The Beat 13 March 2015

Page 1

13 March 2015 R1-20/FREE

Bela-Bela Hospital workers down tools Mashaba TK TK Mashaba Employees and Nehawu members at BelaBela Hospital downed their tools on Monday, 9 March, saying that the demands they presented to management during the recent protests have been ignored. The hospital staff left their jobs, leaving the hospital manned by only a skeleton staff. According to Nehawu chairperson Ananias Simango, the hospital has not responded to their demands in the memorandum, and he told The BEAT that Nehawu had discovered that some employees were still not being paid overtime. “We are fed up with the management of the hospital, and we demand a response from the district or provincial level,” he said. “Hospital CEO Ricardo Escobar was supposed to respond to us on Monday before noon, but he left without notifying us.” He told The BEAT that they have come to the conclusion that there is a total failure of the Human Resources Department at the hospital, which is contributing to the issues. “The situation will continue until our demands are met,” he said. “Our people will spend their working shifts chanting here.” The workers marched from the main hospital to the Maternity ward, before making their way to the entrance of the hospital. When Doctor Escobar returned to the hospital, his car was surrounded by chanting, singing protestors. Police vehicles were monitoring the situation. The hospital’s communication spokesperson Buti Moagi was not available for comment.

The protesters spent some time chanting their demands. Photo: TK Mashaba

We are fed - up with the management

Fat al accident near atal Radium

Police vehicles kept a watchful eye on the situation. Photo: TK Mashaba

Page 2

Bela-Bela’s wiring woes cause blackouts

Page 3


Page 2

BEAT

13 March, 2015

beateditor@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

Ax ea ttac ker s bac k in cour Axe attac ttack ers back courtt Rebellious ex-offenders to get help Law enforcers negotiated means of assistance with parents of rebellious offenders. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

The scene after Rachel Groenewaldt and Manie de Beer had been attacked. Photo: Supplied

Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela

Justin Steyn Justin Steyn It has been more than a year since Rachel Groenewaldt and Manie de Beer were attacked in their home in Leeuport. The incident happened in the morning hours of Friday, 28 February last year when the couple had been attacked in their home by four men. Two of the suspects, Petrus Sithole and Trymore Munetsi, were arrested at that time. Groenewaldt sustained a back injuries while de Beer suffered several blows to the head, allegedly with an axe, and had to be hospitalized. Both victims said that although they have both recovered physically, it is the memories of that night which has left a deep emotional scar in their lives. “One would think that the entire ordeal would be over by now but there is still a long road to go. The physical scarring may have gone and Manie is healing very well but I am still tormented by that night,” said an emotional Groenewaldt. On the one year anniversary of the attack, Groenewaldt said she could not sleep and recollect the events that

followed. “I kept looking at my watch recollecting what happened. I kept thinking at this time the men came in and at that time Manie was attacked. I also stayed up all night anticipating another attack,” The couple made their fifth court appearance on Monday 9 March but it was postponed due to an unexpected blackout. According to Groenewaldt she was going to testify about a “Spar ladies marathon” t-shirt that she said belonged to her but was worn by Munetsi on the night of the attack. She explained that the shirt was among other clothing items that were recovered the morning of the attack and had allegedly belonged to her. Both Sithole and Munetsi have pleaded not guilty to the charges but remain in the Kgosi Mampuru II Prison without bail. The next court appearance will be on Tuesday 21 April. Munetsi also faces other charges of robbery, murder and attempted murder. Two other suspects remain at large.

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in Modimolle will be working with the local police and parents of rebellious ex-offenders to get them help. The Department learned of the offenders’ unchanged attitude during a special monitoring that was held in the area on Wednesday, 4 March, where a total of 10 parolees and probationers were visited. The Department gathered stakeholders from various government departments and community structures and conducted the process in order to check the developments and compliance of the parolees and probationers. During the monitoring, the stakeholders learned that most offenders were doing great in behaviour and that their families and neighbours had welcomed back into the community. The offenders also had a challenge of finding employment after rehabilitation regardless of their “changed attitude and good behaviour”. The offenders’ parents indicated that they spoke to him many times and tried to level with him, with the aim that he will live by the motivation he got during his sentence but he instead does something else. Representing the DCS, satellite office

head Steve Hlongwane engaged the SAPS social Crime unit for assistance in order to get the offenders back to normal. Meanwhile, the DCS in Mogalakwena also conducted a successful special monitoring session the same day, where the Community Corrections Area Coordinator ML Shingange also attended and gave the overview of the Department, mandate and goals. He further encouraged more participation by stakeholders, as a way of assisting communities to accept the offenders back, which is a major challenge currently. The local Community Corrections head Elias Lehutso said that for the operation to be successful, stakeholders, partners, community members, media, municipality and other parties need to get more involved. He added that all 12 parolees and probationers that were monitored are on High Risk. All participants engaged in an “inputs, ideas and problems identification” process after the events. “The DCS’ aim and objective is to encourage and enhance proper partnership with stakeholders and community for an effective, efficient and successful reintegration of parolees and probationers back into the community. Reintegration is a societal responsibility,” said Lehutso.

