R1-20/FREE
12 July 2013
Fire on brigade’s doorstep
It is suspected that arson played a role in last week’s fire in Van der Merwe road. Photo: Justin Steyn
Page 2
BEAT
12 July, 2013
Masakhane sewerage construction to resume this week TK Mashaba Construction on the Masakhane sewerage is set to resume after delays caused by municipal infighting and community action. The residents of Masakhane outside Bela Bela were up in arms on Monday, 24 June, protesting allegations of nepotism in the construction of new sewage treatment facilities. According to information received from a member of the Ward Committee, Paulos Mosana, things started heating up when 14 people showed up at a work site while only seven were needed. Mosana alleges that Councilor Willy Mokgethwa interfered with the Ward Committee’s work after the officials were ordered to find seven people to work on the construction of the new plant. The councillor allegedly brought his own choice of seven workers to the site, bringing the number to double the requirements.
According to Mosana the councillor does not have the authority to select workers for that project, and construction was stopped when he allegedly declared that he would fight any attempt to replace his chosen seven with the other candidates. The police were eventually called to intervene and it was allegedly agreed that half of the workforce would be Mokgethwa’s selection, while the committee would select the others. According to Mosana the agreement was that the vote would be held on Monday, 2 July, but Mokethwa allegedly did not arrive at the appointed time and the voting could not go forward. “All we need is to come to voting session and vote for seven people and let the construction go on” said Mosana last week. The decision was eventually made, however, to use only the seven selected by the Ward Committee. Mokgethwa was not available for comment.
Pay hike for taxi industry role players Lizzy Bapela National Minister for the Department of Labour, Mildred Oliphant has made amendments on Sectoral Determination Number 11 of the Taxi Sector. The decision follows heated talks with industry role players, which began towards the end of 2012 and ended in March 2013. Spokesperson for the department in Limpopo, Johannes Mokou said this means that minimum wages for various employees within the sector have been significantly changed as from 1 July, as compared to the previous wages. Deputy Director for Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) in the department, Phaswane Tladi, said that the information gathered during the national public briefings was forwarded to the Employment Conditions Commissions (ECC). The ECC advised the minister accordingly after careful consideration, hence these increments. The amendments, which should be effected as from 1 July, will see taxi drivers taking home a monthly wage of R2 643.47, a pleasing hike from the previous R 2 449. 90. Mokou said that the current revisions will also see Administrative Clerks taking home R 2 643.47, while the Rank Marshals will be paid
a monthly minimum wage of 2 113.11, an adjustment from the previous R1959.40. Anyone working within the sector but not specified elsewhere should be earning a salary of R1 848.97. Head of the department in Limpopo, Albert Tshidavhu said that the taxi industry sector is regarded as one of the most essential sector in the country and it employs over 300 000 people countrywide. Tshidavhu said the industry also contributes hugely on the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Sectoral Determination on this sector was promulgated for the first time on 28 April 2005, with further changes in the following years. During the national public briefings, with some taking place in different places in Limpopo, some role players submitted their unhappiness with the proposed move, saying that the government must meet them halfway in the form of subsidies if they want them to comply with the proposed increments. In their comments, taxi owners stated that many people own cars these days and with everincreasing petrol prices, some owners have no choice but to opt out of this business, as it only drains them money without benefiting anything.
AfriForum taking 43 municipalities to court their officials comply with municipal regulations on minimum competency levels AfriForum has given its legal team instruction legislation. “We have requested the to prepare court applications against 43 information and received various answers. We municipalities across South Africa. This will discuss the validity of the answers when comes after the forum had launched its “Down the evidence is examined. 43 municipalities with Unqualified Employees” campaign during did not respond. We are now drawing up court which their branches were requested to provide applications in order to force the municipalities proof of qualifications of their officials. to provide us with evidence that their officials The official deadline by which officials had comply with the regulations. If they do not to fulfil the requests, was on 1 January. comply with the regulations they are illegally Community portfolios manager at AfriForum, in service and we have no choice but to have Ivan Herselman, said he had asked for proof them removed from their posts “he said of qualifications from some municipalities The investigation into the qualifications of with a view toward investigating their municipal officials stems from the lack of authenticity. He said that 43 municipalities service delivery and the many complaints have not responded to AfriForum’s legal team received from AfriForum branches. The as yet, and they are now drawing up court National Treasury published the municipal applications to force the municipalities to prove regulations in 2007.It requires six categories of municipal financial officials to achieve m i n i m u m competency levels, via training and assessment, by the Algemene Praktisyns / General Practitioners end of December. Municipal entity staff also had to comply Dr. V.G. Emslie Dr. T.M. De Jonge Na-ure with these MB.Ch.B(Pret) MB.Ch.B(UP) requirements. Nr. 0332747 Nr. 0380342 After Hours At the time of going (014) 736-5616 (h) (014) 736-3019 (h) to press Municipal 014 736 2032/3 082 490 6242 082 450 8411 spokesperson, ABSA Bosveld Pick ’n Pay Sentrum Tel: (014) 736-2032/3 Postnet Suite 80 Matome Sebelebele, h/v Marx & Potgieter straat Faks: (014) 736-4809 Privaatsak X1604 Bela-Bela 0480 Bela-Bela 0480 could not be reached for comment. Justin Steyn
DRS EMSLIE
DE JONGE
tbeat3@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Waterberg District aims for youth empowerment
Executive mayor of the Waterberg District Tlotlanang Mogotlane supports youth empowerment. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela The Waterberg District Municipality participated in the Youth Month commemorations and rounded off the month with various activities and addresses by political leaders, in order to send strong messages to the youth in the district. With these activities and addresses, the government also aimed to highlight its programmes on the youth. However, the government realises that addressing challenges facing youth today cannot be limited to one month in a year, but must be part of the integrated youth development programmes supported by initiatives of the government in its entirety. Councillor and Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) in the district municipality, Sipho Mhlanga complimented the municipality for making resources available for success of this District Youth Assembly. He also complemented their sister municipality, Mogalakwena, for having a grand sitting during a recently held Youth Parliament which almost resembles the National Assembly. As June is officially Youth Month in remembrance of the youth of 1976 who stood up against unequal education, Mhlanga said the class of 1976 fought gallantly in order to advance the struggle for liberation. He said in fact, those youths created a good environment for the youth of today to be seated as they were during the Youth Parliament. Youth Parliament is a national discussion platform provided by Parliament to encourage young people through active debates to take part in shaping the country and deepening democracy. The summit serves as a mechanism to involve the youth in debating pressing issues faced by young people. It creates an opportunity for the youth to engage with Parliament, Provincial Legislatures, national youth structures and national government. It also encourages them to take part in decision-making and legislative processes. Mhlanga said the fruitful debates from youth gatherings should impact on the lives of young people, especially those in rural villages. He said while the youth of 1976 fought for freedom and the creation of a democratic state, today’s youth activism is directed towards successfully tackling challenges of combating poverty, unemployment, HIV and AIDS, personal development, economic freedom and the development of the country. The theme for Youth Month, which was “Working Together for Youth Development and a Drug Free South Africa”, called for social and community mobilisation in support of youth development but also working with youth and their organisations in fighting drug abuse. As young people engaged in the debates, they were urged to seriously apply their minds to the current situation and challenges that young people are facing and come up with concrete resolutions. Mhlanga said that the fruitful deliberations will advance the interest of the youth in the district and South Africa at a whole.
