Locals on SONA
Mookgophong
water ‘safe to drink’
P. 4
R1-20/FREE
2016
19 February
Mzamane Ringane According to the 2014 Blue Drop Report which was made available to the public on Wednesday, 10 February, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has found that the drinking water quality management practices within the Mookgophong Local Municipality was unacceptable. Mookgophong saw a decline from the 2014 Blue Drop score by scoring 26.40%, compared to the 2012 report where the municipality scored 32%. The Blue Drop (BD) Certification Programme serves to regulate drinking water quality based upon legislated norms and standards. This is a programme where the municipal water supply systems are audited by the DWS to ensure that consumers are being supplied with water that is safe to drink. The DWS has indicated that the challenges experienced by the municipality appear to relate to management capacity. This is shown by the fact that the required information was not submitted during the Blue Water Services Audit and that the Mookgophong Local Municipality did not even attend the confirmation audit. “It is regrettable that, once again, the DWS has found the drinking water quality management practices within the Mookgophong Local Municipality to be unacceptable. There was also a notable decline in the municipality’s Blue Drop score compared to the 2012 report. The Inspector asked the question: “Why is the WSA (Water Service Authority) not achieving a much higher score? There appears to be a challenge related to management capacity, shown by the fact that the required information was not submitted during the Blue Water Services Audit and although they were allowed an additional two months after the assessment to submit and upload information, no supplementary information has been forthcoming,” the report stated. Something that was unlikely to please the residents of Mookgophong was that the DWS was seriously concerned about the poor drinking water quality and the subsequent risk to consumers supplied by the Mookgophong water supply system. Mookgophong Municipal spokesperson Naphtally Tlhoaela could not be reached for comment. Tlhoaela was, however, quoted on News 24 reassuring the public that the water at Mookgophong was safe for human consumption. Tlhoaela was quoted saying that the municipality has appointed capable officials to ensure that the water is fit to drink.
Mookgophong Municipality recently made headlines following the publication of the town’s Blue Drop Status report. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
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CRIME
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19 February, 2016 Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Sheriff in hot water for allegedly breaching court order Justin Steyn A warrant of arrest may be issued against the Sheriff of the Court in Bela-Bela, Dorothy Seleka (41). This comes after Seleka had apparently breached a court order that had been enforced on her in December. On 17 December 2015, Seleka was found guilty of stealing a coffee machine worth over R31 000, from Gerhard Human’s business in January of 2013. At the time Human ran what is described as a “three-inone” business, a take away, pawn shop and auction store in Industria Road Bela-Bela. According to Human’s testimony, the coffee machine had been standing in the take-away section of his business. He said that Seleka had asked if he was interested in selling the machine. Human said that Seleka had frequently visited and asked about the coffee machine.
On the day that the coffee machine was stolen, Human said that an inventory list of items were auctioned from Julie Con, an expired business. The auction was apparently done by Seleka. Human said that he noticed that the machine was missing from the premises shortly after the auction. Human instructed his wife, Vanessa, to investigate and the theft was then reported to the local police. He added that the machine was returned to them a few hours later by a policeman who allegedly told him that since the machine had been discovered, there was no need for a case to be opened. “Since the machine was damaged and not discovered on the business property I immediately requested that a case of theft be investigated,” he said. According to Seleka the machine was accidentally loaded up with the other items. She has also denied having any interest in
Legal representation stalls murder case
the machine. During sentencing, Magistrate Theuns Prinsloo ruled that the machine had deliberately been taken since the auction store was situated away from the takeaway store where the machine was kept. Prinsloo said that the crime is of a serious nature and cannot be allowed to go unpunished. He therefore sentenced Seleka to 18 months imprisonment but added that her incarceration will not take immediate effect and that she is ordered to repay an amount of R 2 000 by the second day of each month. In a telephonic interview Seleka’s attorney, Michael Erasmus, said that an appeal against the sentencing is in progress. Human said that to date he has only received his first repayment on 11 January and is waiting for the second instalment. He warned that a warrant for her arrest may be ordered if payments are late.
