The BEAT Newspaper celebrates 10 years this month
2016
2015 / 2016
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Council members refuse to attend alleged ‘illegal’
meeting
A number of council members refused to sign an attendance register at the gates of Klein Kariba, when a special council meeting was held at the resort instead of at the municipal council chambers. The meeting at the resort was allegedly illegal. On the photo, some of the council members are arguing with security personnel and asking why they were not being allowed in. Photo: Andries van der Heyde
Andries van der Heyde Several Bela-Bela Municipality council members turned back at the gates of the ATKV Klein Kariba Resort on Monday, 7 March. They refused to sign an
attendance register for a so-called “special council meeting” which was to take place that day. Council members, and especially the DA councillors, were upset when security officers refused to allow council members to enter the resort without having signed the register.
Arrangements were made during the course of the morning to allow the council members to attend, but the majority still declined to attend. The BEAT was told that the meeting was called to discuss the suspension of Municipal Manager Morris Maluleka. It is no secret that there is a certain amount of
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11 March
enmity between Maluleka and the Bela-Bela Mayor, Lucas Nhlapo. The split between the Mayor and the Municipal Manager has also caused a deep rift in the council, as some council members support the Mayor while others rally around the Municipal Manager. Several so-called “special council meetings” where allegations of corruption were made against Maluleka, have been held since the start of the year. Maluleka was not invited to these meetings to present his side of the story, but DA members frequently pointed out that the meetings were being held illegally. Maluleka warned the council members via his lawyers that, should these meetings continue, he will be forced to take steps. It has also recently come to light that Maluleka is suing the Mayor in the High Court for R1 000 000 for the damage to his reputation. According to the documents The BEAT received from Moloto Attorneys, Nhlapo has ten days to respond. The meeting at Klein Kariba is one of several “special meetings” which were not held in the municipality’s Council chambers. According to DA council member Tinus Ras, these meetings were all illegal because the proper procedures were not followed. Council members were not notified in good time and therefore did not attend, and a quorum could not be established. The meetings were therefore, Ras says, illegal, and no binding decisions could be made. Ras also pointed out that according to the Municipality’s own regulations, the Municipal Manager is responsible for convening council meetings. The “special meetings” which were convened to discuss the allegations against Maluleka were not called by him. The Mayor is accusing Maluleka, among other things, of cancelling the municipal fleet and safety contracts without valid reasons. The Mayor’s current vehicle, a BMW X5, formed part of the cancelled contract, but according to one council member, he has not yet returned the vehicle. The council member, who prefers to remain anonymous, told The BEAT’s sister newspaper The Post that Maluleka did the municipality a favour by cancelling the contracts, since that would save money. “It came as a shock to all of us when we heard the allegations of corruption against Maluleka,” the council member said. The mayor did not respond to requests for comment.
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CRIME
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11 March, 2016 Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Potential informants required by Modimolle Police Lizzy Bapela The police in Modimolle have put out a call for informants. They ask that anyone with information on crime, such as illegal weapons trading or drug dealing, who is willing to become an informant contact Warrant Officer James Findlay on 082 414 3218, or visit him at the police station. Findlay emphasized that to become an official informer the individual must register with the SAPS. He said that information
which leads to an arrest will result in compensation for the informer. The reward may vary according to the circumstances and the nature of the crime. According to Warrant Officer Findlay, the police are in dire need of informers and members of the public are asked register for the position. Informers can assist the police in many crimes taking place in the area. Warrant Officer Findlay requested that members of the community ensure that their vehicles are locked at all times when not in
use. He added that where possible, residents should lock their vehicles in garages and behind locked gates. Meanwhile, the Modimolle police are investigating a murder case which happened on Sunday, 6 March between 16:00 and 19:00 in Phagameng. The victim, Phindi Mavulula was found under her bed with a cloth around her neck and her wrists tied with a rope. The 27-year old suspect, who may not be named until he has appeared in court, was arrested and is expected to appear before the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court shortly.
