2017
R1-20/FREE
13 January
Modemo Maluleka and Phenya Masemola, who are starting their school career at Laerskool Warmbad this year, looked happy and enthusiastic to be there. Photo: Herman Steyn
Mpho Baloyi (5), George Khoza (5), and James Monene (5) said that they want to work at their school after completing their studies. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Patha Makesha and Orifha Masia both looked like they were taking everything very seriously. Photo: Herman Steyn
Tshiamo Molokomme (4), wants to work in the SAPS’s offices when she grows up. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Thato Ndlovu (4), wants to be a doctor. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Amogelang Motlhabane (5), of BelaBela’s Albert Lithuli Primary School was excited to start school on the reopening day, Wednesday, 11 January. He told The BEAT during a visit at the school that he wants to be a policeman when he finishes school. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Amogelang Mokgetle (5) also wants to be an educator. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
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CRIME
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13 January, 2017 Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Police on the go throughout festive season Andries van der Heyde The Limpopo police delivered excellent results over December. It was reported on Monday, 2 January, that 2 607 suspects were arrested over December in connection with a wide range of crimes as part of a combined police operation. Lieutenant-Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe, spokesperson for the Limpopo Police Department, said that the police depended on information received from members of a number of police units, and that government institutions as well as the military took place.
Roadblocks were established across the province, and vehicles were searched, raids executed, drinking establishments visited, and visibility was improved at shopping centres and Central Business Districts across the province. Ngoepe said that among the 2 607 arrests that were made, there were arrests for murder, burglary, fraud, theft, public drinking, traffic violations, drug possession, and the possession of unlicensed firearms, among other things. The police also confiscated 26 firearms, two rifles, two AK47 machine guns, and 88 pieces of ammunition. A total of 21 stolen vehicles, 52 cell phones, eight
television sets and nine laptops were also recovered. The street value of the drugs that were found is estimated to be around R192 000, while the dagga’s value is estimated at R56 253. The computers, clothing, shoes, beauty products, vehicle parts, tyres, alcohol, and fraudulent items were valued at R163 151, said Ngoepe. The suspects have all already appeared in the relevant courts. At Bela-Bela, between 1 and 31 December, there was an increase in sexually related crimes, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm,
common assault, aggravated robbery, theft of vehicles and cattle, said Sergeant Hester van Zyl, police spokesperson for BelaBela. All other crime statistics went down, she said. The Bela-Bela police also arrested four suspects, believed to form a syndicate, who were apparently involved with burglaries and armed robberies at Bela-Bela and Pienaarsrivier. John Marakela was arrested on Tuesday, 3 January, and has appeared in the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on five charges of burglary and one of robbery. All the suspects are still being detained, according to the police.
Stolen bakkie found en route to Soshanguve Andries van der Heyde A resident of Mandela Village in the Bela-Bela Township’s bakkie was stolen between 02:00 and 03:00 on Wednesday, 28 December. After the victim reported the matter to the police, a search was launched, and the bakkie was found at around 21:00 on the same day in the Voyentin/Cyferskuil area. Sergeant Frans Sekgobela from the local police department told The BEAT’s sister paper The Post that the bakkie had a tracking device, but that the device was disconnected and the signal was lost in the area where the bakkie was found. Sekgobela said that he later received information that the bakkie was to have been taken to Soshanguve in Pretoria. The police staked out the bakkie for several hours in the hope of snatching the culprits, but the bakkie was not approached by anyone, and eventually the bakkie was removed. As of going to press, nobody has been arrested and the case is still under investigation. Sekgobela also said that the police had several other successes around the same time, when the police managed to arrest three men for robbery in Masakhane. The three, one of whom is allegedly Zimbabwean, were apparently in the habit of picking up and then robbing hitchhikers
A bakkie that was stolen in the Bela-Bela township, was recovered on the same day by the Bela-Bela police. According to information received, the bakkie was to have been moved to Soshanguve. With the bakkie is Sergeant Frans Sekgobela from the Bela-Bela Police Department. Photo: Andries van der Heyde in the Pienaarsrivier, Masakhane, and Bela-Bela area. The suspects have already appeared in
This man was injured following an accident between his bike and an oncoming vehicle. The accident took place in late December at Mandela Corner between Extension 5 (formerly Mandela Village) and Extension 8. He appeared to be in shock. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court. Sekgobela has asked anyone who is a victim of crime, or has information to
offer the police, to contact the station at 014 736 9760 / 072 839 5597, or to contact Sekgobela himself at 082 962 1493.
