Maluti

03/09/2026

03/09/2026

News from the 19th Hole... Ladybrand Sports Club

News from the 19th Hole...

The 7th round of the Ladybrand Business League 2026, sponsored by Spizzy Pizza, was played on the 29th August 2026 at Ladybrand Golf Club.
The results are as follows: Maluti Media 10 - Spizzy Pizza 2, Ottershaw Beefmaster 7 – Shield Security 5, OVK2 12 – Sasai Econet 0, OVK1 8 – SBV SU 4, Vastrap Boran 7 – Wildcats 5 and Incredible4 11 – Riverpal 1. The I.P.S. results were: 1st Kenneth Yeh 45, 2nd Stefan Oberholzer 45, 3rd Zacharia Mpetsana 43, 4th Helen Scheepers 42, 5th Alrich Hattingh 42 and 6th Gerhard Cronje 41.
Gary, Johnny and Zacharia all got a 2 club. The horse, Kenneth Yeh, ridden by Thabang Khabo won with 45 points. Congratulations to Helen and Donald on winning the Jackpot.
Upcoming events at Ladybrand Golf Club: 18 Sept – Free State Agriculture Golf Day and 19 Sept – Ladybrand Business League sponsored by SBV-SU.
Support our sponsors – they support us.

03/09/2026

D**k 'n Bietjie...

Parmantig: Byvoeglike naamwoord. Iemand wat selfversekerd, kordaat en effens uitdagend optree; iemand wat sonder huiwering sy of haar sin probeer kry. Ek wil so graag parmantig wees. Veral soos daardie klein vroutjies met die wipneusies vir wie almal bang is. Ek het so ’n vriendin.
Eendag is ’n splinternuwe bordspel in die slag toe iemand ’n glas rooiwyn daaroor uitstamp. Ek was gebroke. My vriendin? Sy tel die bordspel op, druk dit onder haar arm, lig haar neusie ’n paar grade die lug in, maak haar lippe rooi en stap by die winkel in. Vyf minute later stap sy uit met ’n splinternuwe bordspel én twee geskenkbewyse. Die bestuurder vergesel haar tot by die deur. Ek wil so wees! Hoekom sien ’n mens nooit parmantige mans nie? Seker omdat ‘n man met hande op die heupe, ‘n tuitbek en wipneus totaal en al absurd sal lyk. Is mans dalk net fisies te dominerend om parmantig te wees? Of is parmantigheid ’n kuns wat beter werk wanneer jy klein genoeg is om almal te laat wonder wat jy volgende gaan doen? Ek oefen voor die spieël. Hande op die heupe. Tuitmondjie. Wenkbroue amusant gekrul. Want soms het ’n mens nodig om parmantig te lyk, al is jy glad nie so nie. My poging is egter tevergeefs. Ek lyk eerder soos ’n nar wat sy sirkus verpas het. Soms wonder ek wat gebeur wanneer twee parmantige wesens teenoor mekaar staan. Wie gee eerste in? Ek sal nooit weet nie. Ek is te lafhartig vir konflik om met ’n parmant te wedywer. En as ek dalk, heel per ongeluk, totaal onbeplan, dit één keer regkry om parmantig te wees, skrik ek so groot dat ek woordeloos staan…verslae… Ek WAS parmantig! Parmante, julle vermaak ons. Daar moet egter ‘n klein ietsie wees waarvoor selfs julle bang is…’n sagte plekkie… net vir ‘n split-sekonde per dag. Want uiteindelik is ons almal maar ‘n bietjie bang vir iets. Die verskil is net dat sommige dit goed wegsteek agter ‘n glimlag terwyl ander dit tegemoet loop met ‘n wipneus in die lug.

03/09/2026

LADYBRAND PRIMARY’S FIRST GIRLS’ HOCKEY TEAM THROUGH TO THE FINAL

Correspondent

Ladybrand Primary School’s first girls’ hockey team has secured their place in the final of the Thabo Mofutsanyana B League after an impressive 2–0 victory over Reitz in the semi-final.
The match was a true display of determination, teamwork and disciplined hockey. At half-time, the score remained locked at 0–0, but the Ladybrand girls returned to the field with renewed focus and confidence.
With perseverance, an excellent game pattern and a well-executed match plan, the Ladybranders gradually took control of the game. Their hard work paid off when Olivia van der Walt found the back of the net to put Ladybrand ahead. Kableo Tlali then added a second goal, sealing a well-deserved 2–0 victory and sending the team through to the final.
The Ladybrand girls distinguished themselves as the queens of the field, showing that determination, unity and belief can make all the difference when the pressure is on.
A great deal of credit also goes to their dedicated coach, Mrs Garmen Louw, who invests many hours in working with the girls. Her coaching methods reflect both extensive knowledge of the game and a genuine passion for developing young players. Her commitment has played an important role in the team’s progress and success.
Behind every successful team is also a strong support system, and the parents of the Ladybrand Primary hockey players deserve special recognition. Their encouragement, support and involvement contribute significantly to the girls’ confidence and enjoyment of the sport.
The highly anticipated final will take place next week in Bethlehem, where the Ladybrand girls will once again take to the field with pride and determination.
Ladybrand Primary School is committed to providing learners with opportunities to develop holistically—academically, socially, emotionally and physically—while allowing them to experience the joy of simply being children. The girls’ hockey journey is a wonderful example of how sport can build character, friendships, confidence and unforgettable memories.
Congratulations to our Ladybrand hockey queens! The entire LPS community wishes you the very best for the final. Go, Ladybrand!

