A new whistleblower report has exposed widespread irregularities in job appointments at the Mangaung Municipality, Free State, revealing a culture of nepotism and favoritism in hiring practices.
The report, published on 1 April 2025, details how senior officials appointed individuals without proper advertisements, interviews, or adherence to recruitment policies. Key allegations include:
The Directorate of Public Safety hired four individuals between December 2023 and January 2024 without following due process.
The City Manager’s Office, under Mr. Sello More, made multiple unprocedural appointments, including key service delivery positions.
Mohau Mpakane was appointed General Manager for Research & Knowledge Management despite lacking the required qualifications and experience.
L. Rasoeu, a former Democratic Alliance PR Councillor, was controversially hired for a managerial position despite not meeting the eligibility criteria.
The employment of DD Arries, a newly hired clerk, raises concerns as he was the only person in a group of 24 not previously associated with the municipality, with the rest allegedly linked to a "ghost workers" scheme.
The report has been submitted to the Cogta Minister, the Public Protector, the Free State Premier, and President Cyril Ramaphosa for review. The local administration has yet to respond.
This is a developing story. [ 3 April 2025 ]
Source: The Star
In a remarkable act of community service, Raubex has once again demonstrated its commitment to the residents of Universitas, Mangaung, by repairing 46 potholes and patching 9 roads in the Logeman Street area. This initiative, undertaken without reliance on municipal support, underscores Raubex’s dedication to road safety and infrastructure maintenance—responsibilities that the ANC-led Mangaung Metro Municipality has consistently neglected.
Despite residents paying taxes that are meant to fund essential services such as road maintenance, the ANC-run municipality has failed to uphold its duty, leaving streets riddled with dangerous potholes that damage vehicles and endanger motorists. The blatant disregard for infrastructure upkeep forces private companies like Raubex to step in and perform the work that should rightfully be handled by the municipality.
Raubex’s selfless intervention is a testament to its corporate social responsibility, providing much-needed relief to Universitas residents who have long suffered due to governmental inefficiency. The company’s commitment to ensuring safer roads, despite not being obligated to do so, speaks volumes about its integrity and willingness to support the local community.
Meanwhile, the Mangaung Metro Municipality must be held accountable for its continued mismanagement of public funds. With taxpayers contributing millions in revenue annually, residents rightfully demand better service delivery. The municipality’s failure to address these critical issues raises serious concerns about where these funds are actually being allocated.
It is high time that the ANC-led local government prioritises its legal and ethical obligations. The people of Mangaung deserve functioning infrastructure, not empty promises and further neglect. If private companies like Raubex can take the initiative to improve community living conditions, why can’t the municipality fulfil its basic responsibilities?
Raubex’s work in Universitas is commendable, and the community extends its deepest gratitude for their generosity and commitment. Their actions highlight what responsible leadership should look like—something the Mangaung Metro Municipality would do well to learn from. [ Metro Correspondent 31 March 2025 ]
Article by Metro Correspondent - HESM 14 March 2025
Photo supplied.
Photo supplied.
Photo supplied.
The Springboks have announced their home Test venues for the 2025 season, marking a return to the Eastern Cape for the first time since 2021. They will play six home Tests, starting with a match against Italy in Pretoria on 5 July. The second Test against Italy will be held at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on 12 July, their first game there since 2021.
South Africa will then face Georgia in Nelspruit on 19 July before defending their Rugby Championship title. They will host Australia in Johannesburg (16 August) and Cape Town (23 August), then travel to New Zealand for Tests against the All Blacks in Auckland (6 September) and Wellington (13 September). Their final home Test will be against Argentina in Durban on 27 September, followed by an away match against the Pumas in London on 4 October.
Incoming Series:
5 July: SA v Italy – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
12 July: SA v Italy – Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha
19 July: SA v Georgia – Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Castle Lager Rugby Championship:
16 August: SA v Australia – Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
23 August: SA v Australia – DHL Stadium, Cape Town
27 September: SA v Argentina – Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
Original Article on The South African
The Free State is reportedly the worst-performing province in South Africa economically. It has a high unemployment rate, financial problems, and many students failing at school.
Economic Performance
In 2023, the Free State had the lowest growth rate (0.1%) of South Africa's nine provinces, as the country's GDP grew by 0.7%.
In Q2 2024, the province experienced a decline of 0.1%, following its poor economic performance in conjunction with the Northern Cape.
Despite a modest Q1 2024 upturn, avoiding recession, the Free State remains one of the poorly performing provinces.
Principal Economic Regions
Agriculture: The province generates 5% of the country's agricultural production, mainly producing maize, wheat, cattle, and sheep.
Mining: It has large gold, diamond, and coal mining activities.
Manufacturing: The Sasolburg refinery of Sasol is extremely significant.
Challenges
Unemployment: Standing at 38.5%, rising to 41% if the wider definition is used.
Municipal Failures: Poor service delivery resulting from corruption, politically motivated appointments without qualifications, and financial mismanagement.