Crowds surround the injured man as they wanted to see for themselves what had occurred. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
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Uproar after dog attack
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Elderly man attacked with pickaxe
Lizzy Bapela Community members at Bela-Bela’s Extension 6 expressed rage after a minor was bitten by three dogs in the area. A residents’ representative Abatias Kgokane told The BEAT that the child’s father, Hendrick Mothokwa of Maputo, sent out a group of children to buy chickens at a nearby farm. His child was the youngest. He added that on arrival, the children found that the dogs from the farm had escaped from their cage. The dogs began to chase the children, who fled. He also said that other children managed to escape while the young one, Charles Kobe, could not and was unfortunately caught by the dogs. After escaping, the children reportedly summoned their elders to help the victim. Mothokwa and his neighbours rushed to the scene and called the police immediately after learning of the incident. The concerned residents were not happy about the fact that the police arrived at the scene and only confiscated the dogs, leaving the owner behind, since they allege that he was negligent. Mothokwa later on made an enquiry with the police, expressing dissatisfaction with the progress of the case. “This is totally unacceptable and we urge that the law take its course and the matter gets dealt with amicably,” said Kgokane. “How does an adult leave his aggressive pets unguarded, knowing that he runs a business in the same premises and that some of his customers send their children to do
GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
Police at Modimolle are looking for three men who allegedly attacked an elderly farmer with a pickaxe. Photo as illustration. Justin Steyn
This child, who was attacked by three aggressive dogs, is still in hospital. Photo supplied shopping there? A business site should be safe for all customers at all times and no customer should visit it being scared for their life. We feel it is right that the farm owner must sort the matter out with the police and the child’s family, taking to consideration that the fact remains, the child was forced into
a critical condition. This calls for concern as it is painful for the family to watch as the dogs’ owner walks freely while they have to keep visiting their child who is spending time in the hospital bed,” he added. By the time of going to press, the police could not give their side of the story as they had not yet established an update on the case proceedings. The family could also not be reached to give an update.
Stolen goods recovered after burglary
A large amount of household and clothing items had also been recovered. Photo supplied Justin Steyn Three men who were allegedly involved in a burglary incident in Mookgophong have been arrested. According to Ben Engelbrecht of the Heritage Protection Group (HPG) at Thabazimbi, the incident happened on Monday, 9 January, when three men were being tracked by HPG members for allegedly being involved in a burglary incident on a farm in the Crecy area.
This man was discovered hiding in a silo after he was linked to a burglary incident in Mookgophong. Photo supplied Engelbrecht said that the HPG members followed the tracks for about 25 kilometres until all three men had been arrested. He added that one of the men attempted to hide in a broken-down silo. Three air pistols and a number of household goods had been stolen. Engelbrecht said that two of the men involved in the burglary were employed at the farm where the goods had been stolen. He added that all stolen goods had been recovered.
A manhunt for three men ensued on Sunday 8 January at Modimolle, after an elderly farmer was attacked by three men who allegedly used a pickaxe handle to harm him. According to the Modimolle Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson, Barend Pienaar, 65-year old Theuns Duvenhage was attacked on his farm on the Nyl Zijn Oog Road, near Modimolle. Pienaar said that in the morning of the day in question, Duvenhage was attacked by three men who
had hit him several times with a pickaxe on his back and then proceeded to tie him up with rope and wire and left him bound in his bathroom. Pienaar said that the men started to pillage Duvenhage’s home and stole two revolvers, two cell phones and an undisclosed amount of cash. He added that shortly after the incident was reported, 80 CPF members and more than 60 vehicles were patrolling the area in attempt to catch the three men. A helicopter was called in to assist in the late afternoon but the search was called off by the early evening. No arrests have been made and the men are still at large.
