Vehicle Crime Index latest report on vehicle crime statistics.
Flagging the province a hotspot of vehicle crime, the findings reveal that business-owned vehicles are 1,7 and 1,8 times more likely to be hijacked than stolen in the province, which falls under the national average.
Tracker’s vehicle crime statistics for July to December in 2024 reveal that nationally, hijackings comprise 56% of all vehicle crime incidents, while theft accounts for 44%. However, hijacking becomes more pronounced when evaluating business-owned vehicles and specific provinces in South Africa.
The data indicates that, across the country, business-owned vehicles are twice as likely to be hijacked than stolen, with just over half of
these vehicles hijacked in Gauteng. In the Western Cape, these vehicles are four times more likely to be hijacked and in the Eastern Cape, this is eight times.
Economic hardship and desperation in the Free State, including remote regions underscores higher rates of car theft.
According to Tracker, for personal vehicles, the national split between hijacking and theft is equal. However, in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, more personal vehicles are stolen than hijacked, at 52% and 61% respectively. In contrast, a personal vehicle is twice as likely to be hijacked than stolen in the Western Cape, rising to four times more likely in the Eastern Cape.
Duma Ngcobo, chief operating officer (COO) at Tracker, said countrywide, the likelihood of vehicle hijacking rather than a theft is 33% higher for business-owned vehicles compared to personal vehicles. “Business-owned vehicles are also 56% more likely to experience vehicle crime compared to personal vehicles.
TEBOHO SETENA
An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the accident in which ten bus passengers died on the Free State’s N6 road.
Barbara Creecy, minister of Transport, said probing would reveal the cause of the fatal crash that had involved a Volvo truck and a long-distance City-to-City passenger bus of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa). She addressed the media on Monday, 10 March.
The briefing followed her visit to the Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital in Bloemfontein to assess the condition of two accident victims still admitted here. Joining her was Monyatso Mahlatsi, Free State MEC for Health.
The adult patients, who underwent surgery at the hospital’s trauma unit, were two of the 33 passengers who had been on board the Prasa bus.
Creecy mentioned progress made, which entailed the identification of the ten deceased victims and bodies claimed by families. According to her, the two patients, who are still unidentified, were in a stable condition.
They have been receiving treatment for severe injuries sustained during the accident, which occurred approximately 15 km south of Reddersburg, towards Smithfield, in the early hours of 5 March.
The bus had reportedly been travelling in the direction of Smithfield, while the Volvo truck with two trailers was apparently
Business-owned vehicles range from cargo trucks with trailers to courier vehicles delivering items ordered online,” he said.
According to Ngcobo, syndicate targeting these vehicles due to highly lucrative goods being transported and the driver’s personal belongings such as a mobile phone. More vehicles are reported hijacked on Fridays, between the hours of 14:00 and 21:00, and theft mainly on Saturdays during the same period.
“A hijacking allows criminals immediate access to the vehicle and its contents, without needing to override tracking technology,” said Ngcobo. He said the company against succeeded in the recovery of 3 479 vehicles, assisted in 127 arrests, and helped recover eight firearms during the latter part of 2024.
The latest statistics in vehicle crime ties with that of MotorHappy, that revealed a 19% year-on-year increase in hijacking incidents. Even though hijacking hotspots are not listed, it is generally known that syndicates target big towns and cities.
The DA in the Mangaung Metro announced it is against the metro’s Adjustment Budget for the current financial term. The party voted against the budget during a special council meeting on 28 February. Frans Bothma and Hardie Viviers, DA Councillors in the metro, cite grave concerns of the municipality’s financial sustainability, misallocation of funds and
the failure to prioritise basic service delivery. With the metro’s outstanding debt exceeding R9 billion, this could see debt collectors receiving as much as R720 million funds that should be reinvested in essential services. The DA argued that “soft debt collections” should be handled internally, with third-party collectors used only when legal action is required. Bothma said
travelling in the opposite direction on the N6.
“Based on medical report, we remain hopeful the two patients will make a full recovery. Prasa has provided extensive support to the injured passengers, families as well as those who sadly lost their loved ones. Support included a site visit, transport, accommodation, repatriation of the remains and trauma counselling,” said Creecy.
