22 August 2014 R1-20/FREE
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BEAT
22 August, 2014
A masked man: The main focus at axe attackers’ trial
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Bela Bela crime rround ound up The three suspects who were arrested after being found in possession of alleged suspected stolen properties. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
A masked man was the main focus at the start of the axe attackers’ trial. Photo as illustration
Justin Steyn The victims of an alleged axe attack, which occurred in February this year in Leeupoort, are faced with the long awaited trial after a brief holiday in Mookgophong. The starting date of the trial, Monday 11 August, was postponed a day later because the translator had been unavailable for court proceedings. Victims, Rachel Groenewaldt and Manie de Beer, waited patiently at the Bela Bela Magistrate court for attempted murder accused Trymore Munetsi and Petrus Sithole to arrive. Both Munetsi and Sithole pleaded not guilty to the charges soon after their arrival. When asked to testify, Groenewaldt calmly approached the bench and recalled the incidents on the morning of the alleged attack. “I woke up to the sound of a noise which I heard nearby but did not get out of bed because I underwent a back operation a few weeks before. Suddenly I heard our dog, Sheba, bark loudly at something in the other room. I finally decided to move out from our bedroom and investigated the situation”, she said. Groenewaldt said that she was suddenly attacked by “two black figures” when she stepped outside the bedroom. She continued by saying that the “figures” were two men who chased her in and around the bedroom, one of whom apparently hit her on the head with the blunt side of what is said to be an axe. Her husband, de Beer, battled the men in vain as he was reportedly struck down with the alleged axe and restrained. According to Groenewaldt’s testimony, three other men entered the room, one of whom was wearing a mask, and demanded that their money and any firearms be handed over. The state prosecutor asked if the
masked man seemed in any way familiar to Groenewaldt to which she replied that she recognized his voiced and associated it with that of Munetsi. “The other four men were all unmasked. When the masked man spoke I immediately recognised his voice and thought that it might be Trymore. I was reluctant to say anything because I was afraid that they might kill me if I could recognize him,” she said. Groenewaldt was asked if she knew Munetsi to which she replied that he was an employee of theirs for two years. Recollecting the events of the attack, Groenewaldt continued by saying that she and de Beer were both restrained near their bed with a nylon rope. The couple was reportedly locked inside their home after the men left with several items. Groenewaldt continued by saying that she dropped to her knees and asked de Beer to help her out of the restraints. Due to profuse bleeding from his head, which de Beer suffered from being struck, Groenewaldt said that he was unable to restrain her as he could not see properly. Groenewaldt said that it was only when she came across a Leatherman pocket knife from a nearby drawer that she was able to free herself from her binds. She added that she crept through a window and ran seeking for help. The defence attorney for both accused asked whether or not she was certain that the masked man was indeed Munetsi. She replied that although his face could not be seen, she was certain that it was him as she recognised his voice but deduced that he wore the mask so that he could not be indentified. Court was adjourned after Groenewaldt submitted her testimony. At the time of going to press a date for the next court appearance was not known, but Munetsi has been ordered to appear in court on Thursday 28 August on other charges relating to housebreaking.
Photographed is the bakkie in which the suspected stolen properties were found and confiscated. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela An accused man in a case of assault with the intent to comit grievous bodily harm (GBH) was recently sentenced to seven years imprisonment when he appeared in the Bela Bela Magistrate’s Court. Police spokesperson Constable Glen Manamela said that 24-year-old Desmond Ngobeni’s subsequent court appearances and arrest is due to an incident in which occurred December 2012. In another incident 32-year-old man Aubrey Mandia was convicted for attempted murder and sentenced to four years imprisonment. He was arrested following an incident in July 2013. Pungas Maswanganye was charged for theft following an incident on July 2014 and was fined R6 000 or face 24 months imprisonment and the sentence was suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit a similar crime during the suspension period. The Bela Bela police have opened a case following an accident on the R517 between Codrington and Settlers. Manamela said that two vehicles were involved in a head on collision and the occupants, two of which were children, sustained serious injuries and were taken to the Montana Hospital in Pretoria. The police have opened a docket of inquisition following an accident on the N1 high way on Friday, 8 August. Constable Manamela said that the incident was reported on the morning of Saturday, 16 August.
She explained that the police were patrolling at the Bela Bela town enterance from the R516, when they saw a vehicle parked under a tree nearby. Constable Manamela said that the officers went closer to the vehicle and saw a woman lying on the driver’s seat with a lot of foam coming from her mouth and nose, while the engine of the vehicle was idling. She further said that all the doors of the vehicle and windows were closed but not locked and the heater was also on. She also said that the woman was declared dead on the scene by paramedics. Manamela said that the cause of the woman’s death is unknown The police in Bela Bela are investigating a case of possession of suspected stolen property following an incident at the entrance of the township on the R101 in the early hours of Thursday, 14 August. Constable Manamela said that the police were patrolling when they saw a suspicious bakkie driving towards town. She explained that the officers stopped and searched the vehicle, where they discovered electric appliances, tools, quad bikes, a motorcycle and a generator. Manamela said that the police confiscated all the items, which were suspected to have been stolen. She said that the items were estimated at a street value of R150 000. The suspects, who are Zimbabwean nationals, were charged and appeared before the Bela Bela Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 15 August.