In one of her speeches relating to Youth Month, Executive Mayor of the Waterberg District Tlotlanang Mogotlane said the district wants to ensure that youth structures continue to play a critical role in social transformation, reconstruction and development in postapartheid South Africa. She quoted the former ANC President, Oliver Tambo, who once said “a society that does not invest in youth does not deserve its future”. Mogotlane said that under a democratic dispensation, the youth face new challenges that the leadership of the district is supposed to get to the bottom of. The municipality resolved to engage in economic development that they can use to sustain the gains reaped by democracy, saying that it is undisputed that young people deserve a bigger share of development investments. Mogotlane said the increased population demand that everybody must seize an opportunity to invest fully in the young generation, in order to fully reap the benefits of development. She said the situation South Africa faces is so complex than just fixing the education problems and hope for change. She added that there are large scores of youth, who possesses no skills and also exited the education system pre-maturely. Mogotlane said leaders should focus on working around equipping the youth who are perhaps over the age of schooling with skills. She said this strategy will intensify skills development, especially for those who dropped out of school. “It is undisputable that almost 60 % of the youth aged below 35 have never worked and this means that they lost the opportunity to develop skills and gain work experience. It may also be of no value to pursue them to obtain matric, but rather help them to obtain skills that will make them to be employed and lead sustainable livelihood,” she said. The district municipality highlighted the nightmare of substance abuse by the youth, which a number of case studies suggested that one in two school children admit to be experimenting with drugs. According to the municipality, the situation can pose a bigger threat as compared to HIV and AIDS if not addressed. Hotspots in the district where “Nyaope” is the order of the day include Bela Bela, Mahwelereng and Mookgophong among others. Mogotlane said the situation poses a serious challenge because it carries significant health risks, but it is also associated with serious social problems such as crime and violence, risky sexual behaviour, scholastic problems, accidents and injuries, mental and physical health problems. The HIV/AIDS statistics are also alarming, as Waterberg is again topping the list compared to other districts in the province. The recent statistics indicates that the infections in the district have increased from 26% to 30 %. The municipality pledged to do more, working with stakeholders to make sure that they create an HIV-free generation. Teenage pregnancies also affect the district. The municipality is convinced that substance abuse is in most cases the main cause of these irresponsible actions and their outcomes. They also aim to prioritise mechanisms to combat substance abuse and prevent violence against women and children. “We are at all times encouraging our youth to volunteer their services to their communities so that they are able to contribute positively to social cohesion and nation building. The Waterberg District Municipality is committed to the development of the district’s young people to become involved in the work and programmes of government,” said Mogotlane, adding that they look forward to often engaging with the youth in a variety of growth and developmental issues. She quoted Kofi Anan when he said, “Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation. Empowered, they can be key agents for development and peace”.
tbeat3@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
12 July, 2013
BEAT
Page 3
Mining company throws in the towel
Front page story...
Veld fire in Bela Bela town Justin Steyn Bela Bela town residents woke up to the foul stench of a veld fire on Friday 5 July. The smoke of the fire, which burned between the town’s fire station and the community centre, could be smelled as far as the CBD and caused a giant smoke-screen close to the surrounding houses. Closer to the site, cars and passersby disappeared into a smoky grey blanket as the fire raged on. One of the fire-station’s trucks was seen parked close by but there was no cause for panic as the fire did not pose any harm to those in the area. The BEAT spoke to one of the municipal workers in the area who said that the fire was started by lit cigarettes that had been left behind. “The fire started at about eight o clock this morning and is due to cigarettes
that were left behind across the veld” he said. Upon closer inspection three cigarette packets were found next to each other, one of which still contained cigarettes. Used matches were also found separately placed from the cigarettes, these are suspected to have been used to start the flames. A larger fire was reported just over a week ago on municipal grounds, which was initially used for cattle to graze on. It was believed that a party was held on these grounds and a fire, allegedly caused by negligence, was started. A case of arson has been reported by the police on the matter. The Firefighters Association would like to remind the community that the making of open fires has been prohibited from the 1st of June until the next rain fall. Any person found guilty of starting an open fire could face criminal charges
ANC officially launches Lephalale elections team
Mogalakwena mayor Tlhalefi Mashamaite, photographed during a previous event, officially launched an election team in Lephalale recently. Lizzy Bapela The ANC in Lephalale put its election machinery in motion when it officially launched an elections team on Tuesday, 2 July. Election slogans that were chanted on the day revived the mood of ANC members who attended the official launch. The first session of the three campaigning sessions started in the morning and coloured Lephalale town in black, green and gold, with volunteers roaming the town. The second session was the formal launching that took place at the Lapa at 17h00 and this was followed by a mass meeting at Marapong Township. The ANC deployed one of its leaders, Mogalakwena Mayor, Tlhalifi Mashamaite to conduct the official launch and he performed his political mandate perfectly. As he was welcomed to the stage with hot political slogans, Mashamaite praised the organisers of the launch for the perfect organising job that was shown by the maximum turn up. ANC member Nakampe Monyepao said the attendance was beyond expectation, as the hall was full to capacity. Mashamaite pleaded with the ANC in Lephalale to erase the factionalist mentality, as it is compromising the movement. He further requested that election work should be prioritised above all other programmes, “especially now that we are experiencing mushrooming of political parties”. The attendance
impressed him and he encouraged members not to lose the momentum until they go to elections in 2014. Mashamaite said that the election machinery has been oiled on the day and it must never stop. He then performed his task for the day, which was to officially announce the Local Election Team coordinator, Regina Molokomme. Molokomme is the Chief Whip of Lephalale Local municipality and former member of the Provincial ANC Youth League. She indicated that her first task will be to reconcile and unite the two ANC factions operating in Lephalale, as the ANC should speak the same voice when going to communities. “If we really love the ANC and want to contribute in making sure that it wins elections convincingly next year, we must then forget petty political differences and concentrate on election campaign. We must speak one voice during this campaign”, she said. Molokomme hit the ground running, as she pronounced the election work programme for the fortnight, starting with training on Sunday, seven July. She indicated that the branch election teams should hold their meetings every Monday, while the local election team will meet every Tuesday. She added that the work has started and they should all put maximum effort in it. Mashamaite requested members to go back to their branches and establish Branch Election Teams (BETs) in the same way that they were established previously with the branch secretary being the convenor of the BET.