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GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
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LIM368 Residents asked to pay municipality before July
68 snake hatchlings found on Modimolle farm
Mayor Marlene Van Staden has pleaded with residents of LIM 368 Municipality to pay part of their outstanding accounts. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Mzamane Ringane The residents who owe the LIM 368 Municipality for their monthly services, have been given till 30 June to pay off their debts or face hefty consequences. LIM 368 Municipality, which is an amalgamation of Mookgophong Municipality and Modimolle Local Municipality recently took a resolution in the council where they decided to write off 40% of all debts owed to the institution. In a communiqué circulated to the residents within the LIM 368 Municipality, Mayor Marlene Van Staden said a resolution to write off 40% on all debt older than 60 days was taken by the council recently. “You have between now and 30
June to pay it off,” the mayor stated. She further indicated that registered indigents will get a 100% write-off (“zero-zero”). “Everyone’s accounts will be debited by 120 kilolitres of water to compensate for previous air pockets. This will be credited on their accounts from end of Jan 2017,” Van Staden continued. She also stated in the statement that people whose accounts were up to date will also get a rebate. Asked what will happen to the consumers who fail to take advantage of the 40% discount, and settle their debt by 30 June, the mayor said the municipality will be cutting off electricity and the indebted consumers will subsequently face legal actions. The municipality will be embarking
on the public registration process of indigents for the 2016/17 financial year, between 10 and 24 January. People who earn salaries above R2 300 will not qualify to register as indigents. The people of Modimolle have previously submitted a memorandum of demands to the newly administered municipality, demanding that all debts be cancelled. The council’s resolution to write off only 40% of the debt has been met with mixed reaction, prompting residents to express themselves on social media. While others feel that it is compulsory for consumers to pay their accounts, most residents continued with their plea for a complete write off of all their debts.
Cor Viljoen, snake handler and conservationist from BelaBela, was very pleased when he was called out to a farm at Modimolle where 68 South African python hatchlings had been discovered. Photo supplied
Eggshells were removed from the hole before the 68 python hatchlings were discovered. Photo supplied
Local ANC allegedly split into competing factions Lizzy Bapela Factions amongst ANC members and leaders do not seem like they could fade away any time soon as divisions within the party prove to be ruling still. This was seen recently as different branches held their general meetings and supporters of opposing factions accused each other of trying to disrupt their meetings. It is believed that at Bela-Bela, there is a faction supporting ANC Regional Deputy Chairperson Jack Maeko and Secretary Tolly Mashamaite, while the other faction supports Regional Chairperson Morris Mataboge and Bela-Bela Mayor Jeremiah Ngobeni. The Mashamaite and Maeko supporters continued to rally support behind their leaders during their branch general meeting held at the Bela-Bela Community Hall on Saturday, 8 January. The meeting was led by five councillors; Henrieta Ledwaba, Spando Maluleka, Freddy Hlungwane, Bonini Malete and Angelina Shika. ANC Regional Executive Committee additional member Bhuti Moagi graced the meeting and delivered a memorial lecture on the life of former state president Doctor Nelson Mandela, also preaching against factions and divisions within the party. In her address, Ledwaba advised the members to continue supporting Maeko and Mashamaite regardless of their rivals trying to convince them otherwise. She said that if they offer them bribes, they should take those bribes and then express their support for Maeko and Mashamaite
The hole where the empty egg shells and snakes were discovered. Photo supplied
Once it was determined that the mother was not in the area, the Klein-Kariba snake handler started to places all Cor Viljoen, a well-known of the snakes inside a snake handler at Bela-Bela Tupperware bucket they had was delightfully surprised when he was called out to a brought along. farm at Modimolle where 68 Viljoen estimated the snakes to be about two to python hatchlings were three weeks old as they had discovered. not shed at the time. Viljoen set out to the farm “As soon as these snakes with his partner, Theunis have started shedding, that is Victor, on Monday, 26 when they start to move December, where they away from the nest to go and started discarding hatched live on their own,” Viljoen eggs from a hole where the approximately 5-meter long said. He added that he is very South-African python had pleased about the find and laid her eggs. that he was able to remove Viljoen added that he had this big find without to first inspect the hole to see if the hatchlings’ mother endangering the snakes or those who work and live on was not in the area. the farm. “I estimated that the baby Viljoen said that he kept snakes were about three the snakes with him until weeks old and could not they started shedding and take them away from the nest if their mother was still they were released into a game reserve at Bela-Bela. around,” he said. Justin Steyn
