The Mangaung Metro Municipality has cautioned residents in Botshabelo of discoloration that may be found in tap water there is no need to boil the water before using but if discoloration is present then residents are adviced to run the tap before using the water “Chlorine levels have been confirmed to be effective based on recent water quality samples taken residents are advised to run the tap for a few minutes until the water clears before use.” The sections that may be affected by the water discoloration in Botshabelo include Bloemfontein Courant is owned by Mahareng Publishing a subsidiary of Caxton Community Papers and joint venture between Caxton CTP and Central Media Group © 2024 Bloemfontein Courant. Developed by Digital Platforms Free State – Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality has addressed concerns about tap water discolouration in Botshabelo assuring residents that the water remains safe for use without boiling spokesperson Qondile Khedama announced that recent water quality fluctuations have caused visible changes in tap water The municipality’s statement follows reports of discoloured tap water in Botshabelo a recurring issue linked to high suspended solids in catchment water particularly in Botshabelo are hereby notified that due to recent water quality fluctuations some discoloration may be observed in tap water.” Tests conducted by Bloemwater confirm that chlorine levels meet South African National Standards (SANS) 241 ensuring the water is safe for drinking and household use Residents noticing discolouration are advised to “run the tap for a few minutes until the water clears before use.” where residents have reported brownish or cloudy water The municipality attributes this to sediment stirred by heavy April rains which increased turbidity in the Rustfontein Dam the Lesaka reservoirs have intensified sludge clearing and filter backwashing temporarily reducing water pressure but stabilizing quality therefore the is no need to boil water before use.” However residents are encouraged to report persistent discolouration to the Mangaung Call Centre at 0800 111 300 for immediate investigation The city is also deploying water tankers to high-risk areas as a precaution ensuring access to clean water during peak demand The municipality is actively monitoring the situation with technical teams conducting daily water sampling and scouring to clear sediment from pipes and updates will be provided if necessary,” Khedama said adding that the city is committed to keeping the community informed with some residents praising the swift response while others express frustration over recurring water issues Botshabelo’s water challenges are part of Mangaung’s broader struggle with aging infrastructure and climate-driven water scarcity The municipality’s 2025/2026 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) prioritizes upgrading water treatment facilities and leak detection under the “War on Leaks” programme but Rustfontein’s low capacity underscores the need for conservation Residents are urged to use water sparingly adhering to restrictions like no lawn watering “The City apologizes for the inconvenience caused.” With ongoing repairs and community engagement ensuring safety and trust in the water supply 🔴 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” 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,  Podcasts To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin and website in this browser for the next time I comment AVBOB celebrates a milestone by rewarding its members on a large scale JOHANNESBURG - SANDF Rifleman Mokete Mobe is being laid to rest today along with seven of his brothers in arms.  He was one of 14 Defence Force members killed in the eastern  DRC last month.   eNCA's Siphamandla Goge is in Botshabelo in the Free State and has the details.  “The work we do is about more than creating food security but about meaningful employment for the youth of Botshabelo.” A Botshabelo bakery has been crowned the 2024 IWISA No received R30,000 at the recent award ceremony in Bloemfontein Bots Bakers is a small-scale bakery specialising in bread The bakery contributes to the community by enabling food security with its products as well as empowering five young sales agents Mothae said the money will be used to provide ongoing support to the five youths currently employed by their small-scale bakery we just want to thank God and Iwisa for the recognition a boost to the business itself to realise that we are recognised “This goes to show that what we are doing changes people’s lives and that is why we exist we make a positive impact on other people,” he said “The biggest challenge that we’ve faced is capacity we realised in the early months of our business that our capacity is not enough we have equipment but the demand is always higher than our supply.” The bakery tried to move away from using petrol as it only has one vehicle and they came up with tricycles that they use to deliver their products throughout Botshabelo and buns each and they are driven by five young people The drivers travel 10 km every day for the door-to-door delivery of the products “The work we do is about more than creating food security It’s about meaningful employment for the youth of Botshabelo so they can have fulfilling jobs and futures “Bots Bakers exists to supply quality products at an affordable price and unfortunately affordable bread is not easily