25 September 2015
P. 2
R1-20/FREE
Drug Cookies at Modimolle school
Jealous lover torches boyfriend’s home
The plasma TV set that was burned. Photo: TK Mashaba The bed and blankets that were burned. Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba A Bela-Bela couple’s young love hit rock bottom when a young woman allegedly decided to set fire to the one-room home she had shared with her lover. The incident occurred in the early hours of
Sunday, 20 September, at the Mandela Section. Shiba Maswanganyi who was out when the incident occurred. He told The BEAT that he had been alerted to the fire by the police, who he had spotted attending to the scene. “I was shocked when they told me,” he said. “I suspected my girlfriend, as we had argued before the incident.”
He alleged that the woman had threatened to burn their home, but that he had not taken her threats seriously. “I didn’t think she would go that far,” he said. The room was burned to ashes, including the plasma television, bed, wall unit and fridge, as well as all his clothes.
“I always knew her as a sweet and respectful girl, but I don’t know what drove her to that madness,” he said. The young woman, who denies the allegation, appeared briefly before the Bela-Bela magistrate’s court on Tuesday, 22 September, where her case was postponed.
CRIME
2 |
25 September, 2015 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Two arrested for car theft in Bela-Bela TK Mashaba
Two men briefly appeared before the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on charges of theft, and their case was expected to resume on Wednesday 23 Ocktober. They remain in custody after their appearance on Monday, 14 September. Emmanuel Maseko and Oupa Kekana have been arrested on at least one case of motor vehicle theft. The police are investigating more cases in the hopes of linking more case of theft to the pair. Emmanuel Maseko, a Bela-Bela resident who installs sound equipment for cars, was arrested on
10 September after investigations, along with Kekana, from Cyferskuil. They appeared briefly on Wednesday, 16 September and their case was postponed 23 October. “The investigation team is still busy with the case and we are currently investigating other cases hoping to link them,” said Colonel Abel Phetla from the Bela-Bela police department. Phetla could also not confirm whether the pair may be linked to the theft of a Toyota Conquest that was stolen two weeks ago at Bela-Bela which belonged to Nicholas Malete. However, Phetla said that they are still investigating while the two remain in custody. Oupa Kekana. Photo supplied
Emmanuel Maseko. Photo supplied
Dagga cookies invade Hoërskool Nylstroom Guilty Marema out on R30 000 bail Lizzy Bapela
Parents are asked to warn their children against buying unauthorized sweets and cookies at school, as there have been cases of these being contaminated with drugs. Photo supplied Lizzy Bapela A learner from Hoërskool Nylstroom in Modimolle was expelled from school after he was allegedly found selling dagga cookies on the school’s premises. The learner was allegedly found with a bag full of dagga cookies in his school case. Police spokesperson Warrant Officer James Findlay said that teachers became suspicious of the cookies which were being sold on the school premises and approached the learner in order to get to the bottom of the matter. He added that the learner ran away when the teachers wanted to search him and threw the bag when they chased after him. Warrant officer Findlay further said that another learner picked up the bag and gave it to the teachers, who searched it and found
the cookies. He also said that they contacted the police immediately and informed them about the matter. The police sent the cookies for forensics and they came back having tested positive for dagga, which led to the learner’s expulsion. According to the information received, the school did not want the learner to be arrested for some reasons but for the matter to be handled internally. The police commended the school for reacting swiftly on the matter so that other learners would be prevented from buying the cookies. They also regard the expulsion as proof that the school showed that they will not tolerate any form of drug dealing in their premises and that should be a strong warning to the learners. Parents are advised to warn their children against buying food from learners but only the schools’ kiosk.
An official from Modimolle Local Municipality was released on R30 000 bail when he appeared before the local magistrate’s court on Thursday, 17 September. Mocato Guilty Marema was arrested for allegedly defrauding the municipality of R6 million. Marema, 34, works as a supervisor in the municipality’s Accounts and Revenue Department. The municipality made news headlines in early June 2015 when a case of fraud was opened at the local police station and the municipality held a media briefing as a result to address the issue of financial misconduct. As a result, Marema was suspended pending a disciplinary hearing in connection with the mismanagement of funds. Modimolle spokesperson Patrick Shika confirmed the suspension during the briefing, which came to effect in May and said that the police were let to conduct investigations. He added that the municipality is committed into ensuring a corruption free society. The provincial departments of Treasury and CoGHSTA were also called in to assist with
Youth against Crime in Bela-Bela said that they are concerned about rising incidents of child neglect in town. This comes after an incident in which a young mother was reported to police for allegedly leaving her child unattended in order to go to a nearby tavern.