A fire raged very close to an electricity box. Fortunately, local authorities were informed and a potential disaster was avoided. Photo Justin Steyn
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BEAT
22 August, 2014
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Residents rush to contaminated oranges Andries van der Heyde
Residents were seen gathering oranges which were most likely contaminated. Photo: Andries van der Heyde
A heavy loaded truck carrying oranges overturned on the R101 road between Bela Bela and Modimole on Thursday, August 14. The accident occurred on a stretch of road that is currently being repaired and a truck carrying cotton had reportedly overturned on the very same spot the day before. It seems probable that the driver of the orange-carrying truck drove too close to the side of the road and its wheels were lodged in the loose sand. The truck reportedly lost control and overturned. No injuries were reported, but the area where the accident occurred became hazardous when the truck’s diesel tank started to leak. The spilt fuel contaminated most of the carried load. It was reported that the truck was apparently travelling from Tzaneen to Durban to export the oranges. Jaques Coetzee, a technician from Zero Waste SA, a hazmat company in Delmas and his team arrived early on the scene.
“The accident happened just after two o’clock. In most cases, truck drivers travel on alternative roads to avoid weighbridges. Most of them fall asleep, but this particular incident was merely an accident, “he said. The owner of the oranges had given Coetzee and his team permission to access the area and determine whether or not the shipment had been spoiled. Coetzee said that the damages will likely be handled by the transport company and their insurer. Township residents gathered in anticipation where they hoped to have something to take home. However the Hazmat-team and local police were dispatched to keep an eye on them, until the owner of the oranges would provide further instructions. “Everything is under control and the Bela-Bela police responded really fast, but we cannot be liable for the health care of residents who decide to eat the contaminated oranges,” he said. He said fruit farmers use pesticides that prolongs the shelf life of their products when exported and is only cleaned and cleared when shelved at
stores. He added that it poses a serious health risk when people take perishable and contaminated goods from such an accident scene. Shortly after the owner had given permission to Coetzee to remove the spoiled oranges and rehabilitate the road, word spread quickly and many residents carried the oranges away within minutes. “Despite policing, one cannot keep such a mass of hungry people at bay,” said Coetzee. His team had recently also attended to a fire involving a petrol truck near the Kranskop toll gate. The contractor, Fantique Trade and the Limpopo Roads Agency, have been working on road repairs of the R101, between Bela Bela and Modimole, since the beginning of August. The contractor has laid out several alternative routes along the road whilst being repaired, but in the past few weeks, the roads have gradually collapsed and became uneven because of daily traffic. At the time of going to press Fantique did not reply to a request for comment.
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Members of the Concerned Parents Fighting Against Drug Abuse (COPFADA) once again gathered and protested at the Bela Bela Magistrate’s Court gates on Tuesday, 19 August to express their concerns about the issue of nyaope dealing and usage in the area. Their protest was a sequel to court appearances of an alleged well-known drug dealer Mahlatse Aphiri, who was arrested in December 2012 and was recently given bail. Aphiri was appearing alongside his father, who was arrested in 2013. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Poachers caught in Vaalwater Marlene Vermaak On Saturday 16 August no less than ten suspected rhino poachers were apprehended in Vaalwater. One of the men was shot during the incident and was taken to the FH Odendaal Hospital in Modimolle. The rest of the suspects were arrested and remain in police custody in Modimolle. Kassie Knoetze, head of Welgevonden Private Game Reserve’s security, said that some of the reserve’s field guides noticed suspicious activity by seven people next to one of the farm’s fences; the people were accompanied by a white Nissan Hardbody vehicle. They decided to keep watching them and decided to lay a trap to catch them, should they enter the farm unlawfully. “In less than 15 minutes later four of the suspected rhino poachers entered Welgevonden and shortly after that a shootout started between them and the field guides. In the incident one person was wounded and the other three were arrested. Hunting weapons, axes as well as other tools used for rhino hunting were found in their procession,” said Knoetze. Knoetze said
that the Nissan vehicle was also stopped in a roadblock just three kilometres from where it was originally spotted and three other suspects were arrested. “We then started with intensive interviewing techniques to find out what the suspects’ original plan was and discovered that there are more people involved as well as another vehicle that was supposed to transport the rhino horn to Pretoria,” said Knoetze. A joint operation between Quemic security and the South African Police Service in Vaalwater has made the arrest of three more people possible. A Toyota Conquest and more weapons were confiscated. “One of the suspects was a police reservist from Hillbrow in Johannesburg,” explained Knoetze. Knoetze has been the head of security at Welgevonden for three years and this will not be the first unsuccessful poaching attempt to be stopped in their tracks. He also noticed that from all of the suspects, only one originated from Vaalwater. The rest of the crew is from Rustenburg and Johannesburg.
