Modimolle Primary School Grade R and Grade 1 Photos P. 3
R1-20/FREE
2016
15 January
2 |
CRIME
beateditor@gmail.com |
15 January, 2016 Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Four suspects still on the run
Solly denied bail Justin Steyn
Police are looking for Phillos Moyo in connection with a burglary in Bela-Bela in 2013. Photo supplied TK Mashaba The Bela-Bela police has linked two cases of burglary in 2013 and 2014 to four suspects who have not been arrested yet. A case of burglary was opened and investigations led the police to Phillos Moyo, Howard Muchinasa, and Chris
Police are looking for Howard Muchinasa in connection with a burglary in Bela-Bela in 2013. Photo supplied
Police are looking for Mathews Chimi Mokoena in connection with a burglary in Bela-Bela in 2014. Photo supplied
Thulani Moyo. According to information received from Bela-Bela Police spokesperson Constable Maria Maleto, the three suspects allegedly broke into a house in Bela-Bela on 23 November 2013 and stole cell phones, laptops, iPods, and other items. “The victim said that all doors and windows had been properly closed and locked before
she went to sleep,” Maleto said. “It was only when she woke up that she realized that the items were missing.” In another incident Mathews Chimi Mokoena allegedly broke into a house at a lodge near Bela-Bela on 6 March 2014 and stole a microwave. A case of burglary was opened and investigations led the police to Mokoena, who was linked to two other cases.
Responsible resident reports drug find
Police warns against scammers TK Mashaba
A condom filled with Methcathinone was found inside a plastic bag outside a resident’s home in Robbertson Street Bela-Bela. Photo: Justin Steyn
Justin Steyn A resident of Bela-Bela found a rather strange parcel outside his home in Robbertson Street. The resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said that he found the plastic bag in front of his home. Inside the bag was a condom filled with the drug methcathinone, also known as ‘cat’. The resident immediately brought the parcel to the attention of the police, who confiscated it. Bela-Bela police spokesperson Maria
Maleto said that the drugs were registered in the exhibit register, and would be destroyed in due course. She explained that since the substance was found abandoned no investigation will take place, but said that the information contained in the parcel is crucial to the efforts to fight substance abuse. “The community is encouraged to come forward with such information, as this will eventually lead us to the source of drugs in Bela-Bela,” she said. Lieutenant-Colonel Abel Ngobeni thanked the resident for his help.
Crime round up
Modimolle police requests that the owner of these items which were found abandoned in Phagameng come forth and identify them. Photo supplied
Murder accused Solly Ndlovu (37) was denied bail during his court appearance on Monday, 11 January. He remains in police custody. Ndlovu has been accused of murdering his 28-year old girlfriend Nathalia Maphanga at their home in Extension 5 at Bela-Bela. According to Bela-Bela police spokesperson Maria Maleto, police arrived at the scene and found Maphanga dead on the floor. It has been alleged that the couple had been arguing, and that Maphanga drew a knife and tried to attack Ndlovu. Ndlovu allegedly drew a knife and stabbed her in return. Ndlovu was hospitalized for more than two weeks after suffering injuries to his throat and chest. He made his first court appearance on Tuesday, 5 January, but this was postponed to Friday, 8 January, and he appeared in court on Monday, 11 January. Constable Maleto once again urged the community to report cases of domestic violence.
