Free State Targets Surgical Backlogs
The three-day Cataract Marathon, held over the weekend at Boitumelo Regional Hospital in Kroonstad, was a great success, with over 100 patients receiving treatment.
Screening was conducted last week Friday with cataract operations scheduled for Saturday and Su...
North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, appeared before an ad hoc committee on Saturday, 14 February 2026, to address aallegationsof misconduct and corruption involving the Naledi Local Municipality.
As the final witness in the public hearings, the Premier’s testimony concluded a provincial investigation into Executive Mayor Clifton Groep.
The inquiry focused on claims that legislative processes were manipulated to target political rivals. Specifically, it was alleged that while serving as the African National Congress (ANC) chief whip in the legislature, Mokgosi pressured former employee, Thabo Appolus, to alter an audit report concerning the 2023 appointment of Modisenyane Segapo as municipal manager.
During the proceedings, Mokgosi challenged the affidavits submitted by municipal employee Thabo Sejake, as well as those from Appolus and Segapo. Despite evidence presented to verify the aallegationsagainst him, the Mokgosi dismissed the testimony and text messages as part of a coordinated political plot. He told the committee.
“Now listening to the discussion of people who made affidavits, I now realise that having not responded to that message was a correct instinct because it proved that Appolus, Segapo and Sejake had been communicating amongst themselves. They have been plotting the ‘Mokgosi Must Fall campaign’. Even the messages that are there are concocted,” Mokgosi alleged.
The hearing grew tense during a sharp exchange between the Premier and the evidence leader, Senior Advocate Pule Seleka, who accused Mokgosi of improperly interrogating witnesses who had not directly implicated him.
“If his explanation suits what I explained and the other witnesses, then I’m not sure if that to you is corroboration,” Mokgosi retorted.
In response to Mokgosi’s assertions, Sejake maintained that the committee simply sought clarity through his line of qquestioning stressing that his queries were also highlighting.
“It has nothing to do with me. The ad hoc committee wants to hear your version of events.”
Mokgosi remained on the offensive, nonetheless, accusing the committee of failing to provide specific proof of the alleged tampering. He argued that he deserved a clear explanation of the charges, as he is the individual placed at the centre of the claims.
“I’m at the centre of allegations. I must respond to the allegations, and my expectation was to be told how I tampered, when I tampered or attempted to tamper and also, on what I tampered with,” he stated.
The controversy is rooted in a November 14 Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruling, which declared Segapo’s appointment constitutionally invalid due to procedural failures. Although eight people applied for the post, only Segapo and Appolus were shortlisted.
After Appolus withdrew, the council proceeded with Segapo’s appointment despite various irregularities. While Mayor Groep alleged that Mokgosi attempted to block the appointment, the court’s findings added a layer of complexity by revealing that Segapo was not legally qualified for the role.
The court noted that “any exercise of public power must be within the confines of the law,” concluding that the municipality’s recruitment process failed to meet this standard. The final phase of the inquiry included testimony from a wide range of witnesses, including current and former municipal officials, political office bearers, and provincial representatives.
Committee chairperson, Nathan Oliphant, concluded the hearings by asserting that the process remained independent, impartial, and fair. The ccommitteewill now analyse the evidence before susubmittingts final findings to the Speaker. Public attention remains fixed on the North West provincial government as the region awaits the outcome of the investigation.
Ngwathe Local Municipality has intensified its crackdown on illegal tuck shops operating across its towns, warning that unregistered businesses flouting health, safety and zoning regulations will face immediate closure.
The operation, carried out in partnership with law enforcement and health inspectors, aims to root out non-compliant traders, protect consumers from unsafe food handling practices and restore order in residential areas increasingly affected by unregulated informal trading.
Accompanied by Municipal Manager Dr Futhuli Patrick Mothamaha and MMC for Public Safety and Transport Noma Moloi, Executive Mayor Victoria De Beer-Mthombeni this week led a multi-agency operation to shut down unlicensed tuck shops and non-compliant businesses in Mokwallo, Vredefort. The operation was conducted in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Employment and Labour, the Department of Home Affairs, the Regional Disaster Management team and the Local Economic Development Office.
The mayor said the ongoing operations form part of the municipality’s commitment to restoring ororderprotecting infrastructure, and enforcing compliance to create safer and fair economic conditions for all residents. She raised serious concerns about widespread illegal electricity consumption, particularly among some foreign-owned shops. According to the municipality, several businesses reflected questionable purchasing histories on municipal records, while some operators were allegedly in possession of documents that do not permit them to run businesses.
“The municipality is suffering significant revenue losses, including damage to electricity infrastructure as a result of overloading. Ngwathe currently owes Eskom approximately R2.8 billion, a situation largely attributed to electricity losses arising from illegal connections, tampering with infrastructure and non-compliance with municipal bylaws. These operations are critical in addressing revenue leakages, stabilising the municipality’s financial position and ensuring a sustainable electricity supply to our communities,” she said.