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22 August, 2014
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The Corrupt said to exploit the vulnerable Lizzy Bapela The government has raised concerns, saying that corrupt individuals are exploiting the vulnerable public for their own benefit. The government has therefore reopened the lodgement of land claims processes for a period of five years ending in June 2019. This will reportedly allow communities and individuals who were affected by land dispossession after the 1913 Natives Land Act to claim for restitution. The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights in Limpopo issued a stern warning against dishonest people who are taking advantage of this process to enrich themselves by soliciting money
from the poor on the pretext that they will assist them to lodge a claim. Avhashoni Magada of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform in Limpopo said that some taxi owners and drivers in the province have been found guilty of exploiting the elderly. He explained that they go around villages across the province offering lifts to the elderly to transport them to Polokwane in order to lodge claims so that they can get money. Magada said that the perpetrators charge these unsuspecting victims as much as R400 per person. “This is happening despite us announcing that the lodgement period is set at 5 years and that we will be coming to communities with mobile units. These corrupt people are exploiting the
vulnerable public for their own benefit. They do not care whether the people that they are ferrying to the Polokwane lodgement site have the correct information or documents required or not,” said Magada. He further stated that officials at the lodgment site have also identified that claimants are paying between R120 to R150 to traditional councils to acquire written affidavits and family resolutions. Magada said that such affidavits are incorrectly written and the commission still needs to transport claimants to recreate those affidavits. “The Commission has put plans in place to send out mobile offices to far areas of the country to enable every qualifying citizen an opportunity to lodge their claims. No forms will be handed out as
claims are received through the electronic lodgement system. Lodging a land claim is a free government service and members of the public are cautioned not to fall prey to fraudulent activities conducted by certain individuals. The Restitution Act states that it is illegal to submit a fraudulent claim, including not disclosing other potential interested parties,” Magada said. A copy of a booklet outlining details of the qualification criteria, required documents, and the location of the lodgement offices, is available from the Department’s website www.ruraldevelopment.gov.za or alternatively people can call the toll free number0800 007 095. The information can also be obtained by sending an email to claim@ruraldevelopment.gov.za.
Hundreds to be employed at Accidents abound in Thabazimbi new shopping centre A delegation from the Mookgophong Local Municipality and a team from the Oakwood Property Services joined hands to get a new shopping centre built for local residents. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Many residents in Mookgophong can look forward to saying goodbye to unemployment as the upcoming shopping centre to be built in the area is said to be going to make a huge impact on unemployment. According to the contractor responsible for the construction of the centre, Oakwood Property Services, over 200 employment opportunities are expected to be created, especially for young people, with the number increasing during operations. A team from the company and a delegation from the local municipality led by Mayor Sarah Monyamane,
recently held a sod turning ceremony to inform the people of the good news. The local residents welcomed the news and said that they could not wait to see the unemployment rate in their area decrease. Residents were excited to know that they will not be going outside of town for shopping, as many of the shops that they need would now be built nearby. Nicci Westraadt of Oakwood Property Services said that the centre will have many shops as well as a massive parking area. The centre will be built next to the local health centre and the date for the start of construction is yet to be revealed.
Missing mute man found
Sello Ratlajane a deaf man who went missing earlier this month has been found. Photo Supplied. TK Mashaba A missing person, believed to be in his in his late 20’s, has been found by police in Mookgophong and sent to a victim support unit in Modilmolle. According to John Sambo of Victim support unit, the man has been
missing since Sunday August and is from Seshego near Polokwane. “We were told that he has been missing from the third of August and his photos were made public until this past Sunday Mookgophong when the police found him at Mookgophong” he said. The man, who could only write his name as ‘’Sello Ratlajane’’ claimed that his mother, Elisa Ratlajane, was very happy to have found her son again. “I last saw him on the third of August and he was someone who loves going out but he always came back and on that night he didn’t come back and I was forced to go to the police to report case of missing person,” she said. Elisa said she was told to bring his photo so that they can open a case which she did and she only heard about the Modimomolle Victim support on Sunday that they had her son, who is deaf and therefore could not communicate verbally. “I am so glad that he is found alive. I was so scared they would never find him, but I am very relieved that they did,” said Elisa.
