15 May 2015 R1-20/FREE
Alleged Modimolle Rapist finally arrested thought I had a boyfriend with me, something she had never seen before. After raping me he asked me where I had hidden my purse, and why,” she said. “I asked him how he knew that I’d hidden it, and he said that this was not his first time breaking into my house. He said that he would steal my phones and cash every time he succeeded. I asked him to stay the night so that I could see his face in the morning and be able to identify him to the police. I felt I could not handle the pain of having to wait for the police to investigate,” she said. “He told me his name was Johannes and said that he was looking for a wife. I even managed to talk him into believing that I would move in with him, and he said that he would give me money to help move my possessions. He said that he had the money as he had succeeded in several houses that night.” When her rapist left through the same window he’d used to come in, the woman phoned the EFF Limpopo Provincial leader Mapula Ledwaba, who
One of the women who was allegedly raped by Mokgosane. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Malose Jackson Mokgosana was arrested on Tuesday, 5 May on two charges of housebreaking and rape. Mokgosana was remanded to police custody when he appeared before the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 7 May. His case was postponed for further investigation. A woman who was recently raped,
allegedly by Mokgosana, spoke to The BEAT about her experiences. She was asleep in her RDP house in Extension 10 on Saturday, 7 March, when she heard someone climbing onto her bed. She said that the man choked and raped her, threatening to kill her if she screamed. He put a pillow over her face. “I cooperated with him for the sake of me and my children. My children were asleep in the other room. Unfortunately, my 14year old daughter saw the incident and
accompanied me to the police station and the hospital to seek help. She said that Ledwaba helped and supported her during that difficult time, as her mother was not strong enough to handle the situation. The victim believes that her attacker could have raped others as he said he had been breaking into several houses in the area. “He told me that there were three of them, and I was scared that the others could be doing the same thing to my children. My elder daughter said that she’d seen me in bed with the man and thought he was my boyfriend. She was confused because I do not usually do such things in their presence,” she said. “He continued to walk free for over a month. It hurt, knowing that he could be doing the same to other women.” Modimolle police spokesperson Warrant Officer James Findlay said that more details on the case would be released shortly as investigations are still in process.
The police in Dwaalboom near Thabazimbi have filed a missing persons report following the disappearance of a 23-year old woman known as Yvonne Kuate. Thabazimbi police spokesperson Constable Edith Modise said that according to the information received, Kuate was last seen on the afternoon of Sunday, 12 April, by the manager at her workplace. Kuate was wearing a black shirt and a T-shirt with brown sandals when she went missing. The police have appealed to the community to assist in locating her whereabouts. Anyone who comes across information that could lead to her safe return is urged to contact their local police station. Photo supplied
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THE BEAT
15 May, 2015
CRIME
EFF Thabazimbi declares support for xenophobia suspects
EFF Thabazimbi Sub-Regional Convener Commissar Kopo Motshegwa. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Thabazimbi have declared their support for members of their local community who have been arrested for the latest spate of xenophobic violence in the town. EFF members spoke to The BEAT on Thursday, 7 May, saying that they believed that criminal elements were behind the allegations and the arrests. They said that people who should be arrested are still walking free, but they still believe that justice will take its course. EFF Sub-Regional Convener Commissar Kopo Motshegwa said that they do condemn the attacks, and believe that justice should be done for everyone, regardless of their status. He said that they do not hold grudges on anyone, including the beleaguered foreigners, and are working hard with various stakeholders to find solutions on the issue and maintain peace in the area. ”We vouch for solidarity and strongly believe that there is a pure miscarriage of justice on these innocent members of our community. We also feel that the wrong people are being blamed and most of those arrested were women, whose time spent in police cells brought discomfort to their families as their children had to be left unattended for sometime
The EFF will continue to urge members of the community to refrain from taking law onto their own hands whenever they feel aggrieved by those in power or who wronged them. We strongly feel and hope that the ultimately justice will be served and the culprits will face the full might of the law. We stand with these people until their case is finalized and help where is necessary in terms of legal representations once it has been confirmed with the affected families. We most certainly welcome the ruling that they are out on free bail and urge them to abide by their bail conditions,” said Motshegwa. The suspects are due back in court on Monday, 29 June. Meanwhile, the party organized for community mass-meetings scheduled to take place this week in Northam and at the Four-way Stop in Regorogile. The meeting is aimed at addressing issues of service delivery as the EFF and community members raised their concerns. The Sub-Regional committee invited their local municipal heads led by the mayor Councillor Patricia Mosito, acting Municipal Manager Gopolang Booysen and acting Social Services Manager Johnny Motaung. Party leaders believe that the turn up will be high and have deployed a sound volume of security marshals to the venues.