In Parys, an unlicensed scrap yard was closed after suspected stolen municipal infrastructure, including copper and steel, was recovered.
Authorities also uncovered widespread electrici ty meter tampering, with many establishments failing to pay for municipal services. The municipality further revealed that some businesses previously shut down had illegally resumed operations.
The municipality said the crackdown will continue as part of efforts to restore order, protect public infrastructure and ensure compliance across all towns under its jurisdiction.
In an era of tightening municipal budgets, infrastructure strain and intensifying public scrutiny, the ability to communicate clearly and harness digital tools has become central to effective local governance.
Recognising this shift, the Free State office of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) convened a Communication and Digital Masterclass in Bloemfontein aimed at strengthening municipal capacity in an increasingly technology-driven environment.
Held at Protea Hotel Willow Lake under the theme “Driving Digital Transformation and Communications Excellence in Municipalities,” the session brought together communication and ICT practitioners from municipalities across the province. Strategic partners included the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), MTN and the University of the Free State (UFS), with representatives from CoGTA, Old Mutual and the Road Traffic Infringement Agency also in attendance.
Opening the engagement, SALGA Free State Provincial Director of Operations, Ms Emily Kuzwayo, said the masterclass was designed as a strategic intervention to enhance transparency, rebuild public trust and improve service delivery through stronger communication systems.
Facilitated by GCIS Free State Director Ms Yoliswa Blom, the programme focused on practical tools for data-driven communication, digital innovation and improved citizen engagement.
SALGA representatives William Moraka and Mukovhe Lumadi led discussions on digital transformation and turning municipal data into actionable insights to strengthen planning and responsiveness. Artificial intelligence formed part of the dialogue, with Professor Natasha Mboti of UFS urging municipalities to approach AI strategically and ethically, while maintaining the core principles of clarity and accountability.
The masterclass underscored the growing view that digital competence is essential for municipalities seeking to remain responsive, transparent and future-ready.
Premier set to table key policy plans amid renewed push for execution and oversight
By: Lerato Mutlanyane
With the spotlight firmly on accountability and delivery, the Free State Legislature has declared its readiness for the 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA), setting the tone for a financial year expected to test the government’s commitment to execution over rhetoric.
The State of the Province Address is scheduled to take place today at 10:00 at the Old Grey Sport Ground in Bloemfontein. The Premier is expected to outline the province’s political and socio-economic conditions, set key policy priorities for the year ahead, and reflect on both achievements and persistent challenges.
The address will bring together members of the judiciary, business, labour, religious institutions, academia and other sectors of society.
Addressing members of the media on Wednesday, Speaker of the Free State Legislature Mxolisi Dukwana described the occasion as a carefully structured programme aimed at driving development and reinforcing fiscal discipline.
“It is not a celebration. It is not a spectacle. It is a constitutional accountability platform,” Dukwana stressed. “It is not a fashion parade, but a moment for government to account to the people.”
Dukwana further reported that expenditure on the official SOPA has been reduced by more than 25% compared to the previous year, decreasing from R4.5 million to R3.3 million.
“This reduction is deliberate,” he said, noting that it reflects the Legislature’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and strengthening public trust.
Residents have been encouraged to follow the proceedings through available platforms and to remain actively engaged throughout the year. “The Legislature does not operate in isolation,” he added.
Reaffirming the institution’s mandate, Dukwana said the Legislature remains committed to protecting constitutional democracy, advancing the rights and livelihoods of citizens, exercising vigilant oversight over the executive, and ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources.
“We look forward to the Premier’s address and to the robust legislative process that will follow. Above all, this institution exists for one purpose — to serve the people of the province.”
As the briefing concluded, attention turned to a pressing question: will 2026 mark a decisive shift from planning to implementation — translating policy commitments into measurable delivery for the people of the Free State?
Here’s what residents expect from the Premier’s address
Residents across the Free State say they want this year’s State of the Province Address to move beyond promises and focus squarely on service delivery, jobs and opportunities for young people.
Marlene Van Wyk from Heidedal in Bloemfontein believes road infrastructure and healthcare should top the Premier’s priorities.
“I will be happy if I can hear the Premier speaking about plans to fix our roads in Heidedal and prioritise the needs of elderly people in our communities. Importantly, improve our local hospital, Pelonomi Hospital, because our people cannot continue to die and be treated like animals. We pay taxes for a reason”.
“Fix our street lights, which don’t function half the time, and repair our sewerage systems so that we don’t have flooded or blocked drains,” said Van Wyk.
Bonisoa Mahlasi said unemployment must be aaddresseddecisively.
“As a member of the Free State community, I expect the State of the Province Address to tackle pressing issues like unemployment. The province is facing serious challenges, with youth unemployment exceeding 35%. It’s frustrating that this issue is repeatedly discussed without tangible results,” she said.
