By Abigail Visagie
Investigations are underway at the Free State Department of Health following allegations of a recruitment scam at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital, reportedly involving an employee in the X-ray department.
Several job seekers are alleged to have fallen victim to the scam after being instructed to pay R1,800 to secure employment at the hospital.
One of the victims, Lesego Sehemo from Trompsburg, said she was approached via Facebook and referred to a contact known as “John”, who offered her an administration clerk position at Pelonomi Hospital. According to Sehemo, John insisted she was qualified and could start work immediately.
“At the time, in 2018, I was an unemployed single mother. The opportunity came at the right time, but I found it strange that I had to pay R1 800 before signing an appointment letter,” Sehemo said.
Desperate for work, she borrowed the money from a local loan shark and made the payment.
Similar allegations have since emerged on social media, with WhatsApp screenshots showing a person identified as “Lizzy” from the hospital’s X-ray department allegedly recruiting qualified doctors who studied in Russia, as well as two male drivers. Applicants were instructed to submit their CVs to a departmental email address and were told they would be assisted by an individual named Ntate Kagisho Lesia.
It is alleged that applicants were later asked to pay additional fees due to a high volume of applications.
Departmental spokesperson Bonny Sehularo confirmed that the matter is under investigation and urged job seekers to remain vigilant, stressing that all recruitment is conducted through the Department of Public Service and Administration.
This week’s Journal News Sunday Edition exposes a pay-for-service scheme at a critical public health institution.
Full Article: 25 January 2026, at 12:00PM
Get Today’s Journal News — Direct to Your Device
Stay informed in real time. Download the current edition of Journal News right now. Read it anytime, anywhere.
DOWNLOAD LINK: ⤵️
Download JOURNAL NEWS - 23 JANUARY 2026
By Matshediso Selebeleng
Hoërskool Jim Fouché’s Deysel Johannes Jacobus named the province’s overall top performer
As the Class of 2025 sat for their final matric examinations, many hoped not only to pass, but to be counted among the province’s Top 100 achievers. Some even dreamed of claiming the number one spot. Those dreams came alive at the 2025 Matric Well Done function, hosted by the Free State Department of Education at the Central University of Technology (CUT). The province’s Top 100 best-performing learners graced the stage as they were called up to receive gifts from sponsors in recognition of their hard work and dedication. The celebration served as reassurance that the future of the province, and indeed the country, rests in capable hands. Among the honourees was the Free State’s overall top-performing learner, Deysel Johannes Jacobus from Hoërskool Jim Fouché in the Mangaung District, Bloemfontein. Jacobus was awarded a top achiever’s trophy, a luggage bag, a laptop, a tablet and other prizes. The gifts, provided by sponsors, were intended to ensure that the Class of 2025 begins their university journeys on the right footing. The 18-year-old said that although Grade 12 was challenging, giving up was never an option. “To be honest, I don’t really know how I did this. All I know is that I gave it my all. With the Lord’s help, a lot of prayers, many tears and late nights, here I am,” he said. “I am extremely grateful to everyone who supported me, especially my family and my teachers. Teaching is such a beautiful profession, and I truly commend it.” Jacobus also shared words of encouragement for the Class of 2026. “My message is to stay calm. Many people have the intelligence, wisdom and tools needed to succeed in life. When you sit in the exam hall with all the stress, the ‘what ifs’, and your hopes and dreams, it can be easy to panic. Take deep breaths, say your prayers if you need to, stay calm and enjoy the journey,” he added. He said he intends to study actuarial science at the University of Cape Town. While the spotlight shines on learners during this period, the educators behind their achievements watch proudly as the product of their teaching leaves high school with distinction. Thabo Moroane, one of the teachers who had the privilege of seeing his learners honoured by the province for their stellar performance, said he could not have been prouder. He urged the Class of 2026 to remain focused, emphasising that strong results require dedication, commitment and consistent engagement with their studies. “Learners need to understand that the level of competency they are exposed to now, particularly in critical and scarce skills subjects, is much higher than before,” Moroane said. “Standards have been raised to align with global benchmarks, where learners will be expected to compete internationally.” He added that examination papers are no longer set at the same level as in previous years, which partly explains the national decline in mathematics results. “As teachers, we must continuously adapt and refine our teaching methods to ensure that they meet the current standards,” he said.
