The Beat 4 October 2013

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4 October 2013

Cruel crime shocks Vaalwater residents

The shop in Vaalwater where the incident allegedly occurred. Photo Supplied Marlene Vermaak Two shop owners from Vaalwater are being accused of the rape of five children.

These shop owners are both from Ethiopian origin, but have been operating in the Vaalwater area for quite some time.

They are 24 and 28 years old, respectively, and the children they are accused of raping are all under the age of 8.

Captain Mpete of the Vaalwater Police

station said that they arrested the accused men as soon as the parents rushed to police station and explained the situation. The case was thereafter referred to the Child Protection Services Department of the South African Police Force, because of its seriousness.

The parents of the children allegedly send them off to the Spaza shop to buy food and other household goods; they immediately suspected something happened when the children returned in a chaotic condition. The children were

also very emotional, and said that they were attacked inside the shop.

The children finally explained what had happened to the parents, who then went to the Vaalwater Police station for help.

Members of the community are extremely upset by this terrible incident, and elders in the area said they are waiting to make these men pay for what they have done.

The men appeared in the Modimolle court again on Tuesday 1 October, to ask for bail to be set.

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4 October, 2013

Crime round-up

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SAPS apprehends one of their own Lizzy Bapela

Lizzy Bapela

Saturday, 28 September Three men were arrested in Mookgophong for allegedly assaulting a woman at a local tavern. The suspects told the police during questioning that the complainant cursed at them and then an argument erupted as a result.

Police spokesperson George Ledwaba said that the matter did not have concrete information, as both the complainant and the suspects were beating around the bush about the truth of the matter. The suspects appeared before the Mookgophong Magistrate’s Court on a charge of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) on Monday, 30 September. Ledwaba further said that the suspects were released on bail of R150 each and are expected back in court on Friday, 25 October. He added that the complainant has been released from the Voortrekker Hospital in Mokopane and is recovering at home.

Friday, 27 September Police in Modimolle embarked on an overnight operation and as a result, they arrested four people for driving under the influence of alcohol and 17 for public drinking.

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer James Findlay sad that no serious cases were reported during and after the operation, as visibility was strengthened and the members were working hard to eradicate any criminality. He said that the police visited all liquor outlets to check compliance and whether they were closing on time or not and everything was under control.

Monday, 30 September The police in Pienaarsrivier are investigating a case of armed robbery, following an incident that happened on the R101 next to Mantsole traffic office. Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Maxwell Nkanyane said that three suspects attacked and robbed a foreign businessman at gunpoint.

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The complainant told the police that he was on his way from Hammanskraal to deliver stock for other businesses close by when the incident happened. He said that a Mercedes Benz stopped him with the hazards on and one of the occupants in the back produced a police appointment certificate. The complainant further said that the other suspects also emerged from the car and started attacking him, demanding money and anything that he had. The suspects took off in their getaway vehicle, with the complainant’s R10 000 and groceries valued at an undisclosed amount of money and left him with his car.

After a while the police passed by and the complainant approached them for help and explained everything to them. He was then taken to the local police station to open a case and was later released. Nkanyane said that the suspects are still at large and the complainant told the police he could not get their car registration numbers.

Monday, 30 September A suspect appeared before the BelaBela Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 1 October in connection with a case of possession of hijacked truck, an incident that took place in Heidelberg.

According to the Bela Bela police spokesperson Constable Glen Manamela, a man opened a case of truck hijacking at the Heidelberg Police Station, whereupon the police there contacted their colleagues from Bela-Bela to help look out for the truck.

Through investigations, the Bela-Bela police learned that the truck was actually on the way from the Pienaarsrivier side to Limpopo, via the N1 route. Manamela said that the Bela-Bela police searched for the truck and found it the Settlers off-ramp and the Eersbewoond Bridge near Bela Bela. The driver was arrested on the spot and charged with the possession of a hijacked truck. She added that the suspect is now facing another charge of truck hijacking, a case that is being investigated by the Heidelberg Police.

Meanwhile, the suspect, Vusi Kenneth Zwane was remanded in custody and his case is expected to proceed on Monday, 7 October for formal bail application.

Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.

-Louisa May Alcott

A police constable and his five accomplices are expected to appear before the Lephalale Magistrates’ Court shortly, following their arrest in connection with housebreaking and illegal possession of fire-arms.

Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said that the suspects were arrested at their homes on Sunday, 29 September and charged with business burglary, theft and illegal possession of fire-arms and ammunition. He added that the 27-yearold police constable is stationed at the Detectives Unit at the Witpoort Police Station near Liphalale.

