2017
R1-20/FREE
14 July
in roadside robbery
Two suspects face charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. Photo: Andries van der Heyde they were standing outside of Molefe’s home. Sekgobela added that the two men claimed Two suspects have appeared in the Bela-Bela the suspect started acting violently, and one Magistrate’s Court in connection with an of the men fetched weapons to defend alleged assault that left one man hospitalized. themselves. The court has postponed the case against “The men claimed that he (passer-by) the Zuma view residents. reacted violently and one of them went to According to the charge sheet, the duo fetch a panga and a knobkerrie which they appeared before apparently used to court on Tuesday, attack him,” The men claimed that he 11 July and have Sekgobela said. (passer-by) reacted violently since been charged He added that it and one of them went to fetch with the assault of a has not yet been a panga and a knobkerrie local man. confirmed which they apparently used to The case against whether the attack him the two men has hospitalised man been postponed to was armed at the Wednesday, 19 July time of the altercation. to allow for further investigations, and a The man has yet to appear in court as he formal bail application. is recovering from his injuries at the BelaThe incident reportedly occurred on Friday, Bela hospital. 7 July in Zuma view at the Bela-Bela It has been reported that he suffered township. severe blows to his jaw, head and chest. Sergeant Frans Sekgobela of the Bela-Bela The charges brought against the two were police told The BEAT that the men claimed a put forth by the police, due to the severe passer-by allegedly attempted to rob them as nature of his injuries. Justin Steyn
Tendani Muhadi on the attack Residents of the Modimolle-Mookgophong Municipality are eagerly awaiting the inaugural Mayoral 4-in-1 tournament. scheduled to take place at Modimolle’s Ephraim Mogale Stadium from Saturday, 15 July to Sunday, 16 July. Read the full story on page 8.
United FC’s Tendani Muhadi in action during their encounter with Magnificent FC. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
CRIME
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Truck trashes tuck shop
14 July, 2017 Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Store robbed of mostly dummy phones Justin Steyn Armed robbery has raised its ugly head again as the Exact! clothing store in Mookgophong. According to Warrant Officer George Ledwaba of the Mookgophong police, the robbery took place on the morning of Wednesday, 5 July. He said five armed suspects stormed the store and demanded that staff members file into a storeroom, wherein they were tied up and locked inside. “They then proceeded to take the cell phones at the shop from their display
casing, before fleeing the scene,” he said. Ledwaba said the police arrived at the scene and found the victims unscathed but visibly traumatized by the ordeal. “Some of the stolen items are reported to be fake (dummy displays), while others are real working phones,” he said. The case is still under investigation and no arrests have been made. The Mookgophong police have urged anyone with information to contact the station on (014) 743 9000. The clothing store was robbed of cell phones worth an estimated value of R100 000 in August last year. Those involved were arrested shortly thereafter.
Rail crossing in spotlight Transnet Freight Rail personnel and other stakeholders partnered to create safety awareness at the railway crossing. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Neighbours were woken up by the loud bang of the smash. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela The popular shack-land Mandela Mall of Bela-Bela township received a most unwelcome “visitor”, when a runaway truck smashed into the corrugated iron-built structure, leaving a trail of destruction. A suspect is facing a charge of reckless and negligent driving following the accident on Saturday, 8 July. The driver – who apparently panicked and fled the scene – reportedly lost control and drove into the tuck-shop at the Tlhalampsa Informal Settlement next to Extension 5. The tuck-shop is popularly known as The Mandela Mall, a name inspired by its massive shack structure. According to eyewitnesses, the truck was speeding on the thoroughfare between Extension 8 and Tlhalampsa in the early hours of Saturday morning, when it smashed headon into the tuck-shop.
Lieutenant-Colonel Abel Phetla of the BelaBela police confirmed the accident, and said no one was in the shop at the time and therefore no casualties. He said the driver had later cooperated with investigators, by giving a statement on his version of circumstances leading to the crash. Phetla said the police were not immediately able to say as to the exact extent of the damage to the property and items on the shelves. He added the driver was allowed to remove the truck from the scene, and that his identity could not be disclosed as the matter was still sub judice. Eyewitnesses told The BEAT they were woken up by the loud bang of the crash. Some believed the driver fled the scene out of sheer panic. It was business as usual at the shop early in the week, with customers going about their shopping, despite damage to a part of the tuck-shop.