available and that’s where we come in as Bots Bakers “We supply the people with affordable products and we also bring these products to their doorstep.” The bakery has been running for two years in Botshabelo and it has also ventured into Thaba Nchu and has plans in the future to come into Bloemfontein if their capacity increases OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg Parkeerterrein-aanranding: Klerksdorper se hofsaak begin Ondersoek begin ná brand by spogskool in Kimberley Questions mount over deaths of Free State constables Swaar straf gevra nadat jong kinders doodbrand Family of abandoned North West baby sought 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 The Manguang Metropolitan Municipality has issued a notice warning residents in Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu about reduced water pressure as a result of a decline in catchment water quality According to MMM this has been made evident by a significant reduction in water clarity (high suspended solids loading) this has necessitated an increased frequency of the clearing sludge and filter backwashing at the treatment facility which is impacting operational storage levels at the Lesaka reservoirs,” MMM explained Residents are encouraged to use water sparingly to assist as reservoir levels stabilise Mangaung Metro spokesperson Qondile Khedama announced on Monday that residents are being alerted to a rapid decline in catchment water quality resulting in reduced water pressure in Botshabelo there has been a significant drop in water clarity marked by a high loading of suspended solids which has placed pressure on treatment operations at the Lesaka reservoirs The situation has necessitated an increased frequency of sludge clearing and filter backwashing at the treatment facility which in turn is impacting operational storage levels Khedama confirmed that the areas of Botshabelo and adjacent communities are expected to experience reduced water pressure as the City undertakes corrective operational measures to address the challenge The City has urged residents to use water sparingly during this period to help stabilise the levels at the reservoirs while the technical teams work on solutions “Members of the community will be constantly updated,” Khedama said emphasising that the municipality remains committed to minimising inconvenience Mangaung Metro apologised for the inconvenience caused and reaffirmed its dedication to restoring normal water supply levels as soon as possible The issue of catchment water quality degradation is being closely monitored with additional interventions being explored to strengthen water security for affected areas Residents are encouraged to report any abnormalities such as severely discoloured water or complete outages to municipal call centres for immediate attention The municipality’s water team continues to prioritise maintenance of reservoir levels and the quality of drinking water supplied to the communities As water quality management becomes increasingly important due to environmental and seasonal challenges Mangaung Metro officials are working alongside national and provincial partners to implement sustainable long-term solutions to safeguard water supply across the region Updates regarding the progress of repairs and operational improvements will be shared regularly with residents through municipal communication platforms and local media outlets Residents from Botshabelo C and G are to brace for a planned power interruption this week According to Centlec the interruptions are for maintenance and upgrades on the network Residents are advised to treat all installations as live and dangerous and power may be restored at any time If the power does not go off in an hour of the set time Botshabelo Section G: 23 April from 09:00 to 16:00 Botshabelo Section C: 24 April from 09:00 to 16:00 Botshabelo Section D will have a planned power interruption set to take place on 4 February 2025 from 09:00 to 16:00 This is expected to alternate on 13 February during the same time period According to Centlec interruption is due to maintenance and upgrades on the network and if the power does not go off in an hour of the set time Residents are encouraged to treat all installations as live and dangerous and power may be restored at any time A long-standing payment dispute between Parana Builders and the Free State Department of Human Settlements has left more than a dozen Botshabelo homeowners caught in the crossfire as the construction company threatens eviction if the matter remains unresolved entered into a contract with the department in 2010 for the sale of low-cost housing units The total project cost was approved at R3.6 million but an outstanding balance of over R1.8 million has allegedly remained unpaid since 2011 “This issue dates back to when our late father was running the business,” said Tim Moloi including meetings and letters to the department We even met with the late acting HOD Advocate Tsoaeli but his passing in 2021 left us back at square one.” The company has warned that should the department fail to pay the outstanding amount it will begin privately selling the houses – a move that would result in evictions “This is not a decision we take lightly,” Moloi said adding that the unresolved payments have severely impacted their family’s finances and led to serious health complications for both parents suffered a stroke and requires chronic care