The Beat 22 January 2016

Two up on charges for PEP burglary P. 3

R1-20/FREE

2016

22 January

Taxis lined up to block all entrances and exit roads around the area. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

A community member was badly wounded during a taxi strike at the Cyferskuil four-way stop on Monday, 18 January. It was community versus taxi drivers when bystander Sam Manganye of Voyentin, near Cyferskuil, was allegedly assaulted by an angry mob. He received serious head wounds during the attack, which were apparently caused by shovels. He was rushed to Jubilee Hospital for medical attention, and his family says that he is now recuperating at home.

Firefighters on alert P. 4

Sam Manganye of Voyentin is recuperating at home following the violence. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

Alleged road race leaves one injured P. 2

Some of the taxis were damaged when the angry mob threw stones at them.

Photo: Lizzy Bapela

Sebelebele speaks about resignation P. 7

Local community members and those from surrounding areas woke to an untenable situation — a taxi standstill had been embarked upon by members of the local Taxi Association, which blocked all entrances and exits to the area.

Some of the striking drivers said that the strike was aimed at preventing WATA (Warmbad Taxi Association) taxis from servicing passengers in the area as, according to the striking drivers, similar tactics are used against them at Bela-Bela.

Read more on page 3!

Celtic and Young Pirates in 7-goal thrill match

P. 7

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CRIME

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Two injured after alleged street race

22 January, 2016 Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

Road construction halted by protest

Paramedics rushed to the scene where a Toyota Avanza had overturned.

Photo supplied

An alleged street raced nearly turned fatal when one of the vehicles overturned, injuring the driver.

Photo supplied

Justin Steyn A quiet Sunday afternoon in Quagga Street, Bela-Bela was rudely disrupted when an alleged street race nearly turned fatal.

The Bela-Bela police spokesperson, Maria Maleto, said that on Sunday 17 January at about 18:40 the Police received a complaint regarding an accident at the corner of Meininger and Quagga avenue where a

The construction of the road behind municipality was stopped by the concerned community members. Photo: TK Mashaba

white Toyota Avanza had overturned.

Police found one passenger and a driver who were receiving medical attention. The driver had to be rushed to the Bela-Bela Provincial hospital for treatment of his wounds.

Amidst rumours that the driver of the Avanza had died, Bela-Bela LifeMed spokesperson Martie Jonker said that he is recovering at the Polokwane Provincial Hospital.

It was alleged that the back tyre burst and as a result the vehicle overturned leaving the two injured. It has also been alleged that two other vehicles were involved in the incident A case of reckless and negligent driving was opened and investigation has already commenced.

Raeleng Secondary School’s transformation does the school proud

Concerned community members protesting against road maintenance in front of the municipal building. Photo: TK Mashaba

The Raeleng Secondary School 2016 Grade 12 learners busy in class. Photo: TK Mashaba

Municipal manager Morris Maluleka explains to the contractor to halt with road maintenance: Photo: TK Mashaba

Raeleng Secondary School deputy principal Johanes Morifi is pleased with the school’s performance.

Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba

TK Mashaba Raeleng Secondary School’s transformation during the past few years has been remarkable, as is evidenced by the 2015 matric results.

The school, which had a 0% pass rate two years ago, beat several nearby schools in 2015 with a 72% pass rate.

In a brief interview with the deputy principal, Johannes Morifi, he said that the school’s transformation was a result of teamwork from all sectors of the school, including teachers, learners, and the community at large.

“The school used to be grade 8 and 9 only, but with the addition of Grade 10, 11, and 12, the results started to fall,” he said. “In 2010, the school had a 4% pass rate, in 2011 it was 29%. In 2012, they performed better and managed 40%, but it fell back to 28% in 2013.”

“We had a challenge when some of the Grade 11 students who wanted to go away after failing, but we agreed that we would give these students a chance to prove themselves,” said Morifi.

“It wasn’t an easy thing, but with the teachers’ workshop and the discipline we instilled in the learner paid off. We got 50% in 2014 and 72% in 2015,” he said.

