By Abigail Visagie
Despite policies mandating inclusive education, the future of many students with special needs grows increasingly uncertain.
Like 15-year-old Thapelo Mbalula, who hails from the small, impoverished town of Dealesville in the Free State, they are being systematically overlooked, denied the resources and support necessary to thrive academically and socially.
Thapelo had to drop out of school at the age of 13 after completing Grade 5, as he could not be promoted further to the next grade.
His unemployed mother Angelina Mbalula (42), who has two other children, said she had hoped her one and only son would someday become a manager or a teacher by profession, as means of elevating their living standards.
According to Mbalula, her son has even had to succumb to the stigma of being called a slow learner.
“The teachers discovered that he takes quite a long time to write from the board, and he shows no comprehension when he is given instructions, so they referred to him as a slow learner.”
She added that although formal examinations were conducted, her son was never placed in a special needs school.
“The doctors conducted formal examinations and even discovered that he has eyesight problems, yet nothing came from this. We were referred to social workers and submitted all the relevant documentation, yet no one reached out to us until this very day.”
Mbalula told Journal News that her desperation to have Thapelo placed in a classroom led her to approach the South African Police Service (SAPS) for intervention but was referred back to social workers.
She accused the Department of Education of having turned a blind eye to her son’s case after it was reported on numerous occasions.
“Dreams are being killed and stolen from these innocent minds. Our children resort to disrespecting us because there is nothing to keep them stimulated. That is why I want my son to go back to school so that his mentality will change and he will be more focused on his future.”
Efforts to get comment from the Department of Education spokesperson Howard Ndaba drew a blank.
However, the department announced last month that the construction of the new special needs school in Trompsburg in the Xhariep district was underway.
During the delivery of her department’s budget vote, MEC for Public Works Dibolelo Mance, revealed that the special needs school, which will accommodate around 1 000 pupils, was 35 percent complete.
By: Abigail Visagie
Rape, robberies, murder and drownings are just some of the heinous crimes and unfortunate incidents that take place regularly at the Witherow Dam Quarry, now scaringly referred to as the Quarry of Death or Die Dynamite Gat (The Dynamite Pit) by locals.
Located in the heart of Heidedal, Bloemfontein, this abandoned dangerous quarry has claimed many a life for decades and continues to be a painstaking environmental hazard which doubles as a crime hotspot. Several families have lost their loved ones to Quarry of Death over the years, with little to no concrete interventions from authorities.
To date, the Quarry of Death has claimed around 49 lives giving rise to calls for it to be totally closed from various pressure groups and locals – including the several bereaved families.
Despite these appeals, petitions and several news reports, Journal News discovered this week that the Quarry of Death remains unfenced and unrehabilitated. This further suggests that the licensing agreements and rehabilitation requirements have been inadequately enforced or simply ignored by the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM).
The growing list of victims includes Reginald Manie Ruiters, who drowned after swimming too deep into the quarry’s waters. According to his mother, Brenda Ruiters, the young Reginald went for a swim with his friends to the quarry on 14 February 2021 and never made it back home. “I still remember the day vividly…when his close friend came to report his drowning,” Ruiters recalls.
“He told me that Reginald was swimming with other younger children with whom he was competing. Unfortunately, he went too deep where he could not be reached and failed to return,” she detailed.
Following this tragic incident, Ruiters has also joined widespread calls for the quarry to be properly fenced and secured.
“The fight to get the quarry closed has not yielded any results. Our pleas seem to be falling on deaf ears.
“Every time I think of him, hear his name or even call out to him sometimes, my heart breaks more and more. Something as special as Valentine’s Day has become a day filled with grief for me because I’m reminded that I lost my son (sic),” she told Journal News in an exclusive interview.
The Finnis family, on the other hand, are still reeling from the trauma of their son being attacked and almost got killed while passing the quarry back in 2014. Sebastian Finnis was shot at and wounded at the quarry, leaving him permanently handicapped.
“My son was attacked and shot at by an unknown gunman at the quarry. As a result, Sebastian has since been declared handicapped,” says Maggie Finnis, the victim’s mother.
She also demands that the Quarry of Death be fenced to limit undue access to the public.
“All I want is to see the area barricaded so that no child or family will go through what I am going through,” Finnis added.
The community of Heidedal, in collaboration with the local Neighbourhood Watch, held a memorial service last month (June 2025) in remembrance of those who lost their lives at the Quarry of Death.
