R1-20/FREE
30 August 2013
Page 2
BEAT
30 August, 2013
Modimolle mourns late councillor
The people of Modimolle will always remember the late Councillor Laurens van Aswegen. Photo supplied Lizzy Bapela Modimolle residents, politicians, colleagues and family members are mourning the passing of Councillor Laurens van Aswegen. The councillor was born on 17 March 1952 and passed away on Friday, 23 August.
Spokesperson for Modimolle Local Municipality Patrick Shika said that it was with great sadness that he announced the passing away of the councillor. He said that residents of Modimolle would always remember him for the role he played in the municipality throughout the years he served. Van Aswegen was a Ward Councillor and Executive member of the municipal council. According to Shika, he played a huge role as a member of budget and treasury council committee. Shika said that van Aswegen made a valuable contribution during the Transitional Local Council period and also participated in transformation of local government. “We will never forget his leadership and the contribution he played during his lifetime. We have lost a leader, a visionary and a comrade,” said Shika. On behalf of municipality and the community of Modimolle, the municipal Communications Office extended their deepest and sincere condolences to Van Aswegen’s wife, children and colleagues,” he said. A memorial service for Councillor van Aswagen’s loved ones was held on Tuesday, 27 August and he was expected to be buried later in the week.
No excuse for no 5 cents Justin Steyn The BEAT has received information that many of our readers do not receive five or cents change owed to them when paying for items at local retail stores. It was said that the cashiers either tell customers that they do not have the change owed in their tills, or that customers are handed till slips without any reason why they are short changed. One reader said that if retailers withhold every five or ten cents owed to customers the amount can increase to a substantial amount by the end of each month. “If a thousand customers buy from a shop every day of the month and they weren’t given their 5 cents change that would mean that the shop makes an additional R1 500 profit by the end of each month” he said. It was suggested that this unfair practice must be stopped and that consumers should insist on being handed their full change or request the store to give them a higher, instead of lower, denomination as change. Some media reports suggested that cashiers make use of small tubs in which the 5 or 10 cents change is placed unless a customer requests the owed money. According to the South African Reserve
Bank Act, No. 90 of 1989, all current and previously issued bank notes and coins are legal tender. Businesses and commercial banks are therefore obliged to accept the 5 cent denomination coin. Stores which price their products in such a way that 5 or 10 cent coins will be routinely required as change, have a duty to ensure that they can provide such change to consumers. The BEAT has contacted two local retailers, Spar and Shoprite, regarding their policy on the issue. They referred queries to their head offices and the official spokespeople. Shoprite spokesperson, Sarita Van Wyk, said that Shoprite’s policy is to round up the change owed to customers in cash transactions if it happens that a cashier is short of 5 cent coins – i.e. to then give the next denomination. So, if a customer is owed 5 cents change and the store has none available, the customer will receive a 10 cent and thereafter a 20 cent until the desired amount of change is fully covered. “From time to time Shoprite Bela Bela does experience a shortage of 5c coins due to short supply in circulation.” she said. She added that if customers were refused their 5 cents change, they should report the matter to management. She added that Shoprite does not make use of a system of keeping small change in tubs at till points. A Merchandise executive for Spar, Mike Prentice, told The BEAT that any store that does not give customers the amount of change required should be reported. “It is plain and simple. Customers should get their change that is owed and there is no excuse and in the case of a dispute regarding the issue customers can report it to me or our head office” he said. The abovementioned retailers can be contacted as follow: Shoprite Head office – 021 980 400/ 4269 Spar Head office – 031 719 1900 Spar Customer Care – 0860 313 141
beateditor@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Limpopo’s municipal audit squabbles, Nombembe noted that Justin Steyn municipal employees sabotaged their outcomes bosses. According to an article in The Star, R1,5 billion is how much entrepreneurs unlawfully pocketed through the continued violation of treasury regulations in the awarding of tenders and contracts by Limpopo municipalities. Auditor-General Terence Nombembe’s latest report revealed the increase in irregular expenditure for the financial year that ended in June 2012. The report, released on Tuesday 13, August, reflects the paralysis of governance in almost all municipalities in the province. “During the 2007-08 financial years, the province experienced its highest level of qualified/adverse/disclaimer audit opinions, only to be exceeded three years later in the 2011-12 financial years” said Nombembe. Irregular expenditure has reached the billion-rand mark, from the R715 million recorded in the previous financial year. Nombembe indicated that awards amounting to R363 million for the latest financial year have not been audited; therefore this amount has been separated from the billion-rand figure. Leading culprits in the flouting of supply chain management laws are Sekhukhune, Polokwane, Vhembe, Mopani, Elias Motsoaledi and Ephraim Mogale municipalities. Unauthorised expenditure went up from last year’s R586 million to R733 million this year. Unauthorised expenditure occurs when budgeted allocations are exceeded or used for unintended purposes, according to Nombembe. However, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, which represents either penalties or interests on late payments and the payments for services and goods that were not utilised, has gone down slightly. The amount has been reduced by R10 million from last year’s R42 million. Nombembe said this money was spent in vain, and this could have been avoided had reasonable care been taken. Of the 30 municipalities, only one received a clean audit opinion. “Only the Waterberg District