they cannot afford The Department of Human Settlements has confirmed the existence of the dispute “The department acknowledges the matter and is currently verifying project records and payment history,” said spokesperson Zimasa Mbewu We are reviewing a formal request for intervention and will communicate a response in due course.” Ward 28 councillor Vumile Nikelo expressed concern over the potential impact on residents “Many of the affected homeowners are unemployed or vulnerable This dispute should not be fought at the expense of the community,” he said “We’ve engaged the department and the builder before and will do so again to find a solution.” Nikelo called on both parties to act swiftly “Some of these families include elderly and child-headed households and relevant authorities to resolve this matter urgently to avoid unnecessary panic and suffering.” justine@mahareng.co.za Residents in Botshabelo are urged to take note of a planned power interruption in section W Power could be restored without warning at any time during the shutdown period and therefore residents are encouraged to treat all installations as live and dangerous Centlec said that the interruptions are necessary for construction and/or maintenance upgrades on the network Free State Education officials visited a school in Botshabelo on Wednesday (17/7) to address disgruntled parents and SGB members who closed the school on Tuesday It is day two and the school is still closed as learners stand outside the premises and SGB members closed Thato Secondary School because it is dangerous for the staff and learners Parents said the school should not be in use as it is in a state of dilapidation with falling ceilings that pose a danger to their children and educators The school’s management team working with parents cordoned off the school grounds and banned pupils from entering the premises on Tuesday and Wednesday “We are trying to get to the bottom of this problem because we all agree that the situation at the school is dire We are committing ourselves to get a solution to this problem,” said Education spokesperson Howard Ndaba “As the department we take accountability and we want to take this opportunity to apologise to the community Our learners should be back at school latest on Monday (22/7).” “We want to also show that we are committed to improving safety at this school Learners are locked outside the premises of Thato Secondary School those can’t be used because when it rains the structures sink “This issue was not brought to the attention of the department but now that we are aware we want to zoom into it and find a solution.” HOD of Education Tsoarelo Malakoane has committed that by next week a contractor will start with the construction of brick-and-mortar classrooms at the school SABC News reports parents took a stand in halting all academic activities until their demands for a safer learning environment are met They’re calling for urgent refurbishments to the school citing unsafe conditions for their children An opening in the ceiling can be seen in one of the classrooms The school was closed and declared unsafe in 2018 by the Department of Labour but we want them to be back in a safe and conducive learning environment We agree that this environment is not conducive to learning.” “The mobile classes at the school do not have electricity and thus cannot be used by teachers and learners the HOD has also committed to bringing in VIP ablution services for staff and learners whilst theirs is still being fixed.” OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg/mvh Located in the aptly named Rea Hola shopping complex the Acting Speaker of the National Assembly said that repositioning the office in its new location was aimed at ensuring improved access and maximum impact on the lives of the people within the area The Acting Speaker opened the new office to much fanfare and Botshabelo residents hope it will bring Parliament’s services closer to the people “This office was moved here primarily because it is in reach of the people as the previous office was far,” Mr Tsenoli acknowledged “It is important that this office is located here so that the people can have access to their public representative and services of the legislature we hope that we will get you the developmental answers you want from government as well as ensuring that you will have access to legislations that we pass in Parliament,” Mr Tsenoli emphasised Parliamentary constituency offices were established to enable Members of Parliament to remain in contact with the people they represent help solve problems and report back to their constituents on what is happening in Parliament The Acting Speaker also stressed the importance of the linkages the office must create between the three spheres of government in resolving daily challenges people face “We also hope this office will ensure responsiveness to questions raised by the community We request that councilors and government departments respect officials from these offices when they come looking for information because they will be asking in the interest of the people,” Mr Tsenoli said represented the Mangaung Metro at the launch He emphasised importance of collaboration in resolving issues affecting the people “Today our people will understand the relationship between the people and Parliament this office will ensure that people understand the oversight role of Parliament and why it