Home | South Africa Khotsong-Bothaville in the Free State has been brought to a standstill as angry community members launched a shutdown to protest poor service delivery Roads were barricaded with stones and burning tyres The community is demanding the removal of the Nala Municipality mayor accusing them of corruption and mismanagement Residents blame the leadership for failing to hold council meetings for the past nine months and for neglecting their needs Nala Municipality residents in Free State want mayor removed Community members want the leadership in the municipality to step down and the council to be dissolved “Our water is filthy in Bothaville our councillors don’t take us seriously They have misused funds and abused the community for the longest time The councillors are also protecting the mayor – let them also go with him to Weselssbron,” says one angry resident “Our services here are not up to standard Now it’s raining and our houses are flooded Our municipality is failing to provide adequate services.” A community leader says they have tried to engage with the councillors but their attempts have not yielded positive results looking for answers with regard to issues of service delivery And the rampant corruption going on here in Nala there’s never been a person coming to us with tangible solutions to say how our problems could be solved Two weeks ago we engaged in the same action of shutting down an MEC’s Cogta and Police a transport came here They engaged with all the stakeholders of the council and all those including councilors were in agreement that there are serious problems with regard to service delivery And serious allegations of corruption in the municipality.” Recently the MEC for Cooperative Governance Saki Mokoena visited the area in an attempt to resolve some of the challenges facing the community The R30 road between Bothaville and Orkney is “under water” due to “heavy down pours” Chairperson of the Free State Road Incident Management Systems (RIMS) With waterlogged conditions posing significant risks road users are urged to exercise extreme caution The warning comes amid widespread flooding concerns in the region exacerbated by high water levels at the Vaal Dam and ongoing heavy rainfall linked to the La Niña weather system “Heavy Rains Resulting in Waterlogged Roads The R30 between Bothaville & Orkney is under water following the recent heavy down pours.” The flooding has rendered sections of this key route impassable with standing water obscuring the road surface and creating dangerous driving conditions The Free State RIMS is coordinating with local authorities to monitor the situation and assist stranded motorists a vital link connecting Bothaville in the Free State to Orkney in North West driven by intense rainfall across the Upper Vaal Catchment particularly as the region braces for more rain over the weekend according to the South African Weather Service 🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 102 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Hope for Matjhabeng as Executive Mayor Khalipha Rolls Out Plan for Renewal After ANC Reinstatement” Direct PDF Link:https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Central-News-Issue-102.pdf https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za For Business Related:business@centralnews.co.za Newsroom:Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za Office Administrator:admin@centralnews.co.za Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin and website in this browser for the next time I comment Visit Irrigation Unlimited at stand C30 at Nampo Bothaville Irrigation Unlimited is proud to announce another year where they’ll be your go-to for irrigation systems at Nampo Bothaville knowledagble team will be on hand to give you all the latest in the field; whether you’re an established farmer or just getting started they’ll be able to offer you tailored solutions that deliver results This year is going to be a game-changer and Nampo Bothaville 2025 is your chance to be the first to see innovation in action They have been collaborating closely with their retailers to provide you with irrigation solutions Southern Africa has never seen before Irrigation Unlimited is a wholesale irrigation supplier and distributor of a wide range of irrigation products Trusted by agricultural professionals and irrigation retailers across Southern Africa with years of experience and a reputation for service and suppliers to ensure you have access to top-quality products by some of the top brands in South Africa They stock an extensive range of reliable products sourced from leading local and international brands Nampo is a fantastic opportunity for you to see their wide range of products Nampo is more than just an exhibition — it’s an opportunity to connect Their friendly and knowledgeable team will be at Stand C30 and help you find the best solutions for your farming journey Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current setup Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Teken in vir ons nuusbrief om op hoogte te bly van die nuutste in die landboubedryf. According to the department, Annah Mohohlo, a 41-year-old from Bothaville, gave birth to a son weighing 2.995kg. Department spokesperson Mondli Mvambi said other arrivals included: Free State MEC for health Monyatso Mahlatsi congratulated the new mothers and thanked all the midwives and support staff for their commitment to better health outcomes of safe deliveries, emphasising the health and safety of mothers and babies. He also encouraged the new mothers to follow protocols for their newborns, including delayed cord clamping, thorough drying, assessment of breathing, skin-to-skin contact and early initiation of exclusive breastfeeding. Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now Please read our Comment Policy before commenting ───   KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 06:00 Fri The persistent pleas to end the killing of women and children in the Free State seem to fall on deaf ears after reports of the death of another woman murdered by her husband in Bothaville a man arrived at the Bothaville police station seeking assistance claiming that his wife was lying in a pool of blood near an informal settlement called “Mezwinking” Police and emergency medical personnel rushed to the scene where they found the woman with multiple stab wounds and declared her dead ‘This occurred on the same day that men and women marched against GBV’ “Preliminary investigations led to the arrest of the 29-year-old husband for murder and the suspect will appear in court soon,” said Kareli This harrowing incident occurred on the same day that men and women from all around Mangaung marched to the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court to protest against the rampant Gender-Based Violence in the province (GBV) led by Free State Premier MaQueen Letshoha Mathae