Alleged cop killers’ first court appearance One dead after head-on “Constable Mokonyane of public order Justin Steyn Justin Steyn collision near Radium policing in Modimolle, who was deployed The two men accused of killing an offduty police officer have appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Monday 2 March. 21-year old Mashwana Zwanga and 25-year old Mbodi Khuliso were accused of killing Constable Stanley Mokonyane on Thursday, 26 February. According to The Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi, Mokonyane was dispatched to Malamulele to assist in keeping the peace during protests in the area. Mulaudzi said that Mokonyane had allegedly been stabbed in the chest by the two men after meeting with two sex workers at a hotel.

to assist in maintaining peace and stability at Malamulele, had just finished a rendezvous with two female sex workers next to a well-known hotel in Thohoyandou when two men allegedly attacked him,” said Mulaudzi. It was reported that Mokonyane was stabbed twice in the chest and had his cellphone and wallet stolen. The two men were arrested at their homes after the two women had notified the police of their whereabouts. The trial was postponed to Thursday 12 March for bail application. At the time of going to press the outcomes of the trial had not yet been revealed

Emergency Medical Services personnel Bela-Bela attend to people injured during a head-on collision. Photo supplied Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela A 32-year old man died in Bela-Bela following an accident on the afternoon of Saterday, 7 March. Bela-Bela police spokesperson Constable Glen Manamela said that the vehicles were travelling in opposite directions when they collided head-on on the R101 between Radium and Mantsole. Constable Manamela said that upon their arrival Emergency Medical Services personnel certified one of the drivers dead on the scene and rushed the other five victims to the Bela-Bela Hospital. She also said that the passengers,

including the driver of the other vehicle, were all seriously injured. In an interview with police the surviving driver told police that he had been trying to avoid potholes, had lost control of the car, and had collided with the oncoming vehicle. The 42-year old, who gave his name as Mogale, also sustained serious injuries in the accident. His car was heading south toward Gauteng, while the deceased’s car was on the road to Limpopo. Constable Manamela said that among the injured were two women aged 35 and 45. A case of culpable homicide has been opened and investigations are ongoing.


beateditor@gmail.com@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

13 March, 2015

Two boys kidnapped by fake ‘soccer scout’, one dies in escape Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela The police in Bela-Bela are appealing to members of the public to take responsibility for their children, especially when they are offered opportunities that require them to be far from home. Police spokesperson Constable Glen Manamela said that this comes after two young boys were allegedly abducted by an unknown man, with lies about assisting them into professional soccer. Constable Manamela said that the man allegedly approached the boys when they were playing soccer in the streets and told them that he was a scout from Hammanskraal, gathering upcoming stars for further development in the area. The man told the boys that he would take them with him to Hammanskraal, where they would meet and compete against other players and have the opportunity to be chosen to play professional soccer. He then left with the boys, who told their parents that they were going to play ‘somewhere’. “One of the victims told the police that they were surprised to hear the man talking with his associates on the phone, giving them directions to where they were. He said that they realized that they

had been lied to and were about to get deeper into trouble. They managed to escape from his custody and back home on foot,” said Constable Manamela. She added that one of the victims was struck by a vehicle on his way back and died at the scene. On notification to the family, the police learnt that the deceased’s mother passed away some time ago and he was left with his father and sister. She also said that they expressed shock and sadness to learn of the heartbreaking news and rely on the SAPS for assistance during their bereavement. Constable Manamela said that the survivor was traumatized, and could not tell the police very much about his ordeal. Constable Manamela further said that the scouting issue and Hammanskraal trip took families of both the victims by surprise and the police noted that some parents let their children leave home without knowledge of where exactly they are going. Both the victims are 13 years of age and were doing their Grade 6 at Albert Lithuli Primary school. The school could not be reached for comment in the matter.

Street lights in Bela-Bela have been spotted burning brightly during daytime hours this week. Photo: Justin Steyn

BEAT

Page 3

Ancient wiring b lac ks out blac lacks Bela-Bela ffor or da ys days Justin Steyn Justin Steyn Bela-Bela residents have been suffering under a seemingly random series of blackouts and on-off electricity for almost two weeks. The most seriously affected are farmers and local businesses, who have been forced to discard products which had gone off due to the lack of power, and many households who make use of prepaid meters were unable to buy electricity for days. Karel Coetzee, the owner of the local Spar, said that the power outages have affected sales of ice-cream, and that the shop has been suffering under the cost for the diesel required by their generators. “We have been forced to move our ice creams to backup fridges instead of our normal open fridges, and the whole situation is even more problematic at night. If the power goes out and there is no-one at the shop, we have to send products back to our suppliers.” According to DA councillor Kobus van der Merwe the situation is due to a ringfeed problem with substations and their connectivity. “The problem was caused by damaged cables connecting many substations. If one cable became damaged, it would affect the other cables connected to it in the area,” he said. Van der Merwe said that some of the cables were found to have been over 30 years old. With regards to prepaid meters, Van

Pre-paid electricity users were unable to recharge their accounts due to a server problem. Photo as illustration der Merwe said that there had been issues with the municipal server, and that communication with their supplier had been temporarily cut off. He told The BEAT that a team under Technical Manager Mbalekewa Tshabalala has been appointed to curb the problems. “This team has been working very hard on these problems and I commend them on their service,” he said. Municipal spokesperson Matome Sebelebele advised prepaid users to buy electricity from their banks and garages when services are unavailable at retail or municipal outlets.

