2017
17 November
Community newspaper
R1-20/FREE
The BEAT
Newsrooms nationwide are abuzz about the trial of Pastor Lethebo Rabalago set for next month. Read the full report on page 3
Photos: Google
NEWS
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17 November, 2017 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Several arrests from police drugs bust Justin Steyn Several suspects were rounded up during an anti-drug operation carried out across large parts of Limpopo. According to provincial police spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe, Operantion “Zonke 6” was the cuilmination of widespread intelligence-gathering. The joint operation comprised of various police units, namely crime intelligence, a narcotics task team and the provincial drug unit, and also detectives. The pre-dawn crackdown took place in the early hours of Saturday, 11 November, from which a total of 84 suspects were arrested for the possession and dealing in drugs across the province. Nearer home, at Modimolle three suspects, aged between 29 and 43, were arrested for the illegal possession of CAT, crystal meth and the nyaope concoction. At Thabazimbi and Northam, four suspects aged between 25 and 46, were arrested for the illegal possession of several drugs and an allegedly stolen vehicle. Ngoepe said the police uncovered 44 sachets of methcathinone (CAT) and a larger bag containing the same drug weighing 500 grams. An amount of R1500 in cash was also discovered. Provincial SAPS Commissioner,
A total of 84 suspects were rounded up during the operation. Photo supplied.
Lieutenant-General Nneke Ledwaba, has commended his men for a job well done.
He said the police would not allow the province to be a drug haven, and that
syndicates would be pursuit and thrown into jail.
Bela-Bela mayor hands over RDP houses Pen is mightier than the sword
Kenneth Khoza (left) and Matome Sebelebele. Photo: TK Mashaba Wheelchair-bound Abel Ngoma was delighted to receive his new house. Photo: Lizzy Bapela councillor and member of the Waterberg Lizzy Bapela Mayoral Committee, Freddy Hlungwane, municipal officials and the project’s Bela-Bela Mayor Jeremiah Ngobeni community liaison officers. brought smiles to the most needy when he According to Bela-Bela Local symbolically handed over RDP houses to a Municipality officials, the project consists physically-challenged old man and a 55of a total of 700 RDP houses, with the 500 year-old granny. yet to be built starting from March next The occasion to hand over two of the 200 year. completed RDP houses took place at Both the beneficiaries said they were Extension Nine on Tuesday, 14 November. grateful towards the mayor’s generosity of The two allocated houses belong to spirit, and that this restored their dignity wheelchair-bound Abel Ngoma (74), and and self-worth. granny Raisibe Mbazo (55). Mayoral acting spokesperson, David The remainder of the RDP houses were Raborolo, said the gesture to Ngoma was scheduled to be occupied by its rightful symbolic at another level, in that owners in the next few weeks. November is the Month for People with Ngobeni was accompanied by ward Disabilities.
TK Mashaba A dog-eared hand-written manuscript has elevated Bela-Bela youngster Kenneth Khoza into the limelight. It all started with a visit to The BEAT offices on Tuesday, 7 November, with Khoza arriving to bounce off his autobiography written in long-hand. The BEAT Editor and published author, Johnny Masilela, touched base with, among others, Bela-Bela mayoral acting spokesperson, David Raborolo. In his email to Raborolo, Masilela explained the manuscript had the potential to be entered into a literary competition run by the provincial sports, arts and culture department. Raborolo went into action, saying Mayor
Jeremiah Ngobeni would facilitate a process whereby the book would be photocopied for purposes of entry into the competition. Socialite and author, Matome Sebelebele, volunteered to take care of the editing for the medium- to long-term. Raborolo said it was hoped on or before the 30 November deadline, the manuscript would be ready to be delivered at the competition’s headquarters in Polokwane. “Mayor Ngobeni has offered to make a vehicle and driver available to make sure Kenneth personally drops off the book at the department,” Raborolo added. Khoza said in a separate interview he started writng at Grade 10, while at Maope High School. He dropped out of school because of lack of financial support.
