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WEDNESDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2016 FREE
ENTERTAINMENTLesotho football legends and filmmakers visit Dr Molemela PAGE 5
COMMUNITYElderly celebrate more than 100 years
PAGE 3
SETJHABALeponesa la mosadi le ipabola ka bokgabane
PAGE 2
LENTSWE LA BATHO • VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za
Two murder their spouses: Couples urged to seek marital assistance
Mangaung blown away by strong windsSeveral families in Bloemfontein’s informal settlements were left homeless after a storm ripped through Mangaung in the early hours of last Tuesday. Community members came together to help put back shacks blown away by the strong winds. A total of 104 houses were affected. Read more on page 2. PHOTO: EARL COETZEE
Urgent intervention required at Moroka District HospitalCATHY DLODLO
The past weekend’s rain was a welcome relief for most people, especially farmers, but not for the patients and medical staff at the Dr J S Moroka District Hospital in Thaba Nchu. For them it’s a constant struggle as the hospital’s roof is leaking and the ceiling is collapsing. This might be the least of their worries as a shortage of medical personnel is threatening service at this hospital, which can lead to the loss of lives. At first the Public Service Commission called for an urgent intervention by the Free State Health Department in a damning report on the problems that were found during an inspection. This is the second report of its kind about the state of Free State Health that this commission has published. Last year a report that followed an inspection at Pelonomi Hospital about a shortage of medication and staff and a backlog in the maintenance of medical equipment had been tabled in parliament. This year, Provincial PSC Commissioner, Henk Boshoff, said they visited Moroka Hospital as part of inspections at health facilities in the province. “At the time of visiting the hospital there were only two doctors on duty,” he said. Boshoff said this highlighted the shortage of staff and explained why patients have to queue for most of the day to be
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COMMUNITY NEWS • SETJHABA2 www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za • [email protected] • 9 November 2016
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Urgent intervention required at Moroka District Hospitalseen. He said the roof of the hospital leaks, the whole ceiling needs to be replaced and some serious landscaping is needed. The PSC was not alone in its concerns about the services
delivered at this hospital. About 100 members of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) were picketing at the hospital two weeks ago. The organisation said in a statement that the shortage of staff had led to a patient dying while waiting to be seen by a doctor. It said that they have received complaints about long waiting periods for patients, staff and medicine shortages, as well as unclean facilities. “People
are found to be lying in dirty nappies and filthy linen that hasn’t been changed for days,” said Provincial TAC Chairperson, Oupanyana Mahutsioa. He said the health system in Thaba Nchu is in crisis. Meanwhile, Boshoff met with newly appointed Health MEC, Butana Komphela, about the situation at the hospital, the report and the department’s plan of action. “In our report we gave the department six
months to address problems and the department undertook to prioritise the hospital and to do a follow-up inspection later this month,” he said.Boshoff said he can confirm that the department has already started with maintenance work at the hospital. “We also decided to dig in and help with the landscaping problem,” he explained. The TAC said they are committed to engage with Komphela constructively to