The police warned the community against SMSes that claim that they have won money of prizes without the receiver having entered any competitions. The community is also encouraged to contact the company that is alleged to be the source of the competition and double-check that the company is, in fact, running a competition. The statement by the police comes after a 77-year old man opened a case of fraud at the Bela-Bela Police station on Monday, 4 January. He alleged that on 15 March 2014 he was contacted by a man who introduced himself as an employee of a well-known cellphone company. The man informed the complainant that he had been automatically entered into the competition and had won an undisclosed amount of money, but would have to buy airtime in order to be entered into the final draw. According to Bela-Bela police The ability to convert ideas to things is the secret to outward success. Henry Ward Beecher -----------------------------------------------The best way out is always through. Robert Frost
Lizzy Bapela *A man from Tzaneen is expected to appear before the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court shortly, following his arrest for drunken driving. Solly Rammalo’s arrest and subsequent court appearance are a sequel to an incident that happened in 2013. Modimolle police spokesperson Warrant Officer James Findlay said that Rammalo was warned to appear in court after his arrest but failed to present himself. He added that the police was then granted a warrant of arrest and nabbed him in Tzaneen on 29 December 2015.He was released on a R2 000 bail when he made a brief court appearance on the day. *The police in Modimolle say that they experienced a high volume of reported burglaries and thefts, as well as rapes over the December 2015 holidays and as a result, they are again urging alertness within the area. The police warn all women not to
spokesperson Constable Maria Maleto, the victim did as he was told and sent the airtime voucher number to the suspect. He was also told to deposit cash into accounts at various banks. “The second suspect was introduced to him, and he was informed that he would be handling the victim’s case. He was told that he would have to pay an amount of cash so that his winnings could be released, but he said that he did not have that amount.” The victim tried to contact them to ask them how the case was proceeding but could not reach either of the suspects. “He lost an undisclosed amount of money in that period and a case of fraud was opened with the Bela-Bela Police,” said Constable Maleto. “An investigation is taking place to find the culprits.” Maleto said that people should not give their banking details to strangers, and to report strangers who ask for such information to the police.
Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead. Louisa May Alcott
walk alone at night and where possible not to be on the streets at night. They also urged residents to take care when going on holiday. “When you are away from home for a few days, let someone keep an eye over your house,” said Warrant Officer Findlay. “Theft out of motor vehicle and theft of motor vehicle cases were not high and we have things under control in combating these kind of incidents. We would like to request the community to take good care of their personal properties. And to always keep valuables in a safe place and not walk around with big amounts of money,” he added. *The police are urging residents of Phagameng to come forth and help them identify items that were found abandoned in the area. The items are a lawnmower and a wheelbarrow with tools in it. Anyone who recognizes them their own property and have proof of ownership can contact the police station to claim them.
15 January, 2016 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
|3
Correctional Services’ partnership to improve reintegration
The Department of Correctional Services and its stakeholders recently embarked on a special monitoring operation at the Lebotlwane and Moretele District. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela The Department of Correctional Services’ Bela-Bela Cluster applauds a partnership that they have entered into with the Baphuthing Ba Nawa Traditional Council from Lebotlwane and Moretele District regarding correctional matters. The Department’s officials led by Malefane Pholosi and Reneilwe Kgwale recently met with the council to find a way to work together to successfully reintegrate probationers and parolees in their district. The Department made presentations on its services to the traditional council and highlighted the importance of community
involvement in corrections matters. The council under the leadership of Kgosi chief S.M Nawa agreed to the partnership and introduced the Department to the local structures and other departments within the district. The council further allocated the DCS offices within the council premises for free in order to render its services locally. Both the parties say that they are impressed with the signing of a memorandum that they witnessed between the DCS’s Area Commissioner Kenny Mthombeni aka Mr TKM and Chief Nawa. This relationship has been put to practice as the DCS recently invited stakeholders to special monitoring operation at the
Lebotlwane and Moretele District. Representatives from the Traditional Council, Ward Councillor Lebotlwane Bodisa, SASSA and the departments of Education and Home Affairs turned up in big numbers to attend the event. Social Reintegration Area Coordinator Louis Shingange and the Head Community Corrections of Bela-Bela Malefane Pholosi addressed participants and emphasized the need to work together for the successful reintegration of parolees and probationers. It was during this operation that DCS made a commitment to embark on “Back to School Cleaning Campaign” prior to the school reopening week in January 2016. Fourteen parolees and probationers from
Lebotlwane, Tlholwe, Little and Regtersloot were each paid two visits by the stakeholders and DCS officials divided into two groups. Pholosi said that the purpose of the operation was to ensure that parolees and probationers comply with supervision conditions set to them. The conditions include house arrests, restrictions towards magisterial district, restrictions towards alcohol use, community services, not to commit crime again or intimidate community members and victims. The operation was also graced by the presence of The Department’s provincial management team and various units from the Modimolle Correctional Centre.
