24 April 2015 R1-20/FREE
Baking put on hold after fire incident
Emergency services were called in to combat a fire at Bela-Bela’s SuperSpar during a fire in the bakery section. Photo: TK Mashaba
Bela-Bela SuperSpar’s bakery section caught fire in the afternoon of Monday, 20 April. Photo: Justin Steyn
MashabaJustin / Justin Steyn TK TK Mashaba, Steyn Panic erupted when a large section of the bakery at the Spar Supermarket in Bela-Bela’s was engulfed in flames. The incident ocured in the early afternoon hours of Monday, 20 April, when flames burst from electric appliances in the retailer’s bakery. According to one of the employees, they were waiting for a batch of bread
to bake when the fire broke out. He told The Beat that he immediately noticed the inferno and jumped into combating the blaze while other employees contacted emergency services. Fortunately no-one was injured. “When I saw the flames, I ran to get the fire extinguisher while my colleagues called security and the management,” he said. He said that the fire was powerful and that they initially had difficulty subduing
Mokopane’s taxi troubles
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the flames. The fire was eventually taken care of after Bela-Bela Emergency services reported to the scene. The emergency services told The BEAT that the Spar fire marshal did a splendid job of halting the spreading flames. The BEAT spoke to Carel Coetzee, the owner of Spar, who said that the fire was caused by a short in one of the oven’s electrical circuits. He said that although the fire was not
large, the bakery would be nonfunctional for a few days. They were expecting technicians to assess the damages on Wednesday. Coetzee expressed his relief for the limited damage, as the incident took place next to the store’s gas storage unit. “There was no need for panic and the situation was dealt with very quickly,” he said. Nobody was hurt in the fire.
Malema view
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BEAT
24 April, 2015
Mass anti-crime operation in Bela-Bela a success Justin Steyn Justin Steyn Criminals’ activities received a knock over the past weekend when AfriForum and the Bela-Bela police, along with volunteers from the community, embarked on a mass patrol. The operation follows several violent crimes in Bela-Bela 150 vehicles, 560 volunteers, 53 police officers, a helicopter and an aeroplane patrolled the streets to ensure that criminal activities are drastically reduced. The operation started on Saturday morning from 11:00 and ended at 03:00 the following morning, and resulted in 16 arrests. Ten of the arrests were for drug use, one for theft from a motor vehicle and one bag-snatching. “The streets were very quiet after several arrests were made, it was a great success,” said Ian Cameron, the Head of Community Safety for AfriForum.
The police and executive members of taxi associations in Mokopane held a meeting on Wednesday, 8 April with local mayor Councillor Tlhalefi Mashamaite, who strongly condemned the brutal killings of taxi owners. Association members from the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), Limpopo Provincial Taxi Council (LPTC), Western Region Taxi Council (WRTC) and the Office of the Register in the Limpopo Department of Transport. The meeting comes after taxi owner Sello Gideon Fatane was shot and killed outside his home in Mokopane on Friday, 27 March. He was also attacked while driving
Mokopane shutdown concerns municipality Various SAPS units partnered in maintaining peace during the demonstration following a total shutdown in Mokopane Town. Photo supplied
Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela
Safety patrols were conducted in every corner of Bela-Bela. Here, volunteers of the patrol initiative are seen inspecting the Bela-Bela taxi rank. Photo supplied
Mokopane Mayor calls for calm after taxi murder Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela
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his car in Mahwelereng in June 2014, where a number of taxi owners lost their lives due to taxi infighting. Municipal EXCO members accompanied Mashamaite to meet with the owners in order to find solutions to end the tension in the area. Mashamaite emphasized that an urgent meeting with the Mahwereleng Taxi Association and its concerned groups will be convened. Municipal spokesperson Malesela Selokela said that from Monday, 6 April, taxis operating in Mokopane have not been transporting commuters as intended due to the infighting between the taxi associations. “They are not doing anything to bring stability but instead making the situation worse, and we do not know whose interests they are serving.” Mayor Mashamaite advised the taxi operators to open a case against the perpetrators who are causing havoc in the associations. He also called for calm and vowed that perpetrators would soon be brought to book. “We will be happy if there can be peace and stability in the taxi industry. I want to reiterate that we have engaged the police and they are working around the clock to bring perpetrators to book. These killings and tensions are counter-productive and we strongly condemn them. We also call for calm among the affected associations and ask all members of the community to work with the police,” said Mashamaite. Mayor Mashamaite also urged all taxi operators to cooperate with law enforcement to prevent any further loss of