bring an end to the crisis in the Free State Healthcare system. “The situation in the Free State is desperate and requires urgent and serious intervention. We are under no illusion about the difficult task ahead of us to rebuild the Free State public healthcare system (since the removal of former Health MEC, Benny Malakoane),” said the organisation. [email protected]
Leponesa la mosadi le ipabola ka bokgabaneMATSEKO RAMOTEKOA
Ho holela mapolasing ha ho a sitisa Nikiwe Mokatsanyane ya nang le dilemo tse mashome a mararo a metso e tsheletseng hore ebe Lepolesa le kgabane. Ho sebetsa kathata le ka bokgabane hwa Mokatsanyane ho a totobatsa hore mapolesa a basadi le ona a kgona ho phetha mosebetsi wa bona jwalo ka bomphato ba bona ba banna. Ha a ntse a holela mapolasing a Dewetsdorp, o ile a kena sekolong sa Fanie Mbena. Mokatsanyane eo e leng karolo ya lekala la sepolesa sa Seloshesha o sa tswa hapa kgau e babatsang mosebetsi wa hae o motle. Mosebetsi wa Mokatsanyane o bontsha e le konstabole e mafolofolo haholo. Ho thata ho dumela hore pele a imphumana a etsa mosebetsi was ditoro tsa hae, o ile a
sebetsa difemeng tsa Matjhaena lekweisheneng la Botshabelo.Mme ka selemo sa 2008, o ile a atleha ho kena sepoleseng. O ile a ya thupellong ya sepolesa kholejeng e motseng wa Oudtshoorn moo a ileng a qeta thupello ya hae hona teng. Kamora ho qeta thupello ya hae, o ile a sebetsa Boithuso ele ho ntshetsa tsebo ya hae pele. Hoba a qete ho phethela mosebetsi wa ho ba lepolesa la moithutwana, o ile a iphumana a sebetsa ledibohong la Van Rooyen. Mokatsanyane o ile a phakisa ho bontsha hore o na le boitelo le maikemisetso a maholo. Mme ka selemo sa 2012, o ile a fumana mosebetsi wa bofokisi Boithuso hape. Mme, kamora ho sebetsa ka tlasa leihlo le ntjhotjho la kapoteni Benedict Maputle, ka selemo sa 2013, o ie a iphumana a lokela ho sebetsana
le nyewe ya peto ya ngwanana ya neng a le dilemo di nne ka nako eo. Boqhetseke ba bae bo ile ba mo thusa hore a kgone ho phethisa toka nyeweng eo ya ngwana. Senokwane se neng se belaelwa ka peto ya ngwana eo se neng se tsebahala ka lebitso la Petrus Setlai se ile sa fumanwa se le molato mme sa kwallwa tjhankaneng. Kamora moo, Mokatsanyane o ile a sebetsa ka thata ho etsa diphuphutso tse amanang le di nyewe tsa peto ka hara Botshabelo. Mme dilemong tse latellang, o ile a kgona ho thusa hore dinokwane tsa dipeto le di tlhoriso tsa bana le basadi di a hlolelwe melato ya tsona mme di kwalle ntlwana tshwana. “ E sa le ele toro yaka ho sebetsa jwalo ka lefokokisi hobane ke ne ke labalabela ho lwantshwa botlokotsebe,”
ho rialo Mokatsanyane. Le ha mosebetsi ona wa hae o le kotsi mme o batla kelello e tjhatsi, o ile a kgona ho fumana nako ya ho ntshetsa dithuto tsa hae tsa sepolesa pele. Mme o na le mangolo a mangata a diphuputso tse kenyeleditseng le mokgwa wa ho etsa diteko ho thusa ho rarolla dinyewe. “E mong wa batlodi ba molao o ile a iphumana a ahloletswe dilemo tse 127 kamora hore ke kgone ho rarolla nyewe ya peto le ho kwetela. Seo ke se hlokometseng ke hore mosebetsi ona wa sepolesa o hloka mamello le bokgoni ba ho buisana le mahlatsipa ka kotloloho,” ho rialo Mokatsanyane.Mme enwa wa bana ba babedi, o ntse a ipha nako yaho etsa mosebetsi wa hae ka bokgabane. Bekeng e sa tswa feta, Mokatsanyane o ile a hapa kgau
SEITHATI SEMENOKANE, EARL COETZEE & KARIEN JORDAAN
Several families in Bloemfontein’s informal settlements were left homeless after a storm ripped through Mangaung last week in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Powerful winds ripped roofs off houses and reduced shacks in townships like Phase 5 and Dinaweng to rubble. A resident of Dinaweng, Flip Nkanye, said: “I heard the wind blowing outside, I could hear it was getting stronger. At about 02:00 my house was blown away. I was shocked. I just saw the corrugated sheets fly off. Three shacks were blown away, but we came together with my neighbours to put them back together.”The wind also caused serious damage to Centlec’s electricity supply in many parts of the municipal area, affecting normal distribution of electricity supply. Some electricity poles had fallen due to the storm, leaving residents without electricity.
