Author: The Free Stater

THE latest crime statistics paint a harrowing picture of escalating violence in the Free State. While the overall number of community-reported crimes may have declined slightly, the surge in violent offences – particularly sexual crimes and assaults – demands urgent attention from law enforcement, policymakers and society as a whole. It is deeply troubling that our province recorded 1 073 cases of sexual offences in just three months, with Bloemspruit once again emerging as a hotspot for these heinous acts. Even more concerning is the sharp rise in assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), which surged by…

THE recent executive order by US President Donald Trump to defund and dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives is more than just a bureaucratic shift. It is a declaration of whose lives matter and whose do not. Removing DEI initiatives and policies, notably those that centre on marginalised groups, racial minorities and LGBTQI+ individuals, does not erase their struggles and existence in our society. Instead, it exposes the entrenched unwillingness of power structures to validate and acknowledge these realities. The fact that some leaders feel they can simply ‘tick off’ or ‘untick’ human rights and social justice efforts from policy reveals just how…

ACADEMIC jealousy, a deep-seated issue within South African universities, threatens the ethical integrity and progress of higher education institutions, researchers at the Central University of Technology (CUT) have warned. Their study underscores the critical need for ethical leadership to curb the growing trend of academic sabotage and professional envy. Professor Pakiso Moses Makhoahle, senior lecturer in health sciences, Dr Tshepo Teele, postdoctoral researcher, and Dr Zenzile Khetsha, senior lecturer in agriculture, argue that higher education institutions shape the fabric of society and must instil strong ethical values in future leaders. However, academic jealousy – manifested through acts of undermining, professional…

SOUTH Africa’s senior men’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, will return to Bloemfontein for the first time since June when they take on Egypt in a CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier at the Free State Stadium. Originally scheduled for Friday, the first match of the two-legged tie will now be played on Sunday starting at 1700 hours after the North Africans encountered visa delays. The last time Bafana Bafana played in Bloemfontein was on 11 June 2024, when they hosted Zimbabwe in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Now, they aim to take a step closer to CHAN qualification,…

A SECOND successive unbeaten century from all-rounder Dian Forrester inspired the Knights to their first victory of the One Day Cup season, as they thrashed Western Province by 157 runs at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Saturday. The emphatic win marked the Free State side’s first success of the campaign, while log leaders Goldrush Boland maintained their perfect start with a thrilling three-wicket victory over the Warriors in Gqeberha. Forrester was the standout performer in Bloemfontein, continuing his red-hot form with an unbeaten 113 off 99 balls to propel the Knights to a formidable 311 for six after they…

PREMIER MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has acknowledged both progress and persistent challenges in the Free State’s financial governance, as revealed in the latest audit outcomes for the 2023/24 financial year. Speaking during her State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Friday, the premier highlighted efforts to strengthen accountability while noting continued financial mismanagement in some provincial departments and municipalities. “We strive for accountability and sustainability in the management of public finance. How we use and account for every cent matters,” Letsoha-Mathae stated. According to the premier, the latest audit outcomes showed improvements in provincial government departments, with three achieving clean audits, eight…

PREMIER MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has paid tribute to three Free State soldiers who were among the 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) last month while on a multinational peacekeeping mission. Delivering her State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Bloemfontein on Friday, the premier described the deaths of the troops as a tragic and devastating loss to the province and the country. She identified the three fallen heroes as Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi from Unit 1 Extension in Selosesha, Thaba-Nchu, Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele from Paul Roux and Rifleman Mokete…

THE Free State government has committed R1.9 billion towards the construction, upgrading, and maintenance of road infrastructure in a bid to bolster economic growth and connectivity across the province. Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, delivering her State of the Province Address in Bloemfontein on Friday, emphasised the significance of efficient road networks in driving development and enhancing economic opportunities. “Highways, railways and access roads connect people, cities, towns and rural areas, enhancing prospects of economic opportunities,” she said. “We are inspiring confidence to bolster growth and development. And time will be the judge of our work.” Among the major road projects set…

PREMIER MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of municipalities in the Free State, citing failures in water, electricity and refuse removal services. Speaking during her State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Bloemfontein on Friday, she acknowledged the mounting service delivery challenges and pledged urgent intervention to restore basic services. Letsoha-Mathae painted a grim picture of the situation, highlighting the neglect of critical infrastructure. “Water treatment plants are not maintained. Electricity infrastructure is collapsing. Taps are dry. Streets are littered with garbage,” she said, underscoring the growing frustration among residents. Several municipalities, including Mafube, Tokologo, Kopanong,…

PREMIER MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to driving inclusive growth and job creation in the Free State as she delivered her State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Bloemfontein on Friday. She acknowledged the province’s economic challenges while expressing confidence in its recovery and long-term growth prospects. “This year is about unleashing the economic potential of the Free State,” Letsoha-Mathae declared. “Yes, we need inclusive growth, greater investment, higher income, better living standards, more jobs, less poverty and reduced inequality in turning a new page in our province’s economic journey.” Despite global economic disruptions and local financial struggles,…