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NEWS
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Pastor Lethebo Rabalago set to stand trial next month It was allegedly insecticide spray all the way with the good “prophet” helping the faithful towards redemption. Photo: Google
Mzamane Ringane The beginning of the trial of “Doom” Pastor Lethebo Rabalago was expected to draw newshounds in their hundreds when he appears before the Mookgophong Magistrate’s on Monday, 11 December. The court has set aside the week from 11 to 14 December, for the 24-year-old’s trial, over allegations the Mount Zion General Assembly leader sprayed the insecticide into the faces of the faithful, as part of
their healing and redemption. Pictures of the clergyman spraying Doom into the faces of some of the members of the congregation went viral on social media, drawing condemnation all-round. According to Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe, Rabalago heard about the trial dates during a brief appearance in court on Thursday, 9 November. The suspect is currently out on warning. Investigators have charged Rabalago with a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The pastor’s initial arrest was a sequel to an incident which took place in November 2016, from which images exploded onto social media with the pastor, spraying insecticide into the faces of church members, to the horror of health authorities and elsewhere beyond.
ZCC congregation reeling in shock over shack fire at Bela-Bela TK Mashaba A post motem was being planned for this week following the shocking death of a male person – believed to be a ZCC priest - in a shack fire at Bela-Bela’s Extention 1. The shack in which the priest lived on his own went up in flames on the night of Wednesday, 8 November. Bela-Bela police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Abel Phetla, said it was suspected a male person died in the fire. He said because the deceased was burnt
beyond recognition, pathological processes were to be conducted to determine the identity of the charred remains of the male person. The shack was completely destroyed by the inferno. Phetla said neighbours tried to douse out the fire with buckets of tap water, but by the time the fire brigade and the emergncy services arrived, “it was too late.” Phetla, a member of the ZCC himself, said the congregation was still reeling in shock at the tragedy, and members were trying to come to terms with the whole incident. The cause of the fire was, at the time of going to press, still unknown.
Bela-Bela SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Abel Phetla.
Sibongile Nkomo elected local chair for traditional health practitioners forum Lizzy Bapela Community leader and traditional healer, Sibongile Nkomo, has been elected chairperson of the traditional health (THP) forum at Bela-Bela. The Leseding granny received the highest number of votes during the elections held behind close doors. The elections were conducted on the sidelines of the local traditional health practitioners forum launch on Thursday, 9 November. Bela-Bela Mayor, Jeremiah Ngobeni, welcomed the guests, and also unpacked the purpose of the event. He said the main objective of the was for forum members to brainstorm about matters of common concern, and also to elect a new committee. THP Limpopo provincial secretary, Thomas Maluleka, cautioned the traditional practitioners to work together to isolate tendencies whereby they poached patients, and also trainee sangomas, from one another. He also urged members to get directly involved in the proper legislative controls of initiation schools. The continuing national discourse over the registration of traditional practitioners also came up for discussion. Maluleka urged parents to ascertain that a traditional health practitioner was properly registered, before enlisting youngsters for the initiation season.
Traditional health practitioners perform rituals ahead of the summit. Photo: Lizzy Bapela In her acceptance speech, Nkomo nudged
traditional health practitioners to work
closely with local government authorities.
NEWS
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17 November, 2017 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
RTMC embark on a taxi rank safety drive
The Road Traffic Management Corporation took its safety campaign to the taxi rank at Bela-Bela. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) drove head-on into the Bela-Bela taxi rank to ram home its road safety message. Working in partnership with the Warmbaths Taxi Association (WATA) and
the Limpopo Department of Roads and Transport, taxi drivers were workshopped and sensitized about the importance of safe driving at all times. The campaign targeted young drivers between the ages of 18 and 35, many of them taxi drivers but some passengers arriving at the taxi rank. Cynthia Mabunda of the RTMC said the
Departmental officials during a demonstration at the taxi rank at Bela-Bela. Photo: Lizzy Bapela workshop was held with the objective to equip young drivers with knowledge with regards to road safety. She said road safety programmes were being undertaken to target the latter age group, because research worldwide had found that road accidents were the leading killer of young people. The latter age group, she said, was
identified as a high-risk population segment because they were most likely prone to risktaking flowing from peer pressure. The likewise young RTMC official, Abram Motlhake, was among the facilitators of the workshop. The campaign raised awareness about the dangers of, among others, speeding and drunk driving.
