The Beat 28 March 2013

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28 March 2013


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BEAT

28 March, 2013

“We will get them ...”

Limpopo’s MEC for Safety and Liaison, Florence Radzilani said that the community and police should work in partnership to ensure a safer environment. Photo: Supplied “We will get them ...” This was the assurance of Limpopo’s MEC for Safety and Liaison, Florence Radzilani, during the emotional funeral of an alleged ritual murder victim at Tshilungoma last weekend. Radzilani warned that police would leave no stone unturned in search of the killers of little nine-year-old Mutshidzi Ramanyimi. The little girl was allegedly ruthlessly murdered in what the community believes is the work of human parts harvesters, who killed her for body parts. Ramanyimi went missing on 1 March while playing with her friends at a neighbouring house. She was not seen again until her body was found half buried in sand at a nearby rivulet. After the discovery of her body, enraged community members wanted to take the law into their own hands after they had identified three villagers as suspects, but the police could not detain these suspects. The local community leadership worked tirelessly to keep everything under control. When the coffin carrying the remains of the young girl was lowered to the grave, many of her former schoolmates who were overwhelmed with grief collapsed. There were two funerals at the same time and when Radzilani

was to address the community, all gathered together to listen to her speech. At the emotionally charged service, Radzilani said members of the community had the responsibility of working together with the police to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to book. “We are here to give the community and the family the assurance that the suspects will soon be behind bars. We have had many serious cases in the province and asked the community to give us time and space to investigate them thoroughly and we succeeded in apprehending the culprits. We can assure you here today that we have established a task team of highly experienced detectives who are busy with the case,” Radzilani said. She said the community’s responsibility did not entail destroying property. “Taking responsibility does not mean burning someone’s house because that may result in another case that will also take the shine from the case being investigated,” said Radzilani. She said if people left everything in the hands of the police, it would not help them either. “Limpopo is a community of some 5 million people with 14 326 police officers, so you will understand why I say people must help the police,” said Radzilani. She urged the community to use the girl’s death to take a look at itself. “We must ask ourselves why certain wrong things happen in our community,” she added. Community leader Magdeline Netshiavha, who is the SANCO Vhembe chairperson, said the death of Mutshidzi had touched the whole nation and not the family alone. “It is our responsibility as the community to stand up and declare our utmost support for the police because, if we do not work with the police, we will then start blaming them, saying that they are not working. Criminals live in our midst and it is we who can expose them and give them no place to hide in our areas. If we do not do that, we will not achieve anything,” she said. — LiN News/Limpopo Mirror

Former provincial Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, General MP Ramashala, led the management and stakeholders of the department in a national salute during the commemoration day in Modimolle. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

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Suspect flees as police arrests accomplice Lizzy Bapela One suspect fled when police arrested his alleged partner in crime during a housebreaking incident in Modimolle. Modimolle police spokesperson, Warrant Officer James Findlay, said that the incident happened at the local Pep Stores shop on Monday, 25 March. He said that members of the Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) were driving down the main street of the town during their normal patrols when they detected the scent of smoke from burnt metal coming from the Pep Stores shop. Findlay also said that numerous housebreaking incidents have been taking place in the area where the suspects used the same modus operandi of gaining entry through the roof of the building. Findlay said that the police officers then rushed to the store and also entered the store through the roof, which they found open. He said the police met the two suspects as they were coming out of the store and one of the suspects managed to flee the scene of the crime when the

police officers struggled to arrest them. The police managed to arrest only one of the suspects. He was expected to appear before the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court during the past week. Findlay said that the suspects had cut open one safe with demonstration model cell phones in it, but that the police could not say whether anything else was taken from the store or not. He also said that they could not say for sure whether the escaped suspect ran away with any stolen items or not. He said that the two suspects could probably be linked with other housebreaking cases at a later stage, pending investigations. According to Findlay, the same type of incident happened about two weeks ago at the Spar Supermarket, where the suspects gained entry through the roof of the building and deactivated the cameras and alarms so that they can engage in their criminal activities. He said that the police strongly warn lawbreakers that they will be on the lookout this weekend during Easter holidays and will not show lenience towards any criminals.