Basie Kok, a community leader and member of the local neighborhood watch, revealed to Journal News that the Witherow Dam quarry was abandoned in the 1970s after mining operations hit an underground water source, thus leaving behind a massive, water-filled pit.
Since then, the quarry has claimed several lives, many of those being the lives of children.
“Forty-nine families are suffering,” Kok laments.
“Winter is the worst because we have to stand here and watch as mothers cry for their children.”
When asked for comment regarding the criminal activities taking place at the abandoned quarry, police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane told Journal News that the quarry’s private ownership status barred the SAPS from actively intervening despite their public safety mandate.
“Although SAPS mandate is to ensure the safety of civilians, there is not much that can be done about the quarry since it is private property”.
The most recent attempt to have the quarry secured came in the form of a petition initiated by community activist Gregory Werner to the South African Parliament in March this year. He too confirms that despite years of pleas for intervention, the quarry remains a persistent danger to residents, particularly children, due to its perilous waters and lack of adequate safety measures.
“The absence of secure fencing, warning signs, or regular patrols has turned the quarry into a death trap, particularly for children. We are asking parliament to enforce the rehabilitation of the quarry site as per original licensing conditions, including safely managing the water body, and hold all responsible parties, past and present, accountable for compliance,” says Werner.
This was not Werner’s first appeal for intervention. His Werner’s attempt which came in the form of a letter to the Department of Water and Sanitation back in 2016 fell on deaf ears.
Journal News is in possession of two letters clearly signed in 2016 by former Free State Head of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Dr. Tseliso Ntili. One of the letters was in response to Werner’s plea, while the other was directed to MMM.
According to Dr. Ntili’s first letter, an inspection was conducted on 1 April 2016. An excerpt from the letter reads:
“…the findings of our inspections revealed that there are some safety aspects of the quarry that need to be attended to (sic).”
Meanwhile, in the letter to MMM which was signed on 12 September 2016, Dr. Ntili detailed that a notice was indeed sent to the owner of the land requesting that a perimeter fence be installed around the quarry.
It reads: “This letter serves to inform you, as the City Manager, of the outcome of the DWS investigation and request that you play your role in protecting the interest of the community and the water resources (sic).”
All attempts to get a comment from Mangaung Metro Municipality proved futile.
Sifuba Launches End GBV 100-Day Challenge
By: Matshidiso Selebeleng
By formally initiating a counter-campaign against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), Free State MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation (SACR), has taken a daring step toward tackling one of South Africa's most urgent societal challenges.
This follows Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga’s launch of the End GBVF Dashboard on 26 March 2025, which is South Africa’s first national public-facing tool that is designed to track progress, identify service gaps and prioritise areas for improvement in the fight against GBVF. The dashboard, which is being rolled out throughout the country, aims to offer unconditional support to victims. On Tuesday 8 July 2025, Sifuba proactively launched the Free State’s End GBVF Dashboard campaign and outlined the goals of the 100-Day challenge, which is set to focus on breaking the silence of GBV among community members and victims.
“Our first focus is breaking the silence; we must increase the number of survivors who come forward and report their experiences of GBV. “This concretely means that in our sector of sport, arts, culture, and recreation, we must mobilise our stakeholders within this sector,” she said, adding that some of their goals are focused on healing the wounds of survivors by offering them high-quality care, support and counselling to overcome the trauma.
In their pledge of support to the initiative, president of the Free State Sport Confederation (FSSC), Edward Saunderson, highlighted that there is no excuse for violence against women and children.
“I encourage civil society to talk about this because our young children are the future of this country…and when we hurt them, we hurt the future. “Let us make sure to stand united, not only to make noise but also to take action against gender-based violence because it doesn't know colour or social class. Let us stop it now,” he added.
Saunderson concluded by reminding people that this is Mandela month and that they should help in the fight against GBVF. Organisations such as Buang Banna and the Free State Warriors Football Club have also thrown their weight behind the campaign.
As the 2026 municipal elections loom, Journal News caught up with Mantsopa Local Municipality, Mayor Mamsie Tsoene, on issues affecting the municipality and its residents, as well as his plans to retain the office.
By: Abigail Visagie
Local government elections are coming up next year, how are you feeling about this?
The elections are coming at a time when local government is in trouble, we all know, and we all can see. The issues and the challenges that are there… Difficult as it may be, we need to prepare for the elections.
What are the challenges that you are facing in such a small municipality?
I am from a tiny and rural municipality where there is a high unemployment rate. Despite that, we are doing all that we can to ensure that we deliver services to the people. It is difficult since we have challenges regarding water, sewer problems, and road infrastructure.
