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17 May 2013
Drama and infighting in Bela Bela municipality “If there is one thing I cannot tolerate it is political interference in my work. If some politicians think I am not doing my job properly, they are welcome to intervene and remedy the situation because I do not interfere with anyone else’s job,” Lizzy Bapela The recently appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the municipality, Morris Maluleka, has become the most talkedabout head of department in the municipality. Sources in the municipality allege that Maluleka appointed two consultants without following the municipality’s proper procedure of the Supply Chain Policy, costing the municipality R3, 5 million, with one company to be paid R1, 7 million for a period of 3 months. The council’s Executive Committee (EXCO) then requested Maluleka to submit written reasons within seven days as to why he should not be suspended for such allegations on Tuesday 7 May. Instead, the CFO apparently filed papers with the High Court, requesting it to set aside the letter that request him to provide such reasons. According to the sources, the papers served indicated that the matter is expected to be heard on Tuesday 28 May. It has also been reported that the mayor has laid a criminal charge against the CFO at the local police station, which the police confirmed. Maluleka was reported to have exchanged words with Hlungwani on the evening of Monday 6 May. Sources alleged that Maluleka threatened Hlungwani over the phone for recommending his suspension. The mayor apparently recorded Maluleka threatening him with violence for requesting him to answer to allegations of misconduct. Maluleka joined the municipality on 8 February after it operated for almost two years without a CFO, a state of affairs that led the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) coming to Bela Bela to intervene. He first became unpopular after local resi-
dents with outstanding money in their municipal accounts experienced electricity cutoffs and as the CFO he was blamed. The incident led to concerned residents and representatives of the local youth movements such as Congress of South African Students (COSAS) embarking in a mass action protest, expressing their anger towards Maluleka. Residents owing money to the municipality had to wait in long queues at the municipality after arrangements were made regarding methods of payment. The BEAT interviewed Maluleka to hear his side of the story and he responded openly and was willing to have a meeting to iron out issues raised. He said that he followed proper procedures when he appointed the consultants and anyone alleging otherwise must submit proof of the allegations. A meeting was then set up for Wednesday 15 May for demonstration of proof regarding the said allegations and discuss other work related issues. Maluleka denied having any exchange of words with Hlungwani, saying he knows nothing about the allegations and the court case. “I do not even have three months working in the municipality so why would I have developed such alleged hatred towards the mayor?” he said. He added that he spoke to the mayor on a daily basis and that there has been no tension between them. Regarding the electricity cut-offs, he said that he does not know how to conduct that process, and added that the people spreading these allegations were being misled and were not aware of all the facts. “If there is one thing I cannot tolerate it is political interference in my work. If some politicians think I am not doing my job properly, they are welcome to intervene and remedy the situation because I do not interfere with anyone else’s job,” he said. Hlungwani also confirmed having opened a criminal case with the local police against
Maluleka but could not comment further on the matter. In another looming court battle, The Beat can also confirm that the recently appointed Corporate Services Manager Advocate Abel Ramolotja has been ordered to vacate the offices of the municipality after one month in office. Ramolotja, a former UNISA academic, CCMA Commissioner and Premier Soccer League (PSL) Disciplinary Committee’s Chairperson took office on 1 April 2013, only to be informed on 2 May 2013 that he must vacate the municipal offices with immediate effect. Aparently, the Council has since appointed Phenius Sebola to the position. It is most likely that Ramolotja, who holds B Iuris, LLB and a Master of Laws (LLM) degrees in labour law will refer his case to the courts. Sebola and EXCO member councillor Lucas Nhlapo unsuccessfully challenged Ramolotja’s appointment in the High Court in February. When asked for comment Ramolotja would only say “Justitia omnia vincit”, a Lating expression translating to “justice conquers all”. During one of the Council session debates on who should be appointed Corporate Services Manager in the municipality, it was reported that Sebola’s B Iuris degree was withheld by the university, an allegation which he denied. In an interview with The BEAT, Sebola also denied contesting for the said post, saying he is happy at the Waterberg District Municipality. The BEAT later learnt that Sebola resigned from the district municipality to occupy the said post, which he was allegedly promised by certain members of the council in the Bela Bela municipality.
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SACP speaks out on political situation in Waterberg Lizzy Bapela The South African Communist Party (SACP) in the Govan Mbeki (Waterberg) District has outlined its position on the current political situation in the district. The party said that the current state of municipalities in the district needs special attention from the newly elected provincial task team (PTT) and the incoming provincial executive committee (PEC) that will precede it. The SACP’s deputy secretary in the district, Philemon Magoai, said that at the core of the problems is the interference of former PEC members and their cronies that are still in the regions. He said while the most critical challenge of the PTT is to rebuild the ANC and prepare it for the 2014 elections, it is also important that they also intervene in issues of governance, as this impacts directly on service delivery. Magoai said that in nearly all municipalities in the district, service delivery is lacking or simply not present. “To make matters worse, the battle for resources, in particular tenders, prevents some municipalities from functioning.” He said that it is difficult to hire senior managers in some municipalities because of personal interest from leaders and councillors. For instance, the Bela-Bela Local Municipality at some stage was operating with less than fifty percent of recommended senior managers. The municipality was forced to operate with only two managers in
Technical Services and Social and Community Services. Only after the Minister of Treasury, Pravin Ghordan, put pressure on the council by withdrawing grants and equitable shares to the municipality was the new chief financial officer (CFO), Morris Maluleka, hired, Magoai added. Magoai said that after a very bitter battle between councillors, provincial administration and political leaders, Corporate Service manager Advocate Jomo Ramolotja was hired. A member of the executive committee in the municipality councillor Lucas Nhlapo was not happy with the appointment of that particular person, and took the matter to High Court. The matter was dismissed with costs when it was found that Corporate Service manager was correctly hired, but the matter is still on-going with some councillors insisting that their preferred candidate be employed. A number of councillors allegedly convened a council meeting and passed a resolution requiring the municipality to pay the court fees, to the tune of R300 000. In Mogalakwena Local Municipality, former Corporate Service Manager Henry Thobejane has taken the municipality to court for unfair dismissal and the position is still being advertised, while after a series of disagreements between the then mayor Esther Mothibi and Thobejane versus municipal manager Willy Kekana and some members of the executive committee, Mothibi and Thobejane were fired. ‘We still believe that the matter was dealt
with in a factional manner,” said Magoai. The SACP believes that Lephalale Local Municipality also suffered the recall of the mayor because of factionalism. The party said they still do not understand the reason for the delays in employing senior managers in crucial positions, including managers for Planning and Economic Development, Corporate Service and Social and Community Services. The SACP also talked about the municipality, still being investigated after R9,5 million was apparently lost during the former mayor Johanna Mojela’s term. The party said that, the current leadership of the municipality is allegedly reluctant to followup on the case. The manager for Social and Community Services post in Thabazimbi Local Municipality still needs to be filled and one ANC councillor John Michael Fisher, who was removed as a member of Exco, took the municipality to Court as a result. The SACP in the district expressed its concerns regarding the behaviour of ANC councillors who are taking municipalities that are under the administration of the ANC to court, saying that the posts of Municipal Manager, Manager of Planning and Economic Development are still to be filled. Such concerns include Mookgophong Local Municipality, operated without a Municipal Manager for three years until the council appointed Peter Magwala in April 2013. The post of Corporate Service Manager and Technical Service Manager still needs to be filled.
