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
Edenburg smallholder farmers express their gratitude
Podcast
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The Chairperson of the Edenburg Small-farmers Association, William Beck, says a feed donation from commercial farmers in the district will go a long way towards helping embattled emerging farmers:
Meeting to seek survival strategy for dairy industry
Podcast
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Milk Producer’s Organisation CEO Dr Chris van Dijk says they they will be meeting with a core group of producers in Kroonstad this week to look at the future of the industry:
Drought continues to plague Edenburg farmers
Podcast
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Edenburg Farmers Association Chairperson Andre van Wyk says commercial farmers are trying to assist communal and emerging farmers with fooder, as well as by providing mentorship and advice:
Concern as inland milk producers faced with closing up shop
Podcast
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Milk Producer’s Organisation CEO Dr Chris van Dijk says they are very worried about indications that a lot of inland producers could be forced to throw in the towel:
Wool growers seek to change with the times
Podcast
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National Wool Growers Association Chairperson Gillau du Toit says it is especially important to stay relevant to the younger generation:
Livestock owners, sellers and buyers urged to trade by the book
Podcast
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Chairperson of the National Livestock Theft Prevention Forum, Willie Clack, is urging livestock owners to protect themselves by ensuring animals are properly brand marked and says buyers and speculators should also conduct business in accordance with the Livestock Act.
Most livestock theft driven by organised crime
Podcast
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Chairperson of the National Livestock Theft Prevention Forum, Willie Clack, says only about 13% of livestock theft is for the pot. He says fraudulent or syndicated thefts are happening on a daily basis:
ANC 'misguided' to end probe into 'state capture' – SACP
Podcast
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SA Communist Party (SACP) leader and Higher Education Minister, Blade Nzimande has criticised the ANC for not further pursuing investigations into allegations of state capture. The SACP's central committee met in Johannesburg over the weekend. Nzimande says the leadership of the ANC is misguided in dismissing concerns about corporate capture…
Zuma says ANC the only party that can take SA forward
Podcast
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ANC President Jacob Zuma says South Africa is better off with the ANC in power and has urged the public to vote for the party at the August 3 municipal elections. He said the ANC was the only party that could take South Africa forward. Zuma also asked supporters at…
FS govt to host choral competition to promote unity through music
Podcast
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The Free State Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation is hosting an interdepartmental choral competition today in a bid to promote unity among the different government departments. The department's acting chief director, Vincent Khetha, says the competition will see choral teams assemble from the different government departments to contest…
FS Premier intervenes in provincial health department
Podcast
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Free State Premier Ace Magashule has intervened in what the Treatment Action Campaign describes as a health crisis in the Free State. This follows after he asked the TAC to brief his provincial cabinet about the problems in hospitals and clinics in the Free State. The TAC compiled a report…
Nehawu strike at UFS continues
Podcast
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Striking members of the National Education Health Allies and Worker’s Union (Nehawu) at the University of the Free State (UFS) have vowed to continue their action until their demands are met. The strike continued for a second day yesterday as wage negotiations continued. Nehawu provincial organiser, Jabu Makhubo, says members…
'Standard & Poor's won't downgrade SA to junk status'
Podcast
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An economics professor believes ratings agency Standard & Poor's won't downgrade South Africa to junk status. Professor André Roux of the Stellenbosch Business School's comment comes ahead of an expected announcement today by the American financial services company. Commentators are worried a downgrade will mean more bad news for already…
20% growth in FS voters' roll
Podcast
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The 2016 voters' roll, as certified by Chief Electoral Officer Mosotho Moepya, shows only 20% growth in the past 16 years in the Free State. There were only about 245 400 more voters registered in the province than in 2000, when the municipal elections first used a voters’ roll. North…
Claassen inquiry: Phiyega not required to intervene at Marikana
Podcast
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Suspended national police commissioner, Riah Phiyega's legal representative says she would have exceeded her powers if she assumed management of the police function during the Marikana Massacre in 2012. Phiyega’s counsel, Mahlape Sello, told the Claassen board of inquiry probing her fitness for office, that intervention by her client during…
PSC report on availability of textbooks at schools in FS soon released
Podcast
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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
Podcast
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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
Podcast
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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
Podcast
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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
Podcast
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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…