Crocodiles wreak havoc in village Crocodiles, suspected to part of the estimated 15 000 crocodiles that were washed into the Limpopo River from the Rakwena Crocodile Farm during the January floods are terrorising Mtetengwe village. Photo as illustration

The community of Mtetengwe village outside Beit Bridge has been losing goats and dogs to marauding crocodiles that have descended on the Mtetengwe River. The deadly reptiles are believed to be part of the estimated 15 000 crocodiles that were washed into the Limpopo River from the Rakwena Crocodile Farm in South Africa during the January floods. Mtetengwe River is a tributary, which flows into the Limpopo River, and it is suspected that the crocodiles could have found their way into a nearby pool through the flow of water. Villagers who spoke to Limpopo Mirror said they were now living in fear of crocodile attacks, amid reports that a local herd-boy, who went missing two weeks ago, could have been attacked by the reptiles. However, the local police spokesperson, Chief Supt Lawrence Chinhengo, said they were still investigating

the mysterious disappearance of the boy. One of the villagers, Malindi Masilu, said he had lost six goats and a dog to the reptiles over a period of two weeks. “Crocs are waylaying our goats in a pool and I suspect they could be from South Africa. In fact, since I came to this village about 20 years ago, we have never witnessed such incidents because it is known that the Mtetengwe River has had no crocodiles until now,” he said. Samuel Muleya said villagers were now afraid to fish in the river “because there are crocodiles occupying a pool there. Our goats are going missing every day and this is because of these crocodiles,” he said. The local ward councillor, Joseph Muleya, said they had since informed a local safari operator contracted by Beit Bridge Rural District Council. — LiN News/Limpopo Mirror

Modimolle mayor, Kgaretja Lekalakala, and former provincial Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, General MP Ramashala, joined offenders from the local Correctional Centre in a song and dance moment. The offenders rendered an entertainment item during the commemoration day of former employees of the department. The event was held at the centre on Friday, 22 March. Photo: Lizzy Bapela


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BEAT

28 March, 2013

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Change of route leads to protest march anarchy

Sello Nkoana, Nyeko Makaneta and Lesiba Seshoka in the police waiting cells after they were arrested during the protest march. Photo: Supplied TK Mashaba The long awaited protest march against alleged maladministration and poor service delivery in Mookgophong left some protesters injured and three arrested. The protest started with a night vigil on Thursday night and accumulated into a march through the town on Friday, 22 March. Protesters used the night vigil to organise themselves into groups and planned their march as well as the handing over of their memorandum to the mayor of Mookgophong, Sarah Monyamane. The protest march spiralled out of control on Friday when police told protesters that they could not use Thabo Mbeki Drive via Nelson Mandela Street. According to organisers, this was news to the protesters because the route was approved when they

The protesters gathered in front of the Mookgopong municipal building, where they were supposed to hand over their memorandum. Photo: TK Mashaba

applied for a permit to march through town. The decision sparked anger and some of the protesters tried to force their way past the police onto their planned route. Police retaliated with rubber bullets and arrested three of the protest leaders. Sello Nkoana, Nyeko Makaneta and Lesiba Seshoka was arrested and charged with contravening section 12 of Act 205 of 1993 on public gathering. They appeared before the Mookgophong Magistrate’s Court and their case was postponed to 17 April. A rubber bullet hit Seun Meropa on the back of his head, Hackson Madubaduba was hit on his side and Pule Galane had to be taken to hospital after a rubber bullet hit him in the neck. Protesters did not take the arrests and injuries lying down. They swore at police officers and demanded that their leaders should be released. Their main cause for concern

The police were armed with rubber bullets and were ready for any unrest. Photo: TK Mashaba

was that the memorandum was in possession of the three arrested ringleaders. After the three leaders were released on their own accountability and they re-joined the march. While they were in custody, things calmed down considerably and the protesters reconvened and took the revised route to the municipal buildings. Their leaders met them there to hand over the memorandum to the mayor. When protesters arrived at the municipality, the gates were closed and there was a heavy police presence. The mayor was not available to receive the memorandum and no other municipal delegate came forward to receive the memorandum. The protesters found this refusal to receive the memorandum insulting. Sello Nkoana, spokesperson for the SACP sub district, said that the mayor and the municipality undermined the residents by not listening to their

complaints. “There is only one reason why we are here and that is to give the memorandum to the mayor. We want to give her seven working days to respond. But because we mean nothing to her, she is ignoring us,” he said. Nkoana claimed that he was scheduled to share a radio slot on Thobela FM with the mayor and the police spokesperson for Mookgophong. They were supposed to go on air on Sunday morning and discuss the march. He said that he was shocked to find that she did not pick up her telephone when the radio station called her. “We will not rest until she has listened to us and all our demands are met,” he said. The BEAT tried to contact the mayor and the police spokesperson but both were unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.


