Current Edition >> Archive Section >> Special Features >> 1-16 November 2005

Vrystaatse meting van omgewings-risiko's volgens wêreldstandaarde

Die maatskappy Nature and Business Alliance Africa (Edms) Bpk, met 'n tak in Bloemfontein wat die Vrystaat en Noord-Kaap bedien, het die strawwe internasionale ISO / IEC-bestuurstandaard behaal vir ontleding van gesondheids- en veiligheidsrisiko's. Dit behels dat Nature and Business Alliance Africa nou by die SA Nasionale Akkreditasie-stelsel (SANAS) as veiligheids- en gesondheidsanalis geregistreer is.
Die maatskappy is ook by die Departement van Arbeid geregistreer as 'n Goedgekeurde Inspeksie-owerheid.
Volgens mnr. Dick Conradie, streekbestuurder in Bloemfontein, is die akkreditasie van toepassing op statutêre risiko-analise en is dit daarop gemik om enige groot veiligheids- en gesondheidsrisiko in terme van die Wet op Beroepsveiligheid en- gesondheid te identifiseer. Die hantering, berging, vervoer en verwerking van giftige, ontvlambare en plofbare stowwe is by die akkreditasie ingesluit. Voldoening aan internasionale standaarde bewys die maatskappy se stelsels en tegniese personeel het die vaardigheid om gesondheidsinspeksies en risiko-analises internasionaal te doen. 'n Verdere vereiste vir akkreditasie was dat die maatskappy voldoende versekering het om sy kliënte te vrywaar van enige toepaslike skadevergoedingseise.
Die maatskappy spesialiseer ook in veiligheidsinspeksies op konstruksieterreine.
Conradie wys in 'n mediaverklaring daarop dat afgesien daarvan dat SANAS-akkreditasie die standaard van dienslewering in Suid-Afrika verhoog, dit ook 'n rol speel om handel tussen Suid-Afrika en die res van die wêreld te bevorder. Nie-aanvaarding van lande se inspeksie-verslae is deur die Wêreldhandelsorganisasie en die Europese Unie uitgesonder as struikelblok wat vrye internasionale handel strem. Gevolglik is internasionale akkreditasie 'n effektiewe manier om hierdie struikelblok aan te spreek.
Meer besonderhede by 082 440 7875 of nba-freestate@lantic.net.

Level of flow in FS

With the Free State having only some 5,3% of the slice of the SA GGP and achieving an economic growth rate of barely 1%, it would seem that the province is not a place where a lot of money is floating around. However, looking around and judging at the high standard of housing in many instances, the price range of cars being driven and the bustling at shopping centres, then many people are doing very well.
What is also evident, however, is that poverty amongst other people, especially in spreading informal settlements, is increasing and severe. Thus clearly many people in the province go deprived of basic necessities of life, like enough food, proper housing, sufficient clothing, etc.
Therefore it seems that the gap between rich and poor in the Free State is widening.
Is this true? How do readers of the Free State Business Bulletin rate the opportunities to earn and make money in the province?
What are the views / experiences of our readers in this connection?
Therefore do visit the website of the Free State Business Bulletin at www.bulletinonline.co.za and register your vote on the question: How do you rate the opportunities to make money in the Free State: Ample / Limited relative to rest of SA / Almost non-existent?

Preller Square - Epitomising trendy, upmarket suburban shopping and business

The Preller Square shopping and business complex located in Dan Pienaar and serving basically the upmarket northern suburbs of Bloemfontein, is exemplary of a facility designed to meet the needs of the modern-day SA shopper and businessperson. Well-laid out and architectally designed, the complex contains a practical and exciting mix of a huge variety of shops, business offices and other facilities - amidst easy accessibility from various directions and ample free parking space.
Preller Square's construction was divided into three phases: The first was completed on 25 November 1997 when 32 shops were opened. The second phase was completed in May 2001 with seven more shops added on the southern side. The third phase was completed on 3 August 2003 with the addition of another six shops and the completion of the northern side of the shopping centre.
Preller Square was developed as a convenience centre and is arguably the hub of the northern suburbs consisting of inter alia Dan Pienaar, Heuwelsig, Hillsboro, Waverley, Pentagon Park, Helicon Heights and Bayswater. Apart from several outdoor parking areas around the complex, it also has 190 parking bays in its basement.
When the northern side was completed, the nature of the complex changed from a day centre to a day/night centre due to the addition of several restaurants and the increase of night visitors to Preller Square.
It's people-orientated character results evidently in the complex being heavily frequented by the public and tenants do experience a very high number of “feet”.
Security, supplied by Defensor Security, is excellent and it is safe to park and move around.
The final phase of the complex is planned to be Preller Walk, to be built along the same architectural design.
In this special feature, meet some of the most trendy and friendly suppliers at Preller Square and do take them up on what they are offering!