Mbombela Coal has withdrawn their prospecting application in Bela Bela. Photo as illustration Justin Steyn Mining company, Mbombela Coal, has withdrawn its prospecting application for coal and uranium in Bela Bela. The decision comes after the company had lengthy discussions with its stakeholders, after which a withdrawal was agreed upon. Mbombela Spokesperson, Nano Matoge, said that the decision was based on environmental and economic implications in Bela Bela. Matoge further explained that the intended areas would not benefit the company and that they do not want to inconvenience the surrounding communities. “Mbombela will look for other opportunities around the Springbok Flats which will not affect the community in general” he said. Chris Wagner of the Waterberg Conservancy Forum (WCF) welcomed the withdrawal but warned that it is only until another application is brought to the table. “Bela Bela has been saved from the threat of a uranium mine on its doorstep at least Try not to become a man of success but a man of value. Albert Einstein If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them. Henry David Thoreau Inspiration and genius—one and the same. -Victor Hugo To find what you seek in the road of life, the best proverb of all is that which says: ”Leave no stone unturned.” Edward Bulwer Lytton
until the next opportunistic entrepreneur comes forward with an untoward mining scheme that will destabilise the socioeconomic structure of our community” he said. The application by Mogul Share Investments (MSI) to prospect in Rietfontein for molybdenum, fluorspar and tin, upstream from the Bela-Bela dams, still stands. The Department of Mineral Affairs approved MSI’s prospecting rights in early June and the WCF along with the Butterfly Association have joined hands in opposing the endeavour. Wagner strongly pointed out that the prospecting of these metals will have hazardous effect on the town’s environment and particularly water infrastructure. “The metals that MSI will be prospecting for are poisonous and will pollute our water supply” he said A director of MSI, Tshifularo Ngoma, said that meetings must be held with the affected parties before any prospecting can commence.
Page 4
BEAT
12 July, 2013
tbeat3@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Mayor signs youth summit declaration
Councillors Linda Kekana (left) and Grace Ngobeni (right) flanked Mogalakwena Mayor Tlhalefi Mashamaite is by PR during the Youth Economic Summit. Photo supplied Lizzy Bapela Mogalakwena Mayor Tlhalefi Mashamaite recently signed a declaration of the first ever Mogalakwena Youth Economic Summit, launched by the local municipality. The launch took place at Oasis Hotel on Thursday 27 June. Spokesperson for the municipality Malesela Selokela said the summit was launched as a way of addressing challenges that young people face daily within the NonGovernmental Organisations (NGO’s) that they are operating currently. The NGO’s are based in the townships and villages within the jurisdictions of the Mogalakwena Local Municipality and are facilitating youth development programmes which relates to education, social and economic development.
In his speech, Mashamaite said that lack of investment will expose the country to a state where development gains are reversed. He said that planning and the right investments in the youth will empower young people to make choices that are good for themselves. Mashamaite said young people in their municipality are facing major challenges that are a cause of concern to the municipality at large. He said the challenges come as a result of social and economic depression that and includes factors such as poverty, unemployment, HIV/AIDS and lack of appropriate skills. Mashamaite quoted Kofi Anan when he said: “Young people should be in the forefront of global change and innovation.” “Empowered, you can be agents of
Correctional Services kicks off Mandela Month activities
development and peace. We will ensure that all young people have every opportunity to participate fully in the lives of their societies,” said Mashamaite. On skills development, the summit resolved that young people who completed their studies at institutions of higher learning should be identified and be assisted with studentships and internship opportunities in order for them to gain experience, saying that this should be inclusive across all professional or academic lines. Mashamaite said that the retention of scarce skills should be a matter of focus, and employment opportunities should be youthfocused, thus the South African Youth Council (SAYC) should engage all sectors to prioritise employing both skilled and unskilled young people. He said the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) and all mining companies should be consistently engaged to provide resource training and further emphasise the importance of training before allocation of business opportunities. He further said that expansion in research and innovation will enable young people to assist in production of raw material locally including in agriculture. The municipality urged the Department of Agricultural to consider establishing satellite offices in tribal areas, so that necessary farming support is provided and that unused land is identified. He said crop farming is undermined by game farming, which gives rise to inflation on food pricing. The summit noted that young people are victims of self-imposed apathy, which is detrimental to their individual development. Intensified monthly awareness campaigns on drug abuse and HIV/AIDS are regarded as imperative and will be complemented by continuous voluntary testing effort for all diseases not limited to HIV/AIDS. Mashamaite also urged the Department of Health to create awareness among young women about pap smear and mammograms, necessary procedures that are used to screen
for cancer. He said lack of medication and health personnel in the clinics and the distance between villages and location of ambulances makes access to healthcare and other preventative matters difficult, urging the department to become engaged on this matter. Young people were also encouraged to contribute in fighting crime through swelling the ranks of the Community Policing Forums (CPFs) to curb criminal activities including closure of liquor outlets, which are closer to schools and places of worship. The South African youth Council (SAYC) was also urged to demonstrate leadership to all organisations of youth interest through convening leadership seminars in the manner of symposiums. Selokela said this must be done in order to equip the youth with knowledge, independence, and self-reliance, also, to restore their integrity. It was further resolved that in time, local businesses should be engaged to build a leadership institute in Mogalakwena or create necessary infrastructure equipped at the existing Mokopane Multi-Purpose Community Centre (MPCC). The youth component will be created at the office of the mayor in the next financial year, to impose more meditation of youth affairs and champion focused youth development.The summit resolved to emphasize sports as a unifying pillar, preventative to petty squabbling, substance abuse, dangerous sexual activities and misinformed leadership actions. “Economic transformation requires our independence and sound ideologies, thus we submit ourselves to befriend textbooks and be advocates of youth interest at all societal points. We strive for unity across racial lines and recommit ourselves to engage colour blindly in all our events including summits. We will further intensify improving the frequency of our meetings, such that the youth revolution remains safe in our hands. We shall achieve economic freedom in our lifetime,” said the mayor.