was created to ensure effective service delivery We appreciate the decision to move the office to this location because it is now placed at an area frequented by the people,” Mr Matshepe pointed out the Acting Speaker also launched a specially designed Google Maps directory of all Parliamentary Constituency Offices across the country The map lists contact details of every constituency office and the public representative responsible for that office “The advent of Covid-19 necessitated that we embrace technology as a tool to enhance access to Parliament,” Mr Tsenoli said “Many people have seen how we struggled with live sittings of Parliament utilising technology but I am happy to say that we have made significant progress hence the adoption of this Google Maps directory We encourage people to interface with this directory and be in touch with their respective representatives,” Mr Tsenoli suggested Despite the inconvenient position of the previous office Mr Tsenoli highlighted a few of its successes including donating 100 wheelchairs to people living with disabilities in the area through the generosity of one business leader to donate those wheelchairs and ensure mobility for people with disability in the area We hope that many such philanthropic gestures will be realized especially now that we are in this economic area,” Mr Tsenoli said Mr Tsenoli also urged the municipality to speedily refurbish walkways and cut grass to ensure that beneficiaries benefit from the wheelchairs as much as possible Mr Tsenoli also urged the incoming cohort of Members of Parliament to strengthen their work to ensure a better life for the people of Botshabelo to ensure that they too baa hola “Harnessing Parliamentary Diplomacy for the Realization of Global Solidarity reflects Parliament’s commitment to international collaboration in addressing socio-economic challenges nmakasi@parliament.gov.za ───   KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 11:41 Fri will be honoured with a special provincial funeral service on Saturday (5/4) was a stalwart of public service in South Africa His contributions spanned across multiple portfolios Kotsoane’s tenure as MEC was marked by his unwavering commitment to improving local governance He served as MEC for Local Government and Housing from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2004 to 2005 his tenure as MEC for Environmental Affairs and Tourism (1999–2001) and MEC for Safety and Security (2001–2004) solidified his reputation as a dedicated public servant Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae praised him as someone who was “steadfast in his mission to rebuild local governance and ensure equitable access to housing and services” She expressed her gratitude for President Ramaphosa’s decision to grant Kotsoane a special provincial funeral further emphasising the late MEC’s lasting impact on the province and the country as a whole ANC Free State mourns the passing of Cde Itumeleng William "Benny" Kotsoane.Cde Benny Kotsoane represented the African National Congress (ANC) in the Free State Provincial Legislature from 1994 to 2006 and he was also the ANCFS former Deputy Provincial Chairperson from… pic.twitter.com/Qo29qEJSK0 The funeral service will take place at the Kaizer Sebothelo Arena in Botshabelo condolences have poured in from various quarters of society remembered Kotsoane as a “servant of the people” who contributed significantly during the struggle against apartheid who worked closely with Kotsoane in his final role as an adviser on local government issues was an adviser to myself in relation to matters of local government and he will be buried tomorrow in Botshabelo.” He extended his condolences to Kotsoane’s family “We also hail his contributions that he made bringing about democracy in the Free State the role that he played in the executive committee after ’94.” Kotsoane made significant contributions to housing policy in South Africa He served as Director-General in the Department of Housing under Minister Lindiwe Sisulu during President Thabo Mbeki’s tenure.  Kotsoane was instrumental in the implementation of the Breaking New Ground (BNG) housing policy which sought to shift South Africa’s housing focus from basic shelter provision to the development of integrated and sustainable human settlements Kotsoane’s influence extended beyond the corridors of government He was a founding member of the Southern Free State Civic Congress which later aligned with the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO).  he chaired the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) and oversaw several other housing entities and equity remained at the heart of housing delivery in South Africa In recognition of his enduring contributions to the Free State and the nation Ramaphosa has instructed that the national flag fly at half-mast in the Free State province on the day before Kotsoane’s funeral and remain at half-mast until the evening of the service OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg Parliament today launched the newly relocated and remodelled Parliamentary Constituency Office (PCO) of the Acting Speaker of the National Assembly Mr Tsenoli led the Botshabelo leg of the launch while the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Innovation Speaking at the Cape Town-based hybrid event Ms Mkhatshwa said Members of Parliament should never stop being activists “Members need to be an arm