According to Esrom Nkwinikwa, the chairperson of Youth against Crime, the incident took place on Sunday, 20 September. Nkwinikwa said that the mother had left the two-year-old toddler with her sister in order to go to a nearby tavern. “I was called to the house because a nearby family requested my help,” he said. “With assistance from the BelaBela Police we managed to locate the mother and bring her back home safely.”
internal investigations on the matter. Marema was charged with 15 counts of fraud and his case was remanded to Friday, 6 November for further investigations.
Two up for possession of stolen property Lizzy Bapela Two men were arrested in Bela-Bela after they were found in possession of suspected stolen property. Both the suspects were arrested on Saturday, 19 September and appear before the Bela-Bela Magistrate Court on Monday, 21 September. Police spokesperson Constable Maria Maleto said that a complaint was lodged at the station about Metro Hyper store being burgled into and the police commenced with their investigations immediately. She added that a security guard from the store alleged that he realized while performing his duties the same day at about 13:30 that some of the groceries
Child neglect on the rise in Bela-Bela Justin Steyn
Guilty Marema is out on a R30 000 bail. Photo supplied
Nkwinikwa said that these incidents occur more and more regularly and said that his organization will be teaming up with ChildLine and social workers in the near future. “Young parents are neglecting their children due to alcoholism and substance abuse. These incidents are occurring more and more. Adults are left having to look after the children of other people and sometimes children are left orphaned in the case of accidents and overdoses.
was missing and he continued to check on it. The guard added that he saw two men standing next to the store room and they fled when he approached them. The guard further said in a statement that both the suspects were in possession of the items which were missing from the store. Constable Maleto told The BEAT that they learned through investigations that the case was reported 30 minutes after the incident took place. The police searched for the suspects and found them in possession of the items and arrested them immediately. The items include food and toiletries among others. Constable Maleto further said that the suspects were charged for business burglary and are expected to appear again in court soon.
25 September, 2015 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Twelve apply for bail after mob murder Justin Steyn The twelve people who have been accused of murdering a man known only as William in Pienaarsrivier are currently applying for bail. The man was allegedly attacked and murdered by twelve community members on Friday, 28 August, after he was accused of stealing from the community. Paramedics from the provincial Ems said that they were called to the scene and found that the victim had been badly beaten with knobkieries and was surrounded by members of the local community. “When we arrived at the scene we saw that the man was unconscious and tied up with rope. He was bleeding heavily. Several bystanders threatened to kill us as when we tended to him and claimed that he had been stealing from them,” said one paramedic. “William” was taken to a hospital in Polokwane, but died shortly thereafter. Twelve people have been arrested because of their alleged involvement in the
murder. Thokozile Nkosi (48), Johannes Semetsing (35), Mapule Mabosela, Tlou Sebatjani (52), Jack Nkwana (28), Mpho Moseamedi (25), John Chabalala (32), Nhlenyane Mashiyo (48), Amos Matlala (35), Rachel Tshabalala (26), Reuben Chabalala and Collen Chabalala (21) have all been arrested for their alleged involvement in the brutal murder. Constable Maria Maleto of the Bela-Bela police said that the twelve accused are currently applying for bail. She added that a search to locate the man’s family is still ongoing.