The municipality said it was helping out where it can, but its main priority was to ensure that the electric poles that were damaged be restored as soon as possible. Mangaung Metro Mayor, Olly Mlamleli, said: “If the roof is affected, the electricity is off, then it means the food in that fridge is going to rot. But once we help you, you can carry on with your life.” Mlamleli added that residents often want further assistance during times of disaster, however, the storm wind does not qualify to be declared as a disaster. She said the municipality was working together with the Department of Social Services and the Red Cross to assist those affected.The storm affected 104 houses. Ten of these houses were RDP houses and three of them were completely destroyed.And as if that and the hail the week before weren’t enough, a massive bolt of thunder hit Olive Hill in the north of Bloemfontein on Saturday night and left a path of destruction.A resident, Jeremy O’Kennedy, told Voice they heard a deafening
sound just after 22:00. Upon closer inspection, he saw the blue gum trees on the smallholding right next to them were completely destroyed. He said nothing remained of the three giant trees that must have been a hundred years old.In fact, these trees “exploded” and the debris were launched in all directions like missiles, causing extensive damage to everything within a radius of about 80m. The walls of several houses and buildings were damaged, holes were ripped in fences and almost 400 roof tiles of one house were destroyed.O’Kennedy said two steel reinforced concrete fences close to the trees were hit and the steel and cement debris flew around at a blistering speed, causing further damage.Residents in the area reported that the path of destruction stretches as far as 2,5km from the initial explosion. Fortunately no injuries were [email protected]
Nikiwe Mokatsanyane ke lefokisi le hlwahlwa ka hara motse wa Botshabelo. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Mangaung struck by natural disasters
ya ho ba lepolesa le hlwahlwa selemong sa 2015 le sa 2016 moketjaneng o neng o tshwaretswe Kopano [email protected]
Electricity supply was interrupted as electric poles were also damaged by the strong winds.
COMMUNITY NEWS • SETJHABA3 www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za • [email protected] • 9 November 2016
Elderly celebrate more than 100 yearsSEITHATI SEMENOKANE
Nowadays we often find that society neglects the elderly. They are taken to old age homes and if they are lucky, some might be paid a visit on special holidays. More often than not society forgets about them. Fortunately that’s not the case of the Mangaung Metro Municipality. The Office on the Status of Older Persons in the Premier’s Office, along with the Department of Social Services, celebrates elder persons who have reached a century or more by visiting them
at their homes and adorning them with gifts. This week eight centenarians in the Mangaung area were visited to celebrate them reaching the milestone of living for more than 100 years.Sesenyana Moeng from Rocklands in Bloemfontein celebrated turning 101 years old. She attended school at Mabanane and Waaihoek in Bloemfontein. Moeng has 10 children, 16 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren. Her daughter, Lehule Moeng, says she loves reading the newspaper and
enjoys the television soap opera 7de Laan. She says her secret to living this long, is that she has never touched a drop of alcohol or smoked in her life.Seven other centenarians’ birthdays were celebrated, including 105-year-old Moreng Sebe from Freedom Square in Bloemfontein. In Zone 1 Extension, Thaba Nchu, 116-year-old Mapheli Sempe, possibly the oldest person in Mangaung, was also celebrated, along with 102-year-old Mamakhoa Khumalo from Selosesha and 106-year-old Joalane Matikoane from Zone 2.
Botshabelo also has a few centenarians, the 102-year-old Anna Molantoa from Section B, 108-year-old Rangabai Seekoei from Section D and 106-year-old Masello Mohlomi from Section A. Acting Deputy Manager of the Office on the Status of Older Persons, Refilwe Masamane, says they often receive letters from the families of the elderly, centenarians, to inform them that they have reached this milestone. His office then visits the families to look at the living conditions of these elderly persons and from there they decide on how to
celebrate them. The centenarians receive a birthday cake, blankets and many other gifts suited to their needs. “Reaching 100 years and beyond marks a historic achievement which should be celebrated and acknowledged for defying all odds and achieving the age of 100 years and more,” says Masamane. Masamane says that the celebrations show that they treasure the elderly and will continue to celebrate and acknowledge their contribution in building a caring society for [email protected]
Anna Molantoa, celebrating her 102nd birthday, cutting her birthday cake.
Sesenyana Moeng, 101 years old, has never had a drop of alcohol in her life. PHOTOS: KATLEHO MORAPELA
Masello Mohlomi, 106 years old, at her party, receiving her gifts.Rangabai Seekoei, 108 years old, is celebrating this milestone with his friends in Section D, Botshabelo.
Sebe Moreng of Freedom Square, 105 years old, sharing some words of wisdom with Refilwe Masamane.
The Office on the Status of Older Persons in the Premier’s Office and the Department of Social Services celebrate the lives of elderly people who have reached 100 years and more.