12 murder accused acquitted of all charges Justin Steyn
Clifford Cawood (left) and Hercules Delport are alleged to be involved in a brutal murder that took place in Bela-Bela last year. Several body parts have been discovered that could be related to the incident. Photo: Andries van der Heyde Justin Steyn Absent legal representation has slowed down court proceedings against two men accused of murder. The men, Clifford Cawood (30) and Hercules Delport (47), are accused of abducting and murdering an unidentified man who resided in Modjadjiskloof, Tzaneen. They made their first Regional court appearance on Friday, 12 February. It is believed that Cawood and Delport abducted the man and took him to a secluded area in Bela-Bela, murdered him, and scattered his remains. Cawood was arrested in December by the Bela-Bela Police while Delport was arrested in Boksburg, Gauteng in January. Delport was allegedly involved in the murder and was also arrested for being in possession of an illegal firearm. Delport is currently represented by Legal Aid while Cawood is still seeking legal
representation by a private attorney. The matter has been postponed to Tuesday, 22 March. Both men remain in custody, Cawood at the Kgosi Mampuru II prison and Delport at the Bela-Bela police station. On Thursday, 23 July last year, a severed arm was found by Wilson Aphiri, a Department of Water and Sanitation employee, near a water purification plant at Roodepoort. “I was working with a water pump and when I walked back to my car, I saw the arm lying on the ground,” Aphiri said. Aphiri said that he was so shocked by what he had seen that he left the area immediately and reported his find to the local authorities. The arm has since been linked to the alleged murder committed by Cawood and Delport. Other body parts, including a skull and torso, have been discovered and may be linked to the same alleged murder. The identity of the alleged victim has not yet been confirmed.
Twelve Pienaarsrivier residents walked out of the Bela-Bela Magistrates court, cleared of the murder charges against them. Thokozile Nkosi (48), Johannes Semetsing (35), Mapule Mabosela, Tlou Sebatjani (52), Jack Nkwana (28), Mpho Moseamedi (25), John Chabalala (32), Nhlenyane Mashiyo (48), Amos Matlala (35), Rachel Tshabalala (26), Reuben Chabalala and Collen Chabalala (21) were charged with the murder of Pankop resident William Moikanyane at Selokong in Pienaarsrivier on Friday, 28 August last year. Moikanyane was accused of stealing from the community in the early hours of that day and was allegedly attacked by members of the community. Paramedics from the provincial Emergency Medical Services said that they were called to the scene and found that the victim had been badly beaten with knobkerries and was surrounded by members of the local community. “When we arrived at the scene we saw that the man was unconscious and tied up with a rope. He was bleeding heavily. Several bystanders threatened to kill us as when we tended to him and claimed that he had been stealing from them,” said one paramedic. Following a five-month investigation, the senior public prosecutor, Renier van Rooyen, said that the state had not provided enough evidence that Moikanyane’s death was a result of murder. He decided that the murder charges are to be dropped against the twelve, and said that an informal inquest should be conducted into Moikanyane’s death. Thirteen other residents are currently being investigated for charges of public violence on the day of Moikanyane’s death.
Mookgophong produces first female driver for Working on Fire Limpopo
Working on Fire Limpopo’s first female driver Sekie Lekalakala of Mookgophong. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela “If it has four wheels, then Sekie can easily drive it.” A dream came true for Working on Fire Limpopo’s driver Sekie Lekalakala of Mookgophong when she was crowned the first female driver for WoF in the province. Lekalakala joined WoF as a firefighter in September 2010. She heard from her friends that the programme was recruiting firefighters and she promptly applied. She sailed through the recruitment process at WoF which secured her a spot as a firefighter. She said that she was motivated by the women who were driving Samil trucks during the wildfire congress held in Rustenburg in 2011, and knew immediately that she also had to be behind the steering wheel. She saw herself in that position. She had a Code 10 driver’s licence, and had driven a truck before. She said that her colleagues laughed at her when she first told them, but when they saw how serious she was they became supportive. “Sekie applied to be a driver on 24 September 2014 and went through the necessary training which she passed without any hassles. She proved that she was born to drive a truck,” said WoF Limpopo spokesperson Matema Gwangwa “She passed her probation in February 2015 and was authorised to be a Samil truck driver,” she said. Lekalakala said that her highlight moment was driving the fire truck as if she was driving a bakkie, which earned her some respect among her male colleagues. Her only challenge, she says, is working far away from home and from her two lovely children, but she is lucky because her sister looks after them in her absence. “I am very blessed to have a supportive family and colleagues who always encourage me to look beyond my capabilities and work harder towards reaching my dream of being the first woman to drive a Samil in the province,” she said. Lekalakala would like to see herself as a transport manager one day and she believes she will be able to get there through hard work, determination, respect and her willingness since everything is possible with WoF, offering support to its beneficiaries.