Municipality managed to sustain its clean audit opinion for two consecutive years. This is due to the continued effort by the Chief Financial Officer and the Municipal Manager in monitoring action plans and the diligent implementation of key controls,” said Nombembe. Fetakgomo Local Municipality, which received a clean audit opinion for the past two consecutive years, regressed to unqualified audit opinion with findings. “A total of nine auditees regressed,” said Nombembe. He said Limpopo had moved further away from the target of a clean audit by 2014. Nombembe also noted that political infighting within the Limpopo ANC harmed governance in municipalities. Nombembe said that tensions between councils and provincial leaders damaged administrations in municipalities. The ANC controls all 30 municipalities in Limpopo and is the ruling party in the province. Nombembe’s observations cast the ANC as a party at war with itself. “While such situations are to be expected from time to time at a political level, in these cases it was allowed to flow over and negatively impact on the administration,” stated Nombembe. He cited Polokwane, Bela Bela and Modimolle municipalities as the notorious turfs for political battles. Disunity within the councils of Aganang, Blouberg and Molemole was also visible. Beyond the political
“At the Greater Giyani, Greater Tzaneen, Lepelle-Nkumpi and Polokwane municipalities it was clear that certain staff members were set on discrediting management by facilitating poor outcomes, in some cases going as far as outright sabotage by withholding pertinent information and/or documents,” he said. All five district municipalities in Limpopo underspent their conditional grants by an average of 18 percent, while 83 percent of 25 local municipalities underspent by an average of 28 percent. “Municipalities receive conditional grants for the purpose of achieving specifically identified objectives, mostly related to service delivery,” said Nombembe. “However, this money is used to fund operational expenses due to a lack of proper planning and budgeting.” Vacancy rates at senior management positions stand at 23 percent, he added. The scarcity of skills and interference by politicians in the appointment processes were some of the stated reasons behind the delay in the filling of key vacancies, according to Nombembe. In contrast, the majority of those holding key positions were found to be either incompetent or unqualified. “Officials in key positions at more than 72 percent of the auditees actually did not have the minimum competencies and skills required to perform their jobs,” said Nombembe. He lamented the transfer to other councils of chief financial officers whose municipalities had received disclaimers for five years. The inability to provide credible and reliable financial statements by chief financial officers in almost all municipalities remains a concern for Nombembe. “It was only at the Mogalakwena and Waterberg District municipalities where material corrections were not required to be made to the financial statements during the audit process,” said Nombembe. He also noted that struggling local municipalities that fall under the Waterberg district municipality were unwilling to be assisted by district officials. This was despite the fact that the district municipality had received clean audit opinions for two consecutive years. Nombembe added that some municipalities were reliant on consultants, but skills were not being transferred. The BEAT’s sister publication, The Post, received a letter from the Modimolle Business Chamber in which they expressed their gratitude toward their local municipality for capital improvements and maintenance done. “Reports of deterioration of municipal services throughout our country are a common future in the daily media and complaints from the general public in our neighbouring towns are often reported in the newspapers. Our chamber’s appreciation lies with fact that the Modimolle local municipality does listen, consider and attend to concerns” they said. At the time of going to press Bela Bela municipal spokesperson, Matome Sebelebele, could not comment.
beateditor@gmail.com@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
BEAT
30 August, 2013
Page 3
Testing ground construction put on hold Justin Steyn At the end of May The BEAT reported on the upcoming license testing facility in Van der Merwe road in Bela Bela. Municipal spokesperson, Matome Sebelebele, said that the facility had been planned since last year and has been funded from different sub sequential financial years and is budgeted at an estimated R3.6 Million. He also reported that the Bela Bela Traffic department is also planned to be relocated to the area and completion was expected to be at the end of June. Construction of this facility seems to be put on hold as no building activity has been spotted for several weeks. The facility was recently contracted by LFP trading. The Bela Bela Concerned Residents (BBCR) group has expressed their disapproval of the new facility at recent
Construction of the new traffic testing facility in Van der Merwe road has been put on hold. Photo: Justin Steyn reporters that they had been placed at the protests. “The new testing facility is an facility for security reasons. “We have just unnecessary expenditure as the been placed here to look after the tools and municipality has built a testing facility next the building itself, we don’t know why the to the town’s graveyard and it is not used construction of the facility has stopped” today” said BBCR spokesperson Martin they said. Manale. LFP contractor, Phaswane Pfuluwane, told At the site The BEAT found what appeared The BEAT that the project had been put on to be five contract workers who told
hold due to a lack of funding. He said that additional funding is needed to complete the facility. “We are currently in talks with the municipality but they are refusing extra funding for the facility” he said. Sebelebele said that the municipality is currently in talks with a new contractor as the R3.6 million given to LFP had already been spent before the facility was completed. He added that a new estimated budget of R3.9 million has been allocated in the current financial year. It was reported that a previous proposal for construction of the facility by an unknown company had been boycotted by council as many irregularities had been found. “As soon as we have finished with the administrative process a date of completion will be announced” said Sebelebele.