Another concern is the post of the Municipal Manager in Modimolle Local Municipality, which has been vacant for about 12 months and has been re-advertised several times. Magoai also noted that the current Corporate Service Manager remains in his position even though he was found guilty of fraud. He also pointed out that the position of Manager Social and Community Services is still vacant and the problems in all the municipalities are almost identical. The SACP requests that all senior positions in all the municipalities be filled with immediate effect as these impacts negatively on service delivery. The party also calls for all councillors who are found to have interfered with administration to be disciplined as per the code of conduct for councillors, which prohibits councillors from interfering in the administration of the municipality, except under specific circumstances. All councillors who took the ANC-run municipalities to court must be brought before disciplinary committees in line with the Mangaung resolutions. Failure to do so will lead to other members following suit as a precedent has been set. “The ANC must get rid of the bad elements within itself in the region and focus on organisational work rather than business The SACP in Govan Mbeki District (Waterberg) is committed to working together with the ANC and all mass democratic movement (MDM) structures during the rebuilding process,” Magoai concluded.
Community policing meeting postponed Justin Steyn Bela Bela residents were informed about a meeting hosted by the Bela Bela police which was arranged to take place at Hoërskool Warmbad on Wednesday 8 May. The meeting place was relocated to the Bela Bela police station’s lecture hall on the same day which resulted in a poor turn out. The station commander, Col. Sibongile Ndaba, apologized for the inconveniences caused and listened attentively to the complaints of those present. A main concern among residents was that of break-ins at their homes. “My husband and I both woke up one morning with a mild irritation in our throats and found that our house had been broken into” said one resident. She added that her husband, a heavy smoker, usually wakes up during the night and goes for a smoke; this was not the case on the night of the break in.
Ndaba said that there have been many reported cases with victims waking up to a burning sensation in their throats. The irritation is said to be caused by an unknown substance which is burnt by thieves at the home’s drainpipes and ventilation areas causing those inside, including dogs, to fall into a very deep sleep. Col Ndaba suspects that filling bathroom- and kitchen basins with water could be a way to prevent smoke from the burning substance from entering the home but this method has not been confirmed as effective. Town residents were advised to safeguard their homes at all times especially between the morning hours between 6:30 and 9:30 am when most residents are on their way to work or school. “Criminals monitor movements in households over a period of time to predict when no one is at home, and early morning break-ins have been popular, “ said Ndaba. A blue GP-registered Mitsubishi Pajero is said to be linked with a large number of breakins. The community is advised to obtain full registration numbers of all vehicles that may be used for criminal activities as a sole vehicle description is considered insufficient. The Bela Bela Township has seen an increase in cellular phone and laptop theft. Ndaba said that these crimes are usually linked with drug users who allegedly steal these items as well as groceries to support their habits. Police have requested that the community meeting be moved to Thursday 7 June and will keep local media up to date about a confirmed meeting where this will be held.
Bela Bela residents were shocked to hear of the passing of the well-known local businessman Joseph Radebe, often called Sgorothi. According to the information received, Radebe collapsed on Friday 9 May and was hospitalized as a result. He passed away on Monday 13 May and will be buried over the weekend.
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17 May, 2013
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Front page story...
Limpopo still facing textbook shortages Justin Steyn Bela Bela saw a large mass action protest on Thursday 25 April. Many of those at the protest were school students who complained about poor service delivery and textbook shortages. “We are still waiting for certain textbooks to be delivered to our schools” said a student. Municipal Spokesperson, Matome Sebelebele has expressed disapproval of the attendance of students during the march, stating that the learners are not taxpayers and textbook shortage issues should be addressed to the Department of Education. “It worries us as the municipality that learners partake in protests when they should be in class,” he said. Section 27, a public interest law centre, reported that out of the 19 schools visited in Limpopo, 9 schools had significant shortages of the Curriculum and Assessment
Policy Statement (CAPS) textbooks. Section 27 has written a letter of demand to the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in relation to substantial textbook shortages for the 2013 academic year. The law centre demanded a full delivery of the (CAPS) textbooks by no later than 26 April and that the DBE appoint an individual person or group to conduct a verification exercise to verify the state of textbook delivery by 19 April. The verification was to be completed by 10 May. The shortfalls are numerous in Grades 1 to 6 at primary level, and Grade 10 and 11 at High school level Director General of the Department of Education, Bobby Soobrayan, has responded to the letter of demand stating that there is no Electronic Monitoring System (EMS) and shortages are addressed as they are reported. The province has engaged in a head count by an external entity. The data is then
Youth League National Task Team visits Limpopo regions
ANC Youth League Waterberg Regional chairperson Sipho Mhlanga led branches of the league in the region to the regional council at Oasis Lodge recently. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela
attended the RGCs. The chairperson of the league in the Waterberg Region, Sipho Mhlanga, said the request to dissolve the REG’sdoes not apply to Waterberg. He added that members of the NTT are the appropriate people to approach for further comment on the matter. He said the RGC’s were not only meant to serve the purpose of introducing members to each other, but also to assess the strength of the organization and arrive at intervention where necessary. REC had organized for transport for branches to the venues and branches enquired with their regional secretaries in this regard. The members of the NTT deployed to Limpopo had their first meeting at Frans Mohlala House on Saturday 4 May and the spokesperson for the ANC Youth League in Limpopo Klaas Mabunda sent out a statement in this regard. Mabunda said that the gathering served as an introductory meeting and further discussed at length organisational challenges in the province and as well shared their terms of reference to the PEC. He also said that the NTT required introduction to branches by the PEC, as it will lend a hand in stimulating cooperation and compliance from branches. He said the NTT will do this in order to advance the objective of their appointment and consequently lead to convening the national conference in due course. The NTT’s responsibility is to restore the organization where it is at its weakest, and the team also aims to ensure that the Youth League becomes participatory by all young people, so that its vanguard status with regard to the achievement of economic freedom is muscled and broadened as much as necessary.