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World Consumer Rights Day in Waterberg

The Vodacom Marketing team sat down with members of the community during the World Consumer Rights Day event in Mogalakwena. Photo supplied Lizzy Bapela The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) celebrated the 2013 World Consumer Rights Day in the Waterberg district. Richard Makatu, of ICASA, said that the authority is celebrating the day through a series of provincial campaigns scheduled to take place from Friday, 15-, to Friday, 28 March. He said that the 2013 cam-

paigns are all about consumer rights and are hosted under the theme: “Consumer Justice Now.” In the Waterberg, the authority hosted an event at Outspanning Village, in Ward 7 of Mogalakwena Municipality on Wednesday, 20 March. Network service providers such as Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom, 8ta, Sentech, the Post Office and other stakeholders provided the community with a platform to engage with the authority and

Constituency office commemorates Human Rights Day

the licensees on access to communication services. The event also aimed to provide a platform for licensees to update communities about their vision on universal service and access to communications services and to provide a platform for the authority to update communities on the regulation of ICT sector. Consumers received an opportunity to lodge their complaints with the authority at the campaigns. Mogalakwena mayor, Tlhalifi Mashamaite, also attended the event, accompanied by municipal and departmental officials as well as councillors. Spokesperson for the local municipality, Malesela Selokela, said that the community has encountered communication challenges such as poor radio, TV and cell phone signals for a number of years. Residents encounter these problems on a daily basis. ICASA is collaborating with industry stakeholders, including network service providers, local government authorities and local traditional leaders throughout the country, to host cohesive campaigns aimed at driving key consumer protection messages with an emphasis on the rights of consumers in relation to electronic communication services. They promised the community that the signal problems they encountered would soon be a thing of the past as the network service providers will work around the clock

Mayor talks after community participation

Malesela Galane was the keynote addressor during the Human rights day event in Bela Bela. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela The Bela Bela Parliamentary Constituency office spoke to the local community during a Human Rights Day, held at Bela Bela Community Hall on Thursday, 21 March. Martin Moloto, of the constituency office, said that the event was meant to commemorate the day and honour all the heroes and activities that took place on the day in Sharpeville in 1960. The Bela Bela event was celebrated under the theme “human rights are there to be protected. Protect yours and others’ will be protected.” In his keynote address, Malesela Galane of the local Human Rights movement talked about people who were killed by the then apartheid regime. This event made the current government to declare the day a holiday and called it Human Rights Day, celebrated on the day in question. Various community-based organisations (CBOs) attended the event and exchanged information, educating each other on how they individually understand the importance of the day. These organisations include the

Bela Bela Education Advocacy Group, Moral Regeneration Movement, communitypolicing forum (CPF) and Light of Africa. Learners from different schools also graced the event, dressed in their school uniforms to honour the young heroes who died in the struggle. Moloto also highlighted the role of his office in the community and indicated the services they offer, which include typing, photocopying and internet among others. Young people who wish to acquire information on career opportunities available or educational institutions can also visit the office to receive help. Moloto said their office offers these services free due to the unemployment rate in the country. He said they also aim to accommodation those people coming from poor backgrounds and wishing to acquire any needed information. The attended organisations agreed to meet more often to could educate each other more on issues of life, especially the youth, who need the elderly people’s education and advice.

so that the community can have access to communication services. Makatu said ICASA received no response from office of the MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) in Limpopo, Pinky Kekana, who was appointed by the office of the premier to act as premier for the day at the event. He said the Waterberg District executive mayor, Tlotlanang Mogotlane, could not attend as she was launching an IDP rep forum on the same day. She sent her apologies. Only one traditional leader representing his people was present at the event. In his closing remarks, Mashamaite said that, during their public participation programme (PPP), in conjunction with the Waterberg District Municipality in Bakenberg Village, a fortnight ago, some community members did indicate that they do not have cell phone reception in their respective villages. He said that he and Mogotlane agreed that they would raise this matter with ICASA. Mashamaite said that he hoped that the troubles of cell phone reception would be a thing of the past in their municipality, as the community will mount their network signals. He said the campaign aimed at putting more emphasis on universal service and access to communications services. “It is our duty as leaders of society both political and administrative, to bring services to the people,” said the mayor.