Transformer blows during power outage Modimolle Primary School Grade R and Grade 1, assembled
This transformer in sutter Road exploded during the power outage on Thursday, seriously injuring a municipal worker. Photo: Justin Steyn Justin Steyn The accidental damaging of an underground electrical cable during routine maintenance work caused a nearly six-hour blackout in Bela-Bela on Thursday, 7 January. According to the municipality’s divisional manager for electrical services, Mbalekwa Tshabalala, the blackout was the result of an underground electrical cable that was accidently struck while maintenance work took place in Chris Hani road. The damage to the cable had also caused an electric transformer to blow up in Sutter Road near the Elephant Springs Hotel, injuring one person. The spokesperson of the hotel, Egmond du
Plessis, said that none of their guests or staff was affected and knew nothing about the injured person. “When we called the Municipality about the outage they informed us that they are working on a problem at the transformer that is located on the sidewalk outside of our property. None of the guests or staff was involved or knew anything about what had occurred. We also have no knowledge about anything other than the power going off at 2pm and coming back on after 9pm,” he said. Tshabalala said that he was aware of the injury that had occurred but could not comment on this. “I am aware of the incident but cannot comment on this sensitive issue at this stage,” he said.
Grade 1 learners at Modimolle Primary School during an assembly session. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Lerato Kutumela doesn’t know what she wants to be after finishing school. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Thabang Sithole (5) wants to do any job. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
4 |
GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
15 January, 2016 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Municipal spokesman resigns unexpectedly
Condolences still pour in for the DA spokesperson and Skeem Saam actor’s family
The Bela-Bela municipal spokesperson, Matome Sebelebele, has resigned from his post and no replacement has been appointed as yet. Photo supplied
Justin Steyn The spokesperson for the Bela-Bela municipality, Matome Sebelebele, has resigned. The town’s Mayor, Lucas Nhlapo, confirmed this during a telephonic interview amidst circulating rumours of Sebelebele’s resignation.
Nhlapo said that Sebelebele tendered his resignation in December and stated that he had accepted a new post elsewhere. Nhlapo said that a meeting with Sebelebele is yet to be conducted before more information could be divulged. He further stated that Sebelebele and the municipality remain on good terms after his ten years of service to the municipality. “It is unfortunate that Sebelebele has decided to leave after serving the municipality for such a long time. We wish him well in his future plans,” he said. Although no advertisement has been placed to replace Sebelebele, Nhlapo said that they will do so toward the end of January. Nhlapo said that all communication from media and other public entities to the Municipality will be dealt with by his office until further notice. Sebelebele could not be reached for comment.
Councillor promises to attend to RDP beneficiary’s complaint The streets of Extension 8 were heavily flooded after it rained recently and cars and people struggle to pass through. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
The late spokesperson of the DA Party Caucus in the Limpopo Legislature, a journalist of the Northern Media Group and Skeem Saam actor Stephen Mbedzi. Photo supplied
Lizzy Bapela The untimely passing on of the DA Limpopo Media Liaison Officer and the popular SABC 1’s daily drama Skeem Saam actor Stephen Mbedzi saddened the province, with political parties ANC and the DA and people from all walks of life extending their heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, family and friends. Mbedzi was known as a seasoned journalist and a defender of media freedom. His deeply felt love for the country and the constitution largely informed his decision to join politics and he chose the DA. Those who knew him well say that his skills in articulating his thoughts through a pen were unsurpassed; that he had a passion for wordsmith. Mbedzi spent a larger part of his career as a journalist, working with the Northern Media Group (NMG) based in Polokwane. He was an outstanding figure in the Provincial Media fraternity for a long time, being counted amongst the few reputable professionals with an inimitable news sense. He has built himself a reputation because of the hard work that he had put in all the roles that he occupied with the NMG.