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Alleged hijacker apprehended Justin Steyn Justin Steyn Bela-Bela police have managed to arrest one of two alleged hijackers. Colonel Abel Phetla said that the incident took place on Wednesday, 6 May, at the Caltex garage near the Settlers intersection on the R516. Phetla said that the two men were at the petrol station when one of them allegedly forced the driver of a delivery van, which was transporting cigarettes, to drive away with them. He also explained that the second suspect managed to procure a firearm belonging to a cash-in-transit security guard before fleeing the scene.
The two men then allegedly drove to Sondela Resort, where they dropped off the driver of the van, unloading the cigarettes into their getaway vehicle before they left. The police were notified of the incident and the alleged hijackers’ location, and the man was arrested shortly afterward. 43-year old Thikhathali Gamela was arrested for allegedly being involved with the hijacking. He was charged with assault and robbery and appeared at the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 8 May. The matter was postponed to Thursday, 14 May for further investigation. Gamela remains in custody at the BelaBela police station.
Alle ged ax e a ttac ker Alleg axe attac ttack denies in volv ement inv olvement Justin Steyn Justin Steyn
The trial against alleged axe attacker Trymore Munetsi has continued at the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court, with the accused denying any involvement in the incident. Munetsi has been accused of being one of five men who attacked Rachel Groenewaldt and Manie de Beer with an axe at their home in Leeupoort last year. During his cross-examination on Monday, 4 May, the state questioned Munetsi on his whereabouts on the day of the attack. At first Munetsi stated that he was waiting outside of the couple’s home during the attack, but he later denied ever being involved. Constable Klaas Ledwaba of the Rooiberg Police testified that he had taken Munetsi to the scene of the crime a few days after being apprehended where he pointed out how the attack was planned and took place. Munetsi denied this and said that he only worked at the residential home and had not been involved in the attack. The state then asked Munetsi what he was doing in the area to which he replied that he was visiting his brother who could not be named. Munetsi said that he was
apprehended by security officers because “they were looking for suspicious men who had been involved in a house robbery nearby”. He added that the officers told him that his brother has been shot dead for his involvement in the robbery. The state then asked about a blue Spar Ladies Run T-shirt he wore during his arrest. Groenewaldt previously testified that the shirt had belonged to her and was stolen by Munetsi on the day of the attack. Munetsi said that the T-shirt had been given to him by his brother, Phillip Chikwara, an alleged employee of a Spar outlet in Montana. The state asked if Munetsi is in possession of the shirt to which he replied that it has been discarded because of blood stains he discovered on it. The case was postponed to Monday 11 May to allow the defense to bring Chikwara in to testify. On the day, the defense said that Chikwara has immigrated to Zimbabwe and requested that the case be postponed to Wednesday 27 May. The state agreed that it will grant the postponement provided that the trial continues regardless of whether Chikwara appears or not. Munetsi has been linked to other crimes in Leeupoort including a break-in at the Matlapeng game reserve.