Cross-examination to begin in EFF land clash
The EFF’s coordinator in Bela-Bela has denied allegations of trespassing on a privately owned land in Buiskop. The land in question is said to belong to beneficiaries who were enlisted in the year 2000. Photo: Justin Steyn Justin Steyn Cross-examination in a trespassing case involving local EFF members was expected to start this week. The EFF’s Branch Coordinator Neo Moloko, and three other members, has been accused of trespassing on privatelyowned property in Buiskop outside BelaBela. Herman Kwadi, an ANC member, claimed that Moloko and three EFF members had trespassed on his property
on Monday, 13 April 2015. Kwadi claimed that Moloko and the others threatened him, and threatened to burn down his home. During the latest court proceedings on Wednesday, 2 March, at the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court, Moloko spoke to The BEAT regarding the allegations. According to Moloko, the disputed land is owned by beneficiaries who were given shares to the property. Moloko said that the property does not belong to Kwadi. “In the year 2000, the municipality subsidised the land to beneficiaries who
are on a list. The property belongs to those who were subsidised and not to Kwadi,” he said. Moloko denied the allegations of trespassing and accused Kwadi of wanting to sell the land to the municipality. “How can I trespass on my own property? The beneficiary list is the only proof of ownership to the land and Kwadi has not provided any title deeds and wants to unlawfully sell the land to the municipality,” he said. Cross examinations will commence on Thursday 17 March.
Water! Schools in Phagameng at Modimolle received donations of 5 litre water bottles from the AECL Community Education and Development Trust, in cooperation with Operation Hydrate, a non-profit organization which supplies water to drought-affected areas. Altogether 62 000 litres of water was handed out on the day. Many of the schools, according to Muhammed Ravat who is part of the project, still do not have water in their taps. Photo: Marlene Vermaak Members of the Police at Bela-Bela showed their support for Cansa on 29 February when officials had their hair sprayed and coloured as part of the Cansa event. The photo shows some of the brave officers with their new hairstyles. Photo supplied
Alleged witch expelled from community Justin Steyn Residents of Spa Park said that they “needed to be freed from the kingdom of darkness” after numerous bizarre incidents are said to have plagued the area, allegedly caused by a witch living in the area. In January The BEAT reported that the community has accused a local woman of witchcraft and claimed that she is responsible for the suicides. Her name may not be mentioned for her own protection. During a meeting on Tuesday, 26 January, residents of the Spa Park area raised the issue with their Ward Councillor, Kobus van der Merwe, and members of the Bela-Bela police services at the Spa Park community hall. Van der Merwe said the seriousness of the matter only became clear after it was reported that a young girl fell ill and said that she was instructed by “the witch” to kill her mother. The girl allegedly made mention of a list of children whom she wanted to kill. This was apparently recorded on an audio device at the time. An attack on the woman was apparently also planned, and emotions were running high among residents. The woman was taken into protective custody by the local police. Van der Merwe said that despite suggestions and attempts to resolve the matter peacefully, residents were serious about exiling the woman from the community. She was placed in police custody but returned a month later. A community meeting on the evening of Wednesday, 2 March was held with Van der Merwe and the local police. Residents claimed that incidents of alleged demonic possession and violence have once again occurred. The massive crowd called for violence against the woman who, they say, “has been monitoring children from her laptop and possessing them”. After much negotiation between Van der Merwe, the Bela-Bela station commander Lindie Marx and community leaders, it was decided that the woman be removed from the community for her own safety. Marx said that the woman does not face any criminal charges but an investigation may take place by the police’s special occult unit.
11 March, 2016 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
SAPS members at Bela-Bela in the dark following unpaid municipal bill Lizzy Bapela Members of the police in Bela-Bela have recently lodged a complaint with their union, POPCRU, after having their electricity cut off. The BEAT interviewed some of the members including the station commander, Colonel Lindie Marx, and they confirmed that they were not able to load their new electricity units because they have been switched off. A reliable source in the SAPS (South African Police Service) told The BEAT that someone from the municipality told them that a member of the SAPS gave an instruction for the municipality to cut off the power, and issued a list of the members who should be affected by this decision. The members expressed concern about their groceries rotting in their fridges because they had no power, and the struggle to bath with cold water. The affected members include Warrant Officers Andrea Dreyer, Meisie Nkosi, and Tracey Swanepoel, and Constables Frank Moeng among others. The members further said that they pay their accounts regularly. Apparently, however, their landlord the Department of Public Works is in arears on the accounts with the municipality, and that affects the members. They also said that they never received statements showing outstanding money, while some said they received theirs at short notice. In his response on the matter, POPCRU chairperson Frans Sekgobela said that he was very disappointed with the way their members were treated. He added that that kind of treatment is totally unacceptable, especially for people who work under stressful conditions. “We are investigating the matter internally and we are keen on getting to the root of the matter. We will engage relevant people to find out what was going on. We deny allegations that members do not pay their accounts. Some of them find that previous owners were not paying their accounts and have to automatically take over the outstanding bills. We confirmed with the municipality and learned that there was a leak of
Some of the houses where affected members stay. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
The bill of the station commander Colonel Lindie Marx shows an outstanding amount of over R20 000. Photo: Lizzy Bapela information from the station. The municipality never had a problem with the members but were just following an instruction to switch off for those particular members. As to why that may be, we cannot comment at this
point,” said Sekgobela. The union rallies its full support behind its members and have arranged that Public Works sort out the matter and see to it that the lights be switched back on. Sekgobela said that such treatment affects members’ performance.