“After the 2015 results for Grade 11 came in they asked to start their Grade 12 classes even before the schools opened in 2015, which showed the learners’ dedication,” he said.

Morifi said that the school is aiming for an 80% pass rate in 2016.

A number of unemployed Bela-Bela residents protested in front of the municipal buildings on Monday, 18 January. The protest brought the road construction outside the municipality to a screeching halt.

The group demanded that the construction be stopped because, according to the group’s spokesperson Obed Motau, the contractor should have hired different people for the construction.

“This construction is not going to happen and we are here to stop it with immediate effect,” said Motau.

The angry residents met with Municipal Manager Morris Maluleka and discussed their frustration with the situation.

Maluleka said that he is aware of the matter, and that there was a court interdict ordering the contractor not to continue with the new development.

The contractor, known only as Mugabe of

Mgakwa Construction, was not willing to talk to the media, but told Maluleka that the matter has been handed over to his lawyer.

The construction personnel returned to work later on Monday.

On Tuesday, 19 January, when Motau and other community members arrived, they found that the construction had resumed.

They removed the bricks that the workers had been put aside.

Later during the day, Motau tried to see the municipality’s technical manager and Maluleka, as had allegedly been arranged the previous day, but was denied access to the premises. A case of intimidation was opened against Motau.

Motau said that he does not understand why he was denied access to the Municipal Manager and the Technical Services Manager.

Lucas Nhlapo, mayor of Bela-Bela and the standby communication officer after the resignation of Matome Sebelebele, did not respond to requests for comment.

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Violence erupted

GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL

Two charged for allegedly breaking and entering at Pep

continued from page 1

Sam Manganye’s hat after he was assaulted during the taxi riot.

Photo: Lizzy Bapela

The members who were commended for arresting suspects who broke into the Modimolle PepStores. Photo supplied

Lizzy Bapela

All entrances and exit roads around Cyferskuil were blocked during the strike. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

Some foreign nationals’ tuckshops had to operate through security doors for safety. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

The salon where the injured customer had just received services, was also closed down as a result of the violence.

Photo: Lizzy Bapela

At least lessons at the local schools were not disrupted.

Photo: Lizzy Bapela

An angry mob turned violent, resulting in a few people being injured.

Photo: Lizzy Bapela Workers and school learners who needed to travel outside Cyferskuil were forced to take a day off because there was no transport and the roads were not usable, being covered with burnt tires, bricks, and tree branches.

The violence erupted as community members confronted the taxi operators and drivers involved in the strike, and several people, including Manganye, were injured.

One man was attacked while returning from a hairdresser, while another was stabbed as he attempted to pass through the crowd.

Only a few members of the Traffic Department and the Police were visible at the scene.

The owner of the stand being used as a taxi rank, Philly Motau, also suffered injuries after being hit with a stone while fleeing from the mob.

All foreign nationals’ truck-shops had to be closed down as the shopkeepers feared for their lives.

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The police could not be reached for comment following the incidents, and the injured were taken to the local police station to lay charges against their attackers.

Tens of people flocked to the area to witness the events, while some came to take part in the violence and the negotiations. It was brought to The BEAT’s attention that WATA apparently refuses to allow their Cyferskuil counterparts to drop off passengers at the mall or at the taxi rank, which is why they have their own taxi rank at the Eja Monate complex.

In his official response, WATA spokesperson Israel Molusi told The BEAT that their association and their members are not involved in the strike, and that they have notified their superiors at district and provincial level about the matter.

He added that they had spoken to all the members about the matter, and that they had warned their members not to go near the protest.

Two suspects are expected to appear before the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court shortly in connection with a case of housebreaking and theft.

Modimolle police spokesperson Warrant Officer James Findlay said that the suspects were arrested following a break-in at the Pep Stores situated on the town’s Nelson Mandela drive on Monday, 18 January.