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GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
Cause of Bela-Bela barracks fire still unknown
15 May, 2015
THE BEAT
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Local D Ae xpresses their jo y in DA expresses joy ne w leader ship new leadership
David Senosha with Fransinah Maselela, Waterberg District Public Relations Officer. Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba TK Mashaba Some of the personal belongings of the barracks’ occupants miraculously managed to survive the inferno. Photo: Justin Steyn Justin Steyn Justin Steyn Police in Bela-Bela say that they are still investigating the cause of the fire which caused serious damage to one of their barracks on Saturday, 2 May. Colonel Abel Phetla of the Bela-Bela Police said that a forensic investigation is being conducted to determine the cause of the fire, but has not yet been successful. “A forensic team has been busy with investigations as to what cause the fire, but a definite cause has not yet been determined,” he said. The barracks floor itself is scattered with ash and burnt wood across its eleven-room passage. Inside each room remains vacant with only a few
Ash and coal lays scattered at one of the barracks’ of the Bela-Bela police station. Photo Justin Steyn personal belongings of the occupants, such as clothes, bedding, and appliances remaining. The damage resulting from the fire is estimated to be as high as R1 million with most of the damage suffered by the barracks’ structure. Phetla said that all of the barracks’ occupants have been relocated to another barracks which was originally intended for office use. He could not confirm whether or not the occupants would be compensated for their losses. Phetla confirmed that ammunition belonging to police members was found at the barracks, and said that this will be replaced. A case of suspected arson has been opened and the matter is still under investigation.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) elected Mmusi Maimane as the party’s new president on 10 May. Maimane’s elevation comes after the surprise resignation of the party’s long-time leader Hellen Zille. Zille said that her resignation was to prompt a fresh transformation for the party. Local DA structures gave Maimane a thumbs-up and The BEAT met with David Senosha, local DA chairperson, for a brief interview. “We are grateful for Maimane. He is a man of good leadership — not that Zille was not also good!” he said. Senosha, who voted to Maimane in Cape Town, said that he is proud of the new leadership. “People must understand that the DA is
not only for white people, but for all the people of South Africa,” he said. “Colour is nothing to us.” He also said that the party’s leadership sat down before the election to take stock of candidates for the leadership, and the party has confidence in their new leader. The Waterberg’s Desiree van der Walt was elected as the deputy federal chairperson. “We are glad to have Desiree, one of our own from the Waterberg, representing us at a higher level,” said Senosha. Senosha said Zille will always help with campaigns so that the party can win, and win big. “This is our time to challenge the ruling party,” he said. “We are confident that we will do well in the upcoming elections.”
Slight pinches as load shedding increases Justin Steyn Justin Steyn There was no load shedding during the past weekends, but when the lights go off many businesses suffer great financial losses. To date Bela-Bela has often experienced load shedding hours on weekends between 10:00 and 12:00. The Beat spoke to the Bela Mall’s general manager, JP Duncan, to find out how the newly built mall is coping with the financial pinch during those dark hours. “Most of the big restaurant retailers like Game, Panarotti’s and Checkers have generators. There are negotiations between the other shops that don’t have generators to supply them with generators and then pay them back at a later stage,” he said. Duncan also said that the fast food retailer, McDonald’s works independently from the rest of the centre and has been
without a generator for quite some time. This, he said, is being negotiated with the franchise’s head office. He also said that management at the mall did not expect load shedding times to increase so dramatically but is thankful that few businesses are affected. The Mall has recently fallen victim to crime as one of their shops had been involved in an armed robbery. Duncan said that load shedding did not play a part in this and shops that do not have generators are instructed to close during load shedding hours to avoid serious losses due to theft. Duncan said that the mall’s management will consult with the local municipality in order to be exempted from load shedding so that smaller businesses do not lose money. “Despite the readiness of most of our shops, there are a few that still feel the financial pinch of load shedding.”
