2017
R1-20/FREE
21 April
Easter accidents down
Limpopo roads were full to bursting by Thursday, 13 April. Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba Limpopo’s roads were once again packed to the gills during the Easter long weekend as the devout made their way to Moria and tourists made for holiday destinations. This year, however, it appears that the number of accidents is down from last year. The full statistics have not yet been released, but officials are
optimistic that a decrease in the number of accidents is on the cards. Several accidents were reported, but fewer were reported than in 2016. Minister of Transport Joe Maswangane thanked road users for abiding by the laws of the road. He also expressed his disgust at uniformed officers who were caught soliciting bribes in Gauteng and Limpopo. Bela-Bela Traffic Department
manager Isaac Monare thanked the officers who worked tirelessly over the long weekend. “If we can all have patience on the roads like we did this year, we can have safer roads,” Monare said. The Road Traffic Management Corporation revealed that the main causes of Easter road deaths were drunken and negligent driving, fatigue, and pedestrian hit and runs.
Forensic audit results finally released
meeting where it was decided that KPMG representatives would present the report on a Andries van certain day in March. This der Heyde clearly never took place. The EFF’s Sello Mosweu, the DA’s Frans The results of the longMothokwa, and executive awaited KPMG result committee member Kobus were finally released after van der Merwe all 11 months on Tuesday, 11 demanded that the KPMG April, during a council issue be settled first, but meeting of the Bela-Bela Moeletsi maintained that Municipality. the agenda must be In the 11 months that the followed. report has languished Mosweu attempted to without being released, a interrupt the meeting a child died in violent number of times, but the protests in the township, ANC continued to discuss the mayor, Jeremia the mid-term budget, the Ngobeni, had his personal year-end report, the vehicle set on fire and the municipal budget and community has become service delivery convinced that the reason implementation plan, as for the delay in releasing well as the supplementary the report is that the budget for the coming municipality is ‘hiding financial year. something’. The public were then Many residents wanted asked to leave the to attend the latest council chambers so that the meeting, but were notified KPMG report could be on the day that only 30 presented. Council members of the public members soon also left the would be admitted ‘due to chambers amid a great the number of seats deal of noise, however, available’. and The Post was told that The BEAT’s sister paper there was a disagreement The Post was able to gain between Ngobeni and access to the meeting, but some opposition members, many members of the which led to the council’s public were displeased unexpected adjournment. about the arrangement and Council members were made a great deal of noise upset because, as it turned outside. out, no KPMG The opposition was representative was present displeased because the to present the report. The speaker, Zachariah findings were, however, Moeletsi, had promised made available, and this weeks ago that the report matter has now been would soon be released. ‘addressed’. The Post was also present at a previous Read more on Page 3
CRIME
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Investigations continue following Pep Stores break-in
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21 April 2017 Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Alleged attempted rapist’s trial postponed
Lizzy Bapela
Palesa Qoboza, an alleged attempted rape victim from BelaBela, said that her health has been severely affected due to the incident. Photo: Justin Steyn Justin Steyn
A Pep Stores branch at Modimolle suffered a break-in recently. Photo: Mzamane Ringane Mzamane Ringane The police in Modimolle are continuing to investigate a case of burglary after a break-in which was discovered on Saturday, 8 April, by the staff at Pep Stores located on Nelson Mandela Drive. It is reported that everything was in order when the store was closed on Friday, 7 April but then it was shockingly discovered that a safe had been cut open the next day. According to the Modimolle
SAPS spokesperson, Warrant Officer James Findlay, the perpetrator or perpetrators gained access through roof and stole R6 000 in cash. A large number of cellphones were also taken during the breakin. The value of the cellphones could not be confirmed at this stage. The police spokesperson said the preliminary investigations revealed that the perpetrators used the roof for both entry and exit. “No arrests have been made so far and an investigations is underway,” Findlay said.