BEAT reporter wins journalism prize
Lizzy Bapela, The BEAT’s award-winning reporter. The front page article with which Lizzy Bapela took first place in the LiNMedia Awards. Bernice Mills The BEAT reporter Lizzy Bapela was awarded first prize in the category of Best Human Interest Story at the LiNMedia Awards on Saturday, 5 March. Bapela was honoured for the sensitivity with which she handled a
difficult story. Her winning article “Man accused of raping his 10 year old daughter” was applauded for the skill and sensitivity with which she treated a difficult subject. The story appeared on the front page of The BEAT’s 31 July edition. “I feel honoured, more especially because I am celebrating 10 years in this industry,” said Bapela.
“Obtaining such an achievement reminds me of the contribution I’ve been making all these years and what my job means to the judges, my bosses and colleagues, and the community at large. I’m really grateful.”
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GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
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Registration weekend goes smoothly TK Mashaba
The registration points where citizens were encouraged to register for the elections on 5 and 6 March. Photo: TK Mashaba
The IEC’s first registration weekend on Saturday, 5, and Sunday, 6 March saw the IEC embarking on a registration drive in preparation for the Local Government Elections. According to Mafa Netshivhambe, the IEC’s project coordinator in the Waterberg, a total of 418 registration stations were open from 08:00 to 17:00 on both days.
“The only one that was closed was the one in Mogalakwena due to a service delivery protest at the Mountain View section,” she said. 43 165 people visited the registration stations to confirm or amend their registrations. 10 990 of them were new registrations, while 19 113 were there to confirm their status. Netshivhambe said that they urge the community of the Waterberg to visit the local IEC offices to register.
“All offices are open from 08:00 to 16:00 and this time will allow us to ensure that their details are captures correctly in the voter’s roll prior to the election,” he said. For more information citizens are advised to call the following numbers: Thabazimbi: 014 772 3182 Mogalakwena: 015 491 8006 Modimolle: 014 718 4042 Mookgophong: 014 743 6600, and Lephalale: 014 636 2143.
Waterberg District Municipality commemorates International Women’s Day Lizzy Bapela The International Women’s Day commemoration on Tuesday, 8 March saw the Waterberg District Municipality acknowledging that politics have always been traditionally a male-dominated terrain that many women have found to be unwelcoming or even hostile. Also that women are often more likely than men to face practical barriers when entering politics due to cultural barriers. This follows a gathering for women in the district, where those in leadership positions shared ideas and experiences with others from different local municipalities in Waterberg. The gathering also saw SALGA partnering with the district municipality in workshopping the women on politics and voting. Following these activities, the district executive mayor Tlotlanang Mogotlane said that the role of women in political parties is a key determinant of their prospects for political empowerment at all levels. She added that except for close relatives of male politicians, women generally lack the political networks necessary for electoral success. The mayor further said that political party policies should make provisions for female participation and women should be able to emerge as candidates for elections. “Female participation and the positive impact it has in politics is undeniable. Women’s political participation can result
The Waterberg District executive mayor Tlotlanang Mogotlane encourages women to take their rightful place in their families and lead. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
in tangible gains for democracy, including greater responsiveness to citizen needs, increased cooperation across party and ethnic lines, and more sustainable peace. Women’s participation in politics helps advance gender equality and affects both the range of policy issues that get considered and the types of solutions that are proposed. But how those parties
encourage and nurture women’s involvement and incorporate genderequality issues are key determinants of women’s political empowerment,” said Mogotlane. She further encouraged women to take their rightful place and lead as they are leaders in their families. She also encouraged them to mobilise young people
to register and vote on the day of the elections. “We need to increased tempo in young people themselves mobilising, reaching and encouraging other young people to take responsibility for their own future. We must increase participation of all youth groupings, including but not limited to rural youth, young women and youth living with disabilities. We really need women leaders for the future. Let us make our mark as women during the 2016 Local Government Elections. Together we will move women and South Africa forward,” said the Mayor. Events to honour struggle political stalwarts is expected to take place in the province on Saturday, 12 March and is held by the International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite NkoanaMashabane, in partnership with the Office of the Premier. Through the event, the Department aims to raise public awareness relating to the achievements made by, and challenges facing, women globally, particularly in developing countries such as South Africa. The Minister is also expected to reflect on the role women play locally and internationally in promoting South Africa’s national interests as well as the importance of education to disadvantaged communities. The Minister will take advantage of her presence in the community to donate school shoes and other necessities to disadvantaged school children.