Achievements of past five years and challenges for next five years

With the advent of the new local government dispensation in South Africa in 2000 and the introduction of district municipalities for the first time, the Xhariep District Municipality (XDM), covering the southwestern part of the Free State, had to start literally from scratch. As such XDM was one of five district municipalities in the Free State, and the only completely new one of its kind.
In starting off, XDM had no staff of its own, no office facilities, no administrative system and no business plan. However, through the past five years XDM under the leadership of its elected officials, led by Executive Mayor Teboho Mofokeng, has managed to establish a complete administrative infrastructure including staff component and a new office complex at Trompsburg, has commenced implementing its Integrated Development Plan (IDP) with some notable successes and has built capacity to act as a development agent for unlocking the socio-economic potential of the Xhariep region.
In achieving what it has during the past five years, key assistance was rendered by the Motheo District Municipality, acting initially in a foster role as regards human resources and financial and skills assistance. Today, however, XDM is able, within the confines of certain practical limitations, to not only stand on its own feet, but is indeed making commendable strides.
In this Review, the profile of the XDM, its achievements the past five years and the enormous challenges still being faced, especially over the next five years, are being nutshelled.

Profile

XDM covers three local municipalities, namely Kopanong, Mohokare and Letsemeng, made up of a total of 17 urban centres and surrounding rural areas. Kopanong, with nine towns and based at Trompsburg, is the biggest municipality in the district, while Letsemeng based at Koffiefontein has five towns and Mohokare based at Zastron has three towns.
XDM borders on Lejweleputswa and Motheo District Municipalities to the north, Lesotho to the east, the Eastern Cape to the south and the Northern Cape to the west. The area of jurisdiction is approximately 34 131,55 km² in extent and accommodates approximately 135 000 people - the lowest population density in the Free State.
The Xhariep district is an arid region with typical Karoo characteristics. The main economic sector is agriculture, consisting of chiefly stock farming and constituting the biggest employer. Localised irrigation from the Orange, Caledon and Riet Rivers provides much-needed livelihoods in certain areas, while the unique landscape beauty of the region provides a base for tourism as a strong emerging economic sector. Industrial development is almost non-existent.
In the south the Xhariep district borders on Lake Gariep, the largest inland water area in Southern Africa and also bordered by the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape Provinces. The current tri-provincial development of the Lake !Gariep Tourism Route constitutes the main flagship economic development project being supported by XDM.
The population profile is about 73% black, 12% white, 11% coloured and 1% Indian. This translates into a total of almost 39 000 households in the district. About 69% of people living in Xhariep are young, with only 5% classified as old. This indicates that there will still be a huge demand for social infrastructure, particularly schools and associated infrastructure. Some 72% of the population is economically inactive, while about 20% of households has no income whatsoever.
Thus XDM as a municipality functions on a cash only basis because of its very low income base, reflecting vital needs for substantial financial backing from provincial and national level. This would assist the municipality in its economic drive aimed at major spin-offs in various forms for the communities. For the 2005/6 financial year, XDM with the highly limited resources to its disposal, budgeted for an income of R22 million and expenditure for R27 million - a deficit of R5 million. This is an operating budget only and has no provision for any capital projects by XDM itself.
XDM Council uses a governance system applying a combination of executive mayoral and ward committee system, composing of 14 councillors, with an executive mayor, speaker and three councillors of the mayoral committee as full-time members. The portfolio committees are chaired by members of the mayoral committee and comprise other councillors and senior officials. A new office complex from which XDM operates was officially opened on 15 April 2004. There is a Council approved interim organogram through which management positions have been filled over the last 18 months.
The mandate powers and functions of XDM is being determined in the SA Constitution as well as applicable national and provincial legislation. XDM has drafted and adopted its IDP, in terms of which it executes its mandate towards service delivery and basically acting as development agent in the Xhariep district.