Modimolle criminal gets 20 years
Stress has hampered the health of alleged attempted rape victim, Palesa Qoboza, who says she has recently suffered a minor stroke. The 27-year old Bela-Bela resident said pending cases against a man who allegedly tried to rape her, are giving her sleepless nights. “I would like this case to be over and done with so that I can move on in my life. The stress has caused me to suffer a minor stroke and I am scared that further stress may affect my health,” she told The BEAT. Qoboza claims that on Tuesday, 21 February, a man from around her residential area in Leseding who may not be named as he has yet to enter into a plea, entered her house unlawfully and woke her as she was asleep and attempted to rape her. However, she avoided being raped and called for help by two ladies who were near her home.
“He was lying on top of me and wanted to have sex and said he had condoms. He even threatened me if I didn’t give him what he wanted. I knew that our front door was open as I left it unlocked and asked him to get off me so I could get comfortable, but rushed out the front door screaming for help,” she said. Qoboza said the man was apprehended by police after he allegedly attempted to flee. He made his first court appearance on Thursday 23 February and was released on bail of R500. He reappeared before the court once again on Friday, 17 March, but the case was postponed to Monday, 10 April to allow further investigations to continue. On that day, the case was postponed to Tuesday, 8 May, as a Zulu interpreter was not available for Qoboza. The case was also postponed as the alleged offender requested the services of a legal representative.
A 49-year-old man from Modimolle received a nasty shock when the local magistrate‘s court recently passed judgement on his case. Joseph Lekgoba, an unemployed resident of Phagameng received a sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment for three charges that were levelled against him. These include 15 years for business robbery, five years for public violence and another five years for extortion. Both the fiveyear sentences will run concurrently and the local magistrate ordered that Lekgoba starts his jail time immediately. According to the information received, Lekgoba has been terrorising both the local and foreign business community operating in Modimolle for a long time. Modimolle police said that the accused used to collect money from the local businesses and promised them that he will chase out the foreign businesses out of Modimolle. Lekgoba would then visit all the foreign businesses, alleging that the local business owners were coming to attack them and that the local community had planned a massive protest against them and would destroy their businesses. The police added that the accused would solicit bribes from both sides, telling them that the money would be used as payment for his efforts of intervention. Confirmed reports stated that Lekgoba returned on several occasions to the shops and both the sides discovered later on that he was playing them both and his cover was blown. Lekgoba was reported to have mobilized local people including ordinary community members, school children and business owners to accompany him to the shops and threaten the owners after he realized that his luck had run out and the shop owners were no longer believing his lies and not paying him bribes anymore. The police said that Lekgoba visited the shops several times, threatened the owners and collected groceries from the shops. Lekgoba was then arrested and charged with business robbery for the groceries he robbed from the shops, extortion for the bribes he solicited from the owners and the misleading information he distributed to the unsuspecting victims, as well as public violence for the unrest he caused at the shops. One victim, who asked not to be named, said he was happy and could now rest easy since Lekgoba has been brought to book. He added that Lekgoba nearly made him hate living and operating at Modimolle and South Africa with his actions. The victims further said he is thankful that the police’s intervention was satisfactory and the justice system did not discriminate their complaints since they were foreigners.