Before joining the Provincial Legislature, Mbedzi was a career journalist who occupied a number of positions during his extended stay at the Northern Media Group, and edited a few titles. On Skeem Saam, he held a character called Mr Namane, who was a businessman and attempting to date a widow named Mma Kunutu. “The DA family is incomplete without the warmth and loving character of the late Stephen Mbedzi. He will forever be a part of us,” said the DA’s Limpopo Provincial Leader Jacques Smalle. Meanwhile, spokesperson for the ANC Party Caucus in the Limpopo Legislature Phuti Lekganyane also sent out messages of condolences, expressing the sadness caused by Mbedzi’s death. The party’s Chief Whip Falaza Mdaka said that Medzi was a full of life character, who touched the lives of many in the province with his participation in the media and in politics. The party caucus further extend their deepest condolences to the family of Mbedzi, his friends and colleagues. By the time of going to press, arrangements for his memorial service were still underway and the DA confirmed that he would be buried in Venda on Saturday, 16 January.
Waterberg schools matriculants performand in 2015 The furniture sinks in the rain water and poses a concern to Maseko. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela Former mayor of Bela-Bela and now Ward 4 councillor Freddy Hlungwane promised to attend to an RDP beneficiary’s complaints. This comes after the beneficiary, Bertha Maseko suffered heavy flooding into her house following the recent heavy rains in the area. Maseko called The BEAT for help in intervention with the local municipality, as she says that she has been begging them for help since 2009. She said that always when it rains, her furniture gets damaged by the rain water as it sinks in it and this is a wasteful expenditure. She added that she was not the only one in the area suffering from the same problem and when approaching Hlungwane, he told them to build walls to stop the water coming from the streets, into their yards. “Rain comes from the sky and we can only stop the water coming from the streets, not the actual rain. I only earn R600 a month and am responsible for all household expenses. I cannot afford to lift the floor
inside the house. I pleaded with the municipality for help for years now and I am still waiting for a solution. Maybe if they see proof of how much we are struggling in the newspaper, they will do something,” she said. She said that after the flooding, no one in the house can bath or do anything because there is water everywhere. She also said that she even had to send the children to their father because the house is not in a suitable condition to live in. In his response, Hlungwane confirmed that beneficiaries are responsible for fixing their own RDP houses if they have problems. He said that he promised to bring the affected people soil to level the streets and prevent flooding in that area. Hlungwane further said that he advised the residents to build the walls as a temporary solution and it is not just Maseko alone but more other experience the same problem. “I will take this matter to the housing department in the municipality and hear what they say about it. I will then report to the affected residents as to how our meeting went and how the municipality intends to assist,” he concluded.
Phagameng High School class of 2015 product Kgothatso Maluleka got admission to Bachelor Degree, with a distinction in Life Orientation. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Mzamane Ringane Following the release of the 2015 matric results by the Department of Basic Education, Limpopo province has achieved a 65.9% pass rate, which is 7% lower than the 72.9% that was achieved by the Class of 2014. According to the results published on the Eyewitness News website ewn.co.za, a total of 21 learners at Phagameng High School achieved admission to Bachelor Degree, while 45 learners got admission to Diploma, with the remaining 47 gaining admission to Higher Certificate. At the neighbouring Solomon Mahlangu High School, only two learners achieved admission to Bachelor’s Degree. A total of 14 learners achieved admission for a Diploma, while the other 17 achieved admission for a Higher Certificate. In Bela-Bela, one learner at Raeleng
Secondary Shool got admission to Bachelor Degree, while nine others got admission to Diploma. A total of five learners got admission to Higher Certificate at Raeleng. Eight learners got admission to Bachelor Degree at Maope Secondary School, with 28 of them gaining admission to Diploma. A total of 60 learners got admission to Higher Certificate at this Bela-Bela School. In other parts of town, four Bela-Bela High School learners got admission to Bachelor Degree, with a total of 33 learners getting admission to Diploma. A number of 28 leaners got admission to Higher Certificate. In Mookgophong, 18 learners of Makhutjisha Secondary School got admission to Bachelor Degree, with a confounding number of 50 learners getting admission to Diploma. The other 39 got admission to Higher Certificate.
