The Beat 15 February 2013

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15 February 2013

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BEAT

15 February, 2013

tbeat3@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

Police to test rapists for HIV Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela

Friday 1 February Police in Modimolle are investigating a case of armed robbery of a business following an incident that happened at the local Shell Garage, next to KFC, on the morning of Friday, 1 February.

Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer James Findlay, said that one man entered the shop at the garage with a balaclava on and his whole body covered in plastic. He said the suspect had a weapon in his hand, a handgun and pointed it at the cashier, demanding

money.

Findlay said that the suspect stole an undisclosed amount of cash but nobody was injured. He said that the suspect, Charlie Moshegoa, was arrested and appeared before the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 4 February.

He added that the case was postponed until 11 February. Findlay said that the suspect is 37-years-old and Warrant Officer Koos van der Berg is the investigating officer in the case.

Saturday 9 February Fourteen alcohol outlets in Mookgophong were closed down following a heavy police operation over the weekend.

Mookgophong police spokesperson, Warrant Officer George Ledwaba, said that one tavern owner was fined R3 000 for not complying with the liquor act and the rest were shebeens, of which the owners were fined R500 each. He said all the suspects were released after paying the admission of guilt fines. Eighteen people were arrested in Mookgophong for drinking in public. Ledwaba said that the suspects were arrested on the streets and next to liquor outlets in the area and were all released after paying admission of guilt

fines of R150 each.

He said that the police would continue with operations to crackdown on people who do not comply with the law.

Meanwhile, Ledwaba said that the police are planning to embark on various campaigns to alert schoolchildren on serious crimes. He said various stakeholders including government departments and NGO’s will be engaged and a plenary meeting is scheduled for this week.

Ledwaba said that the partnership with the stakeholders will embark in a gender based violence and a sports against crime project, where they will address learners on criminal activities.

Sunday 10 February Police in Bela Bela are looking for a suspect in a case of arson, committed in Zuma View informal settlement.

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Mokhabudi Nzotho, said that the suspect allegedly set his girlfriend’s shack alight after an argument that erupted over the phone.

He said that the girlfriend, Martha Matlala, told the police that the man was always accusing her of cheating and the same thing happened on the day in question.

He added that both the suspect, Simon Mokoka, and his girlfriend are from Slaagboom in the North-West.

Police in Limpopo say they have had enough with escalating number of rapes being committed on a daily basis, so much that they have now declared war against rapists.

Limpopo police spokesperson, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi, said that the police would act without any leniency in the application of the law from now on.

He said that some rapists might face charges of attempted murder, in accordance with the provision of the Sexual Offenses Act , Act no 32 0f 2007 as amended.

Mulaudzi said that all rape suspects will be subjected to an HIV test and if the results come back positive, a charge of attempted murder will be added on top of the original rape charge.

“A murder charge will be imposed on a serial rapist whose victims has died due to HIV related complications. The provincial police management are still reeling with shock after 121 rape cases were reported since the beginning of the New Year. The statistic is awful and the police have vowed not to sit down and fold arms.

The police have strengthened their relationship with the Department of Justice

and Constitutional Development, with the sole aim of dealing harshly with rapists,” he said.

Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Simon Mpembe, has called upon the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units and all investigating officers dealing with rape cases to be more ruthless and unsympathetic when dealing with rapists.

“We cannot have a situation where women are afraid to live, in fear of being raped. Although we are urging our women not to hitch hike and walk alone in deserted or isolated areas, we are seriously also re-evaluating our strategies to prevent rapes and wannabe rapists must be pre warned that they will meet the full might of the law,” Mpembe said.

He said that rape victims must report the cases immediately after the ordeal and they must not wash themselves. This will allow for smooth investigations and admissibility of evidence afterwards.

“We have people who are trained to deal with rape victims so no one should feel embarrassed or ashamed to open a rape case. Once a man force himself onto you and you do not report it, chances are that he will do it again to somebody else,” Mpembe said.

Man kills wife and hangs himself Lizzy Bapela Police in Bela Bela are investigating a case of murder and inquest following two incidents that happened on Saturday, 9 February.

Police say the man killed his wife following an argument at their home in Die Koppewaai, next to Spa Park section, Bela Bela and then killed himself.

Detective Frans Sekgobela, who attended the crime scene, said that the wife reported incidents of domestic violence several times at the police station, incidents that the police investigated.

He said on the day in question, the two argued over how much money should be given to their daughter, who was going to attend an athletic event at a local primary

school.

Sekgobela said that the husband then hit his wife with an axe, burnt their home to ashes and headed to the nearby mountain, where he hanged himself wit ha rope.

He said the child had to be called back from the event and the police arranged for her to see social workers and get counselling.

He added that the family originates from Venda and other family members were called immediately after the police had attended to the incident.

Bela Bela police spokesperson, Constable Glen Manamela, said that the deceased had severe wounds on the right side of her head and was declared dead at the scene of the crime. She said that the man was found hanging next to the stream in Spa Park a little while later.

Manamela said that the child had to be removed and taken to a place of safety and both the families were notified of the murder-suicide. Detective Sergeant Mokhabudi Nzotho is the investigating officer in the case and he confirmed that the child’s maternal grand parents took her back to Venda.