ANC Women’s League Limpopo Provincial Conference gears up
|3
Blocked sewers a health hazard to the community TK Mashaba The blocked sewerage at Extension One in Bela-Bela, next to Khabele Primary School, has not been attended for months. The sewage gained the attention of the Concerned Community of BelaBela, who were furious at the way the community’s needs are being ignored. Obed Motau, who visited the site with The BEAT, demanded a fast response to the problem. “This is a hazard to the children at Khabele Primary School and the community at large,” he said. “As the concerned community of BelaBela we have been of the opinion for a while now that basic services such as water and sanitation are on the brink of collapse due to a lack of leadership and maintenance on the part of the Municipality.” “We have raised this issue relating to raw sewage overflowing into the streets and housing suburbs causing a major health hazard and a stench with the municipality,” said Motau. “In their response the Municipality admitted that there is a major backlog with regards to this as well as the many other concerns we have raised with them, and they also highlighted that they are addressing the matter, but that the community needs to be patient as the situation will not be resolved overnight,” he said.
Motau also complained that a pool of raw sewage surrounds the sewage pump station, and that the lids on top of the sewage pump station have been left partially open since the previous time the municipality has been to the site. “What if someone falls into the pit?” he asked. “The smell is unbearable.” All of this, according to Motau, points to the fact that the municipality is not taking the concerns of the
Rapist sentenced to 30 months Items that were stolen during a robbery at Scribble & Skryf and Altech Autopage Cellular shops recently. Photos supplied
Lizzy Bapela Seven men were remanded in custody when they appeared before the BelaBela Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 17 September on a charge of business robbery. The suspects’ arrest and subsequent court appearance are a sequel to an incident that happened on Tuesday, 15 September. Police spokesperson Constable Maria Maleto said that the suspects broke in at Scribble & Skryf and Altech Autopage Cellular shops after midnight and vandalized some of the shops’ properties. According to the police, the complainant received a call from their security company reporting that the anti-theft alarm was activated and they were suspecting that his shop
could be broken into and he discovered the break-in on arrival at the scene. The complainant told the police that everything was scattered around in both shops, drawers were taken out, cupboards opened and tools were lying on the floor. He added that the alarm unit inside Altech Autopage was broken and the ceiling had a hole where entry was gained. Among the items that were missing were cellphones and airtime vouchers of an undisclosed value. A guard from the security company arrested one of the suspects, who then gave the police information on the other suspects’ whereabouts. The six were traced and arrested the same morning after being found in the bushes along the N1. One of the suspects managed to evade arrest and fled. “It was discovered that all
community seriously enough to do anything about them. The principal of the school has also complained about the matter of the sewage. “The sewage has been a problem and it affects our children and us as a community,” she said. Matome Sebelebele, the spokesperson for the Bela-Bela Local Municipality, could not be reached for comment by the time of going to press.
Obed Mutau pointing at the filthy blocked sewerage. Photo: TK Mashaba
Seven up for business robbery
Lizzy Bapela Branches of the ANC Women’s League in the Waterberg District will conduct conference pre-registrations on Friday, 25 September in their areas ahead of the Limpopo Provincial Conference. The conference is scheduled to take place from Friday, 25 September to Sunday, 27 September. The Waterberg is among the districts which will be conducting their pre-registration programmes along with other districts, who will be conducting theirs on different dates through the week. The programmes follow a meeting by the league’s Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) officials on Monday, 21 September. The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Women’s League led the meeting, which was held with the purpose of discussing and finalizing all arrangements pertaining to the league’s provincial conference. The NWC and the provincial leaders of the Women’s League are heading a programme which started on Monday, 21 September and will culminate in the conference. The league’s Secretary General Meokgo Matuba said that the NWC is expected to meet with all the branches this week for briefing about conference logistics and political consultation. She added that it is expected that the conference will convene and conclude its business. “The ANC Women’s League is particularly pleased with the smooth manner in which preparations have gone thus far and we are confident that this conference will be conducted and concluded in the smoothest way possible, as planned,” said Matuba.
GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
suspects; Mlamuleli Mpofu 35, Mbonisi Ncube 28, Ncube Mthokozisi 35, Raymond Sibanda 25, Ndlovu Dzunisani 35, Ndlovu Nkosimuzi 35 and Langa Thulani 27are Zimbabwean nationals and only one’s documents were still valid. As a result the six were also charged for being in the country illegally,” said Constable Maleto. Following the suspects’ arrest, the police recovered and confiscated cellphones, a blanket and three vehicles, a Mazda and a Toyota Corrolla, which were seized near Caltex Garage next to N1; and a third vehicle, Toyota Camry was recovered in town as well as the tools that are suspected to have been used in order to gain entry into the two shops. Constable Maleto said that the suspects are expected to appear again in court soon.