A new burglar-proof fence has been put in place at the Bela-Bela post office. One of the post office employees said that the post office has had many problems with homeless people who sleep and urinate at the post boxes. She said that the situation got out of hand when two of their office windows had been broken and protective measures had to be put in place. Photo: Justin Steyn


Page 4

BEAT

13 March, 2015

MEC Phala promises improvements Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Limpopo MEC for the Treasury Rudolph Phala recently told attendees during a two-day Public Sector Corporate Governance Summit that he intends to ensure good governance to avoid a situation similar to that in December 2011, when the national government was forced to take over the provincial government due to financial instability. The attendees at the event included Premier Stenley Mathabatha and other members of the provincial legislature. MEC Phala said that the summit was held as part of the Provincial Treasury’s efforts to play an oversight role to support departments and municipalities to improve their governance processes, audit outcomes and service delivery. He added that the purpose of the summit was to provide a deeper understanding and to explore good corporate governance and ethical leadership through knowledge-sharing with experts in the fields of corporate governance and ethical leadership. The summit took place against the backdrop of the termination of Section 100 (1) (b) by the National Government, which came into effect in February 2015. The five departments which had been under administration have now transitioned to Section 100 (1) (a), which includes directives and support from national line departments. Departmental spokesperson Sydwell Sibanda said that the outcomes of the summit were expected to solidify the gains during the interventions. The summit brought international and local and governance and ethics experts who shared information with provincial departments, municipalities and public

Limpopo MEC for Treasury Rudolph Phala. Photo: Lizzy Bapela entities under the theme “Good Governance and Ethical Leadership as Tools to Strengthen Transparency and Accountability.” It further emphasized the importance of corporate governance and ethics in healthy financial administration, which results in service delivery that creates public value,” said Sibanda. Professional bodies such as institutes of Directors, Internal Auditors, Ethics South Africa and reputable academics played a vital pivotal role to broaden knowledge sharing and networking within corporate governance and ethics. Among the guests were Jay Poole from the USA, presenting on Best Practices – Procurement, the Accountant General from the National Treasury who spoke on Public Sector Financial Governance Reforms, and the Chief Procurement Officer Kenneth Brown, who spoke on Supply Chain Management Governance and Reforms in the Public Sector.

Safety concerns over exposed park The large fence at the public park in Bela-Bela had been badly damaged and replaced with a smaller safety net which has been a cause for concern. Photo: Justin Steyn

Justin Steyn Justin Steyn “What is the use of discarding a big fence and then replacing it with a smaller safety net which seems to be left wide open in certain parts?” “When will the park be safely secured with a big fence again?” “I have heard about snakes in the park, is this true?” These are just a few of the questions residents have been asking about the safety risks involved in the renovations taking place at the public park situated at the corner of Ludorf and Driver road in Bela-Bela. The park is one of seven others that are set to be renovated by June this year. Renovations of the park started in December last year when service workers from the Department of Environmental Affairs took down parts of the large fence which surrounded the park and replaced it with a smaller temporary safety net. Two months later, the by-nowdamaged safety netting is still all that stands between the park and the residents of Bela-Bela.

The BEAT recently visited the park, where no new progress was in evidence. Service workers in the area said that they are currently repairing water pipes and had not been told when new fencing will be put in place. When asked about dangers around the park some of the workers claimed that several cobras had been caught and removed. Children who would be tempted to play around the park unsupervised run the risk of falling in the nearby dam which is heavily polluted, risking drowning or infections. In a meeting with several stakeholders on Wednesday 11 February, Acting HOD of Social Community Services, TJ Mothapo, was informed about the situation as it stood. He was warned that the municipality would face probable negligence claims if a person was harmed due to the park’s unsafe conditions. Mothapo said that he will make it a priority to instruct contractors at the park to re-fence the area as a matter of urgency.

beateditor@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

Career exhibition and database registration session hits Bela-Bela Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Hundreds of young people in Bela-Bela gathered at the local community hall to attend a career exhibit and database registration session on Friday, 6 March. The event was a partnership initiative between the Department of Labour and the Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) in the Waterberg. The Bela-Bela local municipality under the Office of the Mayor organized the event, where the Department of Labour encouraged unemployed youths to register themselves on the Department’s database for future employment opportunities while LEDET targeted those still in school, especially those currently in Grade 12, to inform them of the opportunities available in the shape of bursaries, learnerships, and internships. David Raborolo from the Office of the Mayor said that they experienced an influx of matriculants and unemployed youths to their offices, coming to enquire about jobs and study the opportunities which might be available. He added that this resulted in a need for a career exhibition as they could not tackle the unemployment and lack-of-skills problem alone, and needed assistance from other stakeholder departments. “We engaged other departments and were able to reach an agreement, resulting in this successful initiative. We

understand the different families’ financial backgrounds which produced these youths, and we do know that not all are privileged enough to be able to continue their studies or obtain stable employment. That is why we always interact with the youths to inform and advise them on available career opportunities,” said Raborolo. The Department of Labour has a Public Employment Service Unit where youths can obtain assistance, career guidance and counselling. The unit assists job seekers with compiling their CVs, teaches them interview skills, and educates them on how and where to look for works. The Department also communicates with business communities regarding possible new employment opportunities, and youths are placed according to their qualifications. Other stakeholders participating in the event include the local and Waterberg District Departments of Agriculture, Eskom, and others. All available stakeholders placed their stalls at the event in order to be able to dish out relevant information to enquiring youth. All attendees managed to benefit from the event, which is scheduled to extend to Modimolle shortly. Youths seeking further information and advice regarding career opportunities can visit government departments or municipalities.