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THE BEAT
15 May, 2015
GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
Communities war ned against xenophobia
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Waterberg district prepares for fire season
Xenophobic attacks often result in foreign nationals’ shops being looted. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela The Bela-Bela police and their stakeholders are encouraging members of the community to ‘Say No to Xenophobia’. Police spokesperson Constable Glen Manamela said that the police discourages their insulting or assaulting foreign nationals, or damaging their property or tuck-shops. “We are busy conducting door-to-door and awareness campaigns on xenophobia. We are also sending out a strong message that we are all Africans here. We should come together and take care of our brothers and sisters,” said Constable Manamela. Meanwhile, the Mogalakwena Local Municipality march against xenophobia and the shutdown of the town that had previously been postponed is now in
motion. The local Mayor, Councillor Tlhalefi Mashamaite and members of the Executive Council will be leading the march that is scheduled to take place on Friday, 15 May in town. Municipal spokesperson Malesela Selokela indicated that councillors and various stakeholders including community organizations such as a Business Chamber, SANCO, the SAPS, the SA Chamber of Commerce, and members of the community are also invited to join in on the march. “Let us stand up against xenophobia and join us as we march against it in Mokopane. The march will start from Mogalakwena municipal offices and proceed to the Magistrate’s Court and the departments of Home Affairs and Labour,” said the Mayor, who will wrap up the march by delivering a keynote address at the Municipality.
Bela-Bela Park workers to tackle park restorations one at a time
WoF Limpopo fire fighters demonstrated their skills to the learners at BB Matlaila Primary School during fire awareness campaigns. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Working on Fire (WoF) Limpopo embarked on a mission to assist the Waterberg District to gear up and assist local schools in getting ready for the 2015 fire season. BB Matlaila Primary School in Mookgophong was among the schools selected by the WoF team to take part in the project. The team started their campaign at the school with a fuel load reduction around the school yard on Wednesday, 6 May, during which they cleared the school ground of unnecessary flammable plants. This was done in order to reduce the tall grass which posed a threat to the school premises. The General Manager for WoF in Limpopo Sam Maepa said that 2014 was the worst fire season in seven years. They are now determined to start the preparations for this year’s fire season early. He added that all fire fighters in the province have been declared competent
The fire fighters also tackled the bushes near the school during their campaign. Photo: Lizzy Bapela and ready to perform their duties. Maepa said that the fire season can now be regarded as officially started. WoF Limpopo Provincial spokesperson Matema Gwangwa said that the firefighters are targeting the areas and communities which were affected by wildfires in 2014. She added that the Waterberg District is one of the areas in need of more fire awareness campaigns due to the higher than normal number of fires experienced in 2014. Gwangwa also said that in his efforts to reduce the wildfires, WoF Limpopo will be hosting an open day at Vaalwater Airfield on Friday, 15 May. On the day the organization will be offering free training to the employees who are working at nature reserves, wildlife management and private farms. “We realized that more awareness is needed in the area due to a high number of fires that occurred previously. We saw it as beneficial to equip the stakeholders with firefighting skills to enable them to be the first crew on the line,” said Maepa.
High hopes ffor or libr ar y librar ary opening in J ul y 2016 Jul uly The new wooden bookshelves at the Bela-Bela municipal library are finally being used after being delivered more than two months ago. Photo: Justin Steyn
A decision has been made to upgrade Bela-Bela’s parks one at a time. Photo: Justin Steyn Justin Steyn Justin Steyn Residents in Bela-Bela are not happy about activities at the small park on the corner of Ludorf and Driver Street. Upgrades to the park started in November 2014 and has been progressing slowly due to the regular weeks-long absences by their park workers. DA councillor Kobus van der Merwe stated recently that workers are unhappy with their working conditions and wages, and that workers recently went on strike. He also said that workers are unhappy that they do not have machinery to perform their work. The municipal spokesperson Matome Sebelebele denied the allegations and said that upgrades continue on the town’s parks. He explained that all workers will be on duty at each park currently being upgraded and that
workers are not always seen at every park. “We have, until recently, had workers in small groups working at each park. However, the decision has recently been made to place all workers at each separate park. Workers will not be as scattered as previously because we feel that trying to do all the parks at once is slowing down the upgrade process,” he said. About the missing fence at the town’s park, Sebelebele said that there is still a decision to be made whether or not to erect another fence. “There are already palisade fences around some of the parks, at the township and Spa Park, and there will also be a new fence. First, however, the matter will need to be discussed with the Department of Nature Conservation as not all parks will be fenced,” he said. The upgrades are due to be completed by July.
