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19 July 2013
Limpopo Premier Mathale resigns
Outgoing Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale (left) was previously accused of being loyal to expelled ANC Youth League President Julius Malema (right). Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale announced in a statement issued by the Limpopo Office of the Premier on Monday 15 July that he has resigned as Premier and member of the provincial legislature. He informed the public that he resigned after the ANC had made the decision to recall him. Mathale said in the statement that he complied with the decision, saying that he has been a loyal and disciplined member of the party for more than 30 years. He thanked the ANC and the people of Limpopo to have given him the opportunity to lead the provincial government since 2009. He also sent a message of appreciation to the provincial legislature and the ANC Caucus for the support they gave him during his term as Premier of the province. Mathale said he did his best with the help of the government leadership since 2009 to improve and change the living conditions of the people in line with ANC policy. He said that all his achievements regarding service delivery were made because of the commitment and dedication of public servants who always go the extra mile to
perform their duties. Mathale said that he is aware that much still needs to be done, as many people are without water, electricity and jobs, but there is still hope. Mathale’s leadership has been shrouded in controversy since his appointment as Premier in May 2009. From five departments in the province being put under administration by national government under his watch, to the alleged wasting of tax payers’ money on personal entertainment. He also faced numerous allegations and marches against him by various parties including the Congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU) and the DA, accusing him of corruption and violation of the Public Finance Management Act. According to media reports, ANC Secretary-general Gwede Mantashe contacted Mathale while he was on holiday in Italy last week and told him to return home. Mantashe confirmed Mathale’s redeployment to the National Assembly, and the Limpopo Provincial Legislature reportedly said it will swear in a new Premier as soon as a judge is available. The chairman of the ANC’s Limpopo Provincial Task Team, Philemon Mdaka, told the media that a new Premier may
bring in new MECs, which means there may still be more political casualties. According to media reports, South Africa’s ambassador to the Ukraine and a Sekhukhuni District resident, Stanley Mathabatha will be sworn in as Mathale’s successor. Mathabatha has reportedly been instructed to dismiss three MEC’s in the province, David Masondo of the Provincial Treasury, Clifford Motsepe of the Human Settlements and Pinky Kekana of the Economic Development, as they were close with Mathale. They are expected to be replaced by Limpopo ANC task team chairman Philemon Mdaka, Treasurer Thembi Nwedamutswu and Deputy Secretary Stan Motimele. A sitting by the provincial legislature was expected to take place this week to confirm Mathale’s resignation and swear in Mathabatha as an MPL before he’s officially appointed a Premier. It is reported that Mathale said he would contest the position of Limpopo ANC chairman at a conference in December. He lost the position when the ANC National Executive Committee disbanded the provincial executive committee he led in March. He is the second Limpopo Premier not to finish his term, following his predecessor, Sello Moloto, who was forced to step down in January 2009 after losing the provincial ANC chairmanship to Mathale. Meanwhile, the DA in Limpopo wants Education MEC Dickson Masemola to also follow Mathale’ suit and resign. The DA said that if the move to oust Mathale was about the recognition of his failure to deliver, then Masemola epitomises that failure more than any other person in the provincial executive. “Under him learners in Limpopo had to be taught without textbooks for two consecutive years. He downplayed the magnitude of the textbook problem by shifting blame. He also failed to pay the norms and standards funding to schools on time thereby causing unnecessary delays of the midyear exams in the province,” said the DA’s Member of Parliament and provincial leader, Jacques Smalle. He said that Mathale’s departure cannot be about an individual, and those public officials who helped him run this province into the ground cannot go unscathed. The DA said it stands firm on its view that along with Mathale, MEC Masemola should have also been shown the door a long time ago, adding that the time to do that is now.
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BEAT
19 July, 2013
Internet lounge under investigation
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Reward offered for info on stolen zebra sculpture
Owners of this sculpture zebra urge members of the public to help them find it. Photo supplied.
The internet lounge where illegal gambling had allegedly taken place photo Justin Steyn Justin Steyn An Internet entertainment lounge in Bela-Bela has been put under investigation for alleged illegal gambling. Bela-Bela police made several arrests at the lounge and various items, including all the computers, were confiscated. On the day of the arrests a witness told The BEAT that the reasons for the arrests were unknown, but said that he saw several police officers entering the lounge and emerging escorting those they have arrested. “I’m not sure what happened, I just saw the police entering the building and then they came out with the people they
arrested as well as some of the computers were taken out” he said. The man added that he saw police confiscating the rest of the items inside during the course of the week. “During the week I saw the police at the lounge again but they took only a few things and the lounge has been quiet ever since” he said. Bela-Bela police told The BEAT that the lounge had been under investigation for some time and that some irregularities had been found. “Currently we are holding the items that were confiscated as evidence, we are also trying to track down the owner of the lounge” they said. The suspects are expected to appear in court later this month.
‘Drug lord’s’ father arrested
Alleged Bela-Bela drug lord Mahlatse Aphiri now has his father joining him in police cells after he was recently arrested. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela Owners of the Kilimanjaro Pub in BelaBela are offering a reward to anyone who can help them find and bring their stolen zebra sculpture back home. The pub is situated on the R516 road to Thabazimbi and the sculpture was allegedly stolen on Friday, 12 July. The complainant, Johan Gibson, told the police that everything was well when they went to bed on Thursday 11 July. He said he realised when they woke up and moved around the premises the following morning at 6H00 that the sculpture had been stolen. He said the fibre glass sculpture zebra is one of their collectors’ items. The sculpture had apparently been removed from the premises during the night and Gibson said he found tracks outside the yard fence. He told the police that the suspect had apparently climbed
the fence to gain access to the pub. Gibson said in a statement that he had never given anyone permission to enter the premises or take anything. Bela-Bela police detectives’ commander Lieutenant-Colonel Abel Phetla said a case of theft has been opened and investigations are already in process. He said the sculpture is worth R10 000 and the owners are seeking help from members of the public to find it. Anyone who has seen the sculpture should contact Gibson at 072 123 8034, or the person who sold him the sculpture known as Frans at 0828513819. Gibson told The BEAT on Tuesday, 16 July that they had only had the sculpture for ten days when it was stolen. He said that anyone who may shed light to the whereabouts of the sculpture will receive a full course meal from the restaurant at the pub including starters, mains, desert and a bottle of wine, for four people.
