DISCLAIMER
This production is the property of Bloemfontein Courant and published to announce the results of the Best of Bloemfontein Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.

The category winners announced here have been chosen by online reader votes in the annual Best of Bloemfontein campaign. The voting results as depicted herein were verified by independent auditors and are final.

Best Guesthouse in Bloem: Hydro Guesthouse

If you’re looking for a peaceful, well-located guesthouse in Bloemfontein, Hydro Guesthouse is the place for you. At Hydro Guesthouse, they offer more than just a place to stay; they provide a sense of calm and comfort in one of the city’s most convenient locations. Whether you’re visiting family, attending medical appointments, or simply enjoying a trip to Bloemfontein, this guesthouse is designed with your comfort and care in mind.

Best Flooring: Top Carpets & Floors

Venter’s Flooring t/a Top Carpets & Floors Bloemfontein is a family business that has been known in the flooring industry for three generations and more than 61 years. With two branches in Bloemfontein, it is managed by Clarence Venter (operations director) and Arthur Venter (managing director). Their core values are integrity, reliability, accountability, and craftsmanship. Their vision is to be the preferred flooring supplier in the Free State and beyond. Their mission is to provide high-quality products, expert advice, reliable service, and lasting relationships.

Best Gym: Virgin Active

Virgin Active offers a holistic approach to fitness, providing various facilities – including heated pools, group exercise classes, and Wattbikes – to support an active lifestyle. Each gym is designed as a social wellness club, with trained staff, expert personal trainers, and health professionals such as biokineticists and dietitians.

Best Local Estate Agency: RE/MAX FIRST Bloemfontein

RE/MAX FIRST is elated and humbled to have won the prestigious “Best of Bloem” award for the 11th time. This achievement reflects our dedication to continued excellence for each client, whom we deeply value. Founded by Erna Goodes, RE/MAX FIRST is built on the spirit of a wholehearted team – closer than family. A safe and supportive environment, combined with state-of-the-art technology, ensures that we remain Bloemfontein’s premier real estate resource. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to be your trusted partner in bringing your heart home. Your loyalty is treasured, and we look forward to a bright and beautiful future in real estate.

Best Local Hotel: Protea Hotel Willow Lake

The exquisitely designed hotel boasts African elements that provide a unique and tranquil experience with great service. Situated in the ever-growing corporate hub of Bloemfontein, they provide a full-service restaurant, conference facilities, and an exclusive bar area. The terrace and swimming pool area offer a serene spot after a hard day’s work, and a bonfire is lit every evening. Protea Hotel Willow Lake by Marriott Bloemfontein comprises 94 modern and luxurious rooms. An executive boardroom is available for small breakaway meetings, and the conference facility can accommodate up to 100 delegates.

Best Local Radio Personality: Shandor Potgieter

Shandor Potgieter was born in Phalaborwa on 18 April 1991 and grew up in Bloemfontein, Gonubie, and Stellenbosch. While enrolled at the University of the Free State, he embarked on a music career and established the award-winning band Oros in ’n lang glas, winning multiple awards. He is the host of the Good Morning Breakfast Show on OFM. For Shandor, radio allows you to be anything and everything, and it is “the most fun you will ever have”.

Best Local Radio Show: The Good Morning Breakfast Show

Central South Africa wakes up to The Good Morning Breakfast Show with Shandor Potgieter, Margaret Whitfield and John Walland. Weekday mornings get a fresh start with get-you-ready-to-go music, the latest local news, traffic, sport, and loads of fun to give new meaning to the adage “rise and shine”.

Best Local Radio Station: OFM ­– The Sound of your Life

OFM is Central South Africa’s leading commercial radio station, proudly broadcasting to audiences across the Free State, Northern Cape, North West, and southern Gauteng. With a strong regional presence and a loyal listener base, OFM continues to set the standard for quality entertainment, news, and music in the heart of the country.

Best Local Sports Hero: Louzanne Coetzee

Louzanne Coetzee (born 18 April 1993) is a South African para-athlete who competes in the T11 disability class, designated for athletes with the highest level of visual impairment. Born blind due to a hereditary condition known as Leber congenital amaurosis, Coetzee began her athletic journey at the age of 19 during her first year at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein.

Best Neighbourhood Forum/Watch in Bloem: Afriforum

AfriForum is a non-governmental organisation, registered as a non-profit company to protect the rights of minorities. It aims to create a safer and better community. Portfolios such as community safety, environmental affairs, and local government affairs are of great help in this regard.

Best Neighbourhood/Home Owners Association in Bloem: Fichardt Park Neighbourhood Association

The Fichardt Park Neighbourhood Association is committed to building on its achievements over the past 13 years. With a strong focus on the current needs of its members, the association drives sustainable projects that benefit the entire Fichardt Park community. Through purposeful daily efforts, they work to ensure that Fichardt Park remains a clean, safe, and welcoming neighbourhood. Their ongoing vision is to make Fichardt Park truly “the place to be”.

Best Place to Take Out-of-towners : D’Ou Jardin Café

Discover the charm of D’Ou Jardin Café, a fully licensed restaurant and versatile venue nestled in tranquil gardens just outside Bloemfontein. Whether you’re joining us for a relaxed breakfast, a delicious lunch, or celebrating life’s special moments, our café offers exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere. With beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, they cater to everything, from intimate gatherings to memorable functions. At D’Ou Jardin Café, every visit is an experience where good company and great taste meet.

Best Student Accommodation: CampusKey Student Living

More than your home away from home, Campus Key offers accommodation to Bloemfontein students in an environment where young, eager, and aspiring minds can thrive. Its Bloemfontein campus is within walking distance of the University of the Free State, and centrally located to all other amenities. This all-inclusive student accommodation is designed with one goal in mind: To perfectly set you up for success.