of advocacy on behalf of citizens They must never cease to be activists; in that way the role of Parliament will be fulfilled We should not show too much leniency; people should do what they are expected to do.” She also said Members of Parliament should never be apologetic about their oversight role In terms of sections 59 and 72 of the Constitution Parliament has a duty to promote public access and meaningful participation in its processes and activities to strengthen South Africa’s participatory democracy and help accelerate the development of the people The launch of the Botshabelo constituency office is part of an ongoing programme undertaken during the sixth Parliament to fulfil this constitutional requirement The launch of the Botshabelo office forms part of a parliamentary outreach programme to communities in need of developmental interventions to improve the quality of their lives remodel and repurpose these constituency offices as strategic contact points to build partnerships between Parliament Parliamentary constituency offices are spread throughout the country and are meant to facilitate public participation between citizens and Parliament It is hoped that the offices will help people living near them to talk to MPs directly about their concerns and aspirations Ms Mkhatshwa noted that such offices provide an opportunity to disseminate useful and educational information to citizens She also pointed out the extent to which Parliament’s work relies on information provided by communities as they talk to MPs in these constituency offices She also reminded MPs of the importance of preparing reports for their political parties on the work they have done in their constituencies during the constituency period “It is important for us to bring the issues of citizens to Parliament,” she said Ms Mkhatshwa said although it was not always feasible for civil society to attend committee meetings nonetheless committees continually receive and consider issues raised by citizens via social media Parliament’s engagement in the P20 and G20 discussions ensures that global policies on trade and governance directly benefit South Africans and the broader African continent through parliamentary oversight pvanstaden@parliament.gov.za Home | South Africa Police in the Free State are searching for a suspect following the murder a woman in Manyatseng township near Ladybrand The 44-year-old woman’s body was discovered inside her bedroom Police Spokesperson Mmako Mophiring says they received a call from community members about the murder Mophiring says the suspect fled the scene in the deceased’s vehicle The Free State has been experiencing a spate of killings and gender-based violence three women were killed in one week in Bloemfontein and Botshabelo A 23-year-old woman’s body was discovered near a stadium in Botshabelo a 42-year-old man allegedly killed his girlfriend VIDEO | GBV in the Free State – Three women killed in one week:  Some of the residents in Botshabelo in the Free State have occupied various pieces of vacant land Thousands of shacks are build across the area’s various sport fields poverty and the constant rise of the repo rate are some of the reasons why the residents decided to occupy the vacant land They believe that what they’re doing is not illegal stating that they’re occupying the vacant residential land that the municipality should have allocated a long-time ago Many say they used to live in congested households and such circumstances made them feel that their privacy was compromised “We want to occupy land because we are landless that’s why we are staying here,” a resident said “I have decided to come and stay here I moved out of home because there were too many of us and so I placed myself here because I cannot afford to pay rent,” another resident explains “I’m happy to be here because we now have a place to stay so now being here it’s privilege for all us,” a resident elaborates “I’m very happy to live here because I now have a place I call my own we are really struggling but we have made our own pit toilets and have also installed some taps however we are still struggling because there are a lot of people here,” another resident said Video: Botshabelo resident build shacks on vacant land: Shoprite gets Botshabelo Community gardening with tree donation PRESS KIT Shoprite donated 500 indigenous and fruit trees to households in Botshabelo to further expand its support in this community The trees will be planted at 250 households around the Ntataise Creche Garden which has been supported by Shoprite since 2019 This forms part of the Trees and Gardens for Home project which provides community members in the vicinity of Shoprite-supported gardens They also receive the necessary training and tools required to grow their own garden at home develop skills in the community and mitigate climate change “A lot of community members want to learn about and start gardening and now we’re able to because of Shoprite’s support – we're very grateful.”  one of the community members who received trees to plant at her home “We are committed to building the resilience of the communities in which we operate and we know that food gardens provide communities with some resilience against a changing climate.”  