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Download JOURNAL NEWS - LATEST EDITION - 13FEB2026
By Lerato Mutlanyane
On the decks, Karabelo ‘Trent DjY’ Makoane (21) locks in the beat matching, blending tracks into one seamless groove. Beside him, Don Kabila (22) commands the drop, flipping the switch and sending the dance floor into overdrive. Together, they are the electrifying duo known as Trent DjY and Don Kabila. Born and bred in Thaba Nchu, just outside Bloemfontein, the pair’s love for music started early. They attended the same primary school, went their separate ways in high school, and reunited at university — a reunion that would spark a powerful musical partnership. Now four years strong, the duo has built a growing fan base and a reputation for setting stages alight. But the road wasn’t always smooth. “In our first year and early 2022, we struggled to secure gigs and faced a lot of rejection,” they said. “That didn’t stop us. We started releasing mixtapes, built our fan base, and gained traction.” Their persistence paid off. Under Ragersclub management, they began hosting major events, making their big-stage debut in 2023 at the annual We Back Home Festival at Dr Petrus Molemela (Mangaung) Stadium. Since then, they’ve performed at Mangaung Open Festival, Bloem Show, SA’s Most Wanted, Singles Braai, and most recently, the Fill Up Toyota Stadium event hosted by hip hop star Cassper Nyovest. Inspired by Bloemfontein’s own DJ Mbulelo ‘LeGoody’ Khathaza, the duo has their sights set high. “In five years, we see ourselves as one of the biggest Amapiano duos in the country, with our music charting nationwide,” they said. They are set to host their second annual two man show on 4 April and will soon release their debut single. Catch this fiery duo lighting up Sthiba Gardens and Sandy’s Bar in Bloemfontein this weekend. Picture this: bass heavy, crowd loud, and the drops hitting just right.
By Matshediso Selebeleng
Love is in the air — and so is brisk business for African Flower as Valentine’s Day approaches. The popular florist, situated at the corner of Parfitt Avenue and Park Road in Willows, Bloemfontein, is experiencing a surge in orders, with customers snapping up roses, bouquets and gift arrangements to spoil their loved ones ahead of the annual celebration of love on February 14 (tomorrow). As the big day draws closer, African Flower owner Zuleigah Africa says her staff are working around the clock to meet growing demand and ensure every delivery makes the occasion special. For more than three decades, the shop has been a trusted source of romance, offering bouquets and special packages to loyal customers. The family business has been passed down through generations, serving Bloemfontein residents and beyond throughout the year for every special occasion or milestone, with delivery options available. Africa says while business can be slow during the year, Valentine’s Day is a different story as sales increase significantly. “We take Valentine’s as it comes because it’s one of those times of the year when we are able to make more sales. We also understand that people may want to buy something for their loved ones but have a limited budget. We negotiate and meet them halfway so we can accommodate all our customers,” she said. She added that working within customers’ budgets keeps the legacy of their late great-grandmother alive — a principle she upheld when she founded the business. Africa explained that they previously grew their own flowers, but due to the labour and time required, they now outsource to focus on operations. “Growing your own flowers is demanding because you must manage the business and tend to the garden, which is not always conducive. We now stock roses from places like Cape Town and Johannesburg after our tunnels were damaged by bad weather. We have been buying ever since,” she said. Like many businesses, African Flower faces challenges. The rainy season sees fewer customers, while winter brings soaring prices. Despite this, the business continues to uphold its founding values by meeting customers halfway, regardless of rising stock costs. Among its milestones, the business has supported families and created part-time and temporary jobs. “There is a guy we use for deliveries so he can also earn money for his business. We could use our own transport, but we choose to support someone else so he can make a living too. We are grateful for this small structure and the support we receive,” Africa shared. She noted that Valentine’s Day also requires extra hands, and trust is essential as the shop becomes exceptionally busy. Africa emphasised that their goals for the financial year remain unchanged: to take each day as it comes and continue helping others wherever possible.
By JN Reporter
… High Court halts Metro’s land preparation … Mangaung accuses opposition party of blocking people access to land
Tensions surrounding the Lourierpark development have intensified after the Free State High Court issued an order temporarily halting Mangaung Metro’s land preparation activities. The ruling has triggered a political storm, with the municipality accusing an opposition party of deliberately frustrating efforts to provide residents with access to land. The court’s intervention follows an urgent application brought this week by the Democratic Alliance (DA), which alleges “unlawful preparation” of land for occupation in and around Lourierpark. In its order, the court directed the Metro to immediately cease any further land preparation or settlement activities pending the finalisation of the matter. However, in a statement released on Thursday, executive mayoral spokesperson Themba Vryman said the land preparation forms part of the Metro’s efforts to address the city’s growing housing backlog. He accused the DA of obstructing the municipality from developing its own land for the benefit of Mangaung residents. “How long shall we keep our people waiting? The city is currently sitting with more than 77 000 people registered on the NHNR with reference numbers waiting for placement opportunities. It has been more than a year of waiting for land allocation and proper service delivery,” Vryman said. “It is deeply regrettable in our democratic dispensation that, in a constitutional democracy founded on the principles of dignity, equality and redress, a political party has chosen to obstruct a municipality from developing its own land for the benefit of the people of Mangaung.” Vryman further claimed the DA’s court application is “not about governance, but desperation for political control”. The DA has argued that currently prepared land is not serviced and currently has no bulk water supply, electricity, or waterborne sewerage infrastructure and view the planned occupation as unlawful and place both residents and surrounding communities at risk. “In terms of municipal by-laws and planning legislation, land may not be allocated or occupied unless township establishment conditions are met, services are installed, and the required engineering certificates are issued. Any occupation without these processes would be unlawful and place both residents and surrounding communities at risk,” said DA councillor Greg van Noord. The matter has been postponed to 5 March 2026.