Members from different ANC branches in the Bela-Bela area filled up the community hall for a meeting in support of their preferred leadership candidates. Photo: Lizzy Bapela anyway. Some party members took to Facebook to rubbish the allegations levelled against the faction supporting Ngobeni and Mataboge. It was alleged that they paid a group of youths to attempt to disrupt meetings held by the faction supporting Maeko and Mashamaite. Posts and comments on Facebook alleged that the youths were bribed with R250 and alcohol to do the dirty work, which according to them failed dismally. Ledwaba said that their faction go with the numbers of the masses and
not the amounts of money used to bribe the members. She added that they rally their support behind capable and competent leaders who work with the people and not those who use bribes to get their way as this sends out the wrong message to the masses. She further emphasized that their preferred leadership candidates are the correct ones and the masses will prove this come next election conference. No representative could be reached to comment on behalf of the Ngobeni and Mataboge faction.
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EDITORIAL
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Announcement for another clinic at Bela-Bela
One of the streets in Leseding Section which remains unpaved. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Residents of Bela-Bela’s Leseding Section still await the resuming of the paving of streets in their area which were left out following the festive holidays. Bela-Bela Mayor Jeremiah Ngobeni promised the community in December that the construction at the streets which were left out was to resume the first week of January or as soon as the firms for material supplies were reopened. He added that the unpaved portion of
Leseding was left out due to buildings which were extended to the municipal owned areas and the municipality already
Bela-Bela’s festive season The heavy rains during and after the festive season end up affecting the roads badly as road users especially drivers struggled to travel on the roads. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
This is the area that the mayor announced will be used to build a new clinic. Photo: Lizzy Bapela with the residents ahead of the festive season, where he unfolded his plan of action and announced projects that were scheduled to take place shortly before and following the next financial year. The projects include the extension of pavements, storm water drainage and the This clinic proved to have been construction of a new clinic, following the badly built and unusable following poorly built one situated in Extension 6. inspections. Photo: Lizzy Bapela The residents welcomed the news as the visibility and efficiency of service delivery is at their hearts. Ward 7 committee applauded the announcements notified stand owners to demolish them to during one of their meetings with the allow the paving project to take place. mayor and wished him all the best in the The mayor held back-to-back meetings projects.
Bela-Bela Pre-School fun day at the community hall Children at the Bela-Bela PreSchool were treated to a fun day at the community hall as they were closing for the holidays in December. The children entertained the audience with different activities including drama during the event. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Law enforcement had to step in to assist with the traffic congestion caused by the heavy rains to ensure road users continue to have safe journeys. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
The young ones showed their elders that they can also sing and dance and make people laugh as they show what they have learned throughout the year. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
It was very difficult for heavy vehicles to get through the flooding areas in and outside BelaBela. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
This learner could not continue performing after noticing the presence of his mother in the hall and could not stop crying even during the photo shoot. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Parents and community members filled up the hall for the fun day to see what their children were implementing after learning at their day care centre. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
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ADVERTISMENTS / LEGALS
SMALLS
LEGALS
BELA BELA LAND USE SCHEME, 2008 APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL CONSENT IN TERMS OF CLAUSE 21 OF THE BELA BELA LAND USE SCHEME, 2008, TO PERMIT A TRANSPORT USE Notice is hereby given that, in terms of Clause 21 of the Bela Bela Land Use Scheme 2008, I/we the undersidned, intend applying to the Bela Bela Municipality for Special Consent to establish a Transport Use on Erf/ Portion 12 Noodhulp zoned “Farm 492 KR, situated at Bela Bela Limpopo.”