By Abigail Visagie
Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul has announced changes to his provincial cabinet, appointing a new Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for the embattled Department of Health amid mounting pressure to stabilise the province’s healthcare system. The department has been without a political head for nearly four months following the abrupt resignation of former Health MEC Maruping Lekwene in November last year. MEC for Social Development, Youth, Women and People Living with Disabilities, Nontobeko Vilakazi, has now been appointed as the new MEC for Health. Meanwhile, MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform, Mase Manopole, has been moved to the Social Development portfolio. Manopole’s former position has been filled by the ANC’s former John Taolo Gaetsewe regional secretary, Lebogang Motlhaping. Lekwene resigned on 5 November 2025 amid growing calls for the Department of Health to be placed under administration. His departure followed a damning Health Ombudsman’s report that exposed systemic failures at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital (RMSH) and Kimberley Mental Health Hospital (KMHH), failures that were linked to the deaths of three psychiatric patients. An Auditor-General’s report further deepened the crisis, revealing R15.5 billion in financial irregularities within the department. Critics have since raised concerns about the stability of the province’s healthcare system, questioning the timing of Lekwene’s resignation and warning that the department was on the brink of collapse. Lekwene had served as MEC for Health since June 2020 and was reappointed following the 2024 general elections. His tenure was marred by controversy, including the department operating without a permanent head of department (HOD) for more than three years. Reacting to the cabinet reshuffle, the Democratic Alliance (DA) questioned Premier Saul’s intentions, arguing that the changes would not result in meaningful reform within the health sector. “He is simply rearranging the cabinet to fill the gap left by the resignation of former Health MEC Maruping Lekwene, without introducing the specialised, determined and ethical leadership required to restore integrity and turn the ailing health department around,” said DA Northern Cape provincial leader Isak Fritz. Fritz added that decisive leadership was crucial given the prolonged leadership vacuum caused by the ongoing HOD crisis, which has seen Dr Dion Theys seconded to an alternative position while he faces a corruption conviction and additional charges. The absence of a permanent accounting officer, he said, has resulted in the department being managed by a succession of acting appointees. “The state of the health sector will ultimately reflect Premier Saul’s legacy more than the performance of the many MECs who have held this portfolio during his tenure,” Fritz said. “At present, he risks being remembered for failing to address rampant corruption, deadly ambulance failures, crippling healthcare backlogs and the mental health hospital tragedy. It is now up to him, together with Vilakazi, to change this.”
By: Abigail Visagie
Anticipation is mounting within the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) as the party’s commander-in-chief, Julius Malema, faces the possibility of imprisonment, with sentencing scheduled for today at the East London Magistrate’s Court in the Eastern Cape. Malema’s sentencing follows his conviction for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition and discharging a firearm in a public place during the EFF’s fifth birthday celebrations at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane in 2018. The court found that his actions amounted to reckless endangerment, placing members of the public at risk. Malema has maintained his innocence throughout the trial, insisting that the firearm in question was a toy. His co-accused, Adriaan Snyman, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence. Judgment in the matter was delivered nearly seven years after the incident, which the EFF has consistently described as part of the party’s celebratory programme. It is understood that Malema intends to appeal any sentence imposed, potentially escalating the matter to the highest courts in the country. He has previously characterised the case as a “political witch-hunt” against him. Despite the high stakes, the EFF has remained tight-lipped ahead of sentencing. J ournal News spoke exclusively to EFF communications officer Sinawo Thambo, who said the party and its leadership would only comment after court proceedings conclude. “We will not be engaging in any preview commentary with media houses ahead of today’s sentencing,” Thambo said. The outcome of the case could have significant political consequences for the party. In terms of the Constitution, any Member of Parliament sentenced to more than 12 months’ imprisonment without the option of a fine is disqualified from holding public office for a period of five years. The firearm and ammunition charges were initially brought to light following a complaint by AfriForum, which argued that the matter had not received adequate legal attention and that Malema should face the same legal consequences as any other citizen. Malema faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years’ imprisonment following his conviction on five charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, discharging a firearm in a public space, reckless endangerment, and failure to take reasonable precautions. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has indicated that the case underscores the principle that no individual is above the law. Earlier this week, the EFF confirmed that Malema would be absent from ad hoc committee work due to the court proceedings. Deputy Secretary-General Leigh-Ann Mathys will represent the party in parliamentary committee engagements for the remainder of the week.