Minor arrested in police trap Bela-Bela Police acting station commissioner Lieutenant-Colonel Abel Phetla said the police were looking for an alleged drug dealer. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela The police in Bela-Bela are investigating a case of dealing and possession of drugs following an incident on Friday, 7 July. Police station commissioner LieutenantColonel Abel Phetla said the suspect is a minor staying near the town and was
arrested after a trap was set for him. “After learning of the suspect’s dealings, we sent out an undercover officer to buy from him in order to catch him in the act. He was caught in possession of packets of drugs in his pockets and some were found at his home, where he stays with his brother and sister-in-law. We know he does not work alone and know who he sells for, and we are working on apprehending them very soon,” said Phetla. He further confirmed that the suspect’s family members were interviewed following his arrest, and they told the police that they did not know about any of his dealings, saying they were even surprised to learn about his arrest. The suspect has been returned to the custody of his family. His name cannot be published in terms of the Chid Protection Act. Phetla said the kid would be taken to Busasa place of safety in Polokwane, for assessment by social workers, who were expected to report back to the court on Thursday, 3 August.
Motorists were offered pamphlets at the railway crossing. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela Transnet Freight Rail has identified the level crossing at Bela Bela as among its main concerns in terms of safety. As a result, Transnet has embarked on a Joint Stakeholders Level Crossing Safety Awareness Campaign. The campaign took place at the railway crossing on Friday, 7 June. The initiative was aimed at helping make the railway crossing safer for motorists and pedestrians. Representatives from, among other
stakeholders, SAPS and traffic department took part. Transnet Security Manager, Moses Mbulaheni, said the objective was to drum up safety awareness at railway crossings. Those targeted included pedestrians, drivers and their passengers. Personnel from the rail agency distributed pamphlets pressing home the message. Last month a light motor vehicle smashed into a moving train, with the driver and her passengers fleeing the scene due to unknown reasons. Motorist Elliot Mosiamedi commended the campaign.
On 2017-05-16 the suspect in the photo allegedly tried to cash a cloned cheque at Modimolle’s Absa bank. This photo was placed in a stolen identity book. The person then used the identity book while trying to cash the cheque. The person left the bank without cashing the cheque and left the cheque as well as the identity book behind. The owner of the identity book confirmed his ID book had been stolen. Police believe the person on the photo could help with investigations into the matter. The investigating officer is Captain. Jeannemarie Murray. Her number is 076 050 6886.
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GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
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GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
Ambulance stolen at hospital was discovered by employees of the hospital and reported to police,” added Mojapelo. Mojapelo has since provided the ambulance’s vehicle registration number. “The vehicle’s registration numbers are GHH 367 L, and police have appealed to anyone with information that can assist in this investigation, to contact the nearest police or call our 24-hour toll free number at 0860010111,” he added
Justin Steyn The provincial department of health reported that an ambulance had been stolen on the morning of Friday, 7 July. According to provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, the state-owned vehicle was stolen from the George Masebe Hospital in Mokopane. Mojapelo said it was believed suspects cut open a section of the hospital’s perimeter fencing to commit the crime. “According to the information received, the vehicle was used to transport patients and was thereafter parked in the garage at the said hospital. The alleged theft
Police are on the lookout for an ambulance that was stolen from the George Masebe Hospital in Mokopane. Photo as illustration
Safe ground open for rifles
Alleged tech thief applies for bail Justin Steyn
Air rifles were recovered during a burglary on a farm near Lephalale. Photo supplied
Justin Steyn The police in Lephalale are looking for three suspects who broke into a farm over the weekend, stealing a number of items. According to Limpopo police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, a Lephalale Cluster Detectives Task Team, the Lephalale K9 unit, and members of the Heritage Protection Group’s Tracking Team, recovered an Isuzu double-cab bakkie and four TV sets stolen from the farm.
“The owner of the premises was not home at the time, and the suspects used what appeared to be a grinder open the safe. An undisclosed amount of money (in US currency), four plasma TV sets and a number of hunting rifles were stolen during the incident,” Mojapelo said. “Some of the hunting rifles (air rifles) that were in the safe, were found on the bed in one of the rooms,” he said. Anyone with information is requested to contact the nearest police or call the toll free number 0860010111.