15 January, 2016 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
EDITORIAL
|5
A communist who writes poetry in Afrikaans an enigma
A male Bela-Bela police official posed for a photo in a weave. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Greg Morukhuladi finds joy in writing Afrikaans poetry. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Mzamane Ringane Greg Morukhuladi is a familiar face within the ranks of the tripartite alliance in Bela Bela — except that he also writes poetry in Afrikaans. Morukhuladi, who is also at ease with English and Sepedi, started his politics as a student, during the time of the so-called Class of ‘76, who fought running street battles with the police, against the introduction of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in black schools. But how did such a militant, and present-day field worker of the SACP, decide to use his township room as a creative space to write poetry in Afrikaans? “Never mind our stone-throwing days as student activists, everybody else at high school was aware that I
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 th
e
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
always came up tops in Afrikaans grammar,” he explained. Morukhuladi said he was grateful to former President Nelson Mandela, who at the dawn of democracy shook hands with his arch-rival F W de Klerk, embracing among others, Afrikaans as one of the official languages. ANC heavyweight and erstwhile premier of Mpumalanga, Matthew Phosa has published a couple of books of poetry in Afrikaans. The SACP man, Morukhuladi, said the Afrikaans language had opened many doors for him in the jobs market, like when he was appointed operations manager at the old Royal Northland Golf Estate, previously known as Wambaths Golf Club. Morukhuladi remembers with nostalgia how in his younger days as a caddie, he and others used to sneak
into the golf course early on Sundays, to steal a round of golf from hole number 4 to number seven. “This was the time oom Frans Vermaak, the green-keeper, was preparing for the church service,” he said with a chuckle. Morukhuladi said when in later years he joined oom Frans as a colleague at the clubhouse, he lacked the courage to reveal how during Apartheid the lot of the caddies “stole” rounds of golf along the fairways. He said he usually tells those who wish to listen that he (Morukhuladi) was the last caddie standing from the collapsed golf course, on the outskirts of Bela Bela. Like Phosa, Morukhuladi says he is steadily building up a book of poetry he plans to test with publishers.
6|
ADVERTISMENTS / LEGALS
15 January, 2016 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains And we never even know we have the key. Lyrics from Already Gone, peformed by the Eagles for their 1974 On the Border album
LEGALS MODIMOLLE LAND USE SCHEME, 2004 Notice is hereby given to all whom it may concern that in terms of clause23 of the abovementioned scheme, I (full name) MOTAUNG MORWESI FRANCINA intends applying to the Modimolle Local Municipality for consent to :- Tuckshop on (property and property and suburb) ME 374 also known as (street name and number) Phagameng Ext 13 situated in an Residential 1 zone. (Example: Residential 1, Business 4 etc.) Any objection, with the grounds therefor, shall be lodged with or made in writing to: The Divisional Manager, Town Planning, Ground Floor, Modimolle Municipal Building, Private Bag x1008, Modimolle, 0510, within 28 days of the publication of the advertisement in the Local newspaper viz
Full particulars and plans (if any) may be inspected during normal office hours (08:00 - 13:00 and 13:45 15:00) at the abovementioned office for a period of 28 days of the publication of the advertisement in the local newspaper. Closing date for objection: Applicant Street and postal address: Phagameng Ext 13 Modimolle 0510 Tel: 071 989 6896. (08&15/01). BELA -BELA LAND USE SCHEME, 2008 APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL CONSENT IN TERMS OF CLAUSE 21 OF THE BELA-BELA LAND USE SCHEME, 2008. Notice is hereby given that, in terms of Clause 21 of the Bela-Bela Land Use Scheme, 2008, that the undersigned, being the authorized agent,