TV thief out on suspended sentence Justin Steyn Twenty-five year old Thomas Manale is out on a five year suspended sentence following his third court appearance on Monday, 15 July. Manale was arrested on Thursday, 9 May, in connection with the theft of two Telefunken plasma screen televisions between March and May at the Elephant Springs hotel where he worked as a waiter.
Bela-Bela Police told The BEAT that one of the televisions was found at the hotel room where he resided. The Police later found the other television at Mankweng in Turfloop. Manale made his first court appearance on Friday 10 May and was granted bail at R1 000 on 16 May. After further police investigation Manale made his second court appearance on Wednesday 5 June where he was granted bail at R500.
Son jailed for head-butting father Lizzy Bapela Julius Aphiri briefly appeared in court on Monday, 15 July after he allegedly attempted to kidnap and assaulted a woman from Bela-Bela to Gauteng. BelaBela police detectives’ commander Lieutenant-Colonel Abel Phetla said Aphiri was arrested a short while after he had left the scene on Saturday night, 13 July. Aphiri is the father to the alleged drug lord Mahlatse, and is allegedly also involved in the sale of illegal drugs. According to Phetla, Aphiri held the victim at gun point in his car, but she managed to flee from the car when they reached
Caltex Garage at Brahmastop on the N1. Phetla said the victim then ran to the garage and asked the assistant to phone and inform the police. He added that the suspect also had R8 000 in cash and an illegal firearm in his possession when he was arrested, suspected to be connected with drug-related crimes. Aphiri was remanded to police custody when he appeared before the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 15 July. He is expected back in court on Monday, 22 July for formal bail application. Aphiri is facing charges of attempted kidnapping, assault and possession of an illegal firearm.
A 26-year-old Zimbabwean was sentenced to an effective four months in jail for head-butting and punching his 60-year-old father in the face, after his father had rebuked him over his daggasmoking habit. Allan Chishapira was convicted on his own plea by a local magistrate, Mr Maphios Moyo. He was sentenced to six months in jail, of which two months were suspended for five years, on condition of good behaviour. The court heard that on 29 June at about 12:40, the complainant was at his
house when his son, Allan, arrived home after having smoked dagga. He proceeded to the spare bedroom, looking for some glue to sniff. His father followed him to the room and started rebuking him over his smoking habits. The younger man got angry and started insulting his father, during which an altercation ensued between the two. The court was told that Allan head-butted his father and then continued to punch him all over the face. The father reported the matter to the police, leading to his son’s arrest. — LiN News/Limpopo Mirror
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19 July, 2013
Late night vandalism plagues Fish Eagle Bay
The newly elected WATA committee pledged to serve the public with pride. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela
Justin Steyn Evening stargazing at Fish Eagle Bay is a popular pastime for youngsters over weekends. However in some cases, these visitors resort to mischief that can be rather costly to the Bay’s management. On Saturday, 13 July, The BEAT had received a call from Engisync Security who said that four of the lamp poles en route to the bay’s entrance had been damaged the night before. Stones had been thrown inside the poles, breaking the glass. Response officers who posted guards at the bay noticed the vandalism and reported it to their head office. Engisync spokesperson, Lucas Moloto, confirmed that the lamp poles had not been broken the previous day. “Yesterday, these lamp poles were not dam-
aged at all but our response officers reported these broken poles today” he said. Officers who investigated the area found empty bottles of liquor near the lamp poles and came to the conclusion that whoever damaged the poles may have been intoxicated at the time. Engisync has sent the empty bottles to the Bela-Bela police station for forensic tests and the damage cost of the poles is said to be at an estimated R3 500. Moloto said that any person caught damaging property protected by the company may face charges. “We do not condone these actions and would like to warn the community not to damage other people’s property ,especially if they are protected by a security company as this has serious consequences” he said. The matter is still under police investigation.
71% of Limpopo lease budget goes to one person Justin Steyn According to a Public Works report, 71% of the Limpopo budget for building leases, is going to companies linked to one person. The report states that R1.3 billion of the total provincial budget of R1.8 billion is paid to companies where a Demetrios Kourtoumbellide is either the director or shareholder. This amounts to a monthly value of R17.2 million. Kourtoumbellide’s buildings comprise seven of the ninety-two provincial government leases and run for ten to fourteen years each. The DA submitted questions to the Public Works Department to establish whether the bids to lease these buildings were open to the public. When asked why there appeared to be so few companies from which the department leases property, the department said that these were the only property dealers in Polokwane. “There is nothing which bars the department from doing business with other property developers who happen to be based outside of Polokwane as long as it is cost effective and saves the public money” said DA spokesperson Desiree Van der Walt. She questioned the identity of the other bidders in the process and the total of the
costs compared to companies associated with Kourtoumbellide. Van der Walt added that government contracts must be widely available in order to benefit as many local businesses as possible. “This is especially the case with small to medium size business entrepreneurs,” she said.