Justin Steyn Justin Steyn If all goes according to plan, the Bela-Bela municipality hopes to reopen its public library by the next financial year. The library was badly damaged in a fire in late 2005 and has not been functioning since. Recent talks between the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, and the BelaBela Municipality have concluded in an agreement that the library be reinstated and that the public would be able to take out books once again. New furniture such as small tables, chairs and even new bookshelves have been delivered to the library in the beginning of March. New books have also been ordered for the library’s improvement. Library staff are currently replacing the old small steel shelves with the new bigger
wooden book shelves. According to the Bela-Bela municipal spokesperson, Matome Sebelebele, the library will assess all of the books they currently have available and re-register those that are not old or outdated. The new books will then be loaded onto the library’s system. “We are currently going through all of the books we currently have. The old and outdated ones we will send back to the department in Polokwane and the newer ones will then be loaded on the system,” he said. Although he did not want to give a precise date, Sebelebele said that he hopes that the library will be reinstated in the next financial year. “I am not certain when the library will be reinstated but we are hoping that everything will be finished by the next financial year in July.”
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May 2015
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Obed Motau, of the Concerned Community of Bela-Bela, writes: It is the opinion of this communityled organization that the current leadership of this municipality is not running the municipality effectively, and is in fact running it into the ground. As a result, we hereby declare a vote of no confidence in it. We would also bring your attention to the following points. * It is a well-known fact that the unemployment figure is rising by the day because this municipality is not doing proper planning due to a lack of capacity, foresight and imagination in their Planning Department. * It is our opinion that a Municipal Manager, their department heads, and councillors, should be pillars of strength, beacons of light, and leaders of note to the communities they serve. * This does not appear to be the case currently, and this has resulted in a lack of service delivery, long queues at the Municipality, huge budget overruns, low morale, and unhelpful and unfriendly staff at the Municipality. * There has been many allegations made about the municipal employees as well as some councillors. Accusations of nepotism have been made, and the situation has become so serious that tenders are being inflated to make it worthwhile for everyone who gets a cut, across the board. This has almost bankrupted this municipality. * We are also concerned about the high numbers of illegal foreigners residing and operating their shops inside our township without any action being taken against them. They are also increasing every day and taking many of the job opportunities away which should be left for residents who grew up here. * Drug use and crime is also escalating to alarming levels to such an extent that we don’t even feel safe even in our very own neighbourhoods. This can be blamed on the above as well as the fact that there is no meaningful job creation taking place in our area due to the inability of this Municipality to inspire confidence into the hearts of residents and tourists / investors alike visiting our town. * The lack of basic services to many households and lack of
EDITORIAL
service / maintenance thereof, which includes proper roads and lights infrastructure, is also of great concern. For how long do we still need to live like dogs? * The lack of housing and lack of land for housing are causes for concern for the community and that inspires other political organisations like the EFF to take land illegally. This needs to be addressed urgently as it is fuelling great discontent in the community. The informal settlements also need to be eradicated and replaced with proper housing. * The expensive rates and taxes of Bela-Bela is making life incredibly difficult for the residents and businesses alike. We believe this is driving away investors also. Our rates and taxes are more expensive than neighbouring towns and in some instances even higher than major metropolitan cities. This is ridiculous and needs to be rectified as residents and businesses are falling further and further behind because of this and the difficult economic climate we currently face. * The lack of jobs in our area is also of grave concern and is a result of all the above mentioned points and under investment in basic infrastructure and housing. Poverty and desperation is increasing. Salaries have also not been keeping up with inflationary figures and are stagnating. Companies are not increasing their staff but instead are trying to cut costs by retrenching workers. * The above mentioned has brought us almost to the point where we see no other way as to demand that this Municipality be placed under administration so that new leaders / representatives / councillors can be elected which will serve the interest of the public and not just their own. But we have decided to give the Municipality once last chance until we embark on such drastic measures. It is furthermore the opinion of the Concerned Community of Bela-Bela that these concerns as listed above are experienced and supported by the majority of the residents of the township and that the only reason why it hasn’t been properly addressed is due to the fact they haven’t been able to organise themselves properly due to a lack of strategy and communication. The Concerned Community of Bela-Bela will however address these shortcomings to ensure that real progress is experienced on the ground where it matters by taking hands with everybody which shares the same concerns — even if it means that we need to establish our own political party to run in the 2016 local government elections — which we hope will not be necessary. The time has arrived for this Municipality to live up to its ideals and responsibilities to the people or the people will take the control back into their own hands.