Meanwhile, Msokoli Nyuleka hopes the Premier will address the shortage of local sporting facilities for young people.
“We need to nurture our youth from an early age to prevent what we see now, where young people loiter in the streets daily with nothing to do. They end up turning to crime because there are no proper sporting facilities and no direction,” said Nyuleka
City hosts Safer City Indaba to declare war on crime in a coordinated effort to secure dignity, investment and growth
By: Matshidiso Selebeleng
The Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM) has taken a significant step toward ur ban renewal by hosting a comprehensive Safer City Indaba at the Bloemfontein City Hall.
Held from 18 to 19 February 2026, the summit gathered key representatives from the Border Management Authority (BMA), the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), and the Community Policing Forum (CPF) to address critical issues, including disaster readiness, by-law enforcement, and gender-based violence.
This strategic gathering marked a shift from theoretical planning to a practical, integrated approach to securing the metro’s future. Opening the proceedings, Mangaung Executive Mayor, Gregory Nthatisi, delivered a powerful keynote address, asserting that safety is the fundamental bedrock of dignity and economic growth. “Safety is not a side function of government. It is not an isolated programme.
It is the foundation upon which dignity, development, investment, and social stability rest,” Nthatisi stated, while challenging officials to move beyond mere rhetoric. “Where people do not feel safe, opportunity retreats. Where communities live in fear, progress slows. Where lawlessness grows, trust in institutions weakens,” he added. Nthatisi’s address highlighted a commitment to action over bureaucracy. “Passing policies is easier than implementing them.
Drafting bylaws is easier than enforcing them. Announcing plans is easier than coordinating execution. One of the central tests of this Indaba will be whether we move from fragmented effort to coordinated action.” Free State Premier, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, echoed Nthatisi’s sentiments while expressing grave concern over the rising tide of housebreakings, murders, and the infiltration of violence into schools. Taking a firm stance, Letsoha-Mathae committed the full weight of provincial authority to declaring war against violence in the province to ensure that the vision of the National Development Plan (NDP) - a society where citizens live free of fear - becomes a reality.
This commitment is backed by strengthened partnerships with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the ramping up of municipal policing units specifically tasked with dismantling gangs, drug syndicates, and cross-border criminal networks. The second day of the Indaba transitioned into the logistics of implementation, focusing on the precision of ward-based planning.
Technical expert, Angie Mokasi, explained that safety strategies must be tailored to the specific risks of each area. “There is no single approach for every ward; the dynamics of every ward are not the same in terms of the risks depending on population density, land use, economic activities, and social conditions,” she noted.
By utilising ward profiling and crime pattern analysis, the municipality aims to address the unique vulnerabilities of schools, informal settlements, and business hubs through localised interventions rather than a generic, city-wide approach. Concluding the summit, the focus shifted toward modernisation and the role of innovation in public safety.
MMC for Economic Development, Manthuse Let awana, introduced the concept of Smart City Development, detailing how digital solutions and technological innovation can be leveraged to enhance urban security and streamline service delivery. By integrating advanced technology with localised, ground-level policing, Mangaung is positioning itself to build a resilient and inclusive environment where safety is no longer a privilege but a guaranteed right for every resident.
ANC race intensifying, provincial chairman quashes conference claims and pledges loyalty to provincial mandate
By: JN Reporter
The African National Congress (ANC)’s Northern Cape Chairman, Zamani Saul, has finally addressed swirling speculation about his alleged bid for the organisation’s secretary-general position, decisively shutting down claims that he is eyeing the powerful post ahead of the party’s highly anticipated national conference next year.
Addressing the party’s provincial Lekgotla last weekend, Saul dismissed claims of a leadership bid, insisting his focus remains firmly on his current mandate in the province rather than national ambitions. “I am going nowhere!” Saul declared, making it “very clear” that he intends to complete the task entrusted to him when he was re-elected last year — leading the province into the upcoming local government elections and the 2029 national elections.
Talks of an early conference in the Northern Cape and me getting elected into the National Executive Committee (NEC) are just hot air. It will never happen because I have a mandate here which I am not going to abandon, up until the bitter end,” he said. His remarks come amid intensifying internal succession debates, with lobbying efforts gaining momentum and fresh polling pointing to a wide-open contest for top leadership positions.
Speculation that billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe could enter the ANC presidential race has also resurfaced, despite his repeated denials.
Branded T-shirts bearing the slogan “PM27 Savu melana” have fuelled talk of a possible campaign ahead of the elective conference.
Motsepe, a mining magnate, philanthropist, and continental sports leader, is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most influential figures. Should he enter the race, he is expected to face competition from current Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula and Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
Meanwhile, Saul issued a stern warning against factionalism within the province. He urged delegates to isolate and expose anyone seeking to divide the party, stressing that unity in the Northern Cape is “sacrosanct” and must be protected at all costs.
He cautioned that without unity, the ANC would struggle to compete effectively in this year’s local government elections