Plans and/or particulars relating to the application may be inspected during office hours at Bela Bela Local Municipality or at the offices of the Manager: Planning and Development, Bela Bela Municipality, Chris Hani Drive, Bela Bela. Any person having any objections to the granting of this application must lodge such objection together with the grounds thereof in writing, with both the Manager: Planning and Development, Bela Bela Municipality and the undersigned not later than 27 January 2017. Applicant’s Details: Full name: ADéL VILJOEN Address: Plot 12 Noodhulp Bela Bela Tel: (Home) 082 566 7819 Tel: (Work) 082 433 1468. (13&20/01). NOTIFICATION OF APPLICATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION Notice is given of a Basic Assessment process in terms of: Section 24D of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), Act No. 107 of 1998, as amended and the EIA Regulations, 2014 (GN R 983 & GN R 985 of 4 December 2014); and Section 47(3) of the National Environmental Management Waste Act (NEM:WA), No. 59 of 2008 and Regulation 41(2) of the EIA Regulations made in terms of Section 24(5) of the NEMA. Applicant: Roelan Trading 173 (Pty) Ltd (herein after referred to as Roelan). Competent Authority: Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) Proposed Activities: Roelan have applied for Environmental Authorisation for a mining permit and associated waste management license. The application is for Platinum Group Metals and associated minerals (includng precious metals, rare earths and base metals). The proposed operation is based on the remining of surface tailings and rock dumps which originated from historic mining of the Transvaal Platinum Mine. The mining activities will typically entail: Site clearance / preparation Mining of tailings material Mining of rock material Concurrent rehabilitation Supporting services Location: The proposed activity will take place over a 4.5 hectare area located on a portion of Portion 3 and Portion 10 of the Farm Welgevonden 353 KT, in the District of Waterberg. The Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) accepted the application on 07th December 2016 and assigned the reference number LP 30/5/1/3/2 / 10818 MP. The proposed
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project triggers the following listed activities: NEMA EIA: GNR 983: Activity 21 NEMA EIA: GNR 985: Activity 12 (a)(ii) NEM:WA: Category A of GNR 633: Activity 3(15)
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION UMHLABA ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING CC has been appointed as the independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) responsible for undertaking
the public participation and BA process. You are hereby invited to register as an Interested & Affected Party (I&AP) with your name, contact information and interest in the matter, on or before 20 January 2017 to:
PREESHA RAMPERSAD of UMHLABA ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING CC at the following details: Post: P.O. Box 731504, Fairland, 2030 Tel: (011) 791 3389
Fax: (011) 791 3384 E-mail: preesha@umhlaba.co.za Upon registration as an I&AP you will be notified of the opportunity to provide further comment on the draft BA Report.