15 May, 2015
THE BEAT
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Photo of the week
A young soccer fan watches soccer at Sunfa Stadium. Photo: TK Mashaba
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SMALLS BARGAIN newly built 3 bedroom house, 2 bathrooms, garage, open plan living room/ dining room. Paul Kruger str. Nylstroom R680 000. Contact Francois 082 495 3299.
LEGALS MODIMOLLE LAND USE SCHEME, 2004 Notice is hereby given to all whom it may concern that in terms of clause 23 of the abovementioned scheme, I (full name) MOBULAWA MOKHOSAMA CHRIS intends applying to the Modimolle Local Municipality for consent to: Tarven on (property and suburb) 8177 also known as (street name and number) Phomolong Ext 9 situated in a 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 8 May + 15 May 2015. 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 advertisement in the Local newspaper. Closing date for objections: 19 June 2015. Applicant street and postal address 8177 Phomolong Ext 9 Modimolle, 0510 Tel: 061 960 2030. MODIMOLLE LAND USE SCHEME, 2004 Notice is hereby given to all whom it may concern that in terms of clause 23 of the abovementioned scheme, I (full name) MORUANE KWENA CHRESTINA intends applying to the Modimolle Local Municipality for consent to: Tarven on (property and suburb) 9594 also known as (street name and number) Phagameng Ext 10 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
15 May, 2015 newspaper viz 15 May + 22 May 2015. 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.
CHARITY / ENTERTAINMENT / SCHOOL
TK Mashaba An opportunity has come for local filmmakers and artists, as the Limpopo film Office launches their program at Modimolle’s Waterberg offices on 20 May. According to Victor Phiri, the organization’s spokesperson, the organization will help equip local filmmakers with skills to compete in the industry. “This launch will be followed by the workshop, where the locals can be taught about film recording or scriptwriting,” said Phiri.”This is a platform for Waterberg artists, and nobody can tell a better story about their township than they can themselves.” Phiri said that there is a lot of talent in Limpopo, and this initiative will help talented locals to grow and reach a broader audience. “Our first launch will touch base in an open session where we will hear how upcoming local artists need to be helped, and will invite other stakeholders such as NYDA,” he added. “In the past years, Waterberg filmmakers have released films, but they did not do well because of a lack of knowledge.”
BELA BELA AMENDMENT SCHEME 95/08 AND 96/08 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 owners of the properties describe below, 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 following properties:
(b) Remainder of the farm Prinsloosrust 100 JR, Bela Bela by the amendment of the existing ‘Agriculture’ zoning of the property with the addition of annexure 188 to make provision for two lodges and ancillary uses. Particulars of the applications 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 15 May 2015. Objections to or presentations in respect of the application must be lodged with or made in writing to: The Municipal Manager at the above address or Private Bag x1609, Bela Bela, 0480, within a period of 28 days from 15 May 2015
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Limpopo Film office calling on artists and filmmakers
Closing date for objections: 19 June 2015. Applicant street and postal address 9594 Phagameng Ext 10 Modimolle, 0510 Tel: 072 697 7574. 15 & 22 Mei
(a) Portion 26 of the farm Uitvlugt 79 JR, Bela-Bela: by the amendment of the existing ‘Agriculture’ zoning of the property with the addition of annexure 187 to make provision for a lodge and ancillary uses.