Lizzy Bapela A man in BelaBela was sentenced to 30 months in jail for rape when he appeared before the local magistrate’s court on Tuesday, 15 September. The accused, 21year old Lehlohonolo Johannes Ndhlovu’s sentence was suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of any sexual offenses and that he registers with the National Sexual Offenders register. Ndlovu was arrested after he raped a woman in her mid-twenties on 9 November 2014 and was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. Police spokesperson Constable Maria Maleto said that the victim had opened the case on the day of the
incident. The victim told the police that she was on her way to Zuma View with her friends when three men suddenly approached and forced them to accompany them to Phomolong, a section near Zuma View. She said that the accused and his friends then took them to the bushes nearby, where they assaulted them. “Afterwards, Ndlovu took the victim to his place, where he raped her. On arrival at the accused’s place, he wrestled with the victim, who managed to fight him off until he produced a large knife with which he threatened her. He did not release his victim until the next morning. She went straight to the police,” said Constable Maleto. The police traced and arrested the suspect after thorough investigations, resulting in his court appearances and sentencing.
4 |
GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
25 September, 2015 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Company bids farewell to longest serving employees Mzamane Ringane Limpopo’s milling company NTK held a celebratory luncheon last Friday, 18 September to bid farewell to two of its longest serving employees who are going on retirement. The staff and management gathered for this special occasion to send well wishes to the two as they are finally parting ways with the company at the end of this month. Piet Ringane (60) who joined NTK at the age of 25, served as a driver and messenger for 35 years, while Ella Matlala (60) worked for 25 years at the company. Office Services Manager Piet Venter spoke on behalf of the company, and wished the duo a blissful retirement. Venter thanked the two for serving the company relentlessly and for their loyalty throughout all these years. He said for the past 35 years Ringane travelled about 9 000 kilometres a month, and has always been a reliable employee of the company. Matlala, who served as part of the administration staff, was also hailed as a hardworking individual who always adhered to the policies of the company during her term at NTK. Venter wished the two a happy retirement, and said that they deserve a good rest after serving the company for so long. Ringane thanked all the staff and management of NTK for their positive working relationship, and encouraged his colleagues to continue doing a great job that they have always been doing. Ringane is the father of six and also an Archbishop of The Jerusalem Apostolic Church, which has branches in Modimolle and the neighbouring rural settlement of Katjibane outside Settlers.
Office Services Manager Piet Venter, Ella Matlala and Piet Ringane during the farewell ceremony. Photo: Mzamane Ringane He urged other staff members to always obey the guidelines of the company, and to also cooperate with their colleagues and management. Matlala also took an opportunity to bid farewell to colleagues and the management of the company.
Bela-Bela mayor Lucas Nhlapo concerned about community safety
Before delivering her speech, she sang a hymn to thank God for blessing her throughout the years. She said even though she is leaving the company, her heart will always belong there and light-heartedly indicated that she will from time to time visit her former work
premises. She also extended gratitude towards the management of the company. Matlala who is the mother of two boys told The BEAT that she is now going to spend most of her time with family, especially her four grandchildren.