Rural Development and Land Reform deputy minister graces women’s event Lizzy Bapela The town of Bela-Bela was host to the provincial International Day of Rural Women event at Klein Kariba Holiday Resort on Tuesday, 31 October. Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Candith MashegoDlamini, presided over proceedings.
The theme for the day was recognition of rural women in agriculture and broader community development. Women from established cooperatives and organizations at provincial and district level were granted the opportunity to interact with various stakeholders. Participants included, among others, national, provincial and local government, and also state-owned enterprises.
The interaction was meant to discuss areas of common concern and to provide a platform for women to share their experiences, challenges and success stories. Departmental spokesperson in Limpopo, Avhashoni Magada, said the objective of the event was to ensure the empowerment of rural women, as agents of change in their respective communities. The event was held under the theme,
“Challenges and opportunities in climateresilient agriculture for gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls”. The first International Day of Rural Women was observed in 2008, following a United Nations resolution. In her keynote address, Mashego-Dlamini, said rural women continued to benefit from the government’s programms.
Head-on collision on the R101 claims the life of Bela-Bela woman Andries van der Heyde A 42-year old woman from Bela-Bela lost her life in a car accident which occured on the evening of Wednesday, 25 October. According to the Bela-Bela police, the accident occured at about 18:00 on the R101 en route to Modimolle. According to information received, a black Corsa bakkie, which was heading towards Bela-Bela, while a white Hino truck was traveling on the opposite direction towards Modimolle, colided with one another. The woman in question, Shoni Mbatha was traveling in the Corsa while two unknown men were travelling in the Hino truck. Police said that Mbathat was trapped in the bakkie when emergency services arrived at the scene. She was declared dead on the scene. According to Andy Gill of APAambulance services the two men escaped the accident with minor injuries. Mbatha’s husband, Vusi Mashiane, told
Shoni Mbatha. Photo supplied
The BEAT that her family will miss her dearly. She was born in Emahleni and completed her school career at the St Aquinas School. Afterwards she completed a diploma in business management at the Witbank College and worked as branch secretary at the South African Student Congress. She then later served as the secretary of the students’ representative council. At the time of her death, Shoni worked at the provincial department of health’s Waterberg district. “Shoni was addicted to her work. She did not compete against people but against time,” Mashiane said. “She also appreciated the finer things in life even though she was a simple woman. She always said, there are two kinds of women; “her and others”. Mbatha was laid to rest on Saturday, 4 November in Emahleni. Mbathata is survived by her husband and two children, Stembiso and Kentse. Sergeant Hester van Zyl told The BEAT that a case of culpable homicide had been opened.
17 November, 2017 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Hoërskool Warmbad held its annual prize-giving ceremony on Thursday, 19 October, to reward the learners for their hard work. Photos: Herman Steyn
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LETTERS Words can move mountains
Angelic Louw (Grade 8), was named as sportsleader of the year.
A regular column written for our sister newspaper, Die Pos/The Post, by The BEAT editor, Johnny Masilela, triggered widespread interest across the Waterberg and beyond. The article, based on a black perspective over farm attacks, was written within the context of Masilela’s “The Other Side of Town” regular column. By early this week the article had attracted upwards of 4 300 views within a matter of a week. Drawing readers to the column – titled “Farm attacks: through the eyes of a black journalist” – were upwards of 101. But then oops! Masilela was caught out when he referred to yesteryear heavyweight boxer Gerrie Cotzee as “Die Boomstraat Bek”, instead of Kallie Knotze. For The BEAT the article was published on page three, under the headline “Through the eyes of a black journalist”, which also attracted several views from readers. Petro Greyling Maritz: I do hope to see more articles like these in the future! In a country where extreme
journalism is strengthening walls between population groups, it’s a relief to read ‘the average guy’s’ opinion. Are we all whispering about the same fears? I never realized. Sensation may pay the bills but pieces like this can actually build relationships. Maybe there’s something to learn in talking to each other instead of speaking about each other? Johan Smal: Good article, but his boxing knowledge is slightly a mixup (oops!). Maggie Erasmus: Thank you for an excellent article. If only people who think likewise will stand up to be counted, changes to those stonehearted will crumble and we will work together. Aubrey Frohlich: If politicalattracting individuals STOP this anger, talk and encouragement of violence, nobody would believe the change in attitudes in this country. EFF with farms stolen and BLF look for trouble LAND OR DEATH.... no action is taken. Yes, the opposite also happens and it seems they are taken to task. Stop VOTE BUYING.. Adriaan Roets: Well written.
