News

…accuses detractors of using women as tools for political gain

By: Abigail Visagie

As South Africa marks the end of Women’s Month today, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality’s (MMM) general manager of communications, Qondile Khedama has found himself battling to salvage his image and integrity after being accused of sexual harassment by a junior colleague.

Various reports this week have alleged that the metro’s spokesperson suspended a female employee after she rejected his romantic advances. Khedama has since poured cold water on the accusations, insisting that he merely took disciplinary measures towards an insubordinate member of his team.

Meanwhile, Mangaung City Manager Sello More confirmed that the matter had been brought to the municipality’s attention in the form of a grievance. In line with due process, the municipality did not pre-judge it as a formal sexual harassment case, but addressed it in accordance with its internal protocols and prevailing labour legislation.

He revealed that the matter was neither negotiated nor settled outside the metro’s formal structures, but has instead been dealt with under the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) Main Collective Agreement.

Clause 13.1.1 of the agreement provides that the grievance procedure is deemed a condition of service to both employer and employee.

“A grievance hearing was convened on 22 July 2025, with all relevant parties present, including representatives of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU).

“After hearing the matter and reviewing submissions, no evidence was presented to substantiate claims of sexual harassment against Mr Khedama.

“Accordingly, no findings were made against him, and the matter was concluded at the grievance level,” More stated.

Speaking exclusively to Journal News on Friday, Khedama vehemently denied ever making sexual advances towards the staff member in question or anyone else, subsequently dismissing the allegations as a calculated attempt to tarnish his integrity by those “using women as tools for political gain”.

“People need to distinguish between work policies and politics. Politicians should play politics and not use women as their tools for political gains,” Khedama said.

“It is painful to face such a serious allegation simply because somebody believes you are blocking them from potential monetary benefits. I don’t issue tenders or participate in any procurement processes,” he added

When pressed to reveal who could possibly be plotting against him, Khedama insisted that the matter had been adequately dealt with procedurally and that he preferred to put it to rest.

He further claims to have not been unaware of any further developments since rolled out disciplinary measures against the employee in question.

“I (only) learned about the employee’s suspension later, because the line manager deals with these matters.”

In contrast to recent media reports, SAMWU’s regional secretary Lucky Sebego clarified that the union had only received a letter of intent to suspend the employee.

“To that effect, the union has responded to the letter, which is why our member (the alleged victim) remains at work. No formal complaint or grievance regarding sexual harassment has ever come to our attention,” said Sebego.

Journal News reached out to the alleged victim, but she had not responded at the time of publishing this article.

By: Mpho Sekharume

A late own goal in the 90th minute by the North West University was enough to hand the University of the Free State their second consecutive victory in the ongoing Varsity Football competition yesterday in Bloemfontein.

A spectacular freekick from Kovsies captain Iviwe Dyabuza saw the visitors succumb to pressure, leading to the costly own goal that granted the hosts all three points. This was Kovsies’ second win in four matches, having played to one low and a draw in their opening two fixtures.

This fourth round victory saw the boys from the City of Roses climb up to fourth on the log standings with seven points - tied with Wits University who are also on seven points.

Meanwhile, Central University of Technology (CUT) secured their first win of the competition at home with an all-important 2-1 win over Durban University of Technology (DUT). Although DUT started the match like a house on fire with great possession of the ball, it was CUT who managed to break the deadlock through a Nkosingiphile Lubisi strike that saw the Bloemfontein side go into the break with one goal lead.

With the first goal serving as morale boost, CUT returned from the break with great vigour, leading Lubisi to find the back of the net for a second time. DUT fought back and managed to pull one goal back through an on-target Manqoba Mlele header.

Mlele’s goal was, however, not enough as the visitors slumped to their fourth defeat in as many matches. DUT finds itself sitting right at the bottom of the log standings with no points to show.

Lubisi’s brace, on the other hand, saw the boys from the Free State capital claim their first three points and will be hoping to move further up the standings when they come up against Kovsies in a Bloemfontein derby scheduled to take place at Shimla Park on 4 September 2025.

By Selloane Khalane 
It feels almost impossible to imagine South Africa’s political landscape without Tshidi Madia’s 
voice cutting through the noise. Today, as the country mourns her passing, we are reminded not 
only of the journalist she was—but of the human being who gave so much of herself to her 
work, her colleagues, and her country. 

A Sudden Silence that Echoes Deeply 
Matshidiso “Tshidi” Madia passed away on the morning of Wednesday, 27 August 2025, at the 
age of 42, just days after her birthday. She died in hospital following a brief illness and 
hospitalization—a loss that reverberated across the media fraternity and beyond. 
Her family, through spokesperson Mahlatse Mahlase, described her as “a respected journalist” 
who “loved South Africa deeply and devoted her career to telling its stories,” and noted that 
funeral arrangements will be shared in due course. 

