Author: The Free Stater

THE Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the Free State has pledged unwavering support for its national leader Julius Malema, even as the party faces a wave of high-profile defections. This week, former EFF chairperson and advocate Dali Mpofu became the latest prominent figure to leave, joining former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party. Mpofu’s departure follows that of Malema’s deputy Floyd Shivambu, as well as lawmakers Mzwanele Manyi and Busisiwe Mkhwebane, raising questions about the EFF’s stability. However, Mapheule Liphoko, the EFF Free State chairperson, told The Free Stater that the provincial branch remains unfazed by the defections. “As EFF Free…

THE Free State province has been gripped by a series of suspected food poisoning incidents this week, leaving more than 125 schoolchildren hospitalised across various towns. The first major incident occurred at Daluvuyo Primary School in Welkom, where 45 learners were treated for suspected food poisoning. While most of them were discharged, a 10-year-old boy remained hospitalised at Bongani Regional Hospital due to other health complications exacerbated by ingesting the suspected contaminated snack. A day later, on Thursday, Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital in Bloemfontein treated 47 learners from Ihobe Primary School. While most were discharged, a 10-year-old girl and an 11-year-old…

NANDIPHA Magudumana, the disgraced doctor accused of aiding convicted killer Thabo Bester’s daring prison escape, will have to wait to learn the outcome of her appeal challenging the legality of her arrest in Tanzania. Her Supreme Court of Appeal hearing took place in Bloemfontein on Thursday, where her legal team argued that her April 2023 arrest violated international extradition protocols. Magudumana and her lover Bester were detained in Tanzania after fleeing South Africa when it was revealed that Bester had faked his death and escaped from the Mangaung Correctional Centre. The duo, along with seven others, including Magudumana’s father, Zolile…

Dear Readers, IN a world increasingly dominated by algorithms and quick-click headlines, the role of genuine journalism has never been more critical. In the relentless flood of social media posts and viral content, the line between fact and fiction can be blurred, creating fertile ground for misinformation. The stakes are high: fake news can distort public discourse, deepen divisions and leave people vulnerable to harmful ideologies and falsehoods. This is why print and credible journalism still matter. It is why The Free Stater stands as this province’s last bastion of real journalism in this age of uncertainty. Our journey began in March…

THE resumption of construction on the road between Excelsior and Tweespruit is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. We commend the Free State provincial government for taking decisive action in replacing a non-performing contractor. This renewed commitment to infrastructure progress is both promising and urgently needed. For residents and local businesses, an upgraded road means better accessibility, improved safety and a much-needed boost to the region’s economic prospects. However, the resumption and anticipated completion of this R48 million project must serve as a turning point, not an isolated success story. South Africa has seen too many grand promises turn…

THE Free State Cheetahs are parting ways with their chief executive officer, Ross van Reenen, when his three-year term with the franchise concludes on 30 November. His departure, described as amicable, closes a chapter of leadership that brought both notable challenges and commendable successes to for Free State Rugby. Under van Reenen’s leadership, the Toyota Cheetahs reached the Currie Cup semi-finals twice and emerged victorious in the prestigious tournament in 2023. He also secured a crucial return for the team to international rugby, facilitating their participation in the EPCR Challenge Cup for four consecutive seasons. Moreover, Free State Rugby hosted…

IN this question-and-answer interview, The Free Stater Editor Darlington Majonga engages Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Free State Chairperson Mapheule Liphoko to delve into the current state and future of the party in the province. The discussion comes at a critical juncture, following a series of high-profile defections that have raised questions about the EFF’s stability and strategic direction. Most notably, the departure of former national chairperson Dali Mpofu has sent ripples throughout the political landscape, leaving many to speculate on the party’s internal dynamics and resilience. In this candid conversation, Liphoko addresses these concerns, outlines the EFF’s plans for rebuilding trust and…

By Darlington Majonga THE High Court’s recent ruling against the Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State has raised questions about whether this decision can serve as a turning point for dealing with South Africa’s broader municipal crises. Judge Van Rhyn’s judgment, issued in response to a Democratic Alliance application, underscores severe breaches of constitutional duties, holding not just the municipality, but also provincial and national officials, to account for failing to uphold their oversight and intervention roles. At the core of Judge Van Rhyn’s ruling is the directive for immediate intervention, compelling the Premier of the Free State and…

BAFANA Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has named a 23-man squad for South Africa’s upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The national side, currently second in Group K with eight points, face a crucial double-header that will determine their qualification fate. South Africa’s first match is a challenging away encounter against group leaders Uganda (10 points) at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Friday, 15 November, with kick-off set for 18:00. They will then return home to face bottom-placed South Sudan, who have yet to earn a point in the qualifiers. This fixture, scheduled for Tuesday, 19…

THE long-awaited construction of the 41-kilometre road between Excelsior and Tweespruit in the Free State is back on track following the appointment of a new contractor. Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, together with the MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Jabu Mbalula, officially relaunched the project last Friday, ensuring that work will continue after setbacks with the previous contractor. The project, valued at R48 million, had been delayed due to poor workmanship and failure to meet standards, which ultimately led to the termination of the previous contractor’s contract. “When we undertake road construction projects, there are established rules and regulations, and…