Bela-Bela hosts pr ovincial pro agricultur e rre ewar ds riculture ards Lizzy Bapela The Limpopo Department of Agriculture hosted their sixth annual Extension and Advisory Services conference at Bela-Bela Forever Resorts on Thursday, 26, and Friday, 27 February. Departmental spokesperson Selby Makgotho said that the conference forms part of the initiative taken by the Department to enhance service delivery to the farming community. He added that the plan to do this is to ensure that all technical field officers or extension workers are properly equipped with the relevant information which will enable them to provide professional extension and advisory services. Makgotho also said that the conference acts as a platform where information is shared through the presentation of various expers in the field. Over 400 delegate, among whom were agricultural advisors, extension technicians, animal scientists, crop technicians, natural resource technicians, animal health technicians, value chain officers and crop scientists, participated in the conference. Representatives from higher learning institutions, research institutes and organized agriculture were also in attendance. “The 2015 conference is held under the theme, “The Role of Information Communication Technology in Agriculture Extension.” It seeks to achieve objectives such as the exchange of knowledge and experience with regard to the global trend in Information Communication Technology (ICT) and its applications. The conference also aimed at sharing best practices by using ICT from national and international arenas, capacitate the agricultural practitioners and advisors to enable them to deliver effect services to all clients,” Makgotho said. The Limpopo MEC for Agriculture Joy Matshoge also gave awards in recognition of the officers for best performance in providing extension services to farmers. The awards were aimed at encouraging innovative and creative practices, to provide best services to clients and to work in teams. Outstanding Performance was awarded in categories including the Best Advisors and

Limpopo MEC for Agriculture Joy Matshoge and Waterberg District Executive Mayor Tlotlanang Mogotlane addressed people during the awards ceremony. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Senior Advisors covering Extension, Crop Production, Animal Health and Animal Production, the Best Subject Specialized in the fields of Economics, Engineering, Research and Natural Resources, and so on. The manager in Extension Services, Doctor Elliot Zwane, told The BEAT that the event creates an opportunity for officers’ skills to be sharpened so that they are better equipped when they face farmers. He added that another objective of the event was for the officers to exchange knowledge and experience amongst themselves on issues they worked on, which some are difficult and some are innovative. “We have about 800 officers across the province and unfortunately we cannot take them all at once for such an event as that will bring service delivery to a total collapse. They instead rotate and every year we have enough numbers representing each district. The conference partly serves to enable the MEC to recognize the best practitioners who have performed extensively,” said Doctor Zwane. Well-known motivational speaker Pastor Agripa Khathide motivated people during the awards ceremony.


beateditor@gmail.com@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

13 March, 2015

BEAT

Page 5

Photo of the week Inter na tional Interna national Women omen’’s Da y: We ar e Day: are not equal International Women’s Day was celebrated on Sunday, 8 March. The holiday was originally known as International Working Women’s Day, and was celebrated first by the Socialist Party of America in 1909 to commemorate a strike by the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ union. In 1910, an International Women’s Conference was held, where certain goals were laid out, mostly to obtain equal rights and pay, and suffrage, the right to vote. Sadly, we still have a long way to go before women are truly equal in our society. To speak of the small things: Women are paid less than men for doing as much or more work. Women are interrupted twice as often as men – even by other women! In schools, when girls take up 50% of talking time (several teachers took part in this experiment) in most cases, boys will complain that the girls are having too much talking time. This is a worrying symptom, because even at those ages, boys have already been programmed to think that girls should be quiet and not speak up. To speak of the more serious matters: A recent UN report found that 99.3% of women and girls in Egypt had been subject to sexual harassment. Over 130 million women living today have undergone female genital mutilation – a painful and unnecessary procedure that not only prevents women taking pleasure in sex, but will also lead to infections and possibly fatal problems in childbirth. It is estimated that almost half a million girls are at risk of undergoing this torture – often when they are only a few days, weeks or months old, and almost always without anesthetic of any kind, and in septic conditions, using razor blades, pieces of broken glass or scissors. Around 15 million girls, some as young as eight years old, will be married this year, most to men significantly older than they are. Around 1.2 million children, 80% of whom are girls, will be trafficked into slavery this year. Most of those little girls will end up in prostitution. One of the men responsible for the brutal rape and eventual death of a young woman on a bus in India, recently told interviewers that she ‘would not have been hurt if she had not fought back,’ and that the rape would not have happened if she had stayed home ‘where she belonged.’ These things happen every day, around the world. Nobody can look at these numbers and say that women are equal. As long as men think that their daughters are their property, to mutilate and abuse and sell off, we will not be equal. As long as there is one little girl living in slavery, one woman trapped in a cycle of abuse, or one rape victim whose voice goes unheard, we will not be equal. We’re either all free, or none of us are.