Madia was never just another political reporter. She saw through the fog of power, asked the 
questions others were too timid to raise, and refused to be silenced when the truth demanded to 
be told. Her journalism was fearless, yet never cruel. She challenged—and yet, she listened. 
She understood that democracy isn’t just about leaders and policies, but about the lives of 
ordinary people too often left on the margins. 

The Woman Behind the Byline 
Beyond the headlines and hard questions, Madia radiated warmth. In the newsroom—often a 
space crowded with deadlines and competition—her laughter, authenticity, and generous 
mentorship created a rare sense of belonging. She had a particular commitment to supporting 
young journalists, creating space in political reporting for voices that had long been relegated to 
the sidelines. 

Tributes poured in from across South Africa’s polarized political spectrum, reflecting the respect 
she commanded—even among those unsettled by her sharp questioning. President Cyril 
Ramaphosa recalled her deep love for the country and her vision for a better South Africa, 
especially poignant in the wake of her passing during Women’s Month. 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile mourned a “formidable” and “beloved” media voice—“the 
darling of the media,” he said—whose incisive journalism and tenacious pursuit of truth would 
be deeply missed. The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) called it “a profound loss 
to the media fraternity,” praising her as a professional of integrity who held all political actors to 
account. 

To those closest to her, Madia was more than a journalist. She was a daughter, sister, and 
friend—grounding, loving, and fierce. Her family’s loss is immeasurable; their beloved Tshidi 
brought light and laughter into every room. 

Her journalism wasn’t about spectacle—it was about service. Whether hosting her popular 
podcast Politricking with Tshidi Madia, securing rare interviews with President Ramaphosa and 
Jacob Zuma, or reporting from the Oval Office while confronting false narratives, Tshidi served 
the ideals of a free and just society with humility and tenacity. 

Funeral and Memorial: Waiting to Celebrate Her Life 
While the details of her funeral and memorial services are pending, the anticipation is heartfelt. 
News reports confirm that the family will communicate these arrangements in due course, giving 
all who loved her an opportunity to share in the grief and pay tribute. 

As we say goodbye, we carry both sorrow and gratitude. Sorrow, because her voice is gone and 
the silence it leaves is heavy. Gratitude, because she walked with us, unwavering in her pursuit 
of truth and fairness. Her legacy reminds us that journalism at its best is not about ambition or 
acclaim—it’s about courage, authenticity, empathy, and service to democracy. 

Rest gently, Tshidi. Your voice may have fallen silent, but your light continues to guide us.

By: Lerato Mutlanyane

It is common knowledge that traditional healers play a very important role in our society. Through their spiritual gifts and distinct knowledge of cultural herbal remedies, they have, for centuries, been providers of holistic care that encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

In line with global technological advancements, traditional healers have increasingly turned to social media platforms to grow their reach and recruit new customers.

While the idea of incorporating technology into the traditional healing trade is future-forward, it has also presented an opportunity for bogus traditional healers to run scams and swindle desperate ‘clients’ out of their hard-earned money.

Authorities within the traditional healing space, as well as law enforcement, have been grappling with this growing problem of bogus traditional healers swindling clients on social media.

Given the difficulties of verifying whether a traditional healer is legitimate or not and whether their remedies do indeed work, posers often get away with traditional healing scams that target desperate and vulnerable individuals.

One popular social media ‘healer’ is Gauteng-based Zimbabwean @imflowo1, who is renowned for her variety of urine-infused remedies.

With over 1.6 million followers on her platform, this practitioner occasionally recommends that they use concoctions as facewash, love potions, household cleaning products, or to attract wealth by applying it on money, amongst other extraordinary things. Some of her methods include using simple household items such as lemons, table salt and water, to name a few.

Her prominence has seen her also sell a series of her own products at her walk-in stores in Johannesburg and central Pretoria, and also on her social media platforms.

Although @imflowo1’s methods and remedies have not been verified as legitimate by the relevant authorities, she surprisingly boasts some good reviews for her products and remedies.

“As for me, I do not want to say much, but trust me, they work,” said one of her followers named Beckey on TikTok.

Several active and registered traditional healers believe that the richness and cultural significance of traditional healing should still be protected, given the prevalence of bogus healers on social media.

“The spiritual realm is deeply rooted. It’s about connecting or channelling work through spirits and providing insights to different challenges that individuals are facing – what’s working for other people might not work for you, you might have been told to drench in salt water that might temporarily work, but won’t make your problems go away because it’s just surface advice,” says Selloane Motaung, who is also a young traditional healer.

“These people are just doing it for money and a good social media following,” she adds.

Journal News also reached out to Mabodiba Thabana, a traditional healer who has 405 000 followers on Facebook, for comment, but she had not responded at the time of publishing this article.