Democratic Alliance leads protest about water shortages in Limpopo Lizzy Bapela A recent water survey in all five regions of Limpopo revealed that residents are, in many cases, sharing their drinking water with animals. DA spokesperson Langa Bodlani said that sharing water with animals poses a health risk to all Limpopo citizens and violates their human rights. “Our findings are contained in a detailed dossier of evidence of the suffering communities of our province. The water crisis is driven mainly by government’s failure to roll out crucial water infrastructure and maintenance programmes,” he said. DA activists and local councillors at all the districts facilitated the photographic survey on the impact of the water crisis on communities. As a result, the party staged a march to voice out their grievances to relevant offices for urgent resolutions. The DA leader in Limpopo and MP, Jacques Smalle, led a mass protest of communities affected by the water crisis in the province. The protest commenced at the SABC Park in Polokwane on 19 August. The protesters handed over their memorandum of demands to the offices of the Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha and the Cooperative Governance MEC Ishmael Kgetjepe. Opportunities for interviews and photograph sessions were granted to members of the media present at the protest. Bodlani told The BEAT on the afternoon of the protest that everything went well and that both Mathabatha and Kgetjepe received and signed for their memoranda. In their call to an end to the water crisis, the protesters’ demands for an emergency
water supply plan were delivered to Mathabatha’s office on the day. The DA revealed that water trucks make just one delivery in two weeks to some rural communities and up to 10 000 people share 3 communal taps in informal settlements. “No running water is coming from communal taps installed years ago. Corruption in the Limpopo Provincial Government has the biggest impact on people desperate for the most basic services. Despite big annual budgets, no water supply has been provided by government for some Limpopo communities since 1994,” said Bodlani. They demanded an emergency water supply plan from the Premier, saying that short-term relief must be provided for Limpopo communities desperate for water in the meantime. Bodlani indicated that the constitution makes the availability of water a justifiable right under the Bill of Rights. He further said that this provision further puts an obligation on the state to take reasonable legislative and other measures within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realisation of each of these rights. “What is also clear is that the provision of water is the responsibility of local government. Unfortunately this is also the level of government where millions of rands, which could have been spent on water supply, are wasted in irregular and fruitless expenditures. This is the call by the DA to the Provincial Government and CoGHSTA to start taking seriously their obligation to supply water to the people of the province,” said Bodlani. The DA released the dossier providing
EFF congratulates ministers Lizzy Bapela The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has congratulated the Ministry of Sports, under the stewardship of Fikile Mbalula and the Ministry of Arts and Culture under the stewardship of Paul Mashatile for a successful Nelson Mandela Sports and Culture Day. The event was held at the FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday, 17 August. The EFF said that the event demonstrated a show of unity to honour the life and values of the former president and icon Nelson Mandela. “We will always recognise a positive contribution to the developments of our country, in this case the contribution to arts and sports in particular within the contextual value represented by the ideas and life of our icon and former President, Nelson Mandela. We recognise the two ministers’ efforts even
as those who mandated them to government have not appreciated their contribution to its best ability,” said the EFF’s national spokesperson, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi. The movement also thanked South Africans from all walks of life for coming out in support of the initiative and embracing the continuous celebration of Nelson Mandela and the inculcation of the arts and sports in the country. Ndlozi said the significant outcome of contributing to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital is equally commendable. He added that charity must be embraced fully in the society, in particular to the realisation of access to quality health for vulnerable and poor children. “We congratulate the ministries and hope they keep the dynamic fire of excellent service to our country to the highest, in spite of whatever political odds they may face,” Ndlozi concluded.
pictures of areas where water scarcity is a lived reality. As this also a women’s month, the pictures demonstrate the reality in societies that it is women who have to fetch this water; in certain instances from dangerous streams. In Mogalakwena’s PudiyaKgopa Village in Ward 10, cattle pass through the water as children come to get water for their households and surveyors were informed that this is the only source of water for the community. A private businessman from Matebeleng outside Mokopane helps the local community because the borehole in the village has not been working properly for some time. This village has existed since1974 and still does not have water. The DA has reportedly threatened to take
the Limpopo Government to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) over the provision of clean water to poor communities. “It is not about electioneering, it is about making sure that people get what they are supposed to get. And if this government is not going to give it to them we will fight on their behalf. We will take the fight on their behalf to the SAHRC,” Smalle said. Mathabatha said that they know very well that water is a very serious problem in the province, more especially in rural areas and they have started with solutions. He said that they have just completed projects of building huge dams, with some just being finalised and the minister will be making an announcement soon.
