29 May 2015 R1-20/FREE
Local restaurant bursts into flames
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Daring cigarette heist gets away with R46 000 in goods
The police managed to confiscate some of the cigarettes. Photo supplied Lizzy Bapela The police in Thabazimbi are looking for two suspects who hijacked a truck distributing cigarettes and stole the goods while the truck was delivering them. Police spokesperson Constable Moshira Modise said that the incident took place on Thursday, 15 May, near noon. She
added that the truck was offloading the cigarettes at the back of Foodzone and Lantern Supermarket when two men entered the storeroom with their faces covered in balaclavas and started attacked them. “The armed suspects instructed everybody to lie down. One of them instructed the driver to help him load the cigarettes back into the truck. They drove off with the delivery truck and
took the driver and the security guard with,� said Constable Modise. She added that the vehicle which was used to load the cigarettes from the truck was found abandoned on the side of the road next to Klipgat Farm and the driver and the security guard were also left unharmed. Constable Modise further said that a case docket of business robbery and hijacking was opened and investigations are continuing. She added
that no arrests were made so far and the value of the cigarettes is estimated at just over R 46 000. According to the information received, the suspects also attempted to shoot a farm owner who was trying to investigate what was happening outside his farm. Constable Modise confirmed that a case of attempted murder was also opened.
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THE BEAT
29 May, 2015
CRIME
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Popular restaurant burns down Car dealership owners
in court for fraud Lizzy Bapela The SAPS in Modimolle are investigating several charges of fraud against a father and his son, the owners a vehicle dealership in Modimolle. Police spokesperson Warrant Officer James Findlay said that so far, of five cases have been reported against Ismail Essack and his son Mohammed of Montoya Motors, situated on the Nelson Mandela Drive. He added that Essack was arrested for fraud on Tuesday, 5 May and was granted R1 000 bail when he appeared before the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court, following his arrest. His case was postponed to Tuesday, 2 June and the investigating officer in the case Constable Amanda Rossouw has since obtained a warrant of arrest for his son Mohammed on the same case. “More fraud cases were reported against the Essacks on Thursday, 21 May and 19 vehicles were seized by a financial institution from the dealership premises on the same day,” said Warrant Officer Findlay. “As a precautionary measure, the investigating officer confiscated the remaining nine vehicle’s keys that were left on the floor,” he added. Some of the complainants told the police that they never received the vehicles that they already paid for, while others sold their vehicles to the dealership and some
traded theirs in for other vehicles but the outstanding monies have not been settled with the relevant bank. Warrant Officer Findlay further said that the owners then had to pay the bank for the vehicle that they bought and for their old vehicle that they traded in as well. “Anybody who believes that he or she has been defrauded is urged to report the matter to the nearest police station. Anybody who was lent a vehicle by Montoya and has any enquiries can contact the investigating officer, Constable Rossouw on 071 133 8524,” Warrant Officer Findlay said. The police could not confirm the total amount that the suspects defrauded their unsuspecting customers. Meanwhile, a 59-year-old man from Modimolle was also arrested for three cases of fraud and one for not declaring all his previous convictions on Wednesday, 20 May 2015. Warrant Officer Findlay said that Anton Bakker was released on bail on three other cases when arrested for the new ones. He added that the cases were two of fraud and one under the Lema Act because he was not a registered outfitter. He was granted bail of R10 000 and he was expected to appear in court this week for the bail hearing. “The fraud is to do with hunting for rhinos where hunters have already paid, but never went hunting. Another case is where a client paid a deposit of R86 000 for game but never received it,” said Warrant Officer Findlay.