Branches of the ANC Youth League in Limpopo are said to have asked the league’s National Task Team (NTT) to dissolve all Regional Executive Committees (REC) and the provincial executive committee. The resolution follows regional general councils (RGC’s) attended by branches of the ANCYL across the province. Other regions convened their RGCs on the morning of Saturday, 11 May while the Waterberg Region hosted theirs at Oasis Lodge in MokoAlgemene Praktisyns / General Practitioners pane on Sunday, 12 May, with Peter Mokaba (CapriDr. V.G. Emslie Dr. T.M. De Jonge corn) on the same Na-ure MB.Ch.B(Pret) MB.Ch.B(UP) day. Nr. 0332747 Nr. 0380342 After Hours Members of the (014) 736-5616 (h) (014) 736-3019 (h) ANC Youth League 014 736 2032/3 082 490 6242 082 450 8411 in the Limpopo ABSA Bosveld Pick ’n Pay Sentrum Tel: (014) 736-2032/3 Postnet Suite 80 Provincial Execuh/v Marx & Potgieter straat Faks: (014) 736-4809 Privaatsak X1604 tive Committee Bela-Bela 0480 Bela-Bela 0480 (PEC) and the NTT
DRS EMSLIE
DE JONGE
pulled into an electronic learner monitoring system which will be expanded to cater for all administrative facets down to the school levels inclusive of textbook procurement and delivery. Soobrayan stated that the shortages are as a result of learner migration which only surfaces in the first term of the school calendar which exacerbates the loose coverage of Learner Teacher Support Material (LTSM).He added that Grade 10 textbooks were not provided in the 2013 school calendar because they were provided in late 2012 and deemed unnecessary as these textbooks would have been retrieved by the school at the end of 2012, for use in 2013. The Department of Education has committed to providing the required textbooks and engaging in an exercise to establish quantities through the structures of districts and circuits. The department expects to conclude this by 10 May followed by a process of top-ups to schools where necessary.
The department has expressed concern that schools would report shortages to Section 27 without reporting to the department, who are in position to remedy reported shortages. Most schools reported that they did not receive the full amount of textbooks for 2012, in spite of the court order handed down on 4 October 2012.The court order required that textbook delivery for 2012 be completed by 12 October 2012 and textbook delivery for 2013 be completed by December 2012. It is also inconsistent with two sworn affidavits filed by the DBE in the North Gauteng High court confirming that all textbooks had been delivered. Section 27’s research assistant, Thabang Pooe, told The BEAT that the deadline for their letter of demand has not been met and that they are looking at the options and what their clients want. “We are not ruling out the possibility of returning to court” she said.
Waterberg Youth League talks council outcomes
Secretary of the ANC Youth League in Waterberg Matsobane Tsweleng expressed concerns after the recent REC in Mokopane. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Executive committee members of the ANC Youth League in the Waterberg District expressed concerns following the Regional General Council (RGC) held in Mokopane on Sunday 12 May. The league convened the RGC as per a decision taken between their Limpopo Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) and the league’s national task team (NTT). Secretary of the league in the district Tsweleng Matsobane told The BEAT the RGC was turned into a cadres’ forum and it was discovered that there were individuals and groups who had been mobilised to attend the gathering for negative reasons. Matsobane said that the allegedly mobilised attendees consisted of youths from the Young Communists League (YCL), Congress of the
People (Cope) and the PAC Youth Congress (PAYCO). He also said that some of those attending were non-members of the league who claimed to be the victims of the Makhado conference held in 2010, where a number of members were expelled from the league. The league’s chairperson Sipho Mhlanga said they could not say everything was well but the challenges that they encountered have made them remain focused, which is why they “survived heavy storms” Mhlanga said their regional executive committee (REC) has made history by receiving both national and provincial awards in 2012 and 2013 respectively. He added that there was no organisation that could tell the ANCYL how to run its political affairs. According to Matsobane, one individual who had been mobilised to attend, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of victimisation told the REC that they were mobilised and briefed to mobilise as many additional people as they could. Promises that their entry would not be blocked at the gate were also allegedly made. The individual further said that Limpopo premier Cassel Mathale will be recalled, the ANC Youth League be disbanded and the provincial government will be brought out of administration. Another anonymous individual said that the meetings were just a formality and that the decision has been predetermined, meaning the structures are going to be disbanded. Matsobane said rumours had spread that the NTT had organised that members of the uMkhondo Wesizwe (MK) to be in charge of the security and the worry was that the NTT was planning to disband the REC. The fear was that the REC’s current membership would be replaced by nonmembers of the league who have gained popularity via social networks.