Ass about town: This donkey was spotted wandering around the CBD in Bela-Bela on Wednesday. Photo: Bernice Mills

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. E-mail: 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

John Tshabalala, Bela-Bela resident, writes: It is unfortunate that Matome Sebelebele is given the responsibility to respond to the political messes taking place in the Municipality. I am sure that Matome was instructed to respond the way he did but maybe is time we show Matome that we are informed more than him. 1. General Workers: we can prove to you that four of the General Workers employed, never attended interviews, they have only applied. Do you know why two people from Spa Park, who did not attend the interviews, were appointed? Since when is the Councillor part of the appointment of general workers — is that part of the municipal policy? Councillor Jeremiah Ngobeni confirmed that he has appointed people who had been volunteering, and they were the poorest of the poor in his ward. When the municipal spokesperson was not around Jeremiah gave that information to The BEAT (Community members have had enough, 13 February), as every community member knows. 2. Fleet: common sense will tell you that nothing can increase by more than 1000 percent. Can anyone explain to the community of Bela-Bela how, if the municipality was paying R6000 000 rand at ABSA for 40 vehicles, we are now paying R2,5 million for 52 vehicles? A difference of two million rand? 3. Projects: All projects’ budgets were increased after six months. A tender of seven million was issued for traffic later it was increased to 14 million. Why? Workers have had to resort to the police in order to get their pay – can anyone tell us why? The reservoir was supposed to have been long completed - why is it seven months overdue? Extension Six’s multi-purpose centre was supposed to take nine months - how many months is it now overdue? Why was its allotment increased in the recent budget adjustment? Why issue a tender of five million and award seven million? Is that not illegal according to Municipal Finance Management Act? Responses published by the municipality in the Beat last Friday (6 March) will only make us angrier. The Mayor needs to apologize and rectify the situation. Do not blame us tomorrow when we smile and the municipality doesn’t.

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: 072 264 7740 or TK: 076 756 9740 or Justin Steyn 072 388 8568. We would also LOVE to see some of your weird and wonderful photos for our editorial page.


Page 6

BEAT

Waterberg Nature Conser vancy starts the year off

13 March, 2015

Ken Maud is the new chairman of the Waterberg Nature Conservancy.

Anton Walker of Lapalala Wilderness discusses the new developments.

Marlene Vermaak Marlene Vermaak

generating small businesses,” said Masebe. Masebe discussed some of the projects they are involved in. He shared statistics on the number of people they visit each year and what they are about. Anton Walker of Lapalala Wilderness shared the new and exciting developments at this prestigious farm. Walker explained that Lapalala Wilderness School is still a very active part of their environmental programme and that they teach hundreds of children about conservation. The conservation officer at Welgevonden Game Reserve, Sam Davidson, discussed sarcoptic mange in blue wildebeest. “We first spotted this problem in Welgevonden a few years ago and have researched it. The main conclusion we came to was that it is caused by environmental stressors like cold winters and draughts. Phases one to three can be managed and hopefully cured, but once an animal reaches stage four, it should be put down and burnt.” Future meeting dates are Thursday, 16 April, Thursday, 18 June, and Thursday, 27 August. The annual general meeting will be held on Thursday, 19 November. All are welcome to attend.

The Waterberg Nature Conservancy started the year off with a bang during their first quarterly meeting on Thursday, 19 February. The newly elected chairman Ken Maud welcomed the more than 40 guests and introduced the executive committee, who will head the conservancy for the next two years. The committee will meet every second month and feedback on these meetings will be shared through members’ newsletters and during quarterly meetings. Maud explained that a decision was made to introduce a new style of meeting. “We want to have at least two of our meetings in town hall style. Speakers for and against relevant matters will be invited to a lively debate in front of the attendees,” he said. Lesibe Masebe, chief executive officer of the Waterberg Welfare Society (WWS), discussed the WWS’s strategy for the next five years. “We want to empower the youth to make informed decisions about their health. We want to take part in community outreach programmes, give nutritional support to children as well as HIV/Aids patients and support income

SMALLS BARGAIN newly build 3 bedroom house, 2 bathrooms, garage, open plan living room/ dining room. Paul Kruger str. Nylstroom R680 000. Contact Francois 082 495 3299.