Alignment with National and Provincial Spatial Development Perspectives

Fulfilling its mandate and role as development agent in the region, XDM provides the platform to align the planned spatial development perspectives for the region as being initiated from national, provincial and local governmental levels. In terms of the National Spatial DevelopmentalPerspective (NSDP) Xhariep region is depicted as being a “low capacity area”, while in the Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF) the Lake !Gariep initiative has also been earmarked as a major economic development zone.
XDM has within its administrative framework established clusters according to the Free State Growth and Development Strategy (FSGDS).

Projects in Xhariep by other government bodies

Having no capital budget, XDM is, however, involved with a wide range of development projects within in its district being managed and funded by other government bodies from both provincial and national level. These projects are the following, structured according to the cluster classification :
Economic Development and Employment Creation Cluster
Lake Gariep Environmental Development Zone, with an estimated income exceeding R275 million.
Jagersfontein / Fauresmith Water supply scheme, which requires an estimated R145 million for installation of a pipe line to supply water for rehabilitation of the mine, an irrigation scheme, and for the town and surrounding areas.
The Horizon Route project, spreading basically between Philippolis and Jacobsdal.
Two CASP projects from the Dept. of Agriculture to be implemented in the district, viz. Xhariep Value-adding Project at Jacobsdal, Trompsburg and Rouxville (budget R900 000) and Oppermans Irrigation Project (budget R6 000 000).
Socio-economic spin-offs from the Landzicht Winery at Jacobsdal, producing some of the finest wines in SA.Tussen die Riviere Nature Reserve - The project is implemented through the Poverty Alleviation Fund and it entails the repair and upgrading of offices and houses. R50 000 is budgeted for this project.
Gariep Dam Nature Reserve. The project includes the construction of the entrance gate, office complex, stores and abattoir. The total project budget is R12 million.
Tarring / paving of the road between Trompsburg and Jagersfontein (45 km).
Upgrading of the road between Springfontein and Bethulie (40 km).
Construction of a district hospital in Trompsburg.

Social and Human Development Cluster

An Arts and Culture Centre project with a budget of R8 million will kickstart in Trompsburg before the end of this financial year.
A MPCC has been built in Madikgetla, Trompsburg, and the project is in the final stages.
A community library project with a budget of R20 million will kickstart in Madikgetla, Trompsburg, before the end of this financial year.
Department of Sports, Arts and Culture
An Arts and Culture Centre project at Gariep Dam, with construction to commence before the end of the current financial year.
The following projects by the Dept. of Public Works, Roads and Transport: Community Based Public Works Programme / Petrusburg Renovation of Community Hall (R1 million) / Bethulie Renovation of Community Hall (R800 000) / Smithfield Renovation of Community Hall (R226 000) / Edenburg Renovation of Community Hall (R500 000) / Rouxville Renovation of Community Hall (R370 000) / Jacobsdal Renovation of Community Hall (R300 000) / Smithfield New creche (R1 million) / Jacobsdal Access road (R1 million) / Oppermansgronde School Street Project:- Implemented by the Community Based Public Works Project / Oppermansgronde Access Road - Construction of Road S647 and S1381 between Koffiefontein and Oppermansgronde, 37 km long and completed in June 2005 at R33 million.
Department of Health: One clinic at Jacobsdal
Department of Education: Renovation of Smithfield Relebohile Intermediate (R250 000) / Conversion of Disabled Learners School at Zastron Zama Primary (R500 000) and Rouxville JB Tyu Primary (R500 000) / Training and skills development with EPWP beneficiaries receiving life skills training (HIV/Aids).
Department of Sports, Arts, Culture, Science and Technology: Springfontein Maphodi New library (R3 000 000) / Jacobsdal Ratanang New library(R3 000 000) and this will create 65 job opportunities. MIG Projects:
LETSEMENG MUNICIPALITY (2005/6 financial year):
Jacobsdal - Ratanang: Upgrading of water purification plant (R2.5 million), sports complex (R1.6 million) and water reticulation (R1.6 million).
LETSEMENG MUNICIPALITY (2005/6/7 financial year):
Petrusburg - Sports complex (R2.2 million, awaiting approval from DPLG);
Luckhoff - Upgrading of water purification plant (R2. 9 million).
KOPANONG MUNICIPALITY (2005/6 financial year):
Bethulie - VIP toilets (R1.6 million);
Jagersfontein - Sewer system (R5 million), under construction;
Trompsburg - Sewer treatment plan (R6 million), under construction;
Trompsburg (Madikgetla Location): Water and sanitation (R2.3 million), under construction.
MOHOKARE MUNICIPALITY (2005/6 financial year):Rouxville - Waste Treatment Plant (R9 million), under construction / Sports Complex (R1.6 million);
Zastron - Water and sanitation (R4 million), waiting approval DPLG;
Smithfield - Water reticulation (R1 million, waiting approval DPLG).
KOPANONG MUNICIPALITY (2005/6 financial year):
Bethulie - Upgrading access road (R1.5 million) awaiting approval DPLG;
Reddersburg - Upgrading access road (R1.5 million) awaiting approval DPLG.