This truck was allegedly set alight after an apparent hijacking on Saturday, 16 August. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela A woman died in Thabazimbi following a car accident which happened on the afternoon of Tuesday, 12 August. Thabazimbi Police spokesperson Constable Moshira Modise said that 33-year-old Kefilwe Kelebogile Masingi of Regorogile in Extension 1 was alone in her Opel Corsa bakkie when the accident occured. She added that the deceased lost control of the bakkie while driving on the Marakele Road when it inexplicably rolled over, killing her in an instant. Constable Modise said that the cause of the woman’s death is still unknown and a case of culpable homicide has been opened and is under investigation. In another incident, a truck burnt to ashes on the road from Bela Bela to Thabazimbi on Saturday, 16 August. It was reported that the truck had been loaded with piles of different types of meat, chips, and bakery items. According to eye witnesses, the police officers who arrived at the scene, gathered unaffected items instead of notifying the local fire
department. The witnesses alleged that the officers helped themselves to the contents and left with bags full of meat and other treats. The witnesses could not determine from which area the police had come from. Upon enquiry, Constable Modise said that the driver parked the truck on the side of the road and went to get something from a nearby shop when four unknown suspects attacked his assistant. The police said that the suspects then hijacked the truck after assaulting the assistant and threw him out. “The suspects drove off with the truck with the crew’s belongings and an undisclosed amount of money inside. The truck was found burning on the side of the road en route to town and the motive of the hijacking is still unknown. No arrests have been made at this point and no injuries were reported. We have opened a case of hijacking and malicious damage to property and investigations are continuing,” said Constable Modise.
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22 August, 2014
BEAT
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Photo of the week Who is God?
Live Curious In this week’s edition of The BEAT our readers are faced with a rather curious front page article. At first glance it seems excusable to have images of someone rising from the grave. How can this be? What happened to this individual before being “resurrected”? As you may have discovered that no actual resurrection had taken place and a perfectly logical explanation of these events were unfolded. However, the streets and our office were filled with ideas, theories and gobsmacked guesses about what actually happened before the revelation. Some indulged in theories from beyond the grave whilst others took it as a simple case of misplaced identity. The latter was to be the inevitable conclusion. The reason behind all the hubbub guessing, is simple; It is plain human nature to be curious about the inexplicable,the weird and the downright absurd. Simply put, a curious mind is a healthy mind. Think about it, the more you discover, the more you learn and the more you know. If the first caveman did not venture out and toss around a round flat stone, the invention of the wheel might never occurred. The same can be said about electricity,the telephone an even ice cream: delightful and delectable inventions that were discovered in a little adventure and a spark of curiosity. Man has always been curious about many things that still need answers. Some for our benefit and others just to have mere clarity about our origins. Given the fact that man has developed and evolved, both technologically and scientifically, by the mere exploration of a curious mind it remains vital that we encourage the trend of curiosity for future generations. Ponder about the world you live in and question everything unanswered. Read, investigate and explore. Who knows? One day we will know more.
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: 072 264 7740, TK: 076 756 9740 or Justin Steyn: 072 388 8568. We would also LOVE to see some of your weird and wonderful
The brightly coloured Nelson Mandela remembrance wall has finally been completed. Photo: TK Mahaba
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The Fact The fact of God’s existence is so conspicuous, both through creation and through man’s conscience, that the Bible calls the atheist a “fool” (Psalm 14:1). Accordingly, the Bible never attempts to prove the existence of God; rather, it assumes His existence from the very beginning (Genesis 1:1). What the Bible does is reveal the nature, character, and work of God. The Definition Thinking correctly about God is of utmost importance because a false idea about God is idolatry. In Psalm 50:21, God reproves the wicked man with this accusation: “You thought I was altogether like you.” To start with, a good summary definition of God is “the Supreme Being; the Creator and Ruler of all that is; the Selfexistent One who is perfect in power, goodness, and wisdom.” His Nature We know certain things to be true of God for one reason: in His mercy He has condescended to reveal some of His qualities to us. God is spirit, by nature intangible (John 4:24). God is One, but He exists as three Persons—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16-17). God is infinite (1 Timothy 1:17), incomparable (2 Samuel 7:22), and unchanging (Malachi 3:6). God exists everywhere (Psalm 139:7-12), knows everything (Psalm 147:5;Isaiah 40:28), and has all power and authority (Ephesians 1;Revelation 19:6). His Character Here are some of God’s characteristics as revealed in the Bible: God is just (Acts 17:31), loving (Ephesians 2:4-5), truthful (John 14:6), and holy (1 John 1:5). God shows compassion (2 Corinthians 1:3), mercy (Romans 9:15), and grace (Romans 5:17). God judges sin (Psalm 5:5) but also offers forgiveness (Psalm 130:4). A Relationship with Him In the Person of the Son, God became incarnate (John 1:14). The Son of God became the Son of Man and is therefore the “bridge” between God and man (John 14:6;1 Timothy 2:5). It is only through the Son that we can have forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7), reconciliation with God (John 15:15;Romans 5:10), and eternal salvation (2 Timothy 2:10). In Jesus Christ “all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9). So, to really know who God is, all we have to do is look at Jesus. Source: GotQuestions.org