Police’s Operation Fiela a success The Feathers restaurant near Bela-Bela burned down on Sunday, 24 May. According to the new owner, Shane Bailey, the damage is estimated at over R1 million. Photo: Andries van der Heyde Andries van der Heyde The popular Feathers restaurant in the Roodepoort area outside Bela-Bela burned down on Sunday, 24 May. The restaurant was recently taken over by new owners and they had planned to celebrate the official opening soon. Shane Bailey, the new owner, told The BEAT that the fire started at around 22:00. “Nobody knows how it happened,” he said. “We would have had our grand opening at the beginning of June, but of course that will not happen now. We saved what we could, but the damage is done.” The restaurant’s new chef, Lourens Jacobs, prepared a meal on one of the gas stoves that night with a colleague. When they were done, the pair returned to their living quarters elsewhere on the smallholding. Jacobs said that they saw the fire at around 22:00 and informed Bailey. The BEAT was told that not much damage was done to the kitchen, and it is suspected that the fire started elsewhere in the restaurant.
“Bela-Bela Crime Support’s people were here first, but the fire department was almost an hour late. When we called the police they told us that there was no vehicle available, and they also arrived much later. How can you save anything if your hands are tied?” asked Bailey. The fire department arrived later and managed to quench the flames while the personnel of the restaurant tried to save what they could. The fire was brought under control and a case of arson was opened by the police. Bailey told The BEAT that he had not kept any of the old personnel, but had appointed a new cadre of staff for the re-opening of the restaurant. He estimates that the damage is more than R1 million and the insurance is still being sorted out. “We hope to be open for meals by August,” he said. After The BEAT’s visit the police’s forensic unit started their investigations of the burned-out building.
Martjie Steenkamp
The South African Police Service in Mookgophong, in cooperation with the K9 unit from Modimolle executed the immensely successful ‘Operation Fiela’ in the town and its surrounding areas on Wednesday, 20 May. “The focus of the operation was the farms, businesses and residential areas where foreign nationals live and work,” said Colonel Jan Koekemoer, the station commander of the police at Mookgophong. 17 Illegal Zimbabwean immigrants were apprehended in the surrounding area and Sektor 1. Koekemoer said that the police plan to continue the operation and encouraged farmers and businessmen not to employ illegal immigrants.
An employer can be fined R1 500 and be made to pay the repatriation costs of any illegal employees that they are found to be employing. “Employers need to make sure of their employees’ nationality,” said Koekemoer. The collective operation by the police, the army and the Department of Internal Affairs was one of the most successful operations in the prevention of crime. Operation Fiela is a multi-disciplinary, inter-departmental operation which is aimed at ridding the nation of illegal weapons, drugs, illegal immigrants, human trafficking, prostitution, as well as the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition as well as other illegal activities. “We want to clean up our surroundings so that our residents can feel and be safe,” said Koekemoer.
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GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
29 May, 2015
THE BEAT
Page 3
Bela-Bela warned against fracking Experts have warned that Bela-Bela could lose its agricultural and environmental value if fracking is condoned. This is an aerial photo indicating what landscapes look like during fracking operations. Photo Supplied
Justin Steyn
The possibility of fracking in the Waterberg area has been tabled several times recently. In the latest incident Umbono Capital, and Australia-based coal mining company, was forced to withdraw their application for prospecting in the Springbok Flats area due to alleged irregularities. However, it has recently been reported that the company has
reapplied for prospecting rights in the area. The Environmental Protection Agency and a team of experts held a conference meeting with several community members on Thursday, 14 May to encourage them to oppose the application. Jan Arkert, a geologist, said that allowing fracking to be done would have damaging repercussions on the area’s water supply. “South Africa is the 27th driest country in the world. Fracking would severely
damage the underground water supply as there is a possibility that it can be polluted with methane and other harmful chemicals,” he said. He also explained that fracking involved the implementation of multiple drilling wells in a vast area and this in turn causes environmental, health and infrastructure damage. Arkert urged the community to stand against fracking and think about the longterm consequences of the practice. Stafan Cramer, a German hydro geologist, said that many coal mining industries are turning their attention toward the Limpopo region because of the province’s high quality coal deposits. He explained that education where fracking is involved in African countries is limited and that many people are not aware of the dangers. Cramer said that when fracking is proposed, the community should ask the company why they plan to do it, and