intends applying to the Bela- Bela Municipality for Special Consent to “relax the number of dwelling units per netto hectare to 30 units per hectare” to support a minimum erf area of 550 square metres applicable to ERF 189, Warmbaths zoned “Residential 1”. Objections or representations in respect of the application must be lodged with or made in writting to: The Municipal Manager, Private Bag X 1609, Warmbaths, 0480, within a period of 28 days from 15 January 2016. Further particulars with regard to the proposed application/use is obtainable from undersigned, P.D.Bekker Land Surveyor, P.O.Box 533, Moffat street 44, Warmbaths, 0480. Tel: 014 736 4162 Fax: 014 736 2904 Cell: 082 320 9229 (15 & 22/1)
ENGINEERING STUDIES Evening classes from January 2016 National Certificate: N 1 Subject: Electrical Trade Theory N 1 Contact Willem Gerber on 082 577 4291 Modimolle
To ADVERTISE, Complete your Classified form here and send it to one of our offices...
BLOCK ad can also be done at BELA-BELA (014) 736 2723 additional charges. MODIMOLLE (014) 717 1774 For more MOOKGOPHONG information please (014) 743 3802 contact our offices.
beateditor@gmail.com |
15 January, 2016 Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Structures speak at release of 2015 matric results
CHARITY / ENTERTAINMENT / SCHOOL
| 7
Waterberg rewards top learners
The Waterberg’s top learners were recently rewarded for their outstanding performance. Photo supplied ANC Limpopo Provincial Secretary Nocks Seabi. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela The ANC Congress of South African Students (COSAS) in Limpopo expressed their views following the release of matric results. The Congress congratulated the class of 2015, which they say has managed to pass against the odds. They also sympathized with those who could not make it, encouraging them to never lose hope and go back to the classroom and try again. COSAS say that the 7% decrease in the matric pass rate is a shock and a disappointment to them all. The congress added that besides the introduction of a new curriculum and a change in the setting of question papers, the infrastructures that students in Limpopo find themselves learning in are still not conducive. Also that lack of quality of teachers and study materials; as well; as the distance many learners travel to school remain the biggest factors in student pass rate. “As an Organisation that represents students, we’re not impressed by the rate of the Department of Basic Education in the intervention of matric pass rates. The fight for free quality education for a black child is far from over,” said the congress’ Limpopo Provincial Deputy Secretary Motlokwa Ramenyeng. Meanwhile, the ANC says that whilst it is acknowledged that more work needs to be
done to improve the quality of education, it is also worth noting that the government has brought more change and progress in 20 years. They added that matric results in Limpopo have been steadily improving over a period of time although a slight fluctuation in pass percentages was witnessed. The 2015 results are down to 65%, although the number of students who passed has increased with a better percentage than the overall drop from 2014 pass rate. “We must all work together to improve this situation. Despite the slight percentages drop, thousands of our children have performed exceptionally well. The ANC Limpopo wishes to congratulate class 2015 for a job well done. This has been a result of hard-work by stakeholders, educators, parents and school governing bodies. We thank all of you for the sterling work you did,” said the ANC Limpopo Provincial Secretary Nocks Seabi. The party further called upon all students who are venturing into various academic fields to continue with the hard work so they can come back and help build the economy of the province. They also told those who could not make it that they still have a chance to do it better, as the world still awaits their contribution. “Do not despair, work harder, we will offer all the necessary support, this should include “The second chance Program” announced by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga,” Seabi concluded.