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Jacob Mononyane, a local scriptwriter. Photo: TK Mashaba
Grade 7 teacher Gert Africa led the learners in planting the first tree. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Eager learners posed for a photo as they planted their tree. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Address: P.O. Box 919, Bela-Bela, 0480, Tel: 082 881 7252 15 & 22 Mei 2015.
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Learners from Spa Park Primary School had a brief assembly ahead of a tree-planting ceremony at their school on Thursday, 30 April. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
The learners displayed the trees during an assembly before heading to different points to plant them. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Excited learners almost created a stampede wanting to appear in the newspaper. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Education for Sustainable Development expert Daniel Masote showed the learners how to plant and care for trees. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
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CHARITY / ENTERTAINMENT / SCHOOL
Johanna Lebodi crowned Miss Vaalwater 2015
15 May, 2015
THE BEAT
Page 7
Africa Month Festival The recently elected national committee of the Cultural and Creative Industries of South Africa aim to put forward interests of artists. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
National soccer team Bafana Bafana’s former stars and legends visited Bela-Bela during one of the previous Africa Day events. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
The judges worked together to ensure that the best young woman wins. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela
Top winners of the Miss Vaalwater 2015 as crowned. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Johanna Lebodi of Vaalwater has been crowned Miss Vaalwater 2015 during a recent beauty pageant ceremony held at the Farmers’ Hall on Saturday, 9 May. Lebodi shared the honours with Wilhelmina Mokau as Second Princess, Martha Mahloma as First Princess, Lerato Matlala as Miss Confidence and Elizabeth Mosima, Pageant Ambassador. The winners expressed their excitement at the honours they have achieved, saying that they never thought they would come this far. “Nobody believed me when I told people that I was entering the competition,” Lebodi said. “They said that I don’t have what it takes to be crowned the queen.” “I sure silenced them,” she added. “The things I heard were hurtful, but I did not let that deter me. I believed in the person I saw when I looked in the mirror and told her that she was confident and good enough for any position in the competition. That faith helped me make it in the end.” The organizers said that the event was not an easy one to organize successful. The event was organized by Lebogang Shovhote, who was crowned Miss Hope International on the provincial level in Limpopo and Boitumelo Makhubela, who
Founders and directors of the pageants Lebogang Shovhote and Boitumelo Makhubela. Photo: Lizzy Bapela won Miss Modimolle in 2013. They worked on the project without any funds or resources, but they say that they proceeded as though everything was already sorted out, and managed to pull through with help from the community. They embarked on various fundraising programs to fund their event. “Organizing this event gave us sleepless nights,” said Shovhote. “We knew that the first-ever Miss Vaalwater pageant would take place — with or without resources. We started working on the pageant and got the finalists and set a date, but we still did not have any money. We advertised on black and white posters and social media, and we failed on many things but that did not break our spirit. This trying time has really strengthened our faith.” Makhubela said that a lot has happened behind the scenes, but they are grateful for all the hard times, as they have been moved to work hard. The event did take place, with people from the communities of Vaalwater, Alma, Modimolle, Bela-Bela and Mookgophong in attendance. “It was an awesome event and the most touching part was seeing how community leaders and family members supported their daughters wholeheartedly. It was a learning curve for us as well, and witnessing those moment was worth all the difficulties we encountered and I would definitely do it again,” said Makhubela.