The officer said that the police received a call from the store’s security company informing them of a housebreaking incident in progress at the store, and responded swiftly. He added that the members arrested

one of the suspects, who was found inside the shop. The other suspect tried to flee but the police managed to arrest him as well.

“The suspects gained entry by taking off the corrugated iron from the roof and climbed through into a fitting room. When they were arrested, they had already cut open two safes and stolen cell phones and cash, which were in the safe, said Findlay.

The suspects were charged after their arrest, and the station commended the members who took part on the breakthrough. They include Constable Thivhulawi Mungani, Sergant Ciska Fourie, Constable Ntate Ernest Hlabangwane and Warrant Officer Zelda Coetzee.

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GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL

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Firefighters on high alert as heat and drought fan runaway veldfires

DA calls for awareness campaign following road deaths Lizzy Bapela

Firefighters are on high alert as natural disasters continue to fan runaway veld fires. Photo supplied

Lizzy Bapela Firefighters from Working on Fire have been hard at work during the past two months as its firefighters were busy fighting multiple fires across the country. In Limpopo alone, fewer than 100 firefighters provided fire suppression services battling five “intense” veld fires throughout the province since the beginning of this year (2016).

About 600 firefighters from Working on Fire in Limpopo are on alert to respond to the veld fires that may occur in the province. WoF Limpopo Provincial Spokesperson Matema Gwangwa said that the agency has also recruited two additional regional managers to add to the current three, which means all regions in the province have their own regional manager. She added that two teams in the province

are also on standby to be deployed to the Western Cape, should there be a request for assistance.

“As a result of the current drought experienced throughout the country coupled with high temperatures we have had unusual fire activities in the province. 2015‘s fire season has been one of the worst and the busiest, and we have experienced the biggest fires in the Waterberg District. Though the number of fires in the province has reduced, the damage caused by the wild fires in the province has been the biggest. In one fire more than 80 000 hectares were lost to these fires,” said Gwangwa.

WoF’s fire awareness department has started with fire awareness campaigns and workshops, where they are targeting the areas which were mostly affected by the fires in 2015. Gwangwa further said that the agency draws their firefighters from the poorest of the poor. They go through extensive training and are

characterized by their fitness, discipline and exceptional work ethic and bravery.

Many of these firefighters who spend days and nights on end fighting these fires come from the impoverished communities.

“Thanks to their employment in the Working on Fire programme as an extension of the government’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), they have been given a work opportunity to earn a living and to put food on the table for their families,” said Gwangwa.

Working on Fire is a national veld and forest fire fighting resource operating under the auspices of the Department of Environmental Affairs and it has close to 5000 firefighters based at 200 bases throughout the country. The programme provides veld fire suppression support to the provinces, Disaster Management Centres, Fire Protection Associations and landowners such as South African National Parks and Cape Nature.

An abundance of water found in Bela-Bela boreholes Justin Steyn More than 2 million litres of water is said to have been found in the newly drilled boreholes in Bela-Bela.

Drilling of the boreholes started in November last year and suitable areas were identified near the show grounds, the golf courses, and the Outpost Estate.

At the time Councillor Kobus van der Merwe said that the drilling is part of an attempt by the municipality to supplement the town’s reserve water capacity.

“The town’s water is currently supplied from Magalies Water and the boreholes will help the town to obtain more water as well as helping to fulfil our reserve capacity,” he said Aurecon, an engineering firm, has been consulted for the project, and three contractors were appointed.

According to the latest report five new boreholes have been drilled, three of which will be utilized for production purposes by the end of February.

The three boreholes are situated in Roodepoort Street, Park Street and Van der Merwe Street respectively and produce as much as nine litres of water per second.

The town’s three existing boreholes will still be utilized and has a joint production of 24 litres of water per second.

The municipality’s project manager, Johan van Zyl, said that despite the abundance of water that had been found, the municipality will still utilize all of its water resources including Magalies Water, which is the town’s main supplier.