Sustainability Manager at the Shoprite Group Hunger relief and food security are at the core of the Group’s corporate social investment programmes. The retailer has been partnering with food gardens since 2015 and currently supports more than 180 community food gardens and over 3 500 home gardens more than 2 700 community members were trained in sustainable food gardening assisting them to grow nutritious and organic food The gardens collectively produced a harvest of more than 31 500kg   Copyright 2025, Shoprite Holdings Ltd. | All rights reserved | Privacy and Web Policies registered non profit organisation in South AfricaReg No: 011-895 NPO Locals are informed of a loss of power supply at the Botshabelo Sub A station due to a 333KV termination failure at the Eskom substation on the Centlec supply Sub K and Sub W are currently without power There is currently no estimated restoration timeline gypseenia@mahareng.co.za The Democratic Alliance (DA) Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality is daunted by the appalling road conditions the community of Botshabelo is exposed to a Free State Emergency Medical Services (EMS) fleet vehicle was plunged through a deep hole flooded with rainwater at an intersection on Setumo Phakoe road in Botshabelo How long must residents in Botshabelo still endure these dangerous unsafe roads residents attend Integrated Development Planning (IDP) meetings where they make inputs regarding the development of roads and streets in their area The condition of roads is repeatedly brought up The residents are often informed that the inputs are included in the budget that will enhance development and improve infrastructure such promises become failed projects as no action is taken by the uncaring ANC-run municipality Projects are often indicated as failed on the Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) with explanations of a bid or a specification that was not properly drawn up or simply because the bid was not advertised on time The DA is awaiting answers from the Municipality on how many claims were submitted and paid out for the past financial year what funds were lost by the municipality due to claims and what will be done to address the appalling road maintenance conditions in Botshabelo as a matter of urgency The DA is committed to bringing change across the country and therefore urges all residents to register to vote in the 2024 national and provincial elections On the last day of site visits during the Taking Parliament to the People programme in the Free State the NCOP delegation led by the Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education and Recreation The delegation was there to meet the departments of Health and Treasury to assess the efficacy of plans to avoid poor infrastructure staff shortages and lack of sufficient water and sanitation in various health facilities in the greater Botshabelo area.  The Chief Executive Officer of Botshabelo District Hospital began his presentation by illustrating before and after visuals of the hospital’s infrastructure which has improved considerable to become a state-of-the-art hospital with a full complement of technical and specialist units and equipment But this hospital is not without its challenges “There is a continuous high turn-over of staff is not in line with the norms and standard of the sector And some critical posts have been abolished,” he said Its greatest achievement is its low rate of infant fatalities The NCOP delegation was impressed by the hospital’s garden and the general state of the hospital “This hospital is well run and the NCOP delegation appreciates that We recognise good effort and your ability to come up with solutions The Chief Director of the provincial Department of Health “The department has 21 618 staff positions Of those 17 268 have been filled and there are 4 350 vacancies we have sent critical post demands to the Treasury Responding to the concern about the unequal amount paid to community health workers and care givers he said the Department of Public Service and Administration had yet to give a directive on the matter “We have 798 community health workers and community care givers which are paid R2 200 and R200 respectively This is the case because the Department of Public Service and Administration has not given a policy directive on how much they ought to be paid.” Budget constraints have led to delays in the appointment of permanent staff and grade progression He recommended an increase in his department’s budget to fill vacant posts in line with the organogram the head of department in the provincial Treasury said that currently there are no funds for the number of posts requested Defective infrastructure was a major concern for the NCOP delegation Ms Zwane advised: “These facilities need to have future projections to ensure that they cater for the growing population of Botshabelo And [to ensure that] they have all the necessary facilities and medical equipment to ensure that they meet the ideals of a model clinic.” Explaining the Treasury’s intervention to resolve the provincial health department’s financial difficulties that led to it being placed under administration Mr Mahlatsi said in 2014 a decision was taken that the Treasury must take over the finances of the provincial department of Health internal control and supply-chain sub-committees took over the department financial affairs.” there were accruals amounting to millions of rands from irregular expenditure The challenges that prevailed warranted an intervention “We looked at the department’s challenges and based on that we determined how to