members of the former premier’s foundation called for justice for all women who have fallen victim to such violence and provincial government marching against GBV The protest took place during yet another court appearance of Stephen Songezo who recently made headlines for murdering his girlfriend Songezo’s case was postponed to 15 August 2024 He is also under investigation for 14 other GBV cases and will appear in court on July 18 in a separate rape matter Simphiwe Macdonald Masithela appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court on Tuesday (2/7) for allegedly stabbing and murdering his girlfriend His case was postponed to Tuesday (9/7) after his defense lawyer requested more time to gather bail information Premier Mathae has been vocal about the recent incidents of violence against women in the province and organizations to take a firm stance against GBV “The killing of women in our province is a crisis that demands immediate and decisive action,” Mathae stated “We must all come together to create a safe environment for our women and children.” the scourge of GBV continues to plague the Free State OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh North West scholar transport operators will finally receive payments Vrystaatse ouerpaar in hof ná kinders doodbrand Besoekers sprakeloos oor skouspelagtige Augrabies UV ontken aantygings oor buitelandse werknemers Ondersoek duur voort ná skietery op Lichtenburg Oekraïne vra Suid-Afrika om ontvoerde kinders te help terugbring Wyle pous Franciskus het begrafnisrituele vooraf vereenvoudig Mianmar-aardbewing: Hulp stroom in ná meer as 1 700 sterftes Suid-Afrikaners wen gesogte blommeskou-trofee in China Free State – 26 February 2025The Free State Department of Education has raised serious concerns over community protests in Bothaville which have disrupted learning and teaching at 14 schools since the beginning of the week According to department spokesperson Howard Ndaba the unrest has affected thousands of learners across four secondary schools While acknowledging the constitutional right to protest the department has condemned the disruptions urging communities to prioritise children’s education and resolve grievances within the law known for its maize production and tight-knit community has been thrust into the spotlight this week as protests have brought schooling to a standstill learners and teachers at 14 schools have faced uncertainty The affected institutions include four secondary schools which serve rural and township areas in the Lejweleputswa District spokesperson for the Free State Department of Education “The Free State Department of Education has expressed deep concern over community protests in Bothaville which have disrupted learning and teaching in 14 schools since the start of the week.” He added that the protests have impacted thousands of learners The department’s statement comes amid growing frustration over the ripple effects of the unrest Schools are more than just buildings—they’re the heartbeat of communities like Bothaville where education offers hope for a better future every lost day puts learners at a disadvantage especially those preparing for crucial exams While the Free State Department of Education has not officially detailed the reasons behind the protests local reports suggest they stem from long-standing community grievances Residents of Bothaville and surrounding areas have allegedly taken to the streets over issues such as poor service delivery These challenges are not new to the Free State where rural towns often bear the brunt of infrastructure neglect A recent article published by The Citizen on 25 February 2025 highlighted similar unrest in the province noting that communities in nearby Welkom—also in the Lejweleputswa District—had staged demonstrations over water shortages just days earlier the timing suggests a broader wave of dissatisfaction across the region with road blockades and public gatherings spilling over into school grounds making it impossible for teaching to continue “Our children are the ones suffering the most They can’t learn when the schools are closed or unsafe.” the protests have disrupted education for thousands of learners across different levels where Grade 12 pupils are preparing for their National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams later this year face the added pressure of lost teaching time while farm schools—often under-resourced and isolated—find themselves particularly vulnerable is home to a mix of urban and rural communities The protests have only deepened these woes threatening to widen the gap between the Free State’s learners and their peers in better-resourced provinces noting that the disruptions affect not just learners but also teachers and families who rely on schools as safe spaces during the day “The department strongly condemns the disruptions,” he said underscoring that education is a fundamental right enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution While the department supports the right to protest—a cornerstone of South Africa’s democracy—it has urged communities to exercise this right responsibly but it must be done within the bounds of the law and without infringing on the rights of children to education,” Ndaba stated This plea reflects a delicate balancing act: acknowledging community frustrations while protecting the most vulnerable South Africa has a proud history of protest from the anti-apartheid marches of the past to more recent demonstrations over housing The Bothaville protests are a reminder of how quickly local issues can escalate Community leaders have been roped in to help calm tensions The department has called on them to work with residents and ensure that schooling resumes as soon as possible “We need everyone to come to the table—parents The Free State Department of Education isn’t sitting idle Senior officials have been dispatched to Bothaville to assess the situation firsthand and provide guidance on how to get learning back on track the department has deployed senior officials to monitor the situation and advise schools on the way forward,” Ndaba confirmed This hands-on approach signals the department’s determination to restore order Schools have been instructed to keep parents informed while officials work behind the scenes to liaise with police The department has also promised regular updates through its official channels including its website and social media platforms “We’re doing everything we can to ensure schools can reopen safely,” Ndaba said “The public will be kept informed of any updates or developments through official communication channels of the department.” The human cost of the protests is impossible to ignore grappling with uncertainty and frustration a Grade 11 learner at one of the affected secondary schools “We were just starting to get into our work for the year It’s hard to catch up when you miss so much.” “It’s not