Tourism tremendous potential

Looking at individual developmental aspects in the Xhariep region, it is evident that while agriculture is currently the main economic sector, tourism clearly has the most potential for generating further economic growth and creating employment opportunities.
In this respect, as stated above, the tourism route currently being developed around Lake Gariep, in conjunction with the Ukhahlamba District Municipality in the Eatern Cape and the Pixley Ka Senme Municipality in the northern cape Karoo District Municipality in the Northern Cape is regarded as the flagship developmental project for the Xhariep region. This major initiative aims at unlocking significant undeveloped potentials in amongst others, environmental conservation, tourism and agriculture existing in the region.
This is being done according to an implementation action plan branded as the “Lake !Gariep Tourism Route” and for which a total amount of R275 million has been budgeted for over the short to long term. As such it includes three game reserves, viz the Oviston Nature Reserve, Tussen-die-Riviere Nature Reserve and the Gariep Nature Reserve, effectively consolidating a conservation area in excess of 85 000 hectares. This is notably a malaria-free area.
Lake !Gariep offers a tremendous diversity of adventure tourism activities, the majority of which are water related. The 360 km² lake surface offers superb opportunities for yachting, sunset cruises, power boating and skiing. An unique house-boat operation, similar to those based on Lake Kariba, is being initiated and based at Oviston. The clean air and forceful air currents caused by the large water body offer ideal conditions for gliding.
On the whole already the Lake Gariep environment is the scene of a number of regular annual competitions in various water sports, yachting, gliding, hunting, road-running, cycling, etc. Downstream the Orange River offers a variety of adventure activities including river rafting, kayaking, abseiling, horse trail, hiking and fly fishing. Also of note is that the town of Gariep Dam maintains an excellent rural airfield.
A tourism information centre with unique features at Gariep Dam town has been completed in 2004, while the national Dept. of Environmental and Tourism Affairs has allocated an amount of R9 million for 2005/06 for amongst others the Lake Gariep Communication Centre, the Bethulie Tourism Office, tourism signage, Lake Gariep Resort at Oviston, tourism facilities at Vanderkloof Dam, etc.
Another significant tourism developmental project is the Horizon Tourism Route covering the following centres : Philippolis, Poding Tse Rolo and Bergmanshoogte / Jagersfontein and Itumeleng / Fauresmith, Ipopeng and Frayville / Koffiefontein and Ditlhake / Jacobsdal and Ratanang. Of significance is a range of regular annual events and festivals of high standing being presented along this route, e.g. Philippolis, Witblits Festival, Fauresmith Horse Endurance Ride, Koffiefontein Water Festival, etc. Also on this route is the Big Hole at Jagersfontein and wine tasting culture at Jacobsdal.
Other tourism routes include the Maluti leading to Harrismith and the N6 Friendly Route leading down to East London.
Yet another means seen as having huge impact potential on tourism development in the Xhariep region, is further deployment of the provincial and national integrated public transport plan. Three roads have also been identified to be tarred to improve accessibility in the district, viz. between Jagersfontein and Trompsburg, Trompsburg and Smithfield and Springfontein and Bethulie.
Thus tourism in the district is clearly a major potential socio-economic driver.