27/08/2026

LADYBRAND HIGH SCHOOL'S SECOND GIRLS' HOCKEY TEAM CROWNED BLOEMFONTEIN SOUTH FREE STATE LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

Correspondent

Ladybrand High School is celebrating an extraordinary sporting achievement as their second girls' hockey team officially clinched the prestigious Bloemfontein South Free State League title, completing a flawless, undefeated season.
The LHS team dominated the league from the opening whistle, winning every single match to finish comfortably at the top of the log. This stellar performance earned them a coveted home semi-final match against Fichardpark. Playing on their home turf, Ladybrand put on a masterclass performance, crushing the visitors 5-0 to secure their spot in the grand finale against the first team of Martie du Plessis.
The final match lived up to all expectations. Entering the turf with a positive attitude and a fierce hunger for victory, the Ladybrand girls fought with unwavering determination until the final whistle. LHS drew first blood, executing a brilliant play to score in the first half and head into the break with a 1-0 lead. However, Martie du Plessis answered back early in the second half, scoring an equalizer to level the scoreboard at 1-1. With tensions running high and only four minutes left on the clock, LHS earned a penalty corner and successfully converted it to take a 2-1 lead. Refusing to sit back, Ladybrand struck again just two minutes later, netting their third goal to seal a magnificent 3-1 victory.
Beyond the scoreboard, the match was a showcase of exceptional endurance, discipline, and sportsmanship from the LHS players. This historic victory marks the third consecutive league title for team coach Mrs Celest Taljaard, who has guided the squad for the past three years. Her leadership has fostered a culture of excellence, turning this team into a dominant force in school hockey.
This triumph further cements Ladybrand High School's growing reputation for punching well above its weight. Despite being a smaller school, LHS continues to achieve outstanding success across all areas, consistently holding its own against much larger institutions. Congratulations, LHS! Keep the flag flying high.

27/08/2026

LADYBRAND CONTINUES THE SANTA SHOEBOX TRADITION

Correspondent

Bringing Christmas joy to children, one shoebox at a time for many years, the people of Ladybrand have embraced the spirit of giving through the Santa Shoebox Project — a tradition that continues to bring smiles, excitement and a little Christmas magic to children who need it most.
Since 2023, Hannah Rego has been the local Santa Shoebox coordinator, taking over the project from Margaret Hofmeyer and the Rotary Anns, who had dedicated many years to making Santa Shoebox a part of the Ladybrand community. “I feel very privileged to have been able to continue the work that Margaret and the Rotary Anns did for so many years,” says Hannah. “It is something that I believe is incredibly important, because it reminds us that a small act of kindness can mean so much to a child.”
Santa Shoebox gives individuals, families, schools, churches and businesses the opportunity to prepare a personalised Christmas shoebox for a child. Each box is filled with carefully selected gifts and essential items, including toiletries, clothing, school supplies, a toy and something sweet. While the contents of a shoebox may seem simple, the excitement of receiving a gift that has been lovingly packed especially for you can be incredibly meaningful.
MORE THAN 400 CHILDREN ARE WAITING The need in our local communities is very real. Every year, more than 400 children apply for Santa Shoeboxes from Ladybrand, Clocolan, Ficksburg, Tweespruit and Marquard. Behind every application is a child who would love to experience the excitement of receiving a Christmas gift chosen especially for them. And Ladybrand has certainly shown its generosity. Local businesses have played an important role in supporting the project over the past few years. Green Bean Accountants, House of Tots and OVK are among the local businesses that have made donations and helped support the Santa Shoebox initiative in Ladybrand. But it isn’t only businesses that make the project possible. Every individual who pledges a box, every person who donates an item, every business that contributes and every volunteer who gives their time becomes part of something much bigger.
As the 2026 Santa Shoebox season approaches, Hannah is once again calling on the Ladybrand community to get involved. “Christmas is about giving, but it is also about showing someone that they matter,” says Hannah. “I would love to see our community continue the wonderful tradition that Margaret and the Rotary Anns started and make this year’s Santa Shoebox campaign our biggest and most successful one yet.”
HOW YOU CAN HELP? Pledge a Santa Shoebox and pack a special Christmas gift for a child. Businesses and organisations can support the project through donations or sponsorship. Individuals and families can get involved by donating or volunteering. Santa Shoeboxes can be dropped off at Wenden Sports Centre on 30 or 31 October 2026. For more information or to get involved, contact Hannah Rego on 078 331 1195.
Santa Shoebox pledging opens on 1 September 2026. One shoebox may seem like a small gift, but to a child waiting to see what Santa has brought, it can mean the world. Ladybrand, Clocolan, Ficksburg, Tweespruit and Marquard — let’s come together once again and show our children the true meaning of Christmas. Let’s share the joy of giving.
For more information about Santa Shoebox and how you can get involved, visit www.santashoebox.co.za.