Mayor of Mogalakwena Tlhalifi Mashamaite promised to bring basic services to the people. Photo: Supplied Lizzy Bapela Mayor of Mogalakwena Local Municipality, Tlhalifi Mashamaite, made promises to the community in his area that their concerns will be attended to as a matter of urgency. The mayor addressed the community during a World Consumer Rights Day event hosted by ICASA at Outspanning Village on Wednesday, 20 March. Mashamaite changed the theme of the event to address the community on service delivery, when he was giving closing remarks during the event. The promises follow a public participation

programme conducted by the local municipality, in partnership with the Waterberg District Municipality held at Bakenberg-Tallaseng, Mogalakwena on Saturday, 9 March. Residents from all areas of Mogalakwena came out in their numbers to voice out their concerns about service delivery, which chief amongst them were water and sanitation projects. The mayor said that the sanitation project will start very soon as the material has been delivered and other services will follow gradually. He said that the municipality is aware that receiving health services is a major challenge for the community as mobile clinics visit the villages once a month. Alternatively, the community has to access health services at George Masebe- or Lephalale Hospitals respectively and at some stage; they have to travel on a gravel road, which is not ideal. The mayor said that the municipality is in talks with the Department of Health to construct a clinic for his community. He also highlighted the issue of transport challenges, saying that the roads are not accessible. The mayor said that the road from Skrikfontein needs to be tarred but the municipality is waiting for the province to tar their roads since their roads have to connect with the provincial roads. He said the construction of the secondary school, RDP houses processes of supplying enough water for the community in the village are on the cards. “You have access to electricity and a state of the art primary school has been constructed by our municipality in partnership with Public Works Department. We are working very hard to ensure that we deliver basic services and bring requested projects to the people in our community,” said the mayor. He also encouraged people to drive safely to their various destinations and “Arrive Alive,” not forgetting the busy Easter weekend ahead.


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BEAT

28 March, 2013

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Letter to the editor You are responsible The long Easter Weekend means that people from all over South Africa will travel to various destinations for various reasons. The BEAT’s readers will especially be affected by this increase in traffic because the annual pilgrimage of members of the ZCC church to Moria flows right through our towns. Every year many campaigns and departments make a big song and dance about road safety. There are information, tips, ideas and advice on how to make sure that you reach your destination safely. Unfortunately, all of these good intentions seem to roll right off most people’s consciences, like off from a duck’s back. Wherever one looks, there are examples of people who do not put safety first. According to Arrive Alive, South Africa’s road safety campaign, pedestrians are especially at risk. The campaign’s website states that 41% of all road deaths on South African roads are those of pedestrians who are struck by vehicles. Of that number, 71% of adults who are killed on the road are drunk. One could blame many parties for the carnage on our roads and in our communities. However, if we look at the problem with some self-examination and not just with the expectation that somebody else should take responsibility, it is clear that each person has an obligation to make sure that he did not contribute to the pain and suffering. The change could be enormous. Imagine that all people who consume alcohol, refused to drive when drunk. That would mean that an estimated 7 280 deaths per year would be avoided. If pedestrians made the effort to walk a little further in order to cross the road safely, more than 1 973 lives would be spared every year. If shebeen and tavern owners took some responsibility and did not allow their patrons to become so drunk that they would be a danger to others, a lot of trauma could be spared. Even better, imagine every individual made the decision not to drink so much that they are a threat to others. The impact would make headlines all over the world. It is a simple question of not being selfish and thinking of others. Motorists should think about the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists should consider motorists. Parents should make sure that their children are safe and traffic officers should keep an eye on everybody. When we stop living in our own little worlds and start thinking about the welfare of others, the advantages are not only seen in the lives of those around us, but also in our own daily existence.

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There is no justice Simon Mokgosane, via fax, writes: What is wrong with the South African Government? A Zimbabwean broke into my house on my farm. I called the police for assistance in this case. The police traced the Zimbabwean to the Mookgophong Township and caught him with all my belongings; a TV, DVDplayer, my wife’s clothes, my shoes, a cell phone, electrical appliances and the remote of my home. As I understand, the thief has told the police that he was in Mugabe’s army and his intentions was not to steel my belongings, he was looking for firearms. I do not own any firearms. This man was charged to appear in the magistrate’s court in Mookgophong on Monday, 18 March, and the magistrate led this man free of any charges. I can-

The blood Jesus of Christ Bishop Silas Tlou

not understand what is going on in this country. I am a black farmer, and I am just as vulnerable as the white farmers are. There is no law in South Africa to protect the country’s people. I am scared to stay on my farm and fear revenge. I am not happy with this situation. Our good people stay behind bars and the bad people, like this Zimbabwean, roam free.