Mogalakwena Local Municipality termed the total shutdown of Mokopane town and its associated township on Friday, 17 April ‘unacceptable and unconstitutional.’ All businesses in town, the townships and the rural areas of Mokopane, including petrol stations and tuck-shops, were closed. The situation returned to normal on Saturday, 18 April, but members of the community were seriously affected by the shutdown, fearing for their ability to obtain basic necessities on the day. The leadership of the Mogalakwena Residents’ Association (MRA) informed the public and the media that they had resolved to call for a full shutdown of the business area following the series of murders and brutal shootings which culminated in the death of MRA leader Charles Mogidi. He was shot in public at Caltex Taxi Rank at the corner of Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki road, allegedly by a member of Mahwereleng Taxi Amalgamated Association on the morning of Saturday, 4 April. MRA spokesperson Thintha Mokhonoana said that they are convinced that the same criminals are also linked to the series of murders which took place in the town, including the death of their founding chairperson Piet Pale, Gideon Fatane and many more. The MRA called on all workers to heed their call by declaring a public holiday on the 17th. Mokhonoana told The BEAT that the shutdown was declared because the suspects were appearing before the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court for a
formal bail application and the MRA felt the need to engage all sectors of society to convince the court not to release the suspects. The suspects made their first appearance on Thursday, 9 April, following their arrest. Taxis were made available to pick up members of the public to attend a demonstration which started by picketing the court before proceeding through the town. The day was full of activities and the marchers emphasized that they would not rest until all the criminals were apprehended. The local municipality called on everyone in the area including businesses, schools, and government institutions, not to involve themselves in any form of intimidation. They also called upon law enforcement to protect the rights of members of the community to continue with their day-to-day activities without threat. Municipal spokesperson Malesela Selokela said that the behaviour of the MRA and those who assisted them with the shutdown is unacceptable because South Africa is a constitutional state and should protect the rights of the individual. He added that the municipality is still committed to returning normality. Local mayor Tlhalefi Mashamaite called on all parents, learners, and teachers in Mokopane to ensure that normal learning and teaching in the area resumes urgently. He said that as a municipality, they denounce any form of criminal activity and urge the community to continue to respect the law.
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24 April, 2015
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Squatters defy former Bela-Bela Mayor
Former Bela-Bela mayors Freddy Hlungwane and Henrietta Ledwaba. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela The alleged squatters in the newly formed informal settlement, Malema View, say that they will fetch water from neighbouring sections, light candles, and use wood in place of electricity and dig pit toilets to make themselves comfortable in their new homes. They said this during an address by former Bela-Bela mayors Freddy Hlungwane and Henrietta Ledwaba on Thursday, 16 April. The address by the former mayors follows the illegal occupation on what is believed to be a private farm. Ledwaba advised them to stop being hard-headed and leave the land to wait for the municipality to find suitable housing for them where they can be provided with basic services such as water, electricity and sanitation. Ledwaba told the residents that if they do not vacate the area,
New residents of the newly established informal settlement Malema View. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
things might turn ugly for them should the municipality file a court case against them. She also said that because the land already has an owner the municipality will not be able to deliver the expected services to them. The residents allegedly invaded part of a private farm in the process of carving out their stands, and the leadership felt that they had to intervene. Hlungwane told The BEAT that he had no clear knowledge of the situation, but said that he had heard rumours about the land being privately owned and not municipal land. He said that he had called in Ledwaba to address the matter. The residents told Ledwaba to leave them alone, and said that they had waited for far too long for their municipality to notice them and delivery their rightful services so they served
themselves instead. They also told her that as former mayor, she failed to help them when she had had the chance, and refused to listen to her now that she is powerless. They warned her not to mention any political party in her address, as the gathering was not political, but concerned with disadvantaged residents seeking homes. They told her that if she wanted to talk politics she could mobilize her own people at her own time and organize her own meeting, where she could speak freely. Lasi Maswangwanyi, Neo Moloko and Sunday Modike, leading the residents, said that the municipality should stop telling them that the land belongs to someone else and show them the title deeds and supporting documents to prove the issue at hand. They said that until then, they would consider the area theirs.