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Warmbaths Taxi Association reelects Peter Mohale as chairman
Empty liquor bottles were found close to damaged lamp poles at Fish Eagle Bay. Photo Justin Steyn
One of the broken lamp poles with a rock wedged inside photo Justin Steyn
BEAT
The re-elected chairperson of the Warmbaths (Bela-Bela) Taxi Association (WATA) Peter Mohale received many more votes than the rest of the candidates during the association’s recent elections. The members voted for a new committee to lead the association for the next four-year term during a meeting held at the Jinnah Park Community Hall on Monday, 8 July. Representatives from the Department of Roads and Transport and members of the taxi councils from both district and provincial level attended the meeting and facilitated the voting processes, with independent observers present to ensure free and fair elections. Out of the approved 38 voters, Mohale received a total of 35 votes, with two other candidates receiving one each and one ballot paper spoilt. The electoral committee ruled the position as uncontested, as the two candidates abstained. Mohale has officially being elected to head the WATA executive for the second term, which according to him shows the trust and faith that the members have in him. Kenny Mosime emerged as deputy chairperson, after receiving 28 votes, with other ballots ruled out as spoiled. Twentyeight votes went to Connie Pholosi for the position of Secretary, with his closest contender July Pilane receiving only two votes while the rest of the ballots were spoiled. Colly Rangwako received 17 votes for the position of deputy secretary, with Eliphus Ratlhagane receiving 13. Lome Molele emerged as treasurer with 26 votes, beating Pilane, who got only six votes for the position. Abel Ramolotja got 24 votes to head up the disciplinary committee, with his contester Elias “Boston” Malungane receiving only seven votes while the rest were spoiled. Jacob Monwametsi got 26 votes for the position of head of the grievances
committee, with Malungane getting only four votes and the rest were spoiled ballots. Anthony Sebelebele got the position of Operations Manager with 17 votes, while Andrew Sehlogole got only 11 votes for the position. Israel Molusi received 21 votes for the position of Public Relations Officer, beating Mosime, who only got five and the other eight were spoiled. The position of training officer went to Seun Mashugu with 23 votes. The observers and the representatives applauded members of the association and the executive for putting their trust in a young man Mohale to lead them, saying WATA is lucky to be led by young blood, especially for the second term. Johannes Nkuna of the Waterberg District Taxi Council said it shows that there is unity and reliability among the members, with the understanding they showed between both the young and old generations. He also wished Mohale all the best in his term, urging the entire executive to support and work with him. In his acceptance speech, Mohale said expressed gratitude and appreciation towards the members and the executive for trusting in his capabilities. He said he sees himself as the coach for the association and urged all the members to play a role in ensuring that WATA achieves success and is properly developed. Mohale pledged to ensure that passengers’ complains, comments and suggestions are attended to as a matter of urgency. He also called out to members of the public to take part in the running of the association by interacting with the drivers and the executive. Queries can be directed to the WATA office at 0147364958, which is situated at the taxi rank in town and is opened from 8H00 to 17H00, Monday to Friday. The elections were declared free and fair.
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BEAT
19 July, 2013
Crossbreeds graze Towoomba
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Teachers’ Union committee to meet again soon SADTU committee members in the Waterberg District are expected to meet shortly. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Some of the 94 Angus-Nguni cattle kept on Towoomba Photo Supplied Justin Steyn Towoomba Agricultural Research Station outside Bela-Bela has recently introduced its Angus Nguni cross breeding scheme. The project involves cross breeding between Angus bulls and the Nguni cows which will be used for meat production. The Limpopo Nguni Cattle Development Plan was first launched in 2011 when 30 Nguni cows and an Angus bull were loaned to emerging farmers. It was an achievement since most beneficiaries paid back their loan within two and a half years, well before the end of the contractual five years. The aim of the project is to produce offspring which will be fattened at feedlots. This will enhance the production of beef to be marketed as “Certified Angus Beef”. The beef will be distributed and marketed through Pick n Pay Butcheries in the country. The Angus cattle (Aberdeen Angus) are a breed of cattle much used in beef production. They were developed from cattle native to the counties of Aberdeenshire and Angus in Scotland, and are known as Aberdeen Angus in most parts of the world. The Nguni cattle are a hybrid of indigenous cattle introduced by the native tribes of Southern Africa from the north of the continent. Nguni cattle are known for their fertility and resistance to diseases and they are the most favoured breed among the people of Southern Africa.
The current breeding project is done in collaboration with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), the University of Limpopo, Limpopo Department of Agriculture, The Agricultural Research Council, The Angus and Nguni Society and Pick ‘n Pay. At the launch event Professor Naftali Mollel said that they are satisfied with the progress so far and added that six farmers are involved in the current breeding. All parties involved addressed the consumer demand in the country and found that this appears to be on the increase. Another reason for the launch of the project was for small farmers in rural areas to gain a foothold in the market. “The poorest of the poor in South Africa can also benefit hereby,” said Tommy Mohajane of the IDC. R7 million has been made available to help poor farmers to become involved in the new project and discussions are also being held with the University of the Free State to get involved in the project. Limpopo MEC for Department of Agriculture, Jacob Marule, expressed his approval of the project and said that this intersection will contribute to the gross domestic product (GDP). Nguni Angus crossbreeds offer more meat as they are 40% heavier and are more resistant to disease. There are 94 successfully crossbred Angus Nguni cattle kept on Towoomba.
Hospitality Sector salary increments announced Lizzy Bapela Employees in the hospitality sector can expect changes in their salaries soon, according to Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant. Like the increment for the taxi industry sector, the increment for the hospitality sector came into effect on 1 July. The Department of Labour’s provincial head in Limpopo, Albert Tshidavhu, praised the move by the minister, saying that employees are more productive when they are happy and this will definitely put smiles on their faces. Tshidavhu added that employers are encouraged to abide by these amendments and implement them as soon as they can to avoid unnecessary problems. According to the new amendments, employers with 10 or fewer employees are required to pay a monthly minimum wage of R2 415. 86, up from R2 240. 60, while those who employ more than 10 employees are required to pay their employees R 2692.74, up from the previous monthly minimum wage of R2 495,
80. Regarding uniforms, Deputy Director for Inspection and Enforcement Services in the department, Phaswane Tladi said that should an employer require that employees wear uniforms, the employer may not require the employees to pay for uniform or require the employees to pay a deposit for the uniform. He added that employers will be faced with the might of Labour inspectorate if any deductions for the uniform are taken from the employees. Regarding compliance with the recent amendments, Tshidavhu said he doubt that any possibility for non-compliance with the amendment can occur. He said the department will be embarking on a special joint inspection with Organized Labour, and a team of inspectors will be thoroughly checking the compliance on the sector, as from Monday, 22 to Friday 26July. The current minimum wage has been implemented from 1 July and will be in place until 30 June 2014, when another minimum wage increment will be determined.