Socio-economic development

As a grant from national government to municipalities to cover the capital cost of basic infrastructure for the poor, the Municipal Infrastructural Grant (MIG) has to be managed effectively at municipal level through the establishment of project management units (PMU's) operating according to business plans aligned to the IDP. XDM has also established its PMU's. For 2005/2006 financial year XDM's MIG allocation was R13 347.00, of which the PMU's amount is R667 350 for administrative costs of the PMU.
To unlock socio-economic potential in the southwestern Free State, the development of a water supply pipeline from the Kalkfontein Dam to Jagersfontein and other areas is seenas of key importance. This could link up in various capacities with the Orange-Riet Canal system and Vanderkloof Dam. This would benefit agricultural development in the area tremendously, solve much needed drinking water requirements at especially Jagersfontein and Fauresmith and perhaps leading to the re-opening of the Jagersfontein diamond mine.
Also for the areas of Smithfield and Rouxville a new water supply system from either the Orange or the Caledon river for long term developmental purposes is of the essence.
What also has to be addressed is the fact that recent HIV/Aids statistics indicated that the rate of infection are high within the district, impacting negatively on the labour market.

Agriculture

At present agriculture is the main source of income in the district as well as the biggest employer. At present only 0,93% of land has been redistributed in the district.
Following a land reform summit held on 19 May 2005 at Trompsburg, XDM Council adopted by resolution the following vision : “The establishment of commercial farmers from the previously disadvantaged communities who will be equipped with financial, managerial and technical skills to carry on sustainable global competitive farming in the Xhariep district on 30% of the agricultural land by the end of 2014.”
In practical terms the funding requirement for this would be 921 417 ha, translating into 647 farms @ R2,325 million = R1 504,275 million.
Extensive and vigourous selection and training of new farmers is required, while new innovative programmes and funders should be developed. In this a balance has to be struck between landlessness, urbanization and food scarcity, while the ecological sensitivity of the area as a border between Karoo scrub veld and the great grass plains of southern Africa has to be taken in cognisance.

Economic development

On 11 March 2005 XDM hosted a regional economic summit 2005 in order to pull together different stakeholders and to collaborate on a shared vision and programme to address regional economic development challenges. At the summit the following key economic priority sectors were identified as economic growth and job creation generators in the district:

Agriculture & farming
Winery
Mining
Tourism
SMME development

Consequently the summit resolved to further pursue the following activities:

To engage all sectors, public and private partners to enhance agricultural activities, especially for emerging farmers.
Local municipalities to avail land for agricultural purposes with the involvement of the Departments of Agriculture and Land Affairs and the Land Bank.
To appoint Local Economic Desk Coordinators to support communities with Local Economic Development matters.
Municipalities to liaise with SETA's and various government departments to capacitate communities, including personnel in various sectors, on various LED related fields.
Municipalities to lobby for and access funding from various government departments and the private sector.
Municipalities to ensure that information is disseminated to various communities through Community Liaison Officers and the GCIS.

In Xhariep, two main development corridors were identified: The one runs in a north-south direction and linkBloemfontein, Trompsburg, Gariepdam and Colesberg with one another along the N1 route. The second development corridor runs in an easterly to westerly direction and links Zastron, Trompsburg, Jagersfontein, Koffiefontein and Jacobsdal with one another. It is also foreseen that the N6 route will become more important in future once the Koega development has taken off. This will imply that a third development corridor will in future develop linking Bloemfontein with Aliwal North via Reddersburg, Smithfield and Rouxville.