LEGALS LIQUIDATION AND DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNTS IN DECEASED ESTATE LYING FOR INSPECTION In terms of Section 35(5) of Act 66 of 1965 notice is hereby given that copies of Liquidation and Distribution account in the estate, specified below will be open for the inspection of all persons with an interest therein for a period of 21 days from the date so specified or from the date of publication hereof, whichever may be the later, and at the offices of the Masters and Magistrates as stated. Should no objection thereto be lodged with the Master concerned during the specified period, the executor will proceed to make payment accordance with the accounts. Estate Registration No: 020549/2014 Surname: LESABANE First name: MARY ELIZABETH ID. NO. 530122 0669 08

6 Last Address: 112 Piet my vrou street, Bela Bela Magistrate’s Office: Bela Bela Master ’s Office: Polokwane Advertiser and address: TONIE GROBLER ATTORNEYS, 18 Mentz Avenue, Bela Bela, 0480. Tel: 014 736 4233. NOTICE OF SALE IN EXECUTION (AUCTION) IN THE HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA (GAUTENG DIVISION, PRETORIA) CASE NUMBE: 2304/2014 The STANDARD BANK OF SOUTH AFRICA LIMITED Plaintiff and NGAKO MMABYALA JUIA (ID NO: 660510 0681 089) 1st Defendant DINKWE ANDREW MATLALA N.O. (ID NO: 880623 5472 083) 2nd Defendant (In capacity as duly appointed Executor in the Estate of the late ABEL FRANS SEBOLA) MASTER OF THE HIGH COURT POLOKWANE Administration of Deceased Estates Department) 3rd Defendant. The property which, will be put up to auction on Wednesday the 25th day of March 2015 at 11H00 by the Sheriff Bela Bela at 52 Robertson Street Bela Bela, consists of: CERTAIN: Erf 7526 Bela Bela Extention 6 township, Registration Division K.R., Province of Limpopo, in Extent 297

(two hundred and ninety seven ) square metres, held by deed of transfer T40759/1997, subject to all the terms and conditions contained therein (also known as Erf 7526 Bela Bela, situated at 7526 Mpongola Street, Bela Bela Ext 6, Warmbaths, 0480) Improvements (which are not warranted to be correct and are not guaranteed): 1 Roomed RDP house REASON: Shack ZONED: Residential 1. The rules of this auction are available 24 hours before the auction at the offices of the Sheriff for Bela Bela at 52 Robertson Street, Bela Bela, during office hours. Advertising cost at current publication rate and sale cost according to Court rules apply. Registration as a buyer is a prerequisite subject to condition, inter alia: (a) Directive of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008. (URL http:// www.info.gov.za/view/ Download Files Action?id=99961) (b)Fica-legislation: Requirement proof of ID and residential address (c) Payment of a registration fee of R10 000.00 in cash or bank guarantee cheque Dated at Pretoria on this 25th day of February 2015. Luqmaan Alli VEZI & DE BEER INC Attorney for Plaintiff 319 Alpine Road Lynnwood

Pretoria P.O.Box 13461, Hatfield, 0028 DX 28 Hatfield Tel: (012) 991 8283 / Fax: (012) 991 6564 REF: E7970/M MOHAMED/LA BELA-BELA AMENDMENT SCHEME 74/08 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 the remainder of portion 372 of the farm Bospoort 450 KR BelaBela hereby give notice in terms of section 56 (1) (b) (i) of the Town Planning and Townships Ordinance, 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 and ancillary uses, as indicated in the annexure 163 to the amendment scheme. Particulars of the

beateditor@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

Modimolle resident joins SABC drama

Rachele with DJ Boipelo during a gig. Photo supplied

‘What I can tell young upcoming

artists or actors is that the sky is the limit. Always follow your dreams and work hard to reach them’ TK TK Mashaba Mashaba Modimolle-born Dimakatso ‘Groove Candi’ Rachele will be joining the cast of SABC1 drama series Skeem Saam, which airs on Monday to Friday at 18:30. Rachele, who plays a waitress in the show, said that it has been an honor to work with such a talented cast. “I didn’t have any form of acting training, but I got the part during the Skeem Saam auditions a few months ago,” she added. Rachele is a DJ, and has performed in areas as wide-spread as Botswana and Namibia. She has produced two songs, I Decided featuring Suzy Eises and

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 13 March 2015 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 13 March 2015 Address: P.O. Box 919, Bela-Bela, 0480, Tel: 0828817252 (13&20/03). NOTICE Notice is hereby given in terms of section, 16(4) (b) of the Mineral and petroleum Resources Development Act, (Act 28 of 2002). MOTHUSI INDEPENDENT PRACTITIONERS (Pty) Ltd has applied for Prospecting Right for the following commodities: Iron Ore, Manganese Ore, Chrome Ore, Platinum Group Metals in North West Province on the following Farm/s: Farm name: Witfontein 526 KQ Reference number: LP 30/5/ 1/1/2/12458 PR District: Molemole All interested and affected parties are thereby requested to submit their comments in writing to lulua@telcomsa.net or the following address: 410 State Way, Doorn, Welkom, 9459, Tel: (061) 489 0616 / Fax: 086 585 9388.

NOTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORIZATION RECEIVED FOR THE APPLICATION: “THE PROPOSED EXPANSION AND UPGRADE OF PIGGERY OPERATIONS ON PORTION 21 AND THE REMAINDER OF THE FARM RHENOSTERPOORT 455 KR WITHIN MODIMILLE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY OF WATERBERG DISTRICT” This notification is to inform all Interested and Affected Parties (I&AP’s) and Stakeholders of the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment & Tourism (LEDET) decision making regarding the application for Environmental Authorisation (EA). EA has been granted by LEDET on 15 December 2014. However, the applicant was not notified within two (2) days of the Issue of such an EA as required in terms if Regulations 10 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations R. 543 of 2010, due to unforeseen administrative challenges. In light of the above LEDET informed the applicant that the EA will only commence on 9 March 2015. The reason for the decision making is as follow: (a) A sufficient Public Participation Process (PPP) was undertaken and the

Sally,and I Wanna, featuring House Victims and Kano, which have been played by radio stations nationwide, and is currently studying Media Studies at Boston College. “I am looking for a challenge in acting because for me, music is in my blood and I don’t struggle with that,” she said. ”What I can tell young upcoming artists or actors is that the sky is the limit. Always follow your dreams and work hard to reach them.” Rachele recently moved to Gauteng, where she is doing well. “I’m enjoying my space at the moment, and I take each day as it comes,” she said.

applicant has satisfied the minimum requirements as prescribed in the EIA Regulations R.543 OF 2010 for public involvement; and (b) The environmental impacts associated with the proposed activity will be addressed by the implementation of proposed mitigation measures outlined in the EIAR compiled by Mr Pieter van der Merwe of Rock Environmental Consulting (Pty) Ltd. Should you wish to appeal any aspect of the decision, you must, inter alia, lodge a notice of intention to appeal with the MEC of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, within 20 days of the date that the EA is effective (9 March 2015), by means of the following methods: By facsimile: 015 295 5015; By post: Private Bag X9484, Polokwane, 0700; By hand: Environmental Affairs Offices, Corner Suid and Dorp Street, Polokwane, 0699 Should you wish to view the EA send a request to Cheree Meyer at: rock.cheree@lantic.net or call 012 997 4742. It should be noted that this EA is currently under an Amendment process, it is advised to await the amended EA, for review and should you wish to lodge an appeal. NOTICE OF TOWNSHIP ESTABLISHMENT AMENDMENT

SCHEME 89/08 TOWNSHIP ESTABLISHMENT ON PORTION 313 (PORTION OF PORTION 4) OF THE FARM BOSPOORT 450 KR WITH BELA BELA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, I, KENNETH MALULEKA of Misava Integrated Development Services, being the authorized agent of the owner of the property mentioned below hereby give a notice in terms of Town Planning and Townships Ordinance for a township development. The proposed township development is a townhouse with a zoning Residential 3. The development will comprise of 22 public open space for internal roads. Plans and/or particulars relating to the application may be inspected during office hours at the offices of the municipality at Chris Hani Drive, Bela Bela. Any person having any objections to the granting of this application must lodge such an objection together with the grounds thereof in writing, with both the Municipal Manager: Bela Bela, Local Municipality, and/ or the undersigned not later than 28 working days from publication hereof at misavaprojects@gmail.com.


beateditor@gmail.com@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

13 March, 2015

Modimolle students join in on World Red Aloud Day

BEAT

Bela-Bela welcomes Belgian students

‘It’s a good feeling to see these students learning so quickly and reading with confidence’..

The new team of Belgian students were welcomed in Bela-Bela recently for their 2015 internship programme. Photo supplied

Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela

Lekkerbreek Primary School students were stationed at the entrance of Phagameng in Modimolle, reading to the public.

Motorists and pedestrians were asked to wait while the students read to them. Photo: TK Mashaba

A girl from Maokeng Primary School was reading to parents and educators from a novel. Photo: TK Mashaba

TK TK Mashaba Mashaba Wednesday, 4 March, was World Read Aloud Day, and Waterberg students also took part in the initiative, reading for their schools and inviting parents to visit them at the school to hear how their children are doing. Lekkerbreek Primary School students were seen in the entrance of the Modimolle township, reading for passing motorists and pedestrians. Mmabatho Phagama, Head of Department at Lekkerbreek, said that it was a special day for them. They took their students to the streets to read for the public. “It’s a special day and we really appreciate what the Department is doing, because reading is one of the core values,” she said. “The learning programs at the school are intended to help these students to gain selfconfidence reading in public. They may be asked to read at funerals or churches, so it is very important for

children to learn how to read well.” At Maokeng Primary School, students were reading aloud for their educators and were visited by the Department. One of the educators at the school, Nurse Molekwa, said that they are proud of their pupils’ achievements. “This is something that we want to keep pushing hard so that these learners can read anything they come across.” Moyagabo Modiba, from the Department of Education said that the Department is also proud of all the schools taking part in the initiative. “It’s a good feeling to see the students learning so quickly and reading with confidence,” he said. Senior Education Specialist Mary Mafisa said that the initiative is a positive measure as it cultivates a culture of reading for the students. “Reading goes a long way with children. It will help them in their exams, and when they apply for positions later on in life,” she said.

Page 7

A group of nine Belgian students have been deployed in Bela-Bela to do their internships for six months. The team consists of four social workers and five teachers who do remedial work at their placements and assist learners with barriers in learning. The students include social workers Lise Vertommen, Jan Christoffels, Elien Wanten, and Sofie Mathijs, and teachers Anne de Jongh, Evelien Lotte, Claus Machiels, Birte Surinx and Kaat Meeuwissen. Among the team are students who work at Mmamakwa, Mampatile and Spa Park

primary schools, while some work at Huis Tekna and Huis Talje. Some also take care of children at Mohau PreSchool and the rest organize activities at Rusoord in the afternoons, where they interact with the elderly. The students offer support programs and activities to brighten the days of children at Huis Tekna, and also engaged in fun activities from Monday to Friday with Spa Park learners and children from the surrounding communities and farms. Christoffels said that the programs that they engage in are meant to encourage social interaction and understanding among young and old.