Thabazimbi Municipality placed under administration Road Accident TK Mashaba
Lizzy Bapela The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Thabazimbi spoke out following the decision by the Department of Corporative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) to place the local municipality under administration. Thabazimbi Local Municipality was recently put under Section 139(1)(b) of Administration. The DA Member of Parliament (MP) for the Thabazimbi Constituency Desiree van der Walt said that they have been working very hard for some time now to get the municipality under administration and it finally happened. She added that they have had meetings with the previous minister of CoGHSTA Pravin Gordhan, and MEC for the Department in Limpopo Makoma Makurupetje in this regard. Van der Walt said that they have fought for administration in the municipality. Meanwhile, the EFF said that now they have hope that things will be much better as the process unfolds. Chairperson of the party in Thabazimbi Kopo Motshegwa revealed on social network that as the party, they will ensure that all their questions, interventions and plans are put into place to address all ‘nonsense’ as they say in their municipality. The municipality held a special council meeting in terms of the Municipal Structures Act No 117 of 1998 – Section 29 in February. The purpose of the meeting according to the agenda that circulated was
DA MP for Thabazimbi Constituency Desiree van der Walt said that they fought for the local municipality to be placed under administration. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
to request permission from council to approve the decision to place, which was taken by the Provincial Executive of Limpopo, also held in February. It also served to appoint an acting municipal manager seconded by province known as Mr NS Mashamba as an administrator with immediate effect until a team is appointed and introduced to the municipality. Section 139 (1)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa provides that when a municipality does not fulfil an executive obligation in terms of the
constitution or legislation, the relevant provincial executive intervenes by taking any appropriative steps to ensure fulfilment of that obligation. This include assuming responsibility for the relevant obligation in that municipality to extend necessary to maintain essential national standards or meet established minimum standard for the rendering of services. It also includes to maintain economic equity and to prevent that municipal council from taking unreasonable action that is prejudicial to the interests of another municipality or the province as a whole.
The woman who was driving the Honda Sedan was taken to the nearest hospital for treatment for shock. Photo: TK Mashaba.
The truck from Ngululu Bulk Carrier which dented the door of the Honda sedan during the accident. Photo: TK Mashaba
11 March, 2016 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
The famous DJ Fandzo during his visit on Saturday, 5 March, at Bela-Bela, with Menzi Ngubane. Photo: TK Mashaba
Priscilla Mathebeli danced through the night. Photo: TK Mashaba
ENTERTAINMENT
Metronome pianist Bobo Mautla with DJ Sasa during their performance at Maks Corner Chisanyama. Photo: TK Mashaba
SCHOOL PROMOTION
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Protego Retlampfu and his younger brother during DJ Fandzo’s performance. Photo: TK Mashaba
Advertorial
Seven police cars and nearly double as many officers arrived to do a random search at Meetsetshehla Secondary School on Wednesday, 17 February. The officers searched for illegal substance and weapons, but nothing was found. The police did, however, confiscate the cell phones of students which nearly turned into complete riot. The cell phones were returned the next day.
Ruan Jansen van Vuren, Leo Baber, Daniel van Coller, Christie Steyn (teacher), Alexander Schulze, Zinhle Ntshangase and Ruben Doubell of Waterberg Academy in Vaalwater are all showing off in their red Valentines outfits. Each child had to pay R5 to wear civilian clothing and the money was then donated to the Heart Foundation of South Africa. Photo: Marlene Vermaak
Annika Kruger and Phillip Nicholson, both in Grade 5 at Waterberg Academy in Vaalwater, are presenting their red Valentines outfits for the camera. Photo: Marlene Vermaak
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The Grade 11 learners at Hoërskool Warmbad will be participating in a “shadow evening” at Panarotti’s Pizza at the Bela-Mall on 16 March. A percentage of all the pizza sold during the evening will be used to supplement the Grade 11’s Matric fund. Feel free to drop by and support these learners in their goal. For more information please phone Mognon Roos at 084 587 9996
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ADVERTISMENTS / LEGALS
SMALLS
LEGALS MODIMOLLE LAND USE SCHEME, 2004 Notice is hereby given to all whom it may concern that in terms of clause 23 of the Modimolle Land Use Scheme, 2004, I LEE-ANE’ LOMBARD from the firm WARREN PETTERSON PLANNING intend to apply
to the Modimolle Local Municipality for Special Consent to: erect a telecommunication mast and base station on Portion 120 of the farm Modimolle Town & Townlands No 419 – KR also known as Susan Strijdom Special School at 50 Friedberg Street located in a Residential 1 zone. Any objection, with the grounds therefore, shall be lodged with or made in writing to: The Divisional Manager: Town Planning, Ground Floor, Modimolle Municipal Building, or Private Bag x1008, Modimolle, 0510, within 28 days of the publication of the advertisement in the Local Newspaper, viz 11 March 2016. Full particulars and plans may be inspected during normal office house (08:00 – 13:00 and 13:45 – 15:00) at the above-mentioned office, for a period of 28 days after the publication of the advertisement in the Local Newspaper.