SMME promotion and development

Promotion of Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME's) is regarded as a very important part of LED. SMME's, rather than large companies, are the true engines of local economic development. As net job creators, even in periods of recession, SMME's can help to raise incomes and improve the distribution of wealth. In the Xhariep district area, the greatest barriers to entry may be attributed to poor market information, a weak skills base (including both basic education and artisan skills) and poor access to finance.
Identified opportunities for SMME's in the district include inter alia milling, glue making, vegetable canning, freshwater fishery, leather tanning, wine bottling and distribution, wool weaving, potato processing, meat processing, peanut butter processing, cheese making, oil extraction, jewelry design, dump recycling, brick making, building low cost housing, arts and crafts, cultural entertainment, heritage development, transport and tour guiding, eco-tourism, etc. At present there are apparently approximately 217 registered SMME's in the district area.
Therefore XDM has identified also in this respect a plan of action as contained in the IDP and aimed at two critical objectives, viz. firstly, expansion of both scope and number of SMME's in the district and, secondly, at creating an economic and business environment conducive to investment. The latter should be from private enterprise within the district as well as from outside the rest of SA andinternationally. Actually, the Xhariep district with its many business opportunities is already ready for major private business investment from outside the region.

Challenges

The current development situation analysis has confirmed that there are indeed numerous and huge challenges facing the municipality. These have been indicated above together with the achievements.
When faced with such amount of challenge it is essential to have a range of strategic solutions.For this reason, the XDM has adopted a macro / overarching strategy guiding decision-making and providing a basis for the allocation of scarce resources. Thus the macro strategy of Xhariep has three main considerations, viz. a capacity building phase; a phase in which the capacitated municipality is working towards development in the municipal area; and a consolidation phase.
As regards the capacity building phase, top of the priority list is municipal financial viability, followed by local economic development and employment creation and land reform.
The XDM is continuously reviewing its strategic objectives and strategies accordingly to its four key clusters adapted in terms of the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy. This in turn is reflected in the IDP of the XDM.
In conclusion from a beginning of scratch XDM has in the past five years laid a solid foundation for a region with highly practical limitations, but on the other hand offering tremendous and exciting challenges. As such it is indeed a region of unfound diversity, for which however its strength lies in its measure of unity. If in this XDM as instrumental development agent could receive the required assistance from other government levels and developmental institutions, as well as private enterprise investments, the region would in the next five years be able to sustain its residents much better and be in a position to fulfil its rightful part in the Free State and in South Africa.

Currie Cup means good business for Free State

Winning the 2005 ABSA Currie Cup undoubtedly means good business for the Free State. Interest and support for the Free State Cheetahs has heightened and increased numbers of spectators are expected to attend matches and there is generally greater public awareness of the team.
Together with the number of Currie Cup fixtures to be played at home in 2006 at least five Super 14 games are also to be played in the course of next year at Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein. With an expected attendance of some 20 000 spectators per game, especially guesthouses, hotels, restaurants and transport facilitators stand to benefit directly.
However, with visiting spectators, of whom a considerable number would be from overseas, mainly emanating from the higher income bracket, service providers such as shops, pharmacies, Bloem Airport, etc., could also expect a boost in sales. It is estimated that an overnighting visiting spectator spends on average R1 200, causing a ripple effect throughout the local economy.
Other spin-offs, directly and indirectly, from greater spectator attendance and increased media focus would probably comprise the following :
New sponsorships worth millions of rands, meaning a further cash injection in terms of local money flow.
A reverberating positive effect on schools, club and provincial levels in the region inasmuch good players are likely to stay on in the region, while talented players from elsewhere are attracted.
Visiting spectators do not merely land in Bloemfontein and the other main centres and then leave again, but they travel to and fro, spending money on the way. Some visitors could also be expected to explore tourism sites in the region, thus benefiting local tourism.
At the rugby stadiums there would be greater opportunities for businesses and corporates in terms of advertising boards, suites, gazebo's and other marketing actions.
On the whole, when business does well, the flow of money increases and eventually it means more rands in just about every pocket.
Thus by all accounts the Free State should gear itself to make the best of the business opportunities coming its way as a result of the Currie Cup conquest and the Super 14 allocation.