“Although this large amount of water has

The DA in Limpopo say that they are concerned about the number of road fatalities in the province during the 2015 festive season, which has increased by 12% up to 208 from 186 in 2014. The party’s Limpopo Spokesperson on Transport Katlego Phala said that the death toll increased despite the Transport Department’s acquisition of more than 50 new vehicles late 2015 in order to increase visibility.

Phala highlighted that the MEC for Transport, Mapula Mokaba-Phukwana said that incidents of driving under the influence of alcohol, excessive speeding, and roadworthiness of public transport vehicles, pedestrian management and overloading during the festive season will be prioritised and perpetrators will be dealt with severely.

“The statistics indicates that the MEC did not deliver and deaths on Limpopo roads continue to be unacceptably high. The DA extends our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones and believes that MEC Mokaba-Phukwana must be held accountable for the deaths. The DA believes that Limpopo deserves safe and dependable roads and we need to ensure that road safety measures continue to be visible throughout the year,” Phala said.

The DA stated that they will make recommendations and adjustments to the Annual Performance Plan (APP) at the next portfolio committee meeting.

Such recommendations include increasing the number of traffic officers on the roads, purchase more vehicles where necessary, provide more training for officers, better awareness campaigns and revise the road safety programme and shorten the response time of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

The DA urges the MEC to implement effective measures that will decrease fatalities on the road prior to the annual pilgrimage to Moria.

Departmental spokesperson Kagiso Mootane is still consulting with management.

An abundance of water has been found in Bela-Bela since borehole drilling started in Bela-Bela last year.

Photo supplied

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been discovered, we are still reliant on the town’s main water sources namely; the

three original boreholes, the town’s dam and Magalies Water,” he said.

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EDITORIAL

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A little bit of tolerance goes a long way - editorial While it’s wonderful to live in a melting-pot society like South Africa, it can cause some tensions that in other places might not be noticed or remarked upon.

With the recent racism furore, we all need to take a moment to realise that we are all South Africans, and that all of us have an equal right to be here.

White or black or brown, none of us have any excuse for racism, and indulging in racism is a filthy habit.

Wallowing in our own petty jealousies and pointless hatreds does nothing to advance us, nothing to better us, and

only sows division, chaos and dissension.

It’s easy to point at the person next to you and say that this person is different from you, like that makes them somehow not as good. Instead, wouldn’t it be better to look at the person next to you and say that this person is different from you, how can you learn from them?

It is time and long past time that we put the differences of our past behind us and remember, or perhaps realise, that our perfect Rainbow Nation is not going to create itself.

That’s our job.

Light of Africa and Youth CPF unite Justin Steyn

A donkey fell in a pit latrine and had to be dragged out with the help of a caterpillar tractor at extension 7 in Bela-Bela. Photo: TK Mashaba

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Light of Africa and the youth Community Policing Forum (CPF) have joined hands in their future projects.

According to Light of Arica’s project coordinator, Josias Ramalekana, the merge was announced after he and Bela-Bela Youth CPF chairperson Esrom Nkwinikwa decided that it would be more beneficial to the local community if the two organization collaborated using their various skillsets.

“The aim of this merge is for us to assist one another. Light of Africa is aimed at helping people in need especially with matters related to

crime,” said Ramalekana.

Nkwinikwa explained that since the CPF is exposed to so many incidents where the youth is involved with criminal activities and said that Light of Africa would assist in such matters.

“We have to deal with a lot of criminal activities and Light of Africa can assist in rehabilitating individuals,” he said.

Intervention by the local police and social workers will also be made available in extreme cases.

Nkwinkwa said that a centre is currently being constructed from where the two organizations will be working.

He also said that the CPF is currently busy with crime prevention programmes that will be conducted at local schools and youth centres.

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ADVERTISMENTS / LEGALS

SMALLS

LEGALS BELA-BELA LAND USE SCHEME, 2008 APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL CONSENT IN TERMS OF CLAUSE 21 OF THE BELA-BELA LAND USE SCHEME, 2008.