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Workshop on reporting about maternal and child health issues Lizzy Bapela Media personnel and communicators from various publications, government and non-governmental institutions from across the Waterberg gathered at The Park Hotel in Mokopane on Thursday 14 August. The reason behind the mass gathering was for a workshop on Maternal and Child Health (MCH) issues. The RMCH (Reducing Maternal and Child Mortality), Johns Hopkins Health and Education in South Africa (JHHESA)
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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, (full name) HLONGWANE ELISA SEBOLAISHI intend applying to the Modimolle Local Municipality for Special Consent to: TARVEN on (property 5293 Morolo Street and suburb) also known as (street name and number located in a $ Residential 1 zone. ($ Example: Residential 1, Business 2 etc). 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: Full particulars and plans (if any) may be inspected during normal office hours (08:00 13:00 and 13:45 - 15:00) at the abovementioned office, for a period of 28 days after the publication of the advertisement in the Local Newspaper. Closing date for any objections: APPLICANT Street Address and Postal Address 5293 Morolo Street Modimolle 0510 Tel: 079 914 6233. (22&29/8). BELA BELA AMENDMENT SCHEME 83/08, 84/08 and 85/08 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR AMENDMENT OF
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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 owners of the properties describe below, 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 Bela Bela Land Use Scheme, 2008, by the rezoning of the following properties: (a) Portion 7 of the farm Bospoort 450 KR, BelaBela: by the amendment of the existing ‘Agriculture’ zoning of the property with the addition of annexure 174 to make provision for Overnight Accommodation and ancillary uses. (b) Portion 316 of the farm Bospoort 450 KR, Bela Bela by the amendment of the existing ‘Agriculture’ zoning of the property with the addition of annexure 175 to make provision for Overnight Accommodation and ancillary uses. (c) Portions 97, 114, 329 and 330 of the farm Bospoort 450 KR, Bela Bela by the amendment of the existing ‘Agriculture’ zoning of the property with the addition of annexure 176 to make provision for Overnight Accommodation, Animal care centre and ancillary uses. Particulars of the applications 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 22 August 2014. 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 X 1609, Bela Bela, 0480, within a period of 28 days from 22 August 2014 Address: P.O. Box 919, BelaBela, 0480, Tel: 082 881 7252 (22 & 29/8).
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the Mail and Guardian newspaper and the Bhekisisa project co-hosted the workshop, which was aimed at strengthening media reporting in Waterberg on the said issues. In particular, the media briefing explored issues such as promotion of exclusive breastfeeding as a means to prevent malnutrition amongst children; addressing teenage pregnancy through promoting the uptake of dual protection. The promotion of delaying sexual activity and increasing the uptake of early antenatal bookings through promoting male involvement in ANC clinics was also discussed. The Reduction of Maternal and Child Mortality in South Africa through Strengthening Primary Health Care (RMCH) project manager ,Thulani Grey, said that inputs and contributions from the workshop will ultimately lead to the reduction in the incidence of teenage pregnancy, enhance family planning and contraceptive options in addition to increase early antenatal pregnancy bookings at clinics through increasing male involvement in Waterberg. The media briefing comprised of content sessions where experts unpacked the issues confronting the districts and examine the social and scientific issues related to the topics. Case studies were presented through which the experiences of clients were narrated with an example of a woman who was presented late at an antenatal clinic or a man who
RMCH Project Manager Thulani Grey facilitated the workshop on Maternal and Child Health (MCH) issues. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
accompanied his partner to the antenatal clinic. Experienced journalists from the Bhekisisa Centre facilitated the session with tips on reporting on MCH. The Programme was funded by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) has been designed in close collaboration with national authorities in South Africa and supports national priorities in the healthcare sector. “The aim of the RMCH Programme is to improve the quality of, and access to reproductive, maternal and child health services in targeted districts of South Africa. The main beneficiaries of the programme are women and children living in poorer, underserved parts of South Africa,” said Grey. He further said that the JHHESA has been contracted by the RMCH to support the demand for the creation of maternal and child health services in three selected districts namely; Limpopo’s Waterberg, Gauteng’s Erkhululeni and the Central Karoo in the Western Cape. Grey indicated that one of the key activities highlighted in all three districts is the importance of partnerships with the local media as a means to increase the knowledge of the local population on the key issues identified through ensuring more informed reporting on maternal and child health issues in the districts.