19 February, 2016 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Rift threatens within Bela-Bela Municipality
GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
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Bela-Bela Mayor speaks out against underage drinking “Alcohol is not for children”
Two actors acted out a drama about alcohol abuse at the community hall. Photo: TK Mashaba
It is becoming apparent that relations in the Bela-Bela Municipality are unstable, and that a conflict of interest exists between certain council members, such as Mayor Nhlapo and Municipal Manager Morris Maluleka. Photo supplied Andries van der Heyde Police and security officers manned the gates to Bela-Bela’s Forever Resorts on Thursday, 11 February, while council members held an allegedly illegal special council meeting. The BEAT’s sister paper, The Post, was able to gain access to the meeting. DA members were also later admitted to the meeting. Half of the ANC council members stormed out of the meeting halfway through, but returned later only to find the doors locked against them. The council members who were locked out of the meeting attempted to gain entry to the meeting through the hall’s entrance and the back of the building, but did not succeed. Before the speaker, Elizabeth Maluleka, could start the meeting, DA council member Kobus van der Merwe stood to read laws indicating that the meeting was being held in an illegal manner and contrary to municipal ordinances. During the previous meeting the agenda was not made available, and according to Bela-Bela Mayor Lucas Nhlapo officials at the provincial level insisted that the meeting proceed. Municipal Manager Morris Maluleka did not attend the meeting and was, according to some sources, never invited. After the attendees took a brief break,
representatives of the Sherriff arrived and handed over legal documents to the council members. Maluleka had apparently given orders through his legal representatives that the documents should be delivered to each of the council members who attended the illegal meeting. The documents warned that the meeting was irregular and that the meetings amount to slanderous behaviour and communication with regard to allegations against Maluleka. The documents also said that the council members acted irregularly in holding the meeting at a private premises instead of the municipal council chambers, and alleged that the Mayor is attempting to paint him as corrupt and untrustworthy. The documents said that if such meetings were to occur again, the municipality would be taken to court. The meeting was once again brought to a halt, but The Post’s reporter managed to get his eyes on the agenda. The points under discussion included Maluleka, a number of Municipal contracts, poor financial performance, debt collection, and the municipal Eskom bill. The agenda said that the municipality wanted to dismiss the municipal manager in response to allegations that he cancelled municipal contracts and misspent municipal funds. The Mayor and Maluleka could not be reached for comment.
Dr Malinga got everyone dancing with his songs and dance moves. Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba The South African Brewery workshop about underage drinking was held at the Bela-Bela Community Hall on Saturday, 13 February. The workshop was attended by the youth and graced with the presence of the Bela-Bela Mayor, Lucas Nhlapo. In his address Nhlapo said that the youth should be focusing on their studies and not alcohol. “Alcohol is not for children, as you can see the restriction age on their beverages even older people are urged not to abuse it,” said Nhlapo. Stakeholders who attended the event included the Department of Social Development, Light of Africa and other NGO’s who are working on the fight against drugs and substance abuse. Josiah Ramalekana of Light of Africa said that this was a great initiative from SAB.
“We are experiencing a high rate of alcohol abuse in this township and the disturbing issue is that even underage children are drinking alcohol.” Ramalekana said that it was high time children stopped drinking and abusing alcohol and focused on uplifting their lives through getting an education. “Peer pressure has always been there and it will always remain but it takes a strong character to win against peer pressure,” he said. The audience was given numbers to dial if they needed help or counselling concerning alcohol abuse. They later watched a live educational drama performance about two friends who were abusing alcohol. Dr Malinga spoke to the young people about staying away from drugs and alcohol and left the audience begging for more after his singing and dancing performances.
Concerned resident challenges Modimolle Municipality Mzamane Ringane Levy Mpya, a concerned resident from Modimolle Freedom Park, extension 7, has expressed dissatisfaction towards Modimolle Local Municipality following years of waiting for service delivery. “Our “bosses” decided yet again to ignore our humble plea to install street lights at the remaining streets of Freedom Park and instead decided to improve a small area next to it and convert it to a park. It was done perfectly, well fenced with a stage and lights installed within three days. Yes, even street lights and they are functioning very well,” said Mpya. Mpya alleges that poles and electrical equipment allocated for Freedom Park were delivered and later taken away to another section.