Concerned residents’ leader Neo Moloko addressed the residents when they were crushing former mayors’ address. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
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24 April, 2015
Axe trial continues Justin Steyn Justin Steyn The hearing of the accused in the Leeupoort axe attack case, Trymore Munetsi and Petrus Sithole, continued on Monday, 20 April. The pair were arrested for their alleged involvement in an attempted murder and housebreaking at a residential home in Leeupoort in February of 2014. The victims, Rachel Groenewaldt and Manie de Beer, suffered numerous back and head injuries during the attack and Munetsi and Sithole were arrested after fleeing the scene. During her testimony at the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court, Groenewaldt testified that Munetsi had been involved in the attack, and that he had taken a T-shirt on the morning of the attack, which she complained belonged to her. A photo of Munetsi wearing the T-shirt surfaced on the Internet shortly after the attack. “Trymore stole a ladies’ Spar Marathon shirt which belonged to me on the night of the attack. He wore it when they arrested him after the attack. I know that the shirt is mine because I got it at a ladies’ race in Port Elizabeth in 1996. You can’t find this
shirt anywhere except in Port Elizabeth during those annual races,” she explained. She produced a T-shirt similar to what Munetsi had worn on the day of his arrest, and said that she had received the shirt at the same event in 1998. Munetsi denied the claim and told the court that the t-shirt had come to him from his brother, who works at Spar, and belongs to him. Munetsi claimed that he had been assaulted by the police from the Rooiberg station. Constable Klaas Ledwaba of the Rooiberg police denied the allegation and stated that there is no proof of any assault on the suspect. De Beer said that Munetsi must be lying about the provenance of the shirt, and said that Munetsi’s brother should be called to testify that he had indeed sent the shirt to him. “Munetsi is lying his way into more trouble. If the shirt was sent to him by his brother then let him testify on the matter,” he said. The case has been remanded to Wednesday, 29 April. Both Munetsi and Sithole remain in custody at the Kgosi Mampuru II prison.
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Five shop stewards suspended after protests
Elliot Molala, here pictured during the protest at the Bela-Bela Municipality, has been suspended until further notice. Photo: TK Mashaba Mashaba TK TK Mashaba Following the latest protests at Bela-Bela Municipality by members of Samwu, the Bela-Bela Municipality appears to have suspended five Samwu shop stewards in their employ. The suspended members include Elliot Molala, the local Samwu chairperson, Maria Zikhali, Lasy Makhubela, Gosh Rachudumela, and Philemon Magwai. They are alleged to have been behind the protests that saw municipal services halted for a day on 15 April. Molala is alleging unfair labour policies in their suspension. “All the members took part in the strike,” he said. “Why is the municipality singling only the shop stewards?” He told The BEAT that the matter is under investigation and they are currently waiting for the outcome of the
Gosh Rachudumela was suspended for protesting while wearing work uniform. Photo: TK Mashaba bargaining council’s conciliation process which will take place on Tuesday, 2 May, in Polokwane. The suspended Samwu members are currently on paid suspension while they await their fate. Rachudumela is accused of disrespecting his uniform and his duty as he pioneered the protest, singing revolutionary songs during the protest in front of the municipal building. On Wednesday last week municipal manager Morris Maluleka met with the workers after another protest by Samwu members, who were locked out of the premises. During his speech Maluleka told the workers that they should expect their increases at some point in the next year. Maluleka could not be reached for comment about the suspension of the shop stewards.