whether any form of rehabilitation will take place. An environmental activist from BelaBela, Elizabeth Mokotong, said that BelaBela is and should remain a tourist town. She urged participants to get actively involved in participating in the planting of trees as she has been doing in the township area for many years. She warned that if fracking takes place, Bela-Bela would be stripped of its economic and agricultural value. The chairperson of the EPA, Kevin Gast, said that there are various myths about fracking which involve job creation is concerned. “Africa is currently the cheapest country for foreign fracking companies as the barriers for entering the country are much cheaper. They want to bring their own skilled workers and frack on our soil and leave nothing for those left behind. They will encourage local communities to condone fracking in their area by promising jobs and economic development. These are all lies,” he said. Gast demonstrated the increase in economic growth of agriculture and tourism by referring to a graph. “Agriculture and tourism is aiding the growth of South Africa’s economy and this has been reflected on the Gross Domestic Product many times. Why would we want to trade an industry that is economically viable for one that would destroy our own growth and sustainability while filling the pockets of foreign businessmen?” Gast said that the sustainability and growth of the town is in the hands of the community and that agriculture and tourism should be the engine which drives Bela-Bela.
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THE BEAT
GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
29 May, 2015
Government dismisses links between labour strikes and xenophobic attacks
Spokesperson for the GCIS in Limpopo, Maria Ramoshaba. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in Limpopo states that they noted with concern recent media reports insinuating that labour strikes could fuel attacks on foreign nationals. On behalf of their national office and the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration the GCIS confirmed that they have dismissed claims that strikes by organized labour may lead to attacks. “There is no link between the possible labour strikes and attacks on foreign nationals,” senior officers said. “We have been hard at work ensuring that such attacks do not happen again.” The Department further indicated that to link the labour issues with the attacks is
quite unfounded, especially as the continent is celebrating Africa Month. “Our Acting Cabinet Spokesperson Phumla Williams said that all that the government is doing is to promote social cohesion, and that the Inter-Ministerial Committee is focusing on Operation Fiela,” said Maria Ramoshaba of the GCIS in Limpopo. “People are advised not to confuse the industrial action and the demands made by organized labour with criminal activities that may arise in the midst of a strike. This is a democratic country,” said Ramoshaba. “Strike actions and pickets are allowed and workers can also exercise their democratic rights whenever they feel a need to.” Williams said that the rights of workers are supported by the Labour Relations Act, which regulates the right to strike for the South African labour market. She added that the Act empowers workers with right to strike, as well as the right of employers to lock out striking employees, within the confines of the law. The Act does not, however, protect criminal activities perpetrated under the guise of strikes. Williams also highlighted that the Bill of Rights states that everyone has the right to assemble, demonstrate, and picket, peacefully and unarmed. The government says that it has put mechanisms in place to deal with strikes or lock out situations without interfering with their rights. Where strikes become violent and people’s lives are endangered, the law must take its course. “Criminal activities during strike action, irrespective of whom they are directed at, are not acceptable and perpetrators will have to face the might of the law,” Williams concluded.
BBBEE AND TENDER WORKSHOPS IN BELA BELA: Registration for the Tender Training Seminar in open. It’s a two day workshop that seeks to empower SMMEs, Municipalities and Entities in compiling an Acceptable Tender/Bid Document:
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No tests at station
Despite its official opening three months ago, no drivers’ license tests have been conducted at the new Traffic testing facility in Bela-Bela. Photo: Justin Steyn Justin Steyn It has been more than three months since the completion of the traffic testing facility in Van der Merwe road in Bela-Bela and no drivers’ license tests have been conducted so far. DA Council member, Kobus van der Merwe, said he has noticed this and suspects that tests are currently done at the old testing ground next to the R516 highway en route to Settlers. Van der Merwe said that it is a waste of taxpayer’s money to have the tests done at the old facility. “A lot of money was used to build the new facility and it is senseless to have these tests conducted at an old facility when there is a new one rightly available,” he said. The BEAT spoke to an employee who did not want to be named, who confirmed that no tests are currently
taken place. She added that the facility experiences massive backlogs during load shedding hours because its generator is no longer functional. “There are no tests currently taking place here. People can only come for bookings and license renewals and other queries. We also have to send people back home during load shedding hours and ask them to come back the next day because our generator is not working.” The project manager of the facility, Vleis van Zyl, said that the testing course of the facility has not been laid out due to a lack of paint. He said that the layout is expected to happen in the coming week. When asked about the non-functioning generator, van Zyl said that it was working when the facility was opened but added that this will be investigated. According to van Zyl the total cost for constructing the facility was R 12.6 Million.