She said following postmortems carried out at the state mortuary in Welkom, only four bodies were yet to be claimed. The bodies were transported to Welkom mortuary as the state mortuary in Bloemfontein remains closed
after the Department of Labour issued a prohibition order following the discovery of violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
“The processing to identify the remaining four bodies will be undertaken with the assistance of the Home Affairs Department, through the use of fingerprints.” According to Creecy, most of the bus passengers were from the Eastern Cape.
The investigations into the accident involve authorities of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and the police, which have confirmed a case of culpable homicide was being investigated.
Duly instructed by the Liquidator of CYMBOL CONSULTING (PTY) LTD (in liquidation), we will sell the property known as 23 NP van Wyk Louw Street, Langenhovenpark, Bloemfontein by public auction.
FIXED PROPERTY: Erf 278, Langenhovenpark, Bloemfontein, Mangaung Municipality, Free State Province and held by Title deed T499/2019. In extent: 1 972 m².
LOCATION: 23 NP van Wyk Louw Street, Langenhovenpark, Bloemfontein.
IMPROVEMENTS: The building of 238 m² on the premises consists of 5 ofces, boardroom, reception, kitchen, storage room and 2 toilets on the inside and 1 outside. Flooring is tiles and carpet while the ceilings are knottypine and PVC. The kitchen have built in cupboards, stove and oven. Ofces and boardroom are tted with aircons. Windows are tted with burgular bars and outside doors have safety doors. At the back of the building is a thatched roof lapa Outside is carports for 4 vehicles covered with shadecloth and another port for 2 vehicles that is damage by the wind. The whole yard is covered by brick pavers. A 2,4 m brick wall with electric fence on top surround the property.
OFFICE FURNITURE: 3 x Flat screen TV’s and decoders, 4 x small tables, 17 x chairs, 4 x lshape desk’s, 6 x bookshelves, round table, 3 x wall clocks, 8 x cabinets 2 door large, 2 x cabinets 2 door small, cabinet 2 door medium, 6 x wooden shelves, Hisense fridge/freezer, microwave, foldable table, board room table with 6 chairs, wooden display shelf, sofa 2 seater, upholstered chair, wooden cabinet with doors and drawers, red Hisense fridge, set of 3 bookshelves, 2 x ottomans, set of 3 wall mirrors.
Viewing: By appointment
CONDITIONS: FIXED PROPERTY: A DEPOSIT OF 10% of the purchase price PLUS 6% BUYERS COMMISSION PLUS VAT is payable on the day of the auction. Sorry, no card facilities. For the balance the BUYER must provide a bank guarantee within 30 days of date of conrmation. ALL FINANCING MUST BE IN PLACE. Full terms and auction rules available on www.htaa.co.za.
LOOSE ASSETS: Cash or Internet payment. 10% BUYERS COMMISSION PAYABLE plus VAT. Pre-registration is a requirement. No exceptions THE AUCTIONEER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ADD ITEMS OR REMOVE ADVERTISED ITEMS BEFORE THE AUCTION.
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT: R10 000.00 refundable deposit; Fica requirements on our website.
ENQUIRIES: OFFICE HOURS: 053 – 574 0002
DEWALD 072 576 9828
EDDIE 073 326 7777 t: 053 574 0002 | e: hta@htaa.co.za Ossewastraat 20, Petrusburg, 9932
concerns include budget cuts to the Human Settlements Department, which could result in the metro returning unspent national grants instead of using them to address housing needs. The DA would redirect misused funds towards service delivery, restructure the Human Settlements Department to ensure effective spending, and appoint skilled administrators. INSOLVENT ESTATE AUCTION OF LANGENHOVENPARK PROPERTY AND OFFICE FURNITURE THURSDAY, 20 MARCH 2025 AT 13:00
A gripping and a multi-disciplinary theatre production, Life After Tears, will be one of the attractions at the Pacofs theatre with three performances over three days.
This will be in the Andre Huguenet Theatre studio. The drama returns followed a successful staging last year.