just about lessons,” said Sarah Ndlovu Parents like Mokgosi are torn between supporting the protests and wanting normalcy for their kids “I understand why people are angry,” she said The Bothaville protests aren’t an isolated incident Education in the Free State has faced mounting challenges in recent years A News24 report from earlier this month highlighted budget cuts that have left schools struggling to pay for basics like electricity and textbooks Teacher unions have also raised alarms about vacant posts and overcrowded classrooms particularly in rural districts like Lejweleputswa The protests could be a symptom of deeper unrest with communities feeling neglected by both local and provincial authorities the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) called for urgent intervention in the province’s education system warning that disruptions like those in Bothaville could become more common without systemic change an education analyst based in Bloemfontein told TimesLIVE on 25 February 2025 that rural schools are particularly at risk they lash out where it’s felt most—schools “But the ones who lose out are the children.” 🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 94 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “I am a proud International criminal,Malema Fires back at Musk and Trump” https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Central-News-Issue-094.pdf the coolest harvest show happening in Bothaville This week’s events include an agribusiness sales programme, a blended finance blueprint talk, Forging a new future: Minister Thoko Didiza and Land Bank CEO unveil strategic vision discussions, Ensuring agricultural Resilience: Exploring the vital role of Land Bank Insurance Company conversation, and a livestock auction. To include your event in the calendar, please email info@foodformzansi.co.za This week is all things Nampo Harvest 2024 We’ll start with an agribusiness sales programme in Bothaville This is followed by Food For Mzansi and  Land Bank lunch conversations this week The first one is the blended finance blueprint conversation on Tuesday followed by the Forging a new future: Minister Thoko Didiza and Land Bank CEO unveil strategic vision discussions on Wednesday and we close off Nampo with the Ensuring Agricultural Resilience: Exploring the vital role of Land Bank Insurance Company conversation on Thursday We will close off the week with a livestock auction in North West To find exclusive opportunities in the agri sector, subscribe to our weekly Farmer’s Inside Track newsletter Commercial Service Agribusiness Sales Programme to South Africa at Nampo the largest agricultural machinery trade show in the southern hemisphere Showcase the latest farming and livestock industry innovations and meet potential partners in South Africa and neighbouring countries Click here for more information Join the Food for Mzansi and Land Bank teams at this year’s edition of Nampo Harvest day where blended finance will be discussed All crop farmers are encouraged to engage with industry experts and rub shoulders with other farmers Venue: Villa Sering guest house at 48 Sering Street Click here for more information Get ready for informative discussions with minister Thoko Didiza and Land Bank chief executive officer Themba Rikhotso exploring different strategies to improve and better the agri-sector for the future Attendees will learn how to shape agriculture’s future with industry leaders’ insights Click here for more information If you’re a farmer needing to secure funding Join us to explore the important role of Land Bank and have a chance to engage representatives face-to-face Discussions will delve into ways of protecting your farming endeavors with insights into agricultural resilience strategies Click here for more information ALSO READ: InteliGro MD steps down, embraces new role within WUSA Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain Shocking footage from Daybreak Foods’ farms reveals thousands of starving chickens turn cannibalistic as feed runs out With 21 global awards in the first six years of its existence Food For Mzansi is much more than an agriculture publication unashamedly saluting the unsung heroes of South African agriculture We believe in the power of agriculture to promote nation building and social cohesion by telling stories that are often overlooked by broader society Contact usOffice: +27 21 879 1824News: info@foodformzansi.co.zaAdvertising: sales@foodformzansi.co.za Grain SA’s Nampo Harvest Day is one of the largest agricultural exhibitions in the southern hemisphere and this year’s event promises to be even better Billed as the biggest agricultural show in the southern hemisphere organisers of the Nampo Harvest Day announced its return to Bothaville in the Free State from 16 to 22 May this year after a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19 restrictions Over the weekend, health minister Joe Phaahla again hinted that South Africa would lift its coronavirus state of disaster, bringing an end to many of the restrictions that hindered trade. Last week, during Grain SA’s annual congress members also voted in favour of presenting Nampo in its original timeslot “with adherence to any national regulations which may be in place.” For the first time in its history the annual farmers’ event will be presented over five days “The effects of not hosting a Harvest Day at Nampo Park since 2019 had far-reaching consequences not only for the organisation not yet recovered from excessive water damage in January relies heavily on the economic and financial injection brought about by the Harvest Day,” said Dr Dirk Strydom organisers say the upcoming 54th Nampo Harvest Day offers a unique platform through which producers can expand knowledge and explore new technology and productivity solutions Nampo also allows the public and other role players to experience commercial agriculture and food safety and security in action Nampo is regarded as “the heartbeat of agriculture in South Africa,” said Grain SA In consultation with exhibitors more than 80% indicated the need to host the Harvest Day in May 2022 and concurred an extra day in the schedule could add much-needed business opportunity Nampo is the platform to network with the agricultural industry’s top role players strengthen friendships and relationships and enjoy what this unique show offers in a peaceful farming atmosphere,” said Danie Minnaar He added that the best technology and knowledge for producers to farm sustainably can be found at Nampo “Even though agriculture remain under immense pressure agriculturalists still have enough passion for farming to explore every aspect of agriculture that the Harvest Day has to offer in order to remain competitive and relevant.” The absence of Nampo Harvest Day highlighted the critical role this platform plays to facilitate networking in the agricultural sector “To host government