Pre-School visits the Bela-Bela Police Station
The benefits of attending this workshop: • What is Tendering according to Government regulations as per the Procurement Act? • What requirements do SMMEs need to have to qualify to fill in the Bid Document? • Understanding different companies that SMMEs register and their impact. • What State Statutory Bodies do SMMEs have to comply with in Tendering? • The two Adjudication Processes the 80/20 and the 90/10 point systems • What is the Preferential Procurement System and the General Definitions section • What are RFQs, RFPs and RFTs in Tendering and their role for successful Bidding? • The Role of State Statutory Bodies e.g. SARS,CIDB,COIDA,PSIRA,UIF etc • What is Costing and the Costing Formulae? • Costing in Informal Business e.g. Shebeens,Taxi Industry • Introduction to, Company Income Tax and VAT Returns IRP6-SARS • Basic Bookkeeping in SMMEs on Profit and Loss Margins calculations • Understanding the BBBEE Score card and Certificates. • How do I compile a Tender Proposal? • The Pricing Software • Registration of the new companies CIPC.CoR 14.3 For this two day workshop in, BELA BELA Cost R1000 to R900, 18-19 June for manuals and certificates), call Brian 012 772 0766, 071 302 7866, Jabu 076 278 0994 or email: goitsetumitrading@webmail.co.za
FOR RESERVATION OF YOUR SEAT. LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE, BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENTS
Children from the Little Darlings Pre-School visited the Bela-Bela Police Station on Tuesday, 26 May to learn about police work. The children posed for a photo with their teachers ahead of their tour. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
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May
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Emmanuel, a Bela-Bela local, asks: what is your purpose in life? This is probably the most difficult question to answer for many people, myself included. Some people discover this quite earlier in their lives, as teenagers or adolescents; while others discover it in their middle ages. The sad news is that others even demise without having realised the true meaning of life and the reason why they were ever born in this world. There is no scientific instrument, like a barometer, to determine one’s purpose in life. And to make matters even worse, there’s no one qualified to come and tell you, “This is what life meant you to be”. Not even your parents. They may guide you through, but they are not qualified to do that on your behalf. I have been practicing as a Career Counsellor for the past few years and my job often involves guiding my clients to answer this question, among other things. The underlying idea is that when they know what they are meant to be they are likely to be in a position to find their niche and place in this world; choose an occupation or career path that allows them to be their natural selves while fulfilling their purpose in life, choose friends and build a social network that propel them to their dreams. It’s not a mistake that you happen to be shy compared to your peers or you are perceived as too talkative. Perhaps you like working with your hands and have no time to read lots of pages of social science theories. Maybe you like working with numbers or computers. You probably have a natural inclination to be around nature. Or you certainly feel unsettled when you see other people in physical or emotional pain. Some are built with strong bodies that enable them to compete quite very well in sports. Whatever your personality, likes or dislikes, predispositions, or talents and abilities, the world has a place for you to excel and become your absolute best. The reality is you don’t necessarily need to read a book to discover these things. All you need to do is to look inside yourself. Do some self-introspection. At the end of the day no one can get to know you better but yourself. This brings us to the subject of self-awareness or self -knowledge. You will never discover who are until you get a better understanding of your inner self.
