Marti Will
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Acting Free State Premier Jabu Mbalula convened a high-level meeting in Hennenman to address a shutdown in Phomolong related to a solar project recruitment issue. Community concerns over the flawed process led to protests and disrupted essential services, impacting healthcare and education, especially for Grade 12 students facing exams. Mbalula urged for calm and emphasized…
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Three suspects, two men aged 39 and 41, and a 46-year-old woman, were arrested in Virginia for allegedly carrying explosives intended for a cash-in-transit vehicle bombing. Police intercepted them after receiving a tip-off. They face charges under the Explosives Act for unauthorized possession of explosives.
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Healthy trees are being illegally cut for firewood at Wolhuterskop Nature Reserve, despite ample dead wood available. The Democratic Alliance has raised concerns about oversight and potential illegal activity involving game meat. They plan to request documentation from officials and may pursue criminal charges if unlawful actions are confirmed.
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Nala Local Municipality is implementing financial recovery measures to address significant budget deficits threatening service delivery. Key challenges include high service costs, aging infrastructure, and weak debt collection. Proposed measures include linking prepaid vending to billing, cost containment policies, and revisions to employee-related expenses, aiming for a balanced budget and improved financial discipline.
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The Democratic Alliance (DA) has proposed an urgent motion in Nala Local Municipality following the death of a nine-year-old and municipal workers due to open electrical infrastructure. The motion demands immediate action to secure live electrical boxes and conduct a thorough investigation into the negligence, with a response required by May 29, 2026.
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The Free State’s unemployment rate has hit 37.8%, the second highest in South Africa, with an additional 11,000 unemployed in Q1 2026. Rising living costs and recent job losses, particularly in construction, exacerbate the province’s economic woes. Investment in infrastructure and tourism is suggested to create jobs and stimulate growth.
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The Democratic Alliance (DA) is addressing water and infrastructure crises in Free State municipalities. In Letsemeng, they urge immediate action on water wastage issues. In Phumelela, they call for accountability over a contractor’s poor work affecting roads and safety. The DA seeks financial oversight and inquiries into project management failures.
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The programme of the National Zoological Gardens aims to create sustainable, captive-bred populations that act as a backup for wild populations.
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Raw sewage continues to flow near St Helena Primary School in Welkom, posing health risks to students and blocking access to local businesses despite multiple court orders. The municipality has failed to take action, prompting local officials and the Democratic Alliance to demand accountability and urgent intervention to address the escalating crisis.