Notice is hereby given that, in terms of Clause 21 of the Bela-Bela Land Use Scheme, 2008, that the undersigned, being the authorized agent, intends applying to the Bela- Bela Municipality for Special Consent to “relax the number of dwelling units per netto hectare to 30 units per hectare” to support a minimum erf area of 550

square metres applicable to ERF 189, Warmbaths zoned “Residential 1”.

Objections or representations in respect of the application must be lodged with or made in writting to: The Municipal Manager, Private Bag x1609, Warmbaths, 0480, within a period of 28 days from 15 January 2016.

Further particulars with regard to the proposed application/use is obtainable from undersigned, P.D. Bekker Land Surveyor, P.O. Box 533, Moffat street 44, Warmbaths, 0480.

Tel: 014 736 4162 Fax: 014 736 2904 Cell: 082 320 9229 (15 & 22/1).

MODIMOLLE LAND USE SCHEME, 2004 Notice is hereby given to all whom it may concern that in terms of Clause 23 of the abovementioned scheme, I (full name) TSUERO RAMADUMETJA KATRINA intends applying to the Modimolle Local Municipality for consent to: Tuckshop on (property and suburb) 557 Leseding also known as (Street name and number) Shongoane Street

situated in a Residential 1 zone. (Example: Residential 1, Bisiness 4 etc.)

Any objection, with the grouds therefor, shall be lodged with or made in writing to: The Divisional manager, Town Planning, Ground Floor, Modimolle Municipal Building, 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 of the publication of the advertisement in the local newspaper.

Closing date for objections: Applicant Street and postal address: 557 Shongoane Street P.O. Box 71 Vaalwater, 0530 Tel: 072 965 7030.

(22 & 29/1/16).

BELA BELA LAND-USE SCHEME, 2008 APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL CONSENT IN TERMS OF CLAUSE 21 OF THE BELA BELA LAND-USE SCHEME,

22 January, 2016 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za 2008, TO PERMIT A NURSERY SCHOOL.

(22&29/1).

Notice is hereby given that, in terms of Clause 21 of the Bela Bela Land-Use Scheme 2008, I/we, the undersigned, intend applying to the Bela Bela Municipality for Special Consent to establish a Nursery school on Erf 37 zoned “Residential”, situated at 43 Reitz Street, Bela Bela.

Plans and/or particulars relating to the application may be inspected during office hours at 43 Reitz Street, Bela Bela or at the offices of the Manager: Planning and Development, Bela Bela Municipality, Chris Hani Drive, Bela Bela.

Any person having any objections to the granting of this application must lodge such objection together with the grounds therefor in writing, with both the Manager: Planning and Development, Bela Bela Municipality and the undersigned not later than the 2nd of March 2016.

Applicant’s details: Full name: ALAN & CHRISTINE KANE Address: 43 Reitz Street Tel: (Home) 079 502 0767 Tel: (Work) 079 900 3995.

LIQUIDATION AND DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNTS IN DECEASED ESTATES LYING FOR INSPECTION In terms of section 35 (5) of the Administration of Estates Act, No. 66 of 1965, notice is hereby given that copies of the liquidation and distribution accounts (first and final, unless otherwise stated) in the estates specified below will be open for the inspection of all persons with an interest therein for a period of 21 days (or shorter or longer if specially stated) from the date specified or from the date of publication hereof, whichever may be the later, and at the offices of the Masters of the High Court and Magistrates as stated.

Should no objection thereto be lodged with the Masters concerned during the specified period, the executors will proceed to make payments in accordance with the accounts.