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• 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

Purchased with His blood: Acts 20:2831 – “Look after yourselves and everyone the Holy Spirit has placed in your care. Be like shepherds to God’s church. It is the flock that he bought with the blood of his own Son. I know that after I am gone, others will come like fierce wolves to attack you. Some of your own people will tell lies to win over the Lord’s followers. Be on your guard! Remember how day and night for three years I kept warning you with tears in my eyes.” Propitiation by His blood: Propitiation is a sacrifice that turns away anger and punishment. Romans 3:23-25 – “All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins. God sent Christ to be our sacrifice. Christ offered his life’s blood, so that by faith in him we could come to God. And God did this to show that in the past he was right to be patient and forgive sinners. This also shows that God is right when he accepts people who have faith in Jesus.” We are saved from God’s anger by the blood of Jesus. Justified by His blood: Romans 5:810 – “But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful. But there is more! Now that God has accepted us because Christ sacrificed his life’s blood, we will also be kept safe from God’s anger. Even when we were God’s enemies, he made peace with us, because his Son died for us. Yet something even greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by his Son’s life.” Made holy by His blood: Hebrews 10:29-31 – “But it is much worse to dishonour God’s Son and to disgrace the blood of the promise that made us holy. And it is just as bad to insult the Holy Spirit, who shows us mercy. We know that God has said he will punish and take revenge. We also know that the Scriptures say the Lord will judge his people. It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God!” Redeemed through His blood: Colossians 1:12 – “I pray that you will be grateful to God for letting you have part in what he has promised his people in the kingdom of light.” We are redeemed by the blood of Christ. This means that we were bought back from evil and exchanged for good. Washed in the blood: Revelation 1:5 – “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” We are washed, made clean by the blood of Christ. We are redeemed and made new, holy, justified and saved by the blood of Christ. This Easter, take some time to reflect on the blood that Jesus spilled for you on the cross.


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BEAT

28 March, 2013

Avoid accidents at home

Many cleaning liquids and cooking aids that are used in the home are highly flammable and poisonous. These should be kept far away from children and safely stored to avoid accidental ingestion. Photo as illustration March and April are traditionally the two months where people spend more time at home and less time at work. With the Easter holidays and no less than five public holidays, there are more opportunities for people to be hurt at home. The home should be the one place where a person could feel the safest, but there are many emergencies that can happen in and around the home. Most accidents can be prevented by good safety measures and just plain thinking ahead. Most burns can be avoided if preventative care is put into place. Never handle anything hot while carrying a child. Never leave any child alone in the kitchen and keep all kitchen utensils far out of reach. If a child is in a room with a paraffin stove or a heater, make sure that the child is supervised at all times.

Teach children what to do when they are burnt. A smaller burn wound should be treated with cold running water. Never put anything flammable like butter, oil or wax on a burn wound. If a person’s clothes are on fire, they should stop, drop to the ground and roll until the flames are extinguished. Children should be taught this procedure from a very young age. The majority of children who have drowned were last seen in the home, were in the care of one or both parents at the time of drowning, and had been out of sight for less than five minutes. Always supervise small children near water even if they can swim. Swimming pools should be fenced or covered with a safety net. Children must never be allowed to go to a dam or river without supervision. Children should learn to swim from 4 years old and should also be taught water survival skills. If they know what to do when they should happen to fall in the water, their chances of survival are so much better. Never leave small children alone in the bath, even for a second. Always empty buckets or close them firmly with a lid. A small child can drown in as little as 5cm of water because of the unequal weight of their heads. Children can be seriously hurt in a fall. Never leave a baby alone on any high surface such as a changing table or bed. One false move and your baby could end up on the floor with severe injuries. Supervise children near playground equipment. Even older children could be seriously injured on a playground. Never keep poisonous goods with food and always keep these substances in their original containers. Store dangerous materials out of reach in a locked cupboard or in child resistant containers if available. Always read labels and dosage instructions on medication and never take or give medication in the dark. Make sure that you are alert and informed. The more you know about your own home and potential hazards, the easier it is to correct, and provide a safer living space for yourself and your loved ones.

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Makubenjalo preserve African tradition

Members of Makubenjalo Art Entertainments. Photo: Mzamane Ringane Mzamane Ringane From ancient times, African traditions have been transmitted from generation to generation in the form of stories, music, dancing and arts. Modimolle-based Makubenjalo Art Entertainments also saw the need to adopt that philosophy, and rewrite history in a way that would reach both the young and old. Makubenjalo has released a 10-track cultural music album titled Tswina Ya Setswana. The group, which is spearheaded by director and mentor Tebogo Ntswendana, specialises in music, dance and poetry. The album’s title track Batswana Loya Kae tackles the issues including domestic violence, xenophobic attacks and the gruesome killings. Ntsendwana said this track was composed against the backdrop of the stream of troubling incidents that took place in Modimolle. Twenty-two-year-old Motlatsi Rahlola coleads the title track with Phuti Malete, who is also the same age. Another touching track in this album is the sad and poignant Mmaweledi. This song pays tribute to the innocent children who lost their lives, as a result of the gruesome murders that took place between 2004 and 2008 in Modimolle. One of the youngest leaders of the group