Boodskap van die president, Mnr. Harold Verster

Waarde van die Currie beker vir besigheid
Ons vreugde in Vrystaat-rugby met die wen van die Curriebeker ken geen perke nie. Ons is almal oorstelp van blydskap, maar veral van dankbaarheid dat dit hierdie jaar ons beurt was.
Ons is groot dank verskuldig aan ons jong nuwe afrigter, Johan (Rassie) Erasmus, sy bestuurspan en die spelers. Rassie het werklik met 'n klein begroting vir die behoud en kontraktering van spelers raak gevat en hom so goed voorberei en die spelers afgerig dat ons uiteindelik die beker verower het.
Dit is soos 'n languitgerekte droogte wat na 29 jaar gebreek is en die vreugde van die Curriebeker is soos 'n vars lentereën wat uitkoms en vreugde bring.
Die vraag wat egter aan my gestel word is : Wat is die finansiële voordele met die wen van die Curriebeker?
'n Tikkie negatiwiteit is die feit dat die Vrystaat Cheetahs Maatskappy finansieël inderwaarheid weinig gebaat het by die speel van die eindstryd en die wen van die Curriebeker. Ons het slegs R300 000 as wenspan ontvang en ook 'n geringe bydrae van SA Rugby. Die wenprys van ABSA was nagenoeg R350 000-00. Dit is alles net so aan die spelers uitbetaal aan bonusse.
Die langertermyn finansiële voordele en besigheidsimpak van die wen van die Curriebeker is egter onberekenbaar. Die handelsmerk se waarde het aansienlik toegeneem en die bekendheid van die Vodacom Vrystaat Cheetahs is nie net nasionaal uitgebrei nie, maar ook internasionaal. Die feit dat ons oor 'n wenspan beskik, beteken ook hegter verbintenis met bestaande borgskappe asook toename in borgskappe in die jare wat voorlê.
Die ander voordele is natuurlik dat jong spelers graag na die Vrystaat wil kom, want hulle merk op dat jy gou hier uitstyg en die hoogste sporte bereik, soos in die geval van Meyer Bosman wat nou opgeroep is na die Springbokkamp.
Die verdere voordeel waarna ons uitsien is die toename in ondersteunersgetalle by wedstryde wat geweldig baie voordele inhou, - nie net om die span aan te moedig nie, maar ook hekinkomste, seisoenkaartjieverkope en ook losieverkope.
Ons is diep dankbaar vir die ongekende steun wat ons tans van ondersteuners, die sakesektor en al ons vriende ontvang. Hoewel dit dus moeilik is om die finansiële waarde van die Curriebeker se wen op die korttermyn te bereken, is ons oortuig dat oor die langertermyn ons geweldig baat gaan vind by ons wenspan en by 'n toestroming van ondersteuners.
Ten slotte 'n opregte woord van dank aan die oorweldigende steun en gelukwensings wat ons ontvang het. Die toeloop was op 'n stadium selfs so groot dat my selfoon gevries het en ek dit met 'n nuwe een moes vervang!
Dankie Vrystaat vir julle wonderlike vriendskap, ondersteuning en vir al die vreugde wat ons van almal ervaar!

Met vriendelike Curriebeker-groete!

Conferencing in central SA

The Free State - and central SA - has at least one definite advantage over other parts of the country when it comes to deciding on a venue for a conference, team-building exercise or social function of scale : It is the most centrally situated for all surrounding departure points.
Lending heavy support to this advantage, is the fact that the Free State / central SA has conference, team-building and reception venues and facilities that compare with the best in the rest of South Africa. They are there - in and around Bloemfontein, at the most unexpected places in the platteland, in the mountainous Eastern Free State, along the Orange and Vaal Rivers and so forth and so forth.
One of the service providers of substance, is for example Kopane Nokeng on the outskirts of Bloemfontein and long a facility which anyone can be proud of.
Also in terms of the provincial economy and the tourism sector in particular, the so-called MICE industry (meeting and conferencing) plays a bigger and bigger role, contributing to an increasing extent to economic growth and job creation.
It is also heartening to see that black entrepreneurs are taking their place in the industry, such as Thuthukani Guest Lodge with its facilities is also featuring in this focus.
Because the conference industry is such a dynamic and growing part of the business set-up in central SA, the Free State Business Bulletin intends to keep a regular cover on the subject.

