Latest news with #FreeState-based
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
ANC Free State MMC to apply for bail amid fraud allegations
Fraud-accused Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality member of the mayoral committee for Social Development Pastor Mary Crockett is expected to apply for bail at the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate's Court. Image: Supplied A senior ANC ward councillor in the troubled Free State-based Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality is expected to appear before the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate's Court to face fraud charges. Member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for Social Development, Pastor Mary Crockett, is scheduled to apply for bail on Wednesday after being arrested over the weekend for fraud, following accusations that she has been selling government houses and vacant sites in the area. On Monday, Crockett made a brief appearance, but the case of fraud against the Ward 28 councillor was remanded to Wednesday, August 6, and she remains behind bars. Free State police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring confirmed that Crockett has been charged with fraud. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading DA councillor Ana Motaung said the party believed it would be better that she be replaced as MMC pending the outcome of the case against her. 'Only the MEC (Free State Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Saki Mokoena) can remove her as a councillor, which he won't do until there is a court finding. 'But the mayor (of Maluti-A-Phofung, Malekula Melato) has the power to replace her as MMC,' she explained. Motaung added that the mayor appointed her, and she can remove her. 'The DA will commit to monitoring the court proceedings until the matter is fully resolved.' Maluti-A-Phofung spokesperson Thabo Khessah said it is still early days for Melato to make a determination on whether or not to sack Crockett. 'MMC Crockett still has to appear in court and follow due court processes. We need to emphasise that she hasn't been found guilty of any crime. Like any other person, she's presumed innocent until proven otherwise,' he stated. ANC Thabo Mofutsanyana regional secretary Jeff Mohapi said: 'The ANC awaits a report regarding the matter of which upon a receipt of such a report, it will act accordingly.' Crockett, known internationally as HIV/Aids pastor, has featured in a number of international publications and television news channels and for a number of years has run the Pheko Ka Kopanelo Development Centre to assist orphaned children.
The South African
17-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs striker going back to his old PSL club?
Kaizer Chiefs have to make way for the highly anticipated new signings for next season. Ranga Chivaviro, who left Marumo Gallants for Amakhosi in 2023, has only made 43 appearances and scored nine goals in two seasons across all competitions. According to Soccer Laduma, the Limpopo-born star is set to exit Kaizer Chiefs to re-join Gallants in Bloemfontein. 'Indications are that Gallants are open to having him back on board next season, especially with Gabadinho Mhango expected to leave the Free State-based side at the end of the campaign,' the outlet reported. In the meantime, Kaizer Chiefs will take on Sekhukhune United at 15:00 from the Peter Mokaba Stadium. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Star
10-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Whoop, whoop, roaring green-and-white hoops of Bloemfontein Celtic braced for PSL return
Herman Gibbs | Published 3 hours ago The heart of Free State's football fraternity is racing with anticipation as Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie is on the cusp of completing formalities for the return of the defunct Bloemfontein Celtic, fondly known as Siwelele, to the Premier Soccer League (PSL). A consortium spearheaded by McKenzie is orchestrating the transition of the PSL franchise of beleaguered SuperSport United to Bloemfontein Celtic. According to sources familiar with the deal, only the funds have yet to change hands, but information about the agreement suggests an imminent announcement will be made at the end of the current season. McKenzie's commitment in this saga first came to light in February when he expressed a strong commitment to see the potential return of Bloemfontein Celtic to the PSL. At the time, McKenzie told Botha Msila, Celtic's dedicated No 1 fan, that Celtic would soon be back in the PSL. 'I gave him my absolute word that Siwelele is coming back,' said McKenzie, who further underscored his belief in the group's capability to restore the club to their former glory. 'Many tried and failed, but this group will not fail. Exciting times ahead.' The Free State-based club saw their top-flight status sold off amidst financial turmoil in August 2021. The then-owner Max Tshabalala made the heart-wrenching decision to sell the club's PSL status due to crippling financial difficulties. He sold to business mogul Shauwn Mkhize, popularly known as MamKhize, for R50 million. Following the acquisition, she rebranded the team as Royal AM, sparking an outcry among loyal Celtic supporters who have long yearned for the beloved Siwelele back in the elite league. It seems that McKenzie and his consortium were biding their time, and they struck when the franchise of the beleaguered SuperSport United became available. Despite these mounting reports, SuperSport United's current management remains cautious. Stan Matthews, the CEO of SuperSport United, has come forward to dismiss the speculation. 'Since 2019, there have been persistent rumours about the club being sold,' he stated. 'As far as I know, our main focus right now is to avoid relegation.' Media queries directed to SuperSport's chair, Khulu Sibiya and media officer, Brian Moshoeshoe, have gone unanswered. As speculation regarding the club's sale intensifies, the looming question remains: will SuperSport United finish the season strong enough to avert the playoffs and relegation, and subsequently, will these talks dissipate? For now, the club's immediate fate lies in the next three games, crucial fixtures against Stellenbosch FC (May 17 away), Orlando Pirates (May 20 home) and Richards Bay (May 24 home) that will determine whether the sale will continue. As discussions surrounding investment and club management continue, the prospect of revitalising Bloemfontein Celtic has ignited excitement across the region. Fans, who have kept the club's spirit alive through unwavering support, await further updates with bated breath. The journey ahead may be fraught with challenges, but the vision of seeing Siwelele return to the PSL again is beginning to feel tangible. Over time, the loyalty of Celtic's fans has never waned, and many have continued to rally for the return of the club that holds a special place in the hearts of the local community. The coming weeks will be critical for SuperSport United's survival in the league and the prospective return of Celtic's roaring green-and-white hoops to the South African football landscape.