Page 4
BEAT
30 August, 2013
Kgatelopele making progress
beateditor@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Mookgophong Mayor spends some time with women and children
From left to right Sakkie Buys, Neo Moloko and Total garage staff. Photo: Justin Steyn
Justin Steyn Non-profit organization Kgatelopele caught up with The BEAT to speak about their progress this week. Directing manager Neo Moloko said that the organization has been very active in schools projects involving their learners in arts and culture activities. “Over the last two months Kgatelopele has visited various schools in townships where we have been teaching the learners about arts and culture,” he said. Moloko explained that their programs involved three major factors namely drama, traditional dance, crafts and visual arts. The organization plans to include storytelling, poetry and cultural music in their curriculum later on. “The aim of these projects is to light a spark in the children’s own indigenous culture,” said Moloko. Kgatelopele is currently working with Khabela and Albert Lithuli Primary and is planning to visit schools in Vingerkraal and Masakane.
“We have received a lot of support from the schools we have visited, the teachers and pupils are very optimistic about our work,” added Molokoko. Despite low funding Moloko said that their outreach projects are going well. The organization has been involved with projects where they helped provide shoes to students at Albert Lithuli and helped students with homework after school. Kgatelopele has received help from the business sector where they were supplied with equipment to aid in their endeavours. Waterfront Signs has been providing them with vinyl off-cuts which they use in their arts and crafts projects. Bela Bela Total has also offered their assistance to Kgatelopele by providing them with cameras to document all their projects. Moloko said that it is vital for Kgatelopele to keep track of their projects and thanked Total owner, Sakkie Buys, for his contribution. Kgatelopele currently has seven field workers visiting schools on a four day a week basis.
Mookgophong Mayor Sarah Monyamane celebrated Women’s Day with women and children of her community. Photo: Michael Moyo Lizzy Bapela Mookgophong Mayor Sarah Monyamane celebrated her Women’s Day by interacting with women and children from her community. The mayor spent the day with these vulnerable members of the society on Saturday, 17 August at the local stadium. Municipal spokesperson Lerato Makomene said that the event was conducted as part of the mayoral program, with regards to the fact that the area has a high rate of woman and child abuse. She added that the purpose of the event was to raise awareness against crime, rape and diseases. Makomene said that the event aimed at educating the community about women and children abuse; and also to eradicate the level of abuse within the community. Representatives from various government departments, councillors and members of the local ANC Women’s League attended the event. In her speech, the mayor highlighted the origin of Women’s Month, also indicating the importance of a woman’s role in a family. The mayor urged the community to give support to people who experienced abuse and also help fight crime in the area. She said that South Africa is one of the best countries in the world in terms of the constitution and democracy and also takes the centre stage with regards to highlighting children
and women’s rights. “Our government is doing their best in ensuring that women and children are protected. It brings back bad memories and heartbreak looking back to the violent killings of women and children,” said the mayor. Monyamane encouraged the community to report any criminal activity to the police, especially those that are in line with abuse of women and children. She indicated that nowadays children are scared when going to school, as a result of heartless perpetrators who ruin their lives and future. She said that the event was also meant to commemorate the lives of children and women who suffered abuse previously. The mayor further said that research indicates that 90% of women and children face the challenge of abuse and this shows that there is still a lot to do with regards to ensuring safety for these vulnerable creatures. She encouraged members of her community to stand together and unite as one to fight and eliminate criminal activities, especially abuse. “Standing before you as a woman, the mayor of our community, I urge you to celebrate the month, remembering the efforts that our heroines of struggle took to ensure the fruits we are reaping of today. Let us celebrate with joy and peace, remembering that a woman holds the knife in its sharp end,” said the mayor.
Sod-turning ceremony for Thusong Centre at a local farm Lizzy Bapela Lephalale Local Municipality joined the rest of the country in annual celebrations of the national Woman’s Month, August and Women’s Day on the 9th. However, this year the municipality used the celebration to change the lives of women for the better. The municipality has partnered with SASOL to build a Thusong centre at a local farm, with the local mayor, Moloko Maeko leading the activity. The centre, formerly known as MultiPurpose Community Centres (MPCC), is a programme of government that was introduced in 1999. The programme was introduced as a vehicle for the implementation of development communication and information, to integrate government services into rural and farm areas. Maeko said that this was done to address historical, social and economic factors which limited access to information, services and participation by citizens who were forced to travel long distances to
access these services. The event took place at the Steenbokpan Farm in Leseding Settlement on Saturday, 17 August. Both the partners decided to have this sod turning ceremony on the same day that the municipality held their Women’s Day celebrations. Municipal spokesperson Nakampe Monyepao said they felt that the centre will benefit women the most, as they are the ones who travel long distances to get government services. These services include going to clinics during pregnancy and taking babies to clinic after birth as well as applying for grants at SASSA and ID documents at the Department of Home Affairs. This is the second Thusong Centre to be established in Lephalale. Mayor Maeko officially opened the first Thusong Centre during the 2012 / 2013 financial year. The centre caters to rural villages in the area and is already in operation, with various public serving offices including the municipality offering services to members of the public.