The new recreation park which was built next to Freedom Park. Photo: Mzamane Ringane the place is next to the area which is He says residents were told at that time without lights, why don’t you just continue that they would be considered during the to put lights at that area that was left out so next financial year. “That was three to four years ago. Brother, many years ago?” Mpya questioned. Mpya told The BEAT that about a month sister, we are still waiting for the next ago, the municipality erected poles in a financial year. The point is, we are not small portion of the area to which nothing against celebrations or parties at ‘The Park has been connected as yet. ko Sporong’. No, we support that whole On Monday 15 February, Modimolle heartedly. We are also happy that you improved that place within a short period of Local Municipality spokesperson Patrick Shika told The BEAT that the project to time. What we are saying now is that, since
install a total of 100 street lights at the Freedom Park area was at an advanced stage,. “As we speak, the project has resumed and a total of 100 street lights will be installed at Freedom Park Extension 7. Under normal circumstances the contractors do not work during December, and that is why work was briefly halted during the holidays. The project is currently 70-80% complete,” Shika said. On the issue of poles being moved from one section to the other, Shika said they had to complete Phase 1 before they could start working on Freedom Park which was under Phase 2. On the issue of the fast pace that the municipality used to complete the new park, Shika said every project has a stipulated period of completion. He said an electricity project required a much more time than a recreational park.
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GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
19 February, 2016 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
The people’s views on SONA 2016 by President Jacob Zuma
Thabang Sephai Bela-Bela Development Education Portfolio leader. Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba The State of the Nation Address 2016 was held last week Thursday, 11 February in Cape Town, and a live broadcast was televised on SABC 2. With so much having been said during the event in Parliament, the media and on social media, the people of the Waterberg area also have their views on the address. Tshepo Matjila Executive Director of BelaBela Development Committee (DEVCO) said that even setting aside the objections by the EFF, he believes the SONA was flat and uninspiring. “What we are hearing from President Zuma is that government is moving towards fiscal consolidation by looking at cutting waste, improving efficiencies and governance in State-owned companies and cutting down on the two state capitals (Cape Town and Pretoria),” said Matjila. “What is not clear is how they will shore up small businesses and improve unemployment,
Mookgophong SAPS extends gratitude to local CPF
Tshepo Matjila Executive Director of Bela-Bela Development Committee (DEVCO) Photo: TK Mashaba
Isaac Ravat, a Bela-Bela artist. Photo: TK Mashaba
Hloni Cassie Kunene a magazine journalist from Mabatlane. Photo supplied
especially among the youth. What happened to the youth wage subsidy? Does it still exist? How many young people have benefited from it? My view is where it matters the SONA failed dismally in addressing the bread and butter issues of our people,” he added. Hloni Cassie Kunene, a magazine journalist from Mabatlane said: “Well apart from the disappointing fact that the EFF caused a huge distraction during the SONA, the truth is they made valid points but lacked the proper approach.” “It was also disappointing to see the President read out his speech word for word, it had me wondering if he had any clue what he was talking about or was he just reading out what was written for him with no care whatsoever if it all made sense to the people of South Africa,” she said. She further said that the SONA lacked important information. For example nothing was said about the #FreeEducation #FeesMustFall movement and nothing was said about the places in our country that are
facing draught. “The President went on to say State Owned Enterprises were doing well and like many other South Africans who know this was not true I was confused trying to figure out which state owned enterprises he was talking about. State owned enterprises such as Eskom, the Post Office, South African Airways, the SABC and Transnet to mention but a few are actually not making any profit but running at a loss. A lot of things were not mentioned in the SONA and that has left me with more questions than I had before sitting down to listen to the SONA,” said Kunene. Isaac Ravat, an artist from Bela-Bela said he didn’t get answers regarding the government’s plans for the 8.3 million jobs that were lost in the past few years. “I don’t think we really got an explanation about why he changed the Minister of Finance so many times in a space of a few days, which in turn cost the country about 500 billion economy wise. Every year the president repeats the same
thing regarding the xenophobia issue, but he hasn’t really come up with a plan to resolve this issue. And one thing that is overlooked is the political violence, we need to hear how they going to tackle this issue, every year lives are lost due to politics,” said Ravat. Thabang Sephai Bela-Bela Development education portfolio leader, said: “My president should have addressed the fees must fall campaign in detail, explain how the state will intervene to ensure that the students study without worry of exorbitant fees being charged at institutions of higher learning. He should have also made a statement on the axing of Nene and also about the Nkandla debacle. “Most of the things he talked about were a repetition of SONA 2015 and he did not mention anything about the small business department and its achievements in the past year which is critical for the small businesses in communities. On a lighter note, for the first time the President was able to control his laughter,” said Sepahi.
