Matjhabeng Media Production

10/07/2025

30/06/2025

MATJHABENG TO RECEIVE R20 BILLION INVESTMENT AMID MAJOR MUNICIPAL SHAKE-UP

Welkom, Free State During the Matjhabeng Local Municipality (MLM) Service Delivery Summit, Executive Mayor, Honourable Councillor Thanduxolo Khalipha, made bold and wide-ranging announcements set to reshape the region’s economic and service delivery landscape.

Taking an oath before local leaders and officials, Mayor Khalipha revealed that a R20 billion investment will be injected into a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) planned for Matjhabeng. He emphasized the urgent need for more factories and industrial developments, stating that the municipality must shift from relying solely on its current industries to building a more diverse and job-creating economic base.

However, the Mayor also delivered a stern message regarding the municipality's crippling debt crisis. He disclosed that the municipality owes Eskom R5 billion in unpaid electricity bills and an additional R3 billion to Vaal Central for water services. In response, the municipality has launched "Operation Patala"—an aggressive debt recovery campaign targeting all non-paying community members, including municipal officials and co-workers. Legal action will commence by 01 July 2025, with no exemptions.

Khalipha stressed that no individual or office bearer will be spared from investigations—this includes MMCs, Speakers, Ward Councillors, and other regional representatives. In a sharp remark that drew both attention and laughter, the Mayor urged even MECs attending the summit at Ferdie Meyer Hall to "head to Machonisas" (loan sharks) if necessary to settle their electricity and water debts , because the law will be applied to all.

On the topic of service delivery, Mayor Khalipha disclosed that the municipality has already spent R250 million on fleet vehicles and machinery to support every department across Matjhabeng. “The challenge is no longer resources,” he said. “The real issue is a lack of commitment among elected leaders and municipal staff.We have the full capacity to deliver, but our workers and leaders refuse to do their jobs. From now on, there will be consequences.”

In closing, Cllr Khalipha announced that Deputy President Paul Mashatile will visit Matjhabeng on Tuesday, 01 July 2025, to officially launch a municipal-wide cleaning campaign.The initiative, themed "Putting Matjhabeng First – For Excellent Service Delivery for All" , will involve every municipal employee, regardless of rank or department. As part of the campaign, all workers will dedicate two hours every Friday to actively participate in cleaning and maintenance efforts across the municipality.

With these bold steps, Matjhabeng appears set for a period of transformation—both in its economy and in the culture of governance that supports it.

27/06/2025

Repeating Live from Matjhabeng local manicipality service Delivery summit : Ferdie meyer hall Welkom 📍

25/06/2025

🟢 Public Invitation 🟢

The Matjhabeng Local Municipality invites all community members to attend the Service Delivery Summit under the theme:

“Putting Matjhabeng First – For Excellent Service Delivery For All”

📅 Date: 27 June 2025
🕣 Time: 08:30 – 17:00
📍 Venue: Ferdie Meyer Hall, Welkom, 9460

Join government leaders, private sector partners, and civil society as we discuss strategies to enhance service delivery in Matjhabeng.

For more information, contact: [email protected] / +27 71 051 2425

27/05/2025

ANOTHER SAD DAY FOR SOUTH AFRICAN ARTS & THE CHWENEYAGAE FAMILY

Presley Chweneyagae, born on October 19, 1984, in Mafikeng, North West Province, South Africa, was an acclaimed actor whose career spanned over two decades. He gained international recognition for his powerful portrayal in the 2005 film TSOTSI which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 78th Academy Awards. Chweneyagae's performance in Tsotsi earned him the Black Movie Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in 2006, a testament to his exceptional talent

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Raised during the apartheid era, Chweneyagae's early life was marked by the challenges of systemic inequality. His mother, a police officer, recognized his passion for the arts and enrolled him in drama classes at the age of 10. He honed his skills at the North West Arts Council (now known as The Mmabana Arts Culture and Sports Foundation) and later attended a drama school managed by stage director Paul Grootboom.

Notable Works and Achievements

Beyond Tsotsi Chweneyagae's filmography includes roles in Africa United , State of Violence, Zama Zama ,and More Than Just a Game. He also portrayed Cobra Mokoena in the popular Mzansi Magic telenovela The River ,,a role that earned him the SAFTA Golden Horn for Best Actor in a Telenovela in 2019.