The first step in the acquisition of wisdom is silence, the second listening, the third memory, the fourth practice, the fifth teaching others. -Solomon Ibn Gabriol I have spread my dreams beneath your feet. Tread softly because you tread on my dreams. -W.B. Yeats
Lizzy Bapela The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) Waterberg District Executive Committee members are due to meet again soon, following their bi-annual general meeting held at the Sanrock Resort in Modimolle in June. The chairperson of the union in the district, Ally Pole, said the committee had to wait for schools to reopen so that the union can have a feedback meeting. Members from local municipalities across the district gathered at the resort to discuss challenges faced by their schools and to share ideas and solutions. The union also used the meeting to hold elections for a new committee, who will steer the members to empowerment and solidarity. The voters favoured all the members who served in the committee previously to return and drive the leadership positions again. Pole, of Itireleng Secondary school under the Vaalwater Circuit, returned as chairperson with Julia Mogashoa of Bela-Bela’s Hleketani Primary School as his deputy. The members voted for Machine Maswanganyi from Makhutjisha High School in Mookgophong as their Secretary and
Kwena Makgakga from Hector Peterson in Modimolle as his deputy. Chidi Seakga from Phagameng High School in Modimolle emerged as the Treasurer, with Kgomotso Shai as the Sports, Arts and Culture Convener. Caro Ngobeni of Mahlasedi Primary School in Vaalwater will head the agenda, with Mamonei Kgotlang of Deo Gloria Primary School in Thabazimbi voted in to head the Education Portfolio. Khathaza Nkwana from Albert Lithuli Primary School in Bela-Bela emerged as the substitute negotiator, who will represent the committee at the provincial level. In his acceptance speech, Pole called for unity among the members, urging them to always work as a collective to ensure complete success. He said the leaders have a huge responsibility to continue striving for better education for learners and teacher empowerment. Pole added that the leaders must also put the interests of an African child at heart, even when they often disagree with their employer with some of their needs and demands, as educators. “We must always put learners first as they are our children and education is our priority. We must be at work, in class, punctual and teaching the African children,” said Pole.
Provincial Task Team appoints new spokesperson
Onicca Moloi has been appointed as the new spokesperson for the ANC Youth League Limpopo Provincial Task Team. Photo supplied Lizzy Bapela With the recent developments in the structures of the ANC Youth League in the Limpopo, the Provincial Task Team has appointed Onicca Moloi as the new Provincial Spokesperson. Moloi resumes her duties with immediate effect, taking over from Klaas Mabunda. She will be responsible for all the communications and media liaison activities of the Youth League in the province. The team acknowledged the fact that Moloi has been a member of the Youth League for a considerable number of years, saying
that she is well versed with the culture and norms of the organization. Moloi said the provincial leadership entrusted her with this enormous responsibility because of her political acumen and her vast knowledge of the provincial political landscape. The team said she brings with her to this position years of experience as a youth leader in both the ANC Youth League and the student movement South African Students Congress (SASCO). Moloi has already been interacting with the media, following recent newsworthy events, including the resignation of Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale. She issued out a statement, saying that the team welcomes Mathale’s resignation, as both the Premier and member of the Limpopo legislature. “We also commend him for agreeing to step down when the ANC asked him to do so. We view this as a necessary step towards strengthening the provincial government and speeding up service delivery in the province. We hope his resignation will present an opportunity for the ANC to deploy a cadre who will champion youth development programmes and other critical issues of service delivery in the province,” she said. Moloi further said that the team also urge the incoming Premier to employ skilled youth who will help in turning the province around. They wished Mathale well in his new endeavours.
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BEAT
19 July, 2013
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Photo of the Week Our work is not yet done In his book, The Long Walk to Freedom, in 1995, Nelson Mandela said, “I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.” He wrote this after the 1994 elections, after he had become the first black president of South Africa. The new Constitution was being drawn up and would shortly come into effect, guaranteeing free and equal treatment for every citizen of our Rainbow Nation. He had succeeded beyond his wildest dreams, achieved every goal that he had set. So, bearing that in mind, why would he have said such a thing? Perhaps he was trying to leave us a message we were not yet ready to understand. Perhaps, the message is that our work is not yet done. It is one thing to write a Constitution guaranteeing every citizen freedom from discrimination. It is quite another to make it so. Almost twenty years since the 1994 elections, we are still struggling to ensure this. Does it mean that we should stop trying? Of course not! We need to keep working together to make this country what it could be, a land of freedom and equality. It is one thing to guarantee the citizens of our country access to clean water and basic health services but, as we have seen time and time again, it is a different matter to actually do so. We need to demand accountability from those who have been failing, time and time again, to keep the promises they made. On August 28, 1963, a man named Martin Luther King Jr made a speech in the American capital of Washington. The key words of this speech were, “I have a dream.” Nelson Mandela has a dream. In his own words, he dreams of “a democratic and free society in which all persons will live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.” He said these words during the Rivonia trial, where he was certain that he was going to be condemned to death. It is a dream he was willing to die for. It turned out to be the dream he lived for. In this Mandela Month, let’s remember that Madiba’s dream is not yet reality. Let us each work in whatever we can to make this dream come true. It’s the least we can do.