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17 May, 2013
Still no answers on Extension 6’s clinic
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Julius Malema responds to the media
This building, intended to be a clinic, never opened its doors. Photo: TK Mashaba
The mobile clinic is often filled to capacity and lacks any kind of shelter for those waiting to obtain medical care. Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba If residents of the Bela Bela township had gotten their hopes up five years ago, when the construction of a second clinic in Extension 6 was announced, they have so far been disappointed. The clinic never opened its doors, and the building intended for it is becoming more and more dilapidated as time passes. The approximately 90 thousand residents of Bela Bela are served by only two clinics — one stationary and one mobile — in addition to the town’s hospital. Queues at the hospital and the clinics are legendary, with wait times of several hours being common. Three years ago in 2011, The BEAT ran an article about this issue. According to an official who spoke to The BEAT at the time, the builders who were hired to construct the clinic allegedly did not inspect the soil
before starting construction resulting in cracks in the building foundation that renders it unsafe for use. In the time since then, no further progress was made on either repairing the building, rebuilding it or acquiring a different site. This week on Monday, 13 May, reporters were told by security services at the clinic site that nobody was allowed to enter the premises, and were referred to a Mr Mokomene, who has thus far been unavailable for comment. Bela Bela municipal spokesperson, Matome Sebelebele, said that the local clinics do not fall within the jurisdiction of the municipality but under that of the Limpopo Department of Health and Social Development. In the meantime, residents of Bela Bela in need of medical care are required to endure waits of several hours at the clinics and hospital.
Hard work still needed to fight unemployment Lizzy Bapela The Department of Labour in Limpopo says more robust manoeuvres to place job-seekers in various employs during the financial year 2013/14 should be put high on the list, if they want to eradicate unemployment in the country. The announcement was made during a workshop held at the Forever Resorts in Bela Bela on Thursday, 9 May. The head of the Department of Labour in the province, Albert Tshidavhu, said that it is high time both potential employers and job-seekers gain confidence in Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) and continue to register their opportunities and Curriculum Vitae’s respectively. ESSA is the departmental system used by job-seekers register their Curriculum Vitae in order to be matched automatically with employment opportunities registered by employers. Tshidavhu said that Statistician General of South Africa Pali Lehotla revealed last week that the unemployment rate in the country is
still at 25%. He added, however, that the rate in the province is much higher. Deputy Director in the department Joyce Mathume said that of late quite a number of employers are beginning to make use of the department’ system, but there are still issues pertaining to the successful placements of jobseekers in the appropriate positions On successful placements during the previous financial year, Mathume said that just over 450 job-seekers were successfully placed in jobs during the 2012/13 financial year. She added that while number may seem satisfying it must be viewed against the background of the still-skyrocketing unemployment figures, both nationally and in Limpopo. Regarding the strategy to be used to put job seekers in employment, Tshidavhu said there are several new shopping centres that are in the process of being built in the province. He urged developers to be the first to register their vacancies in the Department’s database, saying that it would also save the companies time and money during the recruitment process.
Expelled ANC Youth League President Julius Malema says he is confident and in a better space. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela The expelled ANC Youth League President Julius Malema told the media that he is in a better state and not at all
devastated by recent developments regarding the public auction of his private property and goods. Malema said he received several media enquiries and questions since the auction was announced. “I told all media people who called me that I will make a statement on all these developments at the appropriate time, no later than July this year. This will help to explain many upset questions in the minds of South Africans, in particular Economic Freedom Fighters who have called to understand what exactly is happening,” he said. Malema took the opportunity to state that he has had no business, personal, or political associations with Norman Tloubatla, the buyer of Malema’s house in Sandown, despite media reports to the contrary. He further congratulated Tloubatla on his purchase and wished him well. Malema said the statement that he will make will give context and clarity to what has thus far transpired. Malema previously had a lot of support from his associates and members of the ruling party ANC and its alliances, as halls and stadiums would be fully occupied when he addressed the public at rallies and other political gatherings. Hundreds of his supporters flocked to the community hall in Mahwelereng, Mokopane, in August 2012 to listen to his address ahead of the party’s Mangaung conference. His court appearances would also turn into public proceedings, with members of the SAPS conducting road blocks to maintain safety and security at the venue. The League’ suspended spokesperson Floyd Shibambu recently said again that he still stands by Malema, no matter the situation currently. Malema seems to have lost support recently, as rallies and night vigils once held in his name are no longer taking place.
Government to re-open land claims Lizzy Bapela The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform has issued a harsh warning to corrupt individuals who are allegedly selling land claims application forms. Spokesperson for the department, Avhashoni Magada, said that the warning was issued in light of the planned reopening of land claims scheduled for June this year. Application forms for lodging claims, along with citizens’ manuals, will be distributed free of charge. He said communities and individuals who have failed to lodge land claims before the 1998 cut-off date are encouraged to take advantage of the window period to be opened during the course of this year. The 1998 cut-off date was not long enough for the disadvantaged community to comprehend the significance of the land claims processes. “Some of the targeted communities were not even aware of the opportunities created by the democratic government; all these were attributed to the limited window period opened for the lodging of land claims,” he said. He said the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform Mr Gugile Nkwinti became aware of this after a series of consultative workshops with land reform beneficiaries held in 2010 and 2011. The consultative workshops were conducted in order to determine the impact of land the reform program in the lives of rural people.
During these workshops, those who have benefited from land reform said that a lot of people affected by land dispossessions were left out, while land sector NGO’s said most of the affected communities were unaware of the 1998 cut-off date. After the consultative workshop, the Minister approached the cabinet to raise the concerns of the people and the response from the cabinet was positive. The ANC December 2012 conference in Mangaung deliberated on the matter and resolved on the re-opening of the land claims. President Jacob Zuma referred to the reopening during the January statement, and announced the re-opening of restitution claims during his state of Nation Address in February this year. Magada said the reopening is taking place against the back-drop of the centennial anniversary of the 1913 Natives Land Act, which was promulgated on the 19th of June, 1913. He said the department is working very hard to ensure that all legislative amendments and policy processes relating to the re-opening of the lodging of claims and the codification of the Exceptions to the 1913 cut-off date, are ready for a Presidential promulgation on the 19th of June this year. He also said that the re-opening will cater to those who may have missed out on the 1998 cut-off date and would explore exceptions to the 1913 cut-off date for heritage sites, historical land marks and for the descendants of Khoi and San communities.