EDITORIAL
29 May, 2015
Photo of the week
A Bela-Bela resident was injured when he tripped and fell at a pothole in a major Bela-Bela street. The pothole situation in town is getting out of control, and the unreliability of the street lights is only making the situation worse. Photo: Bernice Mills
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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.
THE BEAT
Page 5
May
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Malesela Muleka, a Bela-Bela resident, writes: We all want good governance, and good governance starts with an individual with selforientation and the cultivation of a personal life. This will result in well-disciplined families that will undoubtedly produce caring and cooperative community members. Such a community will be ready to learn and acquire higher education levels and technical skills, while some community members will establish businesses with their skills and employ skilled labourers to produce quality goods and services, thereby boosting the local economy. Others will be employed in government departments relevant to their skills. The caring community members will work with dedication and enthusiasm to uplift the image of their community. In this way the people will beet and elect councillors from among themselves. The councillors will form a council and then employ skilled staff for the municipality. The educated members of the political structure will form the municipality, and together with the community will constitute the local government. The council and the top administrative members should go to the community and listen to their concerns, and return to the council chamber to debate what can be done. That is how democracy should work, and it is not what we see in Bela-Bela. On Page 7 of The BEAT of 2 April 2015, the municipality placed Local Notice 25/15, in which the municipality promised to bring the IDP/Budget Mayoral Roadshow to Ward 9 (Masakhane) on the 25 th of April at 10:00. The Honourable Mayor did not arrive in Masakhane until the 16 th of April at 17:30, and instead of consulting with the community as we had expected, began immediately to issue commands. We regard this as an insult to the community. We need democracy, not Nhlapoism. Masakhane is not so trivial that he can twist it around his little finger, and the Honourable Mayor is well aware that he has an obligation to consult with and involve the community members in matters that affect their lives if the concept of public participation is to have any meaning.
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THE BEAT
LEGALS PLA CE PLACE your add HERE! BELA BELA AMENDMENT SCHEME 97/08 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR AMENDMENT OF THE TOWN PLANNING SCHEME IN TERMS OF SECTION 56 (1) (b) (i) OF THE TOWN PLANNING AND TOWNSHIPS ORDINANCE 1986 (ORDINANCE No 15 OF 1986) We, GEO PROJECTS, authorised agents of the owner of Portion108 and 109 of the farm Noodhulp 492 KR Bela Bela hereby give notice in terms of section 56 (1) (b) (i) of the Town Planning and Townships Ordinance, 1986 (Ordinance No 15 of 1986) that we have applied to the Bela Bela Municipality for the amendment of the Town Planning Scheme, known as the Bela-Bela Land Use Scheme, 2008, by the amendment of the zoning of the property by the addition of an annexure to the existing Agriculture zoning, to make provision for an agricultural and outdoor centre, overnight accommodation and additional uses as indicated in the annexure to the amendment scheme. Particulars of the
CHARITY / ENTERTAINMENT / SCHOOL
29 May, 2015 application will lie for inspection during normal office hours at the office of the Municipal Manager, Municipal Offices, Bela Bela, for a period of 28 days from 22 May 2015 Objections to or presentations in respect of the application must be lodged with or made in writing to: The Municipal Manager at the above address or Private Bag x1609, Bela Bela, 0480, within a period of 28 days from 22 May 2015. Address: P.O. Box 919, Bela Bela, 0480 Tel: 082 881 7252. 22 & 29 Mei 2015. ESTATE NOTICE In the Estate of the late MALESELA EDWARD LEKALAKALA ID: 160102 5094 081 of Erf 427, Bela Bela, Limpopo Province Date of death: 28th February 2014 Estate Number: 023325/ 2014 Kindly take notice that the First and Final Liquidation and Distribution Account in the above Estate will lie for inspection for a period of 21 days from date of publication hereof at the office of the Master of the high court, Polokwane and at the office of the Magistrate, Bela Bela. D E WILLIAMS Executor LANSER & WILLIAMS 16 Sutter Road P.O. Box 18 Bela Bela 0480 Tel: (014) 736 2216/7.
