19 June 2015
R1-20/FREE
Fatal accident on R33
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Overloaded truck in accident, three dead “The truck driver, Piet Venter, an employee of Nylstene, and the passengers, told me that the vehicles were going in the direction of Vaalwater. The bakkie attempted to pass the truck. In the process he left the road, burst a tyre, lost control of the bakkie, and hit the front wheel of the truck. The bakkie rolled five times and the twelve unsecured passengers who were on the back of the bakkie, were hurled over the next 100 metres of road,” said Christe Steyn, who was also on the scene. The driver of the bakkie, Nicolaus Sithole, was fetching building contractors from the farm Motswani, outside Vaalwater, when the accident happened. Sithole refused to speak to The BEAT. There were 12 people on the back of the bakkie and three people in the front. “The people who were involved in the accident worked for a subcontractor from Vaalwater, said the manager of Motswani. “They are working on buildings here.” The manager refused to give out any further information, including the name of the company, and showed no sympathy for the deceased. Nico Stolp, the owner of Nylstene, said in an interview that they are “terribly sorry for the loss of life. The driver who was involved in the accident is unharmed, but naturally very shocked. He was alone in the truck when the accident occurred.”
Marlene Vermaak
In an accident on Friday, 12 June, a white single-cab bakkie belonging to an unknown building contractor from Vaalwater crashed into a truck from Nylstene. “I was first on the scene,” said Elsabé Stegmann, a Vaalwater resident. “The accident had already happened but I stopped immediately and tried to see how I could help. I contacted the Vaalwater Police Station, as well as the public ambulance service. We had to wait for more than 20 minutes even though the accident happened only 12 kilometres out of town. The ambulance was even later than the police. Other motorists’ behaviour shocked me as well. Most people just drove through the scene. Nobody stopped or tried to help, or even asked if there was anyone they could contact. One truck barely missed an injured passenger when the driver rushed past at a high speed.” The accident happened just after 14:00, between Vaalwater and Bulgerivier, right in front of the entrance of Shambala Private Game Lodge. There were 16 people involved in the accident. One person died on the scene while two others died of their wounds on Saturday, 13 June. 12 others sustained serious injuries and were taken to FH Odendaal Hospital in Modimolle.
The scene of the accident. Photo: Marlene Vermaak
The injured were laid next to the road. Photo: Marlene Vermaak This bakkie was involved in an accident outside Vaalwater. It was transporting 15 people at the time — three in the cab, and twelve on the back.
Bricks were spilled across the road by the accident. Despite the risk, many motorists rushed through the accident scene without slowing.
The driver of the bakkie involved in the crash was also injured. Photo: Marlene Vermaak
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THE BEAT
CRIME
19 June, 2015
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One dead, another badly wounded in accident Lizzy Bapela
One person died and another was seriously injured following an accident which took place on the R33 between Modimolle and Vaalwater on the afternoon of Friday, 12 June. Modimolle police spokesperson Warrant Officer James Findlay said that the two vehicles, a silver-grey Toyota and a white Nissan bakkie, collided head-on. The driver of the bakkie died
at the scene while the driver of the sedan was airlifted to Sandton MediClinic. According to information received, an unknown taxi stopped right in front of the bakkie, which swerved away from the taxi and collided head-on with the sedan. The driver of the bakkie was identified as Hendrik Deetlifs (30), from Pretoria, who was heading in the direction Vaalwater from Modimolle. The injured driver, Marianka van Dyk (23), was coming from Lephalale and
driving in the direction of Modimolle. Warrant Officer Findlay said that the drivers were both alone in their vehicles. They were fortunate that a doctor was driving behind Van Dyk when the accident happened. Though the woman’s next of kin could not be located, The BEAT spoke to the doctor to hear his side of the story. “It was a terrible shock for me to witness the accident. Everything happened so fast. It seems that the two cars collided head-on and after
seeing the accident I made a U-turn and returned to the scene to see how I could assist,” said Doctor George Scharf. “I attended the woman and remained there until the authorities arrived and she was airlifted to the hospital.” Warrant Officer Findlay said that the police have opened a case of culpable homicide and investigations were in progress. Both vehicles involved in the accident were towed to the Modimolle police station.