By Matshediso Selebeleng
As part of the 1 Million Tree Campaign under the Presidential Ten Million Trees Flagship Programme, Free State MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, Elzabe Rockman, planted approximately 150 indigenous trees at eight Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in Bohlokong, Letsemeng Local Municipality, on Saturday. Rockman was accompanied by the Chief Director of Environmental Quality and Protection, Nozi Nkoe, among other officials. Through the National Greening Programme, South Africa has committed to planting five million trees over a five-year period as part of broader efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability. Rockman urged the centres and surrounding communities to refrain from cutting down trees, stressing the long-term environmental consequences. “Planting trees marks a significant step towards educating young children about environmental stewardship and sustainable agricultural practices in the Letsemeng Local Municipality,” she said. She warned that deforestation could worsen climate conditions and undermine efforts to build resilient communities. Nkoe echoed these sentiments, highlighting the vital role trees play in human existence — from producing oxygen and preventing soil erosion to shielding homes from strong winds. In addition to the tree-planting initiative, Rockman handed over gardening tools to beneficiaries of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), including vegetable seeds, wheelbarrows and organic fertiliser pellets. Forty EPWP contracts were also awarded to local residents. She said the recruitment process was aimed at ensuring inclusivity, particularly for youth, women and persons with disabilities. “We must ensure that these temporary jobs contribute to reducing the cost of living and equip participants with the necessary skills required by the sector, so that service delivery benefits both the community and the local environment,” she said.
JN Reporter
... SIU recommends prosecution after R221m security contract scandal rocks municipality ... Mayor, Speaker, and Chief Whip Submit Resignations Following ANC PEC’s last year Resolution
Following months of investigation into financial misconduct involving more than R221 million — and mounting anticipation of a possible arrest — the Moqhaka Local Municipality has officially dismissed its Municipal Manager, Portia Tshabalala. Her removal was confirmed during a special council meeting held on 29 January 2026. Tshabalala was found guilty of financial misconduct linked to the unlawful payment of over R221 million to Isidingo Security Services, a KwaZulu-Natal-based company that allegedly did not qualify for the tender. She is also facing potential criminal charges after the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) reportedly completed its probe and submitted its report to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) last year, recommending prosecution. Municipal spokesperson Dika Kheswa said council deemed the dismissal lawful and appropriate. “The municipality wishes to assure residents, employees and stakeholders that this transition will not disrupt service delivery,” said Kheswa, adding that council remains committed to upholding the rule of law and strengthening institutional integrity. In October 2025, Journal News reported that it was in possession of a confidential referral affidavit dated September 2025, containing the full SIU report and its recommendation for criminal prosecution. According to the report, Tshabalala unlawfully appointedidingo Security Services on 17 January 2020. The company allegedly failed to deliver the required armed security services, yet the municipality paid more than R221 million over three years for a contract originally valued at R87 million. The expenditure exceeded the original contract value by 66% — far above the 15% variation threshold permitted under the municipality’s 2018/2019 Supply Chain Management Policy. The SIU flagged multiple irregularities in the procurement and management of the contract. At the time of appointment, Isidingo’s firearm licence had reportedly expired, meaning it could not legally provide armed security services. As a Durban-based company, it also did not meet locality preference requirements. The report further identified a conflict of interest. On 17 October 2019, Tshabalala — then serving on the Bid Adjudication Committee (BAC) — recommended Isidingo as the preferred bidder. She later appointed the same company in 2020 while acting as Municipal Manager. Although she declared her prior involvement, the SIU found this constituted a conflict of interest under the Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000). Additionally, Tshabalala allegedly failed to obtain council approval for a contract extension that ran for more than nine months and continued renewing the agreement until 28 February 2023. Meanwhile, Free State MEC for Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements, Saki Mokoena, has seconded T Ngesi as Acting Municipal Manager with effect from 10 February 2026. In a letter dated 9 February 2026, seen by this publication, Mokoena confirmed that the secondment will last for three months. “The MEC accedes to the request from Council to second an official to act as Municipal Manager… This is done to assist in stabilising and strengthening the administration of the municipality,” the letter states. Ngesi will be required to conclude a secondment agreement and performance agreement with the Executive Mayor to regulate the terms and conditions of his appointment. In a related development, Journal News has been reliably informed that Mayor Motloheloa Mokatsane, Speaker Selloane Khiba and Chief Whip Mamajeremane Semakale have recently resigned. The trio formed part of seven municipal troikas — comprising mayors, speakers and chief whips — dismissed by the ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) in August last year, citing poor performance and failure to safeguard service delivery. However, ANC provincial spokesperson Thabo Meeko said he could neither confirm nor deny the municipal troika’s reported resignations when contacted on Thursday.