Prose inspired by Shakespeare
Blessing Samba was honoured as the top chess player of the year.
Precious Shitlane was awarded the best netball player of the year trophy.
Tshego Hlabela walked away with the best rugby player of the year award.
Thapelo Mhlanga was awarded with the trophy for the best athlete of the year.
A gentle knock at the main door into department. the newsroom. Matome suggested we make contact When the door creaked wide open, with Bela-Bela mayoral acting there he was, the young man with a spokesperson, David Raborolo, for goatie, clutching at a dog-eared whatever assistance could be offered. manuscript. Raborolo swiftly responded to my Politely he asked for TK Mashaba by email, saying Mayor Jeremiah Ngobeni name, with the latter blushing at the had been equally moved and offered a stranger who chose him as the port of driver and vehicle for Kenneth, to entry into the newsroom. personally drop off the book entry at The two got talking for a brief moment, the sports, arts and culture offices in and then TK suggested the matter Polokwane. could be better handled by the editor. By Monday, 13 November, David and The revolving chair was pushed next to Kenneth were scheduled to touch base the editor’s desk, and the young man for purposes of photocopying and and yours truly got talking. confirming the date for the dream trip For the past to Polokwane. couple of months One of the Kenneth Khoza suggestions has been writing Matome and an autobiography this editor in long-hand. bounced off The symbolism of with the it all is that in this mayor’s office, age of was that since smartphones, Kenneth had Kenneth’s shone a light circumstances for the crying forced him to need out there, work long-hand, a workshop for such as was the wannabe environment for writers be the greatest before convened in him who include, due course. LETTER FROM THE EDITOR among others, This is Johnny Masilela Casey Motsisi, something Es’kia Mphahlele, Matome and I Can Themba and Alan Paton. are keen to facilitate. Remember, Kenneth did not visit The As for Mayor Ngobeni’s generosity of BEAT to say he wanted to write like spirit, we thank you, sir, for your many others, he was ready with a understanding. complete manuscript, written longWe hope that even if Kenneth does not hand, my foot! win any of the lucrative prizes on offer, For me as a pretender to creative prose, the fact that there are aspirant writers this was oh so poignant to the point out there still working long-hand, where I had to share this with fellow someone’s conscience could be pricked author and socialite, Matome among the ranks of the judging panel. Sebelebele. The youth across the Waterberg have so Matome was on his part blown away by much to learn from this; meaning if you this remarkable story, charging that do things without resources, people who there must be a way that he could matter should take notice. nudge on the wannabe writer Kenneth. It does not help to sit back brooding I suggested to Matome that the that the leadership is doing nothing for immediate challenge was to photocopy you. the manuscript, so as to enter it in a Write to the Editor at literary competition sponsored by the beateditor@gmail.com or PO Box 16 Limpopo sports, arts and culture Bela-Bela 0480.