Ladybrand is the economic hub of Mantsopa. Why are you struggling with potholes?
For instance, Ladybrand was one of the municipalities that used to get VUNA awards, but with the aging infrastructure and people not paying for services, you will find yourself exposed to issues of potholes. However, we are trying our best. We are currently busy with a project where we manufacture our own tar, we are doing it internally to maintain our potholes.
That sounds commendable. How many have you closed using your own manufactured tar?
I do not have the exact figures, but I would say that we are going from almost two to four kilometres. It is still not much because we have succumbed to many challenges, including the weather, and are also struggling to procure the supplies. But we are trying to accelerate the process…. Not because of the upcoming elections. We are doing this to empower the lives of our people. Our people deserve a decent life, so we need to ensure that we do the right thing for them. We cannot act as if it is natural and common for people to drive on potholes and gravel roads.
You earlier spoke of challenges faced by the municipality; can you elaborate more on that?
I will start with Ladybrand, the economic town of Mantsopa. They are dealing with issues of sewage. Ladybrand is surrounded by mountains, so you can imagine how damaged our roads are due to water spills that derive from the mountains.
Is that the main challenge faced by Ladybrand?
Look, we have a 150-meter sewer pipeline running in the location, but it is old. We have managed to install about 450 meters of pipelines for our new location, which is further assisting with the
What recent projects does Mantsopa have?
We have projects that we are currently implementing, and we are in the process of employing new service providers to increase the capacity, replace the old pipes, and install new pipes. I believe that this is the permanent solution for Ladybrand.
We are also looking at issues of water around Ladybrand, we have more challenges in Tweespruit and Excelsior, where there are water restrictions, but we are currently looking at interventions of boreholes that we are now installing in Excelsior. We have also submitted business plans to the Department of Water and Sanitation for a pipeline that will be connected to Thaba Phatswa Dam. That will further alleviate the situation in Armenia, Tweespruit, and Excelsior.
That – I believe – is a long-term plan. What is the municipality doing now for the community that is struggling with water supply?
We are installing tanks at places that do not have water, and we use our own water tanker and fire trucks to assist with the water crisis. Although it is a bit of a challenge, we are doing all we can to ensure that people have water every day.
With the work you have been doing since you were deployed to lead this municipality, how confident are you that the party you represent will be re-elected?
Unfortunately, this is my last term as the mayor. I am preparing for the next person to be deployed. I am confident that my work will deliver a victory for the ANC in this municipality. We are now one of the municipalities that still lead in numbers, we do not want the numbers to decrease, so it means that we must push. We are doing as much as we can, for instance, our quick wins are fixing the potholes, roads grading, and fixing streetlights and electricity. Those are our main concerns.
By: Rorisang Rampheteng
It is all systems go for the funeral of the late former South African deputy President David Dabede Mabuza, affectionately known as ‘DD’, who died at the age of 64 last week in a Sandton Hospital after a prolonged illness.
The funeral is scheduled to take place tomorrow in his hometown, Phola Trust with President Cyril Ramaphosa granting the former deputy president a dignified Category 2 state funeral.
According to the state official and provincial official funeral policy manual of the Presidency, a state funeral category 2 is reserved for the deputy president, an acting president and former deputy presidents. The manual further states that a state funeral Category 2 is conducted with prescribed military ceremonial honours.
Ramaphosa also declared a national mourning period in remembrance of Mabuza between 7 and 12 July.
“During this period, the national flag must be flown at half-mast at all flag stations around the country,” said the president.
ANC cadres and supporters from across the country are now gathering in Mpumalanga to pay their last respects to one of their own, in order to accompany him to his final resting place tomorrow. Some of the people who expected to attend the funeral are amongst others include the head of state, government officials, ANC members, and other political leaders.
Tributes pouring in
The ANC conveyed its condolences to Mabuza’s family, friends and comrades through a press statement issued by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula last week.
“On behalf of the ANC, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Mabuza family, friends, comrades, and the people of South Africa. We have lost a patriot, a freedom fighter, and a leader who served with humanity and conviction,” the statement read.
Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu also paid tribute to Mabuza saying that he would like to celebrate his profound impact on the province.
He encouraged the people of Mpumalanga to honour Mabuza's legacy by acknowledging his selfless service to the country and the province and the transformative initiatives that have left a lasting imprint on the lives of the people of Mpumalanga.Former Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela also said she will forever remember the unwavering support she received from Mabuza. “His unwavering support during my tenure as Premier of the Free State, particularly during the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, will remain etched in my memory. He stood with us, offered guidance, and embodied the spirit of “Ubuntu” when it mattered most.
