Chris Hani By: Staff Reporter Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae emphasized that the tragic events of April 10, 1993, serve as a poignant reminder of the cost of the freedom we cherish today. During this month, as we commemorate Freedom Day, achieved on April 27, 1994, with the first democratic elections in our nation, it's equally crucial to reflect on the sacrifices made to reach our current state. April is also the month when our martyrs, Solomon Mahlangu and Chris Hani, were

Stolen Lion Cubs By: Neo Ntsele Elias Moloi (36) and Mokete Elizabeth Dikoko (51), a police administration clerk at Bothaville SAPS, appeared in the Bothaville Magistrates Court on 7 April 2026 for allegedly violating the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004. They were arrested along with a 14-year-old minor on Thursday, 2 April 2026, in Bothaville while attempting to sell four lion cubs at a price of R100,000 each. Members of the Hawks in Welkom resp

Mxolisi Dukwana By: Staff Reporter Mxolisi Dukwana, the speaker of the Free State Legislature, has shared a warm Easter message with the Free State community. "As we come together with family and loved ones to celebrate Easter, I send heartfelt greetings to everyone in the Free State. This Easter season carries a profound message of hope, renewal, sacrifice, and resurrection. It reminds us that after the darkest times, light and new beginnings can emerge. In the spirit of Eas

Major General Thabang Solomon Lesia By: Staff Reporter Major General Thabang Solomon Lesia has been named the new Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS). With over thirty years of experience in policing, he possesses a profound understanding of operational environments. The Premier of the Free State, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, expressed her approval of Major General Lesia's appointment, highlighting its significance at a crucial time when combating cr

Ibrahim Mahama   By: Neo Ntsele The International Institute of the Arts (IIA) at the University of the Free State (UFS) will welcome two distinguished Artists-in-Residence in 2026. Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama will join in March, and Dr Ashraf Jamal, a respected scholar and cultural commentator, will join in April. Prof. Alexander Johnson, Director of IIA, expressed enthusiasm for their arrival, highlighting the support of the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust in fostering dialog

Minister of GOGTA VF Hlabisa, President Cyril Ramaphosa, Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae By: Staff Reporter On 27 March 2026, President Cryil Ramaphosa and his cabinet met with Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and Members of the Executive Council at the University of the Free State's (UFS) Centenary Complex (UFS). The meeting aimed to explore how national and provincial governments can collaborate more effectively to promote inclusive growth and job creation, reduce p

Prof Sam Tshehla   By: Neo Ntsele The University of the Free State (UFS) has announced the appointment of Prof Sam Tshehla as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategic Initiatives, International and Institutional Affairs, starting 1 April 2026. Prof. Tshehla is an academic leader, applied mathematician, and higher education strategist with over twenty years of experience in university leadership, research, and institutional development. He is currently a Professor of Mathematics and

Crime Scene Logo   By: Neo Ntsele On 20 March 2026, the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court sentenced three individuals, Khotso Mabolloane (51), Sibongile Nyembe (31), and Jabulane Joseph Mazibuko (40), for fraud and related offenses after a fraudulent transaction resulted in a loss of over R4 million for VKB Agriculture (Pty) Ltd. It was reported that on 16 February 2018, near VKB Agriculture (Pty) Ltd in Reitz, six individuals, Khotso Mabolloane, Tumane Isaac Mokoena, Sibongile

Dr Ernest Peresu    Opinion article by Dr Ernest Peresu, Centre for Health Systems Research & Development (CHSR&D), University of the Free State     World TB Day is commemorated on 24 March each year, marking Dr Robert Koch’s discovery of the bacterium that causes TB in 1882. It reminds us of how humanity has grappled with this disease, and of the global efforts towards its diagnosis, treatment, and ultimate cure. Under this year’s theme, “Yes, You and I Can End TB”, South Af

Mongezi Adoons (MOR) By: Neo Ntsele Mongezi Adoons, better known by his stage name MOR, comes from the dusty streets of Zastron and is a South African music hybrid creator, composer, and songwriter celebrated for his ability to weave rich storytelling with dynamic musical composition. With a keen sense for melody and emotional depth, MOR crafts music that transcends genres while retaining a unique African musical essence enhanced by modern technology in the music industry. Re

MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Ketso ‘Toto’ Makume By: Neo Ntsele On Tuesday, 17 March, MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Ketso ‘Toto’ Makume delivered the budget speech for the 2026/27 financial year at Bloemfontein City Hall. MEC Makume presented a budget focused on boosting economic recovery, enhancing revenue collection, and improving public service delivery. This year’s budget reflected a notable reduction of R332.6 million. MEC Makume

Crime Scene Logo   By: Neo Ntsele On Monday, 16 March 2026, Advocate Siseko Leonard Cengcani (55) from Cengcani and Associates, Tshadi Annah Molelekoa-Taso (44), Nomalizwe Brenda Nkwane (45), and Nontsikelelo Grace Mkololo (41) were detained by the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in Bloemfontein on charges of alleged fraud. The suspects appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court the same day. Allegations suggest that in 2020, complainants responded to

Relebohile Moletsane, Sheila Sisulu, Ingrid Winterbach, Prof Anmari van der Westhuizen Joubert, and Zukiswa Wanner   By: Neo Ntsele During the April 2026 graduation ceremonies at the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses, the University of the Free State (UFS) will award honorary doctorates to four esteemed individuals. The university will also present a Council Medal to honor exceptional contributions to music and the arts. The UFS grants honorary degrees to individuals whose acc

Crime Scene Logo   By: Neo Ntsele Jacolene Hendricks (45) was sentenced by the Kroonstad Magistrates Court on 12 March 2026 after being found guilty of 75 counts of fraud. The conviction arose from an internal investigation into the financial dealings of the Hansie Muller Besigheidstrust in Viljoenskroon. This followed reports from some business clients who claimed the accused had instructed them to deposit payments for goods into a different bank account. A case docket was o

Delegates from SEDFA and Mohokare Municipality By: Neo Ntsele The Xhariep District Municipality, in collaboration with SEDFA, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Small Business Development sector, successfully organised a significant workshop and awareness roadshow focused on the Spaza Shop Fund and the critical issue of foot-and-mouth disease. This informative event took place at the Zastron Town Hall on Wednesday, the 11th, drawing a substantial cro

Easter Soccer Tournament Poster By: Neo Ntsele The Zastron-based teams, France FC and JV Falcons, are organising an Easter Festival Championship soccer tournament featuring 16 teams from different regions. This event promises an exciting showcase of talent and sportsmanship, bringing together players and fans to celebrate soccer. The tournament kicks off on April 4, 2026, at the picturesque Zama Sporting Ground, renowned for its lively atmosphere and top-notch facilities. Th

FS EXCO By: Staff Reporter On Monday, 09 March 2026, the Free State Executive Council (EXCO) visited the Bloemfontein residence of the late former Premier Mosiuoa Lekota, who passed away on 04 March 2026. During the visit, Mxolisi Dukwana, Speaker of the Free State Legislature, described the late Premier, former Minister of Defence, and struggle stalwart Mosiuoa Lekota as a committed freedom fighter who dedicated his life to serving the people. “He was a soldier who tirelessl

Music Cover (Inkoduso) By: Neo Ntsele Abongile Magadla, 29, also known by his stage name (Abo De Voice), is preparing to release a much-anticipated single called Inkoduso in the coming weeks. The Amapiano artist, originally from Zastron, is now pursuing his music career in Pretoria. He completed his education in Zastron and relocated to Pretoria in 2019, seeking better opportunities. His love for music started in high school, where he sang Gwijo songs, and he became serious

Mosioua " Terror " Lekota By: Staff Reporter Congress of the People (COPE) leader and co-founder Mosiuoa "Terror" Lekota has died, aged 77. Lekota died at a Johannesburg hospital in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The party confirmed the news, adding that the family had requested privacy during this difficult time. Lekota served as Minister of Defence from 1999 to 2008. He also served as the Premier of the Free State after the country's first fully democratic elections

Sanitary towels By: Staff Reporter The University of the Free State (UFS) recently published research on endocrine-disrupting chemicals in sanitary pads and pantyliners, which has attracted significant media coverage. The research which was conducted by a multidisciplinary team at the UFS and published in the peer-reviewed journal Science of the Total Environment , comprised an in vitro laboratory detection study and did not involve testing on human subjects. It does not esta