Mandatory Fields / Vrpligte Velde Province: Provinsie: Limpopo A. Estate number:

Boedelnommer: 2083 / 2015 Surname / Van: ACKERMANN First names / Voorname: SUSANNA CATHARINA South African ID number: 310220 0081 082 OR Passport / Other ID: Last Address / Laaste Adres: Rusoord, Chris Hani Street, Bela Bela, Limpopo Province B. Complete this section only if deceased was married in community of property / Voltooi hierdie gedeelte slegs as oorledene binne gemeenskap van goedere getroud was First names of surviving spouse / Voorname van nagelate eggenoot(note): ANDRIES JOHANNES Surname of surviving spouse / Familienaam van nagelate eggenoot(note): ACKERMANN ID number of surviving spouse / ID nommer van nagelate eggenoot(note): 290403 5111 088 C. Description of Account if other than First and Final: Beskrywing van rekening indien anders as Eerste en Finale is: Period of inspection (if other than 21 days): Tydperk van Insae (indien korter of langer as 21 dae): Magistrate’s office / Landdroskantoor: Bela Bela,

Limpopo Province Master’s office / Meesterskantoor: Polokwane Advertiser name: ANGI GERMISHUYS ATTORNEYS Advertiser address: 18 Mentz Avenue, Bela Bela, 0480 Advertiser e-mail: angi@belabelalaw.co.za Advertiser telephone: 014 736 4233.

CONSENT USE ON THE FARM KLIPPLAAT 745 KR, BELA BELA Notice is hereby given in terms of clause 21 of the Bela Bela Land Use Scheme, 2008, that the undersigned, being the authorised agent, intends applying to the Bela Bela Municipality for special consent to use the farm Klipplaat 745 KR and/or buildings thereon for the purpose of a Wellness Centre.

Objections to or presentations in respect of the application must be lodged with or made in writing to: The Municipal Manager at the above address or Private Bag x1609, Bela Bela, 0480, within a period of 28 days from 22 January 2016 Further particulars with regard to the proposed use

is obtainable from undersigned GEO PROJECTS, P.O. Box 919, Warmbaths, 0480, Tel: 082 881 7252.

(22 & 29/1) CONSENT USE ON 1142, WARMBATHS TOWNSHIP, BELA BELA Notice is hereby given in terms of clause 21 of the Bela Bela Land Use Scheme, 2008, that the undersigned, being the authorised agent, intends applying to the Bela Bela Municipality for special consent to use erf 1142, Warmbaths, Bela Bela and/ or buildings thereon for the purpose of Bed and Breakfast Accommodation.

Objections to or presentations in respect of the application must be lodged with or made in writing to: The Municipal Manager at the above address or Private Bag x1609, Bela Bela, 0480, within a period of 28 days from 22 January 2016 Further particulars with regard to the proposed use is obtainable from undersigned GEO PROJECTS, P.O. Box 919, Warmbaths, 0480, Tel: 082 881 7252.

(22 & 29/1)

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Former municipal spokesperson speaks about his resignation Justin Steyn

Planning to write a book and talking about his experiences, former Bela-Bela municipal spokesperson, Matome Sebelebele, spoke about his resignation.

Former Bela-Bela spokesperson, Matome Sebelebele has spoken out about his resignation.

The town’s mayor, Lucas Nhlapo, confirmed Sebelebele’s resignation in an interview, stating that it had been tendered in December last year.

He further stated that a meeting with Sebelebele is yet to take place on the matter before further information can be divulged.

All communication related to media and other public entities were also said to be redirected to Nhlapo’s office.

An advertisement for Sebelebele’s vacant position is apparently set to be advertised by the end of January.

Regarding his exit, Sebelebele said that he is both happy and sad about his resignation.

“Happy because I believe I have made my personal contribution to the community of Bela-Bela to the best of my ability as their spokesperson. It has always been my goal to come and work at my home municipality, even when I was still staying and working in Gauteng. I believe every man should be judged and measured by how much they contribute back their professional skills, knowledge and expertise to the community

they came from. I am sad because, in my line of work in the municipality, I have come across a lot of unprofessionalism. And that doesn’t seem to change,” he said.

When asked about where he would go from here, Sebelebele hinted at relocating to Gauteng and said that he will be writing a book.

“I have a number of opportunities offered to me in Gauteng.