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BEAT
17 May, 2013
Page 5
Photo of the Week Winter is coming It’s that time of the year again, when we all huddle close to whatever heat we can, and spend as much time as possible under blankets. Winter in South Africa is mild, compared to other countries. We who live in the Waterberg area are especially lucky, as it hardly ever gets as cold here as is normal for other parts of the country. In Sutherland, for example, negative temperatures during winter are the norm! We’re truly fortunate to rarely, if ever, be exposed to temperatures approaching zero. It’s important to remember, however, that while it may not be as cold as in other parts of the country, and certainly nowhere near as cold as it gets in the rest of the world, winter is still a dangerous time for many people. There’s the obvious danger, of course — members of the homeless population may become ill or even die during the winter months, purely from lack of protection against the cold. We urge all members of the community to donate whenever you hear of a blanket drive; they really do save lives. We also become sick more often during the winter months. Being cooped up inside, with others who may or may not be sick, causes infections to spread rapidly. Getting a flu shot is recommended, and children should be immunized against many illnesses as a matter of course — ask your health care provider whether your child has been immunized if you are not sure. The less obvious danger is, of course, fire. Fire, and the various things we use to heat our houses during winter. It seems a simple solution: if you’re cold, make a fire! But is your fire in a shielded fire pit? Are you sure that sparks from it are not being carried away from your home and into a field nearby? During winter, the veld turns into a tinderbox, and an unshielded fire may provide the spark to set it alight. If your fire is inside, is your house properly ventilated? Is enough smoke going out, and enough fresh air coming in, to keep you and your family healthy? Is anything flammable close to the fire? Is someone awake to tend the fire? Vitally: Are there any children nearby? If there are, have they been drilled on basic fire safety? Burns make up a large percentage of childhood injuries and deaths. Drilling children in basic fire safety rules will minimize their risk of being burned and teach them to treat fire with respect.
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Responsibility and the Bible Bishop Silas Tlou
Community members in Section 6 came together to help a motorist who had crashed his vehicle. Photo: Justin Seyn
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Psalm 41:2: The LORD protects and preserves them— they are counted among the blessed in the land— he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. We are often told to put our faith in the Lord, but what does that actually mean? Are we meant to go through life trusting in God to make everything turn out fine? Of course we are. But there is also an ancient saying: God helps those who help themselves. God is not going to give you the world on a silver platter. He is not going to make you rich, or healthy, or happy. He is not going to protect you from your own folly. God expects us to live according to his laws, be hardworking and kind and generous. If we obey these laws, the path before us becomes smooth, and we will encounter less misfortune. If we are hardworking, God will ensure that the rewards are fair and just. If we treat our bodies well, God will ensure that they remain healthy and serve us well. If we live justly, God will give us the opportunity to be happy. In Matthew 25:14-30, we are told the story of the master who entrusts his slaves with money before a journey. It’s a well-known tale – when he returns, he finds that one has made a great profit on the money he was entrusted with, one has made a small profit on the money, and one gives back to the master only what the master gave to him to keep. The third slave, who made no profit from the money left in his care, is punished harshly. God has given each of us certain gifts. It is our responsibility to make those gifts work for the glory of God, and not squander them in laziness and the belief that ‘God will provide.’ God will provide only if you prove yourself worthy of his help. Psalm 121:7 The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. Note that the verse says nothing about your body. If you have faith in God, he will keep your soul safe. But the protection God has given to your body comes in the form of laws you are expected to obey. If you do not obey the laws set out for you, harm may befall you. That is not punishment as it is often described, any more than the pain a child feels, having put his hand in the fire despite warnings, is punishment. Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Here, God tells us that we need not fear, for we are under his protection. Do not take that as license to be foolish. God will not protect you from your own folly. Be responsible, live your lives according to the laws God has laid out for you and be hardworking, and you will find that God will provide for you.
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17 May, 2013
Executive mayor meets business community Waterberg District Executive mayor Tlotlanang Mogotlane addressed stakeholders during a briefing session at the Bela Bela Forever Resorts recently. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela Executive mayor of Waterberg District Tlotlanang Mogotlane recently interacted with the business community of Bela Bela during a meeting that was held at the Bela Bela Forever Resorts on Saturday, 11 May. Mogotlane addressed the stakeholders during a briefing session held associated with the Waterberg Executive Mayor’s Marathon, which was held on the same day. Representatives from the local business chamber, business community and various stakeholders in Bela Bela, including the Forever Resorts management, attended the meeting. Political leadership from the Waterberg District Municipality and Bela Bela Local Municipality including Mayor Freddy Hlungwani also graced the meeting. In her address, Mogotlane said the main objective of the meeting was to urge business partners to foster sustainable partnership with municipalities in order to contribute to the economic growth and employment creation efforts within the district. She said every municipality in the country is faced with the challenge of delivering services in such a way as to promote the development of sustainable communities and local economies. “The business sector plays an important role by continuously working towards an environment conducive to community growth and development. Our district municipality has in conjunction with the resort, organised a breakfast session to provide municipalities and the business sector with a platform to network and share ideas.
LEGALS MODIMOLLE AMENDMENT SCHEME NOTICE IN TERMS OF SECTION 56(1)(b)(i) OF THE TOWN PLANNING AND TOWNSHIPS ORDINANCE, 1986 (ORDINANCE 15 OF 1986) We, Newtown Associates, being the authorised agent of the registered owner hereby give notice in terms of Section 56(1)(b)(i) of the Town Planning and Townships Ordinance, 1986 (Ordinance 15 of 1986) that we have applied to the Modimolle Local Municipality for the amendment of the Modimolle Amendment Scheme, 2004 by the rezoning of a part of the Remainder of
Portion 7 of the farm Boekenhoutspoort 364-KR, situated 8.6km east-south-east of Alma, from “Agricultural” to “Special” for a retirement village, subject to certain conditions. Particulars of the application will lie for inspection during normal office hours at the office of the said authorised local authority at the office of The Divisional Manager: Town-planning, Ground Floor, Modimolle Municipal Building, Harry Gwala Street, Modimolle, for a period of 28 days from 8 May 2013. Any person who wishes to object to the applications or submit representations in respect thereof must lodge the same in writing to Private Bag x1008, Modimolle, 0510, or lodge it with the Modimolle Local Municipality at its ad-
This meeting also aims to provide support to other stakeholders to be able to meet and exceed the demands placed by the government as a development state. It is the role of the business sector as independent and sustainable entities to voluntary support local government to meet the challenges and demands of all its stakeholders,” she said. Mogotlane said the district’s business communities are well positioned to render the kind of assistance needed to place municipalities on the road to maturity. The mayor and her office strongly believe that the focus should be on publicprivate partnerships and daring and creative ways of doing business to improve service delivery. She praised the resort for supporting community programmes such as the recent wheelchair donation that took place at the Bela Bela Community Hall and the assistance given to Raeleng Secondary School that aided it in becoming an improved learning facility and achieving better results. She also urged for continued support towards the marathon. Hlungwani urged businesses to support all government development activities taking place across the district. Manager in the officer of the executive mayor Khazamula Baloyi highlighted the work that Mogotlane has done to date in developing citizens of the district and also acknowledged her contribution. Baloyi praised his municipality for obtaining a clean audit for another financial year, encouraging other municipalities to work together with dedication and eagerness to achieve service delivery goals.