The BEAT wants to hear from our readers. If you have a great story or something that you want us to bring to light, please email beateditor@gmail.com or send an SMS to one of our reporters. Lizzy: 076 609 7644 or TK: 076 756 9740. We would also LOVE to see some of your weird and wonderful photos for our editorial page. Do not delay, just contact us today!
Ocean Birds supporter sitting against the goal during a protest against the referee. Photo TK Mashaba
Letter to the editor Street Lights out of order I placed some letters in The Post with regards to reporting street lights out of order in your area. There might be street names and stop signs also missing. I would like to repeat my request to all residents in Bela-Bela in your area, to please contact me by sms or phone. I had an enormous response already but I hope to have the same from you too. This problem is affecting everyone in our en-
tire community. Let’s take hands and try to fix these problems please. We want to make our town a holiday destination like before again. There must be a way to address all these discrepancies. I hope I can count on you, and thanks in advance for your prompt response. Daleen: 074 1997 338.
Tel: (011) 447-1264/5/6
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A purpose for life Why are we here? All of us have pondered the reason for our existence at one stage or another. Purpose is conceivably one of the deepes t hum an longings. Many famous people have reached the top of his or her field and declared the success to be meaningless. There is a deeper need that success just doesn’t seem to fill. The greatest minds have tried to tackle the looming question of purpose — largely without completely satisfying answers. Countless amounts of money is spent on our search for purpose in life. We try to squeeze meaning out of any and every pursuit. So is there purpose in this life? Purpose can be biblically defined in two ways. First, there is a general purposefulness about human life. God did not have to create humanity – He has no needs. But, He chose to create us so that we could be companions for Him. Before God created us, He knew sin would enter the world. He knew the great sacrifice necessary to restore us to Himself, yet He concluded that we were worth it. “You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me” (Isaiah 43:10) Second, there is also individual purpose in life. Every day we wake up with some sort of purpose in mind; be it family, our jobs, hobbies or just getting through the day in one piece. Paul said “I run straight to the goal in every step” (1 Corinthians 9:26). His only reason for being alive was to fulfil the purpose that God had for his life. He said “for to me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). In other words Paul had no fear of life or death because he was determined to fulfil the purpose God planned for his life. In the book of Acts we are reminded that whatever we do in life ,should ultimately be for the fulfilling of our lives and God’s purpose and in doing so He will show great adoration for it: (Acts 13 :36) “David served God’s purpose in his generation”. Thus God called David a man after his own heart. Which brings me to this: whose heart are you trying to win? What purpose in life will sustain you as the years of your life spiral away? Will there be remembrance in your death? Or will your life fade away into thin air without a binding purpose? A good deed is never lost: he who sows courtesy reaps friendship; and he who plants kindness gathers love. -Basil A man’s own good breeding is the best security against other people’s ill manners. -Lord Chesterfield The secret of many a man’s success in the world resides in his insight into the moods of men and his tact in dealing with them. -J. G. Holland
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BEAT
19 July, 2013
Blood drive at Bushveld Centre “We are very happy with the outcome of the latest drive and wish to thank the community for their support...”
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Correctional Service do their part for Madiba Day in Thabazimbi
The Correctional Service Office Head Wimpie De Koker and Paul Hattingh and his team with ten parolees. Photo supplied TK Mashaba The community of Bela-Bela donated blood at the SANBS blood drive on Saturday 13 July. Photo: Justin Steyn Justin Steyn A blood drive initiative was held at the Bushveld Centre on Saturday, 13 July. The initiative was hosted in partnership with the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), Bela-Bela Tourism, and Medlyn Pharmacy. Bela-Bela Tourism Manager, Amanda Moco, told The BEAT that the drive began in 2009 as a means for them to give back to society. “Since the Tourism Office began with the campaign we have had regular drives every six weeks here in our office. This has been very successful and has been going on for 5 years. We urge the community to come to our offices where they are welcome to donate blood,” she said. Moco explained that while the majority of these drives are held at the Tourism Offices they occasionally approach the town’s shopping centres to receive a larger volume of donations and added that the past weekend’s drive saw a great number of shoppers donating to the cause. “We are very happy with the outcome of the latest drive and wish to thank the community for their support” she said. The SANBS explained that donating blood helps save the lives of patients who are undergoing surgical operations, patients with
LEGALS NOTICE TO REINSTATE A DEREGISTERED CLOSE CORPORATION Notice is hereby given of the intention to reinstate the deregistered Close Corporation: Johannes Willem Kok Eiendomme, Registration Number: 1998/070440/23. The reason for the reinstatement is that the Close Corporation is still in business and was deregistered because of an administrative omission. For further information or objection please contact: NUMERI ACCOUNTANTS INC IA Van Niekerk, tel 014 004 0100, 35 Luna Road, Bela Bela, 0480. (5,12&19) MODIMOLLE AMENDMENT SCHEME 219 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR THE AMENDMENT OF THE MODIMOLLE LAND USE SCHEME, 2004, IN TERMS OF SECTION 56(1)(b)(i) OF THE TOWN PLANNING AND TOWNSHIPS ORDINANCE 1986 (15 OF 1986) I. Kenneth Maluleka, being the authorized agent of the registered owners of the land mentioned below, hereby give notice in terms of Section 56 (1)(b)(i) of the Town Planning and Townships Ordinance, 1986 (15 of 1986) that I have applied to the