Theatre Contributions

Chweneyagae's theatrical work is equally impressive. He performed in various stage productions, including A Midsummer Night's Dream by Julius Caesar, and Hamlet. Additionally, he co-wrote the internationally acclaimed play Relativity ,which was later published as a book. His directorial debut, Cell No. 4,received critical acclaim.

Philanthropy and Personal Life

Committed to giving back to his community, Chweneyagae established a foundation aimed at uplifting disadvantaged communities through the performing arts. The foundation focuses on using street talks and workshops led by professional performers to inspire and empower rural youth.

Chweneyagae was married to Paulina Chweneyagae, and together they had two children. Despite his fame, he remained grounded and often expressed gratitude for his family's support.

•Legacy

Presley Chweneyagae's untimely passing on May 27, 2025, at the age of 40, left a void in the South African entertainment industry. His contributions to film, theatre, and community development have left an indelible mark, and he is remembered as a versatile actor, dedicated philanthropist, and a true ambassador of South African arts.

In recognition of his achievements, Chweneyagae was honored with the City of Tshwane Citizens Excellence Award in 2007, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to the arts.

Presley Chweneyagae's legacy continues to inspire aspiring actors and artists, and his work remains a testament to the power of storytelling and the arts in transforming lives.

📰 : Online Sources

05/03/2025

DEVELOPING STORY : 10 people have been killed in a bus accident in the Free State, on the N6. More than 30 passengers were injured.

05/03/2025

THABA NCHU - A manhunt has been launched following the discovery of a deceased male at the Old Thaba Nchu Airport In the Free State Province on 03/03. Upon arrival, the police were directed to the scene, where the unidentified African male, estimated to be between 18 and 35 years old, was found with visible severe injuries, including a missing right ear, burn marks, and sjambok wounds. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition. The deceased also had a tattoo of praying hands on his right leg.

A case of murder has been opened for investigation. At this stage, there are no known witnesses or suspects.

The investigation is ongoing, and police are appealing to the public for any information that may assist in identifying the victim or apprehending the perpetrators.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Thaba Nchu SAPS Detective Captain Lobeko Molaoa at 082 467 6612, the police Crime Line at 08600 10111, or submit an anonymous tip-off via the MySAPS App. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

🗞 Detective Lobeko Molaoa :
082 467 6612

27/02/2025

Bothaville Schools Gripped by Protest Disruption, Education Department Expresses Concern

Bothaville, Free State – The tranquility of the small agricultural town of Bothaville has been shattered this week as widespread community protests have brought education to a grinding halt at 14 local schools. The Free State Department of Education has voiced its deep concern over the ongoing disruptions, which began on Monday, 24 February 2025, and show no signs of abating.

The protests, reportedly stemming from longstanding grievances related to service delivery and local governance, have seen residents take to the streets, effectively blocking access to schools and intimidating staff and learners. While the exact nature of the specific grievances remains contested, sources indicate that issues such as water shortages, electricity outages, and dissatisfaction with municipal services are central to the unrest.

"We are deeply troubled by the impact of these protests on the education of our learners," stated a spokesperson for the Free State Department of Education. "Every day lost in the classroom is a day lost for their future. We understand the community's frustrations, but we implore them to find alternative ways to express their concerns that do not jeopardize the education of our children."

The affected schools, spanning primary and secondary levels, have been forced to close their gates, leaving thousands of learners stranded. Parents have expressed growing anxiety over the lost teaching time, particularly for matriculants facing crucial final examinations later in the year.

"My child is in Grade 12, and these disruptions are a major setback," said a concerned parent, speaking on condition of anonymity. "They need every minute of preparation they can get. How are they supposed to compete with learners from other areas when they are missing so much school?"Said a Concerned Parent

The Department of Education has confirmed that it is engaging with local authorities and community leaders to find a resolution to the crisis. However, progress has been slow, and the protests have continued to escalate, with reports of road closures and sporadic acts of vandalism.