representatives and stakeholders from the agricultural value chain provide opportunity for important and sometimes challenging conversations to take place in an environment conducive to and aimed at promoting the sector locally and throughout the Sub-Saharan region,” he said Implementation will now start in all earnest and Grain SA is excited and geared to welcome back producers other value chain players as well as the public to this showcase offering a diversified exhibition with a variety of new technology Details regarding ticket sales and show times will be communicated in due course ALSO READ:‘Drop the silos,’ pleads Grain SA boss Home | Business Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza has described the annual NAMPO agricultural show in Bothaville in the Free State as an event of national and international importance. For the first time in two years, more than eight hundred exhibitors can once again participate in the biggest agricultural event in the country. The state of the country’s transport infrastructure is receiving a lot of attention and criticism at NAMPO this year. Didiza, who visited the event on Monday, admits that government shares in the agricultural industry’s frustration. Didiza says, “We had a meeting with AGRISA and the Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan last year and discussed on what cane be done with the ports. That meeting was followed up in a meeting with our producers particularly the export in the grain and fruit industry. This was to look at how we can improve and facilitate movement of goods much easier in peak season. I’m hopeful that government is looking at bringing in public participation in our ports.” Didiza addressed the issue of roads in rural areas adding that, “We as the ministry have been engaging with the public sector, to see how we can partner with the agricultural industry and see what can be done to address the issue of rural roads, on farm and off farm.” The minister’s visit to NAMPO follows the approval of the National Agricultural Masterplan. The event has attendees such as Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo and attendees from Argentina. They have similar events and have learned from NAMPO. As water protests are occurring across the Free State it is unacceptable that the municipality has not attended to service delivery and repairing unmaintained water pipes The DA has contacted the Municipal Manager as well as the Speaker of the municipality for clarity on when the situation will be resolved We were informed that municipal workers are not at work or attending an MWU meeting during work hours and will only attend to services and repairs when it they are back at work residents in Bothaville will have to spend another weekend without services The DA will continue to pressure the municipality to solve the water crisis We will follow up by submitting a letter to the Council the Mayor and Speaker’s offices to seek clarity on the situation and propose a solution to the problem We will address the council to find answers on why this situation was not regarded as urgent and what procedures are in place to prevent it from happening again Democratic Alliance, registered non profit organisation in South AfricaReg No: 011-895 NPO Smaller towns suffer more hardship because of the depopulation and migration of people to bigger towns and cities looking for better job opportunities. As with banks and other bigger industries, motor dealers also battle to sustain a viable existence in these towns as the critical mass of running a successful business is shrinking. One town that seems to escape this fate, is Bothaville in the Free State. Bothaville is fortunate to find itself within the so-called maize triangle where some of the world’s best and most maize per hectare is produced. The town also plays a vital role in the production of fertilizer and the sale of farming implements and services that are evident at the yearly held Nampo Harvest Day show on the outskirts Bothaville. A few dealerships still flourish here because of the wide and intense farming in the heartland of maize production. One of them is Westvaal Bothaville, the Isuzu dealership in town. The dealership services a mainly farming community, who have few other options, with bakkies and SUVs, so there is little doubt about its importance in the area. Westvaal Bothaville recently appointed a new Dealer Principal, and Dealersfloor had a quick chat to Daniel Taljaard or Daantjie as he is known colloquially. “I have swopped Blue Bull country for the Cheetah plains and look forward to the challenges and opportunities here. I started my career with Toyota many years ago, spent five years at NTT Mokopane before joining the ranks of the BB Group for six years. After that I moved to the Limpopo Motor Group with a new Renault Dealership, spending two years in Lephalale in management positions,” he says. “Now Westvaal has given me the opportunity to put my abilities to good work so that I can reach my goals with a mission I am passionate about. I am an ambitious, creative and a highly motivated individual who has a passion for the retail industry and an uncompromising commitment to quality and outstanding customer service.” He says the workshop and spares department only recently re-opened with a new full-time technician and service adviser to assist with anything from servicing to selling parts for Isuzus. “We are proud to once again assist on all levels at the dealership, not only selling vehicles but providing the backup locally.” He is also looking forward to attend Nampo for the first time in his life (probably only next year) and says an event of that magnitude can only augur well for the town’s economy which, in return, will also benefit vehicle dealers. About doing business in the more rural towns, Daantjie says it is one thing doing online vehicle shopping and becoming just a number in the bigger places. “Here services are much more personal, with a handshake (under normal circumstances) and people become like friends or family.” With a brand-new Isuzu on its way and fierce competition, how is the bakkie doing in the Free State? “The Free State is Isuzu country. We deliver bakkies all over to customers and the famous 250 diesel single cab is still a very popular workhorse of choice.” “Isuzus also have a very long life cycle, and for many, a new bakkie only happens once a decade.” He says used bakkies are always in demand because for a lot of people it is workhorse that helps to put food on the table,” he concludes. Well-known South African racing driver and competitor at the annual Simola Hillclimb, Pieter Joubert, died this weekend when his Lotus left the road, and he crashed. Mitsubishi Motors South Africa was presented with the Top Performer award in the After-sales – Customer Experience category at the brand’s recent annual global after-sales business excellence awards ceremony in Thailand. The South