By Lerato Mutlanyane
Weaver of vibes, energy, and atmosphere. Take a back seat as we walk you through Gomolemo ‘Geemo’ Moahlodi’s journey. If you have been in the Bloemfontein music scene, Geemo is no stranger to you. Seismic track selector, playlist incalculable as the future, his energy unmatched, his looping rhythmic, his equalizer balanced, his fading untraceable, and the atmosphere he sets is out of this world. Bars and basses structured accordingly, Moahlodi has been running the decks for a consistent 15 years, and to date, he has made a name for himself. “My voyage started in the township. I was playing at children’s parties then moved to nightclubs. “I drew inspiration from the local DJs such as U.T.B., to the legendary Poka Moloi, KB Pobe, Vho Hatso, Vindeep, just to mention a few, he said. All these prominent individuals have helped steer Moahlidi’s DJ career in the right direction; now, most event posters in Bloemfontein feature his face. “Time went by, and I fell in love with cub event hosting and met people like China Mkhwenyana, KayG clean slate, and Shaxe Khumalo. “Their events were representing and pushing music rather than lifestyle in the township and that is when I decided I wanted to see more of that going further. That is how my event, ‘FRIDAYS IN THE HOOD’ came about, he added. Moahlidi kept weaving the ‘FRIDAYS IN THE HOOD’ movement, and he got to host music heavyweights like, Josiah De Disciple, Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa, Abidoza, Thebe Lenyora, Cassper Nyovest, DBN GOGO, DJ Tshegu, and many more. Stages are ignited when he swerves the decks, building great energy in his amapiano sets. He says he plans to take his craft and talent to higher heights. “In the coming five years, I want to release my first Album, share my music with the world through tours because there is no better storyteller like music, and basically gravitate towards everything and everyone that wants to hear my music. “More will be shared as time goes by, not every plan needs to be out there because not everyone moves like you, there will be roadblocks, and everyone wants to be number one in a race that doesn’t get to the finish line, he said. Moahlodi forms part of the architects of the Bloemfontein music scene, and he keeps building up the chaos in the piano melodies. Want to get more of Geemo? Follow him on Facebook, Gomolemo Geemo Moahlodi.
By Lerato Mutlanyane
From selling food to fund her first project to leading a thriving construction company, Kutala Tshangela is rewriting the script for women in mining and construction
Kutala Tshangela, from Khuma Township just outside Klerksdorp in the North West, is the co-founder of L&L Innovations (Pty) Ltd — and she is on a mission to transform the construction industry while empowering women along the way. L&L Innovations is a construction company that specialises in supplying goods to the mining sector. Tshangela says the company plays a significant role in the sustainable growth of the supply chain within the mining, industrial, agricultural, and corporate sectors. The business operates across several divisions, including supply and demand, travel and leisure, as well as security services. She knows first-hand what it means to be a woman navigating traditionally male-dominated spaces. “Entering the mining and construction sectors at a young age came with challenges I had not anticipated. As a woman in a male-dominated environment, I often had to prove my capabilities beyond what my male counterparts were expected to do. Earning respect, navigating technical expectations, and finding my voice in labour and operational spaces were some of the earliest obstacles,” she says. “But entering these sectors was tough — and it made me tougher. I had to prove myself time and again, but that is what drives me to create change.” Tshangela attributes her resilience to her background. “My upbringing in Khuma and the mining community of Buffelsfontein instilled in me courage. Becoming a young mother while still in high school strengthened my discipline and determination. These experiences prepared me to face intimidating environments with confidence.” Through continuous learning, professionalism, and consistency, she built a reputation anchored in competence and integrity. Her roles at AngloGold Ashanti, as well as her involvement in labour structures and political leadership, taught her to stand firm, speak up, and lead with purpose. One of her greatest milestones came in 2010, when she co-founded L&L Innovations with nothing but determination and a shared vision. “We raised funds by selling food in our community, and our first road construction subcontract proved that success is not about starting with resources, but with purpose,” she shares. Tshangela is also the founding chairperson of the Tshangala Foundation, launched in 2024. The foundation is a community-driven organisation dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children, empowering families, and addressing systemic socio-economic challenges across the North West and beyond. There are already long-term plans in motion to ensure the sustainability of both the business and the foundation. “The Foundation aims to become a leading force for social relief, youth empowerment, and community transformation. Our goal is to break cycles of generational poverty, support vulnerable learners, expand mental health interventions, strengthen drug rehabilitation partnerships, and extend outreach to rural and farming communities,” said Tshangela.