Date of first publication: 04 March 2016 Date of second publication: 11 March 2016 Closing date for any objections: 31 March 2016 Applicant: WARREN PETTERSON PLANNING Physical Address: Hadefields Office Park, Block D, 1067 Pretorius Street, Hatfield, 0083 Postal Address: P.O. Box 12562, Hatfield, 0028 Telephone: 012 844 0116. (04&11/03). BELA BELA LAND USE SCHEME’ 2008 A P P L I C AT I O N FOR SPECIAL CONSENT IN TERMS OF CLAUSE 21 OF THE BELA BELA LAND USE SCHEME, 2008, TO PERMIT A DAY CARE CENTRE. Notice is hereby given that, in terms of Clause 21 of the Bela Bela Land Use Scheme 2008, I/we, the undersigned, intend applying to the Bela Bela Municipality for Special Consent to establish
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a Day Care Centre on Erf/ Portion 602 Kretchmar zoned “Residential”, situated at 31 Kretchmar. Plans and/or particulars relating to the application may be inspected during office hours at 31 Kretchmar Street, Bela Bela or at the o ff i c e s of the Manager:Planning and Development, Bela Bela Municipality, Chris Hani Drive, Bela Bela. Any person having any objections to the granting of this application must lodge such objection together with the ground thereof in writing, with both the Manager: Planning and Development, Bela Bela Municipality and the undersigned not later than 21 April 2016. Applicant’s Details: Full name: M. SAMUEL MAKGOBA A d d r e s s : P. O . B o x 8 5 5 , Bela Bela, 0480 Tel: (Home) Tel: (Work) 083 872 3640. (11&18/03).
The DA encourages citizens to vote Lizzy Bapela The DA Provincial Leader Jacques Smalle led more than 700 DA aspiring candidates, Members of the Provincial Legislature, Members of Parliament and activists on a massive Blue Wave campaign across the province on Saturday, 5 March. The team visited shopping malls, bus, taxi ranks, old age homes and other public places to encourage Limpopo citizens to register during the registration weekend. Smalle said that registering to vote will enable all the citizens to vote in the coming 2016 Local Government Elections. He added that the DA’s main focus was on their strategic wards. Smalle further said that they were telephonically engaging unregistered voters that were identified during their massive door-
No answers for Bela-Bela’s seemingly chaotic health services Justin Steyn Spokespersons from the Waterberg and Provincial Department of Health have been unavailable for comment to explain the seemingly chaotic circumstances at BelaBela’s government owned health institutions. The BEAT received multiple complaints from residents claiming that services at the Bela-Bela hospital and town clinic are not up to standard. Some said they have had to wait more than two days before being assisted. On Monday, 22 February, Maria Molefe, a resident of Spa Park, said that she had been standing in the front of the clinic’s queue for nearly seven hours only to be told that there are no nurses available to assist patients. She explained that she had been standing in the line on behalf of her daughter, Linda Molefe, who was due for an ultrasound screening for her first pregnancy. Maria said that she arrived at the clinic at about 10:00 on that day and waited in the queue until just after 17:00, only to be told that there is just one sister available and that waiting patients may be instructed to leave at any time. She said that she left that day without any assistance, returned the next day, Tuesday, 23 February but this wielded the same result. The BEAT spoke to a clinic employee who
Health institutions in Bela-Bela have come under fire by residents who claim no services being rendered and insufficient staff. Photo: Justin Steyn asked not to be identified. According to her, there is a major shortage of staff at the clinic for the long queue of patients that are waiting long hours to be assisted. This, she says, is due to patients being turned away from the hospital and being told to be assisted at the clinic. “The hospital has an abundance of staff who want to sit around and chat all day instead of helping patients. Their excuse is
that they are only there to assist critical patients. We then have to take on a large amount of people at our small clinic and the majority of our nurses leave work at 16:00 leaving behind a long queue of people,” she said. Another resident, Willie van Rensburg, said that he is need of an urgent operation due to a gout problem he has been having for more than a year.