Mabuza served as Premier of Mpumalanga from 2009 and 2018, and was Deputy President of South Africa between 2018 and 2024.
-Top cop accuses Police Minister and Deputy National Commissioner of having links to criminal gangs and interfering with police investigations
-The KZN Police Commissioners’ explosive claims last Sunday dropped the spotlight on a drug network involving high-ranking members of the South African police force
By: Matshidiso Selebeleng and Abigail Visagie
Drugs, political killings and fraudulent multi-million-rand tenders. All these are at the centre of a R61 billion industry operated by drug cartels linked to high-ranking officials of the South African Police Services (SAPS).
On Sunday, 6 July 2025, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, shocked the country by brazenly accusing South Africa’s Deputy Police Commissioner General Shadrack Sibiya and Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, of meddling in police work by aiding and abetting criminal syndicates during a live media briefing broadcast.
Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu and Sibiya of disbanding a highly effective Political Killing Task Team in order to shield a notorious criminal syndicate that imports drugs from South America and distributes them throughout South Africa and its neighbouring countries.
Mkhwanazi linked Mchunu and Sibiya to controversial North West businessman Brown Mogotsi and renowned Pretoria tenderpreneur-cum-convicted criminal Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, whom he claims are at the centre of the said drug cartel that is headquartered in Gauteng.
“This drug cartel which includes a group that operates in Gauteng is importing drugs from abroad, South America in the main through the Durban port amongst others.
“They process the drugs in Gauteng and distribute them across the country,” Mkhwanazi claimed.
A Crime Scene
Mkhwanazi’s revelations have pulled back the curtain and once again brought to light the reality of drugs in our society. The negative impact the have in our communities is candidly evident and it is disheartening to discover that drug peddlers thrive through the assistance of members of an institution that is meant to dismantle these illegal networks.
In the predominantly coloured community of Heidedal, in Bloemfontein, residents are forced to grapple with the harsh realities of drug related crimes and violence.
Just last month on 5 June 2025, the body of a person that fatally shot was retrieved from a house that is now commonly referred to as Heidedals Drug Den by the community. According to reports, this was the fifth fatal shooting incident that place in that area between February and July this year.
Members of the community revealed that the house belongs to an alleged drug kingpin, while also expressing relief and joy that one of the community’s most notorious criminal s was finally dead – in reference to the dead body that was found.
Although the house is known for drugs and nefarious activities, police spokesperson Sergent Sinah Mpakane says no drugs were found in the house and the police were trying their best to deal with the problem of drugs in the Bloemfontein township.
“SAPS is doing everything in its powers to deal with the issue of drugs in Heidedal.”
She further revealed that three suspects have so far been arrested in connection with these murders. During the controversial media briefing Mkhwanazi also revealed that the SAPS had been involved in several shooting exchanges with perpetrators that are under the influence of drugs, thus pointing to drugs as the source of most criminal activities and behaviour.
Lives Destroyed
Another story coming out of Heidedal involves Lorenzo Booysen (33), a recovering addict who confesses that he started doing drugs when he was just aged 14.
Booysen grew up playing sport and exuded bright prospects cricket and football. His addiction kicked in when he experimented with drugs out of curiosity.
“I was an addict for 12 years mainly using crystal meth, mandrax, marijuana and cat,” he tells Journal News
“I regret the experience,” he adds.
Booysen has been clean for seven years and attributes his recovery to his Christian beliefs and the eight-month restoration programme her underwent at Kairos Restoration Centre.
Drugs Lead to Crime
Social worker and mental health specialist Rethabile Lenkoe from Aurora Addiction Recovery Centre says drugs induce psychosis, where people experience hallucinations and become delusional thus leading them to commit crime.Lenkoe says the most commonly used substances are marijuana, alcohol and crystal meth.
“Addiction can happen to anyone from13 years and younger while others start in their adulthood. But yes, what we do see a lot in practice is that people start using from a very young age.
“I always encourage to parents to start educating their children about substances as early as possible and avoid starting the conversation when they are 18 years which is too late,” she adds. According to a report that was issued by the University of Pretoria, the street value of substances such as cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine in 2025 in South Africa is R61 billion making it one of the fastest growing illegal industries in Africa and those badly affected are unemployed township youth.
Data from World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that South Africa has been riddled with drugs drug-related crimes among the youth for many years, and it is estimated that about 770 people die every year from drugs. With addiction sitting at almost 20% of the South African population.