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24 April, 2015
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Photo of the week Let us all tak ea ake stand agains againstt Xenophobic ks ac att acks attac
Unit e agains nite againstt Xenophobia Klaas Mabunda, a Modimolle resident,writes: South Africa our home, the land of receptiveness, the soil fertilized by shelter, the sky covering good heartedness, the Sun that shines upon human brotherhood, the night that assures peace, tranquillity and safety. Our hood that’s defined by the rainbow of assorted tribes and beliefs, the environment we have never detached from harmony, the society that on its independent own is welfare and an example of everything good. Barbarism has been known but is not contained in the South African culture. We know humanity, we live morality, our pride is in caring and our gifts are in giving, yet we are of a materially imperfect design, but never espouse carelessness. I have been constipated by dismay. The actions of my fellow South Africans have overfed my not-so-big tummy with rocks and sand. My soul is contaminated by disbelief, and I have no doubt that my brothers and sisters are intoxicated by sudden evil, for reasons known only by the hatred that is not naturally a part of their natures. The recent actions of those I consider patriots of love; administering violence, intolerance and rapid victimization of those who came in our country for refuge, is sad. The relentlessness of our fellow countrymen and women submitted us to scared threats by cowardly terrorists, with a libido superseding the ruthlessness of a gun, rascals whose attacks are targeting the unprepared and defenceless, the Boko Haram. The indecent xenophobic attacks planned by filthy mouths are not only opportunistic but a compromise to our state security, rendering our writings to question the intelligence of the National Intelligence Agency of our country, as these devilish actions should have been detected and intercepted immediately they showed their ugly thoughts. The NIA should perhaps suspend their focus in dividing political parties, tabbing telephone conversations of harmless civilians, being used to protect individuals, and prepare the country to peace and strategic defence against vulnerability and opportunism. Let us not rise against Xenophobia on reading and writing platforms. Let us rather convene our community meetings with patriotic members of the South African Police Service, to teach our people that only language used for validation of xenophobic attacks can make our stupidity feel intelligent. Tell our people that we are a society of Christianity, Muslim and other religions, we are brought together by faith, and kept alive by our unconditional love, because not only love is life but it is revolutionary in all tasks. Any bloodshed and displacing of people is a sequestration of righteousness. Let us rise and defend humanity!
This aspiring actor attended the first phase of auditions for a film which is set to film soon in Bela-Bela. The next audition date will be on Saturday, 25 April at Bela-Bela Community Hall. Photo: TK Mashaba
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Thabo Marema, a Bela-Bela resident writes: It is quite clear that the so called xenophobic attacks are fuelled by a lot of underlying factors, although these attacks should be condemned in the harshest possible terms and the culprit dealt with as heavily as possible. Everyone should take responsibility of what is happening now. Firstly Government should make sure it tighten the immigration laws and it must also take its responsibility of patrolling borders seriously in order to deal with illegal immigrants. Government should also find a way of dealing with crimes committed by foreigners. Secondly, it is the responsibility of Government to deal with the issue of poverty and unemployment as this is one of the frustrations faced by the youth in our country. It is time that Government stop paying lip service and do what is supposed to be done: create jobs and alleviate poverty. Having said that, it is true that some of the foreigners are involved in crime and that does not help the situation at all. It is the responsibility of all foreigners to conduct themselves responsibly and subject themselves to the laws of the country or they should peacefully leave this country and go home. It is a time now when we don’t need spectators. People should by now know that South Africa belongs to all those who live in it, therefore all citizens, regardless of colour and creed, as well as Government should stand together and face this problem, let us all do what is expected of us and make sure we create a better life for all
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SMALLS BARGAIN newly built 3 bedroom house, 2 bathrooms, garage, open plan living room/ dining room. Paul Kruger str. Nylstroom R680 000. Contact Francois 082 495 3299.