Step up to the crease and take on your heroesEnter at kfcminicricket.co.za or by dialling *120*7535#
JHB
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The winners are Rosy Davids and Naledi
051 447 6516 | [email protected]
This competition consisted of two rounds.In Round 1 ve learners from Grade 6 – 9 were chosen
as winners to participate in Round 2,the Battle of the Grades, where Grade 6 learners
competed with Grade 7s, and Grade 8 learners with Grade 9s. The judges were
Mam Oosthuizen and Mr Kibi.
Well done to our winners!
BATTLE OF THE GRADES MATHS AND SPELLING COMPETITIONS
4 www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za • [email protected] • 9 November 2016
Stadium Fast Foods franchises are available in three provinces, as well as Lesotho.
The menu offers a variety of meals, including breakfast, lunch and supper.
The friendly staff ensure that customers receive the best service.Stadium Fast Foods received a PMR Diamond Award this year.
Stadium Fast Foods lauded with Diamond AwardSEITHATI SEMENOKANE
Stadium Fast Foods has been awarded a diamond arrow at the PMR Africa Awards. The event took place on Friday 14 October 2016. The franchise was previously awarded with a golden arrow in 2013, a diamond arrow in 2014 and another golden arrow in 2015. Lindy Rossouw, who does marketing at Stadium Fast Foods, says this achievement not only shows that the franchise is doing well, but that it is constantly improving. An affordable brand for families, Stadium
Fast Foods celebrated its 36th birthday in March this year. The family business was started by Johnny Pereira, who opened the first store in Park Road in 1984. Pereira and his son, Marcio, work together to run the six stores they own from the head office, which is based in Bloemfontein. Through the years the fast food restaurant has expanded, opening franchises in the Free State, Northern Cape and North West. The restaurant has expanded with one branch in Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Kimberley, two in Potchefstroom and two in Maseru, Lesotho.
The restaurant offers big portions of good quality food at great prices. The menu offers food ranging from breakfast to supper. There are two types of restaurants, the food court and express stores. The main difference between these stores is that the express stores do not offer any red meat, but serve menus with chicken and fish.The food available ranges from the highly popular student burgers, which are loved for their affordable price, to family and combo meals. Popular fast food combo meals available comprise chicken, fish,
beef and ribs. The menu includes breakfast meals, as well as kiddies’ meals and family meals. A new addition is the foot long sub, which Lindy Rossouw says is doing fairly well, while many customers say they mostly enjoy the burgers and wings.Stadium Fast Foods also offers daily specials for each day of the week, where one can buy two items at a discounted price. So, no matter which day it is, one can always get a delicious meal at an affordable [email protected]
PROMOTION • PROMOSIE
UFS honours alumniSEITHATI SEMENOKANE
The University of the Free State (UFS) has honoured nine of its alumni at the Chancellor’s Alumni Awards Dinner held in Bloemfontein on Saturday evening.Among the recipients of the Cum Laude Awards were former Springbok Sevens captain, Neil Powell, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Fort Hare (UFH), Eunice Seekoe, and Central Media Group CEO, Gary Stroebel. Ans Botha, who has been coaching athletics at the UFS for 26 years, received the Executive Management Award. Former Miss World and current medical student, Rolene Strauss, along with Olympic world record holder and current B.Com student, Wayde van Niekerk, both received the Ambassador Awards. The five-time recipient of the Dean’s Merit Certificate in the Law Faculty, Tanya Calitz, won the first ever Young Alumnus of the Year Award. The Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumnus Award went to Justice Mahube Molemela, the first woman in South Africa to hold the Judge President of the Free State High Court Division post.“I’m elated, and I think to say elated is an understatement. This evening when I walked in and saw the person who nominated me, I said to him, ‘thank you for nominating me because the mere nomination itself is a great honour to me’, and of course the fact that I ended up winning – it really feels good,” said [email protected]
REPORT ELECTRICITY THEFT ANONYMOUSLYSMS 32211 (R1/ SMS)
Include the following in your sms:
• The specific address where the electricity theft is being committed, including pole number, stand number, street name and section