This Nissan bakkie was involved in a serious accident outside Modimolle on Friday. Photo: Herman Steyn
The survivor of the accident was also seriously injured, and received treatment at the scene. Photo: Herman Steyn
MOOKGOPHONG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
The Toyota Aygo which was involved in an accident on Friday, 12 June. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
PRIVATE BAG X 340, MOOKGOPHONG 0560 TEL: (014) 743 6600 FAX: (014) 743 2434
REFUSE REMOVAL AND SANITATION “ERATUM”
Modimolle police warn community members to note that when the power returns after load shedding, their phones sometimes do not get back on line immediately and people are unable to get hold of the police as a result. Police spokesperson Warrant Officer James Findlay indicated that should such be the case, people seeking police’s help can contact relevant sector commanders in case of emergencies. Such include Warrant Officer Killer Maluleka responsible for Phagameng Town at 082 414 1973, Captain Mike Motadi for Phagameng at 083 530 1289 and Warrant Officer Peter Booyse responsible for farms at 082 565 8638. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
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ADVERTISMENT
19 June, 2015
THE BEAT
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THE BEAT
19 June, 2015
GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
Working on Fire prepares Sondela for the fire season Lizzy Bapela
Waterberg District was one of the districts that experienced a very bad fire season in 2014, which prompted the Limpopo Department of Water Affairs’ Working on Fire (WoF) Programme to start their preparations for the 2015 fire season early, and also assisting land owners in making their properties fire-safe. As part of their preparations for the fire season Sondela’s team of fire fighters started with the project of creating firebreaks for landowners across the province. A total of 650 fully trained and fit firefighters have been deployed across the province. In the Waterberg, WoF has placed more than 200 skilled firefighters to assist the landowners in protecting their environment and to save lives. WoF also placed five ground resources across the district and two aerial resources, a helicopter and a spotter which have been placed at the BelaBela airfield. These resources will be used throughout the 2015 fire season. “This year we will be working very closely with district and local municipalities, and we believe that we will work very well together in fighting and preventing fires across the province. We are also working very closely with communities so that fires can be avoided,” said the General Manager for Working on Fire, Sam
Maepa. He added that in an effort to reduce wildfire, WoF pleads with communities to avoid causing fires which might lead to wildfires. They also gave out a few tips that help to avoid wildfires. Residents were advised to avoid burning refuse in open spaces and during windy, dry days, and to have water or a shovel and soil or sand ready to extinguish fires, and to supervise children near any flames including campfires, fire pits, chimneys, and outdoor fire places. “Do not throw away burning cigarette butts or leave any fires unattended, and never leave candles unattended,” they said. “Always use a candle holder.” Since 1 May, WoF Fire Fighters have responded to 15 fires, and 15 teams have been dispatched. WoF has also been busy conducting fire awareness campaigns in communities and schools to educate citizens about the dangers of fire, and to equip them with precautions on how to avoid wildfires. According to the National Veld and Forest Act, the landowners are required to make the firebreaks in their farms or private land. “This will protect the land from fire coming spreading between neighbouring farms. The Waterberg is one of the areas prone to veld and forest fires, and the WoF is pleading with landowners to make their properties fire safe,” said WoF Provincial spokesperson Matema Gwangwa.
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Bela-Bela poet becomes anti-xenophobia ambassador
Thabiso Matlou, a Bela-Bela poet, performed a reading of one of his poems at a church service. Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba
18 year Bela-Bela poet Thabiso Matlou has been chosen by the Department of Arts and Culture in Limpopo to be a xenophobia ambassador. The Grade 12 student from Maope High School said that he started writing poetry back in primary school, having been motivated by one of his educators. “I was lucky enough to be selected as an ambassador, especially in the sense that I represent humanity and the love of all races through poetry,” he said. Matlou, who is planning to study
medicine after he graduates, says that he does not intend to make poetry his career. “I’ve been asked questions asking whether I plan to make poetry my career, but I said no. It’s a form of expression for me,” he said. Matlou has performed readings across the Waterberg and Limpopo, and on Tuesday, 16 June, he was scheduled to perform in Bloemfontein but could not attend due to school work. He further said that he would also represent all people young and old, and believes that his poems are a form of building unity among people, to love and respect each other.