Thabazimbi celebrates Wetlands Day Steven Khoza of the Marakele’s scientific research division addressed the attendees. Photo supplied
Lizzy Bapela The police in Mookgophong have extended their gratitude to all members of the Ward 5 Community Policing Forum, following a breakthrough in arresting members of a syndicate from Mokopane who have allegedly been terrorising the local community. The arrest took place on Saturday, 13 February and Sunday the 14th, after the committee’s chairperson was tipped off about the syndicate. The committee arrested five alleged members of the syndicate, who are believed to rob people of their personal belongings. All of the suspects appeared before the Mookgophong Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 15 February on charges of common robbery and assault. Four of the suspects were released because of a lack of substantial evidence linking them to the crimes. Police spokesperson Warrant Officer George Ledwaba said that the police are thankful to the CPF members for their efforts and dedication to what they do. He added that their efforts will never go unnoticed and the police continue to encourage a strong partnership between them and the committee. Furthermore, the police highlighted that the community should stay alert at all times and always alert the police should they encounter criminal activities. Meanwhile, a man in the area extended his gratitude to the local police for their commitment in their work. The man had his bicycle stolen while he was doing some shopping in town on Wednesday, 10 February. Warrant officer Ledwaba said that after being notified of the crime, the police searched for the bicycle and found it the same day.
Attendees took an excursion to the Matlabas wetland for further practical experience. Photo supplied Lizzy Bapela This year’s event to celebrate World Wetlands Day was held at the Marakele National Park in Thabazimbi. Learners from the local primary school, Deo-Gloria, also took part in the celebrations held on Tuesday, 2 February by presenting the knowledge that they have on the importance of wetlands. The event is aimed at raising awareness on the deteriorating status of wetlands across the globe. The theme of the day for the last couple of years has been focussed mainly on the protection of wetlands for future generations.
Spokesperson for the SANParks Northern Region, Divhani Maremba outlined the main objectives of celebrating the event. These included among others, education on the different kinds of wetlands and how to identify them, the importance of having wetlands from an ecological and economical prospective, and how wetlands act as natural water purifiers. Maremba said it was fundamental that their scientific research division team attended the event to educate the attendees on how wetlands work and with specific reference given to the Matlabas Wetland, which is within the Marakele vicinity. The team members Steven Khoza, Tshegofatso Moremedi and Elias Mthimkhulu gave a
presentation on the identification of a wetland and how the scientific research team conducts their regular inspection and monitoring on the Matlabas Wetland which is categorized as a Peatland. The event proceeded with an excursion to the Matlabas wetland for further practical experience of the ecological and economical value that it has at Marakele National Park. The team answered questions for learners and staff members about the Matlabas wetland. Khoza also urged learners to take an interest in wetlands and maybe also pursue a career within the field seeing that there are very few African wetland ecologists within the industry.
19 February, 2016 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
May 2015
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Thabo Marema, a Bela-Bela resident, writes: It is time now that someone says something, it is all our responsibility as ANC members, supporters, followers and ordinary members of the society. The issue of racism, unemployment, poverty and economic development is not one man’s or one party show, this is not Zuma’s or ANC’s responsibility, remember South Africa belongs to all who live in it. Personally I am disappointed with some of my comrades because they are being irresponsible. The past few weeks we have seen some ANC branches failing to re-launch because some comrades are power hungry and some when elected they fail to deliver. COSAS and ANCYL of our times were fighting for non-racialism, free education and youth empowerment; nowadays people are calling
themselves kingmakers, simply because of tendepreneuring or power mongering. The ANC of yesteryears is no more, therefore it’s time now that we as ANC members, supporters and followers we do some soul searching, we need to put the interests of the community before our political or personal interests. Its high time that somebody stands up and says something, Bela-Bela is underdeveloped, there is no housing for the middle class but the Sam Makhubela’s, Jonas Setati’s and Lucky Mokonyane’s of this township have done so much politically only for some cowards to come and benefit and forget about the community. It’s time now that the ANC do something or we are really going nowhere. I am deeply saddened by the controversies surrounding the launching of some of the ANC branches in BelaBela, because it seems some people see the ANC as a vehicle for personal enrichment. I am no longer going to stand by and watch the ANC of Chris Hani, Joe Slovo and Harry Gwala be abused, therefore I appeal to ANC members to stay vigilant of the third force amongst our membership and let us all go and vote and make sure that Madiba’s legacy of a non-racial South Africa is preserved.