Mayor calls on ratepayers to clear their debt in 50/50 deal Lizzy Bapela Ratepayers of the Bela Bela Local Municipality are called on to settle their account debts in a 50/50 incentive scheme. The mayor, Councillor Lucas Nhlapo, has called on all the ratepayers to get involved and pay their outstanding accounts. According to the municipal spokesperson Matome Sebelebele, the deal states that all ratepayers settling 50% of their current accounts and their municipal accounts of more than two months will have 50% of their debt written off. The mayor said that this is mainly to encourage ratepayers, to start on a clean slate. “It is important for us as the new political leadership of the municipality to get the institution on a clean slate such that we built confidence and a relationship of trust. The deal is aimed at ensuring that community members are able to rearrange their consumption of water and electricity according to their means and household income. The reason for this is to avoid falling into debt, which will result in a cut off from the municipal network supply. The deal will run until the end of December 2014,” he said. Nhlapo has also called on all needy schools, Community Based Organisations (CBO’s) and Non
The mayor of Bela Bela Councilor Lucas Nhlapo called on residents to clear their debts in a 50/50 deal. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Government Organisations (NGO’s) who operate in Bela Bela, to approach his office for a donation of office computers and laptops. According to Sebelebele, in order for these institutions to qualify for the donation, the NGO’s and CBO’s must be legally registered to operate since the municipality does not want to donate to
community organizations that do not serve the interest of the broader community. “The mayor will only donate to legitimate NGO’s such as community structures and institutions who work with the elderly, sick and the youth in sport development as well as education, community safety, health, arts and culture,” Sebelebele said. Sebelebele urged all interested schools, CBO’s, NGO’s to write to the Office of the mayor for their applications to be considered. “We are calling on those who are in desperate need for this equipment because the mayor believes that these tools must only go to those who add value to the community or seek to improve the quality life of the local community,” Sebelebele said. According to Sebelebele, the applicants need to indicate to the office for what purpose are they going to utilize the computer and laptop donations as well as how they are going to be used to benefit the community. All interested parties have until Monday, 29 August to submit their applications for consideration at the Records Office of the municipality. Sebelebele said that the donations comes less than a month after the municipality hosted an auction selling off some of the equipment from old vehicles to office equipment and other instruments.
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22 August, 2014
Light of Africa tackles drugs and social crimes
Josias Ramalekana is just one of the Light of Africa members who have taken the fight against drug- and social related crimes with their new campaign. Photo: Justin Steyn Justin Steyn Non Profit Organization (NPO) Light of Africa says it is taking the fight against substance abuse in Bela Bela. The organization’s program coordinator, Josias Ramalekana, said that they are doing this by discouraging the youth from partaking in drug related activities with their “Kemoja- I’m fine without drugs” campaign. Ramalekana said that notice boards have been erected at various schools and centres within the Bela Bela Township, the first of which was at the Reamogetswe disability centre.
Ramalekana explained that the boards are placed at institutions that support the initiative and a committee is elected to raise awareness on issues relating to substance abuse and social crimes. “We are taking the fight against substance abuse very seriously. There are many cases that have been reported where drug users prey on innocent victims like those at the Reamogetswe disability centre. We have received reports where these users would go as far as to test substances on the disabled without their knowledge. We have therefore decided to take serious action and raise awareness against the growing trend of drug use and the social crimes associated with it,” he said. Ramalekana said that Light of Africa will be meeting with the MEC for the Department of health and social development, Joyce Mashamba, on Thursday 28 August to discuss the nature of social crimes in their area. “We will be discussing ways in which we can combat substance abuse and irresponsible drinking within our community. Issues such as teenagers who spend time at taverns as well as taverns that operate until the early morning hours will be brought to the table. We will also propose that police visibility should be increased during these times,” he said. Recreational facilities will be on the table for discussion with the MEC as Ramalekana feels that there is somewhat of an imbalance. “There are very few sports and recreational facilities for our youngsters. As an example you will find three or four taverns in an area with only one facility for the youth. We see this as somewhat of an imbalance and something that must be addressed with the MEC,” he said.
Lizzy Bapela The First Lady of Limpopo, Margaret Mathabatha, is expected to launch unique awards specifically aimed at those women who have never been recognized before. Mathabatha said that these awards are a first and will bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. Women from different structures across the province are expected to gather in the Waterberg District’s The Ranch Hotel this week to attend the awards, scheduled for Friday, 22 August. She said that they were targeting the “who’s who” of women in the province, but more importantly,
TK Mashaba The final leg of the Masters League will be ending in two weeks’ time but the writing is on the wall for the team from Modimolle. The Modimole Masters continued with their lead when they defeated the NTK Happy Boys 2-1 last week at the Ephraim Mogale stadium in Modimolle. They are now seated comfortably with 28 points ahead of Elmar Auto who are on 22 points on the log. They will be up against the Modimolle Gunners when they play at Sunfa stadium in Bela Bela on Sunday 24 August. According to the team manager Hlopi Lehong, his team has been
enjoying the league and making sure that they win every game. “It has been a good and entertaining league for all of us as the Modimole Masters and as it will be ending in two weeks’ time. We believe we have met our main objectives which were to build up friendship and to stay healthy,” he said. Elmar Auto which lost 4-2 to the Bela Bela Masters will be up against the Spa Park Masters while the Bela Bela Masters will be playing against the Pirates Masters. The Pirates are in third position with 22 points on the log. Happy Boys will be up against Masters United, who won on a walk over against the Spa Park Masters.