What to do when a snake bites Snakes are more visible and active during the few weeks leading up to summer because they are getting ready for their winter sleep. Photo as illustration

VACANCY The Beat newspaper in Bela Bela is seeking an English proof-reader/editor with excellent native English skills to work three days per week (Mondays, Tuesdays en Wednesday mornings) in our office in Bela Bela to convert the articles of our freelance reporters, press releases, letters etc. into highend news material to be printed in the newspaper. Desired skills/qualifications: • A tertiary qualification in journalism and/or English language or other relevant qualification • Previous experience in this field will be an advantage • Self-disciplined and be able to work under pressure • Good interpersonal relations and be able to work in a team • Computer literate CV’s to be sent to dieposnuus@icon.co.za. not later than Friday, 12 April 2013. If you didn’t hear from us by Friday, 19 April 2013, consider your application unsuccessful. No telephonic communication will be allowed. Start: As soon as possible.

Candy Mokonyane leads a song named Bo Ditloo (ground nuts). This song celebrates heritage foods and their significance in the everyday lives of Africans. Then there is a song named Kupele. Here a Basarwa dance style is led by Adam Masenya who is popularly known for his humorous dancing skills. Makubenjalo was formed in the early 90’s, but only managed to register as a Non- profit Organisation (NPO) in September 2012. Ntsendwana said it has been long journey for this group, and that they have managed to survive through many challenges. This group bagged a few certificates during the University of Limpopo’s Heritage, Arts, and Culture Festival (HACUFE) in the past years. “We specialise in multidisciplinary codes of performances, but then we were encouraged by most of our followers to record a Setswana music album. We did this for the community, with the aim to send various messages to the society in the form of music. I have been a scriptwriter, director and performer at this group for many years, until I decided to focus on leading the group,” said Ntsendwana. Makubenjalo are currently touring the local schools, staging their play known as No Second Chance.

LEGALS MODIMOLLE LAND USE SCHEME, 2004 Notice is hereby given to all whom it may concern that in terms of Clause 23 of the MODIMOLLE LAND USE SCHEME, 2004, we URBAN ENERGY TOWN & REGIONAL PLANNERS CC, represented herein by Rowan Albertyn, the authorised agent of the owner, intend applying to the Modimolle Local Municipality for SPECIAL CONSENT to erect a 35m high cellular telecommunication mast (tree type) mast on a 144m² portion of erf 2402, Nylstroom Extension 13, situated within Kokanje Retirement Village in the easternmost corner of the said erf. The closest road would be the access road to Kokanje Retirement Village and located on a “Residential 3” zoned erf. Any objections to or representations in respect of the

application, with the grounds therefore, must be lodged with or made in writing to: The Divisional Manager, Town Planning, Ground Floor, Modimolle Municipal Building, or Private Bag X1008, Modimolle, 0150 within a period of 28 days from the first day of publication of this notice in the Local Newspaper, being 22 March 2013. Full particulars and plans may be inspected during normal office hours (08:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 15:00) at the above mentioned office, for a period of 28 day from the first date of publication of the notice in the local newspaper, being the 22nd of March 2013. Closing date for any objections: 19 April 2013. Address of agent: Urban Energy Town & Regional Planners, Suite 1A, Standard bank Square, Polokwane, 0700 or, PO Box 307, Bendor Park 0713, Tel: 079 886 3414, Fax: 086 565 8531, e-mail rowan@urbanenergytp.co.za (28/3)

The snakes are out and about and many people in the Waterberg have been bitten or spit at by snakes during the past few weeks. The Post, sister paper of The BEAT, spoke to Frikkie Gouws, marketing and communications manager for LifeMed Ambulance Services about snakes and what to do when a snake bites or spits at a person. Although snake bites snake bites have often featured in the national news media recently, not many people actually die from snakebites. However, according to Gouws, it could have a huge permanent effect on a person’s health. Snakebites should start to decrease as the winter is approaching and snakes hibernate (sleep) during the winter months. There may still be incidents where the weather is still warm and snakes could still be getting ready for their winter sleep. Here are a few emergency guidelines on how to deal with a snakebite: ? Make sure that the area is safe after the victim was bitten and that the snake is not still in the vicinity of the victim. ? If you can, identify the snake or at least get a detailed description of the snake. This information is important to medical personnel who have to treat the victim.