Mr & Miss Mookgophong 2017 benefits schools Khutjo Mote (2nd prince), Lebogang Mahloko (2nd princess), Thabiso Rebombo (1st prince), Tshepiso Teffo (1st princess), Winston Kgopedi (King) and Mahlodi Malema (Queen) with the organisers of Mr and Miss Mookgophong. Photo supplied
Mzamane Ringane Mr and Miss Mookgophong coorganizer George Khosa has revealed that this year they will be handing over uniforms to the local schools, through their campaign named “Bring a child to school.” He said they will go to schools as early as next week. Khosa said their recent pageant was an event to remember. He told The BEAT that the turnout at the event was very good, with the community of Mookgophong coming out in numbers to support the initiative. “The purpose of the pageant is to uplift, build and boost self confidence among young people of our community. Our aim is to improve the lives of Mookgophong
people.” He said they will be working hand in hand with LIM 368 Municipality, Social Development, SAPS, Victim Support Center, Sassa, Schools and the community at large to ensure that challenges faced by the community are addressed. “Our duties will be simple, we will go to the people through door to door campaigns. We will talk to members of the community and check if they have issues that need to be addressed, then refer them to relevant departments. Mr Mookgophong will deliver their task of community development, alongside Miss Mookgophong and the runners up. “As the king of Mookgophong youth (Mr Mookgophong), I am willing to improve the economy of
Mookgophong. Seeing Mookgophong shine is one of my priorities. For my entire term as Mr Mookgophong, I am hoping to see young people in Mookgophong making it out there and becoming future stars,” said Mr Mookgophong, Phuti Winston Kgopedi. “Winning the Miss Mookgophong pageants was an unforgettable excitement. I never expected it. I never thought for one day that I would feel a crown on my head, I know Miss Mookgophong comes with responsibility and I am willing to serve right by the community and be the person I promised to be. Expect me in most of charities in our community and I will be continuing with beauty pageants,” said Miss Mookgophong, Betra Mahlodi Malema. Troupes of entertainers travelled different areas entertaining different communities throughout the festive seasons, while some socialites travelled to the troupes’ destinations for the full entertainment session. Many of the troupes’ members come from the rural areas, especially North-West and Mpumalanga. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
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BLOCK add can also be done at BELA-BELA (014) 736 2723 additional charges. MODIMOLLE (014) 717 1774 For more MOOKGOPHONG information please (014) 743 3802 contact our offices.
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Disabled kings and queens on community outreach Learners of Reamogetswe Centre for People with Disabilities marched ahead of the disability event at BelaBela. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
The centre’s caregiver Matshidiso Msiya addressed the audience about disability rights. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Mr Tjale from Autism SA also addressed the audience during the event. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Local gospel artist Vusi Ntanjane gave the audience his soulful melodies during the event. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Disabled kings and queens of Reamogetswe were crowned to work with the community. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
The learners performed a drama on disability rights. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
CHARITY / ENTERTAINMENT / SCHOOL
Lizzy Bapela
Disabled kings and queens of Bela-Bela are reaching out to the local community to educate the people about disability and the life of a disabled person. These queens and kings were crowned during a Disability Fun Day event, an awareness campaign which was held at the BelaBela Community Hall in December. The event was held in line with the national and international awareness campaigns at that time, which were aimed at creating awareness about disability within local communities. Reamogetswe Centre for People with Disabilities hosted their event at BelaBela, with assistance from local arts industry role players including Paul Lubisi aka Poltie, who donated services, Vusi Ntanjane, and the Bela-Bela High School donating food. The event started with a fun march throughout the township streets, then a formal event at the community hall. Meanwhile, the centre’s learners performed drama for the awareness, highlighting that a disabled person also has a right to love, have their own family and a home. Beauty pageants were also held to crown the kings and queens, as well their princes and princesses who will now carry out the job of spreading a message about disability to the local community. The physically disabled Refilwe Molutsi was crowned Miss Disability Bela-Bela, with Down’s Syndrome sufferer Mpho Baloyi emerging as first princess and Refilwe Nyalungu who has a speech problem was crowned as the second princess. The Mr Disability BelaBela crown went to Abram Kototsi who has autism, while a physically disabled Thabang Mokonyane emerged first prince and Abel Molomo came second. The Mr and Miss Confidence category saw Refilwe Molutsi taking the queen’s place again, with Mphulo Matlala by her side as the king. Mapula Phokane from the centre said that they have been receiving an enormous amount of support from the community and families of the learners. She added that the success which the event was in terms of turnout showed that the message spread is really being absorbed.