Municipality responds to procurement allegations Justin Steyn
The Working on Fire Sondela team recently prepared Sondela Nature Reserve for the fire season. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
The Bela-Bela Municipality has denied allegations of irregularities in their 2014 procurement awards. The BEAT reported last week that we had been approached by an anonymous source regarding the municipality’s 2014 procurement awards to people in service to the state. According to the procurement list, the source had been paid an amount of R200 000 and was listed as a business partner of Mokgwedi Construction and Projects. The source denied being involved with the company and said that she had investigated the matter. The source said that she had contacted the Department of Trade and Industry
to confirm whether Mokgwedi Construction was a viable registered company. The DTI confirmed that the company is indeed registered and provided the source with their contact details. She told The BEAT that the company claims that they had only been paid R27 000 for a construction job early in 2014. The municipal spokesperson, Matome Sebelebele, has responded to claims by proving with invoices that the municipality had indeed paid the amount of R199 720 to Mokgwedi Construction and Projects. Sebelebele said that the amount was paid to the company in instalments from July 2013 to June 2014, for various construction services.
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EDITORIAL
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Photo of the week
CORNER Confession is good for the soul
This lady from Mabatlane coached her school team during the McDonald’s Under14 School Games. Photo: TK Mashaba
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EDITORIAL POLICY e
THE BEAT
Page 5
May 2015
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Regarding the unknown infant
A practice which has never really caught on outside the Catholic Church is that of confession. The theory is that you confess your sins to the priest, a stand-in for God, who assigns a penance. Penance completed, the sin is forgiven. It’s a rather lovely practice, really. A very healthy one, psychologically speaking. We tend to carry our guilt within us, all the small and great harms we do in our lives. Within us, they fester. Isn’t it lovely to think that we can go, and confess, and be forgiven? “Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.” Most of us cannot imagine what it must be like, to be able to take our guilt, lay it out, and be told “this is forgiven. Your hands are clean now.” Yes, of course, in other faiths we are expected to confess directly to God, but there is something…comforting, to the sound of a human voice from the other side of a grilled window, speaking forgiveness. And forgiveness is so important to us, isn’t it? We take our problems to our God, and we are forever crying out, ‘Is this forgiven?’ The answer, of course, as always, is ‘Yes.’ Anything can be forgiven. That is the glory of religion — it provides a father figure who will never stop loving us, never be disappointed. You can take any sin to your god, and he will not turn away from you — because of course, he already knows it. The process of confessing your sins to your God is for you, more than for any other reason; confession allows you to say out loud that you realize that you have done wrong, and that there is something that needs to be forgiven. It forces us to acknowledge that we have done wrong, and that knowledge can help us to change, so that we do not sin again. And what a broad promise! There is no sin, the books tell us, that cannot be forgiven a person who truly repents. There is nothing so terrible that your god will turn his face away from you. It says so in every holy book of every religion. Forgiveness is possible. All you have to do is ask.
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19 June, 2015
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• provide our readers with complete, accurate, credible and objective news reporting • remain unbiased under all circumstances • strive to reflect the truth, objectivity and interests of the community in our reporting • support and contribute to freedom of speech, human rights and the economical and social upliftment of the towns and regions of our readers
Last week, the front page of The BEAT showed a very disturbing image — the photo of a newborn baby found abandoned in a sewer. Many readers have spoken to us about it, asking why we thought it was necessary to place that picture on the front page of our newspaper. Could we not have simply explained what had happened, and not subjected you to that sight? Of course we could have. It would, in fact, have been much easier for us to not put that particular picture on the front page, or even in the newspaper at all. It would probably have been kinder to the child and whoever its mother was, to have simply said in words that this terrible thing has happened. Have you ever heard the saying ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’? If we had not placed the picture, that would have been the easier course — but not the necessary one. In the end, we felt it necessary to show you the picture of that poor baby. Just like we did, you could not understand the true horror of it without seeing it. It’s easy to dismiss the event when you are simply told what has happened, but when you see it? When you see it, you can see what that poor child suffered in his life — which was probably only a few hours long. You can see that he was never wrapped in a blanket, never held in warm arms. Never, in fact, given the simple comfort even the lowest animals give to their young. He was pushed out into the world and thrown away with the garbage. The death of this infant, who never had a name, is a failure of the entire society. There is something terribly wrong here, that this is a place where such things happen. And while we may blame his mother for it, what do we really know about her? She could have been poor, and alone, and afraid — we know that she did not go to a hospital for the birth. She could have been a child, or a victim of rape. None of this excuses what she did, which was of course a terrible thing but on the other hand … what kind of society have we built, that a young woman may have a child, and abandon it, and nobody may know where or who she is? What kind of society have we created, that nobody cared enough to offer to help her? Some readers may blame the baby’s unknown mother for what happened but the reality is: We are all to blame.