beateditor@gmail.com@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
30 August, 2013
BEAT
Page 5
Photo of the week Make every day Women’s Day By the time you read this, Women’s Month will be nearly over. No more celebrations of being a woman, no more government speeches, all that will be over. It will be back to normal, back to the everyday and mundane. But you must remember that you can make every day Women’s Day. There doesn’t need to be a specific day or month during which we can talk about women and their fantastic achievements, the things that women have done that make them great. Do yourself a favour and take a moment every day to think about the things women have accomplished in the world. Women have stopped wars and started them, they’ve made amazing scientific discoveries and written the most amazing literature. Women have ruled countries and given birth to kings. But you don’t need to do that to make yourself their equal. In ancient Sparta, a man could have a name on his tombstone only if he died in battle. A woman, only if she died in childbirth. The most militaristic, warlike of the Greek city-states equated childbirth with war in the honours they granted. If you take nothing away from that little story but that the Greeks were a bit strange — and they were — then that’s really quite sad. Because the point there, is that even if you do nothing with your life but have a child and raise it to the very best of your ability, you will have done something amazing. You don’t need to conquer the world, or cure cancer. All you need to do is be yourself and be that as fully and completely as you can, and your life will have mattered. That’s all we can ask for, in the end, a life with meaning, a life that made a difference. Your difference does not have to be enormous. You do not need to be Indira Ghandi or Mata Hari. You just need to be yourself, as loudly as you can be. So take a moment every day to remind yourself that you are a woman, and that women are really kind of amazing.
The BEAT wants to hear from our readers. If you have a great story or something that you want us to bring to light, please email beateditor@gmail.com or send an SMS to one of our reporters: Lizzy: 071 910 3088, TK: 076 756 9740 or Justin: 072 388 8568 We would also LOVE to see some of your weird and wonderful photos for our editorial page. Do not delay, just contact us today!
To live with love
Happy Hearts FC player in full flight during their game with Total Surrender. 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. Email: 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.
EDITORIAL POLICY We at the
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
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”1 Corinthians. It seems very simple, when you put it like that, doesn’t it? Patient and kind, polite, calm, forgiving…all of these are traits we should strive for anyway, aren’t they? Of course they are. And yet here, the Bible seems to imply that only your beloved should have this kind of consideration. Only the person you give your life to should have the honor of seeing your best, most loving self. Or does it? ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater.” Mark 12:31. The other commandment in that set is, of course, about loving God. Which nobody can say is not a vital part of a Christian life. But here, it appears that the Bible is saying that you should love your neighbour – by which it does not, of course, mean the person literally living next to you. It means your family, and people you meet on the streets, and random strangers, and absolutely everyone, because after all, it’s a small world. So let’s put these two parts together. Love is patient, and love thy neighbor. Now we’re getting somewhere! You should not just treat those you love with patience, kindness and forgiveness. You shouldn’t refrain from envy or anger just for those you love, but for everyone you meet. Think about it this way: every time you are impatient, or unkind, or rude, to anyone, not just the people who matter to you, you are breaking one of God’s commandments. God wants you to treat every person you meet with the same love, kindness and respect you would give to your husband, or wife, or mother. In an ideal world, you would be able to expect the same kind of loving respect from everyone you meet. Sadly, this is not currently the case, and so you must life as a beacon to others. Live your life according to the Word, and pay no heed to the ways of the world, which would encourage you in selfishness and greed, in hatred and rudeness and unloving ways. Be an example to others in how to live your life in love, as a tribute to the Lord and in obedience to his laws. And that is what you must do. Make a conscious choice to live a life of love, because that’s what God wants you to do.