Infrastructure Deterioration: Only 6% of the roads are in good condition, while 33% are extremely poor.
Education Crisis: Even as students record a high pass rate, 41% of them drop out between Grades 10 and 12.
Proposed Solutions
Shifting funds from ailing projects to construct infrastructure, particularly roads.
Encouraging enterprises to invest in rural towns by producing food and energy.
Embracing AI and technology-driven governance changes.
Enhancing rural security to discourage farm crime. The economic revival of the Free State depends on firm political will, shifts in governance, and astute investments in infrastructure and local economies.
Original article on Businesstech
The premier of the Free State maintains that improved economic opportunities, amidst disruption and international uncertainty, motivate her government.
In the third quarter of 2024, unemployment had gone down from 37.6% to 36% compared to the previous quarter, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae said on Friday (21/2) when presenting her speech in Heidedal, Bloemfontein.
She characterised this as a turning point. "Signs of consistent and sustained economic growth are encouraging.".
Thanks to reduced inflation, falling interest rates, and ongoing investment, our growth will rise to 1.6% this year." The "hard work" of the government at generating employment in the public works programme has been "very successful," Letsoha-Mathae said. "Jobs have been generated years through the expanded public works programme, and women, the youth, and persons with disabilities have been the main beneficiaries.".
In Phase 5 of this programme, the provincial government aims to create 30,115 jobs. "I am happy to report today that in the 2024/25 financial year, the first year of Phase 5, we have created 19,792 job opportunities already," said the premier.
The province is firmly committed to SMME development. "They quite simply are the foundation of our inclusive growth and job creation," she said, citing a few examples of projects, programmes, and partnerships. "We will introduce more programmes to improve access to opportunity and funding, particularly by women, youth, people with disabilities, and military veteran-owned businesses. We make no apology for this."
She promised to raise the number of small businesses that can compete, especially in rural and township communities. "This will complement local development and construction industries by employing targeted, clever buying."
The government will redirect the provincial economy by prioritising Free State businesses when procuring goods and services. This will help those businesses add value to the provincial economic development.
Public Entities Repositioned The premier aims to boost the manufacturing sector's current 10.2% share of the economy through partnerships and a special economic zone in Maluti-a-Phofung.
"Last year, we audited all our public institutions and made certain recommendations," said Letsoha-Mathae. "We will soon appoint a new board for the Free State Development Corporation to secure investments, improve corporate governance, and improve the way we do business." This will not only render our public services function better but, above all, boost the economy, create employment, and reduce poverty," she pledged.
[ 21 FEB 2025 ]
MANGAUNG METRO HOSTS TWO-DAY INFRASTRUCTURE INDABA
Mangaung Metro launched its two-day Infrastructure Indaba on Thursday, 13 February 2025, at the Bloemfontein City Hall. This event is led by the electricity entity, CENTLEC. The Infrastructure Indaba is one of the events that set the stage for the first Mangaung Investment Summit. The last day of the summit is today, 20 February 2025.
Mangaung Investment Summit : The panel discussion was led by HOD Nokuthula Chakane. Its purpose was to position Mangaung as a destination of choice. Dr. Mkhize outlined three strategic approaches to support the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality:
Utilising Cultural Heritage – She pointed out how vital it is to showcase Mangaung's abundant cultural heritage, such as Basotho culture, its status as the ANC's birthplace, and the significance of the National Museum. Developing Business and Tourism Events – She highlighted the necessity to stage events that draw external attention, trigger investment, and promote the image of Mangaung.
Improving Infrastructure – Dr. Mkhize suggested opening a platform for the youth to present their new ideas on how to grow the economy. She also urged investors to host events that create business leads.
By prioritizing these key areas, Mangaung can be made into a leading business and cultural destination.
The following is stated in a post on the Mangaung Municipality Facebook page. "Currently, day two of the first-ever Mangaung Investment Summit is still underway. It features key discussions on transport planning and logistics, as well as the manufacturing of smart technology. While we explore these crucial themes, Mangaung is truly advancing, fostering growth, and promoting a sustainable future."
However, the locals of the metro are not as excited as the other tourists. In spite of the ambitions to make Mangaung a top business and cultural hub, locals would prefer to witness the basic services get better first, like clean water, trash collection, fixing sewage, safe pothole-free roads, and secure neighbourhoods. Some locals also question whether Mangaung can ever be a cultural hub.
Here are a few comments made by metro residents:
Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality Promoting Basotho culture alone is a weak strategy because it does not guarantee tourism or investment. Tourists are drawn to unique experiences rather than just history, and without well-developed attractions or commercialised cultural experiences, Mangaung will struggle to attract visitors. Cities like Cape Town and Durban thrive because they offer a combination of natural attractions, entertainment, and business-friendly environments. Additionally, many locals, especially younger generations, do not actively engage with traditional Basotho culture in their daily lives. If the local population does not find it exciting, it is unlikely to appeal to outsiders.