Old Traffic offices left for dead?
Correctional Services and town clinic kicked off Mandela Month campaigns with offenders. Photo supplied
Lizzy Bapela The Department of Correctional Services in Bela Bela has kicked off activities in line with Mandela Month’s 67 minutes of community work. The department’s Bela Bela Social Reintegration Office arranged a cleaning campaign with the town clinic and started with their community work on Saturday, 6 July. The office head Jay-Jay Koegelenberg, also known as Koegies, and sister-in-charge at the clinic, Leah Monama, led a team comprising of three offenders and three nurses in cleaning the clinic. The team divided themselves into two groups and cleaned the clinic inside out. Koegelenberg told The BEAT he will be conducting Mandela Month campaigns at clinics and hospitals on Saturdays throughout the month with different offenders. He said offenders that are tasked to work on particular days when campaigns take place are the ones joining in the activities. Both the department and the clinic supplied cleaning materials. The clinic itself has no campaign planned for Mandela Month yet as they are currently short-staffed but anything
that may emerge will be revealed. Social Reintegration Offices falling under the Bela Bela cluster are expected to conduct their own Mandela Month campaigns throughout the month, also on Saturdays. Meanwhile, the department is expected to conduct a special monitoring shortly, where probationers and parolees receive special visits from the department’s officials. Stakeholder departments such as Traffic, SAPS and Social Development among others join the official during the visit, to check on how they monitor the probationers and parolees. The departments also plan to attend to issues that may need for them to intervene. The department’s area commissioner in the Polokwane Management area, Kenny “TK” Mthombeni graced the campaigns several times and has complemented Koegelenberg and his colleagues for always putting on a united front and making sure the job gets done. Mthombeni told The BEAT that he becomes impressed when the officials perform their duties impressively without being monitored. He said the officials in Bela Bela are some of those who have shown commitment and dedication in their job.
The old Traffic Department offices appear to be left to ruin. Photo Justin Steyn Justin Steyn With the new driver’s testing facilities in Bela Bela nearing completion and the Bela Bela Traffic Department said to be planning to move into that facility there have been questions raised about what is planned for the old Traffic Department offices next to the town graveyard. The BEAT recently visited the old facility where the following discoveries were made: Despite full-time guarding nearly all of the building’s windows are either shattered or cracked. The facility is also “security locked” with steel wires as locks have been found absent on the doors. Inside, it was found that a part of the roof was left incomplete and the paint on the walls is weathered. In one of the rooms scattered newspapers and
cutlery was found on the floor. A stash of condoms was also found hidden inside one of the unfinished electrical sockets. The BEAT spoke to one of the guards on duty about whether he knew what had been planned for the building. “I am not completely sure what is going to happen to this place but I think it might be used as offices for the graveyard next door” he said. Municipal spokesperson Matome Sebelebele denied the claim and said the building’s future is undetermined for now. “There aren’t any formal plans for this building as yet but a meeting to discuss its future will be held soon” he said. The new license testing facility in Van der Merwe Street is expected to be fully operational by the end of this month.
tbeat3@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
BEAT
12 July, 2013
Page 5
Photo of the Week You only live once Mae West, an American actress, once said, “You only live once, but if you do it right once is enough.” Is yours going to be enough? Are you grabbing every day with both hands and squeezing every moment for all it’s worth? If you reach 90 years of age, you will have spent about 30 years of that time asleep. That’s a solid third of your life gone, literally in the blink of an eye. If you work from age 22 to age 65 — and let’s face it, most of us will be working much, much longer than that — you will have spent more than 12 years at work. That’s more than ten percent of your entire life. Are you doing what you want to do with your life? Are you satisfied in your work? Of course, not everyone can do the work they want not everyone can be a movie star or an astronaut, after all, but you should not be waking up in the morning dreading your work day. The great American author Mark Twain said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Take some time to think about what you want to do with your life. Take a moment to remember what you dreamed when you were a child. Is there a way you can make that dream come even partway true? Maybe you always dreamed of climbing a mountain. Take a weekend, find a mountain — we have mountains all around us — and climb it! Or maybe you dreamed of being an accountant. Can you take courses? UNISA offers qualifications in many fields. Perhaps you never got your matric. There are institutions in place that will help you with that, if you’re willing to put the work in. Reach out for every opportunity that’s offered you. Even if it’s not exactly what you want to do, maybe it can take you a step closer to your goals. Never accept the words “You’re too old,” or “You can’t do that,” because how will you know if you never try? You might discover that you really are as good at accounting as you always thought you would be. Or you might discover that it’s really not for you. Either way, you’ve learned something, and you can never learn too much. Take a moment and remember what you’ve always wanted — what you set aside as adult life intruded — and then reach for it. You never know, you might just succeed. It’s never too late to reach for your dreams. And for a final word, Leo Burnett once said: “When you reach for the stars, you may not quite get one, but you won’t come up with a handful of mud either.” Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of happiness; it is generally the by-product of other activities. Aldous Huxley Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Meditation Drummer Robbie Mautla getting the audience in a giving mood during one his group performances. Photo. TK Mashaba
The BEAT wants to hear from our readers. If you have a great story or something that you want us to bring to light, please email beateditor@gmail.com or send an SMS to one of our reporters. Lizzy: 076 609 7644 or TK: 076 756 9740. We would also LOVE to see some of your weird and wonderful photos for our editorial page. Do not delay, just contact us today!
Tel: (011) 447-1264/5/6
COPYRIGHT The reproduction or broadcast without written permission of any material published in The Beat and its supplements is forbidden and expressly reserved to Upfront Events Two CC, under section 12(7) of the Copyright Act, 1978 and any amendment thereof. The Beat is typographically prepared, published and distributed by Upfront Events Two CC. The Beat: 7 Minnaar Street, Tel: (014) 736-2723, Fax: (014) 736-3428, PO Box 16, Bela-Bela. Email: tbeat3@gmail.com. The Beat is typographically prepared, published and distributed by Upfront Events Two CC and is printed by Paarl Coldset, 83 Heidelberg Rd, City Deep Production Park, City Deep.