21 April 2017 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
Forensic report results Andries van der Heyde
The Bela-Bela Municipality released the long-awaited KPMG forensic report on Wednesday, 11 April. The report was the result of an investigation into alleged maladministration and corruption in the municipality. The investigation took place at the beginning of 2016 with the aim of investigating alleged irregularities that took place between January 2013 and May 2016. From the report, of which The BEAT has procured a copy, it appears that the town’s former mayor, Lucas Nhlapo, blamed the municipal manager, Morris Maluleka, for the way in which some of the municipality’s contracts were handled. The report, which was handed over to the municipality in May 2016, did uncover certain irregularities at the municipality. These include: Fawcett Security contract: Maluleka cancelled this contract in 2016 when it appeared that the security company was not fulfilling its obligations. The contract was due to expire this year (2017). According to the report, the municipality was displeased that members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) were able to gain access to the municipal buildings in March 2014, and also that ten vehicle batteries were stolen from the Department of Public Works premises and the sewerage works in December 2013. Fawcett was in charge of security at these premises. The contract was cancelled in January 2016 and the case went to the High Court. According to the report, Maluleka was acting in the best interests of
the municipality when he cancelled the contract, and the proper procedures were indeed followed. The case is still pending. The municipal fleet contract: Dikala Plant Hire was appointed in July 2014 with the goal of providing a new fleet of municipal vehicles on a comprehensive maintenance scheme for three years. The budget initially called for 40 vehicles, but the municipality needed 50. The total cost of the contract was R36 550 998. A partnership was struck between Balimi Barui Trading (BBT), Dikala Plant Hire, and the municipality to manage the fleet. The municipality requested additional vehicles in December 2014, but was in a financial tight spot at the time. Dikala Plant Hire was informed that the municipality would not be able to honour their financial obligations. Cost saving measures were implemented, with the goal of replacing the fleet with older vehicles at a lower cost. According to the report BBT initially agreed to the arrangement, but Dikala Plant Hire’s representatives did not. This led to a rift between the parties involved, and the municipality cancelled the contract. During his interview with the KPMG representatives, Maluleka said that he had received legal advice before cancelling the contract. Dikala Plant Hire took the matter to the High Court, however, and the municipality lost the case. The municipality was ordered to pay all outstanding debts plus interest. Payments to a private account: The fleet management contract with ABSA Bank ended between February and March 2015, and Dikala Plant Hire agreed to replace some municipal vehicles. At that point, the agreement between BBT, Dikala, and the municipality was still in effect. Payments for the vehicles were to be
Acting MEC visits Vaalwater Lizzy Bapela Acting MEC for the Department of Social Development in Limpopo Doctor Phophi Ramathuba visited the Waterberg District to support young learners and to interact with older citizens. The MEC graced the Vaalwater area to roll out the Provincial Learner Support campaign and to visit institutions on Tuesday, 18 April. Learners from schools in the area welcomed the leader as they returned to their respective schools on the first day of the second term of the 2017 academic year. Ramathuba’s visit kicked off at the Waterberg Old Age Home at Modimolle, after which she spread some Easter cheer at the Lillian Ngoyi ECD in Mabatlane, Vaalwater. Her visit was rounded off with a ceremony at Mahlasedi Primary School, also in Mabatlane, where she handed over school uniforms to needy learners.
Departmental spokesperson Adele van der Linde said the visit was conducted as part of the department’s learner support programme, which is set to instil a sense of pride, belonging, dignity and good tradition in marginalized learners throughout the province. She added that the belief is that school uniform distribution to underprivileged learners will reduce competition and peer pressure among learners. Ramathuba encouraged members of the public to build a caring society together during Freedom Month. The programme was rolled out under the banner “Your child is my child”. Limpopo acting MEC for Social Development Doctor Phophi Ramathuba interacted with older citizens and offered support to young learners in the Waterberg District. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
paid into a Nedbank account but according to the report Hendrick Kganyago, a director in BBT, requisted the municipality to pay the money into an ABSA account. The municipality approved a payment of R366 298, which was paid into this account. The report states that this was a personal account of Kganyago’s and that he was attempting to act on behalf of Dikala Plant Hire, KPMG determined. KPMG also determined that the account did not belong to Dikala Plant Hire. An internal investigation was launched after Ben Poto, Dikala plant hire’s manager, began asking questions, and the municipality stopped payments. KPMG determined that there had been no agreement between the parties to use a different account. KPMG recommended that criminal charges be pursued. The municipal access control contract: The company Bertrobite was appointed in April 2015 to install access control systems at the municipal premises. The budget for the project was initially R921 000 and the contract was due to end in 2018. According to the report the contract was adjusted when the municipality ordered more of the systems. The KPMG report determined that the contract was actually worth more than R9 million, and that the town’s budget was adjusted in 2016 to make R4,5 million more available for this contract. KPMG found that R3 083 433 was paid to Bertrobite between July 2015 and February 2016. KPMG said that the municipality violated’its own management directives by allowing public participation only after the contract had been signed. Payments were also approved before the proper procedures had been followed. KPMG recommended that steps be taken against Maluleka and the acting chief financial officer, Khathu Maposa,