Community urged to embrace the disabled
Lizzy Bapela Bela-Bela mayor Councillor Lucas Nhlapo expressed concerns about the safety of people in the community, especially the elderly. The mayor said this during a meeting between him and elderly members of the community of Bela-Bela, held at the local community hall on Tuesday, 22 September. The mayor said that safety poses a serious concern within the community, which is why he attends safety forum meetings. He said that he was told that he is the first mayor in the past 20 years to attend these meetings. The mayor spoke on issues such as investor interest in Bela-Bela as a beautiful town and the issue of combating crime to ensure that everyone is safe. He said that the increasing number of informal settlements scares away investors, which is why he had to call in the Red Ants in May to remove an illegal settlement on land intended for the construction of a school and other community facilities. Nhlapo also talked about the health of citizens, saying that he intends to organize a health walk for the citizens of Bela-Bela, and said that they plan to engage the youth in keeping healthy instead of abusing alcohol or illegal substances. Senior citizens from various organizations including the Babalegi ba Batsofe, the Pensioners Association, prayer groups, and the elderly from Pienaarsrivier were transported to the venue to attend an event by the mayor in partnership with the Department of Social Development. Various stakeholders attended and made presentations on their institutions and their interactions with the elderly. These include the IEC, the Police, and the Department of Health. The national Department of Social
Sedibeng Centre for the disabled in Modimolle recently held an event to celebrate with the disabled children and their parents. Photo: Mzamane Ringane Mzamane Ringane
Senior citizens from Bela-Bela and Pienaarsrivier gathered at the Bela-Bela Community Hall for a meeting with the local municipality and other stakeholders. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Development has a programme for the elderly, which is facilitated by the presidency office at the national level and by offices of mayors locally. Special Programmes Officer in the municipality David Raborolo said that the programme is aimed at ensuring that the mayors play a role in programmes involving senior citizens in their areas. SASSA for example has a lot to do in informing the elderlies about different types of grants and warn them against fraudsters robbing them of their deserved monies. Elderly people reportedly receive calls from unknown people claiming to be from certain companies offering them cell phone contracts or loans and end up losing all their grants.
People from various segments of the community including parents gathered at the newly established Sedibeng Centre for the Disabled in Modimolle on Thursday, 10 September to appreciate and show support to physically and intellectually disabled children. It was a marvel to see most of the children displaying their talent in singing, rapping and rendering traditional dance. Jan Mashaba of SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) admired the founder and staff of Sedibeng for doing such a great job of caring for the disabled children in the area. Mashaba also took the opportunity to advise parents on various types of grants that they can access if they have disabled children under their guardianship. Parents were given information regarding applying for these grants, and also advised to visit their nearest SASSA offices should they need further assistance. Mashaba reminded parents that the grant should be used to ensure that the children have food, proper school uniform and all other necessities. Children also felt at ease to interact with Mashaba and ask clarity seeking questions.
During the vote of thanks, board of directors’ deputy chairperson Oupa Maseko thanked the business community and all those who played a role in organising this special event. He said credit should be given to the individuals who work at the centre on a daily basis, as they play an important role in shaping the lives of these young people. Maseko called on all parents who have disabled children to embrace them and to never be ashamed of them. He urged them to take their children to the institution so that they can also get an opportunity to learn and be part of the society. The founder of the centre, Iris Komane said the purpose of the event was to embrace the disabled children and to also encourage parents not to deny their children a chance to be part of the society. “Parents must not be ashamed of their children, and therefore they should not keep them at home. I’m feeling good because we have actually planned a small event, but at the end of the day it was so big. The children were so happy,” Komane said. Komane said the centre would be temporarily relocated to another site as they are planning to further develop the premises. Children also received gift hampers after the event.
25 September, 2015 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
May 2015
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Mogotji Seun, a Limpopo local, writes: If rumour is to be believed then the Limpopo Legislature is in for another cabinet reshuffle. The departments in which Members of the Executive Committee (MEC) would be losing their portfolios appear to be Transport, (who would prefer to build pedestrian walk-ways rather than improving on the actual road), Cooperative Governance,(who couldn’t really care about maladministration, mismanagement, corruption, and selfenrichment within local councils) Human Settlement, Traditional Affairs, Education (where schools have become the ‘sacrificial lambs at the altar’ not having the necessary equipment and material to function optimally) and Public Works (where EPWP programs/ projects are rolled out with political agendas). Ironically these are all departments in which the Bolshevik Party of South Africa has, on several occasions, voiced their serious concern regarding a lack of service delivery in the province. It now
EDITORIAL
|5
Limpopo Cabinet re-shuffle on the cards should include their Premier Stanley Mathabatha finally appears that the anomalies raised at various levels have finally had the result of someone realizing and understanding that those matters that have been so diligently reported had all been factual. These MEC’s who are to be removed have not been named and shamed but considering their inefficiency, incapacity and incapability since taking office, one can make a fairly safe guess. But then these MEC’s are under the leadership of the Premier who should be monitoring their mandates, (that is, if he has time as he seems to be spending all his time in the Library Bottle store in Groblersdal) so for that matter the reshuffling should not only be limited to get rid of the MEC’s as the Premier should be the first in line, for failing to lead his MEC’s and failing to deliver within the Province. Any effective reshuffle should by all means include getting rid of him as leader first. COSATU is calling for these MEC’s to be removed from the Provincial Legislature, but it should expand on its demand to also include the Executive Mayor of Sekhukhune, and even the Mayor of Elias
Motsoaledi, who is cut from the same cloth as the Premier of the Province and their protection in their positions should be eradicated with immediate effect. If you want to sweep let the sweep be a clean sweep and in the process get rid of all the ‘dirt’ and ’rot’ that has infested the province as a whole, and not be selective in your demands. But then this is eight months before the next local government elections so one need to wonder what impact such a reshuffle can really have on the administration, or is this but a mere political ploy to accommodate people in the Legislature that would ensure that its support base is maintained? Are these to be appointed new MEC’s not only to buy face before the elections, as their contribution taken the time left, would be miniscule in really making any tangible difference, so their appointments in all likelihood is more political ‘survival mode’ than really making a change to the disastrous situations in these departments at the moment.