The first showing was a soldout affair and resonated well with audiences who attended, still asking for its return.
Pacofs has collaborated with HDS Entertainment to present this edition of the thought-provoking production that shatters the silence around rife gender-based violence (GBV). It sparks empathy and understanding of the vicious cycle of violence.
It explores a transformative journey where heartbreak meets hope and resilience ignites a beacon of courage, weaving a poignant narrative that inspires a call to action.
It is written, produced, and directed by the talented Zane Muller and features an incredible cast: Boipelo Monnamorwe, Elrico Plaatjies, Lebo Lepoqo, Luyanda Mkhonjwa, Michelle Kwalepe, Mou Mpota, Oageng Thejane, and Omphile Sebolai.
Performances start on Thursday, 13 March, and end on Saturday, 15 March. The production is scheduled to start at 18:30 during the threeday period.
Tickets are selling at R100 per person, and R80 for groups of five persons or more at the Pacofs ticket office.
According to the Momentum Group’s Bureau of Market Research (BMR) Household Finance Survey for 2024 on financially literate women in South Africa, only 8.3 % have a professional financial adviser, while 73% rely on their own knowledge. Those who are financially savvy are the financially knowledgeable persons (FKPs) in their household and knows the most about the household finances.
The research uncovered that women who consult a professional adviser on average have more wealth than those getting their advice from other sources.
“The implication of not accessing professional advice is so serious for women because it limits their ability to generate wealth and secure the financial future of their families. Women aspire toward financial independence, but barriers remain. It is crucial to push forward and work with an adviser to achieve better financial outcomes,” said Lindiwe Gumede, chief marketing officer (CMO) at Metropolitan.
Arising from the findings of the survey, she said there was a need for women to stay strong to overcome financial barriers.
“Women can change their financial futures. It is so important to shift the narrative of women lacking financial independence and to encourage conversations at home around money, planning together, and checking in on
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RONNIE MBATSAN
The critical role that small, medium and macro enterprises (SMMEs) play in creating jobs, supporting communities and enabling economic growth is widely acknowledged by role-players across the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
According to the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA), SMMEs are responsible for about 60% to 70% of employment in South Africa. Beyond job creation, these enterprises also drive inclusivity by providing economic opportunities for marginalised groups, including women and youth, bolstering broader economic empowerment.
on 011-484-3612.
each other’s spending habits. Mothers often prioritise their kids, or people back home, yet forget to do things for themselves, which often results in neglecting their finances, or can lead to resentment, which is why it is so key to find a balance,” said Gumede.
She said although men often hold the role of breadwinner in households, women are the backbone with 62% responsible for their household’s day-to-day money management and are considered to be the FKP group, followed by 21% who share the responsibility with their partner.
Despite this, 39% of respondents indicated that one of the biggest barriers to achieving their financial goals and reaching financial independence, was self-doubt. Even with being at the helm of their household’s finances, there is a disconnect between how women see their financial responsibilities and how they see themselves. Considering most women are relying on their own advice, it is interesting that just a small minority of women use a financial adviser and only 5% are satisfied with their finances. It is also important to not just seek advice in tough times but in good times as well.
“An athlete does not just have a coach for when they learn the sport, they have a coach when they are competing at professional levels to ensure they continue winning,” said Gumede.
A fascinating solo exhibition, Mythologies of Time, by talented visual artist Simon Venter is set to debut at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein. The exhibition is a compelling exploration of the intersections between history, human existence, and technology. It will officially open on Thursday, 13 March, and can be viewed until 4 May. Venter is a self-taught artist who merges Christian iconography with diverse artistic traditions to interrogate themes of identity, spirituality, and modernity.
He has steadily gained prominence in the contemporary art scene and garnered recognition through prestigious platforms such as the Sasol New Signatures 2023 and 2024, Sanlam Portrait
Award 2021, and the Nando’s Creative Exchange 2022 art competitions. Venter’s Mythologies of Time delves into the ways in which history and technology shape human perception, questioning the narratives we construct around progress and innovation through a fusion of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated imagery and meticulous hand-rendered techniques.