By Abigail Visagie
From long shifts at a courier company to creating a global beauty brand, Fezakiah Strauss turned her gifted hands into a thriving business that’s transforming lives in Heidedal and beyond
F ezakiah Strauss, the owner and founder of Mrs Strauss Beauty Parlour, has become a rising sensation in the Heidedal community — leaving many residents asking, “Where does she come from?” Born and bred in Kimberley in the Northern Cape, Strauss manufactures a range of hair-growth and skincare products, including hair-growth oil, hair-growth butter, shampoo, conditioner, face-wash soap, and skin-repair cream. She says she always knew she was destined for far more than what her hometown could offer, and decided to relocate to Bloemfontein to pursue her ambitions. She founded her business two years ago and officially registered it in April this year. Her best-selling Mrs Strauss hair-care range has transformed the lives of many men and women. Strauss says she has helped clients who struggled with dandruff, lupus, eczema, and other conditions affecting healthy hair growth. Reflecting on her journey, she says that just two years ago she found herself questioning her purpose. “In January 2023, I envisioned owning a therapeutic hair parlour dedicated to braiding and styling clients’ hair. However, I was offered employment at a courier company in February 2023. Although I worked strenuous hours, I still found the time and strength to braid one client after work, because I found so much comfort in using my hands while earning a second income,” she said. Four months later, her braiding business began gaining attention, but she continued working at the courier company. She says the job became an opportunity to acquire business skills and build a client database while remaining employed. “My manager at my previous employment trained and equipped me, and years later, I was inspired to finally take a leap of faith by opening my own salon.” As a mother of three, Strauss says she faced many challenges balancing work and motherhood, yet she continued braiding hair — even up to Christmas Eve in December 2024. “I would start my day at seven in the morning because a winner does not quit. I continued doing both jobs until I eventually resigned from the courier company to pursue my ambitions. I started experimenting with hair-care products and eventually discovered the winning recipe — the beloved Hair Growth Mist,” she said. In April this year, Strauss expanded her product line to five manufactured items and officially registered Mrs Strauss Beauty Parlour. She says one of the greatest advantages of being her own boss is setting the pace for her work. “Hair-care products and braiding hair come naturally to me. I can travel and spend quality time with my husband and our children while still making a profit,” she said. Today, her hair-care line ships products around the world — from Bloemfontein to clients as far away as Dubai
Khutlang’s journey to culinary fame
By Lerato Mutlanyane
Armed with nothing but a dream and a love for authentic flavours, Mantwa Khutlang transformed her life and the city’s tastebubs. This is the story of Bokamoso’s unstoppable rise.