He said that the couple had a tuck-shop but nothing could be saved from the fire and damages were estimated at more than R20 000.

Nzotho said that the mother, Brenda Luambo Tshidumo, aged 24, would be buried in Venda over the weekend.

Police took the man’s fingerprints and they are waiting for the woman’s postmortem result so they can close the murder case.

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15 February, 2013

BEAT

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Man hacks girlfriend to death Lizzy Bapela Bela Bela residents woke up on Monday, 11 February, to the dreadful news that a well-known local man allegedly hacked his girlfriend to death. The incident apparently took place in the bushes next to Extension 9 on Sunday, 10 February.

The BEAT interviewed the victim’s mother, Elizabeth Kwadi. She could not hide her feelings of shock, sorrow and disbelieve, following the brutal murder of her only daughter, Kedibone.

Elizabeth told The BEAT that her daughter and her boyfriend used to lock up his businesses together every evening and go shopping together after locking up. She said that, on the day in question, the suspect did not bring the deceased back home as usual.

According to Kwadi, the suspect apparently did not see the victim home, but tied her up at the crime scene with a bandana that she wore. Kwadi also said that the suspect gave her daughter a phone and told her to call her brother.

She had to tell her brother that the suspect intended to kill her.

“As my son was listening on the phone, wanting to ask where they were, the phone fell and my son had to listen as he was killing my baby,” she said.

Kwadi explained that he suspect allegedly killed the victim with brutal force.

“He chopped her head into two pieces!

Then he put her in the boot of the car and drove around with her corpse,” she said.

According to the grieving mother, the victim’s brother called the police. Then she went to the suspect’s home, with her son, where they confronted the suspect’s father. She said that the father was shocked to hear the news.

“While I was telling him what happened, the suspect came home, speeding in his car. I asked him where my daughter was,” she said. Kwadi said that the suspect was extremely aggressive and allegedly said: “I killed your stupid dog and I will do the same to the three of you if you keep asking me about her.”

“He showed me my daughter’s blood stains on his clothes. He acted like he

did not care what he has done,” she said.

Kwadi said that the suspect then sped away with her daughter’s body still in the boot of the car. The police followed him, blocking off all entranced to Bela Bela in order to corner him.

Lieutenant Colonel Abel Phetla, of the Bela Bela police, confirmed that the police gave chase to the suspect. Phetla said that the suspect rolled the car after police shot out the wheels of the car.

He was injured in the accident. He is treated in hospital under police guard.

He said that the suspect would have to face the full force of the law when he

is discharged. The suspect will face charges of murder and the violation of a dead body.

Kwadi said that she was still in shock.

She said that she could not sleep or think about anything else. According to her mother, Kedibone was extremely soft spoken and kind. “Even when we had arguments in the family, she would always intervene with a soft voice,” she said.

“I never sensed, even for a second, that there could be problems in their relationship,” she said. “I was best friends with my daughter and we had no other friends. She told me everything.”

Relatives and neighbours told The BEAT that they were stunned by this murder. They could not understand what could have driven the suspect to such a cruel deed. “Why did he not just break up with her if there was a problem,” a neighbour said.

The family dismissed rumours that the suspect’s family claimed that Kedibone only used him for his money and that she was cheating on him. “She would never do that,” they said.

Kedibone is expected to be buried in Bela Bela on Saturday, 16 February. Her brother said they were still waiting for the post-mortem results.

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BEAT

15 February, 2013

DA Limpopo wants Housing MEC to resign after accusation

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Concerned parents take on drug lords in Bela Bela

Limpopo MEC for CoGHSTA Clifford Motsepe rejects allegations of him attempting to bribe a City Press journalist.

Photo: Lizzy Bapela

Lizzy Bapela The MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), Clifford Motsepe, has been afforded an opportunity to resign, before further action will be taken against him.

This is a claim made by the DA in Limpopo, following the MEC’s alleged attempted bribery of a City Press journalist.

An article the recent issue of City Press alleges that the MEC attempted to give money to one of their journalists during a meeting at his home last week, stating that the journalist has made an affidavit to this effect.

The DA provincial leader, Jacques Smalle, said that Motsepe seemed willing to bribe his way out of bad publicity for RDP tenders awarded to allies of the expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema.

“The Hawks are investigating Motsepe for tenders worth R900 million after DA legislature leader, Desiree van der Walt, laid charges more than a week ago.

The Hawks’ investigation and now this bribery attempt make it impossible for Motsepe to remain in office with any public confidence. The MEC was apparently willing to offer the journalist a wad of ‘petrol money,’ an inch thick and ‘help from us comrades in the province’.

This suggests that he is inclined toward abuse of his office, for petty or big corruption. He must do the right thing and resign now,” said Smalle.

Motsepe rejected the claims of offer to the journalist. He said that the newspaper is hiding behind insinuation by claiming that he attempted bribery.

“The allegation that I offered cash to the journalist is naturally complete nonsense. The suggestion that I would have

done so in what appears to be an attempted bribery is insulting and demeaning,” he said.

The MEC said, in a statement, that the journalist alerted him of a nice story that he wrote about the department posted on the newspaper’s website. He said that the journalist invited him to call back after he read the story so that they can meet. “It was the journalist who came to my home; I did not go to him.