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THE BEAT
19 June, 2015
CHARITY / ENTERTAINMENT / SCHOOL
LEGALS
MODIMOLLE LAND USE SCHEME, 2004 Notice is hereby given to all whom it may concern that in terms of clause 23 of the Modimolle Land Use Scheme 2004, I, NICOLA LUDIK, authorised agent of the property owner intend applying to the Modimolle Local Municipality for Special Consent Uses as follows: To use Erf 1/335 Nylstroom township / Modimolle for a GUEST HOUSE also known as 60 Leyd street, Nylstroom township located in a Residential 1 zone; To use a portion of Erf 673 Nylstroom Extension 4 / Modimolle for a SPAZA SHOP or a SECOND DWELLING HOUSE also known as 122 Steyn Street, Nylstroom located in a Residential 1 zone; To use a portion of Erf R/540 Nylstroom Extension 3 / Modimolle for a HOUSEHOLD INDUSTRY also known as 10 Strydom Street, Nylstroom Extension 3 located in a Residential 1 zone; and To construct a SECOND DWELLING HOUSE on Erf 2/88 Nylstroom Township also known as 47 Limpopo Street, Nylstroom township located in a Residential 1 zone. Any objection, with the grounds therefor, shall be lodged with or made in writing to: The Divisional Manager: Town Planning, Ground Floor, Modimolle Municipal Building, or Private Bag x1008, Modimolle, 0510, within 28 days of the publication of the advertisement in the Local Newspaper, viz 19 June 2015. Full particulars and plans (if any) may be inspected during normal office hours (08:00 – 13:00 and 13:45 – 15:00) at the above-mentioned office, for a period of 28 days after the publication of the advertisement in the Local Newspaper. Closing date for any objections: 17 July 2015. Applicant: NIKKI LUDIK, P.O. Box 3007, Modimolle, 0510, Telephone: 076 606 6372 19 & 26/6.
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Former mayor’s son hosts two day birthday celebration
PLA CE PLACE your add HERE! NOTICE Eienaar: FERREIRE CLEMENT AFONSO 113 Mavros Street, Vaalwater P.O.Box 446, Vaalwater, 0530 Eating House All kinds of liquor Bahamas Bar 113 Mavros Street, Vaalwater P.O. Box 446, Vaalwater, 0530 Section 41 (1) (a). 5, 12, 19 & 26 June
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Eunine Moloto of Bela-Bela wore red during her 30th birthday celebration recently held in Bela-Bela. She is shown here with a friend during the celebrations. Photo supplied
Thato Mohapi with one of his friends. Photo supplied Mashaba TKTK Mashaba
Eunine posed for the camera before the party celebration. Photo supplied
Thato Mohapi, the son of former Modimolle mayor Tsietsi Mohapi, plans to throw a massive birthday party for himself, which is planned to last from Friday, 19 June, until the evening of Saturday, 20 June. The party is to be held at two venues. “I wanted to have a blast with my friends,” he said. “Some of them have
come from as far as Gauteng.” Mohapi has lined up DJs from the area, as well as guest DJs from outside the Waterberg, including DJ Flame Mothapo, for his weekend’s celebration. “The first session of the party will be held at Hapido Café at Sedibaneng Beer Garden next to the township’s taxi rank, from Friday at six until late, while the second part will take place on a farm outside Modimolle,” said Mohapi.
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BLOCK add can also be done at BELA-BELA (014) 736 2723 additional charges. MODIMOLLE (014) 717 1774 For more MOOKGOPHONG information please (014) 743 3802 contact our offices.
