Marti Will
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A joint oversight committee has revealed serious governance and financial issues in Free State municipalities, particularly Matjhabeng and Nala. Matjhabeng has accrued R18.8 billion in debt and suffers from severe service delivery failures. The DA calls for the removal of its mayor, while Nala faces ongoing financial challenges and accountability gaps.
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Schools and public facilities in Ngwathe face electricity disconnections due to late payments from government departments, impacting vulnerable residents and learners. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed concerns over the administrative failures causing service interruptions and is seeking to verify government-linked accounts to mitigate the situation for affected communities.
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The Free State Provincial Government has resolved the shutdown in Phomolong, Henneman, following protests over the Middelpunt Solar PV Project. A stakeholder meeting led to a Memorandum of Demands prioritizing local employment. Community leaders expressed appreciation for the government’s intervention, which restored essential services and ensured transparency in the recruitment process.
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Recent heavy rainfall has led Free State dams to reach 106.7% capacity, surpassing last year’s levels. Several dams, including Gariep at 109.1%, are overflowing. While this improves water storage, floods have caused property damage and impacted water services. Authorities urge water conservation and report infrastructure leaks. Caution is advised during floods.
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Seven-year-old Lesedi Khatoane from Welkom has achieved notable success by winning the Little Miss Universe 2026 and Top Model Of The World 2026 titles in Turkey. Since beginning her modeling career at age two-and-a-half, she has accumulated over 25 pageant titles, bringing recognition to South Africa and inspiring many.
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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.