EDITORIAL POLICY We at the
are proud to:
• provide our readers with complete, accurate, credible and objective news reporting • remain unbiased under all circumstances • strive to reflect the truth, objectivity and interests of the community in our reporting • support and contribute to freedom of speech, human rights and the economical and social upliftment of the towns and regions of our readers
Bishop Silas Tlou The world is a busy place today. People find themselves being preoccupied, and as such they lose their connection with themselves. But again our faith requires discipline with regard to meditation. Structuring our meditation may echo to the idea of how seriously we want to succeed without losing our inner being 1. The dedication —Romans 8:29 ASV for whom he foreknew, he also foreordained to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Before starting your meditation, dedicate yourself by stating to yourself what you consider to be your ideal, your highest spiritual aspiration. Then as part of this dedication you also mentally review your purpose, the mental attitude you choose to help you grow toward your ideal. 2. The place —Psalms 91:1-3 KJV He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Choose a quiet place to meditate and use the same place every day. 3. Routine building — Meditate at the same time each day, ideally for a twentyfive minute period, although you may choose a shorter time period. Use a digital timer so you will not have to be concerned about monitoring the time. 4. The posture — Sit on a chair with the spine straight but not tense. Or if you are limber, you can sit on a folded blanket or pillow in a comfortable crosslegged position on the floor. Although having the spine erect is recommended, you may choose to practice meditation while lying down. 5. Relaxation — Choose a method of relaxing the body. For example, take a few deep breaths or imagine a white light of blessing filling and surrounding the entire body. 6. Meditation practice — to practice the Prayer of the Heart, decide upon a word or a few words that would include “Jesus” or “Christ.” Bring the awareness to the heart area in the centre of the chest or to the location of the heart itself. Then incorporate the breathing by repeating the first half of your affirmation on the inhalation and the second half on the exhalation. Ignore stray thoughts, neither being attracted to them nor trying to push them away. Stray thoughts will pass away as you simply maintain your awareness on the word or words chosen for meditation. Each time your affirmation slips away from your awareness, gently return to it while maintaining an attitude of non-judgment and selfacceptance toward yourself. Understand that you are engaging a sacred process in which you are opening yourself to the awareness of the divine presence that is always within you. 7. Completion of meditation — if desired, you can restate your spiritual ideal and your mental purpose at the end of meditation and/or give thanks for your experience. Remain seated momentarily and then slowly get up without disturbing your peace. 8. Attitude — do not judge the depth of your meditation with your rational mind. Be patient and persistent in your practice. Set aside any expectation of specific results you want to see happen. Keep your heart open and remember to be receptive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Who is the real teacher of meditation.
Page 6
BEAT
12 July, 2013
tbeat3@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Stakeholders on Sports against Substance Abuse Campaign
Jonas Morewa from the Ikageng Youth Centre urged young people to engage sports and recreation activities and not bad behaviour. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela The Department of Social Development in Bela Bela has in partnership with a local charity organization, Light of Africa, hosted a campaign on Sports against Substance
Abuse for the youth in the area. The event took place at the local community hall and at the Extension 6 Sports Ground on Friday, 5 July. When outlining purpose of the day, social worker Khutso Mabowa said the campaign was held in line with activities for the international day against substance abuse and illicit trafficking, which was on 26 June. Mabowa said the department could not host any activity at the time. Jonas Morewa from the Ikageng Youth Centre said he and other members of the organization saw a need to join in the fight against drug abuse and formed the organization. He said their aim was to become good examples and to spread the message about the pledge to combat and eradicate the scourge, in order to ensure a drug free society. Morewa encouraged young people to engage in various sports and recreation activities and organisations, urging parents and guardians to continue supporting them so they get inspiration and not turn to bad behaviour. In her speech, Kgothatso Sekokotla from the department indicated that reasons young people engage in drugs vary from lack of recreation to peer-pressure and a way to relieve stress. She said the department use different methods of treatment to deal with the problem among the affected youth. The methods include prevention, which focuses on combat programmes such as “ke moja
(I am fine) without drugs” and others, early intervention is when young people receive help from the Department after taking the drugs with their friends and are noticed at an early stage. Those who have become addicts already are placed into rehabilitation centres across the country, with some just going in and out of institutions for treatment and help to live without drugs. Re-integration is when ex-addicts coming from rehabilitation centres get motivation in order to help them not to go back to using again. Various netball teams in Bela Bela played friendly games against each other, in order to encourage young people to engage in sports, rather than crime and drugs. Sizwe Stars played with Happy Hearts at the local sports centre, while Mighty Stars played with United Stars at the Extension 6 Sports Ground. KFC donated 22 sports bags to the teams on the day, encouraging them to take more part in sports. In a statement that the Presidency issued with regards to the campaign, President Jacob Zuma called for renewed commitment and action in the fight against drugs and substance abuse. The United Nations General Assembly declared June 26 as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking In 1987. The theme for 2013 activities is “make health your ‘new high’ in life, not drugs”. The president said that South Africa takes
the matter so seriously that fighting drug abuse was the key focus of the 2013 youth month programme, under the theme; “Working Together for Youth Development and a Drug Free South Africa”. He urged the youth to join in the campaign to eradicate drug and substance abuse, also encouraging members of the society to champion campaigns fighting against drug abuse and trafficking in their own localities. The President has instructed government departments to work with all spheres and communities to arrest the demand and supply; and ensure the provision of treatment and assistance to the affected. Drug and substance abuse have serious implications for millions of South Africans because the consumption and abuse contributes to crime, gangsterism, domestic violence, family dysfunction and other social problems. He said in particular, the youth have borne the brunt of abuse with the emergence of local drugs such as Nyaope, whoonga, tik, kubar and others. He urged every sector of society to work with government to fight substance and drug abuse and promote a safer future for the children. The President said that the police are playing their part and are continuing to raid drug nests and illegal liquor outlets as instructed, adding that communities must come forward with information to can help eradicate this scourge completely.