? Assure the snake bite victim that everything will be okay and do everything that you can to keep the victim calm. Make sure that he or she lies down and keep the area where the snakebite is absolutely still. ? Contact emergency services immediately on 0861 086 911. ? Monitor the victim’s heart rake and breathing. Conduct a heart massage if the patient’s heart stops beating. ? Wrap a tight bandage around the afflicted area but do not cut off the blood supply with a strap or tourniquet bandage. Only a qualified emergency worker knows how to do this procedure. ? Never try to cut open the wound or suck out the poison. You would only aggravate the injury. ? If snake poison gets into the eyes, wash the eyes with clean cool water and get medical help immediately. LifeMed encourages all people to complete a first aid course to that they would know what to do in an emergency. It is a good idea to save the emergency number 0861 086 911 on your cell phone under “ambulance” so that the number is readily available in times of need and precious time is not wasted on finding the number.


tbeat3@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

28 March, 2013

BEAT

Page 7

Church celebrates Palm Sunday

Total Surrender comes out on top of stream A

The congregation of the Uniting Reformed Church in Bela Bela headed to the streets to celebrate Palm Sunday on 24 March. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

Total Surrender coach, Zwakala Mokoma, directed his players during the game. Photo: TK Mashaba

Diesel n Dust coach, Santa Mokholoana, on the touchline commanding the players during their game with Total Surrender. Photo: TK Mashaba

Sello Hlungwani joins the Uniting Reformed Church during their Palm Sunday events at the church every year. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela

Total Surrender players celebrated after a 1-1 draw with Diesel n Dust, which meant that they were the Stream A winners. Photo: TK Mashaba score stood at 1-1 after the goalkeepers stood solidly against all other atTwo teams walked onto the pitch on Sat- tempts to score. urday, 23 March, determined to come Diesel n Dust owner, Pat Seema, conout on top of their stream and to book gratulated his team for playing a super their place in the finals of the SAFA game and for giving the league leaders Waterberg Regional league. Only one such a hard time. “This was the one team could go through. game that we really wanted to win, reBefore their last games, both Total Sur- gardless of their chances of going on to render and Bela Bela Pirates had their the finals,” he said. eye on the top spot of the Stream A log. Charles Lephaswa, team manager of Total Surrender were in Total Surrender said that he slightly better standing at was happy with the draw as the top of the log, leading it earned them a place in the “This was with two points, but Pirates overall league final. “They knew that anything could still did exactly what the coach the one happen and threw everything told them to do,” he said. game that they had into the ring. On the same day, Bela we really Surrender had a few scary Bela Pirates played their last moments in their game game against A1 Terrors. wanted to against Diesel n Dust. This was a make or break win...” Diesel n Dust played a tregame for them because a win mendous game and led the for them, coupled with a loss game with most of the ball for Total Surrender, would possession. Unfortunately, they missed mean that they could go through to the many chances to score and Total Sur- league finals. render did not surrender. A1 Terrors beat Pirates 1-0, leaving the In the second half of the game, Total Stream A laurels squarely on the heard Surrender put the ball in the back of the of Total Surrender. net after an excellent pass from the midTotal Surrender has to wait for Stream dle of the pitch. Philemon Moreroa, Die- B and Stream C to finish all their games. sel n Dust goalkeeper, made several The winners of the three streams will batspectacular saves during the game, but tle it out to determine who will repreone goal slipped past him. sent the Waterberg League at the proNot long after that goal, Diesel n Dust motional play offs. players forced Total Surrender into a The winners of the play-offs will be profault and earned a free kick. moted to the next tier in South African The ball ended in the net and the final football, the Second Division League. TK Mashaba

People from Bela Bela were treated to the spectacle of the congregation of the Uniting Reformed Church (URC) in Southern Africa celebrating Palm Sunday. More than 100 members from the congregation filled up the streets on Sunday, 24 March, to celebrate the day. Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter, on which Christ’s entry to Jerusalem is celebrated in many Christian traditions by processions in which branches of palm trees are carried.