Page 6
BEAT
30 August, 2013
How child maintenance works Justin Steyn As South Africa ends its Women’s Month celebrations, The BEAT decided to address a challenge that many of our female readers seem to be facing. A maintenance officer at the Bela Bela magistrate’s court, Cecil Masekela, told The BEAT that child maintenance is a law developed which obligates both parents to maintain their children. “It does not matter if the parents of the child or children are divorced, both parties are obligated by law to pay child maintenance once it has been established what the basic needs of the child(ren) is” he said. Applying for maintenance can be done at the magistrate’s court in the district where the applicant resides and is free of charge. The local court will tell the applicant at which court to apply for maintenance where the order for maintenance can be completed via a form. In addition to the completed form the applicant must submit proof of monthly income and expenses, such as receipts for food purchases, electricity and/or rent bill payments. The court will set a date on which the applicant and the respondent must go to the court, and the maintenance officer and an investigator will investigate the claim and circumstances. The court will serve a summons on the respondent to appear in court on a specific date to discuss the matter. The respondent then has a choice between agreeing to pay the maintenance as claimed and contesting
the matter in court. If the respondent agrees to pay the maintenance as claimed, a magistrate will review the relevant documentation. He or she will then make an order, and may decide to do so without requiring the parties to appear in court. If the person who is liable to pay maintenance does not consent to the issuance of an order, he or she must appear in court, where evidence from both parties and their witnesses will be heard. Maintenance payment can be made by cash, bank account or garnishee order. Masekele explained that if the maintenance money is not paid on the specified date, action can only be taken against the person who is responsible for payment if the recipient complains to the maintenance officer and makes a statement under oath. In cases of non-payment the maintenance officer at the local magistrate’s office should therefore be approached as soon as possible. According to the Maintenance Act the officer investigates the complaint and an inquiry may be instituted in the magistrate court. The officer may also need information such as statements under oath or affirmation from persons who may be able to give relevant information concerning the nature of such complaints. Once the investigation has been completed the maintenance payer will be subpoenaed to appear at a criminal trial should he/she have failed to comply with a maintenance order.
BELA BELA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
beateditor@gmail.com@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Executive mayor comments on audit
Executive Mayor of the Waterberg District Tlotlanang Mogotlane congratulated her staff members and stakeholders for contributing in the municipality’s achievement of yet another Clean Audit opinion. Photo supplied Lizzy Bapela The Waterberg District Municipality has managed to obtain yet another clean audit opinion from the Office of the Auditor General, Terrance Nompembe, for 2011/ 2012 financial year. The District Executive Mayor Tlotlanang Mogotlane applauded the municipal council and the staff led by the Accounting Officer Mokopane Letsoalo for the achievement. Mogotlane said that the team has worked tirelessly for the municipality to achieve the clean audit outcome. “As ambassadors of the 2014 Clean Audit Campaign, we are glad that we live up to our mandate. We also congratulate Mogalakwena for being the only municipality in Limpopo to obtain an Unqualified audit opinion and we do hope that they will perform better in the 2013/ 2014 audit outcome,” said the mayor. Mogotlane said that they are continuously giving support to all the six local municipalities in the district to turn the tide
in the management of their finances. She said that there is improvement and the local municipalities are trying their best to meet Generally Recognised Accounting Practice (GRAP) standards. “Since we are in the audit period, we encourage and call upon all our municipalities in the district to make sure that key officials are available to respond, submit information and evidence to the officials from the Auditor-General`s Office. As the only municipality in Limpopo Province to obtain a Clean Audit outcome, we are constantly under pressure to maintain the standard and that feeling makes us to do better. The oversight function played by Council must be intensified to strengthen our leadership role in making sure that we do not only take care of the finance, but also to deliver quality services to communities, said Mogotlane. The district municipality is committed to provide services to communities and further call upon them to support the municipality in its endeavour to create a better life for all. The municipality acknowledges that the service delivery challenges are huge and cannot be resolved overnight, but they shall always do their utmost best to strive to provide quality services to the people in a very special way. The mayor said that they also believe that communities contributed to this achievement by keeping the leaders on their toes on matters of service delivery and attending to Public Participation Programmes (PPP) organised by the municipality. “Let me take this opportunity to thank all stakeholders who participated in this achievement especially the employees of Waterberg District Municipality for their commitment and dedication to this noble cause. Working together we can do more to provide sustainable quality services to our communities,” she concluded.