Summit for poverty alleviation Mzamane Ringane The Modimolle based nongovernmental organisation (NGO) Limpopo Poverty Alleviation Project (LPAP) will be hosting a youth development summit this year, where they will be targeting young people from across the province. Founding member of the Limpopo Poverty Alleviation, Leslie Nkanyane said the summit will be targeting young women, unemployment youth, including those who live in rural areas. “The aim of this summit is to strengthen the capacities of young people to enable them to take charge of their own wellbeing through building their potential to the fullest.
Our view as LPAP is that the summit should reflect on goals of the Limpopo provincial government as well as the National Development Plan,” Nkanyane said. He said the summit will address among other issues job creation, drug abuse, education skill development, health and teenage pregnancy. LPAP has also established Leslie Life Coaching Centre which according to Nkanyane, will serve as a vehicle that will empower. He said they were hoping to launch this programs in all districts of Limpopo. Nkanyane said they are currently pleading with the government, local leaders, parents, community and the private sector to contribute in the possible success of this big event.
Leslie Nkanyane is a founding member of the Limpopo Poverty Alleviation Project. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
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Political leaders visit Rapotokwane Lizzy Bapela Bela-Bela Mayor Jeremiah Ngobeni accompanied Minister of Communications Faith Muthambi to witness the installation of government subsidized set-top-boxes at BelaBela’s Rapotokwane area. The visit took place at the local sports ground on Tuesday, 27 December. The leaders also interacted with traditional leaders in the area and sought their support in encouraging their respective communities to register for the boxes. In her address during the event, the Minister said that traditional leaders continue to play a key role in the society. She added that as custodians of the society, the leaders are instrumental in disseminating information critical to the uplifting of the lives within their communities. The Minister also said that they have seen an increase in the uptake of television decoders in all provinces where they have enlisted the support of traditional leaders to drive public awareness of digital migration. The Department of Communications is working together with the South African Post Office to reach communities and to distribute these fully subsidised television decoders. Departmental spokesperson Mish Molakeng said that as part of its public awareness campaigns, the Department has embarked on door to door visits. He added that to qualify for these government subsidised decoders, television viewing households must be earning less than R3 200 per month. Molakeng further said that additional information pertaining the set-top-boxes is distributed and available at all Post Offices nationwide.
New SGB for Settlers school Justin Steyn Multiple complaints have forced the provincial department of education to intervene in the seemingly dire situation at the Settlers Agricultural High school outside of Bela-Bela. In mid-November concerned parents withdrew their children from the school after serious complaints from students that they no longer felt safe there. In one incident, a 17-year old girl was hospitalized after she had allegedly attempted to commit suicide. This was after she was allegedly assaulted while asleep at the school’s girl’s hostel and blamed the school in her suicide note. Another claim of a student who allegedly brought an automatic firearm to the school has also been reported to the media. At the time when the complaints had circulated, the spokesperson for the provincial Department of Education, Naledzani Rasila, said that the department was notified by concerned parents about the school. He said that their investigation started on Tuesday, 1 November 2016, and that feedback on this will only be provided once it has been concluded. In a follow up interview, Rasila said that the department has noted the school has a need for new management. He added that a new School Governing Board (SGB) has been elected as the first step to rectifying the problems at the school. Rasila said that the former members of the SGB abandoned their posts and new members needed to be elected. Rasila could not comment on the position of the school’s headmaster, Chris Mabunda, who is said to be the cause of the school’s alleged problems. During the 2016 matric examinations, the school obtained a matric pass rate of 93,7%, a higher percentage than the 90,6% matric pass rate in 2015.