dress and room number specified above on or before 5 June 2013. Address of agent: Nicola Ludik Alto Africa Town Planning & Development Consultants P. O. Box 3007 Modimolle 0510 Tel: 076 606 6372. (17/5) MODIMOLLE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR THE DIVISION OF LAND IN TERMS OF SECTION 6(8)(a) OF THE DIVISION OF LAND ORDINANCE, 1986 (ORDINANCE 20 OF 1986) I, NICOLA LUDIK being the authorized agent for the registered owner of the following property hereby give notice in
terms of 6(8)(a) of the Division of Land Ordinance, 1986 (Ordinance 20 of 1986) that I have applied with the Modimolle Local Municipality for the division of the property described below: - Portion 5 of thr Farm Hartebeespoort 84 KR into twenty (20) portions; All relevant documents relating to the application will be open for inspection during normal office hours at the offices of the Modimolle Local Municipality, The Divisional Manager: Town - Planning, Ground Floor, Modimolle Municipal Building, Harry Gwala Street, Modimolle for a period of 28 days i.e. 17 May 2013 to 14 June 2013. Any person who wishes to object to the application or submit representations in respect thereof must lodge the same in
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Home Affairs welcomes smartcard and addresses renovation issues
The Smart ID will speed up government services. Photo: Justin Steyn Justin Steyn The Department of Home Affairs is excited about the launch of the pilot of its Smart ID card project. The project aims to speed up government services whilst cutting down crime and corruption involving identity. Home affairs Director-General, Mkuseli Apleni said that the pilot is to be released within the next six months and will involve the issuing of 2 000 Smart IDs which will allow testing of the Smart Card systems. “It will also enable government to procure the required machinery to produce the large volume of cards needed to eventually phase out the current green bar-coded ID,” Apeleni said. Apeleni added that the green bar-coded ID’s could be phased out within four
years. Government plans to have South Africans use one card for all their official requirements such as identities, licenses, social grants, and national health insurance. Apelini said that departments of transport, health and social development wanted to be involved in the project and that Home Affairs would look into how the cards could be upgraded in order to accommodate these departments. The Smart ID cards are expected to be charged at the same rates as the current ID documents. The Department of Home affairs in Bela Bela has welcomed the implementation of the Smart ID card and will inform the public when they become available. Head of Department Shirley Mokale also informed The BEAT that Home Affairs is anxious to move back to their original office in the Bela Bela Township. The old offices have been closed due to renovations and the department has relocated to the Department of Roads and Transport in Van der Merwe Street. The department is currently unable to submit temporary documents as their server has been left in their old offices until renovations are complete. “Currently we are unable to issue out all forms of temporary documentation until renovations have been completed” said Mokale. She stated that the department is able to assist in issuing all other documents.
Letamong Combined School boycotting classes
The Department of Education Circuit in Mookgophong Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba Learners at Letamong Combined School are fed up with the administrative issues plaguing the school, and have decided to go on a class boycott. This school, situated 11km out of Mookgophong, has been plagued with issues for several years now, to the point where the school has now been without a principal for writing to Private Bag x1008, Modimolle, 0510 or lodge it with the Modimolle Local Municipality at its address and room number specified above on or before the 14 June 2013. Name and address of agent: NICOLA LUDIK Alto Africa Town Planning & Development Consultants P.O.Box 3007 Modimolle 0510 Tel: 076 606 6372. (24/5) MODIMOLLE LAND USE SCHEME, 2004 Notice is hereby given to all whom it may concern that in terms of clause 23 of the Modimolle Land Use Scheme, 2004, I NICOLA LUDIK, authorised agent of the property owner intend applying to the Modimolle Local Municipal-
ity for Special Consent to use a portion of Remainder of Portion 2 of the Farm Bakovenkrans 192 KR for a place of instruction, located in an Agricultural zone. 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, or Private Bag x1008, Modimolle, 0510, within 28 days of the publication of the advertisement in the Local Newspaper, viz 17 May 2013. Full particulars and plans (if any) may be inspected during normal office hours (08:00 13:00) and (13:45 - 15:00) at the above- mentioned office, for a period of 28 days after the publication of the advertisement in the local Newspaper. Closing date for any objec-
four months. The school made headlines earlier this year with a pass rate of only 5%, with only one student actually passing matric. Other problems include the lack of a North Sotho First Language teacher, which put learners in a bad position when exam time came around. The school also does not have teachers for English in Grade 8 and 9. With only two weeks left before learners are due start exams on the 1st of June, learners tried to engage the department with their problems. So far many promises have been made, but nothing has allegedly been done. In an interview with The BEAT, a matric learner said that the Department of Education does not take the learners’ attempts to raise the issues facing them seriously. Pat Kgomo, who had promised to follow up after the 10 May article in The BEAT regarding the trouble at the school, could not be reached for comment. Peter Masemene, the manager of the circuit, said that the Department had been at the school recently to see what the troubles was. He could not, however, reveal to the media what was being done about this situation. tions: 14 June 2013. Applicant: NIKKI LUDIK P.O.Box 3007 Modimolle 0510 Tel: 076 606 6372. (24/5) BELA-BELA LAND-USE SCHEME, 2008 APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL CONSENT IN TERMS OF CLAUSE 21 OF THE BELA-BELA LAND-USE SCHEME, 2008, TO PERMIT A NURSERY SCHOOL Notice is hereby given that, in terms of Clause 21 of the BelaBela Land-Use Scheme 2008, I/ we, the undersigned intend applying to the Bela-Bela Municipality for Special Consent to establish a nursery school on Erf/Portion 614 Bela-Bela, situated at Bela-Bela. Plans and/or particulars relat-