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regarding the handling of this contract. Traffic Management: BBT was appointed in October 2014 to provide traffic management systems, fine collecting systems, and traffic cameras to the municipality. The municipality expressed concerns about the appointment of this service provider in September 2015, since by October of that year no trade of a traffic camera had yet been found, and very little money had been raised from fines. The municipality budgeted R12 289 000 for this contract in 2015/2016 and 2014/2015, but only received 3% of the budgeted income, KPMG said. By December, R1 782 961 had been paid to BBT, and the municipality received only R320 405 from traffic fines. KPMG also found that BBT was charging the municipality R115.14 per fine issued and had issued 11 115 fines altogether — of which only 1 280 were actually paid — over this time period. KPMG determined that no irregular payments had been made to BBT, but recommended that steps be taken against the members of the tender committees, since no thorough costcomparisons had been done regarding the other service providers that had bid for the contract. Steps, the KPMG recommended, should also be taken against the head of Corporate Services Lionel Mashishi, supply chain manager Ludwick Matwalana, as well as TJ Mothapo from the Department of Social Development, since they did not ensure that the costs of the contract matched was set out by the tender committee. It was also found that steps should be taken against Maluleka, since he had not checked the accuracy of the contract’s contents before approving it. Corrective measures have since been instituted against the individuals on their performance in these matters.
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GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
Toowoomba wins government’s excellence awards
Striking workers allege harassment and poor working conditions The place remained closed during the strike and no one was allowed to enter for any services. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
MEC for the Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) Seaparo Sekoati delivered a speech on behalf of Premier Stanley Mathabatha at the awards. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela The Toowoomba Research Centre based in Bela-Bela were crowned the Best Innovative Team in the Agriculture and Rural Development Category during the Limpopo Provincial Government’s excellence awards. The Limpopo Provincial Government has recently rewarded public servants who went beyond the call of duty to serve the public. In the awards, the winners take home R50 000 for a platinum price, which required of 75% of the entrant’s achievement, 70% for Gold, and 60% for Silver. Provincial Government Spokesperson Phuti Seloba said the qualifying team is the one that has contributed in enhancing the image of the department by upholding professional ethos in the implementation of Batho Pele principles. The winner, Toowoomba Research Farm Team, consists of two agricultural scientists stationed in Toowoomba, BelaBela. The team runs a pilot rainwater harvest and conservation for crop, range and productivity where they teach farmers how to manually dig basins and use hand hoes and spades. Seloba said this project was piloted in Ha Lambane village in Venda and through this initiative, most families around the area are now in a good financial standing. He added that they are able to support their families and they no longer rely on buying
maize meal, producing their own crops instead. The families also conduct scientific research on livestock and pasture and crops production. The water collected through the basins and rainwater stored in JoJo tanks increased the farmers yield and put them on a sound financial footing, where they are comfortably supporting their families. Seloba further said the improved selfreliance has seen the harvest increase from seven to 22 bags of maize meal. Delivering a speech on behalf of Premier Stanley Mathabatha, MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) Seaparo Sekoati praised public servants on the role they play in transformation of public service. He said the provincial government had dedicated the event to appreciate the extraordinary achievements of some exceptional men and women and teams in the public service. These are men, women and the teams that always go beyond the ordinary call-of-duty. MEC Sekoati further said recognising these men and women speaks to the commitment to building an effective, efficient and responsive public service. He added that the service excellence award ceremony is evidence of the public servants’ commitment to service the people. MEC Seaparo Sekoati thanked public servants and told them that the Limpopo government rely on their creativity and critical thinking for leaders to do their job of taking services to the people.