People from all walks of life in Limpopo joined in on the Africa Month celebrations and attended the Africa Month Film Festival, which was launched recently. The Africa Month Festival of Ideas and Cultural Exchange kicked off in the province. The Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture Rejoice Mabudafhasi and the MEC of Sports, Arts and Culture Nandi Ndalane launched the festival as part of the Africa Month celebrations program. The film festivals will also take place in Northwest and Northern Cape Provinces as part of promoting Africa’s diversity of culture and language and the viewing is open to the public. As part of the Africa Month celebrations, 13 countries from different parts of the continent such as Congo Brazzaville, Botswana, Namibia, Ghana, Senegal, Sudan, Burundi, Egypt, Algeria, Tanzania, Western Sahara and Mozambique were expected to participate in the Archives Week program scheduled for Monday, 11 May. The daily program took place from Monday, 11 to Friday, 15 May and learners from schools from across the province were given a chance to visit the provincial archives in Polokwane, Makwerela, Giyani and Lebowakgomo. These included presentations on archival functions, exhibition viewing and tours, panel discussions on records management and preservation, and so on. The Department encouraged all sectors of society across the province to join the Africa Month celebrations and visit www.dac.gov.za for the full program for the month. The department planned an exciting program to take place throughout the month of May and beyond. The festival will provide a strategic platform and network for conversations about the African
continent that go beyond the challenges to successes experienced and recommitment to work for the continued development of the continent. Activities planned include music, literature, theatre, visual arts, film, fashion, cuisine, seminars, exhibitions, lectures and panel discussions. The theme for Africa Month is ‘We are Africa — Opening the Doors of Learning and Culture to promote peace and friendship from Cape to Cairo.” Departmental Spokesperson Sandile Memela said that the program is aimed at strengthening social, cultural, economic and political integration among the African nations. Africa Month is implemented in line with the Department’s priorities including increased economic opportunities for artists, developmental approach of the artists, and product and audience development. The month seeks to increase appreciation and demand for arts and culture goods and services to stimulate competitive markets for intra-Africa trade. Departmental Minister Nathi Mthethwa said that it will also strengthen culture and creative industries and their value-add in socioeconomic development and provide a platform to promote the African Union institutions and policies. As part of its national mandate of promoting symbols such as the flag and anthem, the Department will also promote the African Union flag and anthem during the month. “We will use this period to promote African identity, entrench African values and ethics as well as strengthen existing collaborations in the continent. We believe our programme will contribute to the attainment of the African Union’s vision 2063 which strives for an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena,” said Minister Mthethwa.
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THE BEAT
SPORT
15 May, 2015
Total Surrender tumbles down SAB league
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SAFA Under-21 Trials commence
The team from Limpopo during last year’s Mafikeng tournament. Photo: TK Mashaba TK TK Mashaba Mashaba
Total Surrender players in action. Photo: TK Mashaba TK TK Mashaba Mashaba Total Surrender, who have always been one of the best teams in Stream A, are slipping down the log. Bela-Bela’s Total Surrender has fallen back to 11th place in the log and with few games left it is unlikely that they will secure a place in the playoffs. Surrender lost a walkover match against NTK Happy Boys on Saturday, and the league has only four games left. Ramasela Galane, the team’s spokesperson, said that player lateness was a major issue. She also admitted that it was too late for the team to reach the top, with so few games left.
“It’s a shame that the team cannot see how much the management team is doing for them,” she said. Total Surrender are now trailing the log, with 10 outstanding games. In Stream A this weekend, Boys 2 Men thrashed Young Pirates 14-1 while Diesel n Dust won 4-2 against Celtics. Qualitho continued to chase the log leaders after their 5-0 win against Troublemakers. In Stream B, Juventas won a walkover against no-shows real Madrid, while Ratanang and Simple Yellows played to a 2-all draw. Maxoma lost 1-0 to Vegas while Mosesetjane lost 5-0 to Thaba FC, and Black Rangers played to a goalless draw against Yster United.
The 2015 SAFA Under-21 trials will be held on 17 May from 09:00 at Mookgophong Stadium. According to SAFA Waterberg’s executive officer, Refiloe Khoza, only players born in or after January 1994 may take part in the trials. “They will be asked to produce their original ID or passport and card before they can participate,” said Khoza. She asked SAFA members to share the news with other qualifying players so
that the team can be chosen from a large pool of candidates. “We must give them the information so that we can spot the best talent in the region,” she said. The SAFA trials are an initiative which helps to spot upcoming talent every year, in order to help young players find recognition in the national team, or to be called up by other PSL teams. In 2014, the Waterberg had five players make it to the finals in the recent SAFA Under-21 trials, and went on to be part of the team which represented the province in Mafikeng.