By: Lerato Mutlanyane
South Africa’s fight against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is intensifying, with Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen closely overseeing the arrival and rollout of vaccines across the country as part of the government’s strategy to contain the outbreak.
The campaign has focused heavily on the hardest-hit provinces, particularly KwaZulu-Natal’s Mooi River region and parts of the Free State. Government efforts include the delivery of large vaccine consignments, a nationwide vaccination programme, and the strict enforcement of disease-control measures.
On Monday, 2 March 2026, Steenhuisen visited a farm just outside Bloemfontein alongside Free State MEC for Agriculture Elzabe Rockman, where he monitored the vaccination rollout and engaged with veterinary teams working on the ground.
The minister said the government is maintaining tight control over vaccine distribution to ensure the programme’s success and to help South Africa maintain its FMD-free status. Authorities have set an ambitious target to vaccinate 80% of the national herd and reduce FMD cases by 70% by December 2026.
“I am deeply impressed by the response here in the Free State, as well as the professionalism and dedication of the veterinary services,” Steenhuisen said.
“Last year, we adopted a new strategy that moves away from chasing outbreaks across the country to a proactive approach of vaccinating the entire national herd.”
Meanwhile, Rockman said the Free State Department of Agriculture has intensified awareness campaigns to educate farmers and communities about the disease and the importance of biosecurity measures. The province now releases weekly updates on infection rates, suspected cases and affected areas, while also hosting community engagements and information sessions focused on prevention.
“FMD has become the central topic of awareness and education in our engagements,” Rockman said.
“The more people understand the symptoms and the strict biosecurity measures required, the better our chances of containing the disease.” She added that collaboration between government, farmers, and communities remains essential to protecting the agricultural sector.
“By working together, we can gain control over the FMD outbreak and move agriculture towards a more prosperous, economically viable and sustainable future for all farmers in the Free State — commercial, communal and small-scale alike,” Rockman said.
Steenhuisen stressed that defeating the disease will require a collective national effort.
“It can’t just be the Department of Agriculture or the farming sector alone. It requires all of us, including active citizens who act as the eyes and ears in their communities,” he said.
“It is only through maximum compliance with the law and biosecurity measures that we will ultimately beat Foot-and-Mouth Disease in South Africa.”
Despite progress in the vaccination drive, authorities acknowledge that the battle against FMD is far from over. However, officials remain confident that sustained collaboration and strict control measures will eventually bring the outbreak under control.
By: Matshidiso Selebeleng
Armed with passion, persistence and a sharp eye for style, Daniel Oageng turned a simple idea into a growing online fashion brand. Today, Danny Elegance Boutique is helping men dress with confidence — one tailored look at a time. In 2016, Oageng launched an online men’s boutique, Danny Elegance Boutique, armed with little more than a deep love for fashion, natural talent and a background in business development.
Over the years, experience, resilience and a clear vision have helped him grow the brand and navigate the demands of entrepreneurship. “My journey with Danny Elegance Boutique has shaped me into a stronger businessman who understands that success is built through consistency, learn ing and perseverance,” said Oageng.
Although the business is now thriving, he started small — selling men’s accessories such as ties, pocket squares and colourful socks. As an online store, Dan ny Elegance Boutique serves customers across different regions, offering convenient access to quality men’s fashion without the limitations of a physical storefront.
Despite operating digitally, the brand prides itself on maintaining personalised customer service, with ambitions to expand both nationally and internationally. Now 49, Oageng says his inspiration came from recognising a gap in the market.
He realised that many men wanted to dress well but lacked access to stylish, affordable and convenient options. “I noticed that men often struggled to find outfits that truly reflected confidence, class and modern elegance.
I wanted to create a brand that would help men feel empowered through what they wear, because fashion is not just about clothing — it is about identity, presence and self-expression,” he said. Starting was not easy. With limited stock and minimal resources, Oageng handled every aspect of the business himself — from marketing and sales to packaging and customer communication.
What sets Danny Elegance Boutique apart, he believes, is its commitment to elegance, personal service and attention to detail. “We don’t just sell clothing — we help men build confidence, whether it’s a formal suit, a smart-casual outfit or stylish accessories,” he explained.
The ultimate goal, he says, is to ensure every customer feels distinguished and self-assured. Like many in the fashion industry, Oageng faces constant challenges. Trends shift rapidly, prices fluctu ate, and competition from established brands can be fierce. Economic pressures and limited capital also pose risks for small businesses trying to establish themselves.
“To overcome these challenges, I focus oncontinuouss learning and adaptability. I stay updated with fashion trends, listen carefully to customer feedback and constantly improve service delivery,” said Oageng.