Fire-damaged building under repairs This building that was badly damaged in a fire last year, is finally under repairs. Photo: Justin Steyn
Workers at the BB Auto Body Rebuilds panel beating downed tools to voice their alleged unattended demands. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Workers at the BB Auto Body Rebuilds penal beating, situated at the Bela-Bela’s Industrial side, have downed tools for several weeks now. The workers told The BEAT that they were demanding their deserved increment of 7%, which was supposed to have been added from September 2016 and they have not received it to this date. They also alleged that they are working under poor and unsatisfactory conditions and that their female colleagues are being harassed while on duty. The angry protestors said their boss, Santie Boshoff’s partner, André de Meyer allegedly harasses women employees and Boshoff turns a blind eye when they report the matter to her. The workers’ representative, Solomon Phala, said they engaged Boshoff several times about their concerns. He added that they even engaged their union, NUMSA, and she still refuses to meet with its representatives to come to an agreement. “Whenever we engage her with something that we are not satisfied with, she shows us the gate. She tells us that she will even hire foreigners to come and work there as that will be less costly as foreigners accept any amount of payment. As a result, we resorted to a strike, with hope that she will take our complaints into consideration and resolve them but it seems she does not care. She
Justin Steyn A business-building that was damaged in a fire in November last year, is under repair. The building housed three businesses; Creative Bug, Volkshulp 2000 and a chemical storage facility which were all situated next to one another at the corner of Luna and Kretzchmar Avenue were the businesses affected by the blaze. Prominent Paints, which is situated right next door to Creative Bug, remained unaffected by the fire. It was suspected that arson had played a role, but this was not confirmed. The BEAT recently visited the building and found that it is well under repair.
even called the police on us and accuse us of conducting an illegal strike. We decided to close the gate so that no customer enters the premises. She and her partner have caused disloyalty and divisions amongst the staff and fetch workers from the township to work behind others’ back, knowing that we are on strike and intended to be united,” said Phala. The representative further said they have been on strike for weeks now and were told that they will not get paid for the days they spend expressing their complaints. He added that they will not stop striking until their demands are met. Giving her side of the story, Boshoff told The BEAT that all the allegations levelled against her and De Meyer are not true. She said that if the workers were telling the truth, why did they not take further steps and open a case? She also said she and De Meyer were the ones who suffered the consequences of the strike and she even had to seek medical attention as she sustained injuries. “As part of our day-to-day working activities, I took out the sprayers and hose pipe and De Meyer and I got hurt when the workers pulled the pipe during their strike. They even damaged the sprayers when they were striking. I do not have anything to hide, and in fact, welcome the paper to come again and this time, inspect the whole area to see if there is anything wrong. The reporter can ask anything and I am available to answer. I have opened criminal and labour cases against the workers,” said Boshoff.
According to Pikkie Pretorius, a private contractor that has been assigned to the building’s restoration, repairs started in March and are expected to conclude by the end of April. The owner of the building, Jakkals van Heerden said new businesses are expected to open at the premises, including the return of Creative Bug. “We are very happy to have the building repaired and welcome the news that Creative Bug will re-establish itself here. The fire brought about a great loss but we are happy that the damaged are being repaired,” van Heerden said. He added that Prominent Paints is expected to be extended and a new hardware shop is expected to open as soon as repairs to the building have been completed.
21 April 2017 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
EDITORIAL
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Modimolle farmers give back to the community
The staff at Dira O Direlwe Drop in Centre, the Department of Agriculture and rural development and the jubilant children after the event. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
“We really appreciate this relationship. Farmers are very important in our society as they help our communities to grow. We are also praying to God to open the gates of heaven and give us rain, so that these farmers can be able to produce more,” Fambi said. Fambi said they are looking forward to a continued relationship with the department and the local farmers, in a quest to feed those children who are less fortunate. Johannes Monyebodi of B and J Mixed Farming said they are willing to remain close to the community. “The government through the Fetsa Tlala (Eradicate Hunger) initiative is doing a great job of ensuring that farmers are producing food to eradicate poverty. As farmers we also feel the need to go back to our communities and play our role in ending hunger,” he said. Dira O Direlwe caters for about 200 orphaned and vulnerable children.
drought and a decrease in the moth species’ natural predator numbers.
“Wasps and flies are the main predators that these moths are eaten by mainly. They usually kill a lot of the moth offspring, but if the predator numbers have declined, a high percentage of caterpillar survive where the adults then mate and lay even more eggs that survive” she explained Van der Linde said these moths are common in South Africa the population’s growth is rather low. ”They mainly feed on a variety of acacia trees. It’s with the sudden burst of greenery that these moths strive on and feed, overwhelming their predators. One female can lay many eggs from each mating session, only one of each sex needs to survive and preserve the species and increase their numbers. This then results in the population explosion we are currently experiencing,” she said.