LEGALS MODIMOLLE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY AMENDMENT SCHEME 324. NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR REZONING OF ERF 6396 IN TERMS OF SECTION 56 (1) b (i) AND SIMULTANEOUS CONSOLIDATION AND SUBDIVISION OF VARIOUS ERVEN IN TERMS OF SECTION 92 OF THE TOWN PLANNING AND TOWNSHIPS ORDINANCE, 1986 (ORDINANCE, 15 OF 1986). We, DI-TORO PLANNING CONSULTANTS, represented by Joseph Mokoena, being the authorised agent of the owners of the following properties hereby give notice in terms of Section 56 (1) b (i) that I have applied to the Modimolle Local Municipality for the amendment of the Town Planning Scheme known as Modimolle Land Use Scheme, 2004 by rezoning of erf 6396 from “Business 3” to “Residential 1”, simultaneous consolidation of erven 6093-6098, 61416142, 6183-6197, 63806413, 6414-6423, 64246433; and subdivision of the consolidated erven into “Residential 1” erven in terms of section 92 of the Town Planning and Townships Ordinance, 1986 (Ordinance, 15 of 1986) situated in Phagameng Extension 8. Particulars of this application will lie for inspection during normal office hours at the offices of
24 April, 2015 the Modimolle Local Municipality, The Divisional Manager: Town Planning, Ground Floor, Modimolle Municipal Building, Harry Gwala Street, Modimolle for a period of 28 days from Friday 17, April 2015. Objections to or representation in respect of the application must be lodged with or made in writing to: The Municipal Manager at the above address within a period of 28 days from Friday 17, April 2015. Name and Address of Agent: Di-Toro Planning Consultants, 942 Riethaan Street, Montanapark, Montanapark tel: 082 622 5277 and fax: 086 672 6518. 17 & 24/4 PHÊTOŠÔ YA SEKEMA 324 SA MMMASEPALA WA MODIMOLLE. TSEBIŠÔ YA GO FETOLA SETŠHA SA 6396 GO YA KA KAROLO YA 56 (1) b (i) SAMMALETEE LE TEEFATŠÔ LE KGAOGANÔ YA DI DITŠHA GO YA KA KAROLO YA 92 YA TOWN PLANNING LE TOWNSHIPS ORDINANCE, 1986 (ORDINANCE, 15 OF 1986). Rena re le, DI-TORO PLANNING CONSULTANTS, re le baemedi ba ba dumeletšwego semolao ke mong wa ditšha tše di ngwadilwego ka mo tlase, re fa tsebišô go ya ka karolo ya 56 (1) b (i) gore re dirile kgopelo go Mmmasepala Wa Modimolle go fetosha sekema sa Mmasepala wa Modimolle se se tsebjago ka Modimolle Land Use Scheme, 2004 ka go fetosha setšha sa 6396 go tšwa go felo la kgwebo “Business 3” go ya go setšha sa bodulo “Residential 1”, sammaletee le teefatšô ya ditšha tše di latelago: 6093-6098, 61416142, 6183 6197, 6380-6413, 64146423, 6424-6433; le kgaoganô ya ditšha tše dikgaoganeng go ya go ditšha tša bodulo
“Residential 1” go ya ka Karolo ya 92 ya Town Planning Le Townships Ordinance, 1986 (Ordinance, 15 of 1986) ko Phagameng Extension 8.. Dintlha ka botlalo le dipolane di ka lekolwa ka dinako tše tlwaelegilego tsa mošomo mo matšatšing a 28 go tloga phatlalatšong ya tšebišô ye ka Labohlano 17 Aprêlê 2015. Dithulano le mabaka di ka romelwa ka mokgwa wa go ngwala go mokgopedi go ba Mmasepaleng wa Selegae wa Modimolle, Kgoro ya go beakanya toropo le tšhumišo ya mabala, Dikantorong tša Mmasepala wa Modimolle, Harry Gwala Street mo gare ga matšatši a 28 go tloga phatlalatšong ya tšebišô ka Labohlano 17 Aprêlê 2015. Adrese ya ka: Di-Toro Planning Consultants, 942 Riethaan Street, Montanapark, Montanapark tel: 082 622 5277 and fax: 086 672 6518. 17 & 24/4 NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN DECEASED ESTATE Estate late: JACOB JOHANNES HURN Identity number: 590901 5001 081 Estate number: 30037/2014 Last address (main): 52 Droogekloof, Agricultiral Holdings, Bela Bela Last address (secondary): 394 21st Avenue Villieria, Pretoria Date of death: 10 September 2014 All persons having claims against the abovementioned Estate are required to lodge their claims with the undersigned within 30 days after the date of publication hereof. DU TOIT ATTORNEYS 7 Roper Street Kimberley Tel: 053 831 4797 Fax: 053 831 4789 Email: info@dutoitattorneys.co.za LIKWIDASIE EN DISTRIBUSIEREKENINGS IN BESTORWE BOEDELS WAT TER INSAE Lê LIQUIDATION AND
DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNTS IN DECEASED ESTATES LYING FOR INSPECTION Ingevolge artikel 35 (5) van Wet 66 van 1965 word hierby kennis gegee dat duplikate van die Likwidasie en Distribusierekenings (eerste en finale, tensy anders vermeld, in die boedels hieronder vermeld in die kantore van die Meesters en Landdroste soos vermeld en gedurende ‘n tydperk van 21 dae (of langer indien spesiaal vermeld) vanaf gemelde datums van of vanaf datum van publikasie hiervan, as dit later is, ter insae lê vir alle persone wat daarby belang het. Indien binne genoemde tydperk geen besware daarteen by die betrokke Meesters ingedien word nie, gaan die eksekuteurs oor tot die uitbetaling ingevolge gemelde rekenings. In terms of section 35(5) of Act 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 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. 1. Registrasienommer van boedel: Registered number of estate: 009624/2013 Van: Surname: LOUW Voorname: Christian names: MARTHINUS JOHANNES Identiteitsnommer: Identity number: 380420 5069 083 Laaste adres:
Last address: Kameeldoringstraat 98E, Kokanje, Modimolle, 0515 Voltooi slegs as oorledene in gemeenskap van goedere getroud was. Complete only if deceased was married in community of property. Voorname en familienaam van nagelate eggenoot (eggenote) Christian names and surname of surviving spouse Identiteitsnommer: Identity number: Beskrywing van rekening anders as Eerste en Finale: Description of account other than First and Final: Tydperk van insae indien anders as 21 dae: Period of inspection other than 21 days: Landdroskantoor: Magistrate’s office: Modimolle Meesterskantoor: Master’s office: Polokwane 2. Registrasienommer van boedel: Registered number of estate: Van: Surname: Voorname: Christian names: Identiteitsnommer: Identity number: Laaste adres: Last address: Voltooi slegs as oorledene in gemeenskap van goedere getroud was. Complete only if deceased was married in community of property. Voorname en familienaam van nagelate eggenoot (eggenote) Christian names and surname of surviving spouse Identiteitsnommer: Identity number: Beskrywing van rekening anders as Eerste en Finale Description of account other than First and Final Tydperk van insae indien anders as 21 dae Period of inspection other than 21 days Landdroskantoor: Magistrate’s office: Meesterskantoor: Masters office: Adverteerder en adres: Advertiser and address: MPW FOURIE Posbus 540 Vanderbijlpark, 1900 Tel: (016) 931 1573.
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Kefalotse Ngubeni, Khethiwe Mojela, both Grade 7 pupils from Laerskool Eenheid, and Remo Tjia, Grade 6, participated in the ATKV Afrikaans orator’s competition which was held in Groblersdal during the weekend of 18 April. All three pupils have Afrikaans as additional language. Photo: Ronel van Jaarsveld
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BEAT
24 April, 2015
Donkey Convention at Bela-Bela Forever Resorts
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Settlers Agricultural High buildings declared unsafe Andries van der Heyde Andries van der Heyde The new school term has already commenced, but learners at Settlers Agricultural High’s lives are allegedly endangered by buildings that could, according to the Department of Labour, collapse at any moment. The Department visited the school in February. In a declaration, of which The BEAT has obtained copies, the Department mentions that the Brian Stone, Tom Law, Dolly Cleverdon, and Margared Acres hostels, have been declared unfit for human habitation, since they could collapse at any time. These buildings can accommodate 412 people. A spokesperson from the department
of labour said:“The Department of Public Works has confirmed that the buildings are a danger and the Department of Education has been informed. The next step is to organize temporary shelter for the learners. The Department of Education will most likely have to carry the costs for the repairs and maintenance of the buildings.” A team of inspectors were expected to visit the school this week in connection with the issue. Settlers Agricultural High appointed a new principal in March, Chris Mabunda. “I cannot comment on the matter of the buildings at the moment,” he told The BEAT. “The departments are still in the process of investigating the matter.”