(where possible)
• Give directions to the premises if there are no stand numbers
• Description and/or name/s of suspects
• Nature of crime (for example, illegal connections, meter tampering, illegal prepaid electricity vouchers, cable theft and
non-payment of electricity)
Tip-offs can also be made on www.crimeline.co.za or you can call the toll free Eskom Crime Report Line (Highly confidential) on 0800 11 27 22
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59 November 2016 • www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za • [email protected] ENTERTAINMENT • BOITHABISO
Nnete Mosala, Kalosi Ramakhula and Tseliso Khomari at the Qoopane Literary Gallery in Hillside View, in Bloemfontein. PHOTO: FLAXMAN QOOPANE
Lesotho football legends and filmmakers visit Dr MolemelaFLAXMAN QOOPANE
Two Lesotho football legends and two filmmakers visited Dr Rantlai Petrus Molemela at his house in Rocklands, Bloemfontein, Mangaung.The visitors were former Bloemfontein Celtics players, Tseliso “Frisco” Khomari (now the Principal-Secretary in the Lesotho Ministry of Communication, Science and Technology ), and Nnete “Lekoaetos” Mosala from Maseru in Lesotho, and filmmakers, Kalosi Ramakhula from Lesotho and Leslie Tlhabanelo from Mangaung.When the visitors met Dr Molemela, they greeted him, shook his hand and hugged him. Then they did a short prayer. They spent about an hour chatting and laughing with the father, businessman and Honorary Life President of Bloemfontein Celtic. They discussed many things, including football in South Africa and Lesotho.Lesotho’s Sunday Express dated February 2016 writes: “One player who cemented his place in Lesotho’s hall of football fame, is Tseliso “Frisco” Khomari, a utility player who piled his trade with Bloemfontein Celtic in the 1980s, as well as other South African sides such as the Hungry Lions, Rietfontein Mine, Matlama, armyside PMU and Maseru United.
Tseliso Khomari said: “Dr Molemela was admitted to the Universitas Hospital in Bloemfontein when he became sick in October 2016. I went to see him at the hospital where he was recovering. Later on, during our communication, Dr Molemela informed me that he had been discharged from the hospital, so we are here to wish him a speedy recovery and a happy life.”
Nnete Mosala said: “Dr Molemela was at our side when we were playing for his team, Bloemfontein Celtic. All the players got along so well with him. He has been like a father to all the players. We regard him as a great teacher who has made a great difference in our communities. We love him with all our hearts.”Leslie Tlhabanelo, the poet who published
an anthology of Setswana poems titled Tsoga Afrika, was given an opportunity to read his poem dedicated to Dr Molemela. There was excitement in the house after the poet had read the poem.He then presented the poem to Dr Molemela and said: “Through my poem, I thank you for all that you have done for the community of Mangaung, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu. We are what we are today because of your efforts.”Kalosi Ramakhula from the Moroka-Pula Production in Maseru, Lesotho, who released the videos, The Free State Heritage Wealth for the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, and Moshoeshoe - The Mountain King for the Basotho Nation, said: “I am happy to inform you that Leslie Tlhabanelo and I have been very busy doing a documentary film about the life of Dr Molemela.”In October 2015, the Premier of the Free State, Ace Magashule, officially announced the name change of Seisa Ramabodu Stadium in Rocklands to the Dr Rantlai Petrus Molemela Stadium. Following their visit to the house of Dr Molemela, Khomari, Mosala and Ramakhula paid a visit to the stadium named after the Honorary Life President of Bloemfontein [email protected]
www.fsl.gov.za
An Activist legislAture thAt chAmpions democrAcy
FREE STATE PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURE
www.fsl.gov.za
INVITATION TO ATTEND PUBLIC HEARING ON DIVISION OF REVENUE AMENDMENT BILL [B15-2016]
Hon. Neels Van RooyenChairperson: Portfolio on Public Accounts and Finance
Hon. Mamiki QabatheThe Speaker to the Free State Legislature
The Portfolio Committee on Public Accounts and Finance will conduct public hearing on Division of Revenue Amendment Bill [B15-2016] and is scheduled as follows:Date: 16 November 2016Venue: Chamber, Fourth Raadsaal, BloemfonteinTime: 09H00Purpose: To amend the Division of Revenue Act, 2016, in accordance with the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act, 2009; and to provide for matters connected therewith.