Nonetheless, one of the things I will be working on now, in between doing other things, is writing a book about my experiences.”

Sebelebele said that the opportunity of working with all sectors of the town’s society is one of the highlights of his career and added that he will miss Bela-Bela’s racial cocktail.

“I was very fortunate to interact with various groups and people. As a result, I know more about BelaBela than most from the interaction from being part of the history of this municipality,” he said.

Sebelebele further urges the town’s community to evolve from the pettiness of local politics and its regressive dynamics, ills and ‘isms’.

“Most of the time, we mismanage our great opportunities here. People don’t know that despite its small size, Bela-Bela could become a universal hub of renewed hope, rewarding work, leisure, and healthy living,” Sebelebele said.

Limpopo soccer fraternity Baroka FC on the brink of glory in NFD league Mzamane Ringane Following the commencement of 2015/16 National First Division (NFD) second round, Limpopo’s Baroka FC has continued to show ambitions to represent their province in the ABSA Premiership next season.

It might be too soon to tell, but then if the team can sustain their position at the top of the league log, they will automatically gain promotion into the higher ranks of SA football.

Baroka FC needs no introduction to the soccer followers in Limpopo, and indeed the entire country.

This team grabbed the attention of many people when they managed to upset two giants Kaizer Chiefs and former ABSA Premiership

campaigners Moroka Swallows in the lucrative Nedbank Cup. Swallows are currently battling to keep up with the likes of Limpopo’s Black Leopards and Baroka FC. The once mighty Moroka Swallows are now at the bottom of the NFD league log.

Should Swallows fail to raise their game, they might find themselves relegated to the lower SAFA Second Division (ABC Motsepe League).

Baroka are currently sitting on top of the log with 32 points, while Cape Town All Stars are breathing on their necks with 30 points.

Baroka FC opened their second round of the season with a 2-0 win when they hosted Amazulu at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on 9 January.

They continued to hold their

position at the top of the league standings with a 2-all draw when they visited Highlands Park at Makhulong Stadium on Saturday 16 January.

These Limpopo giants have played 15 matches, winning nine, drawing 5 and losing only one of their league encounters.

Baroka FC will host Mthata Bucks at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday 23 January, while Black Leopards of Thohoyandou visits FC Cape Town the same day.

Local fans and the soccer fraternity in the province would be happy to see another Limpopo team gaining promotion into the higher ABSA Premiership.

Polokwane City is currently the sole representative of Limpopo in the league.

CHARITY / ENTERTAINMENT / SCHOOL

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Thin line between tears and smiles

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Buti Manamela had a chat with the young ones while they were walking to Modimolle Primary School. Photo: Mzamane Ringane

Primary School beginner Tumisho Moagi found it hard to get used to the idea of spending more than half of his day at Modimolle Primary School. Photo: Mzamane Ringane Mzamane Ringane Grade 1 learners at Modimolle Primary School were all smiles when they interacted with Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Buti Manamela, last Wednesday 13 January.

The Deputy Minister was accompanied by Waterberg District Mayor Tlotlanang Mogotlane, Modimolle Mayor Kgaretja Lekalakala, Limpopo African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) Spokesperson Matome Moremi and other officials from various sector departments.

The bigwigs joined nervous learners near the local Ephraim Mogale Stadium, and walked with them until they reached their destination (Modimolle Primary School).

Most of these young people were about to deal with the reality of being away from home for more than half of their day, for the first time in their lives.

At the school, Manamela and

other dignitaries distributed school stationery amongst the young ones who were starting their seven-year primary school journey.

During an assembly session where Manamela was speaking to the learners, these school beginners looked set to start their educational journey with eager anticipation.

School seemed enjoyable when the charismatic deputy minister interacted with the learners, pampering them with goodies to help them kick-start their school days.

Reality started sinking in when the visitors left the primary school to continue with their tour around other local schools.

Teachers had the demanding task of negotiating with the young ones, persuading them to go to classes.