Private Bag X1609 Bela Bela 0480
NOTICE
DOOR TO DOOR GREENING CAMPAIGN Once again Belabela Municipality has appointed the beneficiaries to complement and improve service delivery specifically on Waste management and Parks and recreation. They will officially start with their operational activities during September and October months respectively in all the wards. The main intention of the whole program is to ensure that our environment is kept clean and green. The beneficiaries for Waste management division will be trained on the 29th and 30th August 2013 .They will then start by embarking on an intensive door to door greening awareness campaign in all the wards simultaneously from 02nd - 05th September 2012 in order to concertize the community about the importance of good waste management and greening practices. This program is also aligned to the National Abor week. Amongst others the campaign will entail visiting households (2nd and 3rd September 2012) and Schools (04th September); liaising with relevant structures within the ward (04th September 2012) and a community cleaning campaign (5th September 2012) at the identified spots. The annual municipal Abor day will then be on the 6th September 2013. The theme of the campaign is "Belabela together on waste". All the waste and environmental related issues, clarifications, updates and information will be given to households in the comfort of their homes on a one - on - one basis. The main intention of the campaign is to try to educate the community and change the perception and attitude to the best benefit of the environment and community at large. We believe that by this way the problem of littering and illegal dumping will be reduced whilst voluntary recycling; tree planting and environmental cleanliness will be emphasised. You are therefore requested to warmly welcome the waste ambassadors in your household and provide full support to the initiative and program as a whole in your area. Remember ....YOUR HEALTH, YOUR ENVIRONMENT, it's YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. Any inputs and clarification on the program please contact the Manager of Social and
LEGALS NOTICE OF SALE IN EXECUTION IN THE GAUTENG NORTH HIGH COURT, PRETORIA
(REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA) CASE NO: 13029/2013 In the matter between: ABSA BANK LIMITED Plaintiff and NUNGU TRADING 576 (PTY) LTD REG NO: 200600119907 1st Defendant MARIA ELIZABETH
LOURENS ID: 820209 0050 083 2nd Defendant In terms of a judgement given by the above mentioned Honourable Court on the 3 May 2013 a writ of execution on immovable property issued, in terms thereof and the subsequent attachement
of the undermentioned property, the undermentioned property will be sold in execution on Friday, 13 September 2013, time 10:00, at the Magistrate Court, Emmenis Street, Nylstroom (Modimolle) by the Sheriff High Court: Nylstroom, at: 10:00, to the highest bid offered. Description of Property: Portion 5 (A Portion of Portion 1) of the Erf 322 Nylstroom Township Registration Division K.R., Limpopo Province Measuring: 710 (Seven one zero) square meters Held by Deed of Transfer: T70914/2007 subject to the conditions therein contained Also known as: Port 5 a portion of Portion 1 of Erf 322, 8 Nicol Street, Nylstroom Improvements: The following information is furnished but not guaranteed: Lounge, kitchen, 2 bathrooms, 5 bedrooms, scullery, walling, paving, patio. Zoning: Residential 1. TERMS The purchase price shall be paid as follows: 1.1 a deposit of 10% (ten percent) of the purchase price shall be paid immediately in cash or bank guaranteed cheque at the date of the sale; 1.2 the balance purchase price shall be paid by way of an acceptable Bank guarantee within 21 (twenty one) days from the date of the sale. 2. CONDITIONS The conditions of the sale will be read out prior to the commencement of the sale, which conditions will be made available for inspection thereof at the offices of the Sheriff High Court: Sheriff Nylstroom, at: 50 Alfred Nzo Street, Nylstroom. Signed at Pretoria on this 22nd day of July 2013. SNYMAN DE JAGER INCORPORATED 6th Floor Bureau Forum Building Bureau Lane, Pretoria, Gauteng Docex 7, Pretoria, P O Box 565, Pretoria. 0001 Tel: (012) 326 1250/Fax: (012) 326 6335 OUR REF: MR A HAMMAN/ R VAN ZYL/F0003312
beateditor@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
School
Belgian MEC visits Spa Park Primary
30 August, 2013
BEAT
Page 7
Barefoot warriors takes the championship by storm
“The focus is mainly on rural schools. A number of trainee educators are sent to different schools each year...”
Belgian MEC for Education Jean-Paul Penskens and new temporary educator Christina Thuys recently visited Bela Bela’ Spa Park and interacted with the learners. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Bela Bela’s Spa Park Primary School was honoured by a visit by the Education MEC from Belgium, Jean-Paul Penskens and his entourage. Delegates from Limburg Province visited the school on Wednesday 21 August, partly to check on the development of the school, since the deployed trainee educators have started working there. Other institutions in Bela Bela that the educators from Belgium are assisting include Huis Talje, Huis Tekna, Mogau Pre-School and Mmamakwa Primary School. The MEC’s office has a joint partnership with the Belgian University’s campus in Pretoria and they assist learners from different schools who are experiencing barriers in learning. The focus is mainly on rural schools. A number of trainee educators are sent to different schools each year for a period of six months to assist the learners and educators with certain subjects and go back to the university to finish their studies afterwards. Two educators, Lisa Moraga-Garcia and Sigrid Weves, have just finished with their six months practical course at Spa Park and have headed back home to obtain their diplomas. Christina Thuys is the new educator, and is expected to start in September and finish off her term in December. Since Belgian assistance commenced, the educators have managed to raise R80 000 worth of funds and assisted in fixing the damaged school property, built a fully equipped technology classroom and fix the Grade R classrooms. The educators also fixed the learners’ playing area and painted the Foundation Phase classrooms. The campus principal Enricho Jacobs, Joan Griessel of Mohau and Spa Park principal Johan Adams invited the MEC to visit to show him the great work that the educators have done for the schools in Bela Bela and to express their gratitude for the charity drive.
In his speech, Penskens applauded Adams and his team of educators for their inspiring collaboration on the great work they are doing with their learners. He said that the learners are showing discipline and are well taught. He also applauded the Belgian educators’ dedication and commitment in making sure that the learners are fully equipped with more skills. Penskens urged the learners to rely on their educators’ capabilities and work with them. The school held a special assembly for the delegates’ visit, with learners welcoming them in song and dance. Some of the learners’ parents also graced the event to witness and interact with the delegates. Adams acknowledged the presence of the delegates and encouraged the learners to study hard to can become great future leaders, as they are the future.