ing to the application may be inspected during office hours at Van Der Merwe street 24 BelaBela or at the offices of the Manager: Planning and Development, Bela-Bela Municipality, Chris Hani Drive, Bela-Bela. Any person having any objections to the granting of this application must lodge such objection together with the grounds thereof in writing, with both the Manager: Planning and Development, Bela-Bela Municipality and the undersigned not later than 10th July 2013. Applicant’s Details: Full Name: ROOS PG/ ROOS TJ Address: P.O.Box 122 Bela-Bela 0480 Tel: 083 599 3397/083 765 0878. (17/5)
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17 May, 2013
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Bakwena back the UN Global Road Safety Week Lizzy Bapela The Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire (Bakwena) announced its dedicated support for the second United Nations Global Road Safety Week held from Monday 6 to Sunday 12 May. Charmaine van Wyk of Bakwena said the support is in line with its commitment to invest significantly in various road safety projects on the N4 and N1 corridors, The week drew attention to the urgent need to better protect pedestrians worldwide and generate action on the measures needed to do so. It also contributed to achieving the goal of the Decade of
Action for Road Safety 2011-2020, of saving five million lives. The awareness week was officially launched by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) on 4 May. Bakwena, which is a member of the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP-ZA), is supporting the UN Road Safety Week and has involved several primary schools in “Safe Walks” from Tuesday 7 to Wednesday 9 May. Van Wyk said the objectives in this regard include alerting motorists to the special needs of child pedestrians and urging them to slow down in the vicinity of schools. She also said that the objectives
BBUWA Celebrates Mother’s Day
include encouraging motorists to respect the 60km/h and 80km/h speed zones on rural roads. Other goals pertain to increasing teacher attentiveness to learners’ vulnerability while walking, raising awareness among learners of risks posed to them, and urging learners to use the walking and crossing facilities provided on the N1 and N4 national roads. All the participating schools had scholar patrols supported by Bakwena and Provincial Road Safety, with Bakwena providing equipment and training to these schools. The learners carried banners with slogans urging motorists to respect pe-
destrians. Bakwena CEO Graeme Blewitt said the company’s backing of the Road Safety Week is reflective of its organisational values. “Bakwena has a deep-seated commitment to protect pedestrians and motorists using our toll road, and the best way to accomplish this goal is to provide them with better road safety knowledge. It is therefore a privilege for Bakwena to be involved in the Road Safety Week, and we have no doubt that this initiative will help create a safer N1 and N4 toll route for all concerned parties, by educating them in key areas of road awareness,” he said.
SALGA municipal HIV/AIDS consultative meeting
A Bakgatla dancer performing at the BBUWA Mother’s Day celebrations. Justin Steyn The Bela Bela United Women Associated (BBUWA) celebrated their fifth day existence as well as Mother’s Day on Sunday 12 May. The celebrations took place in section 6 of the Bela Bela Township. Mothers of all ages were invited to attend the event which was hosted by BBUWA spokesperson Rebecca Magobosha. The mothers present were thanked for their hard work and contributions toward their children and society. Food and drink was served to those present and guests were entertained by the Bakgatla dance group. Magobosha told The BEAT that
BBUWA has been established in order to unite women of all races to come together and address issues they face within their communities. She added that her vision for BBUWA is to establish a sanctuary for women where they can be provided with necessities such as food and shelter. “I would like to one day have established a place where women can be looked after and fed during difficult times” she said. BBUWA is excited about their upcoming endeavors and anticipates the public’s participation. Those who would like to get involved with BBUWA can contact Rebecca on 083 532 7554.
ANC hero to be commemorated
Former ANC leader and chief whip of the Bela Bela Local Municipality, Sam Makhubela, who will be commemorated tomorrow. Photo supplied Lizzy Bapela Friends, relatives and family members of the late ANC leader Sam Makhubela will this weekend commemorate the hero during his tombstone unveiling. The ceremony will take place at the Makhubela residence at Moloto Street, Old
Location on Saturday, 18 May. Makhubela was born in Bela Bela in 1957 and went to school at Pax in Polokwane. He became active in politics during his school years and was eventually jailed due to his political involvement. He later obtained a certificate in Local Government Management at Wits University. Makhubela served in a leadership position in the ANC and its alliance partners in his time, including chairing the COSATU Bela Bela branch executive committee and the South African Communists Party (SACP). He also represented members of the Food and Allied Workers’ Union (FAWU) while working for a local bakery in the 90’s. He was a member of the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) and chairperson of the ANC in Bela Bela. At the time of his death in 2002, Makhubela was whip of the Bela Bela Local Municipality. He will be commemorated together with eight other family members. The members include his sister Beulah Makhubela, who was a member of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) until her death in 2008.