Manicks Mpunwana, chairperson of PAC Bela-Bela, writes: Last year our municipality hired bakkies, tractors and trucks. Now in 2016, they are making the same mistake. Why don’t they buy the vehicles with our money instead of paying more in instalments? The Pan-Africanist Congress says that this is enough. We are going to take action. We have realized that the councilors are misusing the money of the community. They have made their decision, hiring these vehicles without informing the community. The community must know the truth and we, as the PAC, are going to protect the money of the community. 4.2 Million Rand was misused by our councilors in 2015 at the BelaBela Municipality. That money was supposed to have been used in Extension 9 to build houses, but our councilors take that money, and use it to develop parks and roads instead. They have forgotten who feeds them. As the Pan-Africanist Congress of Azania, we want to remind those councilors that houses are more important than roads and parks — people sleep in houses, not parks and roads! People in Extension 9 and Zuma View are suffering because they have no houses, but the money is being misused.
Lizzy Bapela Bela-Bela’s Spa Park Primary School celebrated Valentine’s Day on Friday, 12 February with two events. A beauty pageant was held for the learners at the school to crown Mr. and Miss Valentine in junior and senior levels, while a Valentine’s Ball was held later at the Dienssentrum Hall for the parents. The school management team and SGB
members, with the support staff members formed part of both the events, with a live jazz band entertaining the crowd at the ball. The band, Banapele Music Entertainment extended gratitude to their sponsors and the artists for helping them raise funds for the school’s two projects, which were rated a success. The sponsors include KFC, PNA, Libelula Gifts and Crafts, Belind’s Sewing and Training Centre, Mom’s and Todd’s, Mokgobu Attorneys and Majankrap Entertainment group.
The school’s senior contestants made a circle as they showed off their talent. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
The Spa Park’s Miss Valentine’s junior candidates lined up to compete in the pageant. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Hendrick Dlamini and Bianca Mabunda were crowned senior Spa Park’s Mr and Miss Valentine’s 2016. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
The top three winners of the Miss Valentine’s junior level. From left is second princess Precious Makgopa, the queen Momo Marukwa and first princess Amanda Molutsi. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
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Spa Park Valentine’s events
May 2015
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
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ADVERTISMENTS / LEGALS
LEGALS CONSENT USE ON ERF 169, WARMBATHS TOWNSHIP, BELA BELA Notice is hereby given in terms of clause 21 of the Bela Bela Land Use Scheme, 2008, that the undersigned, being the authorised agent, intends applying to the Bela Bela Municipality for special consent to use erf 169, Warmbaths, Bela Bela and/ or buildings thereon for the purpose of a Residential office. Objections to or presentations in respect of the application must be lodged with or made in writing to: The Municipal Manager at the above address or Private Bag x1609, Bela Bela, 0480, within a period of 28 days from 19 February 2016 Further particulars with regard to the proposed use is obtainable from undersigned GEO PROJECTS, P.O. Box 919, Warmbaths, 0480, Tel: 082 881 7252. (19&26). 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 MTN CABINET AND 30m LATTICE. Notice is hereby given that, in terms of Clause 21 of the Bela Bela Land-Use Scheme 2008, I/we, the undersigned, intend applying to the Bela Bela Municipality for Special Consent to establish a MTN Cabinet and 30m Lattice on Erf/Portion 609, zoned Agricultural, situated at Farm Malmesbury, KR Settlers. Plans and/or particulars relating to the application may be inspected during office hours at Ace Environment Solutions, Cnr De Beer & Moffat Street, Bela Bela 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 grouds thereof in writing, with both the Manager: Planning and Development, Bela Bela Municipality and the undersigned not later than 14 March 2016. Applicant’s Details: ACE ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS CC Cnr De Beer & Moffat Street Bela Bela Tel: 014 001 7005.