Free State Legislature invites stakeholders and interested parties to submit written submissions on the aforementioned Bill by no later than Wednesday, 16th November 2016. Those that are willing to do oral presentations are invited to attend the Committee session as scheduled above and should contact Committee Coordinators for arrangements ahead of the public hearing. Copies of the bill are obtainable at www.parliament.gov.za. It will be appreciated if your confirmation of attendance can reach the undersigned, by 15 November 2016. WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS BEFORE, 16 November2016
Please Submit to: Shirley Mamashie/Stephen MorometsiCommittee CoordinatorsCell: 082 555 9985/0768114414Email: [email protected]/[email protected]: (051) 407 1138/1176Fax: (051) 447 1815
For futher enquiries, please contact:Life Mokone Chief SpokespersonFree State LegislatureCell: 076 231 6810 E-mail: [email protected]
MOTORS •6 www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za • [email protected] • 9 November 2016
9 NOVEMBER 2016Your weekly motoring guide Bloemfontein Edition
It’s that time of the year again where the mercury rises and we experience a traditional African
summer. Only this year it has been particularly dry and hot.
Just the other day, the thermometer at the Autodealer office ticked over the 40 degree mark. One important thing to remember, is that the biggest killer of any vehicle with an internal combustion engine is heat. In addition to the heat causing problems for the mechanical bits on our vehicles, other parts on our cars also take strain.
Here are some tips to help your car survive these sweltering conditions:
Check your tyresDid you know that heat can
affect your tyre pressure and tread? Ensure you have your tyres
checked regularly and have them inflated to the recommended figures, which are also dependent on vehicle load.
Air is relatively unstable and in hot conditions, your tyres may expand to more than recommended pressures. We recommend having your tyres filled with nitrogen. This relatively inexpensive exercise can be carried out by a reputable tyre fitment centre and will certainly prolong your tyre life and reduce the possibility of a blow-out.
Check your car batteryA car’s battery capacity
decreases during the hot summer months. This is concerning for your battery’s life-span and your general convenience. If it falls below the recommended capacity, it may have to be replaced, so check those batteries regularly.
Replace wiper bladesWindscreen wipers contain
rubber and when this material is exposed to the sun it perishes rather quickly. This could lead to reduced visibility when it does actually rain and significantly increases your chances of an accident.
Have your vehicle’s cooling system checked
The anti-freeze/water combination that runs through your cooling system is all that is keeping your vehicle from overheating. Have the system checked to ensure that the thermostat is working properly, that the radiator isn’t leaking and just to be safe, have the system flushed and replace the anti-freeze and water to ensure that your car gets the best cooling possible.
Top tips to get your car through the heat
THE Suzuki Swift has long been the car of choice for those looking for a reliable,
fun and economical little runabout. The only issue is the part about it being little. I have a friend who has one and we struggle to get four people and our luggage inside.
To fix this little problem, Suzuki has introduced the all-new Baleno into our market. I just about crash landed in the windy city of Port Elizabeth to get a closer look at this new model.
What is a Baleno?To be honest, I don’t actually
know. What I do know is that it is built in India, it is also larger, more practical and an overall more sensible car than its Swift sibling.
Suzuki says the car features a new liquid flow design language which itself is interesting, as I cannot recall the brand having ever struck to set design language.
However, I’m glad they have because the Baleno, although not jaw dropping, is not an eyesore. I do like the subtle elements like the front chrome detailing which continues on into the top of the headlights. The sculpted accent lines along the sides serve to underline the streamlined shape.
It might be the Witbank in me talking, but I also like the chrome spoiler located below the rear window. The designers and engineers have paid special attention to making the car as aerodynamic as possible, which helps aid economy. My spell behind the wheel was mostly in the upper spec GLX, which featured the chrome detailing as well as front fog lamps and LED daytime running lights.
Interior hospitalityThe first think I noticed when
getting into the car was the fact that the seats are really soft and comfortable. Other features
include a neat and clutter-free dashboard with a Pioneer infotainment system that plays DVDs, has Bluetooth, AUX and a USB port.
Below this is a neat climate control system finished in silver which makes it stand out. The GLX also has keyless entry and keyless start.