Makapan caves visit a success The Environmental Club members from Meetsetshehla Secondary School in Vaalwater on their visit to Makapan Valley, World Heritage Site. Photo: Marlene Vermaak

Marlene Vermaak Marlene Vermaak Environmental Club students from Meetsetshehla Secondary School visited the Makapan Valley, a World Heritage Site between Polokwane and Mokopane, on Wednesday, 4 March. The Makapan Valley is also a registered UNESCO site and are run and operated by the Cradle of Humankind and Maropeng, as well as the Department of Tourism for Limpopo. Tour guide Moloko Patson explained that the Minister of Tourism came to visit the site recently and they are really hoping for a financial injection from the Department of Tourism to upgrade the tourists facilities, as well as money to spend on marketing the site. When travelling on site one can see that the property was once well developed but that no maintenance has been done in the last years and toilets, roads, entry gates, picnic sites and the caves itself are in desperate need of attention in the form of money and maintenance. The Makapan Valley covers an area of 2,220 hectares and houses 72 archaeological caves. These caves include sediments, fossils and archaeological vestiges – traces of human occupation and evolution dating back some 3.3 million years. The caves are absolutely beautiful and well worth a visit from anyone, local or international. Moloko, is an excellent

companion and his knowledge of Early and Middle Stone Age, Iron Age and more recent historical events are well told and insightful. The surrounding area and picnic sites have spectacular views and can be recommended for any nature-lover. Just one thing to note for potential visitors is that the road will be quite difficult to travel on for owners of small vehicles. A famous Voortrekker leader, Piet Potgieter, was also killed on this site. The historic cave is also famous for the siege of Makapan in 1854. Fossils on site include those of extinct sabre-toothed cats, giant porcupines, hyraxes and Australopithecus Africanus, a human-liked fossil. Every student from the school really enjoyed the trip. Three staff members from the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, Arthur, Lucas and Leticia, accompanied them and made nearly all the arrangement. They were well organised, great with time-keeping and a pleasure to have on the trip. Visitors to the area must register and pay at the Mokopane Breeding Centre, a Mokopane Municipality owned property, which is in town and can then travel to the site of the caves, which is approximately 25 kilometers out of town on the old road. For any bookings or more information about the caves call tour guide Moloko on 078 483 1473 or email him at moloko.patson@yahoo.com.


Page 8

BEAT

13 March, 2015

beateditor@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

Diesel n Dust ups their game

Young Pirates are trailing the pack in Stream A. Photo: TK Mashaba TKTK Mashaba Mashaba The gaps in the SAB League leader board is still opening, but the past weekend was a good one for BelaBela team Diesel n Dust, who thrashed struggling Young Pirates 7-1. Diesel n Dust moved up to fourth place after their win on Saturday, 7 March and a goalless draw with BelaBela Pirates on Sunday, 8 March. Young Pirates, who are the tailenders of the league, have settled in 14th place after a second loss, with only three points. Other Stream A results include Surrender losing 2-1 to Modimolle All

Stars while M.Mmamoet Arsenal extended their lead by beating Troublemakers 5-1. Bela-Bela Pirates beath Happy Hearts 2-1 while on Sunday, NTK Happy Boys lost 4-1 to Home Defenders, and Qualitho beat Celtic 4-1. In Stream B, Stone Breakers are closing on log leaders Yster United. Stone Breakers beat Maxoma 1-0 while Yster played a 1-all draw while Ditlou played a goalless draw with Simple Yellows. Juventus beat Black Rangers 4-1 while Mosesetjane lost 4-2 to PJ Stars. Ratanang beat Vegas a whopping 9-1.

Modimolle-based athletes inspire TK TK Mashaba Mashaba

Hoërskool Warmbad’s athletes took part in the provincial athletics in Polokwane at the Peter Mokaba stadium. Keabetswe Kunyana was one of the 12 athletes sent, and qualified for the South African championships in the 100m and 200m Boys U-17. Photo: Herman Steyn

Our coach reminded us the other day that we are not getting any younger, Addicted to Life, a Modimolle-based and we must keep going for as long as team of athletes, look forward to our feet can carry us,” he said. showing the world what they’re made The crew will be participating in the of in their Tshwane Deloit upcoming events. Marathon, and The two team are expecting to ‘we are not getting any members, Joseph bring back younger, and we must Moatshe and something. The keep going for as long as Junior Thapedi, marathon event have been our feet can carry us,’... contains 42,2km, running 21,1km, 10km, marathons for and 5km length some time. In an events. interview, Moatshe told The BEAT that “So far we’ve had a couple of events he is looking forward to representing from different races, and we still want Modimolle Addicted to Life as a to motivate young people to join dynamic team. marathons as it keeps body and mind “As a team we are doing quite well. healthy,” Moatshe said.

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: 072 264 7740 or TK: 076 756 9740.

We would also LOVE to see some of your weird and wonderful photos for our editorial page.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.