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Mukhari and Makhutjisha slowly return to normal after protests Lizzy Bapela Lessons at the two high schools Mukhari and Makhutjisha have resumed, after protests by angry learners who damaged school property in the process. The learners then headed to Makhutjisha to do the same, demanding the learners from that school also join them in their struggle for getting their demands met. During The BEAT’s visit to both the schools on Thursday, 4 February, things seemed to be in order at Makhutjisha, with a great attendance, while Mukhari still appeared to be a cause for concern. Learners were running around and some sitting on school desks during school time, while teachers were absent from classes and some were reported to have gone to a meeting with the school management team. The BEAT spoke to the learners about the situation and they said that they still did not have time tables. The periods when teachers are absent from classes are taken as free periods where they just relax, because they do not have study materials. They added that they are satisfied that at least some of their demands were met as two more teachers were brought in and better results should start showing. The learners further said that had the school management and/or the Department of Education not intervened, they would have proceeded with their protest until they were taken seriously. Teachers who were present at the school and an SGB representative refused to provide reporters with contact details for the school and the principal, saying that they are scared of the media. The teachers also refused an interview with the paper and left before school was out. Meanwhile, bail was denied for the four learners who were arrested during the protest when they appeared before the Mookgophong Regional Court held in Mokopane on Thursday, 4 February. They were charged with malicious damage to property and their case was remanded to
Desks at Mukhari Secondary School that were vandalised during the protests. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
The situation as The BEAT visited the school. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
The municipal truck that was damaged during the protests. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Friday, 12 February. The charges were for vandalizing the two schools’ property, a municipal truck and an SAPS bakkie. Some learners at Makhutjisha warned against violent protests, saying that those kind of actions never produced fruitful results. They added that they prefer peaceful engagements with all involved parties which often result in better solutions. One learner further said that now the instigators are behind bars while it is school as usual for other learners. A teacher at Mukhari Secondary School later phoned and ordered The BEAT not to mention their names in the paper.
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19 February, 2016 Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
CHARITY / ENTERTAINMENT / SCHOOL
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Diesel n Dust confident ahead of weekend game TK Mashaba Diesel n Dust will be playing their second away game since the league’s opening on Saturday, 20 February.
The Bela-Bela team will be up against Polokwane’s Rising Stars and Mokondeleni Seven Stars of Venda, and the games will be held in Tzaneen During an interview with Diesel n Dust’s head coach Koketso Kgabo, he said that
they do not fear any team. “We have a positive mindset after we watched Rising Stars play recently,” he said. “They play a lot like us so it will be an interesting game. The only team we haven’t seen play yet is Seven Stars, but
we have a good approach for playing against them.” Kgabo mentioned that his players have been experiencing logistic challenges, as they have been playing many away games recently, but they will all do their best.
Kamplits ready for Limpopo Volleyball Tournament TK Mashaba Kamplits Volleyball team from BelaBela is ready to meet other teams for the Limpopo Volleyball opening tournament, to be held in Mokopane on Saturday, 27
February. Kamplits will be taking their male and female teams, in senior and junior teams. This tournament will form part of the selection process to choose the Limpopo team which will be playing against other provinces in Bloemfontein in June.
According to Kamplits coach Levy Thantsha, they are hoping to get at least a few players in the provincial team. “All we are doing now is training hard and we know that the other districts are also bringing their A-Game, so we want to be on top of our game too,” he said.
Kamplits Volleyball team had two players, Phindi Issa and Nathaniel Rafapha, in the South African National Team last year. The two were selected as part of the team to take part in the African Championships in February/ March last year.
Phagameng High School hosts awards ceremony for 2015’s top achievers Mzamane Ringane Phagameng High School honoured learners who performed extremely well last year. The top achievers who were in Grade 8 up to Grade 12 in 2015 were awarded certificates for their hard work. Educator Chisane Matshoge said the purpose of the awards was to trigger a healthy competition between learners. He said they believe it will encourage learners to work harder and achieve better results.