The police in Bela-Bela are holding a man in custody for allegedly stealing household items valued at an estimated R37 000. Alex Chauke (30), an alleged illegal immigrant from Zimbabwe, was arrested on Thursday 15 June, in connection with the possession of items stolen from a residential home. The stolen items ranged from cellphones, laptops, an external hard-drive and other electronic devices. The stolen property was valued at an estimated R37 000. The suspect made his first court appearance on Monday, 26 June, where he was charged with theft, as well as entering the country illegally.
Chauke appeared again in court on Monday, 3 July, where the case was postponed to allow for a formal bail application. Meanwhile, the local SAPS issued a warning to employers who enlist illegal immigrants as cheap labour. Sergeant Hester van Zyl told The BEAT due to the increase in crimes involving illegal foreigners, the police would push for harsh penalties. “Employers can be fined up to R7000 per person in their employ. Too many criminal cases are being reported where illegal foreigners are involved, especially in theftrelated cases. Employers must remember that these foreigners are desperate for any work they can find, but cheap labour can be rather costly if one is caught out,” she said
Workers still on strike
Violent protests a concern Members of the Food and Allied Workers Union took part in a protest march on Monday, 10 July, during which they handed over memoranda of demands to both the police and representatives of Spif chicken Farm. Photo: Carina Bester Carina Bester
A police vehicle speeds past burning barricades. Photo supplied Lizzy Bapela Limpopo Legislature Chief Whip Falaza Mdaka has called on communities to interact with elected leaders, instead of engaging in unlawful protests. Mdaka was speaking during a public sector summit, on Tuesday, 27 June. He urged delegates to continue with their oversight tasks. Mdaka said their responsibilities included visiting government projects and attend portfolio committee meetings. Local municipalities in the Waterberg have had service delivery protests, often with the
wanton destruction of property. In Bela-Bela the protests resulted in the alleged arson attack on Mayor Jeremiah Ngobeni’s private vehicle, and the death of a child. The mayor has since embarked on a damage control roadshow, where he was mostly warmly welcomed by communities hungry for direct contact with the local leadership. Service delivery protests have also flared up in Mogalakwena, Modimolle and Mookgophong. In Modimolle no lesser politician than Premier Stan Mathabatha arrived to intervene.
Disaffected members of the Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) took part in a march at Mookgophong on Monday, 10 July, during which they delivered memoranda to the police and Spif Chicken Farm. The FAWU members have been on strike since Thursday, 18 May, as a result of a wage dispute, and are insisting on a raise. FAWU members clashed with the police on Friday, 30 June, and the police were forced to fire on the crowd with rubber bullets. Warrant Officer George Ledwaba, spokesperson for the police at Mookgophong, told the media that two workers were injured during the march. Once the memorandum had been delivered to the Mookgophong station commissioner, Lieutenant Colonel Kiba Kekana, the workers proceeded peacefully to Spif. The traffic department regulated traffic during the march, while the police provided escorts for the marching workers.
When they arrived at the chicken farm, the striking workers broke two danger tape that had been strung across the entrance and moved toward the security gate, where they sang protest songs until the memorandum was read. According to the memorandum, the workers are demanding better salaries, bonuses without any conditions, and better working conditions. They have also demanded that efforts be made toward speeding transformation in the company. Kevin Traviss, the managing director of Spif, told the media that the employees do in fact receive a bonus, which is based on attendance. Peter Mashishi, provincial chairman for FAWU, told The BEAT’s sister paper The Post that if their demands are not met, the workers will march to Spif again in seven days. Traviss confirmed that the company had received the memorandum of demands, and added that the company remains steadfast in their determination to continue the negotiations in an effort to end the strike.