Adv er tise ! Adver ertise
NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN DECEASED ESTATES All persons having claims against the undermentioned estate must lodge it with the Executor concerned within 30 days (or as indicated) from date of publication hereof. A. Estate number: 002083/ 2015 Province: Limpopo Surname: ACKERMANN First names: SUSANNA CATHARINA Date of birth: 1931-02-20 ID number: 310220 0081 082 Last address: Rusoord Chris Hani Street, Bela Bela Date of death: 2015-01-08 Master’s office: Polokwane B. Only applicable if deceased was married in community of property/ subject to the accrual system: First names of surviving spouse: ANDRIES JOHANNES Surname of surviving spouse: ACKERMANN Date of birth of surviving spouse: 1929-04-03 ID number of surviving spouse: 290403 5111 088 C. Name of Executor or Authorised agent: ANGI GERMISHUYS Address of Executor or Authorised agent: 18 Mentz Avenue, Bela Bela, Limpopo Province, 0480 D. Period allowed for lodgement of claims, if other than 30 days: Advertiser name: ANGI GERMISHUYS ATTORNEYS Advertiser address: 18 Mentz Avenue, Bela Bela, Limpopo Province, 0480 Advertiser e-mail: angi@belabelalaw.co.za Advertiser telephone: 014 736 4233.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN DECEASED ESTATES All persons having claims against the undermentioned estate must lodge it with the Executor concerned within 30 days (or as indicated) from date of publication hereof. A. Estate number: 002143/ 2015 Province: Limpopo Surname: ACKERMANN First names: ANDRIES JOHANNES Date of birth: 1929-04-03 ID number: 290403 5111 088 Last address: Rusoord Chris Hani Street, Bela Bela Date of death: 2015-01-19 Master’s office: Polokwane B. Only applicable if deceased was married in community of property/ subject to the accrual system: First names of surviving spouse: Surname of surviving spouse: Date of birth of surviving spouse: ID number of surviving spouse: C. Name of Executor or Authorised agent: ANGI GERMISHUYS Address of Executor or Authorised agent: 18 Mentz Avenue, Bela Bela, Limpopo Province, 0480 D. Period allowed for lodgement of claims, if other than 30 days: Advertiser name: ANGI GERMISHUYS ATTORNEYS Advertiser address: 18 Mentz Avenue, Bela Bela, Limpopo Province, 0480 Advertiser e-mail: angi@belabelalaw.co.za Advertiser telephone: 014 736 4233.
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Bela-Bela holds prayer meeting against xenophobia
The church choir praised the Lord with their music. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Residents belonging to a variety of religious and faith-based organizations in Bela-Bela gathered at the Living Word Bible Church on Sunday, 24 May to pray against xenophobic attacks levelled against foreign nationals which took place in some parts of the country recently. The prayer meeting was an initiative by the local SAPS in conjunction with concerned stakeholders from various structures in the area. All the speakers highlighted that the meeting was also aimed at creating awareness to do away with the issue of xenophobia before incidents occur in BelaBela, as the stakeholders believe that prevention is better than cure, as the saying goes. Attendees include the local Minsters’ Fraternal, SAPS Social Crime Prevention and Communications Units, pastors from various churches and the hosting church’s congregation. The SAPS invited various structures and foreign nationals in the business community to attend, but none of them did. Nomkhozi Mnguni of the local Methodist Church also attended, representing women. CPU coordinator Constable Maria Maleto outlined in her address that her job is to coordinate events and campaigns in line with combating crime and xenophobia is also regarded as crime, which led to the hosting of the prayer meeting. She highlighted that there have not been any reports of xenophobic attacks in Bela-Bela so far, but pledged to continue with awareness campaigns. She encouraged the distribution of posters with messages displaying warnings against these attacks. On behalf of the Ministers’ Fraternal, Reverend Pheto Mosima condemned the acts, saying that “we are all children of God