And this is going to resolve the "no service" to the residents of Bloemfontein HOW. Just another party.
No business wana invest in Free state.
Ha le qeta le iketsa eka ha le tsebe mabaka.
How am I going to distribute my products if you don't have roads 🤔
CBD kasi ho a tshwana.
Mangaung ha hona moo Uber e tla tsamaya di kasi kaofela Botshabelo Thaba nchu
Bloemfontein.
Le be lere batho ba tlo investa.
Capetown on informal settlement hona le tar road because they understand business.
Ke truck ya mang e tlamehileng ho tlo wela nou dipuleng Tse?
I doubt that a destination without access to water will attract any tourists... A town should, at the VERY LEAST, offer basic human rights (eg, access to water) to its residents before presenting itself as a 'tourist destination'.
We don't even have water in this Metro and you guys are hosting investment parties.
Looking forward to seeing who will invest in the thuggery in the Free State.
Which residents of Mangaung are talking about how many projects have stopped in MMM because of the very same municipality? So do you call [this] job creation or fooling people around while you're blasting your stomach? Can you tell why we don't know ... gore di projects di emisitswe keng tsa masepala ka hara moetse if you're serving people not your own stomach you're buzy serving social media ore le server batho if you were a true public figure should be not ignored and proud like yourself and serve people with integrity, respect, honour, etc. wena you're the last to talk about improving people's lives or creating job because hao itsi motho ke eng akere o none jwale
It is very clear from residents. First fix and maintain basic service delivery issues before embarking on "pie in the sky" projects.
[ 20 Feb 2025 ]
Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana’s Budget Speech 2025 has been postponed. Parliamentary Speaker Thoko Didiza says the budget will be presented at a date to be announced. It is believed that the Cabinet briefing ahead of the budget led to the adjournment of the budget.
Other political parties were opposed to the postponement of the budget speech.
EFF Julius Malema has accused the Speaker of denying the country to hear the budget. He says the executive has collapsed.
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza made the announcement a short while ago. [ 19 FEB 2025 ]
https://www.welkomcity.africa/breaking-budget-speech-2025-postponed/
Eskom’s financial crisis in the Free State is worsening due to illegal electricity connections and municipal debt. Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramakgopa revealed that municipalities nationwide owe Eskom R100 billion, with Free State municipalities alone owing R26 billion. Meanwhile, municipalities themselves are owed over R380 billion by consumers.
Illegal connections significantly contribute to this debt. To combat the issue, the government is rolling out smart meters, which have already improved electricity revenue collection in Maluti-A-Phofung (MAP) to over 90%. This initiative will be expanded nationwide to formalize illegal connections and improve billing accuracy.
The government also aims to enhance infrastructure, enforce credit control on non-paying households, and ensure proper distribution of the free 50kWh electricity allowance. Additionally, R4 billion annually will be allocated to help municipalities develop their own power sources, particularly solar energy. [ 19 Feb 2025 ]
Two men were sentenced to five years in prison for attempting to steal a circuit breaker from the Peter Swartz substation in Bloemfontein on 6 June. The theft caused damage amounting to R10,732. Centlec, the local electricity provider, welcomed the conviction, emphasizing the severity of infrastructure crimes. Spokesperson Lele Mamatu highlighted ongoing issues of vandalism and theft in Mangaung, warning that such crimes can carry penalties of up to 30 years. Residents are urged to report illegal activities to the police or Centlec to help prevent further disruptions and financial losses. [ 17 FEB 2025 ]
Mangaung Metro requires R3 billion to address severe water and sanitation challenges, according to municipal manager Sello More. Speaking at the Infrastructure Indaba in Bloemfontein, More highlighted that 79,000 households lack basic services, and ageing infrastructure has led to frequent water outages and service failures.
Mayor Gregory Nthatisi stressed the need for investment and partnerships to resolve these issues, as municipal funding alone is insufficient. The Auditor-General’s report revealed financial mismanagement, with over R1.6 billion in unauthorised, irregular, and fruitless expenditure. The Indaba aimed to attract business expertise to find sustainable solutions. Despite the challenges, More expressed hope for collaboration between government, the private sector, and residents to improve infrastructure. [ 17 FEB 2025 ]
Two female police officers, Sergeant Mamorena Shuping and Constable Lucia Marumo, have been released on R1,000 bail each after allegedly assaulting Stephanie Booysen at the Heidedal police station in Bloemfontein. Booysen had visited the station to report a domestic violence incident when the altercation occurred.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) is investigating the matter, and the officers face charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. CCTV footage reportedly shows one officer slapping Booysen while another pushes her towards the station’s entrance.
The case has been postponed to March 7 for the Director of Public Prosecutions to review the charges. Meanwhile, SAPS has launched an internal investigation, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations but also stressing the need for due process before any disciplinary action is taken. Police management acknowledged public outrage and concerns about police brutality but stated that any suspension must follow legal procedures. [ 17 FEB 2025 ]