Meanwhile, the president of the African Traditional Healers Organisation (ATHO), Dr. Orphan Oupa Moneoe, confirmed that this issue of bogus online practitioners had been quite prevalent.

“This has been ongoing for years, and people are derailing from the purpose of what traditional healing is - it is not conserved at all.

“People should refrain from falling into these traps. I would advise that people consult with registered healers so that when they fall victim, they can track back names, which organisation or traditional body they fall under, so that a formal complaint can be lodged and a case can be opened.

“These people need to be dealt with accordingly,” Moneoe concluded.

By: Matshidiso Selebeleng

Inside the steel gates and concrete walls, life runs on a different set of rules. Inmates serving time for violent crimes live in a world defined by survival, power, and silence.

This exclusive report takes you deep into the daily reality of prison life, where danger is constant, alliances shift fast, and every choice can mean the difference between life and death.

However, Journal News has uncovered that for some hardcore criminals, and those who know how to play their cards right, prison can become a paradise and even a thriving business hub.

According to current and former inmates at the Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC) who spoke to this publication, despite strict measures to prevent contraband from entering the prison, prohibited items still make their way past the steel gates, and rules designed to control inmate behaviour cannot suppress the persistence of individuality.

After serving 16 years in one of the maximum prison facilities in Gauteng province for the attempted murder and rape of his pregnant girlfriend, a 45-year-old parolee, known only as Mothibi to protect his identity for safety reasons, has come forward to share the hardships he endured in prison.

Mothibi was sentenced to 25 years in prison and released in 2021. However, the trauma of life behind bars continues to haunt him years after his release.

“When I was arrested and sentenced, I believed I would serve my time and come out rehabilitated. But that wasn’t the case. Life inside forced me to adapt to new rules and make difficult choices I never expected,” said Mothisi.

Mothibi revealed that, as a new inmate, his survival depended on aligning himself with a gang, followed by strict adherence to its rules - and complicity in any criminal activities that occurred in his presence.

“In prison gangs, every member has a role - messengers, enforcers, ‘safes’ who hide contraband, and others - depending on the dominant criminal enterprise within that facility,” he said. “These operations are often linked to the outside world through corrupt wardens and visitors. That’s part of what still ties me to the gang, even after my release.”

According to Mothibi, the worst fate an inmate can face is being forced into the role of a prison ‘safe’ or a ‘wife’.

“Those are the worst positions to be in. As a ‘safe,’ your body is used to hide contraband. As a ‘wife’, you are forced into sexual servitude. At one point, I was so afraid that I did not want to leave my cell because I knew I had been targeted. I was beaten, stabbed, my food was taken, and once, I was even smothered in my sleep.”

Another inmate, speaking during a telephonic interview from Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein, echoed similar concerns. He requested anonymity out of fear for his life.

The inmate revealed that, in addition to operating illegal enterprises and enduring ongoing violence within the prison, some inmates are being used to carry out crimes beyond the prison walls - including armed robbery and murder.

“I know of several unsolved cases involving inmates,” said the prisoner.

“I’ve witnessed crimes being committed outside the prison on the orders of gang leaders. It’s just one of the many thriving criminal enterprises - a means of survival for some,” he added.

However, national spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services, Singabakho Nxumalo, told Journal News that the department is conducting random search operations to curb the flow of contraband in prisons.

“Offenders found in possession of contraband face both internal disciplinary action and criminal charges. Ultimately, it is up to the courts, as the competent authority, to decide whether this impacts their sentences. Search operations are ongoing and unannounced to avoid predictability,” said Nxumalo.

While the Department of Correctional Services insists it is taking steps to clamp down on illicit activity behind bars, accounts from inmates paint a troubling picture of criminal networks thriving within the prison system - with consequences that extend far beyond prison walls.

As allegations of corruption and violence persist, the question remains: how secure are South Africa’s correctional facilities, and at what cost to public safety?

By JN Reporter

A 40-year-old man from Botshabelo is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on charges related to the attempted extortion of several businesses across the Mangaung area.

According to Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli, the suspect allegedly contacted business owners in Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu, and Bloemfontein, claiming to have information about planned robberies targeting their establishments.

“These businesses include a cash-in-transit security company, supermarkets, and a construction equipment and home improvement retail store,” said Mohobeleli. “The suspect is alleged to have demanded money in exchange for further details. As a result, several businesses increased their security measures, while police resources were also deployed in anticipation of the supposed attacks. However, the information later proved to be false.”

The Hawks were alerted to the scheme on Tuesday, prompting a sting operation that led to the identification and arrest of the suspect. Several cellphones believed to have been used in the commission of the crimes were confiscated.

The suspect faces charges of fraud, extortion, and defeating the course of justice.