OFM News
OFM News, in touch with your world. Covering local and national news focusing on the Free State, Northern Cape, North West and the Vaal. See more: https://www.ofm.co.za/News
Doodskis-video: Twee hoor vandag oor borgtog
Twee mans wat glo ’n ander man in ’n doodskis gedwing het sal vandag hoor of hul aansoek om borgtog geslaag het of nie. Theo Jackson en Willem Oosthuizen word aangekla van ontvoering en aanranding met die doel om ernstig te beseer in die Middelburg-landdroshof. Dit nadat hulle glo Victor…
Free Education Movement rejects UFS fee increase
The Free Education Movement at the University of the Free State (UFS) has rejected the institution's decision to increase its tuition fees by 8% next year. The University made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon. The movement's Asive Dlanjwa says they appreciate the fact that the UFS has some of the…
Feature: Pet safety and care during the holidays
The festive season tends to be one time during the year when people can temporarily forget about their responsibilities and relax. But as the NSPCA explains, owning a pet is a full time responsibility that cannot be taken lightly. OFM News’ Dane Beisheim compiled the following special report on pet…
Feature: Beach safety
With the festive season falling in South Africa’s summer, many holiday makers will look to beat the heat by paying a visit to the country’s coastlines. While swimming and other water activities are very enjoyable, tourists need to be informed about the potential dangers that lurk beneath the waves. OFM’s…
Strafhof: Regering stel saak
Die regering sal vandag in die hooggeregshof in Pretoria sy saak stel rakende sy besluit om hom aan die Internasionale Strafhof te onttrek. Die hof het gister betoë aangehoor van die DA, die Suid-Afrikaanse Litigasiesentrum, die Helen Suzman-Stigting, die Sentrum vir Menseregte en die Sentrum vir die Bevordering van die…
Dried up Kamfers Dam soon to be supplied with water
The Sol Plaatje Municipality says the dried up Kamfers Dam in Kimberley, one of only three breeding sites for the Lesser Flamingo, will soon be supplied with water. Municipal spokesperson, Sello Matsie says water will be pumped to the dam once there is an excess. The dam, once a tourist…
Feature: Three years on, remembering Madiba
Three years on and we reflect on the death of one of the most influential figures this generation has ever seen. Anti-apartheid revolutionary and former South African President, Nelson Mandela, died on this day in 2013. OFM News’ Moeketsi Mogotsi spoke to his Personal Assistant for 19 years, Zelda la…
Feature: World Aids Day
The scourge of HIV/Aids remains one of Sub-Sahara Africa’s biggest challenges. In a fight against the spread of this communicable disease, the world commemorates World Aids Day on the 1st of December. World Aids Day is to remember those who have died due to HIV-related illnesses and to show support…
Feature: Free State combines Arts and Health to Fight Aids
Today is World Aids Day and though there have been strides in the realm of reducing the stigma attached to HIV and Aids, the number of new infections remains very high, particularly among the youth. In this feature, OFM News’ Pulane Choane talks to a group of dedicated youths who…
NCC to raise awareness about consumers' rights regarding the display of prices
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has embarked on a campaign to raise awareness about consumers' rights when it comes to the display of prices. This, it says, it to prevent especially vulnerable consumers from suffering unfair treatment at the hands of retailers. The Commission says consumers with low literacy levels,…
Spesiale verslag: Die gevare van sonbrand
Dit is vakansietyd, en vir baie mense is dit ‘n tyd om met kortmoue en kaal bene rond te loop. OFM-nuus se Mark Steenbok het by die Bloemfonteinse dermatoloog, Junita van der Walt, gaan kers opsteek oor die gevare van sonblootstelling en watter voorsorgmaatreëls getref kan word om jou vel…
SA again among worst performing countries in maths and science
South Africa was again among the worst performing countries in maths and science, according to the 2015 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. TIMSS is a cross-national assessment of the maths and science levels of about 630 000 learners from 57 participating countries. Tests are conducted every four years…
ANC post-NEC briefing “sanitised official statements”
A political analyst has described the ANC’s press briefing yesterday following a marathon NEC meeting as “sanitised official statements”. Aubrey Matshiqi says the feedback that was given by the party’s secretary general, Gwede Mantashe at Luthuli House didn’t tell much of what happened at the three day National Executive Committee…
Feature: Salga Provincial Conference
The South African Local Government Association (Salga) in the Free State say they are well prepared for the upcoming national conference which takes place in Johannesburg from 28 November until 1 December 2016. OFM News’ Seithati Semenokane spoke to the Provincial Executive Officer of Salga in the Free State, Zamoxolo…
Feature: South Africans buying into Black Friday Fever
South Africans are buying into the Black Friday tradition more and more every year. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans have spent more than $50 billion each year since 2011 over this weekend. OFM News’ Moeketsi Mogotsi found out how local retailers and consumers have adopted this American custom.
Tax return deadline
People who have not yet submitted their tax returns have until 16:00 today to do so. This year's tax season for non-provisional taxpayers comes to a close this afternoon. The SA Revenue Service (Sars) says by yesterday afternoon it had already received 5.3 million tax returns with more than half…
'Ramaphosa's Marikana ghosts could come back to haunt him'
A labour analyst says Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa's Marikana ghosts could come back to haunt him. Terry Bell's comment comes after Cosatu yesterday openly backed Ramaphosa to become the ANC's next president. The trade union federation also said the next president should be someone who is not corruptible and is…
Free State govt wooing Chinese industrialists
The Free State government is wooing Chinese industrialists to invest in the Free State, especially in formerly established factory areas. Free State MEC for Economic and Small Business Development, Benny Malakoane says the province has 900 000m2 of industrial space in Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu, Phuthaditjhaba and Tshiame at Harrismith. The…
Unchange repo rate good news ahead of festive season
An economist says the SA Reserve Bank's decision to leave the repo rate unchanged at seven percent is welcome news especially ahead of the festive season. The Reserve Bank's Monetary Policy Committee made the announcement on Thursday, meaning the prime lending rate remains at 10.5 percent. Economist Ralph Mathekga says…
Cosatu support for Ramaphosa 'first significant endorsement'
Political analyst Somadoda Fikeni believes the support shown by Cosatu for Cyril Ramaphosa to succeed President Jacob Zuma is the first significant endorsement for the Deputy President. The trade union federation made the announcement during a media briefing on Thursday. This as calls for Zuma to step down have been…