Community to reap mineral resources benefits Lizzy Bapela
Mogalakwena Municipal EXCO members and Platreef Resources officials were photographed during the ground breaking ceremony. Photo supplied
LEGALS
VACANCIES – MODIMOLLE
New take away franchise opening soon in Modimolle needs:
CASHIERS KITCHEN STAFF MANAGER – Preferably with previous experience in food industry
Fax CV to: 086 627 3641 Closing date: 21/07/2013
BELA BELA AMENDMENT SCHEME 68/08 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR AMENDMENT OF THE TOWN PLANNING SCHEME IN TERMS OF SECTION 56 (1)(b)(i) OF THE TOWN PLANNING AND TOWNSHIPS ORDINANCE 1986 (ORDINANCE No 15 OF 1986) We, Geo Projects, authorised agents of the owner of Portion 121 of the farm Roodepoort 467 KR Bela Bela hereby give notice in terms of section 56 (1) (b) (i) of the Town Planning and Townships Ordinance,
Platreef Resources held a ground breaking ceremony at the site of their planned new office building in Mokopane’s industrial area on Thursday, 4 July. This comes after the Mogalakwena Municipal Council approved the rezoning of the site when they were approached by Platreef Resources several years ago. Mogalakwena Mayor Tlhalefi Mashamaite, Executive Council (EXCO) members; Technical Services Chairperson Councilor Thabiso Montane, Electrical Services Chairperson Councilor Rahaba Lebelo, Developmental Services Manager Lesiba Masibe and other municipal officials were among those who attended the ground-breaking ceremony. Platreef Resources is a subsidiary 1986 (Ordinance No 15 of 1986) that we have applied to the Bela Bela Municipality for the amendment of the Town Planning Scheme, known as the Bela Bela Land Use Scheme, 2008, by the amendment of the zoning of the property by the addition of an annexure to the existing Agriculture zoning, to make provision for over night accommodation, auction pens, diesel depot and additional uses as indicated in the annexure to the amendment scheme. Particulars of the application will lie for inspection during normal office hours at the office of the Municipal Manager, Municipal Offices, Bela Bela, for a period of 28 days from 5 July 2013. Objections to or presentations in respect of the application must be lodged with or made in writing to: The Municipal Manager at the above address or Private Bag x1609, Bela Bela, 0480, within a period of 28 days from 5 July 2013. Address: P O Box 919, Bela Bela, 0480, Tel: 082 8817 252. (5&12/7) NOTICE TO REINSTATE A DEREGISTERED CLOSE CORPORATION Notice is hereby given of the intention to reinstate the deregistered Close Corpora-
company of Ivanplats Limited and has been prospecting in Mokopane for twelve years. The company discovered a platinum group metals resource in its licensing area and is planning to develop an underground platinum mine. This project, which will operate for more than a decade, is 90% owned by Ivanplats Limited. The other 10% is owned by a Japanese consortium consisting of Itochu Corporation; Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) and JGC Corporation. The Project is currently in its prefeasibility phase, with several technical studies underway to determine feasibility, and is awaiting the approval of its Mining Right Application from the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR). Mogalakwena Municipal spokesperson Malesela Selokela said Platreef Resources is committed
tion: Johannes Willem Kok Eiendomme, Registration Number: 1998/070440/23. The reason for the reinstatement is that the Close Corporation is still in business and was deregistered because of an administrative omission. For further information or objection please contact: NUMERI ACCOUNTANTS INC IA Van Niekerk, tel 014 004 0100, 35 Luna Road, Bela Bela, 0480. (5,12&19) NOTICE OF SALE IN EXECUTION IN THE NORTH GAUTENG HIGH COURT - PRETORIA REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA CASE NUMBER: 59467/2009 In the matter between: FIRST RAND BANK LIMITED Plaintiff and PROSPECT SA INVESTMENTS 72 (PTY) LTD (Registration number: 2002/021996/ 07) 1st Defendant VAN NIEKERK, JOHANNES THEOBALT HATTINGH 2nd Defendant VAN NIEKERK, LEONE ELIZABETH 3rd Defendant In Execution of a judgement of the High Court of South Africa, (North Gauteng High Court, Pretoria) in the abovementioned suit, a sale without reserve will be held by the Sheriff Modimolle at Magistrate’s Court
Nylstroom (Modimolle), Van Emmenis Street, Nylstroom on 26 July 2013 at 11H00 of the undermentioned property of the Defendant/s on conditions which will lie for inspection at the offices at the Sheriff Modimolle at 50 Alfred Nzo Street, (50 Leyd Street), Nylstroom, prior to the sale. Short description of property, situation and street number: Certain: Portion 50 (A portion of portion 13) of the farm Buffelspoort 421, Registration Division K.R., Limpopo Province Measuring: 1, 1649 Hectares Held by Deed of Transfer No: T126797/2002 Street Address: 6 Blouwildebeest Street, Farm Buffelspoort 421, Modimolle, Limpopo Province The property is zoned residential / agricultural. The following information is furnished re the improvements, though in this respect nothing is guaranteed: A main residential dwelling consisting of: 1 x entrance hall, 1 x lounge, 1 x family room, 1 x dining room, 1 x kitchen, 4 x bedrooms, 3 x bathrooms, 1 x shower, 3 x water closets, 4 x carpots, 1 x servants room, 1 x laundry room, 1 x store room, 2 x bath-
to partner with key role players for the benefit of its host communities as part of its overall plan. Briefly after the ground breaking ceremony the Mogalakwena Mashamaite said the project is a huge development for their municipality and as the leadership they welcome Platreef Resources with open hearts. “We believe that their plan to start an open cast mine in Mogalakwena will benefit our community in terms of jobs creation, alleviating poverty and so forth. We are also hopeful that our community with relevant skills will be given first preference when the mining operations start next year. They must truly reap the benefits of the mineral resources beneath their feet,” said Mashamaite.