Best Tertiary Institution: University of the Free State

Since 1904, the University of the Free State has grown steadily as an internationally recognised university, with scholars who continue to influence global growth. Today, it has several international partnerships and boasts a growing number of international students gracing its campuses. This university promotes diversity, inclusivity, and transformation.

Best Travel Agent/Tour Operator: Flight Centre

Flight Centre are travel-obsessed experts on a mission to open up the world for those who want to explore it. Every day, they help people across the globe experience something truly amazing – travel. They’re passionate about what they do, offering everything from flights, accommodation, holidays, cruises, tours, and insurance to business travel solutions and complex group bookings for hard-to-organise events. No matter the challenge, they make it happen – not a drama. 

Best Weekend Getaway within a 500 km Radius of Bloem: Letsatsi Game Lodge

Letsatsi Game Lodge is located in the southern Free State, 110 km from Gariep Dam and 173 km from Bloemfontein. The lodge caters for travellers, conferences and functions, and offers an excellent restaurant. Letsatsi has been designed, constructed and furnished to fit in with its natural surroundings. The buildings are made of natural stone and have thatched roofs, while the interior reflects the cultures, arts and crafts of the people indigenous to South Africa.

Best Day Hospital: Cure Day Hospitals

Cure Day Hospitals specialises in ambulatory day procedures – also known as outpatient, same-day, or day surgery – which do not require an overnight stay. The global rise in same-day surgery is driven by advances in medical technology and anaesthesia, resulting in faster recovery times and fewer side effects. Their friendly and professional staff ensure that every patient feels welcome, comfortable, and relaxed throughout their visit. Dedicated child-friendly facilities also help make young patients feel as at ease as possible.

Best Hospital: Life Rosepark Hospital

Life, health, care, and quality service are at the heart of everything this hospital stands for. This commitment is reflected in its unwavering dedication to well-being and quality of life, clinical excellence within world-class facilities, and a culture of respect, service, and generosity toward those entrusted to its care.

Best Medical Facility (not a hospital): Van Rensburg/Lancet

At Van Rensburg/Lancet in Bloemfontein, work is driven by purpose, pride, and passion – not just routine. The team lives and breathes science, service, and community, making each day a meaningful contribution to healthcare. Founded in 2005 in the Free State and Northern Cape, and expanding to the Garden Route in 2022, Van Rensburg Lancet has grown into a cornerstone of private healthcare in the region. Under the leadership of Dr Bets Janse van Rensburg, the laboratory has become synonymous with quality and innovation in specialised pathology services – from corporate and insurance support to the everyday healthcare needs of the community.

Best Occupational Therapist: Mariette Bothma Occupational Therapist

Born and raised in Bloemfontein, Mariette matriculated in 2010 and was fortunate to be accepted into the Occupational Therapist programme at the University of the Free State. She graduated in 2014 and completed her community service at Phekolong District Hospital in Bethlehem, after which she entered private practice. Mariette is deeply passionate about helping others. Her career as an occupational therapist has given her the opportunity to transform lives through meaningful participation in daily activities.

Best Optometrist/Eyecare/Ophthalmology Institution: Smith Maarsingh & Mare Optometrists

Smith Maarsingh & Mare Optometrists offers more than just clear vision – it’s about the complete well-being of your eyes. This includes monitoring eye pressure, assessing muscle balance, and evaluating the health of your retina and optic nerve. Comprehensive eye care means addressing all these elements to maintain optimal visual health. Whether you need a routine eye examination or advanced treatment, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Best Pharmacy/Chemist: Arrie Nel Pharmacy

At Arrie Nel Pharmacy Group, family values are at the heart of everything they do. Built on principles of care, compassion, and community, they provide personalised pharmaceutical services that support the well-being of families across generations. From expert medication advice and wellness guidance to home deliveries and preventative health programs, their dedicated team treats each client as an extended family member. With multiple accessible locations rooted in integrity, Arrie Nel empowers healthier, happier lives – because your family’s health is their legacy.

Best Physiotherapist: Anneli Roos Physiotherapist

Anneli Roos opened a general physiotherapy practice in Bloemfontein in 2006. Marike Joubert later joined, and Roos Joubert Physiotherapy was born. Opportunities, grace, and challenges have shaped them into a practice that today passionately focuses on the holistic management of complex pain patients. At Emoyamed Hospital, where the practice is located, they work as part of a medical team to break the negative pain spiral and help establish a constructive, balanced lifestyle for the patients who visit the practice.

Best Step-Down and Rehabilitation Medical Facility: Citymed Rehabilitation Hospital

CityMed Rehabilitation Hospital, an acute physical rehabilitation hospital offers 32 beds including 5 high care beds for ventilated patients.  The Hospital offers physical rehabilitation for individuals with a wide range of disabilities caused by injury or disease.  They follow a team approach with a highly experienced multi-disciplinary team consisting of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, dieticians, social workers, psychologists and facility doctors.  This hospital is a fully equipped facility that provides excellent service with comprehensive rehabilitation plans tailored to meet every individual’s specific needs through all the recovery stages of this process.

Best Therapeutic Facility: Bloemcare Psychiatric Hospital

Bloemcare is a 116-bed private psychiatric hospital in the heart of the Free State that offers therapeutic programmes and excellent nursing care. Patients are empowered with hope, enabling them to cope with life’s challenges. Located in the tranquil suburb of Langenhoven Park, the therapeutic and homely environment is the perfect setting to regain your zest for life and discover your inner strengths and abilities.