The Uniting Reformed Church felt they celebrated the occasion in a very wonderful way, where their service started with spiritual revival conducted by Reverent Phetoe Mosima. He opened the Scripture reading from the book of Luke chapter 19, verses 40 to 44. Different people participated in the service, representing their ministries with preaching. Phillimon Lekalakala of the church choir, Johanna Sephai of the Christian Youth Movement (CYM), Rahaba Masenya of the Christian Women’s League (CWL) and Martha Moraka of the Christian Women’s Movement (CWM) preached one by one. Reverent Mosima then led the march, and then the congregation from Methodist church also took to the streets, joining the URC. The URC had organised a donkey, dressing it in white, with a young boy riding on it. The congregation marched around the streets in the township, singing loudly and rejoicing for the event and then went back to the church for a short prayer. The church was expected to conduct weeklong services throughout their holy week and these services are conducted annually ahead of the Easter week. The church will hold a mini service and then depart to a circuit conference at Emmarentia Geldenhuys on Friday, 29 March. Reverent Mosima said that congregations from all areas under the Bela Bela Circuit such as Modimolle, Mookgophong, Malebitsa, Cyverskuil, Lebotlwane and Marapyane would be joining them at the conference.

The annual Easter Parade will take place on Good Friday, 29 March in Bela Bela. Congregants will gather at the Forever Resorts Festival Grounds in Grobler Street. The parade will leave from there at 09:00. The theme of this year’s walk is 1 Corinthians 15:57, Conquering Through Jesus! “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” The planning committee recommends that participants wear comfortable shoes and a hat and to bring enough water with them in their own water bottles. For more information on how to take part, contact Elma van den Berg, chairperson of the annual walk, on 082 928 5327 or 014 736 3440.


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BEAT

28 March, 2013

tbeat3@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

Bela Bela Easter weekend soccer tournament both teams will win one point each and the two top teams will play in the finals,” he said. “This is the first tournament of its kind and we are planning to host it annually with a rotating trophy every year,” Sephai said. The objectives of this friendly tournament are to ensure that young people enjoy this event and build friendship through sports. There will be lot of entertainment on the day with local DJ’s playing. Sephai encouraged spectators and participants to come as early as possible, from 10:00, to Letlhabile Park before the whole group will move on to Moloto Stadium. Teams can call Sephai on 072 072 4500 or call Tshepo Phofu on 073 989 9544 to confirm their entries.

TK Mashaba

Kgomotso Modise (left) with Thabang Sephai (right) at the FNB Stadium in Gauteng. Photo: Supplied

The Bela Bela soccer fraternity are invited to a one-day soccer tournament hosted by a group of young people in Bela Bela as part of entertainment over the Easter weekend. The event will take place on Saturday, 30 March, the day after Good Friday, at the Moloto Stadium in Bela Bela. All participating teams have to pay a R250 affiliation fee and there will be prizes for the winners. Four teams will battle it out for the honours. Thabang Sephai, the co-coordinator of this event, told The BEAT that the tournament would be played on a Round Robin system where all four teams will against each other for 30 minutes. “A win will be three points. With a draw,

Referee assaulted during game “How can they accuse me of adding time to the game? I made sure that I refereed a fair game to both sides,”... T h e S A FA r e g i o n a l o ff i c e i n Modimolle said that they have heard the news of the attack. A spokesperson said that they were waiting for the full match report before they made any decisions. After everything was said and done, the two teams shared the points of the match and Yster United is still in the lead, leading the log with 39 points. Real Madrid are still hot on their heels with 36 points. Yster Unites still have one game in hand and have a total of seven games left in the stream. Real Madrid only have six games left to prove their worth. In other results, Dynasty beat Dimakatso FC 5-1 while Thaba FC lost 2-1 to Benefica. Mokopane Stonebreakers beat Simple Yellows 2-1 while Mookgophong All Stars and Mosesetjane United played to a 1-1 draw. Maxoma lost 2-0 to Mokopane Morning Stars. I n St r e a m C , t h e c h a m p i o n s emerged after a long season and Ocean Birds were crowned the Stream C winners. They finished their last two games by default.

TK Mashaba The SAFA Stream B game between Real Madrid and Yster United ended badly after a referee was assaulted; first by players and later by fans. The incident happened on Saturday, 23 March, when the two titanic teams played against each other in a match that was set to thrill. Yster United are in the top spot of the Stream B log while Real Madrid are hot on their heels in second position. Real Madrid took the lead in the game in the 75 th minute. The two teams became embroiled in the heat of the moment when Yster United equalised the score in the 88th minute. Mpho Manganye , the referee of the match, had to run for cover when players attacked him, accusing him of illegally adding time to the game. “How can they accuse me of adding time to the game? I made sure that I refereed a fair game to both sides,” Manganye told The BEAT. He suffered an eye injury in the melee. The Modimolle based referee opened a case of assault at the Mookgophong police station.

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