27/08/2026

D**k 'n Bietjie...

Die nasleep van ’n Bokke-verloor
Dit is erg. Erg! Sedert die Springbokke teen Nieu-Seeland verloor het, is Suid-Afrika nie meer dieselfde land nie. Jy kan dit voel. Jy kan dit sien. Jy kan dit selfs aan die braaivleis proe. Die vleis het geen smaak nie. Gewoonlik is ’n Saterdagmiddag se braai ’n heilige instelling. Die kole gloei, die vleis sis, iemand staan met ’n tang en ’n bier in die hand en gee ongevraagde taktiese advies. Maar ná dié nederlaag? Niks. Die tjops lê daar soos hulle ook maar net probeer verwerk wat gebeur het. Selfs die knoffelbrood het sy “stink” verloor. Dit is hoe ernstig dit is. In huise regoor die land heers daar ’n vreemde stilte. Vrouens vra versigtig: “Is die kos reg?” en ontvang ’n afjak wat spreek van pyn, lyding en minstens drie onopgeloste rugbytraumas. “Is die kos reg?” “HOE KAN ENIGIETS REG WEES?!”
Vandag is Rassie skielik die man wat glo nie eens ’n wedstryd teen die bure se 0/40-span kan wen nie. Elke tweede Suid-Afrikaner het boonop ’n beter plan. “Ek het van die begin af gesê hy moes daardie speler opgesit het.” “Hoekom het hulle nie eerder só gespeel nie?” Ja-nee. Ons land het skielik 60 miljoen rugbyafrigters. En natuurlik is daar die skeidsregter. ALLES is ook die skeidsregter se skuld. Maandagverkeer? Skeidsregter. Kind se huiswerk nie gedoen? Skeidsregter. Dit voel asof elke man, vrou en kind in die land nou ’n dringende afspraak met ’n sielkundige nodig het. Nie eens noodwendig om oor probleme te praat nie. Net om op die bank te gaan lê en vir 45 minute te vent.
“Vertel my hoe jy voel.”
“Ek voel verraai.”
“Deur wie?”
“Almal.”
“En wat het die nederlaag aan jou gedoen?”
“Ek het gisteraand twee stukke knoffelbrood GELOS.”
Die sielkundige knik stadig. Ernstige geval.
Maar dan, ná ’n lang, donker aand van verdriet, beskuldigings, taktiese ontledings en emosionele skade, gebeur iets merkwaardigs.
Iemand kyk op van die bank af en vra:
“Wanneer speel die Bokke nou wéér? Ek het ‘n nuwe 100 inch Samsung gekoop.” Eensklaps begin almal praat oor hoe die Bokke hulle gaan rol, want dit is Suid-Afrika.
Ons kan verloor. Ons kan huil. Ons kan blameer. Ons kan vir Rassie afdank en weer aanstel binne dieselfde gesprek.
Maar ons kyk weer.
Want wanneer die Bokke weer speel, begin alles van voor af.

27/08/2026

LADYBRAND SCHOOL OF SKILLS WELCOMES NEW HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

Correspondent

Ladybrand School of Skills has officially announced the appointment of Mr Deon Taljaard as the institution's new Head of Department (HOD).
Mr Taljaard is a well-known face in the local educational community, having started his teaching career at Ladybrand Primary School in 2012. Over the past decade, he has established himself as a true ambassador for education and a pillar of the community.
Known for his deep passion for youth development, colleagues and parents alike describe Mr Taljaard as an educator who truly has a heart for children. Beyond his classroom duties, his exceptional coaching skills have made a significant impact on the sports field. He has already led the Under-13 rugby team to league victory twice, a remarkable achievement given that the league is still in its infancy.
In addition to his professional and sporting successes, Mr Taljaard is highly respected for his outstanding integrity, serving as a stellar role model for the learners under his care.
The school management and staff expressed their pride in his appointment, wishing him the very best of luck as he takes on this well-deserved leadership role.