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SPORT
Qualitho FC wary of Modimolle Troublemakers
Old folks bring the fun
Mzamane Ringane Rapotokwane’s Qualitho FC Director, Reginald Mahlangu has conceded that Modimolle Troublemakers will be a tough opponent, ahead of the top of the table clash scheduled for Saturday, 14 January at the Ephraim Mogale Stadium at Modimolle. The two teams will resume their title race when the league recommences this weekend, in a match that is likely to produce fireworks. Qualitho FC is on top of the table with 17 points, while Troublemakers FC sits on the second spot with the same number of points. Mahalangu told The BEAT that this team will be targeting maximum points when they travel to Modimolle, to square off with Troublemakers. He said although Troublemakers was expected to be a tougher rival, his boys were fully prepared for the match. “Troublemakers has always been a difficult team to play against, so we are not going to take them lightly. It
The old folks in action during the festive games. Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba SAB League teams will resume with their league matches this coming weekend. Photo: Mzamane Ringane will be a difficult match for both of us, as we both need those important three points. We are expecting a tough but interesting match,” Mahlangu said. On the same day, Modimolle teams NTK Happy Boys and Celtic FC will renew their rivalry at the Ephraim Mogale stadium. Boys 2 Men FC will visit
Modimolle Bussel FC, while other Modimolle rivals Modimolle All Stars and Home Defenders will also battle for points. At Bela-Bela, Happy Hearts FC and Bela-Bela Pirates will lock horns at Moloto Stadium. KK United FC will host Bela-Bela based Diesel N Dust FC at Masakhane Ground.
Black Rose to launch Tourism Games TK Mashaba Black Rose Connections recently announced that they would be launching the annual Bela-Bela tourism Games in 2017, set to take place between 14 and 16 April. The games will be hosted three times during the year, under the theme “The Beautiful Game.” In an interview, Black Rose owner and games organiser, Matome Sebelebele — who will be known to The BEAT’s readers as the former spokesperson for the BelaBela Municipality — said that the objective of “The Beautiful Games” is to activate township tourism economy, encourage healthy lifestyle amongst residents and tourists through their participation in sports. The community games will target all organised social clubs, young and old community members and tourists, with games such as golf to be held in collaboration with several lodges with golf courses. “Our objective is to breathe new life in the township; stimulate economic activities through fun and games, and empowerment of the downtrodden,” said Sebelebele. He further said that tourism at Bela-Bela is unsustainable without the active participation of the township and her people. It is the primary aim of Black Rose Connections to assist in creating that space for additional job opportunities whilst stimulating entrepreneurship within the community. “These beautiful games are as much about sport and tourism as they are about economic revival of township businesses. We aiming to make these “Beautiful Games” the flagship township attractions where everyone participate and benefit from the influx of tourists from neighbouring lodges and places of attraction at Bela-Bela and Waterberg District” he asserted. The games will be accompanied by cultural activities that include performances by local DJ’s, school cultural clubs and
local artists. There will be trophies and prize to be won by winning teams and local clubs. “We are working with a number of local social teams such as Mabaleng to build their club structures to enable them easy participation. We have invited big social teams such as Johannesburg based Fat Cats FC and others that will be coming from Gauteng, North West and Mpumalanga to participate in this beautiful tourism games,” “This is one of the product packages we have developed for the tourism market after realising that most of our tourists have nothing to do once they arrive at their lodges. We are currently in discussions with all lodges and tourism product owners to allow to promote our Beautiful Games at their establishments as added fun to their clients,” added Sebelebele, who himself plays soccer, cricket and casino. Sebelebele, launched his Tourism and Events Management Company on Youth day in Pretoria last year. The company has offices in both Pretoria and the Bela-Bela Township. Anyone interested to register their clubs for participation can contact Black Rose Connections on matome@black roseconnections.com or call him on 063 030 5241 or visit its website www.black roseconnections.com
The festive season brought back the olden days with music and sports, when a series of sporting events were hosted for elderly people in the Bela-Bela area. The games took place between Sunday, 25 December and Monday, 2 January, and were held at the Bela-Bela Community Cenre. In the audience were Bela-Bela Chief Whip Zakes Moeletsi, who
supported the elderly participants and presented medals to the winners. “In times like these, many of you could be out there drinking,” said the games’ sponsor Dr Oupakie Masemola, who also took part. “Instead, you chose to come and participate in these games.” The organizer, former Orlando Pirates player Cisco Maphoka, said that he was very proud of his organizational team for contributing so positively to the games.