African new-vehicle market showed its resilience yet again during April this year with an 11.9% increase compared to the same month last year. This is notwithstanding the number of public holidays that manifested in long weekends with school holidays in between. A light on my car’s dashboard came on, and instead of fixing the problem, I waited for the bulb to burn out. Crisis solved. The transition from a career in the OEM environment to the business at dealership level was like chalk and cheese. Audi Centre Sandton was named 2024 Dealer of the Year, while Hatfield Motor Group walked away with the coveted 2024 Dealer Group of the Year prize during Audi South Africa’s annual Vorsprung Awards. For a dealership to make an 180-degree U-turn within two years and then went on to win the overall Volkswagen Dealer of the Year award, is no small feat. This dealer-focussed innovation is made possible with the support and endorsement of Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance. All content copyright of Panthera Media Pty Ltd 2020. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, and to analyse our traffic and improve our service. You consent to cookies if you continue to use our website. The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State has conducted oversight of various testing centres across the province revealing alarming neglect by the Free State Department of Public Works and Infrastructure creating a dire need for immediate attention Among these structures is the Fouriesburg testing office constructed with substandard materials and a roof made of asbestos posing a significant danger to both staff and customers The testing centre in Bothaville has been decommissioned due to a dysfunctional door that broke roughly 18 months ago leading to concerns about machinery certifications expiring The weigh bridge in Bothaville stands as a white elephant causing a loss of revenue for an already struggling department The Viljoenskroon testing centre was irreparably damaged by the wind in October 2022 the department has taken no action to ensure a suitable replacement is built for Viljoenskroon and the surrounding community The currently used building offices are unmaintained testing centre staffing is a significant concern for the DA as none of these centres have sufficient staff to maintain their grounds These dysfunctional testing centres have a profound impact on local economies and job creation in the Free State contributing to the 70,000 job losses in one year as indicated by StatsSA The neglect of these testing centres directly threatens the lives and livelihoods of road users and Free State residents We will pressure the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to urgently repair these centres safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of road users and Free State residents alike The DA reaffirms its commitment to service delivery and encourages residents to register actively participating in saving the Free State We are dedicated to bringing about positive change across the province and urge all residents to register to vote in the 2024 National and Provincial Government elections The R59 road between Bothaville and Viljoenskroon has been flooded due to heavy rains. Motorists are advised to avoid the road and use alternative routes preferably into town (Bothaville). 5 heavy trucks are stuck on the road, however the department of Police, Roads and Transport has deployed the emergency team to ensure the safety of road users. Motorists are urged to be patient and careful while driving on that road. You are advised to use Reitz street going into Viljoenskroon CBD. Send us videos or pictures of Potholes / Flooding areas in the Free State, E-mail us : newsroom@centralnews.co.za or Whatsapp us on 0833989119 While still in school, he sold his first Toyota Hilux. No wonder that GD Kotze has been the Dealer Principal at Oranje Toyota in Bothaville for the past 12 years, in the heart of the country’s maize triangle. In this region, a Hilux and farming go hand in hand. His grandfather and father had the Toyota dealership in neighbouring Viljoenskroon where he spent most of his free time at the dealership learning the ropes of the business from an early age. With the exception of three years, GB has been part of the Toyota family and there is no doubting his passion for the brand in this important food-producing region. “Hiluxes are big business in this part of the world, which is considered one of the richest maize-producing districts in South-Africa. We live with the farmers. You can even say we farm with the farmers because the Hilux bakkie and other Toyotas play an integral part in producing food for our country. “It is easier to sell a Hilux than to plant seeds in a straight line,” GD says on a lighter note about the close relationship between the dealership and the farming community. Our area includes farming communities from important crop-growing towns like Wesselsbron, Hoopstad and Viljoenskroon,” he tells Dealerfloor. And with the terrible drought of a few year ago now in the rear-view mirror, what are the prospects for this season, we asked him. “The heavy rainfall we are currently experiencing is creating a new set of problems for farmers. Although all is not lost, a large number of farmers will not be able to harvest their crops,” GD says. “Extreme weather conditions, be it drought or floods, will always be a problem in the agricultural sector. Unstable conditions impact business negatively, especially those businesses that have a close relationship with the agricultural sector. “With so much water on the farms, more maintenance and sometimes repairs on vehicles are needed. Farmers cannot move around many areas without often traversing very deep waters. “Our workshop is busy, and we do our utmost to assist farmers who might run into trouble in this regard. I can also mention that our Aftersales Department, which includes our workshop, has won awards from Toyota South-Africa for two years in row now.” Asked about the used side of the car market, GD says that while a large part of their new vehicles business is done in their region, like most dealerships, they also sell used cars across the country. “It is important to meet the needs of your own community and region. It creates a lot of repeat business in terms of repairs, spares and services. “Our product range and its importance in the kind of region we do business in, speaks for itself. On the used vehicle side, we are more flexible to do business much wider. Oranje Toyota also has a good reputation and solid name. The fact that we are part of a larger group (CFAO) helps us to fulfil customer needs much more efficiently,” he says. GD tells Dealerfloor they are involved in the local community at various levels, from assisting soup kitchens that help people in need to schools that include farm schools and churches in the town and a number of other