Barefoot warriors Mtlobomi in a celebratory mood. Photo supplied. TK Mashaba Recent performances by Mtlobomi combined School showed that talent trumps almost everything. This Mopane District soccer team, playing barefoot, have won the Under 14 McDonald’s SASFA Schools tournament, held at the Nirvana Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday, 24 August. Mtlobomi, who were dubbed the ‘barefoot warriors’ due to the fact that most of their starting 11 played without soccer boots, qualified for the final after finishing at the top of Group B while their opponents, Wisdom, topped Group A to book their place in the event. Mtlobomi coach Masilo Phillip Malematja couldn’t contain his excitement at winning the tournament. “It means so much for our school to
have won this tournament,” he said. “This was the first time that Mtlobomi participated in the provincial final and we won it. It’s so wonderful for the kids, they are very happy,” he said. He added that tournaments like this one were helpful in keeping children off the streets and inspiring them. He added that most of the youngsters actually did have boots, but preferred to play barefoot as that was what they were more used to. With this victory, Mtlobomi has booked their place in the nationals, which will be held at the Sinaba Stadium in Daveyton on the weekend of 19-21 September. Makuya Matswake was named the Player of the Tournament while Steven Kampa — who stopped two penalties — scooped the Goalkeeper Of The Tournament award.
Page 8
BEAT
30 August, 2013
Baroka FC promoted to National First Division
beateditor@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Social games coming to Bela Bela
These ladies from Gauteng are expected in September for the BBFU games. Photo: TK Mashaba
TK Mashaba
Sifiso Mbhele of Baroka FC and Xolani Zuma of Garankuwa United during the match between Garankuwa United. TK Mashaba Rural giants Baroka FC, who made history two years ago when they beat PSL League titans Moroka Swallows and Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup quarter- and semifinals respectively, have been promoted into the National first Division after winning the Vodacom Championship. During the past week, Baroka played two off-season friendly games against PSL teams. They lost 2-1 to Tshwane’s
Supersport United, and were defeated by Mamelodi Sundowns with a score of 1-0. The BEAT caught up with the team on their way back from Pretoria, and were able to have a brief chat with some team members. “We will be competing on a higher level and are looking forward to the challenge,” said one unnamed player, while another said that the friendlies against the Tshwane-based teams had been a major boost to their confidence.
Preparations for the social games organized by Bela Bela finest United (BBFU), made up of social entrepreneurs in Bela Bela, continues apace. The games will feature 16 teams competing in soccer, netball, volleyball and basketball, as well as entertainment by local DJs. The social games are an initiative by BFU to stimulate social interaction, provide role models and encourage networking within the community, especially among local youth and Bela Bela residents who are currently living and working outside the town. The teams will be drawn from as far away as Gauteng. A number of teams will also be coming from the University of Limpopo, and teams from the University of Johannesburg, Seshego and Lephalale are also expected. The soccer tournaments will feature two local teams against social soccer giants Fat Cats and Majantja, who compete in the Corporate Football League based in Gauteng. These two teams have players from across the corporate world in Gauteng, counting among their
numbers media personality and soccer analyst Shake Kungoane. The games will be held on the 28th September at the Bela Bela Showgrounds and Community Hall. Speaking to The BEAT, spokesperson Matome Sebelebele said that BBFU was facilitating social cohesion, healthy living and sports activism. “Through these social games we are also promoting sports tourism and social cohesion within out community. We want to cement Bela Bela as a tourist destination of choice as well as a playground for social games for the youth and the aged,” he said. Sebelebele called on local businesses to support and sponsor the initiative. “This is an excellent opportunity for organized business to showcase their products and services to the community,” he said. “Recently, Bela Bela played host to the International 5150 Triathlon and is due to host the SABC Interprovincial Games featuring seven radio stations and their personalities. The town will also soon host the Provincial Golden Games featuring the oldest people in the province competing in different sports codes.
Date of arbitration case to be announced ahead of SAB playoffs TK Masahaba The SAB promotional playoffs date will finally be decided this week after it was decided by SAFA’s provincial offices that an arbitration session would be held within this week. The arbitration case is between two Capricorn teams in the SAB League, and will be a deciding factor in which team will be joining the SAFA League in the new season. Pat Seema of the SAFA Provincial
League told The BEAT on Monday that the committee was expected to meet during this week to finalize the case. Waterberg District will be represented by Lephalale-based Ocean Birds, while Vhembe will be represented by Joe Express. Mopane District will be represented by Winners Park. Zero Fakes from Vhembe were relegated at the 2012/2013 season after a dismal season.
Advertise in The BEAT 014 736 2723
Bela Bela Forever Resorts held this year’s 5150 international event on Saturday, 24 August. Participants engaged in sports activities such as swimming and cycling.