The instrument cluster is also different from other models in that it has a small colour TFT display between the dials. Here you will find trip information, fuel usage as well as a power and torque meter for when you want to tell your passengers how much power you are using. I found the interior to be quite roomy, especially at the rear. The boot is narrow but deep and will consume 355-lites of luggage.
The driveThe Baleno is built on a
new platform which focuses on lightweight construction. This ensures that the engine’s
enthusiasm is put to the best possible use. Despite its size gain over the Swift, the Baleno is 110kg lighter with fuel consumption being pegged at 5.1-litres / 100km.
Under the bonnet lies an eager 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine which develops 68 kW / 130 Nm. It is not the most powerful thing in the world and even at the coast, I found myself having to work the five-speed manual gearbox a bit.
The Baleno is offered in two specification grades. The more affordable GL comes with the manual gearbox only, while the GLX can be ordered with either the manual or a four-speed automatic. The former is generously kitted out with the GLX further building on it.
On some twisty roads the Baleno really impresses. Suzuki has shown before that it knows a thing or two about making small cars fun, and the Baleno is no exception. Granted, the steering is a bit too light which doesn’t inspire that much confidence through the
corners, but it eats up the miles on the highway with little fuss.
VerdictAfter spending time with the
delightful Baleno, it is clear that Suzuki is on the up. The car feels more premium than I was expecting and the build quality is notable. The engine, although happy to rev, might suffer up at the reef.
One of the biggest improvements though, is the platform on which it is based. The engineers have managed to deliver a rigid chassis which is light weight and which benefits the car as well as the driving experience.
Pricing1.4 GL - R 199 9001.4 GLX - R 229 9001.4 GLX AT - R244 900The new Baleno is covered by a standard three-year/100 000 km warranty, as well as a four-year/60 000 km service plan. Services are at 15 000 km/12 month intervals.
Suzuki ups the ante with new BalenoJUSTIN JACOBS
SPORT • DIPAPADI 79 November 2016 • www.bloemfonteincourant.co.za • [email protected]
FS Stars into TKO semi-finalsMORGAN PIEK
Free State Stars have secured their place in the semi-finals of the Telkom Knockout by beating Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabidha Stadium in Durban.Ea Lla Koto beat the Amakhosi 6-5 on penalties to keep their hopes alive for silverware.Bokong Thlone opened the scoring in the quarter-final match in the 9th minute. Edmore Chirambadare, however, equalised for the Soweto giants in the 83rd minute.Thokozani Sekotlong once more handed the side from Qwaqwa the lead with a 98th minute goal in extra time, but with just 12 minutes remaining Eric Mathoho levelled matters again.The shoot-out was filled with drama, but when William Twala missed his spot-kick, Stars booked
their place in the next round.The goalkeeper, Thela Ngobeni, rightly deserved the Man of the Match award for his outstanding work in the box to ensure Stars a spot in the last four.Following the match, Ngobeni said it was tough, especially with it raining in Durban.“It wasn’t easy. Chiefs are a very good team, but it was our day today. It was difficult, especially with the set-pieces, but I will go and check my videos and see where I can improve.”Ngobeni added he had prepared for a penalty shoot-out prior to the match and used mind games to throw Twala off his game to save the decisive kick. “Luckily we managed to look at their penalties since they went to penalties against Maritzburg United as well. Especially the last one, I played
mind games with him and told him where he was going. “It worked for me. I was just enjoying myself to be honest and once the job was done, I was happy.” Ea Lla Koto will face Cape Town City F.C. in the semi-finals at the Cape Town Stadium. Eric Tinkler’s team in their turn knocked Baroka FC out with a 4-3 win.The other semi-final will see SuperSport United against Orlando Pirates after Matsatsantsa a Pitori beat Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 and the Buccaneers beat Highlands Park 2-1.The semi-finals will be played on the weekend of 25 and 26 November. The Premier Soccer League will still confirm the kick-off [email protected]
◄CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 there to calm her nerves and guide her during the process.After a slow transition period at the beginning of the year, her results have started to improve and eventually the national selectors had no choice but to select her for the world juniors.The South African team in Spain have their work cut out for them because their star player, Nita Scholtz, who is another Bloemfonteiner, was unable to make the trip due to the exams.The team will be competing against Japan, New Zealand, Peru and Iceland as well as two more teams who will be drawn.After the team event the Individual World Championships will take place at the same venue, which means that Haasbroek will get plenty of game time and this
experience will be of great benefit to her. When she returns to Bloemfontein it will also benefit
other young players licking their lips for their [email protected]
Haasbroek selected for SA Junior Badminton team
Carmen Haasbroek proudly displaying the South African flag in front of the Integrity/Anti-doping campaign banner of World Badminton.