Mogalakwena mayor Tlhalefi Mashamaite, Capricorn District Municipality Executive Mayor Makgabo Mapoulo, Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale and SALGA Chairperson Mogobo Magabe lit candles during the SALGA HIV-AIDS consultative meeting. Photo supplied Lizzy Bapela Stakeholders from various organisations and representatives from communities in all local and district municipalities in Limpopo attended a municipal HIV/AIDS consultative meeting on Thursday, 9 May. The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) HIV/AIDS hosted the meeting at The Park Protea Hotel in Mokopane Mayors, executive mayors, municipal managers and senior managers, SALGA Chairperson Mogabo Magabe, Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMC’s), speakers, chief whips, councillors, HIV/AIDS Ambassadors, as well as officials and managers of the local, district and provincial offices of the Department of Health also attended. SALGA’s Provincial Executive Officer Thapelo Matlala said the meeting was aimed at ensuring that local government begins to see and treat HIV and AIDS as a development and governance issue in its approach in prevention and mitigation interventions efforts. He said the focus should be on integrating HIV programmes into the existing development, governance and poverty alleviation policies, which will require a multi stakeholder and multi sector response to the epidemic. Hosting Mogalakwena Local Municipality mayor Tlhalefi Mashamaite gave a welcome address to approximately120 delegates from member municipalities and sector departments. MEC for Health and Social Development Dr Norman Mabasa and
Limpopo premier Cassel Mathale also attended and addressed people during the meeting. The meeting also engaged leadership within municipalities to contribute supplementary efforts to mainstream issues of HIV/ AIDS in municipal planning. The meeting also provided a knowledge sharing platform, where municipal leaders and practitioners shared ideas and built on the lessons learnt from each other. Matlala said the main objectives of the meeting was to establish a common understanding of what development and governance responses to HIV and AIDS is; and to brainstorm on issues of HIV/AIDS in municipalities. He added that the meeting also aimed to find ways to strengthen implementation of HIV and AIDS strategies and to address issues of governance in relations to the pandemic. In his address, Mashamaite noted statistics stating that millions of citizens in the country are people living with HIV, moreover the HIV infection is on the rise. He said the figures “tell us that unless we join our hands today to address this unprecedented trend, the number of HIV positive amongst us will continue to grow in the coming years. South Africa is faced with a matured and generalised HIV and AIDS epidemic, which has also been described as one of the worst AIDS epidemics in the world. As the government and society we need to stand together in fighting this pandemic disease. Your response to this meeting is overwhelming and much appreciated,” said Mashamaite.
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17 May, 2013
Regional SAFA appeal case soon to be resolved
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The Kamplits Team triumphed at league games
“This week we are expecting another DC hearing which will determine the future of these two teams...” TK Mashaba The long-running appeal case between two Regional Safa teams is expected to conclude this week. The appeal case by the top Stream B teams will determine who will be the champion in Stream B, and has gone as far as the national SAFA office before coming back to the provincial office. The dispute between Dynasty and Yster United, and Mosesetjane and Simple Yellows came to be after the four teams met at Mahwereleng Stadium on the 13th of April due to a booking error. All four teams were booked to play at the stadium on that day. As neither set of players would leave the field, the match was not played. According to information received from Refiloe Khoza, an official from SAFA regional office, the four teams went to a dis-
ciplinary committee hearing (DC), which ordered a rematch for all four teams. Dynasty felt that the decision was unfair and launched an appeal, with the result that Mosesetjane and Simple Yellows played while Dynasty and Yster did not. “This week we are expecting another DC hearing which will determine the future of these two teams” Khoza said. Pat Seema of the SAFA provincial office agreed that they were hoping to wrap up the long waiting appeal case this week. These two teams are both aiming for the championship in Steam B, so that they can join Bela Bela‘s Total Surrender (Stream A ) and Lephalale’s Ocean Birds( Stream C) in the cluster’s round robin knockout before going to provincial play offs. The owner of Dynasty, Mr Clement Seopa and Mr Amet Cachala of Dynasty, could not be reached for comment.
Friendly game for Bela Bela Finest United team TK Mashaba The Bela Bela Finest United team will test their squad in a friendly match on Saturday, 18 May. The newly formed team, made up of ordinary workers and unemployed youths from Bela Bela are planning on a round robin-style friendly games with teams fielded by SASSA (South African Social Services Association) and the Bela Bela Municipality. This is going to be a test for everyone involved as they are planning a big tournament that will kick off on June 16. According to the information from Matome Sebelebele, head of the municipal team, this is a trial run of the squad ahead of the big tournament that is to set to take Bela Bela by storm. The Bela Bela Finest United team was formed after a series of annual soccer tournaments which was held every year by ordinary soccer lovers who bet and play for fun during Easter and the month of December. The new Matome Sebelebele during the Easter tournament will be held four times a year on matches. Photo supplied Easter, June 16, September and December. This is a way of closing the gap between the employed and unemployed fans, opening lines of communication. New & Used vehicles The games have now expanded so much that in June, teams from outside Bela Bela and as far as Gauteng are expected to come to play. The sporting codes will include Tel: (014) 736 2127 soccer, basketball, Fax: (014) 736 3241 netball and volleyCell: 078 782 4501 ball. email: noko@warmtoy.co.za The friendly soccer games this weekend MOPANI TOYOTA will play at Moloto 12 Potgieter Street. Bela-Bela 0480. PO Box 1061 LEAD THE WAY Stadium.
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Some of the Kamplits Volleyball players. Photo Supplied TK Mashaba The Kamplits Volleyball team made Bela Bela proud again when they won all their games at the league games matches at Seshego last week Saturday, 11 May. The Bela Bela team was one of 26 teams who attended the league, and won all their games in both ladies’ and men’s divisions. According to Kamplits coach Levy Thantsa, the team did well. They are going for other league matches on 8 July at Polokwane’s Ngoako Ramahlodi sports centre. The Bela Bela team beat Takalani team from Mopani and Univen team from Venda with scores of 2-0 in both games. Juventus from Lephalale,felt the pain when they also lost 2-0 to this high flying team. These matches were in preparation for the provincial team selection that will determine who will be going to Kwazulu Natal in September this year. Bela Bela Kampilts team under the lead-
ership of Levy Thantsha and Wilson Matlaisane are rated the best team in the province and are have six players in South African National Volleyball. The Bela Bela Kamplits Volleyball team was also invited to fly to Swaziland in January. However, lack of funds rendered them unable to attend. According to Bela Bela Kamplits head coach Levy Thantsha, the Bela Bela team was chosen as the best team in Limpopo. ‘We were chosen because we have been playing well in recent times, and this is a great achievement for my team but we still struggling with funds. We mostly have transport back up but struggle with catering and accommodation in most cases” Levy said. Thantsha thanked all the sponsors who assisted them with donations when they went to Polokwane on Saturday and he also asked anyone able to assist the team with donations to call him on 076 0169783.