I did not offer him cash or attempt to bribe him. I do not do that sort of thing; I never have and I never will,” Motsepe said.

“I have a witness who overheard the meeting and who is prepared to testify that no discussion over money took place, nor was any money offered. It is important to note that my legal advisers approached City Press to request that they delay publication of the article to give me sufficient time to respond to their allegations,” he said.

He said that the newspaper refused to do so, and will now have to face the embarrassment of misrepresenting the situation to their readers.

Motsepe said that he intends to pursue this matter through the appropriate legal channels. He said that he could not let a false allegation defame his character in such a way.

In response to the statement by the MEC and his department, Desiree van der Walt said that the department will always have their own answers and will never acknowledge the DA or any individual for noticing their faults.

She told The BEAT that she would not withdraw the charges against the department and expect thorough investigations by The Hawks.

Motsepe was not available for comment at the time of going to press.

Do not follow where the path may lead.

Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

Harold R. McAlindon

Members of CoPFADA marched to the dens of known local drug lords over the weekend. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

Members of CoPFADA protested against the sellers of dangerous drugs in the Bela Bela Township. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Alleged drug lords in Bela Bela received an unexpected visit from members of the community-based organisation called Concerned Parents Fighting Against Drug Abuse (CoPFADA).

The angry members came out in their numbers, filled up the streets of Bela Bela and marched to the homes of the alleged drug lords on Saturday, 9 February.

Singing out their frustration, the members made a strong plea to the alleged dealers to stop selling drugs to the young people, because drugs ruin their lives.

Chairperson of the organisation, Audrey Sekubuane, said that the aim of the operation was to make a mark, notify the dealers of their seriousness and pleading for support from the community. She said that CoPFADA sent out 600 letters to members of the community and no one responded.

Sekubuane said that CoPFADA consists of parents from different backgrounds, including those whose children smoke and those who do not. She said there are many parents in the community who are scared to come out and say their children are involved in drugs.

She said that some parents joined the organisation because they want to support the fight against drug abuse.

On the day of the march, members of CoPFADA also confiscated some stolen items from one unsuspecting buyer. The members say the items were stolen and sold with intentions of using the money made to buy Nyaope.

“The victims do confess and point out the dealers and, if the dealers do not stop, we

intend to take the matter further and engage all necessary stakeholders. Four youths have died already as a result of drug abuse and we can not just sit back and fold our arms,” Sekubane said.

Johanna Maseko said that the organisation acknowledges the efforts of Captain Daniel Mapheto a while ago when he arranged for doctor Radipabe from the local hospital to come and address the residents.

Radipabe described the dangers of Nyaope and explained how it affects a person’s well-being and future.

Sekubuane said that the dealers and their associates threaten children from their area, saying their parents are mischievous and need to be sorted out. “We could really use the support of a sponsorship so we can take the children for camping and get them the medicine said to reduce the cravings. Our local mayor, Freddy Hlungwani, used to support us and now he is scarce. We do understand he has a busy schedule,” she said.

“Our executive mayor, Tlotlanang Mogotlane, told us our mayor is busy with programmes challenging the use and abuse of drugs in Bela Bela,” she said.

Mapheto said that the action CoPFADA took on Saturday was safe, as no one’s name was written on the placards and no words of provocation were used.

He said that the organisation’s programmes are helpful to the police, because they sometimes organise for the police to speak to the victim of the drug lords.

Mapheto escorted CoPFADA on their protest march and acknowledged the partnership that the organisation has with the police.

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BEAT

15 February, 2013

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Journalists are people This week, The BEAT, reports on a horrific murder that took place in Bela Bela. Both the murder and the aftermath of the act shocked every person in the office to a standstill.

Most people assume that journalists are not affected by the trauma that they are reporting on. Journalists have a reputation that they are hardened to the facts and that they can cover traumatic events without any effects on them. This could not ne farther from the truth.

People have suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or symptoms of post-traumatic stress for centuries. Nevertheless, it was only after the Vietnam War that many people started to realise that not only soldiers were being traumatised and reporters were too.

A recent study by the Dart Centre for Journalism and Trauma, in Washington DC, reveals that of all assignments given to photojournalists, covering automobile accidents, fire and murder were the most common. Automobile accidents were most often ranked as the most stressful assignments.

It is not only the once off shocking murders that affect the journalists. What people view as everyday news events, can also be traumatic to the journalists. The more traumatic events they cover the more distressed they become.

Because people expect journalists to be used to this type of trauma and reports, they do not expect the journalist to suffer any ill effects from covering the story.

Nobody thinks to ask the journalists if they are coping with the stress.

Journalists are also constantly in the crossfire between disagreeing groups, all wanting the journalist to put forward their side of the story.

People get very angry and sometimes even aggressive when they feel that a journalist did not represent them correctly in a story. This adds to the stress of the job.

Journalists are not robots with no feelings about the stories that they cover. Journalists are human beings and members of the community where they work. Journalists have a duty and a responsibility to accurately report the facts and bring the whole story to the community that they serve.

The BEAT is a community newspaper and functions within the community. Therefore, it is exceptionally difficult to report on cases such as these. However, The BEAT will continue to bring the news to the community with respect, sympathy and care.

