OFM News
OFM News, in touch with your world. Covering local and national news focusing on the Free State, Northern Cape, North West and the Vaal. See more: https://www.ofm.co.za/News
PSC report on availability of textbooks at schools in FS soon released
The Public Service Commission (PSC) is expected to release a report on the availability of textbooks, teaching and learning material at schools in the Free State later this month. Free State PSC Commissioner, Henk Boshoff, says the report will be made public on June 17. The commission conducted inspections at…
FS clinics to be inspected soon
The Public Service Commission (FSC) in the Free State will soon conduct inspections at clinics in the province. Provincial Commissioner Henk Boshoff says 10 clinics from the five districts in the province have been selected for on-site inspections. The Commission visited hospitals in the province last year and found a…
New police ranks must advance professionalism
A new police rank structure, which came into effect yesterday, aims to promote professionalism in the South African Police Service said the Portfolio Committee on Police. Committee chairperson Francois Beukman says it is important that the new rank of Regional Commissioners are monitored as a lot will be expected from…
Town and country find each other at Royal Show
The 166th annual Royal Show is currently underway in Pietermaritzburg with the focus on introducing town to country. CEO Terry Strachan says the event has a unique character and culture. He says its livestock section draws competitors from across the country:
Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago
Kganyago highlighted that the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector contracted in every quarter of last year, losing 8,4% of its total value over the course of the year. He says associated sectors have also felt the impact of this contraction. Kganyago did, however, highlight the importance of making good decisions…
Agbiz Chairperson Schalk Pienaar
Staying with the Congress, Agbiz Chairperson Schalk Pienaar told OFM News they are thrilled at the turnout this year. He says delegates include members and roleplayers from various sectors in the South African economy, as well as representatives from the USA and British Governments, Mauritius and other neighbouring countries. He…
Nasionale Kinderbeskermingsweek
Nasionale Kinderbeskermingsweek word van 27 Mei tot 2 Junie in Suid-Afrika waargeneem om bewustheid van kinderregte, soos vervat in die Kinderwet van 2005, te skep. Díe veldtog, wat in 1997 begin het, poog om alle sektore in die samelewing te mobiliseer om die versorging en beskerming van kinders te bevorder…
Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago
Some 300 delegates attending the Agbiz "Fit for the Future" Congress in the Western Cape this week have heard that factors such as the drought and the weak currency have resulted in food prices having an unusually strong influence on inflation. This was revealed by Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago…
Four injured in attempted cash-in-transit heist near Brits in NW
A security officer is in a critical condition after he, two colleagues and a member of the public were shot during a failed cash-in-transit heist on the N4 near the Brits off-ramp early this morning. North West police spokesperson, Mpeilatla Talane, says three Fidelity guards travelling in two vans and…
Plant fossils found around Grahamstown to be housed at Albany Museum
Plant fossils dating back millions of years which were found during excavation for road works around Grahamstown will be housed at the Albany Museum. Paleontogist and Albany Museum scholar, Dr Robert Gess and the SA National Roads Agency Limited today unveiled a treasure trove of fossils unearthed a fortnight ago…
Fossils dating back millions of years found near Grahamstown
Blasting and excavation for road works near Grahamstown has unearthed a treasure trove of fossils dating back millions of years. Paleontologist, Dr Robert Gess says the discovery two weeks ago is significant as many species have not yet been documented or described in academic literature. Gess, a heritage consultant for…
ANC concerned about possible ratings downgrade
The ANC says while it is concerned about a possible ratings downgrade on Friday, it would rather work to better the economy than try to please the rating agencies. Standard and Poor is due to announce its ratings update on Friday, while Fitch's ratings announcement is also expected in June…
Feature: Aliens of the ocean
It may not be a well-known fact, but jellyfish have survived 650 million years on Earth. The Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town does wonderful work in researching, growing and displaying these amazing creatures. OFM News' Karien Jordaan caught up with the aquarium's jellie man, and compiled this report.
Winburg-konsentrasiekampbegrafplaas: Oorwinning vir erfenisbewaring
Die Masilonyana-munisipaliteit in die Vrystaat moet binne 60 dae 'n rehabilitasieplan saamstel om die bewaring van die Winburg-konsentrasiekampbegrafplaas te beskerm. Dit volg ná ‘n jarelange regstryd tussen die burgerregtegroep, AfriForum, drie belastingbetalers van Winburg en die Erfenisstigting weens die munisipaliteit se swak bestuur van die terrein. Die begraafplaas dateer uit…
Drought debate may be too little too late
Agri SA Executive Director Omri van Zyl says they have been lobbying for the drought to be declared a national disaster for a long time now.
Marketing strategies key to meat producer sustainability
Free State Red Meat Producer’s Organisation (RPO) Chairperson Neels de Villiers says they hope the range of expert speakers will place producers in a position to maximise profit:
Feature: Importance of Families in Communities
The International Day of Families is part of the programme of the United Nations (UN) that stresses the importance of having healthy and happy relationships with relatives. Families are the 'basic core' of our society - we are born into them and some of the most important developmental years of…
Wayde van Niekerk set for international season
The Bloemfontein and world 400m sprinting sensation, Wayde van Niekerk, departed for Rome in Italy on Monday for the start of his international season. Van Niekerk, who was crowned the 400m champion in 2015 when he beat Grenada’s Kirani James and the USA’s LaShawn Merritt in the final at the…
Drought in Springbok at critical stage
Agri Northern Cape President Henk van Wyk was in Springbok today to receive a donation of R1-million from Shell for the Agri SA drought relief fund, as well as to hand over feed to farmers. Van Wyk says the area where they were today remains critically dry:
Trigger results in tariff price adjustment
Grain SA Manager of Grain Economy and Marketing, Dirk Strydom, says the wheat tariff is in place to protect local producers and enable them to produce sustainably. He says if international wheat prices trade below a certain level, the tariff needs to be adjusted: