The Beat 13 April 2018

2018

13 April

Community newspaper

R1-20/FREE

The BEAT

Doek revolution Limpopo ANC Youth League members looked stunning in their theme headgear for Mama Winnie. Photo: Facebook

Read the full story on page 3 Lerato Makomene

Rhulani HlungwaneJagome

When the ANC unveiled the #Allblackwithadoek initiative for Mama Winnie this woman went for broke!

Photo: Google

13 April, 2018 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

NEWS | OPINION

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The DA’s Kobus freshening up in Cape Town TK Mashaba Bela-Bela veteran DA councillor and business leader, Kobus van der Merwe, smells the roses in Cape Town.

Van der Merwe is perhaps better known as the Afrikaner politician who represented a constituency of mainly African and Coloured voters in the chambers of the Bela-Bela Local Council.

He remained a respected and loved man by local communities across the political spectrum, right from his constituencies of Spa Park/Mountain View, to Mashakhane and Bela-Bela town.

Speaking during an interview from his new Cape Town base on Tuesday 10 April, van der Merwe said he was feeling “fresh”, following years of often chaotic council meetings back in Bela-Bela.

He has been a councillor for 10 years, and also a businessman and employer of note in the town.

In the interview Van der Merwe said he has continued to be in touch with younger politicians in Bela-Bela.

“Yes, I am still in touch with, among others, Mayor Jeremiah Ngobeni, to talk about things,” he said.

He was popular with his constituencies, fighting for the homeless to acquire housing.

Van der Merwe is one of those politicians from the trenches who believes politicians from different parties need not become enemies.

By-elections were expected in due course to replace him, with parties such as BRA, EFF, ANC and DA expected to put up a fierce political battle to snap up Van der Merwe’s uniquely diverse constituency.

Bela-Bela political veteran Kobus van der Merwe. Photo: TK Mashaba.

Justice for minor rape victim Mzamane Ringane The long arm of the law prevailed in Limpopo when the Lephalale Regional Court recently slapped a convicted rapist with a hefty sentence.

Motswere Jan Makgae (20) was sentenced to an effective life imprisonment for the rape of a minor.

Limpopo police spokesperson

Lieutenant Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said bushes to a secluded area between Shongwane 3 and the lengthy jail term Bangalong emanated from an incident The accused followed villages, and whereby a 13-year-old her into the bushes to subsequently victim missed the school a secluded area raped her,” he bus on her way home from between Shongwane 3 and said. her school in Shongwane 2 Bangalong villages The SAPS area.

Provincial She decided to walk Commissioner, General Nneke Ledwaba, through a bushveld footpath. has commended the SAPS Lephalale “The accused followed her into the

Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for a job well done.

In a separate incident, also in Lephalale, at the Villa Nora policing area, two suspects aged 28 and 39 were arrested for possession of drugs earlier this week.

Ngoepe said 80 small plastics of Nyaope and 914 grams of dagga were recovered.

My sincere apologies to ANC ol’ man river Zakes Moeletsi We at the newspapers are from time to time accused of displaying the age-old arrogance to the effect that we pretend to know everything.

Editors across the spectrum, from the smallest of titles to the mainstream, often boast about the catchphrase: reporting without fear nor favour.

But then from time to time we are rudely reminded that we are only human, too.

Last Friday the editorial value chain produced what should have been one of our best front pages.

I am talking here about the faded cover picture of the late Winnie Nomzamo Madikizela-Mandela, holding hands and marching side-by-side with Waterberg ANC veteran Zakes Moeletsi.

In the background is the late Sam Makhubela.

Let me hastily place on record that the faded picture was brought to our attention by Bela-Bela Iron Lady, none other than the town’s own mother of the moment to many, Henrietta “Die Bang” Ledwaba.

Each time we write about Ledwaba we have to remind readers, her comrades

Johannesburg last Thursday, the misspelt and political opponents, that the surname stood out like a sore thumb. nickname “Die Bang” was borrowed Instead of hiding behind the tried and from an Afrikaans schoolroom set work tested catchphrase of “reporting without titled “Die bang fear nor favour”, I worsie”. hereby admit that Ledwaba was reality hit me blessed with the between the eyes; nickname due to that newspapermen her girlhood are only human blistering pace on too. the athletics track.

My sincerest But I digress. apologies to Zakes Back to The Moeletsi for the BEAT’s poignant typographical, nay, front page picture human error. last week.

Having said that, Hold your breath the newspaper with because oops!

Mama Winnie and Somewhere along Moeletsi on the the editorial value front page was chain a colleague received with picked up that we nostalgic emotions LETTER FROM THE EDITOR misspelt all-round.

Johnny Masilela Moeletsi’s I had an informal surname. discussion with, Corrections were immediately made among others, The BEAT’s fiercest and all was well. critic, Thabo Marema, who observed the But voila! When the newspaper was cover story rekindled memories of delivered from the printers in yesteryear’s local political activists such

Write to the Editor at beateditor@gmail.com or PO Box 16 Bela-Bela 0480.

as the late Sam Makhubela.

During the discussion it was suggested that as the nation was shocked by the neglect of Madikizela-Mandela’s banishment house in the Free State town of Brandfort, the narrative was also a painful reminder to create a downtown Bela-Bela statue for the likes of Makhubela.

As I was writing this, colleague Carina Bester dropped statistics from the previous week’s newspaper, which went for broke on the alleged crocodile sightings in downstream Pienaarsrivier.

In Bela-Bela alone newspaper sales went upwards of 70%, let alone hundreds of free copies delivered to institutions such as the local municipal headquarters.

We had our doubts ahead of the publishing of the headline “Pienaars croc fears”.

But readers snapped up copies like hot cakes.

Criticizing us in jest, Thabo Marema wanted to know if a man called Pienaar had a crocodile farm or some such thing!

I rest my case, your lordship.

13 April, 2018 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

NEWS

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#Allblackwithadoek flavours pre-burial week for Winnie beyond celebrating Madikizela-Mandela’s legacy, wearing some exotic and not-soexotic doek (headscarf) patterns, as part of the ANC’s #Allblackwithadoek for Mama Winnie.

The ANC had called on all women to wear black with a doek, beret or head scarf.

The late Madikizela-Mandela was known for her signature headgear, which included her Xhosa-style sophisticated headscarf formations, let alone the odd paramilitary camouflage caps.

In the broader Limpopo, Deputy President David Mabuza, presided over a memorial service at the Jack Botes Hall in the Polokwane capital.

Other major events included the main national memorial service addressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in MadikizelaMandeola’s home village of Mbizana midweek.

Deputy-President David Mabuza.

Photo: Mzamane Ringane

Lizzy Bapela Far fewer comrades from across the Waterberg were expected to join the “doek revolution” (headscarf) journey for the burial of ANC heavyweight Winnie Madikizela-Mandela in Fourways, Johannesburg.

In recent days ANC Waterberg regional chairperson, Morris Mataboge, indicated deliberations would definitely be held as to the transport and other logistics.

At the time of going to print it had proved difficult for The BEAT to pin down relevant officials to speak on the matter.

However, Bela-Bela Chief Whip Henrietta Ledwaba said she had her own

arrangements to transport members of the ANC Women’s Leaugue Sihlangu Makhubela branch to the burial.

Another source close to the deliberations suggested a single bus had been made available per sub-region, meaning towns like Mookgophong and Bela-Bela in the Waterberg would each have a bus available.

The source said members of the general public were welcomed to ride along, with the buses scheduled to depart on the evening of Friday 13 April.

In Modimolle last Sunday 8 April, the subregion of the ANC Women’s League hosted a prayer service for the Mother of the Nation, The whole of the week was characterised by women from across the Waterberg and

Bela-Bela mourns Mama Winnie Andries van der Heyde Bela-Bela ANC veteran and Council Speaker Zakes Moeletsi on Tuesday 10 April unveiled plans for a memorial service in honour of the late Winnie MadikizelaMandela.

Moeletsi and the broader leadership of the ANC spoke about the plans during an interview at the municipal offices, identifying Thursday 12 April as the appropriate date.

The leadership collective said they were displeased by the conduct of Chief Whip Henriëtta Ledwaba, for her recent comments in The BEAT. Moeletsi said Ledwaba was not authorised to speak on behalf of the ANC branches on the passing of MadikizelaMandela.

According to him there was a total shutdown during 1986 where community members protested against the bucket toilet system.

The same year the Apartheid government declared a state of emergency and the people in Bela-Bela staged a stayaway from work during this time.

Moeletsi said it may have been the longest stay away in the entire country at the time, since community members didn’t go to work for 14 days.

The group The organisers for the memorial service.

Photo: Andries van der Heyde continued to say that local residents had protested during that time for, amongst other things, the extension of stands and the fact that there were issues with water.

Moeletsi said after meeting with advocates and the local business community to address their demands, they later demanded that Madikizela-Mandela visit Bela-Bela.

He said she was the only ANC member within the national leadership who dared visit the town to help the community at that time.

Needless to say the issues were addressed later on after her visit, said Moeletsi.

The year she visited Bela-Bela was 1989, according to the group.

ANC Women’s League members from the Waterberg and beyond attended the memorial service addressed by Deputy President David Mabuza at Polokwane’s Jack Botes Hall in their numbers. Photo: Supplied

13 April, 2018 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

NEWS

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School holidays shall never be the same Chelsea FC won the Under 17 category. Photo: Supplied

BELA-BELA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY Chris Hani Drive, Bela-Bela, 0480, Private Bag X1609, Bela-Bela, 0480

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: REGISTRATION OF INDIGENTS FOR THE 2018/2019 FINANCIAL YEAR TK Mashaba The Sportstex community initiative has promised that schoolholidays in BelaBela would, going forward, never be the same.

The inaugural Sporttex soccer tournament got off to a roaring start and was rounded off on Saturday 7 April.

Three teams emerged the victors, namely All Stars FC, who beat Blue Birds FC to lift the trophy.

Blue Birds FC players were awarded silver medals for their gallant performance, with the ultimate winners, All Stars FC winning gold.

Second runners-up Samba Boys FC won bronze medals.

In the under-15 leg of the tournament, Blue Birds FC beat Platinum D FC 4-2 on penalties, after the game ended on a 1-all stalemate at the end of regulation time.

Blue Birds FC players were awarded gold medals, while Platinum D FC received silver medals, with the bronze going the way of Real Madrid FC. Clesea FC won the Under-17 leg of the tournament, after walloping Real Madrid FC 4-3 on penalties.

Sportstex co-ordinator, Nakedi Baloyi, promised an even bigger schoolholidays event going forward, adding netball would form part of the series of events.

Kudos for DA in Limpopo Lizzy Bapela The Limpopo Provincve of the Official Opposition Democratic Alliance emerged the Top Performing Province during the federal council held in Pretoria last weekend.

Limpopo DA leader, Jacques Smalle, said the award was in recognition of the province’s contributions and achievements between 2015 and 2018.

He said the DA in Limpopo achieved this recognition after increasing the provincial DA support base, winning several SRC elections at various technical, vocational, education and training colleges.

The party also achieved its 2016 local government elections targets, in spite of limited resources and finances.

“As the provincial leader, I would like to thank all the activists, councillors, Members of Parliament, members of the Provincial Legislature, as well as staff members for their hard work and dedication. Let us go forward with confidence and determination to pursue our goals for the 2019 elections,” said Smalle.

Smalle said the party in Limpopo remained committed to meet targets during the forthcoming 2019 national elections and bringing change to the people in the province.

All residents of Bela-Bela Municipality are hereby invited to register as indigent household beneficiaries for the 2018/2019 Financial Year.

Registration will be done from 16 – 29 April 2018 1. Please note that application forms for the registration of an Indigent will be available at the Municipality Offices, Chris Hani Street and at the venues as mentioned here-under.

2. Proof of income to qualify: Total income of all occupants of the household may not exceed R3500.00 The required documents needed to be able to qualify as an indigent are: 1. Certified Identity document of all household members above 18 years 2. Old Age Pensioners must submit a letter from SASSA 3. Salary advice or any applicable authentic proof of income 4. Municipal Account/Invoice/statement 5. If unemployed, letter form social worker OR an affidavit Bela-Bela Local Municipality will be registering, assisting and providing support with the applications and relevant processes that should be followed with regards to the indigent support grant (free basic services) at the following venues:

Hair-raising experience for sidewalk braiders TK Mashaba Sidewalk hair-braiders are a familiar sight in many towns across the Waterberg and beyond.

Now the Darling hair product distributors have found a creative way to empower especially women who work with hair.

The nationwide distributors were on a campaign to offer hair braiders with free tools of their trade.

In Limpopo, combos of items were donated to sidewalk hair braiders in many rural neighbourhoods.

The company indicated parts of the Waterberg may be considered for the continuation of future empowerment programmes.

The combo of items included pop-up umbrellas, combo set and scissors, a chair, apron and cape.

In March women who benefited included those in Polokwane, Venda, Tzaneen, Giyane and Makhado.

“The reality is that historically, black women in South Africa suffered the most. They were discriminated against for the colour of their skin during the apartheid era, and by social traditional roles, where keeping house and caring for their children were expected of them, which translated into unpaid work,” the company said in a statement.

Darling said it had recently provided street braiders in Limpopo with hair kits and were on a mission to supply more street braiders nationally, to assist them to grow their braiding businesses.

“As women, we need to support local business, because if not now, then when? If not us, then who?” the statement added.

DURING HOLIDAYS AND WEEKENDS WE OPEN FROM 08HOO TO 16H00 FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT MHLABA JOE NDHLOVU Contact no.: 083 430 3259/0147368000 E-mail: ndhlovum@belabela.gov.za MR SM MAKHUBELA MUNICIPAL MANAGER

NOTICE NO: 19/18

13 April, 2018 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

NEWS | LETTER

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BRA guns for national polls following summit The delegation from Bushbuckridge during the visit to Bela-Bela.

Photo: Lizzy Bapela

Lizzy Bapela The Piet Masbusela-led Bela-Bela Residents Association (BRA) has been roped in as part of a nationwide general elections campaign.

The pioneers of the BRA initiative, namely the Bushbuckridge Residents’ Association, touched base with the local structure last Saturday 7 April. a summit held with an eye on the general elections scheduled for 2019.

The Bushbuckridge delegation indicated that it was rallying communitybased residents’ groupings in the provinces of Limpopo, Gauteng, North West and Mpumalanga.

The objective here was to campaign on a unified ticket of concerned residents.

The main prize was for the loose alliance to win seats in provincial legislatures and the National Assembly.

The local BRA structure reported to the meeting on how they helped fix a collapsing house in the township on the occasion of Mandela Day. There was also a new house which was under construction built by BRA. BRA councillor, Joseph Makhubela, said an official handing over would be done shortly.

He said locals were keen to throw in their lot with the local BRA, which he said was a direct result of the movement’s hard work.

Fraternal Full Gospel Church of Christ Letter to the Editor Bishop Samson Makwarela: I wish to sincerely thank the police officers who assisted us after a breakin at our church, the Fraternal Full Gospel Church of Christ in Phomolong Extension 8, Modimolle.

When we arrived at the church on Sunday morning at 09.45 am, we realised that alleged thieves had gained entry into our office by breaking down a door.

We called the police who arrived quickly and took statements.

The fingerprint officers also arrived later during the day.

On the following Monday, detectives Mokone and Lungisane and constable Hlungwani, brought two suspects to us they had arrested as well as the items that were stolen from our church.

They found the two keyboards, a stand and mixer, a generator, cordless microphones, connection cables and several tools that the men took.

They even took food from the creche we run on the premises.

I want to encourage the community to report incidents of crime immediately so that we can beat this (crime) problem. We need to fight this problem.

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13 April, 2018 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

SPORT

Write to the Editor at beateditor@gmail.com or PO Box 16 Bela-Bela 0480.

SMALLS

Punching above their weight

Funeral tent, 50 Chairs, 2x2 Fibre glass toilets for sale. Contact Gerhard 082 416 6067

LEGALS PUBLIC NOTIFICATION FOR MINING PERMIT REFERNCE: LP30/5/1/1/2/ 10953MP Herewith notification that BUILD NOW SAND AND STONES DEPOT have applied for a Mining Permit for sand on the farm Buiskop 464 KR in terms of the Mineral Petroleum and Resource Development Act 2002 (Act 28 of 2002) has been lodged at the Regional Office of the Department of Mineral Resources Limpopo Region, Private Bag x9467, Polokwane, 0700 (015 2874 700).

The application has been accepted by the Department of Mineral Resources Limpopo Region.

In order to ensure that you are identified as an interested and/ or affected party (IAP) or if you require information on the application, please submit your name, contact information, interest and/ or relevant issues on the matter in writing to the Regional manager Limpopo Region or to the Applicant MR MONYEKI on cell 072 995 1172.

NB: Your comments should reach the office of the Regional Manager Limpopo Region or the Applicant not later than 30 days after publication of this advert.

Karabo MNokupi (left) goes toe-to-toe with Michael Markram. Photo: Supplied

Ronél van Jaarsveld Boxers from the Waterberg have proverbially punched above their weight in recent weeks.

Karabo Mokupi (19) of Modimolle’s Phagameng township made his debut as a professional last Sunday 8 April, whereby he traded leather with the better known light heavyweight division campaigner Michael Markram.

The light heavyweight division punch-up was on the undercut for a

WBC featherweight international match-up between Lerato Dlamini and Sydney Maluleka, staged at Gauteng’s Emperor’s Palace.

Boxing enthusiasts have hailed the bout lost by Mokupi to Markram on points as brinmming with energy.

The Modimolle youngster has been preparing for the bout under the stewardship of Peet Oberholzer of the Obie’s Boxing and Fitness Academy, based at Hoërskool Nylstroom.

Oberholzer said in an interview his dream was to bring a world title to

Modimolle.

Another hard-working member of the academy is Hanru Botha (23) from Mookgophong, who campaigns in the junior middleweight division.

Botha was on debut as a pro in a drawn fight against Mark Anthony Farah at the Edenvale Community Centre in late March.

The Mookgophong boxing sensation was part of the South African squad’s wresting team for the Common Wealth Games in Australia.

Limpopo soccer holding its breath Mzamane Ringane

Lizzy Bapela

Journalist - Bela-Bela News, Crime, Government and Advertisements Lizzy.bapela@gmail.com 072 264 7740

Last weekend was not a good time as Limpopo soccer at the highest level teetered on the brink of catastrophe.

All of Tshakuma Tsha Madzhivhandila FC, Polokwane City FC and high-flying Baroka FC lost crucial league fixtures.

In the Absa Premiership, both Baroka FC and Polokwane City FC lost league fixtures.

In a gallant fight, Baroka FC

bravely went down 2-1 to Caf Champions League reigning holders, Mamelodi Sundowns FC. Baroka FC were scheduled to host tough-as-teak Maritzburg United at Peter Mokaba Stadium on 15 April.

Polokwane City FC, which lost 2-0 to tail-enders Platinum Stars FC, also have a home fixture against the much-feared Cape Town City FC. In the second-tier National First Division, Tshakuma Tsha Madzhivhandila FC went down 3-0 to Jomo Cosmos FC. The Thohoyandou lads, who

occupied sixth place on the NFD league log standings, were scheduled to meet Real Kings at Thohoyandou Stadium on 14 April.

Black Leopards FC, also of Thohoyandou, beat Uthongathi FC 1-0 to cling to their second position on the league log standings, a position which would guarantee a place in the coveted end-of-season promotional play-offs.

Black Leopards FC have an away date with Witbank Spurs FC at Puma Rugby Stadium on Sunday 15 April.

To ADVERTISE, Complete your Classified form here and send it to one of our offices...

BLOCK add can BELA-BELA also be done at (014) 736 2723 MODIMOLLE additional charges. (014) 717 1774 MOOKGOPHONG For more (014) 743 3802 information please contact our offices.

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13 April, 2018 Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

SPORT

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Thabo Baloyi heads for Zambia South African National Handball U/14 coach, Thabo Mojalefa Baloyi. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

Lizzy Bapela

Limpopo handball player, Karabo Mogotsi. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

MODIMOLLE-MOOKGOPHONG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

Modimolle’s national under-14 coach, Thabo Mojalefa Baloyi, was headed for Zambia ahead of the International Handball Federation tournament starting from Saturday 21 April to Sunday 29 April.

Baloyi, otherwise known as DJ Ghetto, has since been appointed the assistant coach for the nation’s under-18 squad, which together with the under-20 squad were scheduled to take part in the tournament in Zambia.

The training camp for both select teams takes place on Sunday 15 April in

Johannesburg.

Players are expected to gather for camp and then take off from OR Tambo International Airport for Zambia on 20 April.

In the Waterberg District and Limpopo as a whole, Baloyi will be accompanied by Karabo Mogotsi from Rooiberg, who was selected as a player for the national squad under-18 boys team.

Countries that will be participating in the tournament include South Africa, the hosts Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Mauritius, and Sychelles.

South Africa will be represented by only two teams, the under-18 and under-20 squads.

“It is really an honour to be chosen to take part in such a tournament, especially knowing that the whole country will be relying on my team to bring home the trophy. Mokgotsi is also honoured as the only player from Limpopo who will form the team of 16 players. We are not nervous at all since it is not our first time representing the country in contineltal tournaments,” Baloyi said.

Vaalwater player for Cosmos

Notice is hereby given in terms of Chapter 4 sec 16(1) a, (ii) and (iii) of Local Government: Municipal Systems Act of 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) read with section 23(1) (a) and (2) and Chapter 6 sect 41, subsection 1 (a) – (e) and 42 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act of 2003 (Act 56 of 2003) that members of the community within the Modimolle/Mookgophong Municipality are hereby invited to participate in the IDP/Budget and O-PMS 2018-2019.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROGRAMME

The sensational Benencia Nku. Photo: TK Mashaba.

TK Mashaba

MODIMOLLE

BEE HR Assistant

Enquiries must be directed to IDP Office at: (014) 718 2043 / (014) 743 6600 K MALULEKA MANAGER: STRATEGIC PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in HR • Basic knowledge of labour legislation • Hands on experience with MS Office • Strong communication skills • Excellent organizational skills • Must have a driver’s licence • Must have own vehicle • Must reside in Bela Bela or Modimolle Responsibilities: • Compiling and update employee records • Process documentation and prepare reports relating to personnel activities • Providing clerical and administrative support to HR Manager • Coordinate HR projects (meetings, training etc) • Deal with employee requests • Assist in payroll preparation by providing relevant data • Arranging training activities • Assisting with day to day HR operations • Assisting with Employment Equity reporting • Assisting with WSP and ATR plans Please forward all CV’s to: nicolene@waterbergtoyota.co.za Only CV’s that adhere to minimum requirements will be taken into consideration.

Closing date will be 4 Mei 2018

The issue of a valid Identity Document is all attacking midfielder Benencia Nku needs to go on trials at National First Division campaigners Jomo Cosmos FC. Bela-Bela Soccer Academy head coach, Sam Modise, said Nku has since been assisted to apply for an ID, which is a fundamental requirement for the player to be enlisted at Jomo Cosmos FC. Nku has played a crucial part in the great run of the Bela-Bela Soccer Academy, which is holding its own at the sunmmit of the Bela-Bela Local Football Association league log standings.

The sensational midfielder, who hails from Vaalwater, is a pupil at Bela-Bela High School, one of the strict conditions for youngsters to be blooded into the academy.

The youngster from Vaalwater also plays at a higher level as a central midfielder for Opleft FC, which casmpaigns in the Waterberg SAB Regional League.

SPORT

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13 April, 2018 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

Permutations for Waterberg SAB League TK Mashaba Permutations were becoming the order of the day as Modimolle Troublemakers FC and Bela-Bela Diesel ‘n Dust FC run neck-andneck for the title.

Diesel ‘n Dust FC was this week the pacesetters at 36 points from 16 played fixtures, while the Modimolle giants held 33 points from 14 games played, meaning the latter have two games in hand.

With Diesel ‘n Dust FC remaining with two matches, should they win both, then the team should be at 40 points at the end of the season.

However, in the event that Troublemakers FC win all their remaining four games, the Modimolle lads shall be at 45 points, a whopping five points ahead of Diesel ‘n Dust FC. However, in football, especially at this late stage of the marathon, anything is possible.

And that is exactly what Diesel ‘n Dust FC owner, Pat Seema, believes should inspire the players. Irony of ironies was that at the beginning of the season Seema had put up the For Sale signs at Bela-Bela Diesel ‘n Dust FC. He said in a recent interview he wished the boys well, and hoped that the team qualified for the promotional play-offs.

Another team in with a fightintg chance was Mookgophong Junior Stars who were at 31 points from 16 games played.

Diesel N Dust players at training. Photo: TK Mashaba

Celtic FC turning things around

Lease of life for Phagameng recreational parks Coach Franklin Motshegoa points to the fallen street lamp. Photo: Mzamane Ringane

Mzamane Ringane

Celtic FC and Opleft United FC players during their league encounter last weekend.

Photo: Mzamane Ringane Mzamane Ringane The Modimolle-based Waterberg SAB League side Celtic FC is aiming to end the 2017/18 season on a high note, following the team’s reinforcements at the beginning of the second round.

Celtic FC registered no less than nine players during the transfer window period in February this year.

This past weekend the Modimolle team punished Opleft United FC 3-0 at the Tankeng Sports Grounds in Phagameng.

Coach Andre Mavulula hailed his lads for the hard work they invested ahead of the match, in ensuring that they get maximum

points.

“We were playing against a team that is also battling to avoid relegation, which is why we had to go all out and make sure that we emerge victorious,” he said.

Celtic FC has a date with log leaders BelaBela Diesel N Dust FC, on a yet to be confirmed date in Modimolle.

Mavulula indicated that the forthcoming fixture was very crucial for both sides.

“It is a must-win for both teams. It will be a morale booster for our boys, and getting maximum points will place us on a better position in the league (log standings). We thank our supporters for rallying behind the team even when the journey was difficult,” he said.

Directly or otherwise, recreation spaces in the Modimolle township of Phagameng were being tidied up following queries from your favourite newspaper.

Modimolle-Mookgophong Mayor Marlene van Staden confirmed that she had reported to the administration that several of the recreational spaces were choking from weeds and grass.

Community Work Programme (CWP) moved in to remove the weeds since Thurday 5 April, this apparently following the personal intervention of the mayor, who herself was responding to queries from The BEAT. Prior to this, an investigation by The BEAT had established that parts of the Mandela section recreation park and netball/volleyball courts were overwhelmed by weeds and grass.

Recreational facilities such as the swing children love so much, and also the grandstands at the sport courts had gone missing, making it almost impossible for

locals to make use of these facilities.

There was almost the same challenge at Phagameng Sports Grounds.

The situation here has become of concern to parents with no perimeter fencing.

Also of concern was electricity cables and a street lamp which had fallen across the terrain, posing the real danger of kids being exposed to live cables.

At the time van Staden lamented the lack of proper machinery and adequate funds.

“We are calling on residents to protect municipal assets at all times, because they also belong to the community. Money that is spent on maintenance or replacement of old things is money wasted, because that money could have been used for new products or infrastructure development,” she said.

She said stealing of municipal cables, transformers or other electrical equipment affects the community negatively, as it may result in loss of income for the municipality.

“We must work together to avoid it, and to look after municipal assets like we look after our own assets,” she added.