about 100 domestic workers who will arrive with their employees. The event will be held under the theme “Moving Forward by Unifying Women for Limpopo’s Excellence”. Kenny Mathivha of the Office of the Premier said that the launch will be preceded by a workshop specifically aimed at only 100 domestic workers at the same venue from 9:00 in the morning. Mathivha added that the actual dates of the Awards will be in 2015 and will be announced by the First Lady at the launch. Amongst those to be awarded next year, include; best domestic worker, best hairstylist, and best female entrepreneur.
Bela Bela hosts SALGA’s provincial summit
Former MEC for CoGHSTA in Limpopo Ishmael Kgetjepe acted as the premier during the recent provincial summit in Bela Bela. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela
“It’s been a good and entertaining league for all of us as masters and as it will be ending in two weeks’ time we believe we have met our objectives which was to build up friendship and to stay healthy.”
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Limpopo Fir st Lad y First Lady launc hes w omen a war ds launches women aw ards
Modimolle Masters reign the league A Modimolle Masters player (left) during a match against the NTK Happy Boys Photo: TK Mashaba
BEAT
Members of the Limpopo Provincial Assembly gathered at the Bela Bela Forever Resorts on Monday, 18 August and Tuesday the 19th for a Provincial Summit. The two-day summit, hosted by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) took place under the theme “Local Governance Deepening Democracy Beyond 20 Years of Freedom”. When addressing the delegates at the summit, SALGA’s Provincial executive Officer Thapelo Matlala said that the objectives of the summit were to discuss challenges, opportunities and the overall state of local government in the province, as well as develop strategies to respond to these matters. In his speech, the association’s Provincial Chairperson Councillor Mogobo Magabe talked about the state of local municipalities, saying that they need competent and experienced municipal managers who can take them to the next level. He urged municipalities never to forget to send through their statements to the Office of the Auditor General as they
celebrate Women’s Month, so that they do not get surprised or embarrassed when he releases his reports. He further said that municipalities should also worry about the functionality of AIDS Councils in their districts and localities through their operations. “Municipal managers should ensure that the structures exists and are functional and also ensure that they have effective programmes. They must extend them to wards and let the wards’ councillors get involved and eventually become ambassadors,” said Magabe. The association’s national deputy chairperson Flora Maboa-Boltman said that municipalities should look at their previous performance programmes and check if they are delivering, before they say they are unable to. She indicated that the association represents all political parties in the government and will never criticize either of them. In his address, the Limpopo Chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders (LHTL) Kgoshi Malesela Dikgale commended municipalities that give traditional leaders an opportunity to participate in their programmes. He said that there are certain municipalities in the province, whereby councillors applied to stage initiation schools and pay out huge lump sums of money to the schools operators, in this way, exploiting parents who can not afford to send their children to the schools. Kgoshi Dikgale further said that the LHTL did not support the “long-awaited” Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA), which was signed into law by President Jacob Zuma on 2 August 2013 and will come to effect as of 1 September. He said that this is mainly because they are not included in the act. “This structure can create problems amongst traditional leaders and their communities on issues of land if we are not included in decision making since we have an understanding of the land issue. Nothing about us should be done without us. I pray to God to give us strength and wisdom to deal with challenges regarding land issues. The people deserve better and we need not fail them,” he said. Meanwhile, former MEC for Corperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) in Limpopo Ishmael Kgetjepe represented Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha at the lekgotla and addressed the delegates on his behalf. Women leaders were acknowledged, while the Bela Bela’s Antioch River Church Pastor Dimakatso Thema led the candle lighting ceremony, which was held in commemoration of HIV/AIDS victims.