Mzamane Ringane The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in company of Modimolle farmers visited Dira O Direlwe Drop In Centre on Tuesday, 11 April to hand over vegetables. During this special occasion the department’s deputy director responsible for farming in Modimolle Sammy Lebele urged farmers to be more involved in building their communities. He encouraged them to contribute in whatever way possible, to assist local centres and schools in setting up vegetable gardens. “We are also encouraging farmers to adopt a centre or a school each, where they will donate some of their produce from time to time in an effort to end hunger,” he said. Dira O Direlwe’s board chairperson Pastor Felix Fambi thanked both the department and farmers for their contribution towards building the society.
The owl moth explosion Justin Steyn Cream striped owl moths have become noticeable in many households throughout the country. Bela-Bela resident Peet Grobler told The BEAT that he was sitting inside his bar area one afternoon and noticed a huge gathering of these winged insects on the ceiling. “I came home from work and sat at the bar outside of our house, just to relax. I noticed several moths flying around me and when I looked up there were many moths just sitting against the ceiling. I found this very strange as I have never seen moths gather at this magnitude,” Grobler said. According to Twanet van der Linde of the Jedtwa Wildlife centre in Bela-Bela, South
Cream striped owl moths are currently seen in many households due to a lack of predators which leads to a multitude of moths being observed. Photo supplied
Africa has been experiencing the overwhelming moth population due to
Marakele marathon raises R260 000 towards Conservation Lizzy Bapela General Manager of the Northern Region Parks Lombard Shirindzi thanked the Coca Cola Beverages South Africa for a sponsorship that contributed significantly towards the success of the 2017 Marakele Marathon. Shirindzi was addressing scores of people including spectators and role players who gathered for the prize giving ceremony that took place after the marathon on Saturday, 8 April. The company donated an amount of R260 000 towards the race, of which some amount will go towards conservation issues in the Park. Over 600 runners gathered for the Comrades qualifier race, which takes place annually in Thabazimbi’s Marakele National Park, a member of the northern region parks. The Big 5 roam saw Phineus Mothoa and Zanie van Rensburg emerging winners in the 42 km men and women’s race respectively. In his address to the athletes during the prize giving ceremony, Shirindzi said the main objective of the marathon is to give back to the community of Thabazimbi and the day was marking a new era that seeks to use the marathon as a catalyst to attain socio-economic development and environmental protection. He regarded the 2017 race as the best event yet since the inception of the marathon over seven years ago and added that this was simply because of the atmosphere that was created. “We want people to enjoy the national parks and we provide them with a place of rest. Therefore over and above the official races, we make sure that we provide fun for the whole family. We also extend an invitation to everyone who is yet to visit Marakele and any of our national parks to come and have fun,” said Shirindzi. He further applauded Shereno Printers, Siemens Healthineers, BestMed and
42 km women’s race winner Zanie van Rensburg (number 2115) with the top 10 female finalists. Photo supplied
Northern Region Parks General Manager Lombard Shirindzi (centre) with the top ten 42 km men’s race including marathon winner Phineas Mothoa (second from right in a white t-shirt). Photo supplied
Hlanganani Contractors, as some of the sponsors that made the marathon possible. Shirindzi said next year’s race will be bigger and better, as they have decided that since Marakele is a Big Five National Park, they should offer participants an opportunity to collect all the big five medals. The top five winners in the 42 km Men’s race include: Phineas Mothoa who won with 2hours 32minutes and 55 seconds, Pharson Magaghane with 2 hours, 37
minutes and 42 seconds, Wesley Mutai with 2 hours, 38 minutes and 35 seconds, Lucas Donyana with 2 hours, 39 minutes and 50 seconds, as well as Harmans Mokgadi with 2 hours, 40 minutes and 41 seconds. The top five winners in the 42 km Women’s race were: Zanie Van Rensburg with 3 hours, 49 minutes and 11 seconds, Dawn Hadebe with 3 hours, 50 minutes and 47 seconds, Nataly van Dyk with 4 hours, 23 minutes and 54 seconds, Moksie Pelser with 4 hours, 23 minutes
and 57 seconds, as well as Natasha Coetzee with 4 hours, 32 minutes and 46 seconds. Northern Region Parks’ spokesperson Divhani Maremba said the 21km, 10km and 5km fun runs also drew large crowds of people including parents with small children, who were much entertained throughout the activities. Marimba confirmed that the next year’s race is scheduled to take place on 3 March 2018 and registrations will open soon.