Wendy Wilson of the NSPCA inspected the physical condition of each donkey during a local conference. Justin Steyn Justin Steyn Donkeys play a huge role in Africa’s economy, yet these magnificent beasts are often mistreated and overworked in several countries. A gathering with delegates from across Africa was hosted on Wednesday 15 April at Forever Resorts in Bela-Bela, by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) and was made possible by the Donkey Sanctuary, a non-profit organization which focuses on the wellbeing of donkeys on a global scale. “Donkeys are often seen as invisible animals but these animals are the economic driving force in many countries. They are used for harsh labour and not well looked after,” said the Donkey Sanctuary’s director of international operations in the United Kingdom, Stephen Blakeway. Blakeway said that the aim of the visit to assess the overall working conditions of local donkey owners and the condition of the carts that are used. Blakeway explained that the aim was not to report mistreated donkeys to the local authorities but to advise owners on how their donkeys could be better looked after. During assessments each cart was judged by its size and weight and each donkey by its physical condition. It was discovered that the majority of
carts were made out of steel and left over car parts which made it very heavy. Each donkey was also inspected for ailments and injuries. Wendy Wilson, an inspector at the NSPCA said that dramatic changes had to be made regarding the behaviour toward the animals. According to her donkeys are often unnecessarily whipped or injured and the organization has conducted these visits to discourage this type of behaviour. Local donkey owners, Piet Hlongwane and Isack Seema spoke about their donkeys, the work that they do and the challenges they face. “I use my donkeys to transport water to people in the township. I work with them for five days a week and allow them to rest. Our cart is made out of steel and admittedly very heavy, we have tried to use a wooden cart before but this was damaged due to the state of our roads,” said Hlongwane. Seema said that medical treatment for donkeys is a big challenge that owners face. He explained that there is no medical facility in the township and that local veterinarian is too expensive for them to use. “We would like a medical supply centre for our donkeys because we cannot afford the fees at our local vet. It is important for us and the community that the donkeys stay healthy,”
FEDSAS promises training for School Governing Bodies Properly trained and knowledgeable school governing bodies are a key link in the education chain. With the three-yearly governing body elections successfully completed, the next phase in establishing a strong culture of school governance and management has already kicked off: equipping new governing body members with the necessary skills. The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS) is an internationally recognised leader in the field of school governance and school management, and the organisation feels compelled to share this knowledge. “The FEDSAS team of experts has already started with about 120 training sessions across the country to train and equip new governing body members,” says Dr Jaco Deacon, Deputy CEO of FEDSAS. A first this year is that FEDSAS will also make the training available to nonmembers. “Schools of which the governing body does not belong to FEDSAS can simply contact the FEDSAS provincial manager in that province to arrange to attend the
training. The main aim of FEDSAS remains ensuring quality education and this can only happen if everybody has equal access to opportunities.” FEDSAS’ governing body training focuses on three key questions, namely: What should a governing body do? What should a governing body try to avoid? How can FEDSAS help you? It’s a multimedia presentation of three hours and is very practical in nature. “We encourage schools to send the full governing body – parents, staff and learners – to attend the training. The governing bodies will manage their schools for the next three years and it is necessary to get everyone on the same page in order to start focusing on the key functions of a governing body,” says Deacon. Contact details of the various provincial managers are available on the FEDSAS website at www.fedsas.org.za. FEDSAS members can register directly on the website, and those seeking further information can contact Dr Jaco Deacon, Deputy CEO of FEDSAS at 083 795 2928
BELA BELA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY Office of the Municipal Manager Bela-Bela Local Municipality, 58 Chris Hani Drive, Bela-Bela Private Bag x1609, Bela-Bela, 0480