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ADVERTISMENTS / LEGALS
LEGALS COURT ORDER IN THE HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA (LIMPOPO DIVISION, POLOKWANE) CASE NO: 5639/2017 BEFORE THE HONOURABLE: JUDGE KGANYAGO In the matter between: RTM HARDWARE (PTY) LTD (Registration number: 2011/ 106569/07 Applicant and GUJRAT TRADERS CC t/a NOKANENG HARDWARE (Registration number: 2005/ 159382/23) Respondent Having read the documents filed of record, heard counsel and having considered the matter IT IS ORDERED THAT: 1. The Respondent is hereby placed under provisional winding up. 2. A Rule nisi is hereby issued calling upon all persons concerned to appear and show cause, if any, to this Court at 10H00 on 07 December 2017 why the Respondent should not be placed under final winding-up order. 3. Service of the Rule nisi is affected upon the Respondent at its registered address and by publication forthwith once in each of the Government Gazette and The Post / Die Pos and service must otherwise take place in accordance with the statutory provisions including service on SARS and the employees. 4. Service of this Rule nisi is effected upon all known creditors of the Respondent by prepaid registered post. 5. The costs of application are costs in the winding up. By Order of the Court Registrar 724 Witdoring Ave / Laan 724 Morelettapark P.O. Box /Posbus 13591 Hatfield, 0028 Tel: 012 997 2574 / 071 014 0261 Fax / Faks: 086 601 8215 E-mail / E-pos: casprok@gmail.com Office / Kantoor: casprok.adm@gmail.com NOTICE IN RESPECT OF A LICENSE APPLICATION IN TERMS OF THE PETROLEUM PRODUCTS ACT, 1977 (ACT NO 120 OF 1977) This notice serves to inform parties that may be interested or affected that VITEX FARMING AND PETROLEUM (PTY) LTD, hereinafter reffered to as “the applicant”, has submitted an application for a RETAIL license, application number F/2017/ 11/08/0002. KLIPBANKFONTEIN LQ 44 GEBO T35887/1985 1 Klipbankfontein Tomburke Tomburke The purpose of the application is for the
applicant to be granted a license to undertake petroleum ratailing activities as detailed in the application. Arrangements for viewing the application documentation can be made by contacting the Controller of Petroleum Products by: Telephone: (015) 230 3600; or Fax: ; or Email: Gibson.Tshisikhawe@energy.gov.za Any objections to the issuing of a license in respect of this application, which must clearly quote the application number above, must be lodged with the Controller of Petroleum Products within a period of twenty (20) working days from the date of publication of this notice. Such objection must be lodged at the following physical or postal address: Physical address: THE CONTROLLER OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS Department of Energy 18A Landdros Mare Street Postal address: THE CONTROLLER OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS Department of Energy Private Bag x9712, Polokwane, 0700. (17&24/11). BELA-BELA LAND-USE SCHEME, 2008 Notice is hereby given to all whom it may concern, that in terms of Clause 21 of the Bela-Bela Land-Use Scheme, 2008, and read with section 2(2) and the relevant provisions of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, 2013 that URBANSIGNAL (PTY) LTD, intend applying to the Bela-Bela Local Municipality for special consent for the construction and operation of a 25m high telecommunications tree mast and base station on Erf 1311 Warmbaths. Full particulars and plans may be inspected during normal office hours at the office of the applicant at the address included below or at the Office of the Manager: Planning and Development, Bela-Bela Municipality, Chris Hani Drive, Bela-Bela. Any objection, with the grounds therefore, shall be lodged with or made in writing to both the applicant at the address mentioned below and The Manager: Planning and Development, Bela-Bela Municipality, Private Bag x1609, BelaBela, 0480, within 28 days of the date of the first publication of this notice, viz 17 November 2017. Closing date for objections: 15 December 2017 Applicant: URBANSIGNAL (PTY) LTD Street address: 38 22nd Street, Menlo Park, 0081 Postal Address: P.O. Box 35881, Menlo Park, 0102 Tel: (012) 346 0911 Email: rf@urbansignal.co.za Our Ref: AT0037 – (ATLM063) Gereformeerde Kerk Warmbad (17&24/11).
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Peter Mashego on charity drive
Bele-Bela businessmasn and go-getter, Peter Mashego and Annie Ngobeni with the groceries. When Mashego heard about the plight of the Ngobeni family, he did not shrug off his shoulders to say it was not his business. Hoping his generosity of spirit should inspire others out there. Photo supplied
Tel: (011) 447-1264/5/6
COPYRIGHT
Lizzy Bapela A tuck-shop owner from Bela-Bela’s Extension 8, Peter Mashego (aka 90), ploughed back to the most needy, helping a destitute family in Phomolong section. Hlamalani Annie Ngobeni lives with her five children, including one who is mentally challenged, in an RDP house with the entire family without jobs. The businessman donated groceries, household electrical appliances, and settled the extended family’s outstanding municipal account. Mashego told The BEAT, a local resident, Mbriki Nicolaus saw the woman, fetching wood to cook in the rain and was touched, as he learned of the conditions in which the family was living in.