PHOTO of the WEEK
Tsholofelo Pretty Molotlhanyi during her shoot. She is a Bela Bela High school Grade 11 student who wants to pursue a career in modelling and Television presenter. Photo: TK Mashaba Tel: (011) 447-1264/5/6
COPYRIGHT
The reproduction or broadcast without written permission of any material published in The Beat and its supplements is forbidden and expressly reserved to Upfront Events Two CC, under section 12(7) of the Copyright Act, 1978 and any amendment thereof. The Beat is typographically prepared, published and distributed by Upfront Events Two CC. The Beat: 7 Minnaar Street, Tel: (014) 736-2723, Fax: (014) 736-3428, PO Box 16, Bela-Bela. E-mail: tbeat3@gmail.com. The Beat is typographically prepared, published and distributed by Upfront Events Two CC and is printed by Paarl Coldset, 83 Heidelberg Rd, City Deep Production Park, City Deep.
Sedibeng Centre for the Disabled’s Board of Directors’ chairperson, Khupa Lekala, showcases his Tsonga traditional dance moves during an event in Modimolle. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
EDITORIAL POLICY We at th
e
are proud to:
• provide our readers with complete, accurate, credible and objective news reporting • remain unbiased under all circumstances • strive to reflect the truth, objectivity and interests of the community in our reporting • support and contribute to freedom of speech, human rights and the economical and social upliftment of the towns and regions of our readers
The group who took part in the Mr and Miss Spring beauty pageant. Photo: TK Mashaba
6|
CHARITY | ENTERTAINMENT | SCHOOL
25 September, 2015 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Meetsetshehla students camp at Lapalala
SMALLS BARGAIN newly build 3 bedroom house, 2 bathrooms, garage,open plan living room/dining room. Paul Kruger str. Nylstroom R680 000. contact Francois 082 495 3299
Municipality Harry Gwala Str. 6, Private Bag X1008, Modimolle 0510
IMPORTANT NOTICE The Group of Meetsetshehla Secondary School Students on their way to the Lapalala Wilderness School. Photo: Marlene Vermaak Marlene Vermaak Lapalala Wilderness School are doing good work for community youths. A group of 45 learners from Meetsetshehla Secondary School had the opportunity to attend a school camp at Lapalala from Monday, 14 September to Thursday, 17 September, and had a great time. “Lapalala Wilderness School offers school camps though out the year to any school that book but 60% of our work are done by educating learners from community schools,” said director Mashudu Makhokha. “We normally accommodate 40 community schools in the Waterberg Area around our school each year,” Merriam Mabilu from Lapalala Wilderness School explained.
The facilities at the school are outstanding and can accommodate up to 60 learners and teachers. The staff are well educated and knowledgeable about any area of the environment, they were well prepared and a daily itinerary was set out according to the age group attending and the curriculum needs of the learners. The program during the camp included interesting topics such as the various environmental crises caused by fracking, littering and overpopulation. Colbert Munarini was in charge of working out the excellent camp programme. Learners were given the opportunity to experience the bush and an interactive hike with an experienced guide. They were also given the chance to have fun and laugh during the obstacle course and orientation activities.