Tel: (011) 447-1264/5/6

COPYRIGHT The reproduction or broadcast without written permission of any material published in The Beat and its supplements is forbidden and expressly reserved to Upfront Events Two CC, under section 12(7) of the Copyright Act, 1978 and any amendment thereof. The Beat is typographically prepared, published and distributed by Upfront Events Two CC. The Beat: 7 Minnaar Street, Tel: (014) 736-2723, Fax: (014) 736-3428, PO Box 16, Bela-Bela. Email: tbeat3@gmail.com.

The Beat is typographically prepared, published and distributed by Upfront Events Two CC and is printed

by Paarl Coldset, 83 Heidelberg Rd, City Deep Production Park, City Deep.

Repentance from dead works Bishop Silas Tlou

For those South Africans who still have some problems remembering the new town names, the Department of Roads managed to come up with a unique solution.

Polokwane, formerly known as Pietersburg, is now Pieterwane on the board at the Codrington turn-off near Bela Bela. Photo: Herman Steyn

The BEAT wants to hear from our readers. If you have a great story or something that you want us to bring to light, please email beateditor@gmail.com or send an SMS to one of our reporters. Lizzy: 076 609 7644 or TK: 076 756 9740. We would also LOVE to see some of your weird and wonderful photos for our editorial page. Do not delay, just contact us today!

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

How do we repent dead works? Has your conscience been purged from them so that you might serve the living God? We must understand what dead works are and what repentance from them involves.

Some think that “dead” means “sinful” works. However, in Hebrews dead works are described as formal, legal observances and self-invented works whereby men would seek to stand before God. Hebrews 6:1 – “We must try to become mature and start thinking about more than just the basic things we were taught about Christ. We shouldn’t need to keep talking about why we ought to turn from deeds that bring death and why we ought to have faith in God.” Only the blood of Christ can cleanse us so that we can stand before God. Hebrews 9:14 – “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” An excellent illustration of what it means to follow Christ as a dead work is found in chapter six of the Gospel of John.

The passage opens with the declaration that Christ went over the Sea of Galilee and a crowd followed Him because they saw His miracles and were impressed. Jesus went up a mountain with His disciples to teach, but He saw the great crowd coming once more.

Jesus asked Philip about feeding the multitude and by a wonderful miracle did so with five loaves and two small fish.

Jesus then perceived that the crowd planned to take Him by force and make Him a king, so He slipped away to Capernaum; the crowd followed Him there also. Jesus, knowing exactly what was in their hearts, said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves, and were filled. Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man shall give to you, for on Him the Father, even God, has set His seal.” - John 6:26,27.

John 6:28,30 – “What exactly does God want us to do?” the people asked.

Jesus answered, “God wants you to have faith in the one he sent.” They replied, “What miracle will you work, so that we can have faith in you? What will you do?” They had already seen miracle after miracle, but when commanded to believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord God, they asked for yet another miracle.

Jesus then turned their request for bread into a beautiful unfolding of His true nature, the Bread come down from heaven. However, it was bread for the belly, not bread for the soul that really interested this crowd. The chapter closes with the revelation that from that time many of Jesus’ disciples went back and walked with Him no more.

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BEAT

15 February, 2013

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15 February, 2013

New testing station for Bela Bela to be completed

The Bela Bela municipality presumably started construction on a new testing station for the traffic department again. Photo: TK Mashaba

Last year, The BEAT reported on the building of a test site next to the graveyard. Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba The Bela Bela traffic department should have a new testing station to operate from soon. Construction has finally started on the long overdue project.

Last year The BEAT reported on the building of the test station, now situated between the Bela Bela police station and the old Commando Offices. The previously allocated site was next to the graveyard.

At the time, The BEAT wanted to know whether the building would ever be finished and what its use would be.

In and interview, the mayor of Bela Bela, Freddy Hlungwane, said that the building would be renovated. He said that the municipality was aware of the half-finished building project and that the building would be finished and put to

good use once the financial resources were sorted out.

Hlungwane said that the project rolled over from the previous financial year.

“We are waiting for the new budget,” he said. Hlungwane said that security personnel were on site on a 24-hour basis to make sure that the project is safe from criminals.

According to Hlungwane, the building was earmarked to be a testing station for the Bela Bela traffic department.

The municipality started construction on a new site this year and The BEAT visited the site to take some pictures of the progress on the project.

The BEAT contacted Nicholas Nyambeni, acting municipal manager, to find out more about the project. At the time of going to press, he was unavailable for comment.

BEAT

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Sasol lays out its plans Sasol Mining informed residents of Lephalale and Steenbokpan of its intention to apply for environmental authorisation for its proposed Sasol Limpopo West Coal Mine in Steenbokpan near Lephalale.

According to Bertie Botha, Sasol mining’s Senior Manager of business development, the surface coalmine will be developed in three phases.

Phase One, which should commence in 2015, will be situated on the farm Welgelegen 228 LQ. The lifespan of this small mine will be 10 years and around 140 people will be employed at the mine. The first phase is expected to deliver 400 000 tonnes of coal per annum.

Phase Two and Three are entirely dependent on the availability of water and rail facilities being developed. Water is anticipated to be sourced from Phase Two of the Mokolo and Crocodile River (West) Water Augmentation project.