Nicolaus then notified Mashego as a friend. Mashego and Nicolaus then visited the family. He said the situation at the house was very touching and heartbreaking, and that it would be difficult to turn a blind eye.
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NEWS / SPORT
Tears of joy at the annual Mmampatile Primary School awards
Mahlatse Moela (Grade 7) was the best learner in Natural Sciences and was also awarded the prestigious 2017 Best academics certificate.
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Photos: TK Mashaba
Flora Lehodi (Grade 7) was awarded best Mathematics and Sepedi certificates.
Ororiseng Tsoku (Grade 7) awarded received the best social science certificate and best English language award.
Semakaleng Manikuse (Grade 7) received the best academics accolade.
Keatlegile Ncube (Grade R) received the certificate for best academics.
Back to basics for Palala FC
Field guide scoops national award Isaiah Banda scooped the first prize as Field Guide of the Year during the Lilizela Awards. Photo supplied
It’s back to basics for Palala Giant Killers FC. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Justin Steyn
Mzamane Ringane Waterberg’s last hope for the Nedbank Cup, Palala Giant Killers FC of Lephalale, was sent tumbling from the lucrative competition by Brazil FC of Capricorn during roundrobin fixtures played at Jane Furse Stadium. Brazil FC won the match 3-2. Palala Giant Killers FC started the provincial preliminaries on a high, beating Mpheni Home Defenders FC of Vhembe with a narrow 1-0 margin. The Lephalale team emerged regional winners in the Waterberg, after accounting for Modimolle Troublemakers FC, beating them 1-0. It is quite a mountain to climb for the ultimate SAB Regional League Limpopo
provincial winners, Mariveni United FC of Mopani, who are billed to do battle with the provincial higher-level ABC Motsepe Cup winners in the Nedbank Cup. Mariveni FC have a date with Molemole Academy FC at Nkowa-Nkowa Stadium in Tzaneen on Sunday, 19 November. The winner at Nkowa-Nkowa Stadium qualifies for the last 32 of the Nedbank Cup, a stage where money starts rolling in, meaning all 32 teams receive a guaranteed cheque of R100 000 each. At the last 32 stage teams have the rare opportunity to be featured against soccer giants such as Kaizer Chiefs FC, Orlando Pirates FC and Mamelodi Sundowns FC. It is indeed at this stage that professional soccer scouts descend on these fixtures looking for talent.
Local field guide, Isaiah Banda, has scooped the national award for field guide of 2017 during the Lilizela Awards on Sunday, 29 October. These awards recognize and reward tourism players and businesses who work passionately and with pride to deliver a worldclass service. In addition, the judges consider a service which contributed to the potential growth towards South Africa’s global destination competitiveness. The BEAT sat down with a humbled Banda, who works for Mabula Game Lodge outside Bela-Bela, said he was not only happy to receive the award, but also shared some of the secrets from his success. He has been a field guide in a career dating back 11 years. “A good field guide conveys a sense of welcoming to his or her guests. They must feel welcome in your environment, especially when they are foreigners from
another country,” he said. Banda explained that professional field guides are involved in a heap of activities with their guests, and go the extra mile to entertain them. “In my case I take visitors for game drives, cheetah walks and sundowners. I do my utmost to keep them active and entertain them with each activity,” he said. Banda also said that the field guide work is not without its challenges. “It can be challenging, especially if guests are from another country, and they don’t speak English. The language barrier is a common hurdle in the industry and it is up to the guide to find a resolute way of understanding,” he said. He also said that technology also tends to cause interruptions during a trail experience. “Unfortunately not every guest that you come across will understand the often dangerous situations one may face in the middle of a trail. People answer their phones or don’t put them on vibrate (mode). “This puts the guest in danger especially when dangerous animals are nearby and guides have to think on their feet to ensure the safety of their guests,” he said. Apart from the Lilizela Awards, Banda said he would like to win the Field Guide Association of South Africa (FGASA) excellence awards. “These awards recognize guides in various and individual manners, instead of in just a collective group. This is the next award I would like to win,” he said.