Leefstyl - basiese elemente

In die moderne, gejaagde komplekse, gemeganiseerde, tegnologiese eeu - is leefstyl uiteraard van kardinale belang nie net vir oorlewing nie, maar ook vir sinvolheid.
Uit die veel wat oor die onderwerp van leefstyl gesê, geskryf en gefilosifeer word, kan dit miskien vir doeleindes van hierdie fokus saamgevat word deur te sê dat sinvolle leefstyl bestaan uit 'n balans tussen ses noodsaaklike elemente : Eet, werk, slaap, oefen, ontspan en godsdiens.
Word na elkeen van hierdie elemente afsonderlik gekyk, dan is dit ook nie so ingewikkeld nie en kan dit moontlik soos volg ontleed word :
Eet - kos in so natuurlike vorm as moontlik en sny uit preserveermiddels, geurmiddels en kleurmiddels.
Werk - fluks, produktief en nie te veel nie.
Slaap - genoeg en kwaliteit.
Oefen - noodsaaklik en wel in een of ander aerobiese vorm.
Ontspan - maak gereeld tyd daarvoor, maar nie te veel nie.
Godsdiens - dit begin en eindig by Christus die Woord.
Tussen in is daar natuurlik baie skakerings of wat sê ons lesers?

Varsasem ook deel van gesonde leeftsyl
Minstens vyf uit elke tien mense in Suid-Afrika ly aan chroniese onwelriekende asem, oftewel halitose.
Mense met 'n onwelriekende asem kla kenmerkend van 'n slegte smaak in die mond. Hulle gebruik dikwels pepermentsuiglekkers of kougom, mondspoelmiddels of borsel kompulsief hul tande in 'n desperate poging om hul probleem te verbloem.
'n Asem wat normal ruik, is kenmerkend soet. Die hoofoorsaak van onwelriekende asem is vlugtige verbindings soos waterstof-sulfiet en metiel met kaptaan wat deur mikro-organismes in die mond geproduseer word.
In die meeste gevalle het halitose sy oorsprong in die mond weens voedselvertering, en vertering van proteïene en aminosure deur mikro-organismes wat normaalweg op die tong en tandoppervlak voorkom.
Ander oorsake: Swak mondhigiëne van ontbinde stukkies voedselreste wat nie tussen die tande of van kunsgebitte verwyder word nie; tandverrotting; tandvleisontsteking; vermindering van speeksel, soos tydens slaap; swaminfeksie van die mond; mondkanker; dieetgewoontes soos byvoorbeeld die eet van knoffel, uie en diervette en drink van wyn.
Baie mense is nie daarvan bewus dat hul asem sleg ruik nie. 'n Eenvoudige toets vir halitose is om tussen tande te flos en dan daaraan te ruik.
Halitose kan ook 'n teken wees van ander gesondheidsprobleme, soos sinusontsteking, keelinfeksies, keelkanker, Sjörgens se sindroom ('n toestand wat aanleiding gee tot monddroogheid), longontsteking, suikersiekte, nierversaking en lewersirose.
Die gebruik van anti-depressante, antihistamine en chemoterapeutiese middels veroorsaak ook droogheid van die mond wat lei tot halitose. Ook, hormonale veranderings tydens ovulasie en menstruasie kan dit veroorsaak. Mense wat aan halitose ly, behoort deur hul tandarts vir 'n deeglike mediese ondersoek verwys te word.
Dr. JB Steenkamp, 'n tandarts van Bloemfontein, het onder meer 'n halitose-kliniek begin om mense met die problem plaaslik te behandel. Steenkamp sê weens nuwe navorsing en drie mondprodukte wat in Suid-Afrika ontwikkel is, kan die siekte nou beheer word. Dit sluit in 'n mondspoelmiddel, 'n middel om die tong mee skoon te maak en 'n sproei vir die asem.
Vir meer besonderhede kan die Varsasem Kliniek by die spreekkamer van dr. Steenkamp geskakel word by (051) 522 9998.