to-door campaigns. The DA made an appeal to all the country’s citizens ahead of the registration weekend to “register for change”. Smalle said that they are ready to bring change to people’s lives. Meanwhile, the DA had over the past month emphasised registration weekends to the citizens of the province. Smalle recently assisted councillors and aspirant candidates across the province to erect the party’s voter registration posters ahead of the registration weekends. Smalle said that the posters erected across the province send a clear message that the DA is ready to bring about change in communities. The first registration weekend was held on Saturday and Sunday 5 and 6 March. Registered voters were advised to also confirm their details by sending their identity numbers to 32810. ‘Attempts have also been made to telephonically communicate with the head office Waterberg district’s Department of Health, but none of their spokespersons have been available.’ Van Rensburg said that he has asked doctors at the Bela-Bela hospital that he be examined and admitted for an operation to relieve him of the ailment, only to be denied and to be prescribed with Tramazac, a pain relief pill. Van Rensburg said that he asked with one of the doctors as to why an operation cannot be conducted and was told that the theatres are out of order, and that the hospital lacks equipment to operate. “I spoke to one of the doctors at the BelaBela hospital and he said that the funding at the hospital is used for vehicles and not the necessary medical equipment,” he said. Another eyesore for the local community is an empty clinic in extension 6 of the Bela-Bela Township. Construction of the clinic was completed five years ago, but the building has not been utilized for medical services due to faults pertaining to building irregularities. Township residents said that it would save them the trouble of travelling to town, often on foot, if the clinic was made available as it is a stone’s throw away from their homes. The BEAT tried to get comment from the Bela-Bela Hospital’s spokesperson Bhuti Moagi via his cell phone but this went unanswered. Attempts have also been made to telephonically communicate with the head office Waterberg district’s Department of Health, but none of their spokespersons have been available.
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Waterberg SAB League weekend wrap More mouthwatering football action was expected to continue this weekend. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Mzamane Ringane The SAB League action continued last weekend across the Waterberg Region, with Modimolle Home Defenders upholding their position on top of the log. In Stream A, Home Defenders is now sitting on top of the log standings with 31 points after beating Qualitho FC 1-0 on Saturday 5 March. Qualitho FC is occupying the second spot with 28 points following their weekend loss. Fourth-placed Bela Bela Diesel n Dust FC also collected maximum points during the weekend when they beat Flamingo FC 1-0 on Saturday and continued to defeat Bussel FC 2-0 on Sunday 6 March. It has been a rough season for Bussel FC who had lost 2-1 to Celtic FC the previous day. The struggling KK United conceded 16 goals during the weekend after losing 7-3 to Boys 2 Men on Saturday, and suffered another 9-3 loss at the hands of the same
team on Sunday. Modimolle NTK Happy Boys who are placed on position four collected a total of four points after drawing 1-all with Modimolle Troublemakers on Saturday and defeated Bela Bela Pirates 2-1 on Sunday. In Stream B of the Waterberg SAB League Yster United walloped Maxoma FC 8-1 on Sunday. Maxoma FC collected a single point the previous day when they played to a 1-all with Ditlou FC. Mokopane Stone Breakers won 1-0 against Mookgophong’s AC Milan on Saturday, and ended their weekend with a massive 6-2 loss at the hands of Mookgophong Junior Stars. In other weekend results, Sekgakgapheng Young Cosmos thrashed Simple Yellows 5-2, while Juventus FC and Waterberg TVET FC and Juventus shared the spoils after a 0-all draw. More SAB League action was expected to continue this weekend, with local teams competing for the title and subsequent promotion into the higher ABC Motsepe League.