From the white dust of the chalkboard to being celebrated as one of Bloemfontein’s mostsought-after culinary masters, Mantwa Khutlang’s journey is a story of grit, reinvention,and unwavering vision. Today, the founderand Chief Executive Officer of BokamosoCatering & Events Management stands asa multi-award-winning entrepreneurwho continues to build her empire oneplate, one event, and one bold stepat a time. As the creative force behindBokamoso Catering & EventsManagement—an elegant,state-of-the-art catering andevents company nestled inthe heart of Westdene— Mantwa has crafted abrand known for its richAfrican cuisine servedwith a luxurious modern twist. More than just a dine-in stop,Bokamoso offers a sensoryexperience. “We aspire to bean eatery of first choice for anyone with an appetite for our scrumptious menu,” she says. “Our meals include lamb, beef and chicken stew, mogodu, chicken feet, wings, sheep head, trotters, and more— served with dumpling, pap, and sides.” Targeting consumers who crave authentic African flavours with contemporary flair, Mantwa believes her food reconnects people with their roots while giving them a break from the fast-paced world. “In our meals, they connect with the essence of who they are,” she shares. A mother and a teacher by profession, Mantwa left the classroom to pursue her lifelong passion for culinary arts—one that began with catering weddings and high-profile events. Her family, she says, has been her backbone throughout this transition. “My family is very helpful in the running of the business, and that makes life easier for me… I don’t have to do this alone. The support structure is my strength,” she says. Beyond the kitchen, Mantwa serves as chairperson of Women in Tourism for the Mangaung Region. Her leadership, discipline, business acumen, and dynamic personality have earned her recognition across the province. Starting with zero capital—armed only with determination and creativity—she has built Bokamoso into a thriving five-figure enterprise. “Our story is proof that with resilience, hard work, and creativity, nothing in the business world is impossible,” she says. Bokamoso’s customer base spans young professionals, corporate clients, government officials, travellers, and families seeking authentic South African flavours. But Mantwa’s vision extends beyond catering. She rents out luxury garments, offers curated lunchbox packages, owns a men’s grooming studio, and provides massage and retreat services. She is also a skilled hair and nail specialist—an embodiment of multi-dimensional entrepreneurship. Over the years, Bokamoso Catering & Events has earned widespread acclaim, including being crowned the winner of the 2018 Coca-Cola DStv Food Festival and receiving nominations at prestigious culinary events across the province. Underpinned by values of teamwork, continuous learning, creativity, innovation, and active community engagement, Mantwa leads with intention and excellence. Watching Bokamoso grow is witnessing the tangible expression of Khutlang’s journey—constructed piece by piece with courage, skill, and an unshakeable belief in her dreams. She is not only reshaping the city’s culinary landscape but also inspiring a generation of young women to dream audaciously and build boldly.
By Abigail Visagie
With six consultation rooms, a pharmacy and modern facilities, the newly opened Borwa Clinic signals a fresh chapter dignity and accessible healthcare for Tweespruit residents
Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has officially opened the long-awaited Borwa Clinic in Tweespruit, marking what she described as a national milestone for the community. The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla, Health MEC Mahlatsi Monyatso, and Mantsopa Local Municipality Mayor Mamsie Tsoene. Mathae said the opening represents “a chapter of dignity, care and hope” for the people of Tweespruit. “We are here to fulfil a promise. When the 7th Administration took office last year, my colleague MEC Mahlatsi stood before the Legislature and presented a vision—one anchored in our mandate to build a resilient, equitable and quality healthcare system that leaves no one behind,” said Mathae. She added that the 2024 budget speech made it clear that universal, premium healthcare must extend to all communities, including small towns like Tweespruit. “As a child of Tweespruit, it brings me great joy to see our community finally blessed with such a beautiful clinic. I am immensely proud of this historic moment,” she said. 24-hour services on the horizon Mathae announced that efforts are underway to convert the new facility into a 24-hour clinic, noting that Tweespruit experiences heavy traffic during peak periods such as the festive season. “Tweespruit forms part of the R709, connecting travellers to the Eastern Cape. We are also within the N8 junction, which increases traffic and accident rates. It would be advisable to have a 24-hour clinic—and you know when we speak of something, we come with action,” she said. Job creation The Premier confirmed that construction of the clinic created over 492 local job opportunities, including 247 for young people. She acknowledged community concerns about current staff shortages and recommended that recruitment prioritise Tweespruit residents. “The filling of critical posts, investment in our nursing colleges and the Free State College of Emergency Care, and the aggressive push toward digital health—these are the building blocks of a system we can all be proud of,” Mathae said. Emergency Medical Services praised Mathae commended the province’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for their swift response to the recent N8 IBL accident that claimed 11 lives. “On behalf of the Free State provincial government, I express my gratitude to the EMS staff, Botshabelo and Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital for their unwavering support and assistance,” she said. Mayor’s remarks Mantsopa Mayor Mamsie Tsoene expressed joy that the long-promised clinic was delivered during her term. She added that the opening also symbolises broader progress for Tweespruit, which recently regained access to water after prolonged challenges. The Borwa Clinic features six consultation rooms, a pharmacy, ablution facilities, a children’s playroom, nappy-changing room, water tanks, e-lockers, a security office and a storage facility. In closing, Mathae said: “Let the story of the Borwa Clinic be the story of the new Free State: a province that builds, that cares, and that forges ahead with determination. “Let us move forward together—with compassion, innovation and an unwavering belief in a healthier, stronger future for all who call this beautiful province home.”