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ADVERTISMENTS / LEGALS
SMALLS
LEGALS BELA BELA AMENDMENT SCHEME 106/08 I, THOMAS PIETERSE, being the authorized agent of the owners of Portion 359 (a portion of Portion 1) of the farm Klein Kariba 849 KR, hereby give notice in terms of Section 56(1)(b)(i) of the Town Planning and Townships Ordinance, 1986 (Ordinance 15 of 1986) read with the Spatial Planning and Land-use Management Act, 2013 that I have applied to the Bela Bela Municipality for the amendment of the Landuse Scheme known as the Bela Bela Land-Use Scheme, 2008 for the rezoning of Portion 359 (a portion of Portion 1) of the farm Klein Kariba 849 KR located north of the existing ATKV Klein Kariba Resort in the Negester Retirement Estate from “Special” to “Residential 2”. The application property is situated on the most western side in Negester Retirement Estate. Particulars of the application will lie for inspection during normal office hours at the office of the Manager: Spatial Planning and Land Use Management, Directorate Planning and Development, Bela Bela Municipality, Chris Hani Drive, Bela Bela for a period of 28 days from 21 April 2017. Objections to or representations in respect of the application must be lodged with or made in writing to the Manager: Spatial Planning and Land Use Management at the above address or at Private Bag x1609, Bela Bela, 0480 within a period of 28 days from 21 April 2017. Address of Agent: NATURA PROFESSIONAL PLANNERS (Pty) Ltd, P.O. Box 3501, Nylstroom, 0510, Tel: 082 446 7338, e-mail: theo@profplanners.co.za
21 April 2017 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
BELA BELA AMENDMENT SCHEME 107/08 I, THOMAS PIETERSE, being the authorized agent of the owners of Portion 7 of the farm Buisfontein 451 KR, hereby give notice in terms of Section 56(1)(b)(i) of the Town Planning and Townships Ordinance, 1986 (Ordinance 15 of 1986) read with the Spatial Planning and Land-use Management Act, 2013 that I have applied to the Bela Bela Municipality for the amendment of the Land-Use Scheme known as the Bela Bela Land-Use Scheme, 2008 for the rezoning of a part (1,2415ha) of Portion 7 of the farm Buisfontein 451 KR located directly north of Negester Retirement Estate from “Agricultural” to “Special” for Caravan canopies/garages. The applicaton property is situated directly adjacent to the access road to Negester Retirement Estate’s entrance. Particulars of the application will lie for inspection during normal office hours at the office of the Manager Spatial Planning and Land Use Management, Directorate Planning and Development, Bela Bela Municipality, Chris Hani Drive, Bela Bela for a period of 28 days from 21 April 2017. Objections to or representations in respect of the application must be lodged with or made in writing to the Manager: Spatial Planning and Land Use Management at the above address or at Private Bag x1609, Bela Bela, 0480 within a period of 28 days from 21 April 2017. Address of Agent: NATURA PROFESSIONAL PLANNERS (Pty) Ltd, P.O. Box 3501, Nylstroom, 0510, Tel: 082 446 7338, e-mail: theo@profplanners.co.za
f you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them. Henry David Thoreau
Local DJ on shortlist
Masenya Mashego during one of his set at Bela-Bela community hall. Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba Masenya Mashego, well-known for his soul sessions in local clubs, has been selected as one of the top six finalists in the “Our Music Your Memories Competition” hosted by SABC’s Radio 2000. The competition kicked off in March with people recording their 30-second videos and submitting them to Radio 2000 on their social media platform. The Bela-Bela-born and raised DJ told The BEAT that this going to be the experience of a lifetime. “They asked us to do a short video where we sing and sent it to their websites and I was lucky to be selected,” Mashego told The BEAT. He is currently on the top six and waiting for the top three selections which will be communicated at a later stage. Mashego said he is looking forward for the tour and to learn more of how radio works. “I wish that our community can also have a community radio station,” added Mashego.