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EDITORIAL
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New computers for Thabazimbi learners community of Thabazimbi. The trust is a beneficiary of the Sishen Iron Ore Company Community Development Trust, and receives an annual 15% allocation from the Trust to benefit the Thabazimbi community. Eight students were assisted by
Teachers and stakeholders on a test run of the facility. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Department of Education in attendance. The project was developed at a cost of R1. 4million. Learners and staff at the GTCDT programme manager, Ysterberg Public Primary Ally Pole, said investing in School in Thabazimbi were overcome with joy after a new intellectual development of the computer class was donated by community was a priority for the trust. the Godisang Thabazimbi He said GTCDT prided itself Community Development in being part of “this noble Trust (GTCDT). The digital learning centre was initiative.” GTCDT was established in handed over to the school on 2015, with the sole objective Thursday, 29 June, with to address the needs of the stakeholders from the Lizzy Bapela
SAPS removes kids from the streets winter holidays,” said organiser Warrant Officer Sello Mangana. The initiative provides The Bela-Bela SAPS refreshments for launched a Sports Against Crime Initiative on Saturday, participants. The participating schools 8 July, with kids from a are Ulando Combined number of schools School, Raeleng Secondary participating. school, Mmamakwa Primary The objective was to keep School, Albert Luthuli youngsters off the streets Primary School, Spa Park during the winter school Primary School, Khabele holidays. Primary School and “Keeping children busy Heleketani Primary School with sports (activities) will All the participants were to curb substance abuse and receive certificates, while other illegal activities. We trophies would be awarded plan to continue the to the winning teams. campaign throughout the TK Mashaba
Maope shines
Several learners from Maope High School were rewarded for their efforts in mathematics. Photo supplied TK Mashaba Maope High School’s Grade 10 and 11 learners were richly rewarded for their efforts during the final round of the Mathematics Competition, which was held at Nelson Mandela Hall in Soshanguve. In Grade 10 Promise Matlala, Mpho Ngobeni, and Salome were awarded the Most Improved honour, while Kamogelo Ngobeni, Gontse Matjila and Alfred Mamko were chosen as the Best Achievers.
Tinyiko Ndlovu, Amogelang Mangena, and Innocent Mabuze were the most improved learners in Grade 11, while Thato Maketane and Thandi Sekgala were the top achievers. Bela-Bela High School’s Kgaugelo Nawa was the school’s most improved learner in Grade 10, while Vigilance Hlongwane and Karabo Steward were the top achievers. The competition started at Maope High School on Monday, 3 July, and finished on Saturday, 8 July.
the trust, graduating in social welfare, industrial psychology, physiotherapy, motion pictures, physical science, actual science, education and chemistry. There are others still studying through the generous bursary offered by the trust. A total of 25 Early Childhood
Development practitioners were funded by GTCDT towards obtaining NQF Level 4 and 5 respectively, through the Waterberg TVET College. The trust was also funding the National Education Collaboration Trust project to the tune of R14 million.
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ADVERTISMENTS / LEGALS
SMALLS
LEGALS NOTICE OF BASIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS Notice is hereby given that an application is intended lodged with The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environmental and Tourism in terms of Regulation 41(2)(a) of the regulations published in the 2014 EIA Regulations published under section 24(2)(c) of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998) of intent to carry out the following activities: THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LODGE WITHIN THE WELGEVONDEN GAME RESERVE. Description of proposed activity: The applicant wishes to develop a 10 bed lodge, on site 62 within the Welgevonden Game Reserve a protected area declared in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act. Welgevonden Game Reserve is located in the Modimolle Local Municipality, Waterberg District, Limpopo Province. Name of applicant: SQUACCO GROUP INVESTMENTS (Pty) ltd. Name of consultant: EMROSS CONSULTING (PTY) LTD, P.O. Box 507, White River, 1240 Tel: 013 750 2782 or e-mail: mette@emross.co.za Contact person: Mette Rossaak @ 082 3399 627 The date of publication of this advertisement is the