ZCC Pastor Herry Mpshe interpreted while CPF representative Strike Mokone addressed the congregation. Photo: Lizzy Bapela and do not need to mock Him by fighting our fellow brothers and sisters from neighbouring countries. Pastor Herry Mpshe of the Zion Christian Church said in his address that declaring war with fellow Africans is the same as declaring war with God, as all people were created in His image and such acts can never succeed as God rules all things and humans. Pastor Tshepo Leshilo said that this is a spiritual battle and the prayer was conducted with hope that God will help communities refrain from such acts. He added that that day was chosen because it was the day before Africa Day, which highlights that “we are one”; and was a Pentecostal Day, meaning the coming of the Holy Spirit. The day is counted 40 days after Easter, which Jesus said when he left the world that He will send the Holy Spirit to the world to come and help His children. All did start well however, as traditional health practitioners expressed concerns of dissatisfactory, saying that the church choir played their band and sang inside the church building, while they were opening the ceremony with their rituals. They said that according to their belief, they could not perform the rituals inside the premises belonging to a denomination different to theirs. Strike Mokone of the CPF and CPU commander Lieutenant-Colonel Ngobeni responded to the concerns that the healers should always be present in preparation meetings as asked to form part of preparations so to avoid unnecessary tensions. Meanwhile, the stakeholders held a meeting at the police station in preparation of the coming march that is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 30 May from the main streets and head to Sunfa Stadium. All faith based organizations and community members are again invited to attend.
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CHARITY / ENTERTAINMENT / SCHOOL
Youth receives guidance
29 May, 2015
THE BEAT
Page 7
Filmmakers given fresh hope
Students and job seekers flooded to the OR Tambo Hall in Modimolle to receive relevant information on various available opportunities. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
X Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Hundreds of youths from Modimolle gathered at Or Tambo Hall for a career exhibition day held on Thursday, 21 May. The event was an initiative by the Department of Labour in conjunction with the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) and the Modimolle Local Municipality. The Department’s Assistant Director to the Career Counsellor in Modimolle and BelaBela, Emmanuel Ravhudzulo, said that the main purpose of the exhibition was to provide career-related information to job seekers and learners, and to register job seekers on the Department of Labour’s employment database. He added that the event was aimed at assisting job seekers and other prescribed categories of people to enter learning programs, find placement opportunities, start income-generating opportunities, and participate in placement programs. Various stakeholder departments and organizations participated in the career
exhibition by sharing career guidance information and products in the form of learnerships, bursaries, and business and job opportunities to potential students, job seekers, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Represented during the event was the Waterberg District Municipality, Independent Electoral Commission, the Waterberg Biosphere Project and the Departments of Health, Agriculture and Social Development, as well as the hosting departments. The stakeholders rated the event a success and are anticipating another fruitful event which is set to take place in the future. Ravhudzulo said that the Department was obliged to hold at least one career exhibition per year to ensure that the public, especially potential students, job seekers and aspiring entrepreneurs are catered for. The local municipality’s Special Programs Official, David Molekwa, said that the event was inspired by the influx of youths seeking information on the topics addressed during the event. He added that the event enabled the various stakeholders to attend and present their offers to the attendees, and assist them with necessary information.
Lala Tuko from (NFVF) National Film and Video Foundation during her address to film makers. Photo: TK Mashaba
Some of the people who attended the film committee launch. Photo: TK Mashaba
x TK Mashaba TK Mashaba
will never return. “Nobody has ever done a documentary about the mountain,” he said. “Local filmmakers can ask their elders about the history of the mountain.” Lala Tuko from the National Film and Video Foundation told the filmmakers that there is a lot of money in their department to help locals to kickstart their film careers. “Our department offers a lot, including skills development for upcoming filmmakers, and all we need is for you to have a vision as to what you want to do.” She advised them to come up with concepts and projects that will show off their skills and their vision, and the office will assist. The launch was postponed until a better date could be found.