IOL News
10-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Whoop, whoop, roaring green-and-white hoops of Bloemfontein Celtic braced for PSL return
Gayton McKenzie Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie hopes to have Bloemfontein Celtic back in the PSL. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix The heart of Free State's football fraternity is racing with anticipation as Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie is on the cusp of completing formalities for the return of the defunct Bloemfontein Celtic, fondly known as Siwelele, to the Premier Soccer League (PSL). A consortium spearheaded by McKenzie is orchestrating the transition of the PSL franchise of beleaguered SuperSport United to Bloemfontein Celtic. According to sources familiar with the deal, only the funds have yet to change hands, but information about the agreement suggests an imminent announcement will be made at the end of the current season. McKenzie's commitment in this saga first came to light in February when he expressed a strong commitment to see the potential return of Bloemfontein Celtic to the PSL. At the time, McKenzie told Botha Msila, Celtic's dedicated No 1 fan, that Celtic would soon be back in the PSL. 'I gave him my absolute word that Siwelele is coming back,' said McKenzie, who further underscored his belief in the group's capability to restore the club to their former glory. 'Many tried and failed, but this group will not fail. Exciting times ahead.' The Free State-based club saw their top-flight status sold off amidst financial turmoil in August 2021. The then-owner Max Tshabalala made the heart-wrenching decision to sell the club's PSL status due to crippling financial difficulties. He sold to business mogul Shauwn Mkhize, popularly known as MamKhize, for R50 million. Following the acquisition, she rebranded the team as Royal AM, sparking an outcry among loyal Celtic supporters who have long yearned for the beloved Siwelele back in the elite league. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ It seems that McKenzie and his consortium were biding their time, and they struck when the franchise of the beleaguered SuperSport United became available. Despite these mounting reports, SuperSport United's current management remains cautious. Stan Matthews, the CEO of SuperSport United, has come forward to dismiss the speculation. 'Since 2019, there have been persistent rumours about the club being sold,' he stated. 'As far as I know, our main focus right now is to avoid relegation.' Media queries directed to SuperSport's chair, Khulu Sibiya and media officer, Brian Moshoeshoe, have gone unanswered. As speculation regarding the club's sale intensifies, the looming question remains: will SuperSport United finish the season strong enough to avert the playoffs and relegation, and subsequently, will these talks dissipate? For now, the club's immediate fate lies in the next three games, crucial fixtures against Stellenbosch FC (May 17 away), Orlando Pirates (May 20 home) and Richards Bay (May 24 home) that will determine whether the sale will continue. As discussions surrounding investment and club management continue, the prospect of revitalising Bloemfontein Celtic has ignited excitement across the region. Fans, who have kept the club's spirit alive through unwavering support, await further updates with bated breath. The journey ahead may be fraught with challenges, but the vision of seeing Siwelele return to the PSL again is beginning to feel tangible. Over time, the loyalty of Celtic's fans has never waned, and many have continued to rally for the return of the club that holds a special place in the hearts of the local community. The coming weeks will be critical for SuperSport United's survival in the league and the prospective return of Celtic's roaring green-and-white hoops to the South African football landscape.