14th of July 2017. In order to ensure that you are identified as an interested and/or affected party, if you so wish, please submit your name, contact information and interest in the abovementioned project to the contact person given above within 30 days of publication of this advertisement. NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESSES TO BE CONDUCTED WALT LANDGOED (PTY) LTD PROPOSED PIGGERY SOW UNIT FACILITY ON THE REMAINING EXTENT OF PORTION 2 OF THE FARM BIESJESKUIL 134 JR ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESSES TO BE CONDUCTED: 1. Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 19 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations (GN No. R. 982 of 4 December 2014), and Government Gazette Notice R. 983 as published in Government Gazette No. 38282 of 4 December 2014, in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107 of 1998), as amended, that WALT LANDGOED (PTY) LTD proposes to lodge an application for Environmental Authorisation by means of a Basic Assessment Process for the following activities: GNR 983 Listing Notice 1 Listed Activity 4 (ii) and Listing Notice 1, Activity Number 12 (as amended). 2. Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 40 of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act 36 of 1998), that WALT LANDGOED (PTY) LTD proposes to lodge an application for Water Uses as listed in Section 21 of the Act. PROJECT BACKGROUND AND LOCALITY: The Applications mentioned above form part of the Environmental Process for the proposed development of a Sow Unit and associated infrustructure. The proposed Sow Unit will
accommodate 3000 breeding sows and will be situated on the Remaining Extent of Portion 2 of the Farm Biesjeskuil 134 JR, Limpopo Province. The proposed site is situated approximately 20 km South of Settlers. The project site falls within the jurisdiction of the Bela Bela Local Municipality and the Waterberg District Municipality. The proposed development terrain is located on agricultural land use and the general land use of the surrounding area is also agricultural in nature. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: All the public participation processes has taken place previously, this adverts informs the public that another activity will be triggered as per the NEMA Act for the proposed Sow unit at Biesjeskuil. APPLICANT: WALT LANDGOED (PTY) LTD ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT: REC SERVICES (PTY) LTD Contact person: MR JUSTIN BEZUIDENHOUT P.O. Box 40541 Moreleta Park 0044 Tel: 012 997 4742 Fax: 012 997 0415 Email: rock.justin@lantic.net
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The sky’s the limit If she could, she would do victory rolls high in the sky over the Nelspruit Airfield. But Phamela Baloyi is far too professional a pilot to risk anything - especially in the air. Phamela is overjoyed to have earned her Private Pilot License (PPL) and is well on her way to becoming a certified commercial pilot as well. She passed her PPL with flying colours and she is adamant to do the same with her Commercial Pilot License. Phamela (24) from Giyani, near Tzaneen in Limpopo, is one of nine female pilots who were granted the opportunity to undergo training at Kishugu Aviation Training Organisation (ATO) in Nelspruit. The nine young ladies were selected by the South African Police Service to become pilots for the SAPS air wing. The cost of their training was paid for by the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA). Carel van de Merwe, head of Kishugu ATO said Phamela is a very determined and hardworking student. “She passed all her PPL exams first time around and passed her commercial subjects in just six months. These subjects range from Mathematics to Navigation and
Routine Aircraft Maintenance and are extremely difficult. Phamela focused all her attention on studying and refused to allow anything to distract her from this goal.” “I am loving every minute of it,” Phamela said. “This is an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to begin a career as a pilot.” She said she had been extremely anxious when the course began over a year ago. “I am less anxious now,” she laughed. Phamela said as a child growing up in a township – where they hardly ever saw aircraft, never mind met any pilots – she had dreamed of flying. “I thought it was only a dream.” Now that her dream is coming true, her advice to other youngsters is to read as much as possible. “It is only through reading that you gain knowledge and learn of the opportunities that are out there for you,” Phamela added. “Be prepared to work hard. It is only through hard work that you succeed.” She said her family and friends are very happy
about her achievements so far. The other eight young ladies who have completed their PPLs with Kishugu ATO, and are busy with their commercial subjects, are: Tshomarelo Moima (24) from Pretoria, Tebogo Boshielo (22) from Pretoria, Linah Mphanga (25) from Hazyview, Mpumalanga, Happiness Sibiya (22) from Mpumalanga, Lindelwa Mdaki (22) from Durban, Usisipho Fanie (26) from Western Cape, Gloria Banda (21) from Danville Pretoria and Tobeka Shozi (20) from Pietermaritzburg, KZN.