He added that building trust through reliable communication, honest marketing and quality products remains one of the brand’s top priorities.
By: Mpho Sekharume
The Free State Legislature, spearheaded by Speaker Mxolisi Dukwana, convened its second annual Speaker’s Forum at the Golden Gate National Park on Thursday, 5 March 2026, marking a pivotal moment in the province’s commitment to administrative excellence.
This strategic gathering brought together municipal speakers from across the province under the theme of ‘Strengthening Municipal Governance, Legal Capacity, and Digital Transformation’ in anticipation of the upcoming elections.
By fostering an environment of collaborative learning and shared responsibility, the forum serves as a progressive platform designed to elevate standards of accountability and enhance public participation through modern technological integration. In an exclusive interview with Journal News on the sidelines of the event yesterday, Dukwana explained that the Speaker’s Forum was a necessary space for leaders to align their efforts for the benefit of all citizens.
“The constitution of the country expects us to collaborate and work together in ensuring that proper services are rendered to our people,” Dukwana said
“So, you can’t do that without working together to ensure that accountability, proper and effective public participation happens, we need to share good practices, and we need to share knowledge and advise one another on how we can carry on with our responsibilities without fear or favour. That is why we are here,” he added.
The forum, which concludes today, 6 March 2026, is actively seeking to redefine the scope of a Speaker’s influence, moving beyond the traditional perception of merely presiding over council meet CENTLEC (SOC) Ltd commenced a 60-day General Amnesty on meter tampering, illegal connections and unauthorised meter shifts.
This initiative invites consumers who have engaged in meter tampering, illegal connections, or unauthorised shifting of meter boxes to voluntarily disclose to normalise their status without facing the standard punitive penalties or prosecution. Champion Runner Dijana Trades Finish Line for Service at NWU Page 15 The Vision Behind Winnie’s Palace Page 5 ings. Dukwana challenged his colleagues to embrace a more robust oversight role, noting that their responsibilities extend far beyond the gavel - particularly regarding financial monitoring and Section 71 reports.
“Over time, we have seen that the role of the Speakers, especially in the municipal councils, is only seen as chairing councils and nothing more. But we have a very important role – especially when it comes to Section 71 reports. Their responsibility within the council is not only because the constitution demands that we have accountable councils…and that is what we need to do,” he stressed.
North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi and Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong. Picture: Baagedi Setlhora
By: Refilwe Mochoari
Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has urged the North West Provincial Government to adopt the national government communication policy aimed at strengthening how the state communicates with citizens.
Morolong made the call on Wednesday during a meeting with members of the provincial executive council at the Mmabatho Palms Hotel in Mahikeng. The meeting also brought together representatives from the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), and Brand South Africa.
As the minister responsible for GCIS, Morolong stressed the importance of effective and coordinated communication between the government and the public. He noted that the Cabinet has recently resolved to review the government communication policy, which serves as a strategic framework to ensure coherent, transparent and consistent messaging across all spheres of government.
The GCIS provides strategic communication leadership and support to government institutions and is responsible for submitting a National Communication Strategy to Cabinet. “I am here to familiarise the provincial government executives with the government communication policy,” Morolong said.
He explained that GCIS works closely with the MDDA and Brand South Africa to fulfil its mandate. The MDDA focuses on promoting media development and diversity by creating an environment that enables public discourse reflecting the needs and aspirations of all South Africans.
Brand South Africa, meanwhile, serves as the country’s official marketing agency, tasked with promoting South Africa’s global reputation and ensuring the nation remains competitive and respected internationally.
Following a closed session with Morolong, North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi said discussions also focused on positioning communication effectively across the three spheres of government, with a strong emphasis on keeping the public informed.
Mokgosi also highlighted the need for stronger government support for community media. “Our responsibility as government is to inform people about what the government is doing. Departments must provide reports on their progress in supporting local media.
As a province, it is our duty to support local media,” Mokgosi said. Morolong was accompanied during the visit by senior officials from GCIS, the MDDA and Brand South Africa.
Compromise unity slate rejected as internal divisions and public lobbying intensify
By: JN Reporter
The African National Congress (ANC) in the North West province is facing deepening internal turmoil after a proposed compromise unity slate was rejected, triggering intensified factional divisions and an open scramble for support ahead of the upcoming provincial conference.
The collapse of unity talks has exposed sharp fault lines within the party, with rival camps now openly canvassing branches and lobbying delegates in a bid to consolidate power.