Phase Two will be situated on Welgelegen and Groenfontein 250 LQ and will deliver 16.4 tonnes of coal per annum. The lifespan of this medium-sized mine will be 17 years and is planned for 2018/2019. Around 600 people will be employed at this operation.

Stage Three is not only dependent on water and rail but on the domestic market for thermal coal. This large-scale mine will have a

life expectancy of 80 years and will be situated on above mentioned farms as well as Vlakfontein 264 LQ, Duikersfontein 688 LQ, Gannavlakte 299 LQ and Ringbult 303 LQ. The mine could employ up to 3800 people and should deliver 45 - 90 tonnes of coal per annum.

The application for environmental authorization is subject to the undertaking of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and approval of an environmental management programme (EMP) by the Department of Mineral Resources.

To comply with legislation, an EIA process will be undertaken for the preparation of an EIA Report. Individual applications will be made for the water use licence and forestry permits.

These reports and applications will need to be submitted to the designated government departments for authorisation purposes.

The public is invited to voice concerns and raise questions regarding the project as part of the scoping phase of the EIA process.

To register as an interested and affected party, submit your name, contact information, and substantiated interest in the project to Marti Le Roux, Tel: 012 421 3615; Fax: 012 421 3601; Post: PO Box 3173, Pretoria, 0001; E-mail: limpwsmine@bksemd.co.za by no later than 25 February 2013. — LiN News/ Northern News

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15 February, 2013

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BELA BELA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY Chris Hani Drive, Bela-Bela, Limpopo. Private Bag x1609. BELA-BELA 0480 Tel: 014 736 8000, Fax: 01 4 736 3288. Website: www.belabela.gov.za

OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL MANAGER

NOTICE NO 12/13 Notice is hereby given in terms of Limpopo Housing Policy Communique No. 1/2001 that below mentioned approved beneficiaries who benefited through N&N Project at Extension 8 avail themselves at Municipal Public Works from the 18 February 2013.

Failure to claim ownership within 30 days after placement of this advert will result in

beneficiaries being deregistered from this project and the house reallocated.

Please bring along your ID Document for verification purpose

APPROVED BENEFICIARIES N&N PROJECT EXT 8- BELA BELA

For more information please contact Mr AMS Mohlala or Mr M.L. Mashishi @ 014 737 8037 N.L. Nyambeni (Acting Municipal Manager)

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BEAT

15 February, 2013

Page 9

CoGHSTA talks about tender fraud allegations political head.

“I have asked the Auditor-General and Public Protector to investigate these allegations, not because I believe them to be true, but because I have every reason to believe that they are false. There is no corruption or favouritism in the awarding of contracts. There is no impropriety and to suggest otherwise without any proof or substantiation, as The Star likes to do, is an insult to the integrity and commitment of the public servants who burn the midnight oil ensuring that homes are provided to the poor,” he said.

Motsepe said that the allegations are an insult to the contractors, the workers and the thousands of beneficiaries of government housing policy.

Desiree van der Walt, of the DA in Limpopo, said Motsepe played for time at his press

The Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela, launched an intensive investigation into allegations of tender improprieties in the department, involving the awarding of tenders to the companies. Photo: African Leadership Academy

briefing by announcing that he has reported this matter to the Public Protector. She said the MEC could not hide from the facts already on the table, adding that the DA is most certainly pursuing its criminal case.

“The Hawks must probe why these awards were made contrary to the recommendations of the Department’s own Bid Adjudication Committee. It must be established whether proper avenues to advertise these tenders were followed and what criteria was used to qualify or disqualify the bidders.”

“It is now public knowledge that some of the successful bidders are subject to very serious investigations by law enforcement authorities and the Public Protector. It is further alleged that the bank guarantees of the other unsuccessful bidders were de-

liberately withheld by some officials in order to have them disqualified. If these allegations are true, then the entire process is suspect,” she said.

Van der Walt said that this entire debacle underscores the DA’s submission that the adjudication process in Limpopo, including the awarding of points must be accessible to the public.

She said that, in this way, room for political meddling and corruption in these processes will be minimised. She also said where the DA governs; successful efforts to open tender processes for public scrutiny are already being made.

The DA said that they will keenly monitor how the criminal case opened evolves and will do everything in their powers to combat corruption in Limpopo.

BELA BELA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY Chris Hani Drive, Bela-Bela, Limpopo. Private Bag x1609. BELA-BELA 0480 Tel: 014 736 8000, Fax: 01 4 736 3288. Website: www.belabela.gov.za

OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL MANAGER

Lizzy Bapela The Limpopo MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), Clifford Motsepe, addressed members of the media during a press conference held at his boardroom in Polokwane on the morning of Tuesday, 5 February.

The department’s chief information officer, Tseng Diale, told media houses that the press conference was held following claims of irregularities in the appointment of lowcost housing service providers.

The DA in Limpopo laid criminal charges with the Hawks (case number CAS 120/2/ 2013) against the department for the reportedly corrupt awarding of RDP tenders worth R900 million to Julius Malema’s allies.

The companies alleged to have links with Malema include Sizani Build IT, owned by Steve Bosch, a multinational company named Aurecon, On Point Civil Engineers, owned by Lesiba Gwangwa, and Arandi Trading, owned by Tshepo Malema.