TK Mashaba
Journalist - Bela-Bela Sport and Social events tbeat3@gmail.com 076 756 9740
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COPYRIGHT
Spar Bela-Bela recently donated soccer kits to participants of the Super Spar League. Josias Ramalekana of local NGO, Light of Africa, handed over the items on behalf of the store. The league’s executive committee members, chairperson Emmanuel Motha, deputy Moji Malebye, secretary Joe Khambule, treasurer David Mishidi and referees’ manager, Abel Matjila, received the prizes on behalf of the teams. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
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CHARITY / ENTERTAINMENT / SCHOOL
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Marakele hosts WALOW programme Lizzy Bapela
The tour at Marakele was followed by the learning part of the programme. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Workers up in arms
Thabazimbi’s Marakele National Park hosted the first contact session of the Walk and Learn on the Wild Side (WALOW) initiative for the year 2017. The event took place from Monday, 26 to Friday, 30 June. The project is currently managed and facilitated by SANParks, in partnership with the Limpopo and Northwest Provincial Departments of Education. Spokesperson for the SANParks’ Northern Region, Divhani Maremba, said the project
Madiba’s legacy lives on
Lizzy Bapela Blue-collar workers from a construction site descended on The BEAT offices to air their grievances. A total of 32 of the workers alleged they were told there was no more work for them, when they reported for duty on Wednesday 5 July. The workers further alleged they were in the employ of a company called GKB Construction, but that their pay slips had one Phettha Constructions in print. They said they were enlisted nine months ago to install downtown water pipelines. Workers’ spokesperson, Nando Takalani, said payslips indicated they were registered
with the UIF, but then officials at the Department of Labour did not have them on record. Construction company head, Mike Sambo, allegedly did not communicate with the workers directly, but instead delegates his underlings, Titus Sebola and Walter Mthombeni, to deal with them. The workers’ grievances include, among others, that they were not paid for working overtime. Sambo denied the allegations levelled against him. He said the contract for the 8kilometre stretch of road he was working on had ended. Sambo further promised that all outstanding payments to the workers would be settled by the end of July.
Initiation school period ends Modimolle-based traditional healer Thomas Maluleka. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela The winter initiation school season was rounding off to an end on Saturday 22 July, after running from Saturday, 24 June. Winter initiation seasons were aimed at granting initiates the opportunity to return to school at the end of the holidays. The Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements
and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) in Limpopo said it was ready towards the resumption of the new school term and reaffirmed its commitment to a Zero Death Initiation Season. Coghsta has been working hand-in-glove with the Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders (LHTL), families of the initiates and other relevant stakeholders. The Department received 294 applications to run initiation schools, including Waterberg’s 79. A total of 272 initiation schools were approved, and the remaining were disapproved, based on the requirements announced ahead of the application period. Approved initiation schools across the province opened their doors to welcome the young men and women.
towels, bath soaps, face cloths and other needs. Those who wish to contribute can contact Ronny Makgetha on ronny@organisationhandson.org or
based organisation visited Doornfontein Primary School on a farm outside Modimolle, and found As part of Mandela Day, that there was a range of organisations and individuals in the challenges, needing attention. Waterberg region As a follow-up, plan to embark on the organisation community-based will visit the school programmes to help again on Friday, 28 others, from 18 July July to respond to until the end of the some of the month. challenges. Mandela Day is In Mookgophong, celebrated annually an organisation on 18 July, to made up of young honour the late people has started former president, collecting sanitary on the anniversary towels for girls of the icon’s from disadvantaged birthday. backgrounds. This The reigning Miss commemoration Mookgophong, was officially Betra Malema, is declared by the part of the Man and women at work. Photo: Mzamane Ringane United Nations in activities. 2009. call 078 013 2150. Malema made a plea to members Organisation Hands On, a The organisation will be of the community to support the Modimolle-based grouping, has partnering with Legal Aid SA initiative, and also invited more made a plea to members of the Modimolle Justice Centre, SAPS, young people to take part. public to donate clothes (new and Department of Social Development Activities were scheduled to start old) for boys and girls (aged 6 to and Hands of Hope, for this year’s on the premises of Dr NP Maphosa 15 years). Mandela Day programme. (General Practioners) in Items could range from sanitary Earlier this year the ModimolleMookgophong. Mzamane Ringane
The dissatisfied construction workers resorted to the media to get their complaints heard. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
is conducted with the objective to support conservation and ecology, among others. Beneficiaries of the WALOW initiative are Grades 10 to 11 learners with an interest in conservation as a career. Different institutions such as TVET colleges and universities were in attendance. Learners from Itireleng High School in Rooiberg were among those who were brought to be part of the experience. Marimba said in 2016 upwards of 700 people participated, with 24 schools participating from both the Waterberg and Moses Kotane District Municipalities.
Bela-Bela High soccer rising TK Mashaba The Bela-Bela High School Under-15 soccer team has booked a place to represent the Waterberg at the provincial level of the CocaCola Copa Cup on Saturday, 5 August in Bakenberg. Bela-Bela High School advanced after beating Raeleng High School 3-1 during the local elimination rounds. The youngsters then proceeded to the cluster showdown, where the team won on walkover against Modimolle, Mmabatlane and Thabazimbi. No reasons have yet been forthcoming as to why the other cluster schools failed to honour such an important fixture. The latter three failed to honour their fixtures during the matches scheduled for Mabatlane. In the provincial contest the boys
The Bela-Bela High School U-15 team is ready for the bigtime. Photo: TK Mashaba from Bela-Bela would test their strength against their counterparts from Capricorn, Mopani, Vhembe and Sekhukhune. “We are more than ready,” said the team’s coach Sam Modise. “We have been preparing for these
games since February.” The provincial winners advance to the national finals at a yet to be decided venue and date. Provincial winners receive various prizes in recognition of their achievements.