The Waterberg Film Committee’s launch, which was due on Wednesday, 20 May, had to be postponed due to a lack of attendees. Very few of the actors and filmmakers from the Waterberg attended the meeting. According to Victor Phiri, an organizer of the event, the industry will need dedication from locals if it is to succeed. “The funds are there,” he said, “but we need you as filmmakers and actors to be focused on what you do.” He also said that there are many stories about the Waterberg, and gave the example of the Modimolle Mountain myth, which says that anyone who climbs the mountain
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THE BEAT
29 May, 2015
SPORT
Pirates aim for the top
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450 athletes attend District Executive Mayor Road Race on 9 May
Former Diesel n Dust coach, now coach to BelaBela Pirates, Santa Mokholoana. Photo: TK Mashaba
Addicted to Life members are set to compete in the 2015 Comrades Marathon. This weekend. Photo supplied x Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela
x Mashaba TKTK Mashaba Bela-Bela Pirates have dedicated their last game to staying in the top four in Stream A of the SAB League. The Bela-Bela team, which has a long history with the SAB League, has never ended the season at the top. Former Diesel n Dust coach Santa Mokholoana, who took over Pirates’ training recently, said that the team did not have a good season although they maintained a consistent quality of play. “The title race is over and we are glad that we are still in the top half of the log,” said Mokholoana. Pirates recently played a two-all draw against Modimolle All-Stars and on last
Saturday, they lost 2-0 to Boys to Men and won a walkover against Bazooka on Sunday, 24 May. The league’s log for Stream A is still led by Mabatlane’s M.Mmamoet Arsenal, with 59 points and a game still in hand. During the weekend’s play, NTK Happy Boys also lost 4-3 to Diesel n Dust. In Stream B, Yster United continued with their lead after a 3-0 win over Ratanang while Juventas lost to Simple Yellows on a walkover. Mokopane Stonebreakers beat Thaba 2-0 while Mosesetjane All Stars played a goalless draw against Ditlou. PJ Stars beat Maxoma 3-2 3-2 while Vegas lost 4-1 to Black Rangers. On Sunday, Stonebreakers beat Mosesetjane 5-1 while Maxoma lost 2-0 to Ditlou.
The 2015 Waterberg District Executive Mayor’s Marathon was regarded as a great success and attracted 450 athletes from in and outside Limpopo. The marathon this year took place on Saturday, 9 May, starting at Laerskool Modimolle, and ending at Forever Resorts in Bela-Bela. “Since its inception in 2012, the race has grown, and now attracts athletes from across the African continent. Unlike other years, where the marathon was split up into 5km, 10km, and 28km races, the 2015 marathon consisted of only one race, the 28km. The core group of the race formed by professional athletes,” said the Waterberg District Municipal Spokesperson Pat Malete. Athletes from Limpopo and as far as Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Northwest Province, as well as countries such as Zimbabwe and Ethiopia also took part in the race. In her acknowledgements the District Executive Mayor Tlotlanang
Mogotlane said that the marathon is growing each year, and said that each year has its own challenges and achievements. She added that the rate at which stakeholders have been responding to the event is satisfactory, and they look forward to bringing even more people on board in future years. Mogotlane also commended the partnerships that her municipality have built over the years with various stakeholders, and mentioned that the staff and management of Forever Resorts are great people to work with. Popular Modimolle athletes Lucas Seleka, Junior Thapedi and Joseph Moatshe also participated in the race. Thapedi came in in 15th place. The three are member of the Addicted To Life athletics team from Modimolle, who will be heading to the 2015 Comrades Marathon scheduled for Durban to Pietermaritzburg on Sunday, 31 May. Other athletes set for the Durban trip include Mike Selamolela, Ezeckiel Moatshe, Rodney Rebone and Moshira Moatshe.