PUBLIC NOTICE CALLING FOR INSPECTION OF SUPPLEMENTARY VALUATION ROLL AND LODGING OF OBJECTIONS In terms of the Municipal Property Rates Act, 2004 (Act No. 6 of 2004), hereinafter referred to as the “Act”, it is advised that the 3rd supplementary valuation roll for the financial year 01 July 2014 to 30 June 2015 is open for public inspection at the office of the Chief Financial Officer, Main Building (Chris Hani Drive) during office hours 08:00 to 16:00 from 24 April 2015 to 8 June 2015. In addition the valuation roll will be available as of 24 April 2014 at website: www.belabela.gov.za An invitation is hereby made in terms of section 49(l)(a)(ii) and 78(2) of the Act that any owner of property or other person who so desires should lodge an objection with the Municipal Manager in respect of any matter reflected in, or omitted from, the supplementary valuation roll within the above-mentioned period. Attention is specifically drawn to the fact that in terms of section 50(2) of the Act an objection must be in relation to a specific individual property and not against the supplementary valuation roll as such. The form for the lodging of an objection is obtainable at the following address: Revenue Office, BelaBela Municipal Building, Chris Hani Drive, Bela -Bela. The completed forms must be returned to the Revenue Office during office hours, to be registered by the Property Rates Officer: Mr Elias Monyepao or Accountant Rates: Ms Petunia Thobela. For enquiries please phone: Mr. E Monyepao on 014 736 8065 or email: monyepaoe@belabela.gov.za or Ms P Thobela on 014 736 8000 or email: thobelap@belabela.gov.za Municipal Offices, Chris Hani Drive, Private Bag X1609, BELA-BELA, 0480
MM Maluleka Municipal Manager
Notice No: 32/15
Page 8
BEAT
24 April, 2015
Modimolle athlete brings home the bronze Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela A Modimolle athlete, Lucas Seleka, recently took home the bronze medal in the 50km Loskop Marathon on Saturday, 18 April. The marathon was run from Middelburg to Loskop Dam, Mpumalanga. Seleka finished his race in 4:30:16, coming in in 3 rd place. During an interview with The BEAT, Seleka said that he was currently preparing to take part in the coming Comrades Marathon scheduled for 31 May in Durban. The 87km race will take place from Durban to Pietermaritzburg and Seleka will be participating for the ninth time this year. If he takes part again in 2016, he will receive a Green Number title. Seleka started running marathons in 2005, starting with a 27km race from Modimolle to Bela-Bela that was organized by a private enterprise. He told The BEAT that his uncle inspired him from an early age and that he also took part in school athletics. The athlete will also take part in the Holoy Howard Marathon in Pretoria on Friday, 1 May, and join other athletes at the Waterberg Executive Mayor’s Marathon scheduled for Saturday, 9 May. He also ran the Mall of the North and Secunda Marathons which took place recently, where he took part in
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Diesel n Dust promoted to Pool A
Diesel n Dust Netball team, recently promoted to Pool A. Photo supplied
Athlete Lucas Seleka of Modimolle won a bronze medal at the Loskop Marathon recently. Photo supplied three-in-one races of 42, 21, and 10km. “The team I am currently working with on the marathons is very committed and we are really struggling with assistance in terms of funding, especially for accommodation, food and other logistics.” Anyone interested in sponsoring or assisting Seleka and his team can contact him on 073 148 9470.
TK Mashaba TK Mashaba The Bela-Bela netball team Diesel n Dust did well once more, playing in Vhembe District in the league games on Saturday, 18 April. They played against the University of Limpopo and beat them 33-22 in the finals, securing first place in Pool B. “We had been promoted to Pool B because we had so many points,” said Koketso Kgabo, the team’s coach. Kgabo said it was not an easy game for the team. The other teams, including Sekhukhune’s Young Tigers, were especially good.
Mokopane’s Thunder Girls, the Pool A team are now in the same pool as Diesel n Dust, and promises them challenging games in the league. “We’ve played against them many times, and they’ve been beating us,” said Kgabo. “Our promotion means a lot to us and we will be competing against them on their own level.” He also said that the team wants to thank their parents and the team owner Pat Seema, Helgo Guest House, and Bela-Bela Municipality, for their funding and support, as well as Thabo Molusi who helped them with transport.
Shape Up brings home the trophy TKTK Mashaba Mashaba
Kefalotse Ngubeni, a Grade 7 pupil at Eenheid Primary School in Modimolle, participated in the provincial netball trials held this past week at Laerskool Nylstroom. Photo: Ronel van Jaarsveld
The five members of Bela-Bela’s Shape Up Bodybuilding team made an impression during the recent bodybuilding competitions in Tshwane. Elias Dikoko and Sello Molokomme took first place in the 70kg and 75kg categories respectively. “We would like to thank the municipal manager Morris Maluleka and Bela-Bela Mayor Lucas Nhlapo for their assistance in the matter of logistics, as well as Menyatso Funeral Parlour and Doctor de Villiers, who also contributed,” said Dikoko. “We will now be training for the upcoming competition that will be held in July. At the moment we are at Health Cone Gym where we train 30 to 45 minutes from Monday to Friday.” Dikoko said that they are still planning to hold a similar competition in Bela-Bela. “We used to have bodybuilding competition in Bela-Bela in the past,” he said. “We want to bring it back and inspire young bodybuilders.” “A healthy body holds a healthy mind,” he said.
Elias Dikoko and Sello Molokomme with their trophies. Photo: TK Mashaba
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