Extension 6 health facility reconstruction TK Mashaba The abandoned health clinic at Bela-Bela’s Extension 6 is being rebuilt. The old building has been standing empty for over seven
years, despite a desperate need for primary health care in the township. According to officials from the Department of Health, the initial contractor failed to properly sample the soil, before constructing the building, with the
finished product unsafe for use. As a result of this alleged negligence, Bela-Bela residents are forced to contribute to long queues at the downtown health clinic. The construction of the new health facility started in June.
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SPORT
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Koketso Tselapedi to represent Waterberg
Qualitho FC’s Koketso Tselapedi was the only player from the Waterberg region selected to form part of the provincial squad. Photo: Mzamane Ringane Mzamane Ringane While the Limpopo under 21 squad will be representing the province during this year’s SAB League national championships, Qualitho FC player Koketso Tselapedi will be carrying the hopes of the entire Waterberg region’s soccer fraternity. Tselapedi is the only player from the Waterberg who has been selected to form part of the provincial squad. The provincial selections were held by SAFA Sekhukhune at Jane Furse on Sunday, 9 July. Tselapedi said he was happy to be part of the team. The centre-back, who hails from Bela Bela Municipality’s rural Rapotokwane village, is confident he will represent his community, his team, the Waterberg region, and the Limpopo province well at the national championships. The player said he had to work hard to make sure that he is included in the team, since next year he won’t be qualifying to participate in the under 21 selections. He encouraged those who did not
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make it to go back to the drawing boards and prepare for the future. “The competition was tough at the provincial selections. Every player worked hard to prove their capability,” he said. Tselapedi said credit goes to the team, management and the region for unwavering support. Qualitho FC owner and coach, Reginald Mahlangu, also expressed delight at the inclusion of his player in the provincial squad. “The community of Rapotokwane and the Waterberg at large are proud to have a player in the provincial squad. This will motivate other young people that everything is possible through dedication”, he said.
Stage set for Mayoral 4-in-1 event Mzamane Ringane Residents of the Modimolle-Mookgophong Local Municipality are eagerly awaiting the inaugural Mayoral 4-in-1 tournament, scheduled to take place at Modimolle’s Ephraim Mogale Stadium from Saturday, 15 July to Sunday, 16 July. The event will be the first of its kind, since the municipalities in Modimolle and Mookgophong were amalgamated into one administration. The soccer tournament, previously known as the Mayor’s Cup, will now consist of four sporting codes, namely football, netball, volleyball and marathon. The football side of things went off to a good start, with a total of 85 teams participating in the preliminary stages of the tournament. The number of teams had to be trimmed to at least eight
teams, which will participate in the quarter finals during the main event. On Saturday, 8 July in Modimolle, NTK Happy Boys qualified for the quarter finals after beating All Stars 2-1, while Magnificent FC secured their spot with a 5-4 penalties victory over United FC following a 2-all draw. On Sunday, 9 July United FC and All Stars played in a losers’ semi-final, where one team had to meet the standby-drawn Home Defenders. United FC won 2-1 during that match and went on to lose 2-1 at the hands of Home Defenders FC. So far, Modimolle teams NTK Happy Boys, Magnificent FC and Home Defenders FC have qualified for the quarter-finals alongside Vaalwater’s Volcano FC and Storm Breakers FC. Academy FC from Alma has also qualified for the last eight, while teams from Mookgophong were expected to be decided midweek. The co-organiser of the preliminary stages of the tournament, Hlupi Lehong, said the football fraternity is fully prepared for the main event this forthcoming weekend. Lehong, a retired referee, said due to the shortage of qualified personnel, he had to take charge during the Alma leg of the soccer games.
Magnificent FC has qualified to participate in the Modimolle-Mookgophong Mayoral 4-in-1 tournament. Photo: Mzamane Ringane