Over 720 athletes enter 2016 Marakele marathon Lizzy Bapela A record number of 727 people registered for the 2016 Marakele Marathon, which took place on Saturday, 27 February. Professional and fun runners were in high spirits at the marathon, which is in its 7th year and serves as a qualifier to the world renowned comrades’ marathon. According to SANParks Divhani Maremba, the marathon - dubbed a run on the wild side - takes place in Marakele National Park. He said that the marathon really lived up to its name this year, as some runners experienced what it is to come face to face with a mock-charging elephant. This year’s race was tightly contested with Elijah Mogoboya retaining his 2015 championship in the 42km marathon with a time of 02:33:42, two minutes ahead of Rufus Photo the 2014 champion. Andrenica Mokgotla won the female race in the same category with a time of 03:16:56 ahead of Lesley Train-Austin who came 3 minutes later. In the 21km half marathon, Ntsekele Moshetwi won the male race with an amazing time of 01:10:44 whilst Lizzy Dlhiwayo won the female race with 01:38:47. Some of this year’s highlights include a team from the nearby game farm Thaba Tholo, which registered 30 people to participate in the different categories of the
race, and a couple from the United States known as Greg and Vira, who happened to be in Marakele and were looking for activities to do in the area found themselves in the right place at the right time. “We are so excited that we could participate in the race as part of our activities in Marakele, super excited that we got to walk in the Park and experience the bush at its best,” the couple said. Rosalyn Elf of Thaba Tholo was so excited that their team was part of the marathon and said that they believe that a fit body gives a person a fit mind. “We saw this as an opportunity to do some physical activity as a team. Furthermore this was a chance to publicly support our local national park in its conservation efforts,” she said. Marakele National Park Manager, Johan Taljaard said that they were faced with many challenges in staging the 2016 race due to the withdrawal of the main sponsor. He added that at some points in the process they even contemplated cancelling the 2016 race but feel indebted to the people of Thabazimbi and the country at large who year after year have contributed to the phenomenal growth of this race. He also said that they are glad that they did not cancel because they reached their largest number. The 2017 race entries will be open towards the end of the year and people who are interested in taking part are advised to be on the lookout for more details.
All men dream but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes to make it possible. -T.E. Lawrence
CHARITY / ENTERTAINMENT / SCHOOL
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Limpopo well-represented in the Nedbank Cup Mzamane Ringane Limpopo soccer followers were given something to brag about after a total of three teams from the province managed to advance into the last 16 of the coveted Nedbank Cup. ABC Motsepe League campaigners Magesi FC, NFD log leaders Baroka FC and the ABSA Premiership Polokwane City, did not disappoint the fans when they played in the top 32 during the past weekend. Magesi FC was the first Limpopo team to secure a place in the next stages of the competition, after beating Eastern Cape’s EC Bees FC 2-1 on Saturday 5 March. Baroka FC recorded yet another Nedbank Cup upset when they knocked ABSA Premiership side Chippa United out of the competition with a 3-2 win on Sunday 6 March. Baroka FC is known for its ability to defeat bigger teams in the Nedbank Cup. This NFD team once knocked both Moroka Swallows and Kaizer Chiefs out of this lucrative competition. The limping Polokwane City FC also
booked a place in the Nedbank Cup last 16 when they defeated African All Stars 2-0 on Sunday. Limpopo-based Black Leopards made an early exit after they were beaten 3-1 by Maritzburg United on Wednesday 2 March. On the positive side, Black Leopards, who are now on the ninth place in the NFD, will now have more time to refocus on the NFD League. Black Leopards will receive R100 000 for their participation in the Nedbank Cup last 32. Baroka FC, Magesi FC and Polokwane City stand to receive R200 000 each if they are knocked out in the last 16, and they still stand a chance to collect more if they advance to the quarter finals. A staggering R7 million awaits the team that will go all the way to win the Nedbank Cup final. The Nedbank Cup remains the only football competition in South Africa where small teams are given an opportunity to face teams from higher leagues. It also opens up opportunities for youngsters to showcase their talent in front of scores of fans, coaches and scouts from across the country.
NGO’s at war Justin Steyn Two Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s) at Bela-Bela seem to have crossed swords after accusations of theft have risen between the two. Light of Africa’s Project manager, Josias Ramalekana, has accused Change for BelaBela of allegedly stealing one of their Super Spar sponsored billboards and damaging another. “I was driving around the township to check on our projects and noticed that one of our “Ke moja” boards that were erected at the Hleketani Primary School had been removed. I went inside the school to investigate and one of the teachers told me that Sam Selokela from Change for BelaBela has removed the board,” he said. Ramalekana said that the incident took place on Monday 29 February and that he discovered another of their “Ke moja” billboards that was erected at Raeleng secondary school had been damaged. Ramalekana said that he has since opened a case of theft against Selokela. Selokela was arrested on Friday 4 March and found in possession of the board. Ramalekana said that the boards were part
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Maria Manaka made it through to the Limpopo Provincial tryouts which were held on Wednesday, 2 March, in Polokwane. Maria is from Laerskool Alma and competes in the 100m, 800m, and long jump, in the Under-10 category. Photo supplied
of their “Ke moja- I’m free without boards” campaign to encourage drug abstinence in schools. He said that since the boards were paid by Super Spar in Bela-Bela and were deemed as private property owned by the retailer. In a brief telephonic conversation, Change for Bela-Bela’s founder NJ van Heerden said that the case is being investigated and could not provide any more comment.