Screaming and kicking, with tears running down their cheeks, most of the Grade 1 learners were persuaded to go to classes and start their long but rewarding journey.

Celtic FC defeats Young Pirates in seven-goal SAB League thriller Mzamane Ringane

Modimolle Celtic FC outshined Young Pirates in a seven-goal thriller.

Photo: Mzamane Ringane

Modimolle soccer followers were treated to a seven-goal thriller last Saturday, 16 January when local rivals Young Pirates FC and Celtic FC battled it out at Ephraim Mogale Stadium.

The two teams huffed and puffed for the first twenty minutes, trying to find the back of the net, but to no avail.

Pirates managed to score the first goal of the match during the 25th minute of the game, with Celtic retaliating after only three minutes.

Celtic FC scored their second goal in the 43 rd minute of the game, making the score 2-1 just before the half-time break.

The team scored their third goal during the 72 nd minute, but then Pirates took advantage while their opponents were

still in a celebratory mood and made the score 3-2 in the 80 th minute.

It was raining goals in this game, with Celtic responding again during the 83rd minute of the game to make the score 42.

Celtic FC narrowly escaped from Young Pirates FC with a 4-3 score, after Pirates scored their third towards the dying minutes of the game.

Modimolle Home Defenders FC also gave homeboys NTK Happy Boys a 4-2 drubbing at the Happy Boys Ground.

Modimolle Troublemakers were held 1-1 at the Ephraim Mogale Stadium, when they hosted Bela’s Bela’s Happy Hearts.

Boys 2 Men of Mabatlane succumbed 10 to Rapotokwane’s Qualitho FC, while struggling KK United FC were battered 30 at their own home-ground when they hosted Bussel FC of Modimolle.

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22 January, 2016 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

Terrors FC coach’s job on the line

Bela-Bela’s Diesel n Dust netball prepares for league games

Diesel n Dust players’ during a midweek training session. Photo: TK Mashaba

Diesel n Dust netball squad ready for pool A fixture. Photo: TK Mashaba

Joe Express’ goalkeeper going for the ball while Donnie Alberts of Terrors (red and white jersey) watches on. Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba Nno Thwax Pholoba, Terrors FC’s coach, might be shown the door before the end of the season, according to sources close to the team.

This comes after the team’s latest loss on Sunday, 17 January, when they lost 3-0 against Joe Express at their home stadium of Sunfa.

Most of the team’s loyal supporters called on Pholoba to resign, saying that he is costing the team wins.

Thus far the team has played 10 games, lost 9, and played to one draw. They have only one point.

During their game against Express on Sunday, they showed character, creating many chances but failing to convert them to goals.

Express, on the other hand, came fully

charged. They gave Terrors’ defense a hard time, scoring three goals.

Team owner Speke Manamela said in an interview on Tuesday that he was meeting Pholoba during the course of the week to discuss his future.

“I cannot say whether I am firing him or not, but I need a full report on the team’s performance,” said Manamela.

Manamela said, when asked about possible reasons for his team’s dismal performance that the players drink a lot during the week, which affects their game.

“I hired a coach to instill discipline in the team, but if the boys are heavy for him he must resign,” said Manamela.

He also said that despite his team’s many losses and with only one point in hand, they can still escape relegation zone before the end of the season.

Terrors will be playing in Venda on Saturday, 23 January.

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TK Mashaba Bela-Bela’s netball team Diesel n Dust performed well last season before going off for the holidays, but now they are training hard ahead of the league’s reopening.

Diesel n Dust was promoted last season from Pool B to Pool A, and they will be playing their first game of the league in Polokwane on Saturday, 30 January.

According to their coach, Koketso Kgabo, his team is getting in shape after the festive season, and will perform better in two weeks on their league fixtures.

“We are happy with the promotion to Pool A. The teams may be new and tougher, but we will train hard and focus,” said Kgabo.

Kgabo said that his squad has not changed yet. Many of his young players are not going to tertiary and will be staying in BelaBela.