By Matshediso Selebeleng
Provincial Legislature Ad Hoc Committee set to submit extension request as new witnesses emerge and thus required to testify in probe into Premier’s improper conduct allegation
Groep’s wild allegations dismissed as pure gossip and hearsay, while Mokgosi is focused on amplifying service delivery to struggling municipalities
The North West Legislature Ad Hoc committee probe into allegations of improper conduct levelled against Premier Lazarus Mokgosi will continue beyond the 27 November 2025 deadline, with a pending extension request by the committee set to be submitted. Established by the North West Legislature to investigate Naledi Local Municipality Mayor John Groep’s allegations against the premier, the committee’s extension request comes because of the emergence of more witnesses that are expected to give testimony in front of the committee. Committee spokesperson, Vuyisile Ngesi, tells Journal News that there are additional witnesses that were not initially expected to appear in front of the committee, but were later identified and drawn into the proceeding through recent testimonies from the four witnesses that have already appeared before the committee. “According to the terms of reference of the Ad hoc committee - in line with the standing rule 187 of the legislature, not just the provincial legislature, the Ad Hoc committee is empowered to summon witnesses for testimony. “The evidence leaders interacted with identified witnesses, and the witnesses that were able to deposit their testimony were the ones that were identified as the complainants – which is Groep and other identified and implicated parties,” he said. Groep’s allegations against Mokgosi broke ground during the oversight visit of Parliament’s Joint Portfolio Committees to the various municipalities in the province. He alleged that Mokgosi had instructed a former employee of the municipality to alter a report regarding the appointment of Modisenyane Segapo as their Municipal Manager. On Monday, 24 November 2025, Groep faced thorough interrogation by the committee and made provision of evidence that supported his allegations. He further pointed out that some documents even had vivid signs of having been tampered with. “Mr Segapo did not have the required qualification, but from the letter we received from the MEC confirmed that his qualifications, the municipal finance development program, and the compliance qualifications are consistent with annexure B to the regulations, five years’ experience at a senior management level, more than five years’ experience senior management experience, Mr Segapo is complaint,” he told the committee. Groep added that the letter submitted to the office of former Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Nono Maloyi, is riddled with inconsistencies and was created to deliberately cast doubt on the process that was followed. On the contrary, Thabo Appolus, the fourth witness who appeared in front of the committee yesterday, rebutted Groep’s allegation further dismissing his allegations as gossip. “The committee is here to investigate men’s gossip (sic). I had thought that it was women who were often accused of gossip, but I was wrong … men gossip too, and so does Groep. He added: “He involves himself in other men’s business and reveals them with confidence as though it were his own articulation, and as though he was present. That is why he came here as a witness.” Appolus further reminded the committee that the chairperson, Nathan Oliphant, asked Groep if his evidence was hearsay, to which Groep dubiously replied with an emphatic ‘yes’. Despite the allegations Mokgosi maintained his focus on actively pushing the service delivery programme around the province called Thuntsa Lerole. The programme is aimed at ensuring that the communities receive all services due to them from the provincial government. One of the areas that was targeted was the Tswaing Local Municipality, which forms part of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District. Tswaing, which continues to face serious service delivery challenges, was identified as one of 10 local municipalities that were prioritised for the more intense fifth phase of this accelerated service delivery programme. Part of the ongoing endeavour to improve the state of local road infrastructure, the provincial government embarked on pothole patching from Delareyville to Ottosdal, and blading was conducted in some of the few identified internal roads across the local municipality.