REMOVAL OF ILLEGAL ADVERTISING BOARDS IN MODIMOLLE AND VAALWATER TOWN Notice is hereby given by the Modimolle Local Municipality to the public and business community with regards to the removal of illegal advertising boards within the municipal jurisdiction. The Modimolle Local Municipality will remove all illegal boards and advertising sings which are not conforming to the Municipal By-Laws. NB: Businesses and individuals who have put up illegal advertising boards without approval of the Municipality and who does not pay an annual rental, should remove afore said boards as a matter of urgency. Only se or king da ys is giv en as of 22 – 30 Sept ember 20 15. All the removal of illegal advertising sevven w wor orking days given September 2015. ober 20 15 boards will take place on 1 Oct October 2015 15. The tariffs to advertise are as follows:
For more information or queries contact Mr M P Shika at 083 287 3363 or office number 718-2045. Civic Centre OR Tambo Square Harry Gwala Street MODIMOLLE 0510
(014)
N S BAMBO MUNICIP AL MANA GER MUNICIPAL MANAGER (Notice No: 54/9/2015 – 16/9/2015)
To ADVERTISE, Complete your Classified form here and send it to one of our offices...
BLOCK ad can also be done at BELA-BELA (014) 736 2723 additional charges. MODIMOLLE (014) 717 1774 For more MOOKGOPHONG information please (014) 743 3802 contact our offices.
beateditor@gmail.com |
25 September, 2015 Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Community journalism goes from strength to strength
CHARITY / ENTERTAINMENT / SCHOOL
Cyferskuil councillor provides destitute family with new home Justin Steyn Andries Monaheng, a ward councillor from Syferskuil outside of Bela-Bela, has intervened after hearing about the living conditions of five minors who had been living alone since the death of their parents. Monaheng said that he had heard from the community that the children had been living in a dilapidated house and surviving on hand-outs during a recent door-to-door campaign. Monaheng said that he organized building supplies from Bing Building in Radium and
Lizzy Bapela, Mzamane Ringane The BEAT’s team attended the 21st No Guts No Glory seminar held at Olifants River Lodge outside Middelburg in Mpumalanga from Thursday, 20 August to Friday, 21 August. The event was attended by scores of journalists and editors form across the country, who packed the conference hall for the exciting annual experience. Thursday night kick-started with motivational talks and a musical performance by 21-year old Vernon Barnard. Barnard was diagnosed with an eye condition at a young age and has undergone a total of 16 eye surgeries, all of which were unsuccessful. He has been declared clinically blind, but that has not stopped him from achieving his goals. The message that Barnard conveyed to his attentive audience was that anyone can succeed regardless of the challenges they may face in life. The event wrapped up on Friday with a variety of speakers lined up to share their experiences with the audience and was also graced by the mayor of Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, Mike Masina, who was delighted to be part of the seminar. For the second time in 21 years, the seminar was graced by two international speakers who shared important information with an audience. They are: assistant professor of journalism at the University of Minnesota Duluth in the USA John Hatcher and associate professor at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at the Ohio University Bill Reader. Former Pretoria News Chief Photographer Peter Morey, former Limpopo Beat editor and now Kathorus Mail’s Zaidi Khumalo and local entrepreneur Sarah Mahlangu also attended the seminar and motivated the journalists. Morey also shared his creative ideas on how to make boring photos that journalists have to deal with every day a bit more interesting. He started out as a photo
journalist in 1981 and is currently considered one of the country’s leading corporate event and celebrity photographers. When asked why she thinks it is relevant for her to send journalists every year to attend the seminar, CEO Bea Emslie said that it is a good opportunity for journalists to meet and network with colleagues from other publications and share experiences because one might feel they are working in an island in the sea with the challenges or problems that they experience in their line of duty. “Meeting other journos one realises that they get to experience the same challenges that they do or go through the same situations. It also helps to stay in touch with the new trends in the media, in our case print; because in our days we used to own cameras with films and I learned of new cameras through the seminar. It is good that they bring new lecturers and prominent speakers every year so that journalists continue learning new things. The BEAT’s team also expressed their feelings about attending the event and how they benefit from it. Bapela said that “it is almost 10 years now since I joined The BEAT and I did encounter challenges and great highlights in my job. I got to write stories considered the best, which won me several awards at the national, provincial and regional level, and like other journalists, I also got to receive complements, criticism and even threats. But what warms my heart the most is being able to make a difference in an ordinary person’s life through my job. It is through such experiences and events like the seminar that I remember how important my job is to me and the readers and I do not plan to give it up anytime soon; not for anything,” she said. Ringane said: “I have learned a lot from attending this event. Meeting veterans who have been in the industry for so long, has revived my passion and enthusiasm. The 21st No Guts No Glory seminar was worth attending”.