rooms / water closets A second residential dwelling consisting of: 1 x lounge, 1 x dining room, 1 x kitchen, 3 x bedrooms, 2 x bathrooms, 3 x water closets Dated at Pretoria on this the 28th day of July 2013. ROOTH & WESSELS INC Attorneys for the Plaintiff Rooth & Wessels Building Parc Nouveau 225 Veale Street Brooklyn, Pretoria Tel: (012) 452 4053 Ref: Q Badenhorst/B27373. NOTICE OF SALE IN TERMS OF RULE 46(7)(b) AUCTION IN THE NORTH GAUTENG HIGH COURT, PRETORIA (REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA) Case No: 71756/2011 In the matter between: NEDBANK LIMITED (Registration number: 1951/000009/06) Plaintiff and ELIZABETH HELENA BREYTENBACH (Identity number: 540806 0129 087) Defendant In execution of judgement of the High Court of South Africa (North Gauteng High Court, Pretoria) in the abovementioned suit, a sale will be held by the Sheriff Nylstroom (Modimolle) at the Magistrates Court, Van Emmenis street, Nylstroom (Modimolle) on Friday, 26 July 2013 at 11H00 of the
undermentioned property of the Defendants on the conditions to be read out by the Auctioneer at the time of the sale: Portion 51 (Portion of portion 13) of the farm Buffelspoort 421 Registration Division K.R., Limpopo Province in extent 1, 1618 hectares. Held by deed of transfer T20153/ 2005. Situated at: Portion 51 (Portion of Portion 13) of the farm Buffelspoort 421 (Leopards Rock) Zoning: Unknown IMPROVEMENTS: Vacant stand The abovementioned information with regard to the improvements on the property is furnished although no guarantee can be supplied in this regard. Take further notice that the conditions of sale may be inspected at the offices of the Sheriff Modimolle (Nylstroom) at Leyd street 50, Modimolle (Tel: (014) 717 3647). Dated at Pretoria this 25th day of June 2013. VAN DER MERWE DU TOIT INC. Attorneys for Plaintiff Brooklyn Place Cnr Bronkhorst & DEY Streets Brooklyn Pretoria Tel: (012) 452 1300 Fax: 086 623 2984 Ref: SORETHA DE BRUIN/ jp/NED108/0280
tbeat3@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Department of Basic Education needs help counting schools Justin Steyn According to media reports on Sunday, 7 July, the Department of Basic Education requested assistance from Statistics SA as it was said that they do not know how many students, teachers and schools there are in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape provinces. Shadow Minister of Basic Education, Anette Lovemore, said while the Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the move by the Department of Basic Education to involve Statistics SA to help ascertain critical information, the Department of Basic Education needs to acknowledge that this is merely an overdue starting point. The Department of Basic Education has reportedly no systems in place to routinely gather data on the number of schools needed or provided (including special needs schools requirements), the number of students with textbooks, the number of teachers employed, and more specifically if what the teacher is teaching matches his or her qualification as well as the student-teacher ratios for specific subjects and grades. This was noted in May this year in a Basic Education Portfolio Committee Meeting, when the DA asked Mr Themba Kojana, Acting Deputy Director General of Teacher Education Human Resources and Institutional De-
BEAT
12 July, 2013
velopment, whether the Department knew the number of teachers South Africa has per grade or per subject, the number of teachers actually teaching the grades or subjects that they are qualified to teach, and most importantly, how many teachers we will need per grade and per subject in the future. Kojana replied with a simple “No”. Lovemore said that while it is understood that Provincial Education Departments generally develop their own monitoring systems the Department of Basic Education should ensure that they are provided with templates, which can be utilised with minimal effort. It was stressed that having this data readily available enables education departments to respond to needs. It has been proven that the absence of such critical data has a detrimental effect on the quality of education students are receiving, which was illustrated by the matric pass rate for 2012 — the Eastern Cape (61,6%) and Limpopo (66,9%) which was recorded the lowest matric pass rates in SA. “The Department of Basic Education has long been aware of gaping holes regarding information — in addition to inaccuracies — and it’s time that they urgently address the lack of systems in place, so our students won’t continue to suffer the consequences” said Lovemore.
MizzDee: I’ll let the music do the talking
Prayers for Madiba
Councillor Sipho Mhlanga of the Waterberg District Municipality wished former president Nelson Mandela a speedy recovery. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela As the country unites in prayers for former president Nelson Mandela, various institutions and religious organisations around the Waterberg District also sent their well wishes to the icon and his family in this trying time. Mookgophong Local Municipality invited different churches from the area to a prayer session dedicated to Mandela. The session was expected to take place at the Living Gospel Church on Thursday, 11 July. Local
TK Mashaba Born and bred Sunshine Town girl Dineo Motsepe, AKA MizzDee, is sharper than ever and ready to take the country by storm. MizzDee recently visited Bela Bela to give her home town a taste of her music. Three of her songs were played at Zwakala Lounge, where she was a guest on Saturday, 6 July. “I was born and grew up in the town of Bela Bela,” she said. “My parents stayed in Gauteng, so I travelled a lot between the two towns.” MizzDee, whose grandmother sang for the church, says she has always been musically inclined. “At the age of seven I already knew what I wanted to become when I grew up. I was singing and dancing most of the time, I remember doing acts like the late Lebo Mathosa and singing songs by the late R&B sensation Tsakani “TK” Mhinga. I guess music has always lived inside of me.” Her love for music only grew, as in Grade 5 she and three friends formed a group to perform covers of the group Destiny’s Child’s popular songs. “I loved being on stage and channelling myself, I was involved in a few media fields as I went to high school. I was one of the finalists in the Midrand High Idols
competition. That’s when I started gaining some enthusiasm in house music and seeing how my talent could suit well in this genre. I then began to become a house head I listened to the likes of Tortured Soul, Lisa Shaw, and Cordell McClary,” added MizzDee. When she met her husband Eutrice Motsepe, known as MiggsForeal, it was their shared love of music that initially attracted her to him. They co-hosted a community radio show on Tshwane FM in 2010 with Khulekani Mncube, known as DJ Koulz, about deep house music. MizzDee had not considered music as a full-time career until she was approached by a record label in 2012. She is currently working on her solo album and a song called Running Around which, she says, is more upbeat than her debut single Better Days. She’s positive about the track. She has collaborated with MiggsForeal on a track called My Rock, which can be found on Foreal House Sessions Volume 3. She is also in the early project stages with producers Soul Candi, which is a big step for the MizzDee brand, and has recently taken her place as the face of Vivi Rose Virgin Hair. “I have a long journey to fulfil, I guess from here on I’ll just let the music do the talking!” she said.
mayor Sarah Monyamane was expected to lead the session. Meanwhile, local representatives from the National Interfaith Council of South Africa (NICSA) also gathered recently at the local Apostles Church to also pray for Mandela, wishing him a speedy recovery. Members of the organisation mobilised congregations from different churches and members of the community to the church, in order to unite in prayers for Mandela. During the Waterberg District Youth Parliament held in Mokopane recently, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) in the district municipality, Sipho Mhlanga, also sent out best wishes for Madiba in his opening remarks. “On behalf of the youth of Waterberg, I wish Madiba, the doyen of our struggle for liberation, a speedy recovery. We still need his wisdom and leadership. And may the Almighty God give him many more years to be with us,” said Mhlanga Chairperson of the Youth Parliament Klaas Mabunda concluded his address by also sending prayers to Madiba, asking the Good Lord to grant him strength and extend his days in this world. The youth wished him a speedy recovery and peace in his family; saying that their disputes were not healthy to the elder statesman.