Light of Africa’s project coordinator, Josias Ramalekana said that he is angry at Change for Bela-Bela, a fellow NGO which is accused of stealing their privately owned billboards. Photo: Justin Steyn
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11 March, 2016 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
SPORT
National coach prepares local handball teams for provincial games Members of the handball association interacted with the players. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Waterberg handball teams are already preparing for provincial games. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela Handball coach Thabo Baloyi led the Under-16 boys’ and girls’ teams from Phagameng in Modimolle and Itireleng High School from Rooiberg in preparations for the provincial games. The two teams recently competed against each other during matches held at Mmamakwa Full Service School where they also received motivation from the coach.
In the first match, the boys from Modimolle gave Rooiberg a whipping of 37 goals against 17, while their girls lost 24 goals against Phagameng’s 26. Baloyi outlined the rules and regulations of the Limpopo Handball Association to the teams, also teaching the about what makes a better player and role player in the handball field. He made a plea to the teachers to allow the players an opportunity to explore and enjoy their talents, thanking those who already are
Long jump athlete makes Solomon Mahlangu High School proud Mzamane Ringane The mood is high at Modimolle’s Solomon Mahlangu High School, after under-15 Long Jump participant Dimakatso Ncube obtained second place with a winning distance of 4, 86 metres during the provincial athletics. The provincial event was held at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday 5 March. Ncube is now carrying the huge responsibility of representing her school, town and the entire Limpopo at the national level of the competition. This young athlete comes across as a shy person who lets her actions speak loudly. During an interview with The BEAT, the soft-spoken Ncube was visibly excited about her achievement, and said she was confident that she will also represent the school well during the next leg of the athletics. The Grade 8 learner said she has not yet decided what career she would like to pursue after
completing her studies. “The support I get from my coach and the school motivates me a lot. I am not nervous at all, I believe I will do well at the national athletics”, she said. Long jump coach Busta Mametja said the school is proud of Ncube’s achievement, and stated that they will support her all the way. “As the school we are proud of this youngster. I think she is the first one from the school to reach this level. Ncube has now set a standard and as the school we have to uphold it whenever we participate in other competitions. If we work together as teachers, learners and parents it is possible to produce good results as Solomon Mahlangu High School”, Mametja said. He also encouraged those who did not make it to regroup and start preparing themselves so that they can achieve better next time. Mametja said other learners should draw inspiration from Ncube and be determined when they participate in all their academic and sporting activities. Solomon Mahlangu High School educator and long jump coach Busta Mametja with athlete Dimakatso Ncube. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
making an effort to teach and grant the players time to implement what they have been taught. He has played many games locally and abroad, bringing home a number of wins and awards to prove his capabilities and skills. He has also given up time in his schedule many times to spend time with players from different communities and schools, grooming them to put their talents to good use. Some of these players have now made it to the national level, including Samuel Baloyi of Bela-Bela and Jan Baloyi of Modimolle. Baloyi encouraged the teams to invite other teams from different parts of the province to play friendly matches in preparation for the
provincial games. The games are scheduled for Saturday, 26 March at the Thohoyandou Indoor Sports Complex. They will kick off with Itreleng girls playing against Univen in the morning, and Univen boys will play against Modimolle Maniacs, who will later play against Mapuve. Itreleng boys will play against Modimolle Maniacs, then the girls against Sechaba Superstars afterwards and later against Mapuve. Itireleng boys will go against Univern, then Sechaba Superstars, and later Mapuve. Modimolle Maniacs will wrap up the matches by playing against Sechaba Superstars.
Terrors FC happy to be home TK Mashaba Terrors FC have a lot to prove in their upcoming three home games after a tough three away games. They lost all their away games and must now collect maximum points to end the season on a good note. In the midst of their home game set they will also be playing away against Polokwane United at the Peter Mokaba Station. This weekend they are expected to host Nkowa Nkowa’s Barcelona at Sunfa Stadium on Sunday, 13 March. On 27 March they will be hosting Boyne Tigers. They will need to be on their guard, as they have lost to these teams before. They have a chance at the moment to turn the situation around. “There has been a lot of pressure in the past and we are still trying to get a good combination,” said team manager Bondis Shika. “Soccer is soccer. You can’t predict the scores but you can always approach any game better than the last.” A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds. Francis Bacon
Shika believes that his team can perform well even after many setbacks. Photo: TK Mashaba