projects. “Last but most definitely not least, is the community of Bothaville. We have some of greatest and most warm-hearted people here, and you can also see that in our staff as well. We have great people working at Oranje Toyota in Bothaville, we have an exceptional low staff turnover, and all of our personnel are Jacks of all trades and are able to do any task and assist any customer.” A 16-year-old girl was walking home from her friend's residence on February 27 2021 at about 11pm when she realised that she was being followed by an unknown man. Police spokesperson Capt Stephen Thakeng said he was carrying an iron rod. “The victim was forced to a passage near the Sassa building. She tried to fight back but she was overpowered and forced to the ground. She was raped twice and threatened with a knife. After the ordeal, he accompanied her home. On arrival, the girl informed her grandmother and a case was registered,” said Thakeng. Thakeng said an identikit was compiled. The suspect's height is 1.9 meters, he is short-haired, of medium build and has a scar on his right cheek. The second incident occurred on June 4 this year at about 11pm in Naledi Section, Kgotsong, Bothaville.  Thakeng said a 20-year-old girl alleged that she was on her way home from a tavern when an unknown man hit her with a panga. “She regained consciousness while being dragged to a nearby house where the suspect raped her outside the yard in the street. Friends of the victim came to her rescue and the alleged rapist managed to flee from the scene,” he said. The suspect was wearing a black beanie, black coat, brown shirt, brown chino trousers and sneakers. He is dark in complexion, slender, 1.8 meters in height, and has a beard, said Thakeng. Should anyone have information on the whereabouts of the two suspects, Detective Warrant Officer Anje Tait of Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit can be contacted at cellphone number 083 279 3213 or Police Crime Stop number 08600 10111. Pieter van Heerden and Buchule Jack run a 482-hectare potato farming enterprise in Bothaville in the Free State It’s true that you can’t choose your family but these three Mzansi farmers beg to differ Brothers Buchule Jack and Buzwe Pama run a successful farming business in the Free State alongside their friend Pieter Van Heerden and are proving that forming mutually beneficial partnerships can yield success “It’s a family business between the Pamas and the Van Heerdens,” says Van Heerden The Pama brothers partnered with van Heerden after a game hunting trip led to friendship and ultimately a brotherhood He says the three always shared a vision for creating their enterprise It all became a reality when Van Heerden was approached by the Pama brothers who wanted to go back to their farming roots This serves as a model especially for Afrikaans guys in the Free State that when we come together we can make great ventures,” Van Heerden explains He adds that the Pamas brought plenty of insight to the table regarding the marketing of their agricultural produce “It is two business guys and a seasoned farmer coming together and making a decision to share their different skillsets Their enterprise sits on a 482-hectare farm near Bothaville in the Free State, and was founded in 2017. Today the Pamas and Van Heerdens supply potato cultivars to McCain South Africa and sell maize and wheat to one of Mzansi’s leading agricultural companies The Pama brothers were born into a generation of black Eastern Cape farmers and jumped at the opportunity to partner with Van Heerden and buy the farm because this is something that I grew up doing practically my whole life,” says Buchule Jack He attributes his love for farming to his father Pama senior is a seasoned farmer who has gained several postgraduate qualifications in the agricultural sphere He owned two farms in Fort Beaufort in the Eastern Cape and would take his children on spur of the moment trips to visit his land Growing up he would take us to Fort Beaufort every week to go visit the farms After matriculating at the Selbourne College in East London in 2001 Buchule Jack went on to pursue his tertiary education at the University of the Witwatersand (WITS) After completing his qualification in Economics and Financial Accounting he started his career in the financial sector in 2007 with the Rand Merchant Bank He later joined his family in sustaining their legacy – Pama Investment Holdings where he currently serves as the Chief Operations Officer “Trying to go at it alone is extremely difficult but creating partnerships is the way to go.” He believes aligning yourself with the right connections yields great success in the agricultural industry but creating partnerships is the way to go We were fortunate enough to be in partnership with white commercial farmers that have been in farming for decades They came with expertise and relationships so access to the market was not really that much of problem for us,” says Jack The farm currently employs 15 permanent agricultural workers and 100 seasonal workers during harvest periods “We’ve done quite a lot with our limited resources.” Jack adds that potato farming is a labour-intensive task and believes agricultural workers are the true backbone of a farming enterprise “In farming you depend a lot on the workers in the area and I think it’s important to take care of them because they work hard to take care of your farming operations.”  The farmers hope they can provide more job opportunities in the Bothaville community Once we are on stage four and we have planted all the pecan nuts and crops then we should be looking at hiring about 60 to 70 more workers.”  Their business success did not happen overnight Jack believes government needs to update their bureaucracy in terms of access to resources “The land and the leasing – that’s not really much of a problem the bureaucracy and the red tape that are not aligned are problematic and costly The Land Bank does not work with the Department of Agriculture or the Department of Water and Sanitation and this causes unnecessary delays,” he explains Jack advises youth looking to enter the agri industry to pen their aspirations on paper and go for it “It is important to document where you want to be All of us need a five-year plan of where we want to be,” he says “There will definitely be a lot of downs that will make you want to quit or give up put them on paper so that they are tangible and work hard every single day to achieve them.”  “I know where I want to be in the next five years I want to be an agricultural entrepreneur that owns multiple farming operations that will assist others to succeed,” Jack says By Thys Khiba– Four people died in a motor vehicle accident outside Viljoenskroon about five kilometres on the R59 towards Bothaville on Monday morning It is alleged that when two vehicles collided head-on a 22 seater Mercedes Benz combi was coming from Viljoenskroon side heading towards Bothaville while a silver VW Polo was from Bothaville traveling towards Viljoenskroon side Free State police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli confirmed twenty (20) people were rushed to different hospitals for medical attention “Viljoenskroon Police received a distress call at about 01:45 today about a fatal accident that about five kilometres on the R59 towards Bothaville,” said Kareli Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide and no arrests have been made to this point “The cause of the accident will form part of police investigation intense investigation needs to first be done to establish who was in the wrong Zamdela police requires community assistance with dealing with a case of murder that took place on 02 October at about 07h15 Police found a body of an unknown male sustained injuries on his left cheek and a wound at the back of his head The deceased was found wearing grey trousers a black t-shirt and grey shoes were found next to his body “Police received information about the body of an unknown male lying lifeless next to a house in Walter Sisulu Emergency personnel were called to the scene and declared the man dead,” said Sergeant Fikiswa Matori DO YOU HAVE A NEWS STORY OR AN OPINION FOR CENTRAL NEWS: E-mail us : newsroom@centralnews.co.za or Whatsapp us on 0833989119 Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. Only a fraction of South African farmers have drought insurance as climate change drives longer and harsher dry spells I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Happy Letsitsa hasn’t paid off the money he borrowed to survive a 2019 drought that ravaged his maize and sunflower farm in the South African province of Free State “It’s like going to a casino and playing a high bet,” he said of running his smallholder farm without cover. “It’s not easy, especially if you’ve got one stream of income: farming.” This precarious livelihood is common among the hundreds of thousands of small farmers in South Africa Most can’t access any drought cover in a country that feeds the wider region with staples like maize but is increasingly beset by extreme weather on the front lines of climate change The problem is acute among larger farmers too Most can’t afford the main commercial cover for drought known as multi-peril crop insurance (MPCI) Jan Pretorius in North West province is one of the lucky few that can pay for MPCI His premiums make up around 11 per cent of the roughly 7,000 rand (£343) he spends to plant each of his roughly 600 hectares of maize nobody is getting multi-peril crop insurance anymore,” he said Farmers and insurers alike say the insurance system is broken, at a time when droughts are becoming longer and harsher. Some parts of the country are in their ninth dry year, while a drought across much of the southern African region that began in 2018 left tens of millions of people hungry. Now a plan has been formulated by insurers and the government for a 3.2bn rand (£157mn), 10-year state subsidy scheme aimed at fixing the market’s problems, according to a South African Insurance Association (SAIA) document seen by Reuters that outlines the previously unreported proposals. The scheme, which was confirmed by the government, would see commercial grain and oilseed farmers have 25 per cent of their MPCI premiums subsidised. Smallholders in grain, oilseed or livestock would be offered a type of cover called weather index insurance, and have the state pay 75 per cent of their premiums. Weather index cover is used by millions of farmers in several nations, such as Kenya and India, but has never been tried in South Africa. It pays out automatically when a metric, such as rainfall, is above or below a certain level, removing the need for costly visits to sites to assess claims. Nkhangweleni Ramashia, the agriculture ministry’s chief director for development finance, told Reuters the subsidy scheme was critical to protect farmers from climate change. “I am hopeful,” he added. “If you look at the ... changing weather patterns, I don’t see how agriculture can survive without a product like this.” This was echoed by Richard Boys, a senior manager at Hannover Reinsurance South Africa. “Without such initiatives, the inevitability of MPCI becoming increasingly unaffordable for farmers and unviable for insurance companies is a real concern,” he said. South Africa’s agricultural industry employs over 800,000 people. Yet high costs, combined with low availability, mean only 20 per cent of the country’s commercial grain farmers have drought insurance, according to the SAIA document. There are more than 7,000 commercial grain farmers, according to industry association Grain SA. Estimates of smallholders vary, and the vast majority also don’t have drought cover. Mr Ramashia, who said his ministry was attempting to eke out the money from its budget for the subsidies scheme, said the priority was to help the smaller farmers. An industry pilot project that started this month, led by the country’s largest non-life insurer Santam, aims to cover around 50 smallholders with a product linked to soil moisture, measured via satellite, according to Santam’s head of agriculture Gerhard Diedericks. Premiums would be added onto loans farmers already obtain via agricultural cooperatives or other organisations that provide supplies like seeds A similar industry pilot led by the state-owned Land Bank is still awaiting approval from the Treasury, the company told Reuters. Paswel Marenya, a senior economist with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, said weather index insurance was key to increasing smallholders’ resilience, and that payouts would be quicker and cheaper for the government. However it has problems, he said: farmers can be left worse off if losses exceed the payouts and in some countries take-up has lagged expectations, with even subsidised premiums too high for many poor farmers. Subsidy schemes should also come in conjunction with other initiatives, like education or new technologies, he added. The kind of MPCI subsidies being offered to commercial farmers under the plan have shielded farmers from rising premiums elsewhere such as China and the United States, Swapnil Soni, senior underwriter at reinsurer Scor, told Reuters. Currently, high costs mean farmers in wetter regions opt to chance it rather than pay, leaving insurers unable to hedge risk in their books. “It works against the whole concept of insurance,” said Mr Soni, adding that reinsurers’ South African crop insurance books, including Scor’s, had made frequent annual losses. As a result, it had cut back the amount of business it writes in its crop insurance book by roughly 70 per cent as of 2020, he said. Many insurers and reinsurers have stopped offering MPCI entirely, according to SAIA’s document. The number of hectares insured declined from a peak of 859,000 in 2009-10 to 201,000 in 2017-18, it said. Premium volumes dropped by around two-thirds to 113mn (£5.5mn) rand between 2012-13 and 2017-18. There’s little respite, with the weather only likely to get more extreme. A 2019 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change described the southern African region as a projected climate change hotspot. It cited studies showing temperatures have been rising over its subtropical regions at twice the global rate on average over the last five decades and warning of longer and more frequent heatwaves or that the region is likely to become drier even if global temperature increases are limited to 2 degrees Celsius. Farmer Pretorius in North West province said that, even with drought insurance, he had no control over the weather that could make or break his business. So every day he looks upwards and pleads for the skies to open. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Tebogo Mokwena, a dedicated Briefly News current affairs journalist, contributed coverage of international and local social issues like health, corruption, education, unemployment, labour, service delivery protests and immigration in South Africa during his seven years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News Bothaville residents protested poor service delivery. Image: Luba Lesolle/Gallo Images via Getty ImagesSource: Getty ImagesKHOTSONG-BOTHAVILLE, FREE STATE — Frustrated community members of Khutsong-Bothaville in the Free State embarked on a service delivery protest on 19 March 2025. They have been calling for the removal of their mayor, municipal manager and chief financial officer for almost a year. Read also Ekurhuleni Metro Police return to duty after blocking highways during protest According to SABC News the community is fed up with the poor service delivery and the leaders' inactions They barricaded roads with burning tyres and stones They forced businesses and schools to close Residents bemoaned the filthy water and lack of adequate services Attempts to engage the Nala Local Municipality's leadership have proven unsuccessful PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News! The leadership has been accused of not holding council meetings for nine months They slammed the councillors and accused them of protecting the mayor and not having residents' interests at heart Community leader Thabiso Nteso said the leadership engaged them after they protested two weeks ago The council members agreed that service delivery is a problem in the municipality Eastern Cape shop owner burned to death and assistant raped Netizens commenting on SABC News' Facebook post blamed residents for voting for the African National Congress and damaging infrastructure during protests In a recent article, Briefly News reported that Wits University students embarked on a hunger strike on 14 February 2025 over delays with their registrations. The returning postgraduate students say their demands were not met. Read also SA calls for Emfuleni to be dissolved after R640 million returns unspent The students accused the university of excluding them from the academic year because of financial exclusions The university defended itself and said it cleared 800 university students for financial support PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU - click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy SAPeople.com is a division of Blue Sky Publications Ltd Reproduction without permission prohibited Home » Haunting Scenes of Dust as Drought Drags On & Vaal Dam Dries + BEST Water Saving Tips As dam levels drop – with the Vaal Dam running dangerously close to empty – and the drought in South Africa dragging on… you’d be forgiven for mistaking some of these photos by RONEL ERLANK SLABBERT for a beach or a desert (Scroll down for Vaal Dam update.) In fact these are the scenes along the road […] Water was released from the Sterkfontein Dam just after 9h00 on Monday to help replenish the Vaal Dam’s dangerously low water levels This will continue for 54 days to the end of December 2016 Despite the massive downpour of rain in Joburg and the East Rand on Wednesday – 16.5mm of rain according to Gauteng Weather there was not as much rainfall as hoped over the Vaal area – only 1.55mm – with little change to the Vaal Dam water level Rand Water said that the levels were at 26.3% on Monday and had only risen to 26.4% yesterday (Wednesday) Experts predict it will take years to get levels back to normal 💧Water from the Sterkfontein Dam released just after 9am to help replenish the Vaal Dam's dwindling water levels | 📷 Jan Aggenbach/ReenvalSA pic.twitter.com/UlDg9aMJgO — Gauteng Weather (@tWeatherSA) November 7, 2016 that while we need to be thankful that some rain is falling (and “even the hail falling is water”) it’s time for South Africans to become “water scrooges?” and be very selfish with what they have: “I see and hear of too many people still watering their gardens He might not know or realise the impact of the drought He is being paid by you to make sure you have a nice looking garden so while you are at work “I know this is a very sensitive situation but carwash business need to realise that they MUST make a plan with the water wastage I don’t care what people say… its fine with me… I know I am saving water.” take your underwear and socks and quickly wash it out.” “Wear your jeans more than once if you don’t have a filthy occupation like miners “I realise it’s summer and it’s hot but please don’t let your kids play with water in the garden I know it might be inhuman to the little ones but rather cool down with a wet cloth.” The sun and heat reflected on walls and paving will keep the heat out.” “To some it might sounds farfetched and I might get crucified use the water from your bath or shower to do your washing… you can grow a new garden when the drought is over.” “We need to stay hopeful and positive and we need to be responsible citizens of this country.” “Inform your friends and family… put challenges in place to see who can use the least water in a month?????” “Join Water Shortage South Africa and check out the phenomenal team and what they have accomplished with your help over the last 10 months.” The May 2025 SASSA Older Person Grants may face delays this week due to targeted verification procedures currently underway by the agency Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi insists that taking a strong position on illegal immigration should not be misinterpreted or misrepresented South Africans could soon apply for passports and smart ID cards directly through their banking apps Kelly Smith’s mother has publicly criticised her daughter for failing to reveal the whereabouts of her missing granddaughter Cape Town residents in certain areas should brace for a 12-hour water outage on Wednesday as the City carries out essential maintenance work The proposed ceasefire remains uncertain as South Africa pushes for peace talks and Ukraine dismisses Russia’s offer