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SPORT
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First three points for Opleft FC Mzamane Ringane New kids on the block, Opleft United FC of Bela Bela, collected its first three points of the season, thanks to a walkover victory over Maxoma FC. Opleft United FC was scheduled to lock horns with Modimolle Home Defenders FC at the Ephraim Mogale Stadium on Saturday, 18 November. Tail-enders Maxoma FC of Roedtan forfeited a crucial three points, after failing to honour their weekend away fixture at Bela-Bela against Opleft FC, on Saturday, 11 November. Maxoma FC will this week host Bela-Bela Pirates FC, who are still oozing with confidence following a 2-1 victory over Celtic FC. Bela-Bela Pirates FC is second on the league log standings, with Boys 2 Men FC at the summit. Celtic FC, yet to win a match this season, would travel to Mookgophong
Bussel FC (pink) and Celtic FC are yet to win a match in the SAB League this season. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
to square off with Junior Stars FC. Junior Stars FC shared the spoils in a 1-all draw with reigning SAB Regional League (Stream A) champions, Rapotokwane Qualitho FC last weekend. Rapotokwane Qualitho FC was fixtured to travel to BelaBela for a tussle with the local Diesel N Dust FC at Sunfa Stadium. Bela-Bela Diesel N Dust FC, at number three on the log standings, enter the fixture like wounded tigers, and hope to make amends after going down 2-1 at the hands of Modimolle Troublemakers FC. The loss sent the Bela-Bela team tumbling from top to third position on the SAB Regional League log standings. In other weekend fixtures, pace-setters Boys 2 Men FC, who triumphed 2-0 over Bussel FC last weekend, was scheduled to welcome Modimolle Troublemakers FC.
Elderly rugby thrower wins gold in KwaZulu-Natal Justin Steyn Bela-Bela resident Cornelius Sepeng has put the town on the map after obtaining a gold medal at the Golden Games held in the KwaZulu-Natal capital of Durban from Sunday, 22 October to Saturday, 28 October. According to David Mpedi, chairperson of the Golden Star Old Age
Club, Sepeng participated in the rugby throw segment of the games. According to Mpedi, rugby throw is a sport played by mostly senior citizens, who would be required to throw Cornelius Sepeng. the egg-shaped Photo supplied rugby ball into plastic circles. “When the balls are thrown into the circles, the player will pace back a few metres, and throw the balls into the three hoops again. They will then move back even further and throw the balls into the hoops for a third time,” Mpedi explained.
Sepeng managed to throw perfect bulls’ eye shots during the games and won himself a gold medal. He explained Sepeng had to win a series of regional preliminary games, before qualifying to participate at national level. A victory celebration for Sepeng is planned to take place on Wednesday, 6 December, at the Forever Resorts. The club is asking for donations for this endeavour and Mpedi can be contacted on 083 999 6587.
Makhubela falls short of national honours TK Mashaba Bela-Bela’s volleyball personality Michael Makhubela has fallen short of being declared South African Sports Administrator of the Year at a gala dinner at Emperor’s Palace in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. Limpopo’s sports administrator of the year, Makhubela, is the coach at Bela-Bela’s Kamplits Volleyball Club. In recent weeks he won the Limpopo leg of the award, scooping R20 000 prizemoney. The South African Sports Administrator of the Year Award was won by Sanelisiwe Khuzwayo, from KwaZulu-Natal. On the short list was also Dylan
Makhubela with Caster Semenya on the occasion of the awards. Photo: supplied
Tommy, president of Lifesaving SA. Limpopo wonder-girl Caster Semenya, was named Peoples’ Choice SA Sports Star of the Year, and also South African Sports Woman of the Year. The main award for the South African Sports Star of the Year was scooped by Luvo Mnyonga. Makhubela started as a player for the much-decorated Kamplits Volleyball Club in his youth from 1994 to 1995. He later became the head coach at Kamplits Volleyball Club from 2005 to 2012, before rising to be president of Limpopo Volleyball. He has since disclosed he would donate his R20 000 winnings to his players, who were preparing for regional African championships in Zimbabwe next month.