Men’s best successes come after their disappointments. Henry Ward Beecher
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21 April 2017 Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Young boys at Modimolle’s Extension 7 playing during the school holidays. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
CHARITY / ENTERTAINMENT / SCHOOL
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Procurement for Learner Teacher Support Material for 2018 begins
Mabaleng Easter Games
The junior netball teams in action during Mabaleng Easter games on Friday 14 April. Photo: TK Mashaba Limpopo MEC for the Department of Education Ishmael Kgetjepe was urged to intervene in the non-delivery of the Learner Teacher Support Material. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela
Soccer action from Mabaleng Legends FC and other local team during Easter games. Photo: TK Mashaba
The community in aerobics mood during Mabaleng Easter Games on Friday 14 April. Photo: TK Mashaba
The Limpopo Province Executive Council noted a report on the issue of the Learner Teacher Support Material (LTSM) following months of debate on the issue of non-delivery of the LTSM for the 2017 academic year. The Executive Council announced this during their recent council meeting convened to discuss issues relating to the state of the province, including among others the LTSM. The statement that the Provincial EXCO released indicated that the Department of Education has already commenced with the procurement of LTSM for 2018. Limpopo Provincial Government spokesperson Phuti Seloba said that the early procurement of LTSM for 2018 was done in order to ensure that delivery is made before the closing of schools for the December holidays. Seloba added that a task team on the LTSM has been established to monitor and provide oversight on the
procurement and delivery of LTSM to schools. The team comprises of officials from the office of the premier and the Department of Education. “In terms of the Procurement Process Plan, the schools are expected to complete the requisition forms by the end of May 2017. The placing of requisitions for the generation of official orders for textbooks stationery packs and workbooks is expected to be done by 31 July 2017. The packaging and delivery of textbooks to schools is expected to be undertaken during September and November 2017,” Seloba said. The issue of non-delivery of the LTSM for the 2017 academic year made news headlines for quite some time early this year, with opposition party DA expressing dissatisfaction over the issue and pointing fingers at the Department and the MEC Ishmael Kgetjepe. The DA released several statements regarding the issue, urging the MEC’s intervention as education is the right for every learner in the province.
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21 April 2017 Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Modimolle All Stars’ SAB League no show
Mzamane Ringane SAB League teams will resume their race in the league this week after taking a breather during the Easter holidays. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Modimolle All Stars FC who is affiliated to the stream A of the Waterberg Region’s SAB League awarded Boys 2 Men an easy victory two weekends ago, after failing to show up for their scheduled fixture on Saturday, 8 April. The match was supposed to take place at Boys 2 Men FC’s home ground in Vaalwater, where the two teams were supposed to battle it out for maximum points. All Stars’ failure to honour their fixture resulted in their opponents being awarded maximum points and two goals. In Bela-Bela, Diesel N Dust FC lost 1-0 to their homeboys Bela-Bela Pirates. Modimolle Troublemakers
FC and Bussel FC settled for a point each, after a hard fought 1-all stalemate. On Saturday, 22 April BelaBela Happy Hearts will visit Troublemakers in their quest to escape relegation. Diesel N Dust FC will host Modimolle All Stars FC in Bela-Bela, while Home Defenders FC and Bussel FC are scheduled to do battle in Modimolle. Vaalwater’s Boys 2 Men FC and Modimolle NTK Happy Boys who are neck and neck on the second and third position respectively, were expected to lock horns at Meetsetshehla High School grounds on Saturday. In other fixtures of the weekend Modimolle Celtic FC will host Bela-Bela Pirates FC. SAB League teams took a breather last weekend due to the Easter holidays.