the 40-square meter home was built within a week. He explained that the old home’s roof was leaking and the toilet had been barely functioning. “I was very displeased to see how these children had been living and glad that we could assist them in better living conditions,” he said. The new home itself is a two-bedroom RDP-style house with a kitchen and fully functional toilet facility. Monaheng said that he will make it a point to visit the children regularly to ensure they are well looked after.
The new RDP home with functioning facilities. Photo supplied
The BEAT team at the “No Guts No Glory” Seminar Lizzy Bapela, Zaid Khumalo (former editor) TK Mashaba, Mzamane Ringane and Johannes Selemela
Sarah Mahlangu, a businesswoman with the Ndebele outfit she created at the No Guts No Glory Seminar in Middleburg. Photo: TK Mashaba
| 7
The old house before it was demolished and rebuilt. Photo supplied
8 |
SPORT
beateditor@gmail.com |
25 September, 2015 Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Light of Africa and Spar launch netball league
Kamplits volleyball performs at Club Championships in Cape Town
Kamplits Volleyball during preparation games at the community hall. Photo: TK Mashaba
Light of Africa’s project manager Josias Ramalekana, with members of the netball team who will participate in the league. Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba Light of Africa and Superspar recently launched a women’s netball tournament. The tournament will consist of eight teams. According to Light of Africa project Manager Josias Ramalekana, the league will be sponsored by Spar and will be for the purpose of giving disadvantaged children a chance to be a part of the league. “This will be a league that will be played
by all ward teams, who will play against each other until we find the winner,” he said. “There are children who have not yet have the chance to play in a league and this league will help them and improve their skills,” said Ramalekana. There will also be prizes to be won in different categories including league champions. The league will kick off on 5 October with the team playing on the first leg.
TK Mashaba Bela-Bela’s volleyball team is representing the Waterberg at the Club Championships which are taking place this week in Cape Town. The team have started at a positive note, beating the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal 32 in their opening game on Monday, 21 September. They were scheduled to play against the University of Cape Town on Tuesday, 22 September, and again against Polokwane on Wednesday, 23 September. Coach Levy Thantsha said that it has been a rollercoaster ride but the team is managing
to keep their heads above water. “We struggled to come here as a team,” he said. “We never got any help from our municipality or the business sector.” Thantsha said that the parents of players had to give money for travel expenses. “Most of the players are school children and you can imagine that logistics are tough for them,” he said. The team wished to thank Mike Makhubela who assisted them with funding for transport, accommodation and catering. Thantsha said that many community members and businesspeople complain that young people are using drugs, but forget that they don’t invest in sports.
Laerskool Vaalwater mini-cricket team make excellent progress Marlene Vermaak Laerskool Vaalwater’s mini cricket team, consisting of boys from Grades 1
and 2, have made excellent progress this year. These mini cricket players have had two match days. The first was on Sunday, 23 August at Laerskool
Kabelo Molekoa hits the ball out of the park during a game for Vaalwater’s mini cricket team. Photo: Marlene Vermaak
Koedoesdorop, where the team played against Laerskool Unitas and Laerskool Platina. The second match day was held at Waterberg Academy on Thursday, 3
September 2015 where Laerskool Vaalwater played against Waterberg Academy. The mini cricket coach for the season was Anthony Büermann.
Jeffrey Kobe, who plays for Laerskool Vaalwater’s minicricket team. Photo: Marlene Vermaak