During the press conference, Motsepe announced that the Public Protector launched an intensive investigation into allegations of tender improprieties in the department, involving the awarding of tenders to the companies.

Motsepe said that, upon receipt of a letter of investigation, the department provided the office of the Public Protector with all documents requested and cooperated fully until the last day of investigation.

“We have always maintained our innocence that our department adheres to the highest ethical and administrative standards in all its dealings including procurement of services. I am happy to announce that the department has just received a letter from the Public Protector, informing us that they have found no wrongdoing in the appointment of the companies that were alleged to have had links with Malema. This matter is now closed,” he said.

The Star newspaper published an article claiming that there were irregularities in the appointment of service providers to handle the construction of low-cost housing for the people of Limpopo on Friday, 1 February, and Monday, 4 February.

Upon reading the article, Motsepe said that he wrote an immediate rebuttal of the article to the editor of The Star, pointing out that the newspaper’s assertion is false and without foundation. He said that the article was part of a smear campaign against the political leadership of the province.

He added that he also wrote to the Auditor-General and Public Protector requesting that they investigate the appointment of these service providers, as well as The Star’s allegation of impropriety against officials in the department, of which he is the

NOTICE NO11/13 Notice is hereby given in terms of Limpopo Housing Policy Communique No. 1/2001 that below mentioned approved beneficiaries who benefited through PHP Project avail themselves at Municipal Public Works from the 18 February 2013.

Failure to claim ownership within 30 days after placement of this advert will result in beneficiaries being deregistered from this project and the house reallocated.

Please bring along your ID Document for verification purpose

APPROVED BENEFICIARIES PHP PROJECT - BELA BELA

For more information please contact Mr AMS Mohlala or Mr M.L. Mashishi @ 014 737 8037.

N.L. Nyambeni Acting Municipal Manager

Page 10

BEAT

15 February, 2013

Local farmer sends aid to Mozambique

tbeat3@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

A personal journey of discovery The BEAT’s own DJ Teekay mixing it up live at the Capricorn FM studios. Photo: Supplied

A local farmer from the Bela-Bela region recently provided aid to the flood-stricken Mapai and Chiqualaquala areas in Mozambique.

A local farmer from the Bela-Bela region recently provided aid to the flood-stricken and distressed communities in Mozambique.

About 36 tons of maize were milled into maize meal and delivered to the flood-stricken Mapai and Chiqualaquala areas in Mozambique.

The entire effort to deliver sustenance to the people of Mapai and Chiqualaquala was funded by Allan Culverwell in his personal capacity and the Culverwell Conservation Company. The Culverwell Conservation Company is a company founded by Culverwell himself and is based on Sampour Ranch, 10 kilometres west of Bela-Bela.

The administrator of the Gaza province in Mozambique and Sergio Mamede contacted Culverwell during the weekend of the 20th of January and requested for help.

All resources of the Culverwell Conservation Company were immediately mobilised and all company operations were placed on hold in order to facilitate a donation of 36 tons of maize to be milled into maize meal for the aid to Mozambique. The maize was donated from own stock which was produced on Sampour Ranch by the Culverwell Cattle Company (Pty) Ltd just west of Bela-

Bela.

The Maatla milling company milled 9 tons of maize at R750 per ton and the Settlers Silos milled the remainder of the maize at R30 per ton for the purposes of charity.

All operational staff employed at Sampour Ranch and other company properties in South Africa were relocated to Bela-Bela from Monday, 21 January, until Friday, 25 January, to assist in the preparation of the maize meal for Mozambique.

The trucks and support vehicles were dispatched on Friday, 1 February, and the first support vehicles arrived at the Punda Maria Kruger Gate on the following day. The trucks and support vehicles were allowed to travel through the Kruger National Park to the Pafuri Gate. Due to the floods the roads were however found to be severely damaged and the support of the South African Air Force was arranged to transport the maize meal to the communities in need.

According to Culverwell, it is impossible to measure monetary value when people are starving and that in such cases one acts without consideration to cost. “It is our duty,” he said. — LiN News/Die Pos

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Next Auction Sat 16/2/2013 at 11:00. Vanessa 0814679690 www.belabelasalvage.co.za

TK Mashaba On Friday, 8 February, I opened the door to success. Capricorn FM asked me to their studios for an interview and the opportunity to play a live mix.

Besides being a journalist for The BEAT, I am also a DJ. I have played at many venues and events, but national exposure eluded me. When the call came from Capricorn FM, I grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

The hosts of the popular show, Mix Down Avenue, DJ Bambo and Master Jay, asked me to send them a playlist.

Later they called me and asked me to mix the playlist live in the studio.

I have been in many studios before and it was not anything that I am not used to, but the idea that I was on one of the hottest youth radio shows in the country certainly made me sweat bullets.

The interview started at 23:00 and my live mix played on 23:30. I had my friends and family in a state, because I mistakenly told them that I would start on 22:30. My Twitter, Facebook and SMS lines were buzzing with people trying to find out when I would play.

I felt very honoured that people gave up sleep to listen to my live mix. The support base of my friends, fans and family means the world to me.