Light of Africa gearing up for Mandela Day TK Mashaba
Dineo Motsepe aka MizzDee, who is part of one of South African deep house record company, Foreal Records. Photo supplied
Page 7
Light of Africa, a Bela Bela-based nonprofit organization, is gearing up ahead of Mandela Day on the 18th of July, and this year they have partnered with the Department of Social Development and other NPOs to host a Mandela Day event. According to Josias Ramalekana, the event will be held at one of Bela Bela’s schools and will focus on the youth, the elderly and the disabled of Bela Bela. “July it’s the month where many people and organizations, companies and individual people take initiative to spend their 67 minutes helping those in need,” he said. On the 18th of July every year, South Africans are encouraged to donate 67 minutes of their time to helping the less
fortunate in order to commemorate the life of former president Nelson Mandela. Ramalekana added that the event plays an important role in the lives of the elderly and the disabled, as it is on such days that they feel loved and appreciated by those around them. “Together we can change the way people view our elderly and disabled people because they also deserve to be loved and respected like any other person,” added Ramalekana. Ramalekana said that in order to realize their objective, they are also kindly asking for assistance of donations of any kind. “It can be clothes, food parcels, and so on donations are not limited “he said. Anyone who wants to help can contact Josias Ramalekana on 083 425 3999.
Letamong Combined School students having difficulties TK Mashaba Letamong Combined School made headlines last year when only one student was able to pass matric, and some fear that a repeat of that situation is in the works. With less than 40 school days left before the Grade 12 students begin their finals, The BEAT contacted students at the school to enquire about their progress. One of the students at the school told The BEAT that they have joined winter classes at Makhutsisha High School. The student added, however, that Letamong students were behind with the year’s syllabus in a number of subjects as they have been without educators for some time. “We are trying to catch up but some of
the things we are being taught here are new to us as we have never been taught them at school,” said a Grade 11 student who asked to remain anonymous. The school is allegedly short on textbooks. According to the student, Grades 10 and 11 have no teachers for Northern Sotho, Grade 10 has no teacher for commerce and Grade 9 is without teachers for both Northern Sotho and English. The BEAT’s attempts to contact Pat Kgomo of the Limpopo Department of Education via email was unsuccessful. However, in a brief telephonic interview, Kgomo stated that he was not aware of what has been happening at the school, and added that he would request more information from the circuit manager.
Happiness resides not in posessions and not in gold; the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul. Democritus People with many interests live, not only longest, but happiest. George Matthew Allen
Page 8
BEAT
12 July, 2013
SAB League to have playoffs this weekend TK Mashaba The SAB steam A, B and C champions will be meeting on Saturday, 13 July at the Moloto Stadium in Bela Bela for their long-delayed playoffs. Two of the three teams, Total Surrender from Bela Bea and Ocean Birds from Lephalale, have waited for more than three months for authorities to decide whether Yster United or Dynasty FC would be joining them in the cluster knockout. The cluster knockout is finally going ahead with the pronouncement by the Pretoria High Court on Friday, 5 July, that the games must be held, and that the case would be decided afterwards. The court date was also moved from the ini-
tbeat3@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Football player attempts suicide after selection misunderstanding
tial date of 9 July to the 5th, after SAFA appealed for an urgent appearance. This all comes after Dynasty FC filed a court case asking the High Court to intervene in the matter of Dynasty FC versus Yster United, hoping to pass on to the cluster knockouts in Yster’s stead, after Dynasty failed to honour a rematch ordered by SAFA, allowing Yster to go through into the cluster knockout round. SAFA officials, meanwhile, say that Dynasty’s chances of being in the knockout are small. The officials believe that Dynasty is pinning their hopes on the outcome of a case between Yster United and Mookgophong which, if decided in Mookgophong’s favour, may cost Yster enough points to allow Dynasty to take the lead from them. Daniel Ngoepe. Photo supplied
The Golden Games return “These are some interesting games and we have learnt that the parents love them so much,...”
TK Mashaba One of the standby players from Mookgophong’s Real Madrid team allegedly attempted suicide on Wednesday, 3 July, after a miscommunication regarding his team status. Daniel Ngoepe, 18, allegedly thought that he would be summoned to the training camp that commenced on Friday, 5 July in Stellenbosch, as he had been
selected as a standby player for the provincial soccer team. This, however, was not the case and his elder brother Kgomotso allegedly discovered him on Wednesday evening while he was attempting a pill overdose. According to Pat Seema of the provincial SAFA offices, standby players would only have been called up in a situation where one of the main players could not attend the camp. However, all went well and all seven selected players were able to attend, and so no standby players had to be called up. He added that he was surprised to hear the news of Ngoepe’s attempt. Kgomotso said that he felt that the organization had not been fair and transparent with them. He added that things might have gone better if SAFA had properly communicated to Daniel that he would not be included in the camp. “I thought that was the end of me, I nearly gave up on my life and soccer as a whole after been left behind because I know am a good player” Daniel said. Daniel added that soccer is his life and that he had thought that with this opportunity doors were going to open for greater things. He said, however, that he had now made peace with the situation, and that he now believed that with enough hard work his time would come.
Basketball League games postponed TK Mashaba
Older folks like these ladies will be taking part in the Golden Games next month. Photo supplied TK Mashaba The Limpopo Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, in co-operation with the Waterberg Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, will once again be hosting the Golden Games, a sports event for the elderly, in August this year. The exact dates have not been finalized yet, according to Tebogo Nkwinika, the cluster coordinator for the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture in Modimolle. Sports to be played on the day include dark walk, goal shooting, ball relay and ball pass, and the minimum age of entry is 70 years. “These are some interesting games and we
have learnt that the parents love them so much,” said Nkwinika Last year’s event was held in Bela Bela’s Sunfa Stadium, while this year’s Games will be held in Polokwane. According to Nkwinika, the Department has already sent representatives to various retirement homes in the area to train the elderly in these games. Nkwinika said that the games are a way of promoting healthy lifestyles among the elderly, in order to promote good health and long life. Each Waterberg municipality will be fielding a team for each sports code, and the winners will get medals.
Vikings Basketball Team coach Sthethe Masoga. Photo: TK Mashaba
The Basketball League’s games, due to have been played on Saturday, 6 July, have been postponed to an as-yet undecided date. The reason given was that a number of teams did not arrive to play on the agreed-upon date. Despite this, fans were not left high and dry, as the Bela Bela Vikings agreed to play friendly matches against Sonics from Seshego and the Mamelodi Blizzas. The Vikings did not fare well in these matches, losing 35-32 to the Seshego Sonics and 46-41 to the Mamelodi Blizzas. According to Elias Kgalane, a player for Vikings, league games should be resuming after a meeting that was to be held during this week. In the meantime, Mokopane’s Vampires are still leading the log with Vikings in second, Modimolle in third and Vaalwater in fourth place, and the league is still waiting for Thabazimbi and Lephalale to begin fielding teams. Sthethe Masoga, Vikings head coach, said that they were still working on getting the league to function smoothly, and added that they are looking forward to having matters running smoothly with great anticipation.