Lizzy Bapela Representatives of political parties, municipalities and sector departments gathered together to witness the crowning of top learners who put the Waterberg District on the map during the Waterberg District Matric Awards ceremony for the class of 2015. The event was held at the Bela-Bela Forever Resorts on Friday, 8 January. The day belonged to teachers, parents, the school governing bodies and the community at large; all of whom have played a significant role in molding the learners, ensuring that they obtain the level of success they have achieved in their studies. The ceremony has become an annual ritual as the stakeholders work together to encourage and motivate learners to do better in their Grade 12 examinations. The Waterberg District Municipality’s spokesperson Pat Malete said that they are committed to the recognition of learner performance and providing support to the Department of Education in providing quality education to the children. He added that they do that in the belief that Education is a societal issue. For the 2015 academic year, Waterberg obtained 58, 1% — a 12. 41% drop compared to 2014‘s 70.5 % achievement. This places the district at position 4, the
same position obtained at provincial ratings in 2014. This decline resulted in the district performing below the national norm of 60%. In other words the district has underperformed with 1.9%. The municipality states that the decline in the 2015 matric results does not affect the district or the province alone, but is a national issue as all provinces experienced this decline. That stakeholders will have to go back to the drawing board, find out where challenges are, and strategize on improving performance in the current academic year in order to reclaim glory. The district executive mayor Tlotlanang Mogotlane said that they are however still proud of circuits, schools and learners who performed outstandingly including the Roedtan Combined School in Mookgophong Circuit for obtaining a 100% pass rate. “As the ancient African proverb teaches us; “It takes a village to raise a child.” We also know that when it comes to education, it takes the whole community to make a difference,” said mayor Mogotlane. “We are aware that many of you, especially from our township, farm and village schools, have had to overcome countless obstacles. We know that your road to success has not been an easy one — you have had to beat many odds. We are therefore gathered here today to celebrate with our 2015 matriculants, a momentous period during their schooling career.
Metronome lead singer aims for Idols after Clash of the Choirs Mashaba as lead singer of Metronome during Bela Bela Holiday festival at Letthabile park . Photo: TK Mashaba
TK Mashaba
Evans Mashaba during his appearance on clash of the choir on channel 161 Mzanzi Magic. Photo Supplied
Metronome lead singer Evans Katlego Mashaba is preparing for Idols 2016 after he made a breakthrough during the Clash of the Choirs competition. The Bela-Bela based Afro-Pop group leader made his mark on the Clash of the Choirs, which aired on Monday, 10 Janury on DSTV. Speaking to The BEAT this week, Mashaba said that he had learned a lot from the experience, and he is planning to try his luck by auditioning for Idols 2016 on 6 February. The Clash of the Choirs was awesome,” he
said. “I worked with a team of well-known artists under Limpopo Choir.” For the first time, the season had more twists to the gripping format, with the seven choirmasters drawn from a hat to choose which province they would represent. The season’s seven choirmasters were: Limpopo’s music king Penny Penny, superstar singer and actress Kelly Khumalo, rapper iFani, producer and performer JR, South Africa’s Queen of House Bucie Nqwiliso, Kalawa Chikita Busiswa Gqulu, and KwaZulu Natal gospel legend Sfiso Ncwane was among the lead mentor in the competition with Mashaba and Limpopo choir under Penny Penny. Limpopo team only made it to two episodes before exiting the tough competition. He said that he still believe the sky is the limit for him as an artist. “I will also be focusing on Metronome album this year and pushing couple single we did in the past.”
8 |
SPORT
15 January, 2016 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Do or die for Terrors in second season
No bad blood after heavy loss Diesel ’n Dust FC gave their opponents a heavy whipping during the SAB League games. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
TK Mashaba
Terrors FC manager Bondis Shika believes his team can bounce back. Photo: TK Mashaba
The second season of the ABC Motsepe League is going to be a test of character for the newly relocated Bela-Bela team Terrors after they only managed to obtain one point in the previous season. The struggling team have so far played eight games with one draw and seven losses. They will be playing their first fixture game on Sunday, 17 January. Terrors will need to show some skill in this season or they face relegation from the prestigious league. Coach Bondis Shika, however, repeated what the team’s owner Speke Manamela said in an interview last year. “We have learned from our mistakes in the first leg of the season, and we are willing to come strong this time around,” said Shika. He also said that there will be a few changes in play and in the lineup, but he did not want to divulge any more information on the changes. “Let all soccer-loving people come to support us during out home games and will take it from there,” he concludes.