Primary and secondary school girl learners interested in participation in beauty pageants are called upon to enter Ms Primary and High School 2025.
This year’s will be the second instalment of the contest.
Learners interested in participating can register before the closing date: 31 March. It is open for contestants between the ages of five and 16.
The joint crowning ceremony of the beauty contestant title winners is set to be held on 31 May in Bloemfontein.
Previously, Khalalelo Nhlapo, a learner at the Academy of Learning in Bloemfontein, was crowned Ms High School, Onalenna Chaka as Ms Junior, and Samkelo Nophale as Ms Primary. Call Chief Leeuw or send a WhatsApp message on 072-9500032. Khalalelo
Despite their potential for job creation, SMMEs are often more vulnerable to economic and operating headwinds, making it difficult for them to survive with the generation of additional employment opportunities becoming increasingly elusive. According to a Small Business Project study probing the impact of lockdown measures during the Covid-19 pandemic on these businesses, the vast majority of SMMEs experienced a drop in revenue and had to lay off staff.
More recently, economic uncertainty and slow growth, load shedding, frequent water interruptions, access to finance, skills shortages, red tape, and supply chain disruptions have also been flagged as an inhibitor by South African business owners.
In recent months, business sentiment has been cautiously optimistic, while lower inflation and interest rates have also provided some reprieve for a consumer-driven economy under pressure.
While the local sector is teeming with potential for growth and dynamism in service offering, unlocking the full capacity on a sustainable basis will require ongoing public and private sector support and intervention.
However, an in-depth and contemporary understanding of the sector is necessary to ensure that any potential intervention does not only offer a temporary solution but a contribution that can be a catalyst for sustainable growth and prosperity, collaboration and shared impact. It is also important to measure perceptions and prevailing conditions on an ongoing basis, ensuring any changes impacting the ecosystem can be monitored and tracked timeously – allowing for reviews and adjustments to solutions that have their basis in up-to-date, scientific findings.
It is against this background that Absa and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) have announced a new index that will serve as a yardstick for the growth and development of SMMEs in South Africa. Conducted by the Bureau of Market Research (BMR), the Absa-SACCI Small Business Growth Index (SBGI) aims to measure the perceptions of small business owners and managers regarding business growth, prevailing small business conditions and challenges. As such, it endeavours to become a leading national brand in South Africa, representing the voice of the small business community around a core set of important factors impacting entrepreneurs, including business conditions, the cost of doing business, current business challenges and access to finance. It also intends to provide a view on future business prospects and the support required to facilitate growth and development.
Given the critical role that SMMEs play in supporting communities and enabling economic growth, the initiative is aimed at providing in-depth insight into the ecosystem. This would enable stakeholders across the private and public sectors to provide solutions and support that would enhance the operating conditions for these businesses, ultimately creating an enabling environment for job creation and financial inclusion.
Critically, the BGI is intended not only as a tool for SMMEs, but to also serve as a resource for policymakers, investors and stakeholders to better understand the landscape and execute meaningful interventions.
■Ronnie Mbatsan is the managing executive for SMME Business at Absa Business Banking.
The young players that make up the African Birds football club. The team campaigns in the U13 development league of the Bloemfontein Local Football Association (BLFA), under the auspices of the South African Football Association (Safa). The team is based in Namibia, Bloemfontein ,and is owned and coached by Xolile Ncekane.
The annual tournament of the Caleb Motshabi Table Tennis Club in Batho, Bloemfontein, will celebrate the club reaching a milestone of being operational for 25 years.
This year’s tournament will be the 17th edition. The competition, open to both men and women players at junior and senior level, will take place at the Mangaung Indoor Sport Centre, situated adjacent to the Dr RP Molemela Stadium on
Saturday, 15 March. The club was formed with the aim of unearthing and developing talented table tennis players and promoting the sport to gain popularity in townships, going on to produce players who have represented their province and country in tournaments along the way.
This celebratory tournament makes provision for singles and doubles matches, with
U13, U15, U18, and senior age categories.
Registration is open until Thursday, 13 March, and only seven slots are available for players interested in participating in the one-day tournament. Registration costs R80 for juniors and R100 for seniors.
