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
Ruling on Asset Forfeiture Unit application in Block case expected today
A ruling on the Asset Forfeiture Unit’s application in the Trifecta case against former Northern Cape Finance MEC John Block and businessman Christo Scholtz is expected today. The AFU is claiming over R750 million in assets from Scholtz, and around R2.7 million from Block, which includes a guesthouse in Upington…
Masilonyana Municipality denies claims of water challenges in Brandfort
The Masilonyana Municipality has denied claims by residents that the town of Brandfort is experiencing water challenges. Municipal spokesperson, Zongezile Ntjwabule did however concede that water supply in high-lying areas is an issue. His comments come after some residents claimed that they didn’t have water on most weekends or on…
'Seksuele misdrywe is moeilik om akkuraat te bestudeer'
Seksuele misdrywe is ‘n moeilike misdaad om te bestudeer omdat verskeie aspekte daarvan as skadeloos beskou word deur sekere gemeenskappe. Statistiek Suid-Afrika navorsing toon dat meer vroue slagoffers word van seksuele misdrywe as mans. Mense bekend aan die slagoffers is normaalweg die oortreders. Stats SA se Isabelle Schmidt sê ‘n…
FS man arrested after girlfriend's body found under bed
A 28-year-old man is expected to appear in the Wesselsbron Magistrate's Court after police discovered the body of his girlfriend buried under his bed. Free State police spokesperson, Stephen Thakeng, says the discovery was made on Tuesday after Maditaba Setsetse (29) mysteriously disappeared. She was last seen on April 17…
Operasie Hlasela-verslag: OB gekritiseer oor gesloer met ondersoek
Bevestiging van die kantoor van die Openbare Beskermer (OB), Thuli Madonsela, dat die omstrede Operasie Hlasela-verslag vandag bekend gemaak gaan word, het kritiek oor die duur van die ondersoek uitgelok. DA-LPW Roy Jankielsohn sê die ondersoek het lank gesloer in vergelyking met ander hoë-profiel politieke ondersoeke. Die DA en Cope…
Darrh Bullock – nutritional needs
Darrh Bullock, a Professor from Kentucky University, says it is important to remember that the bigger the animal, the more it needs to eat.
Darrh Bullock – breeding too big
Darrh Bullock, a Professor from Kentucky University, spoke on the topic of maximising profit through better use of mating systems during the SA Studbook Elite Breeding Symposium in Bloemfontein this week. He urged South African stud breeders to learn from the mistakes that have been made in other parts of…
Lise Sandenberg – genomics
Lise Sandenberg, a scientist with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, says good progress is being made with genomic profiling of sheep breeds in South Africa. She says there are several benefits to using genomics in stud breeding.
John Purchase – Agbiz Congress
Agbiz CEO John Purchase, speaks about one of the focus points in the business Chambers’ forthcoming Congress.
Paul Bester – Pinzgauer
The breed manager who produced the Pinzgauer bull that won this year’s SA Studbook Elite Bull Growth Test Class, Paul Bester, says he believes the bull is going to add immense value to the industry.
Genetic road map
Japie van der Westhuizen, manager of production recording at SA Studbook, says scientists can’t actually see the genes – they can see correlations.
Generation interval
Japie van der Westhuizen, manager of production recording at SA Studbook, says one way in which genomics will revolutionise breeding is by reducing the generation interval.
Trio to appear in NW for ivory possession
Three men who were arrested for possession of what was initially thought to be rhino horn will make a formal bail application in the Brits Magistrate’s Court tomorrow. North West police spokesperson, Sabata Mokgwabone says the men, aged 30, 31 and 34, made a first appearance yesterday. They were arrested…
Woman found with R1.2 million cocaine at Cape Town airport
Customs officials have arrested a South African woman who was found to be in possession of four kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated R1.2 million. South African Revenue Service spokesperson, Sandile Memela, says the woman and the person who came to pick her up at Cape Town International Airport were…
Agri markets outlook workshop
OFM News’ agri editor Sabrina Dean is attending the quarterly agricultural markets outlook workshop presented by University of the Free State lecturer Johan Willemse. She filed this report:
Lamb meat price fluctuations cause consternation
There has also been a lot of uncertainty around meat prices the last while, particularly lamb prices. This was revealed by Frikkie Mare of the UFS Department of Agricultural Economics during a quarterly agricultural markets outlook workshop. Mare says trends predicted in beef prices have remained relatively consistent. However, lamb…
Huge international interest anticipated at Dorper World Championships in Bloemfo
More than 1200 Dorper and White Dorper sheep from at least 43 different exhibitors are strutting their stuff at Bloem Show this week during the biennial Dorper World Chamionships on until May 6.
Feature: World Asthma Day
World Asthma Day is an annual event organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). This day is recognised in order to enhance awareness about the disease. It is sometimes not taken seriously, leaving a lot of South Africans undiagnosed. Moeketsi Mogotsi spoke to specialist about the disease.
Frikkie Maré – lamb prices
Frikkie Maré of the University of the Free State’s Department of Agricultural Economics says there has also been a lot of uncertainty around meat prices the last while.
Marikana Support Campaign in PTA ahead of Phiyega inquiry
The Marikana Support Campaign is in Pretoria ahead of the start of the board of inquiry into allegations of misconduct by suspended National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega. President Jacob Zuma established the board following a recommendation by the Farlam Commission of Inquiry which saw Zuma suspending Phiyega in October over…