The situation has also placed strain on teachers, many of whom are caught between their professional obligations and concerns for their safety. Some teachers have reported feeling intimidated by protesters, while others have expressed frustration at the lack of support from local authorities.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has deployed personnel to monitor the situation, but their presence has done little to quell the unrest. Calls for calm and dialogue have been issued by various stakeholders, including religious leaders and civic organizations, but these calls have largely gone unheeded.

As the week draws to a close, the future of education in Bothaville hangs in the balance. The Department of Education has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that learners receive the necessary support to catch up on lost time, but the immediate priority remains restoring normalcy and ensuring the safety of learners and educators.

The ongoing situation in Bothaville serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many communities in South Africa, where service delivery protests continue to disrupt daily life and impact essential services. The hope remains that a swift and peaceful resolution can be found, allowing learners to return to the classroom and resume their education.

26/02/2025

Pacofs to celebrate the life of Free State artist, Pesa Pheko.

The Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (Pacofs) will on 12 March host a celebration to celebrate the life of a local artist, Pesa Pheko.

“Pacofs is saddened to learn of the passing of one of the most dedicated performing artists to ever grace the Pacofs stage – Pesa Pheko, affectionately referred to as Mosotho,” according to a statement by the institution.

The celebration aims to gather artists to share some of their favourite memories while they reflect on experiences and the impactful stories about the artist. According to Pacofs, funeral arrangements are still underway and the public is welcome to send contributions to the family.

According to the report, the Provincial Organised Crime Unit was alerted to the discovery of a burnt body of an unknown male in July 2024 near Dealesville.

“Due to the condition of the remains, DNA was extracted and sent for analysis. On 19 February 2025, the investigating team, led by Captain Sekgo, received confirmation that the DNA matched a family member of Pesa Pheko, who was reported missing,” said the Free State police spokesperson, Mahlomola Kareli.

Kareli further said that the two suspects arrested will face murder charges. The suspects are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court in March.

Send a Whatsapp message to 083 768 7330 to RSVP for the celebration that will take place on 12 March, from 10:00 to 16:00, at the Sand du Plessis Theatre. The dressing theme is all white.

24/02/2025

Monday, 24 February 2025:

Loadshedding will be reduced to Stage 4 from Monday at 00:30 until further notice.

This follows the successful recovery of all five units at Majuba, two units at Camden, and one unit at Medupi since Saturday, totaling eight out of ten generation units that had tripped this weekend.

Additionally, emergency reserves replenishment is progressing well. The return of these units comes after identifying the root causes of multiple unit trips, which were unconnected and purely technical in nature, related to electrical and control system issues in auxiliary parts of these power stations.

Planned maintenance stands at 7 706MW. Eskom will provide an update on Monday afternoon.

21/02/2025

Free State municipalities continue to fail to keep their heads above water over electricity debt and supplying better service delivery. 15 towns which owe about R3.8-billion in the FS might face a dark Easter weekend if they fail to meet payment arrangements.

21/02/2025

DA FREE STATE expects Premier to address corruption in SOPA

The Free State Province Premier Ms MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae will today, Friday, 21 February 2025, deliver the State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Bloemfontein, where she is expected amongst others, to touch on the economic performance of the province.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State says it expects the Premier to address the crippling issue of corruption in the province that is eating away the economic potential of the province.

The Provincial Leader and Member of Legislature Dr Roy Jankielsohn says, the Free State has the potential to be a thriving, investor-friendly province, but corruption and poor governance continue to cripple growth. Its wealth of resources and strategic location should benefit residents, yet mismanagement prevents economic progress and job creation.

He mentioned that:

The Premier’s 2025 State of the Province Address (SOPA) must go beyond empty promises and address the key challenges blocking investment and service delivery:

Corruption and mismanagement in road contracts.

A shocking 40% learner dropout rate between grades 10 and 12.

Deteriorating healthcare facilities and services.

Dysfunctional municipalities failing to deliver basic services – now deemed human rights violations by the SAHRC.

Rising crime, especially cross-border crime, devastating the agricultural sector.

“Residents suffer daily from collapsing infrastructure, job losses, and poor services. The Premier must take responsibility and implement real, practical reforms to halt the decline and rebuild the province.

The DA will scrutinise the SOPA and measure it against our Ready to Govern Plan for the Free State—a blueprint for real change and accountable governance,” said Dr Roy Jankielsohn.

🗞 : The Weekly Business