What was initially framed as a last-ditch effort to present a united front has instead unravelled into a public display of mistrust, heightening tensions and raising concerns about further instability in the province. Tensions escalated last week following the leak of a 90-second audio clip on social media, allegedly capturing a conversation between Deputy Provincial Secretary and Education MEC Viola Motsumi and the MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation. In the clip, Motsumi launches a scathing attack on Premier Lazarus.
“Lazi” Mokgosi. In her response to the leaked recording, Motsumi also accused former ANC Provincial Deputy Chairperson and ex-Matlosana Local Municipality mayor, China Thamsanqa Dodovu, of becoming the “biggest wedge driver in contemporary ANC politics”.
She warned that should attacks against her continue, she would expose “the details surrounding his resignation as mayor, including the serious issues of other malfeasance and misconduct that accompanied it”.
A party member who spoke to Journal News on condition of anonymity said the recent public spat between the two dominant factions — one led by provincial chairperson Nono Maloyi and the other aligned to his deputy, Mokgosi — is merely “the tip of the iceberg”. “The cracks are too deep now,” the source said. “A lot is happening among leaders contesting positions.
Secret meetings are held daily, and plans are being made to discredit opposing factions. A compromise unity slate was proposed, but both factions rejected it because members wanted inclusion in the top five.”
According to the source, while many members initially supported the idea of unity, disagreements over key positions proved insurmountable. “Both slates want their preferred candidate to be elected as chairperson, and other contenders are unwilling to be excluded from a unity list,” he said.
The disagreement – according to the source – led the PEC to request a two-month postponement of the provincial conference from the party’s Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula. The conference was initially scheduled to take place later this month.
“That request has not yet been responded to, as far as I can tell,” a source said on Wednesday. Campaign posters circulating on social media reflect the growing contestation. In one version of the Maloyi-aligned slate, Maloyi is positioned for chairperson, with Maine tipped for secretary, while another poster places Maine as provincial treasurer.
Current provincial secretary Louis Diremelo is contesting for deputy chairperson under Maloyi, whilehis deputy, Motsumi, is seeking to retain her position, according to both posters.
Notably, Kenetswe Homane appears as a preferred candidate for treasurer on both the Maloyi-aligned slate and on Mokgosi’s slate. The Mokgosi-aligned grouping reportedly lists Sello Lehari as deputy chairperson, Mpho Khunou as secretary, and Tebogo Modise as deputy secretary.
The unfolding leadership battle has raised concerns among broader provincial structures, including the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO), a key ANC-aligned civic movement. Provincial SANCO spokesperson Mzukisi Jam accused some ANC members of prioritising personal ambition over the interests of the organisation. “Sometimes this results in the mobilisation of support for leaders who may lack the necessary competence, but who are elevated through factional victories and subsequently deployed into government,” Jam said.
He added that SANCO is “deeply disappointed” by the conduct of certain ANC leaders ahead of what he described as a critical gathering. “Recent public developments during the State of the Province Address have revealed the extent to which internal factional battles have shaped how members of the same political party speak about one another,” he said.
The Tripartite Alliance partner has called on ANC members to prioritise organisational discipline over personal vendettas, warning that internal divisions only serve to weaken the movement. Attempts to obtain comment from ANC provincial spokesperson Tumelo Maruping were unsuccessful, as calls went unanswered and questions sent to him had not been responded to at the time of publication.
By: Matshidiso Selebeleng
South Africa is mourning the loss of Mosiuoa Gerard Patrick Lekota, the founder and leader of the Congress of the People (COPE), who passed away aged 77 on Tuesday following a period of illness.
Affectionately known by his struggle moniker, ‘Terror’, Lekota was a formidable figure in the country’s political landscape for decades.
Born on 13 August 1948, his journey as an activist saw him play a pivotal role in the fight against apartheid, leading to his imprisonment on Robben Island alongside global icon, Nelson Mandela.
Lekota’s contribution to the liberation movement was profound, particularly through his involvement with the United Democratic Front (UDF).
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has reflected on this legacy.
“Comrade Terror was instrumental in the formation and leadership of the United Democratic Front, which pushed for boycotts and sanctions, heeding the call from Lusaka to make Bothas apartheid South Africa ungovernable,” Mbalula posted on social media platform X.
Following the dawn of democracy, Lekota served with distinction in several high-ranking positions, including as the first Premier of the Free State, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), and Minister of Defence for nearly a decade.
During his tenure as Defence Minister, he significantly expanded South Africa’s peacekeeping footprint across the continent in alignment with the African Union’s agenda.
However, his political path took a dramatic turn in 2008 when he left the ANC following the recall of Thabo Mbeki.
This led to the formation of COPE, marking a significant shift in the country's multi-party democracy.
His passing marks the end of an era for a leader who remained a vocal participant in the national discourse until the very end.