Modimolle Celtic FC thrashes KK united Mzamane Ringane Modimolle Celtic FC walloped KK United FC 5-1 last Saturday, 9 January, when the Waterberg SAB Regional League resumed. The SAB League teams picked up where they left off, after brief period of break for the December holidays. Bela Bela Diesel N Dust FC also resumed their league race with a comfortable 3-0 victory over local rivals, Bela Bela Pirates FC. Bela Bela Happy Hearts FC received a 3-1 walloping when they hosted Flamingo FC of Modimolle. Modimolle Home Defenders FC moved to the top of the league log, after whipping neighbouring Vaalwater Boys 2 Men FC 3-1. NTK Happy Boys succumbed 2-0 to their arch-rivals Modimolle All Stars, who now occupy the second spot on the league log. Rapotokwane’s Qualitho FC plunged from the first position on the log, and landed on the fifth spot after losing to the visiting Modimolle Troublemakers. Troublemakers FC will host Happy Hearts at Modimolle’s Ephraim on Saturday, 16 January. Boys 2 Men FC of Mabatlane will also welcome Qualitho FC at Meetsetshehla High School Sports Ground. Another SAB League showdown will be at the Happy Boys Ground, when log leaders Home Defenders will be visiting NTK Happy Boys, in what promises to be an exciting encounter. Bela Bela Diesel N Dust will host Modimolle All Stars at Sunfa Stadium, while Modimolle Young Pirates and Modimolle Celtic FC will lock horns at Lekkerbreek Primary School. KK United who are still recovering following their huge loss, will attempt to use homeground advantage when they host Modimolle Bussel FC at Masakhane Ground. All the fixtures are scheduled to take place this Saturday.
Happy Hearts hard at training. Photo: TK Mashaba
Seema’s team kicked off their new year practices with heavy preparation ahead of their wellplayed and worth watching game against Bela-Bela Pirates FC. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela The owner of Bela-Bela Pirates FC Johannes Mabua aka Material did not turn out as a sore looser after SAFA Limpopo high ranker Pat Seema’s Diesel ’n Dust FC gave his boys a heavy whipping over the past weekend. The two teams played against each other in the SAB League games that took place at Sunfa Stadium on Saturday, 9 January and Bela-Bela Pirates FC suffered a 3-0 loss against Diesel ’n Dust FC. The owners and management shook hands after the game, with Bela-Bela Pirates FC’s congratulating the winners with their open hearts. Mabua said that soccer is always unpredictable and like any other game or competition, there can only be one winner. He added that sports is not just about winning but the development of emerging and existing players counts and when they are motivated and inspired, that is what counts the most.
Seema could not hold back his excitement when he sang and danced his way out of the stadium, saying that the boys made his afternoon. He added that after such a lovely goal filled match, he was then waiting to see his favourite Premier Soccer League team Kaizer Chiefs beating Mamelodi Sundowns that evening. Meanwhile, the two teams’ junior boys battled each other in the LFA matches and Bela-Bela Pirates FC still suffered another loss against Diesel ’n Dust FC. Seema’s team beat Mabua’s with 2-1 and still, there was no bad blood between the two owners as they have been involved in soccer for decades and understands how things go in the field. “I open heartedly congratulate Seema and his boys on the win and hope to return the favour in the near future. This loss will motivate my players to work harder as we will be going back to the drawing board to rectify whatever mistakes were made this weekend. What a game …” Mabua said.