Modimolle Municipality for the amendment of the Land Use Scheme known as the Modimolle Land Use Scheme 2004, to rezone and sub-divide the Remainder of the Farm PROVIDENCE 746 KR, Limpopo (previously Portion 1 of the Farm Grootfontein 31 KR, Limpopo) from “Resort” to “Residential 1” and subdivide the property into 30 erven and the remainder. The relevant plans, document and information are available for inspection at the Madikela Game Lodge, contact numbers: 083 759 0088 or 014 755 4332, or the office of Misava Integrated Development Services, 16A Bok Street, Polokwane and the office of the Municipal Manager, Modimolle Local Municipality, Civic Centre, Modimolle. Any person having an interest in the application may, within a period of 28 days from the date of publication (19 July 2013) of this notice, provide the Applicant with the written representation of comments, objection, etc. Applicant: MISAVA INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 16A Bok Street, Polokwane, 0700, Tel: 072 609 1953, em a i l : misavaprojects@gmail.com (19&26/7) BELA BELA AMENDMENT SCHEME 69/08
cancer, patients with severe anaemia, and accident victims, as well as treating haemorrhage as a complication in pregnancy. Each individual can donate blood every 56 days, and a regular donor is someone who has made three or more donations in a year. However, it is advised that persons who may have contracted a sexually transmitted disease such as HIV or syphilis which can be passed on via the blood, should not donate blood. Persons who weigh less than 50 kg may not donate blood as the volume of blood in the body is directly proportional to the body mass. Therefore, a small person will have less blood than a large person and the donation of 480 ml means a far larger percentage of total blood volume to a small person. Donors have to complete a Self-Exclusion Questionnaire, which questions their health and lifestyle. The questions are asked to ensure that it is safe for them to donate blood and that their blood is safe for a patient to receive. A finger prick test will also be done to check iron levels. Blood pressure will also be checked, to ensure that donors are fit to donate. The next Blood donation drive will be held on Saturday, 14 September, at the Bela-Bela Tourism offices. NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR AMENDMENT OF THE TOWN PLANNING SCHEME IN TERMS OF SECTION 56 (1)(b)(i) OF THE TOWN PLANNING AND TOWNSHIPS ORDINANCE 1986 (ORDINANCE No 15 OF 1986) We, Geo Projects, authorised agents of the owner of Portion 5 of the farm Vlakplaats 483 KR Bela Bela hereby give notice in terms of section 56 (1)(b)(i) of the Town Planning and Townships Ordinance, 1986 (Ordinance No 15 of 1986) that we have applied to the Bela Bela Municipality for the amendment of the Town Planning Scheme, known as the Bela Bela Land Use Scheme, 2008, by the amendment of the zoning of the property by the addition of an annexure to the existing Agriculture zoning, to make provision for over night accommodation, landing strip, training centre and additional uses as indicated in the annexure to the amendment scheme. Particulars of the application will lie for inspection during normal office hours at the office of the Municipal Manager, Municipal Offices, Bela Bela, for a period of 28 days from 19 July 2013. 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 July 2013. Address: P. O. Box 919, Bela Bela, 0480, Tel: 082 881 7252 (19&26/7) BELA BELA LAND USE SCHEME, 2008 “Special Consent Use in terms of Clause 21 - Cellular Mast” Notice is hereby given in terms of Clause 21 of the Bela Bela Land Use Scheme, 2008, that I, Theo Kotze from Developlan intents applying to the Bela Bela Local Municipality for special consent to establish the following: A 60m cellular (lattice type) mast and base station on Portion 3 of the farm Witlaagte 173-JR. Particulars of the application will lie for inspection during normal office hours at the office of the Manager: Planning and Development, Bela Bela Local Municipality, Chris Hani Drive, Bela Bela, for a period of 28 days from 19 July 2013. Objections to or representations in respect of the application must be lodged with or made to the Manager: Planning and Development at the above address or at Private Bag x1609, Bela Bela, 0480, within a period of 28 days from 19 July 2013. Address of agent: DEVELOPLAN P.O.Box 1883, Polokwane, 0700 (3 General Joubert Street) Fax: 086 218 3267. (19&26/7)
The new Thabazimbi Hospital was the beneficiary of the Department of Correctional Services’ Mandela Day efforts on Saturday, 12 July. Correctional Services office head Wimpie de Koker, and Paul Hattingh, led a team of ten offenders in cleaning the hospital grounds and administration block. Thabazimbi’s cleaning campaign was also graced by the presence of Polokwane’s Area Head: Social Reintegration, Maria Kgapane, and the head of the satellite office, Fani Pholosi. Both Kgapane and Pholosi addressed the offenders at the event’s conclusion, encouraging them to be responsible citizens the country could be proud of. They also wished Nelson Mandela a happy birthday on the 18th of July and a speedy recovery from his illness.
Pholosi said that his department will be focusing on hospitals and clinics in their Mandela Month efforts. “The reason behind this is to acknowledge the good work and tireless efforts the medical teams put in saving lives and ensuring the wellbeing of all citizens, including efforts made on Tata Mandela’s behalf,” he said. He added that the Skilpadfontein subsatellite office will be serving Almansdrift C Clinic, Marapyane Clinic and Mametlhake Hospital in their Mandela Month efforts, while the BelaBela office will serve Bela-Bela Town Clinic, Bela-Bela Township clinic and the Bela-Bela Hospital. At the Almansdrift C Clinic, lawn grass seeds and fertilizer will be donated and planted while the consultation rooms, patient wards and surroundings will receive attention in all the facilities.