There was a special category where sportsters and athletes were awarded for representing the school in various competitions. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
2015 top achieving grade 8 learners with their teacher, Lillian Sithole. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Grade 10 learners Morongwa Sana Molekoa, Tshepiso Shongoane and Rose Hlongwane were the best performing learners in 2015. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Outstanding Grade 9 learners from last year were rewarded for their hard work. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Dumisani Mokone and Khutso Maponya were the top achievers in Grade 11. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
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SPORT
19 February, 2016 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Athletes selected for provincial competition
Three away games for Terrors FC
Coach Ezekiel Moatshe posed for a photo with the athletes who will be competing at the provincial level. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Mzamane Ringane Modimolle Addicted to Life Athletics Club coach Ezekiel Moatshe is a proud man, after four youngsters under his mentorship were selected to represent the region at the provincial level of school athletics. This is great news for the community as these athletes will also be representing Modimolle and their athletics club, when they will be competing against their counterparts from across the province. The four athletes namely Katlego Mashishi, Dinah Chuma, Johannes Matjila and Sophy Maluleka are attending different schools in Modimolle. Coach Moatshe who spoke to the Beat on Monday, 15 February, was
excited about the achievement of his athletes. “We believe in a healthy lifestyle. We want to ensure that our young people are living positive lives. It is great to see kids that are as young as 11 years of age showing interest in sports, and that proves we are indeed addicted to life. As athletes we know that education is just as important as sports, because it is easier to study when a person is mentally and physically fit,” Moatshe said. Moatshe said they want to see champions emerging from Modimolle in the near future. “I am very happy that some of our athletes were selected to participate in their provincial competitions. This is where it all begins. We are not doing this for ourselves, but for the community of Modimolle and the
entire Waterberg region. Moatshe indicated that a lot of people, both young and old were inspired by this club to an extent that they wanted to join. He said any member of the community regardless of age, race or gender were welcome to join if they wanted to. Johannes Matjila who is one of the athletes that will be participating in the provincial competitions, said he was happy to have supportive mentors like Moatshe. Matjila said he wishes to become a nationally acclaimed athlete one day. Lucas Seleka who is popularly known for his participation in the annual Comrades Marathon, is also a member of the ever growing Modimolle Addicted to Life Athletics Club.
Rough weekend for Mookgophong Junior Stars Mzamane Ringane Mookgophong Junior Stars FC had a bumpy weekend, after dropping a total of five points over the weekend. Junior Stars collected one point after they were held to a 0-all draw by visitors Maxoma FC on Saturday 13 February, and went on to lose 3-1 to Juventus FC on Sunday, 14 February at Mookgophong Stadium. Junior Stars, who were playing on their home ground, failed to utilise the advantage to score goals. The home team was formidable and had multiple opportunities to claim maximum points, but unfortunately they were unable to convert their chances. Following Saturday’s draw, Maxoma FC wrapped up their weekend with a 1-0 win against Mookgophong’s AC Milan FC. Maxoma will visit Mokopane Ratanang FC on Saturday, 20 February, while Junior Stars will be hosting Mosesetjane United at Mookgophong Stadium. Another weekend clash at the Mookgophong Stadium on Saturday, will be between Mookgophong’s AC Milan and Mosesetjane United. In stream A of the SAFA Waterberg SAB League, a total of 59 goals were scored over the weekend. There were a few surprises on the log
standings, with Modimolle All Stars taking the lead after overtaking title favourites Flamingo FC. In second place, Modimolle Home Defenders FC scored a whopping 16 goals between Saturday and Sunday’s games. Home Defenders defeated Bela-Bela Pirates FC 3-0 and continued to beat KK United FC 13 -7 in a 20-goal thriller. KK United conceded a total of 18 goals last weekend, as they also lost 50 to Modimolle All Stars. All Stars, who are now at the top of the log, claimed an additional three points when they beat Bela-Bela Happy Hearts 2-0. Boys 2 Men of Mabatlane scored a total of seven goals when they beat
Modimolle Young Pirates 3-0, and went on to defeat Bussel FC 4-0 the next day. Modimolle Bussel FC was further humiliated by Rapotokwane’s Qualitho FC with a 5-0 lashing at home. NTK Happy Boys defeated local rivals Celtic FC 4-1 at the Happy Boys Ground. Troublemakers FC, on the other hand, surprised Flamingo FC with a huge 6-0 drubbing on Saturday. It was not a pleasant weekend for Flamingo FC who played 3-all with Diesel N Dust the next day.
Mookgophong Junior Stars had a rough weekend in the SAB League. Photo: Mzamane Ringane.
Some of Terrors FC’s star players. Photo: TK Mashaba. TK Mashaba Bela-Bela soccer fans have placed their hope in Terrors FC‘s for the ABC Motsepe League. Terrors have improved their performance in the last three games, winning one game managing two draws. Their next three fixtures will be away games. Terrors will be playing Mosesetjane All Stars in Mahwelereng (Mokopane) on Saturday, 20 February and against Dolphin the following week on Saturday, 27 February at Eldorado Stadium. The team
will then meet Belle-Village Winners Park FC on 5 March at Nkowa-Nkowa stadium outside Tzaneen. This will be their second match with Winners Park who beat them 4-0 last year at their home ground at Sunfa stadium, BelaBela. Terrors is now looking sharper than before although they lack the finishing touches when getting to the goal post. On Valentine’s Day, they played a 1-all draw against Gawula FC and collected one point. They have moved two notches up with the 14 games played nine loses, three draws and one win.