Agisanang aims to change children’s lives

LEGALS BELA BELA AMENDMENT SCHEME 64/08 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR AMENDMENT OF THE TOWN PLANNING SCHEME IN TERMS OF SECTION 56 (1) (b) (i) OF THE TOWN PLANNING AND TOWNSHIPS ORDINANCE 1986 (ORDINANCE No 15 OF 1986) We Geo Projects, authorised agents of the owner of Portion 1 of erf 54, Warmbaths, Bela Bela 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 Bela Bela Land Use Scheme, 2008, by the rezoning of the property describe above, from “Residential 1” to “Special” with annexure 152 as further describe in the application.

Particulars of the application will lie for inspection during normal office hours at the office of the Municipal Manager, Municipal Offices, Bela Bela, for a period of 28 days from 8 February 2013.

Objections to or presentations in respect of the application must be lodged with or made in writing to: The Municipal Manager at the above address or Private Bag x1609, Bela Bela, 0480, within a period of 28 days from 8 February 2013.

Address: P.O.Box 919, Bela Bela, 0480 Tel: 082 8817 252 (15/2/13)

DJ Teekay with DJ Master Jay of Capricorn FM. Photo: Supplied

Maggy Mohlake is the ABBYG spokesperson.

Photo: TK Mashaba

TK Mashaba

Some athletes develop a very interesting way of getting the job done. This high jump contender approached the bar from a different angle at the Inter Primary Schools athletics meet, held at Laerskool Warmbad on 31 January. Photo: TK Mashaba

A group of young people in Bela Bela have decided to pool their resources in order to help younger children fulfil their dreams.

The Agisanang Bela Bela Youth Group (ABBYG) has just emerged recently and the group is looking forward to help bridge the gap for disadvantaged learners. The name of the group means, “Building together.”

The objective of ABBYG is to help learners from the poorest homes with necessities like school uniforms and stationary. They plan to start buying school uniforms for needy primary school children soon.

Members of the group agreed to contribute to their funds while they are still working on their registration as a non-profit organisation.

Members donate R50 or R100 and the funds

are used to help children.

Maggy Motlake, the group’s spokesperson, said that members would receive a report that will show how much money was collected, what was bought with the money and which schools have benefitted.

She said that they would start by focussing on Mmapatile-, Mmamakwa-, Hleketani-, Khabele- and Albert Luthuli Primary Schools.

They will also help where they can at Ulando Combined Schools.

“We realised that there are things that affect learners at an early age and it is our social responsibility to make their school days as easy as possible,” Motlake said.

Anybody who would like to help Agisanang to reach their goals, can contact Maggy on 076 7382706, Sasha on 083 225 9907 or Teekay on 076 756 9740.

tbeat3@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

Textbook crisis in Limpopo affects Waterberg TK Mashaba Despite the confident reports by the Department of Education that all textbooks were delivered on time, many schools still do not have all the textbooks and material that they need for the academic year.

A few schools in the Waterberg District also became victims of the textbook crisis. In some cases, the schools did not receive all the material needed, while in other cases schools received learning material in the wrong language or not enough books for all the students.

Phagameng High School, in Modimolle, is one of several schools who have not received the books that they need yet.

The BEAT called the school to investigate these claims. A school official said that the school only received a few books and that many books were not delivered yet. “The books for Accounting and Physical Science in Grade 11 have not been delivered. Grade 8 and Grade 9 also need books that have not been delivered yet,” he said.

According to the official, the school tried to call the hotline last week and the department said that they are still waiting for the financial resources. “They said that they will deliver what we need when they have the budget for it,” he said.

The Democratic Alliance performed an audit on the schools in Limpopo regarding the textbook issue. They found that Laerskool Ellisras, in Lephalale, are still waiting for textbooks for Maths, General Science and Northern Sotho.

Mmerwa Primary School, also in

BEAT

15 February, 2013

Lephalale, did not receive textbooks for Maths and General Science. Abbotsport Higher Primary School did receive learning material, but not as per requisition. They received Afrikaans textbooks, even though the school does not offer the subject. The school is waiting for their English textbooks.

Northam Primary School, in the Thabazimbi district, is still waiting for the textbooks for Geography in all the grades.

They only received 40% of the Maths and Life Skills textbooks that they need.

Mabogopedi Primary School, also in Thabazimbi, received only Grade 11 textbooks, but unfortunately, they were all in Afrikaans. The school had to send them back.

Laerskool Thabazimbi is waiting for geography textbooks. They were advised that the books are still in print. Hoërskool Frikkie Meyer is still waiting for the delivery of textbooks in most of their subjects.

Limpopo’s basic education MEC, Dickson Masemola, told members of parliament that textbooks have been delivered to all schools in the province.

According to Masemola, 5,5 million textbooks were delivered to 3950 primary and high schools in Limpopo as part of the department’s programme. Al of these text books are aligned with the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS).

Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga, denied accountability in the Limpopo textbook saga. “It is an administrative function and it has nothing to do with me as a minister,” she told a business briefing in Johannesburg.

Modimolle’s Solomon Mahlangu High School could be heading for a better yearend result, with the assistance of twelve new educators roped in for the school.