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BEAT
22 August, 2014
Terrors FC trials come to an end
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First BBEAG “SpringFest” promotes healthy living
Soccer players from Thabazimbi and surrounding areas tackled each other during the Terrors FC trials in Thabazimbi. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela The ABC Motsepe league soccer team,Terrors FC, from Modimolle has just rounded off their two sessions of trials and are now preparing for their first game in the higher league. The team held their last trials at the Thaba-Park Sports Fields in Thabazimbi on Saturday, 16 August. Another group of players were selected to make up a strong team that will compete with others in the league. Again, soccer players from Thabazimbi and surrounding areas came out in their numbers to try their luck in the newly promoted team. Others came from as far as Soweto in the Gauteng Province in their quest to start careers with the team. Most of the boys expressed joy and excitement when they had to return to
their respective homes to pack their bags and say their goodbyes to their families, as they were officially selected for the team. Some even had to make arrangements with their employers so that they could work nearby their new team’s club house and train together. This was their way of showing their seriousness about their new careers. A sad moment for the team was when they learned that some of the selected players were still in school and some were unable to transfer from their jobs so that they could join in. Terrors FC is currently training and preparing their players ahead of the commencement of the league games scheduled to be held in September. They will be training throughout the remaining weeks in Modimolle until the exact date of the games is revealed.
SAB League tail enders to hear their fate this Friday
Refiloe Khoza from SAFA. Photo supplied TK Mashaba The South African Brewery’s (SAB) league’s regional office will be holding a meeting on Friday 22 August, where a decision will be made about whether or not to leave the teams in the tail end of the SAB league or to relegate them. Refiloe Khoza, South African Footbal Association’s (SAFA) regional officer, said that the meeting was scheduled to decide whether this team will remain
in the SAB league or face relegation. Speculations have rounded in recent months that the team might be left to continue in the league with two teams promoted adding them in the league. So far from the Local Football Association (LFA) we have Bela Bela’s Moutain View FC and Modimolle’s Celtic FC which will be joining the SAB league after winning promotional play offs. Celtic FC won the Promotional League trophy and R1000 after beating their opponents Magnificent FC 4-0. Mountain View FC waved goodbye to the LFA as they were promoted to SAB league after playing a 2 all draw against Black Eagles which they lead with two points. The next season will be kicking off in September, but a date still needs to be announced. In the meantime, Mountain View FC will be running trials and scouting new players. “We are going to search for additional players to join the team and stabilize us as we know the SAB league is tough. The teams there are very fit and everyone is competing to be in the promotional play offs of the Motsepe ABC league,” said Khoza.
Some of games like Volleyball will be played on the day. Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba Be health wise. This the message issued by the Bela Bela Education Advocacy Group (BBEAG) for their 4-in-1 “SpringFest” which is set to happen on Saturday 6 September. The BBEAG,which seeks to pioneer the learner’s education system, will be having this fun filled sports day to raise funds while promoting a healthy lifestyle. The BBEAG 4-in-1 “SpringFest” is billed to be the biggest Youth Festival in Bela Bela. It will be lead and organised by the BBEAG with support from their partners and sponsors. “The main aim of the “SpringFest” is to celebrate the dawn of a new season as well as to promote sport, arts and culture, talent cultivation and the importance of an active lifestyle. The secondary aim of the 4-in-1
“SpringFest” is about raising the profile of the BBEAG to more stakeholders in the broader Waterberg region,” said their marketing and sponsorship coordinator Ledile Sekele in a media statement. She added that another aim of “SpringFest”, is to raise funds for the BBEAG Bursary Fund. “A sports tournament was seen as a great way to raise funds while getting the community involved at a level of their passion for sport. Sport is also a great unifier and great way to enjoy the outdoors,” she said. Sekele said that if this year’s sporting tournament succeeds, it could lay a great foundation for an annual tournament. The BBEAG sports challenge will consists of five sporting divisions which will consist out of -a Netball-, Volleyball-, Tennis-, Basketball tournament as well as a 5 km race.
Kho-Kho Limpopo Team selected
Lizzy Leshelele a keen Kho-Kho player. Photo supplied Marlene Vermaak Lizzy Leshelele (19) a Grade 11 student from Meetsetshehla Secondary School in Vaalwater was selected for the Limpopo Kho-Kho sports team. Kho-Kho is an indigenous game with nine players on each team. Kho Kho is a contact sport played by teams of twelve players who try to avoid being touched by players of the opposing team. Only 9 players of each team enter the field. There are two halves of seven minutes in each game.
The game originated from the Indian community in KwaZulu-Natal and it is now popular all over the country and played by boys and girls of all ages and ethnicities. The play-offs for the Limpopo team took place on 12 and 13 August and five municipalities were invited to compete against one another. Teams from the Waterberg, Vembe, Sekhukhune, Mopani and Capricorn districts participated in these games. The Waterberg team consisted of players from Vaalwater, Modimolle and Bela-Bela and players from each of these areas were selected for the Provincial team. Leshelele started playing Kho-Kho in 2009 and what counted to her advantage was the fact that her brother is one of the coaches of the Vaalwater team. Prins Moruwe from Vaalwater also went through to the next round. The nationals will take place from Friday 19 to Wednesday 24 September in Pretoria. A total of 30 players were selected from Limpopo of which there are 15 men and 15 ladies. The Kho-Kho championships are hosted by the district municipalities.