Making Water Safe to Drink Water —- we all need it, but even in today’s world around 5 million people die each year from unclean water and the diseases it contains. Each human needs roughly four litres of water a day to survive, for drinking, cooking, and washing. So, if for whatever reason, clean water is suddenly not available from the usual sources, here is how to go about getting clean, drinkable water. The easiest way to make water safe is to get it from a clean source. Springs where water comes directly from the ground are safe to drink from in most of the world. The natural filtering of the earth cleans the water. Be careful that the spring you are using comes from the ground and is not surface water that has found its way under a rock. Spring water should flow steadily and be cold year round. Another way to get clean water from the earth is to dig a well. If using an old existing well, try to drain it several times to cycle out stale (impure) water. If digging a well, choose a low-lying area if you are having trouble hitting water and a higher, dryer area if you are getting seeping from the sides of the well instead of the bottom. Line your well to keep water from filling the well with unfiltered water from the walls. You can use modern house wells if you have a mechanical pump, a hand pump, or a means to pull water from small modern wells (a section of PVC pipe of smaller diameters can be used as a long “bucket”). Although not recommended as a long-term solution, there are many chemicals that can render water safe to drink. The most common are chlorine (plain bleach) and iodine (usually sold as tablets for the purpose of water purification). A few drops of either will render water safe to drink within an hour. Heating will help to remove the unappetizing smell/flavour. Studies have shown that water left in the
sun in clear plastic water bottles for several hours greatly reduces the risk of waterborne illness. Rain water is usually pure enough to drink, but it is only as clean as the surface it lands on and the containers if flows into. Unless you are very sure about the collection method, purify collected rainwater. Simple filtering through several layers of cloth should always be done before any chemical purifying or fine filtering occurs to remove as much sediment as possible. It is also possible to construct a filter using layers of gravel, coarse sand and fine sand in a two-litre soft drink bottle which will serve to filter out most impurities. A layer of activated charcoal at the bottom is useful for filtering out some chemical contaminants. Combined with boiling this is possibly the cheapest way to obtain reliably clean water. Boiling also kills the bacteria in the water, rendering it safe to drink. Boil for several minutes at a rapid boil to insure safety. To get rid of the “flat” taste of boiled water, agitate it by pouring it between clean containers until cool. The flat taste is due to the oxygen in the water being forced out by the heat. You can also boil water in a still to produce distilled water, which is the only way to reliable remove some impurities (such as salt). Boil the water in a covered container with a hole cut in the top. Connect clean tubing to that hole and run that tube down through a heat sink (a tub of cold water, coils to maximize surface area to the air, etc). As the steam in the tube condenses back into water, the end of the tube will begin dripping water. If it does not, add more heat to the water container. If steam is escaping, create a better heat sink or reduce the heat on the water until it returns to dripping. Do not put your waste, latrine, or any other pollutants near your water source.
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BEAT
19 July, 2013
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Local hip hop group taking the next step Lethal striker catches coaches’ eyes TK Mashaba
Sam Modise, Total Surrender’s lethal striker. Photo TK Mashaba
Bela-Bela-based striker Sam Modise, one of seven players selected during trials to form a national Under 19 team, has not returned home empty-handed. He gained valuable experience during the week-long camp held at Stellenbosch, and has apparently caught the eye of several coaches. Modise, who is a Grade 12 student at Bela-Bela High School, says he feels great about the opportunity. The youngster is not a newcomer to the local soccer limelight, as he was also chosen to attend Jomo Cosmos’ academy two years ago. Modise says that he hopes that one of the coaches who saw his potential makes a move. “We were told that the panel will call provincial and provincial will call our region if they need any players and I am looking forward to that with open arms if the opportunity comes along,” he said. Modise is Total Surrender’s star striker. He was sadly unable to attend the cluster knockouts on Saturday, 13 July when they were eliminated. Total Surrender’s coach Zwakala Mokoma told The BEAT that Modise is one of the most talented players he has ever seen. “If this is what he loves and need I will let him go because his style of play is good and needs more exposure” he added.
Members of the Lephalale Taxi Association soccer team are heading to Modimolle for a Top 4 soccer tournament. The games are scheduled to take place at Ephriam Mogale Stadium o Sunday, 21 July. The team is also expecting a return visit from their colleagues in Bela-Bela for a soon to be announced date.
Tebogo Maluleka aka Dark Cloud (left) during the video shoots at the park. Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba Local hip hop group Natural Born Killers shot their first music video on Sunday, 14 July. The video is called Rebirth 1, and is associated with the mix tape of the same name that they released earlier this year. Tebogo Maluleka, AKA Dark Cloud, the group’s leader, has been at the forefront of hip hop in the Waterberg for some time, said that it was about time the group shot a music video in order to broaden their fan base. “On our first mix tape I worked with a lot of rappers from the Waterberg like Eugene from Vaalwater and Kronik and Damage from Modimolle, among others, and it was produced by Fairchild and Raspberry at BlagFaith Studios,” said Maluleka. Maluleka said that they are currently working on their second mix tape, Rebirth 2,
Bela-Bela circuit aiming for a minimum 80% pass rate
Winnie Mafora, the manager of the winter camp, addressing learners. Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba
The Warmbaths (Bela-Bela) Taxi Association (WATA) soccer team played to a 2-2 draw with Lephalale during a friendly soccer game played in Bela-Bela. The games took place at Sunfa Stadium on Sunday, 14 July. The coach for WATA, Edwin Molefe said the association challenged Lephalale for the games and their aim is to create a good working relationship with their colleagues in the industry and also keep fit.
which will feature female vocalists and guest artists from Gauteng. “Hip hop has been my number one love and I have always wanted to put Limpopo on the map, and I think this is the time,” he said. Maluleka is not new to the hip hop scene. In 2006 he made an appearance in Hype magazine while doing hip hop sessions in Bela-Bela. “We want to revive those times and keep hip hop alive and will be hosting hip hop sessions in a local club,” he said. The music video was shot at two locations, Bela-Bela Park and local club Zwakala Lounge, and will be up on YouTube where fans of the group may view it. “I am grateful for the support I got from the audience and all the fans who attended the shoot,” Maluleka said.