St Andrew’s Primary School’s U8s getting to meet their hero, Pite van Biljon, at the Free State KFC Mini-Cricket Festival at the Curro School in Bloemfontein on 5 November.
Thabo Machedi from Nthabaleng Primary School, playing a well executed pull shot during the Free State provincial tournament at Curro. Will the next Temba Bavuma hail from the Free State?
KFC Mini-Cricket hits Bloemfontein
Diedrick de Vos from Fichardt Park Primary School getting active at the provincial tournament on Saturday.
Rethabile Blou from Sebabatso Primary School could be an aspiring Kagiso Rabada. KFC Mini-Cricket provides opportunities for all involved in the programme to grow, develop and shine.
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CRICKETKFC Mini-Cricket hits BloemfonteinPAGE 7
9 November 2016 WEDNESDAY
Louzanne Coetzee and Khothatso Mokone after completing the Soweto Half Marathon. PHOTO: CLAUS KEMPEN
Coetzee 15th in Soweto Half MarathonMORGAN PIEK
The blind middle distance runner, Louzanne Coetzee, competed in her biggest half marathon over the weekend when she took part in the Soweto Marathon.It is the ninth time that the paralympian has competed in a 21.1km road race, but the event was by far the biggest of her career, and she didn’t disappoint either.Coetzee completed the race in a time of 1:40:55, which saw her earning the 15th place overall in the women’s race.This was enough for Coetzee to be the 208th runner to cross the finish line at the FNB Stadium.She was guided by Clause Kempen this time around instead of Khothatso Mokone, who ran an individual men’s race where he finished in 29th. Mokone finished the race in a blistering time of 01:19:51.Kempen in own right is a well-established runner in the City of Roses and has completed numerous Comrades Marathons.
The fact that Coetzee has to be guided during a race makes it a lot more tricky and she admitted that due to the sheer amount of runners competing it made it that much tougher. “It was quite hectic,” she said. “There were 8000 people running in the 21.1km race, so there were a lot of people. But having said that, it was nothing that we couldn’t handle. Claus did brilliantly.”Coetzee added that she will be targeting this as one of the most iconic races in South Africa in 2017.“I would love to do the Two Oceans next year and will also be looking to get my time down to a 1:35:00 half marathon.”Coetzee is coached by Rufus Botha and she hasn’t had much preparation with him leading into the race in Soweto due to his recent heart attack.Botha was discharged from hospital last week Monday and is on the mend at home.Coetzee had some special words for her mentor, who recently had a triple bypass heart surgery.“We’re missing Rufus at training but I’m sure he will be back soon because he is a fighter. He’s an absolute gem in my athletics career and we’re missing him a lot. I’m looking forward to many more years working with him.”Voice has been informed that Coetzee has expressed her interest in trying her hand at trail running, which is a lot more technical and tougher than round [email protected]
We’re missing Rufus at training but I’m sure he will be back soon because he is a fighter. He’s an absolute gem in my athletics career and we’re missing him a lot
Haasbroek selected for SA Junior Badminton teamJOHAN KLEINGELD
Carmen Haasbroek from C&N Meisieskool Oranje has been named in the Junior South African Badminton team for the first time.The team is currently in Bilbao, Spain, where they are competing in the World Junior Badminton Championships.Haasbroek must feel extremely vindicated by this achievement, as she has made plenty of sacrifices to achieve this goal.Apart from the obvious sacrifices of training almost every day, she has moved from her hometown, Kimberley in the Northern Cape, to Bloemfontein at the beginning of the year. The City of Roses is rated as the mecca of this sport in South Africa.On top of this she spent the entire October in Denmark where she trained at a professional academy.She had company in the Scandinavia in the form of her Free State teammates, Anicka Bestbier and Megan de Beer, who were also training at the academy.Haasbroek is extremely excited to test herself against the world’s best and fortunately the national coach, Chris Dednam, who also hails from Bloemfontein, will beCONTINUES ON PAGE 7►