implement change drivers At this stage the department of health was our patient.” The provincial health department owed millions of rands to pharmaceuticals companies most of which had already closed the department’s account Explained what we are doing to improve the department’s finances and we honoured all the agreements “We now intend to move out because the finances of the department are stable But we will continue to play our oversight role.” Mr Mahlatsi complained about the equitable share policy which allocates funds to provinces based not on need but economic contribution to gross domestic product “The allocation of funds by National Treasury to our hospitals is not equitable to the challenges that our province faces Budgetary allocations don’t consider the holistic needs of our health facilities and our economic situation as a province.” Parliament will play a crucial oversight role in ensuring that South Africa’s commitments during its G20 presidency are implemented effectively and aligned with national priorities like economic growth bmathulelwa@parliament.gov.za Home | Lifestyle The month of May is recognised as Africa Month – a time when the continent commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963 As the country celebrates this with the Department of Arts and Culture hosting a series of events as a build-up to Africa Day on the 25th of this month a rare cultural spectacle played out in Botshabelo The burial of respected traditional healer and leader which are not common sightings in that part of the province An ensemble of traditional dance performers cattle and horses turned the streets into a stage for all to view as her body was led home from the mortuary for the last time who also taught many young girls at initiation schools From there she was taken to her final resting place Mtali was a member of Lekgotla la Basotho – a formation formed with the aim of preserving the traditions and customs of the Basotho nation Leader of Lekgotla la Basotho Thabang Sehlaba explains their customs We use it to call upon our ancestors and unite families When we get married cows are offered as lobola and horses were used to drive the cows Horses were also used as ambulances to transport the sick,” says Sehlaba “This is the right way to bid farewell to a traditional healer because this is the way she lived,” adds Mokhetha “I’m happy because I’m seeing beautiful things,” says one resident “It’s important to be proud with our culture and to show people that you are not afraid of your culture,” says another resident But just like with any death to the family – the grief hit hard Residents of the flood-stricken Botshabelo in the Free State are trying to piece together their lives following the torrential rain, which left a trail of destruction in its wake. Many residents in Botshabelo have been left destitute following three days of heavy downpour. Residents say they have lost furniture and valuable documents. A relieved Kgauhelo Lefeta says he and his two-year-old daughter were lucky to survive. “I fell into the water with the child panicking screaming for help but someone heard us. So what I intended to do was to run for safety.” On Monday, emergency personnel rescued eleven initiates who were trapped at a flooded stream near Botshabelo. Mangaung Metro spokesperson Qondile Khedama says they are busy maintaining their infrastructure. “Our infrastructure teams are out there to open trenches to allow the free flow of water. The other thing we requested is land grabs, it is dangerous because during floods most of them occupy floods lines. Because we are making sure that we conduct public education particularly during a disaster so that people can fend for themselves during disasters.” The South African Weather Service has warned of more floods. The Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM) Despite the presence of Provincial and National Financial Recovery Plan Intervention teams their efforts have proven dismal in rescuing the Metro from its financial woes apart from the sole vehicle serving the area the Water and Sanitation department has acquired three new mid-size JAC trucks and a JCB TLB The Roads and Maintenance department also has outdated machinery in its camp The deplorable state of roads in Botshabelo is a direct consequence of these shortcomings the municipal officials admit to awaiting the delivery of the fleet for this department mechanics revealed a backlog of vehicles awaiting repairs due to a lack of spare parts The Solid Waste department faces challenges where compactor trucks were stripped for repairs further exacerbating their operational issues and sewerage systems are in desperate need of maintenance and upgrades the Metro is poised to forfeit R200 million in unused funds to the national treasury The evident mismanagement and neglect within the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality not only jeopardize its immediate financial stability but also pose a severe threat to the well-being of its residents and the imminent loss of significant funds the community faces a bleak future unless urgent corrective measures are implemented We urge the public to stand with us in demanding accountability and a swift resolution to secure a prosperous and sustainable Mangaung for all we will pose urgent Rule 38 questions to ensure that there is a plan of action by the municipality to improve the service delivery for residents of Botshabelo