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CHARITY / ENTERTAINMENT / SCHOOL
BBEAG holds youth day soup kitchen
19 June, 2015
THE BEAT
Page 7
Limpopo government is ready for the 2015 initiation season LizzyBapela Bapela Lizzy The parents and legal guardians of initiates are urged to verify the legitimacy of the initiation schools where they intend to send their children with the traditional authorities. This was said in a call made by the Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders and MECs partnering up to ensure a successful initiation season for 2015. These include Makoma Makhurupetje of the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and
Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), Ishmael Kgetjepe of Education and Phophi Ramathuba of Health. CoGHSTA Limpopo recently engaged with the media to confirm its readiness for the upcoming initiation season. MEC Makhurupetje is heading the initiative in partnership with MECs and CoGHSTA Deputy Minister, Obed Bapela. CoGHSTA Limpopo Provincial Spokesperson Motupa Selomo confirmed on that Friday, 19 June until Monday, 20 July will be the actual commencement dates of the initiation schools.
McDonalds Under 14 school games
Suzan Mothobi and Minah Kale serving soup during BBEAG’s annual soup kitchen at Sunfa stadium on June 16. Photo: TK Mashaba.
Dwaalboom Primary School players in action against Mabatlane primay School at Sunfa stadium. Photo: TK Mashaba
The crowd rushed to pick up clothing donations from BBEAG at Sunfa stadium on June 16. Photo: TK Mashaba.
Two players in a tassle for the ball during a game between Dwaalboom and Mabatlane Primary School. Photo: TK Mashaba
BBEAG members with Dads In The Pictures members on June 16 at the BBEAG soup kitchen. Photo: TK Mashaba.
Young girl with a toddler enjoying the soup during donation from BBEAG at Sunfa stadium on June 16. Photo: TK Mashaba.
Dwaalboom Primary School keeper missed a catch during penalty shoot out against Mabatlane Primary school. Photo: TK Mashaba
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THE BEAT
SPORT
19 June, 2015
League nears end, battles in Steam A
Refiloe Khoza, SAFA Regional Manager. Photo supplied TK Mashaba
The two teams who will battle it out
for leadership of Stream A are still awaiting updates from SAFA on the dates of their last games. Mabatlane’s M.Mmamoet Arsenal, who shares first place with Qualitho, attended a disciplinary hearing on Saturday, 13 June, at the SAFA Regional Office. The hearing was regarding a match with Happy Hearts which was not played due to miscommunications. “Last time we were supposed to play there was a miscommunication,” said the team’s owner and coach Andries Seputla. “The referee cancelled the game, saying that the venue was not well marked.” With this pronunciation, M.Mmamoet has two games in hand to Qualitho one, giving them a fair chance at going on to the playoffs, should they win both games. The new fixture has yet to be announced.
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Waterberg handball teams to represent Limpopo in club championships
Participating players posed for photos ahead of the games. Photo: Lizzy Bapela LizzyBapela Bapela Lizzy
The Waterberg will be entering the coming Open Senior Club championships with two teams — Itireleng Secondary Schools girls team, and the Modimolle Maniacs. The games are scheduled for Gauteng Province and the South African Handball Federation will be welcoming teams from all provinces. Itireleng beat Jakamene Secondary School 13-11 during a handball festival which took place at Moshate Handball Court in Mokopane on Saturday, 13 June. The chairperson of the Limpopo Handball Federation Ally Pole and his secretary Thabo Baloyi facilitated the games, with Gauteng Secretary Collen Tlhapi and national administrator Kgopolo Modubo also gracing the event. Limpopo Masters beat the
provincial senior team 12-10 in another battle, and the Federation elected players who will be representing the Province in the club championships scheduled to take place from Thursday, 25 June, to Sunday the 28th. Participating players received medals after the competition and Betty Ramasobana of Itireleng and Tracy Mokakaba representing Jakamene emerged as the best players of the tournament. In his address after the festival, Pole encouraged players and spectators to support the sport and attend the games. He also acknowledged the winners, wishing them good luck in the coming National Games. Pole also said that though South Africa will not be participating in the coming Africa Games, they believe that their players have proved their skill and represented their areas very well.
The players got themselves ready for the prize giving ceremony after the festival. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Winners Itireleng secondary School celebrated their victory. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Jakamene Secondary School came in position 2 during the tournament. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Chairperson of the Limpopo Handball Federation Ally Pole Photo: Lizzy Bapela