A two-week-long winter camp held at Emmarentia Geldenhuys came to an end on Friday, 12 July amid positive feedback from students and educators alike. Camp manager Winnie Mafora told The BEAT this week on Monday, 15 July that the Bela-Bela circuit were hopeful
for a pass rate of over 80% this year. “We didn’t have all the Grade 12s attending the camp but we expect nothing less than 80% and we are realistic about that,” she said. Mafora said that aside from some food issues the camp went smoothly. “There were a couple of learners who didn’t want to eat certain foods from the ones served, but we were glad that it never interfered with their classes,” she added. Mafora added her thanks to the tutors and staff who had helped make the camp a success. She also said that they had done their part, and that it was now up to the students to continue where the camp left off. When the schools reopened this week there were 34 days of teaching ahead of students before their exams were due to begin. Earlier this year, during an awards ceremony held in the Bela-Bela community hall, Mmakome Phathudi, the BelaBela circuit manager, urged 2013 learners to aim for a 100% pass rate. She added that they were proud of the 2012 students for bringing the local circuit to third in the district with regard to marks. She added that in 2013 they would like to see every student pass.
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BEAT
19 July, 2013
Ocean Birds take the Waterberg SAB league
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No one from Limpopo made it to national under 23
Pat Seema of the SAFA provincial office. Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba
The Ocean Birds team in a celebratory mood after winning the Waterberg SAB league. Photo TK Mashaba TK Mashaba The boys from Lephalale, Ocean Birds, took home gold in the SAB League cluster knockouts on Saturday, 13 July at Moloto Stadium in Bela-Bela. The team played their first game of the day against Yster United, handily defeating the Steam B champions 2-1 in order to face off against Bela-Bela’s Total Surrender, who had been defeated by Yster United with a score of 2-0 earlier in the day. The game was nearly disrupted after the referee gave the ball to Total Surrender for an indirect kick after a foul by the Ocean Birds goalkeeper, but the situation did not get out of hand and play continued. Total Surrender failed to make use of the opportunity, kicking the ball straight into the net despite the rule that an indirect ball must be kicked twice before scoring. Despite this, Total Surrender was the first
to score in the first half, putting Ocean Birds in a catch-up position. The Lephalale boys showed their character, however, when they took the lead in the second half. Ocean Birds will be joining five other teams from the Limpopo Province for the SAFA promotional playoffs which will be on an as-yet-undecided date in August. Pat Seema of SAFA’s provincial office said that the date of the provincial playoffs has yet to be decided. After the cluster games on Saturday the league standings were: Ocean Birds in first, Yster United taking second place and Total Surrender in third place. The BelaBela Pirates hold down fourth place, while the controversial Dynasty FC and Seleka Callies have yet to battle it out over fifth and sixth position, as neither team attended the cluster games. Mosesetjane All Stars are currently standing in seventh place, while the A1 Terrors from Modimolle are trailing in eighth position.
The Limpopo Under 21 selected team came home on Saturday, 13 July, after failing to reach the finals. They returned home after losing 2-1 Mpumalanga. Pat Seema from the SAFA Provincial
office told The BEAT that the Limpopo team had not reached the finals. He added that it was worrying that no players from the Limpopo team had been selected to join the National Under 23 team. Seven member of the Limpopo team were from the Waterberg District, and it has meant a lot to some of them as it has been a journey of new experiences as well as a chance at exposure for them. The Western Cape took home the gold after beating Mpumalanga during the final contest of the 2013 SAB National League Championships on Saturday, 13 July at the Coetzenberg Stadium in Stellenbosch. Kwa-Zulu Natal came third and Limpopo fourth after a losers’ final. The national selection is an annual process used by SAFA to scout talent across South Africa’s provinces for the national teams.
Andrew shines for Benny’s Care Sports Academy in Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup
It’s the ladies’ turn this weekend for Under 19 selections
Refiloe Khoza a SAFA official. Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba The Waterberg District SAFA offices are calling upon female SAB League players to join in trials to be held at Ephraim Mogale Stadium in Modimolle on Saturday, 20 July. According to Refiloe Khoza, only SAB Women’s League players will be allowed to compete in these trials, which will start at 9am. The selection process will function much as the men’s process, which concluded this past weekend, had. Play-
ers will be selected to join the Limpopo selection team, after which they will face off against the teams of other provinces. A team will be selected from all the candidates available. The process is both a selection method and a way of giving players the exposure they deserve — if they impress the scouting panels they could eventually be selected for the national team. “The selected players will go and join other players to make a provincial squad and later they will compete in the Free State Province and the scouting team will select the players for the National Under 19 team,” she said. The men’s selection team returned home on Saturday, 13 July after they were knocked out by Mpumalanga. Refiloe added that in the past two years the Women’s League had not had a player from the Waterberg District in a national team, and she is hopeful that the ladies will impress scouts this year. “We need them in our national team” she added.
Benny’s Care Sports Academy is doing well in the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup. Photo Supplied TK Mashaba Limpopo’s Benny Care Sports Academy is one of the schools that recently qualified to play in the provincial finals of the Sanlam Kay Motsepe Schools Cup, which will be held on 10 August at the Nkowankowa Stadium in Tzaneen. According to Matseleng Tseki from ITunes Communications, the PR company for the event, promising young star Andrew Kabotsa has been key to the school’s success. “What helps is that this will be his second season in the tournament,” she said. Midfielder Kabota grew up watching his father, Andrew ‘Ace’ Kabota playing for the Black Leopards, and that is where he got both his love of the game and his soccer genes. “As a child I wanted to be a dancer,” said
Kabota. “But my father didn’t approve, and I didn’t want to disappoint him.” While Kabota still enjoys dancing and listening to music, soccer has become his first love. The 18-year old Grade 12 student is coming back for his second year in this tournament, and he describes it as a great experience. “It gives us an opportunity to be exposed to people from professional teams that can potentially sign us on,” said Andrew. He believes the team has a good chance of going further in the competition this year. “Last year there was little communication in the team, and we had no respect for each other. We have definitely improved since then,” he added. Andrew is currently also playing for Musina United FC, a local team in Limpopo.