Contact David Kgabale on 073-712-0048 or send an email to davidkgabale@gmail.com for more information.
The Marumo Gallants’ fine run in their fixtures has propelled the team to the semifinal stage of this year’s Nedbank Cup. The team secured a semifinal slot after beating first division campaigners Durban City 4 – 1 on penalties in the quarterfinal of the championship.
The Gallants emerged victorious in the tough encounter played at the Chatsworth Stadium on Sunday, 9 March. The winner was determined through penalty shootout after the two clubs failed to produce a winner in regulation time and extra time, too.
The Gallants’ second choice goalkeeper, Kagisho Mlambo, made one brilliant save in the penalty shootout, giving his teammates
the confidence to convert four penalties.
The Bahlabane ba Ntwa were pitted against the defending champions, Orlando Pirates, during a draw conducted on Sunday, shortly after their match against City.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is yet to announce a date and venue for the upcoming match.
This is the Bahlabane ba Ntwa’s second semifinal after five months but a first for the newly appointed head coach, under whom the team has played three Premiership matches.
The club’s impressive performance also saw them reach the semifinal of the Carling Black Label Cup last year under the guidance of former coach Dan Malesela. However, the Gallants lost 0 – 2 to the Brazilians.
Cycling enthusiasts and adventure seekers can experience the fun of the Tanqua Kuru Bicycle Race, making a return for its fifth year from 23 to 25 May.
Set against the mesmerising backdrop of South Africa's Tankwa Karoo, this year's event promises to be the challenging terrains that riders have come to love.
Responding to popular demand, the 2025 route brings back the iconic stretch across “The Pan.” This vast, flat expanse
offers riders a surreal and visually stunning segment, enhancing the race's distinct character.
“Our riders asked, and we listened. Bringing back ‘The Pan’ is our way of honouring the community's wishes and adding that extra magic to the race,” said Jeremy Crowder, organiser.
In an exciting collaboration, Sling joins the adventure, offering a select few participants the chance to experience the Karoo from the skies.
Through a random selection,
lucky riders will embark on aerial flips, gaining a bird's-eye view of the breathtaking landscape. Entries are capped at 200 participants to maintain an intimate atmosphere.
Early registration is therefore essential for participants to secure a spot.
Find detailed information about the race, accommodation options, and additional activities at tanquakurubicyclerace.co.za. Enter at entryninja.com/ events/81047.
The eagerly-awaited Bloemfontein local derby between two university men’s rugby teams on Monday, 17 March, underline their aspirations in the Varsity Cup.
The University of the Free State’s (UFS) Shimlas and the Ixias of the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, are looking for re-
demption in addition to the bragging rights in the derby.
They will face off at the Shimla Park Stadium in the round five match of South Africa’s premier university rugby championship.
Both are looking to redeem themselves after crucial defeats against their ever-improving opponents the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Tuks and the North-West University’s (NWU) Eagles in round four fixtures played on Monday, 10 March.
The 14 - 59 defeat of the defending champion Shimlas by the Eagles was the second in a row, similar to the Ixias who lost 26 – 63 to Tuks.
Both the Shimlas and Ixias were defeated by the Stellenbosch University’s Maties, 37 – 45 and 59 – 0, respectively.
The Western Cape team has managed to keep a clean record in the competition.
The Ixias and Shimlas are under pressure to consolidate their standing
in the tournament. Even more so, the Shimlas are pressured to defend their sought-after trophy. The UFS men are desperate for a win to keep their aspirations of reach the semifinal alive.
The Ixias are unable to build on an impressive start which saw them record back-to-back wins over the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Ikeys – respectively, 29 – 13 and 23 –19.
The CUT men’s loss of momentum
so early in the competition harkens back to 2023 and 2024, when they finished at the bottom of the log with two wins. The poor run forced them to relegation play-offs to retain their current status in the premier university tournament.
Both the Ixias and Shimlas are striving to make history in their qualifying for the semifinal. The inconsistency of the CUT lads, however, hinders their ambition of becoming a force to be reckoned with.