The new teachers reported for duty on Monday, 11 February, after filling 12 vacant posts that were advertised. The other good news for the school was the receipt of mobile classes, whose aim was to reduce the issue of overcrowding in classes. Solomon Mahlangu was one of the schools hit by overcrowding during the 2013 learners’ intake. Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga visited the school early this year and promised to find a solution. Photo: Mzamane Ringane

Learners at Solomon Mahlangu High School are happy to receive mobile classrooms. It is their hope that the issue of overcrowding would be resolved. Photo: Mzamane Ringane

Page 11

All bicycles welcome at Boikie’s cycle challenge TK Mashaba

Boikie Monareng, here on his bicycle, wants to encourage as many cyclists as possible to take part in his cycle challenge in March. Photo: Supplied

Boikie Monareng, founder of the Run Boikie Run Sports Academy in Bela Bela, has a new bee in his bonnet. He wants to hoist a bicycle challenge with a new flavour.

Monareng invited all bicycle owners in the Waterberg district to take part in his fun cycle challenge that will take place in the Bela Bela Township.

He said that it does not matter what type or model of bicycle is used, all cyclists are welcome to enter the challenge.

The cycle challenge will be hosted in March and there are some exciting prizes and medals for the winners of the categories. The challenge is made up of three races, according to the entrant’s ages. The starting point and the finish line will be at Letlhabile Park.

Boikie recently returned from a 420 km cycle challenge and said that his dream was to develop different sporting codes in Bela Bela

Phagameng community enjoys first local gym ever

Afrika Maluleka displays some of the equipment in his newly opened gym. Photo: Mzamane Ringane Mzamane Ringane The community of Phagameng will no longer have to pay a taxi fare to travel to downtown Modimolle, when they want to go the gym.

Modimolle-based Afrika Maluleka has opened a gym for the community of Phagameng to do their personal and karate training.

Mo-Afrika Training and Karate Centre, situated in the Mandela section of Modimolle, accommodate people of all ages who want to keep fit.

Maluleka is in possession of a third degree Black Belt. This local karateka told The Beat that he saw the need to open a gym in Phagameng, to assist people who wanted to keep fit and stay healthy.

The gym was opened last week on Monday, 4 February, and local residents have

started taking advantage of this local training centre.

“Since we opened last week few locals have started showing interest. Our fees are very reasonable to enable young and old people to afford them. This gym is for the community, so all members of the community including sports people are welcome to come and utilize it,” said Maluleke.

The gym currently accommodates people who want to enhance their personal fitness, and karate training would be provided once the centre is upgraded. Maluleke said he was willing to share his skills and experience with other interested locals.

Last year The Beat profiled Maluleka, and he was quoted saying that his main goal was to open a training centre in Phagameng. This is surely a dream come true for this local karateka.

Page 12

BEAT

15 February, 2013

tbeat3@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

There is hope for Bafana Bafana coach Igesund Mzamane Ringane

Johannes Manamela of Mokopane said that the national team’s improved performance is thanks to Igesund. Photo: Mzamane Ringane

Lesiba Mabetwa thinks the Bafana Bafana coach should concentrate on the strike force. Photo: Mzamane Ringane

Two players of the Komplits Volleyball team in Bela Bela will join the national team in Tunisia for a tournament that will take place from 24 February to 4 March. Phindi Issa and Nathaniel Rafapha will represent South Africa in the African Championships tournament. Issa said that he was proud of his selection, because it shows that hard work pays off. He said that the team trainer, Wilson Matlaisane, trained them well and they have had great results so far.

Issa (on the right) and Matlaisane showed The BEAT some of their proven tactics. Rafapha was not available for the interview as he is in Turfloop for school. Photo: TK Mashaba

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LEAD THE WAY

After the South African national team, Bafana Bafana were knocked out of the quarter-finals by Mali on Saturday, many people were left disappointed, but at the same time applauded coach Gordon Igesund for transforming the team into what it is today.

Many soccer fans previously criticised Bafana Bafana for their lacklustre performance, but now that is slowly changing for the better.

Igesund and his right-hand man, Serame Letsoaka, were able to transform the team into one of the best teams in Africa.

The Beat spoke to local soccer followers about the performance of Bafana Bafana in the AFCON tournament and its future going forward.

Lesiba Mabetwa of Modimolle was still licking his wounds on Monday, 4 February, when he spoke to The Beat.

“The national team has improved compared to what it was previously. All the coach needs to work on now; is the strike force. We have lost against Mali

because of some silly mistakes,” said Mabetwa.

Mabetwa said that Igesund had the potential to take the national team into higher heights. “Gordon Igesund is a great coach, and I believe he should remain as head coach. The only problem about him is that he takes long to rectify mistakes, which end up costing us the games,” Mabetwa said.

Tumelo Maluleke also of Modimolle said Gordon Igesund deserved to be given a chance even after the team failed to reach the semi-finals.

“I believe that Gordon Igesund will help the team to qualify for the 2014 Brazil World Cup,” said Maluleke.

Johannes Manamela of Mokopane said Bafana Bafana’s performance was very good and it is all thanks to Igesund.

“We all expected to reach the semifinals, but we were disappointed when we lost. Igesund is a good coach and we cannot blame him for losing against Mali. Penalties are a matter of win or lose. My hope is that Igesund will take us to the 2014 World Cup,” said Manamela.