Mulaudzi said that the suspects broke into a liquor store during the night of Saturday, 28 September and fled with liquor to the approximate value of R15 000. He added that the suspects broke down a door and part of the wall to gain entry to the store.

The owner of the store discovered the break-in early on the morning of Sunday, 29 September and reported the matter to the police immediately.

Mulaudzi said the police followed up on the information received and arrested the constable at his house. He added that some of the stolen liquor was recovered in his possession.

The police also confiscated two unlicensed fire-arms, both 9 mm pistols and ammunition during their search at the premises. Mulaudzi said that serial numbers of the fire-arms were filed off and the origin is being investigated.

The six were charged when they appeared briefly before the Lephalale Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 1 October.

Meanwhile, the National Police Commissioner General Riah Phiyega has reportedly said that she is monitoring the arrest of police personnel for suspected criminal activities on a weekly basis to ensure that action is taken. Phiyega reacted to reports that almost 200 police had been arrested in July and August for crimes ranging from murder, rape and robbery to corruption and possession of drugs.

She indicated that she has introduced monitoring of some of these incidents.

Phiyega said that she receives a weekly report that will tell her how many police were arrested for that week, where they were arrested and which stations and provinces.

“It will also give an analysis of the nature of crimes that they are involved in but not only that, I want to know what happened, what have we done internally etc,” said Phiyega.

Also, the DA said reports that more than 190 police officers have been arrested for various crimes in the past two months come as no surprise, considering the controversy that is surrounding the force. The party’s Dianne Kohler Barnard said that this is making the public lose confidence in the police. Barnard was quoted saying that there should never ever be an SAPS member who is arrested and charged with any crime at all.

“What we have is a service that is something that will not be trusted by our civilians. They have seen criminal actions, they have heard of criminal actions, they now have proof of criminal actions,” he said.

September crime round up Justin Steyn A new issue arose at the September BelaBela Community Police Forum meeting (CPF) concerning the cattle at Towoomba.

Chairperson of the meeting, Col. Sibongile Ndaba, said that a ticket system had been put in place which fines cattle owners if their cattle are found wondering in areas where they are endangering public safety.

Chris Sonnekus of the agricultural research centre in Towoomba stressed that some of the cattle owners do not brand their owners which often makes it difficult to trace the owners when stray cattle is found.

Ndaba suggested that the Municipal bylaws be consulted before the issue could be addressed. It was also suggested that animals or cattle that are being kept in residential areas without authorization be attended to.

The Bela-Bela police reported an increase in crimes such as house robberies, murder, rape and assault.

Ndaba stated that a large amount of theft has occurred at the Spar Centre and suggested that new security measures be put in place to avoid crime.

“It appears to me that the guards on duty at that centre are more concerned with helping customers push their trolleys in order to receive tips than they are with the actual security of the area,” she said.

Issues of substance abuse and underage drinking were raised by the

department of education.

It was reported that children younger than 18 years of age are spending time at taverns and police assistance is needed.

The department also urgently requested police visibility at Bela-Bela secondary and Maope secondary school to ensure learners do not partake in activities such as substance abuse or underage drinking.

Potholes seem to be an increasing concern among road users. Pieter Wagner of the Farmer’s union said that the majority of potholes have been filled in Modimolle but he has noticed an increase in potholes at Tweefontein.

The department of roads and transport responded by stating that their Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) has been put in place and will assist in repairing the potholes.

Logisitics company Barloworld, reported that Bela-Bela was the safest place for their truck drivers to stop over for the night on route to their destinations. In the previous meeting it was stressed that trucks are not allowed to stop in town as it was discovered that truck drivers are often involved in illegal activities such as theft and prostitution.

It was suggested that the matter be enquired at the Bela-Bela traffic department.

The next CPF meeting will take place on Wednesday 30 October.

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Family and friends in shock after popular youth’s sudden death

Gone too soon: William Sathekge.

Photo Supplied TK Mashaba An unnamed friend of William Sathekge told The BEAT that on the day before his death William, known as Willie to his friends, had shown no signs of illness before his sudden death. He said that he was told when he arrived to visit his friend that Willy had died and that the hearse had just left with his friend’s body.

“I am still in shock over his death and I still feel at times that life isn’t fair, but what can we say. We will never know what happened because the only person who can tell us the truth is

BEAT

4 October, 2013

gone,” he said.

Willy died suddenly at 17:00 on Wednesday, 25 September. Police spokesperson Glenda Manamela said that the family suspected heart failure, but the post-mortem would confirm his cause of death.

“He was a fun-loving person and he always loved jokes, and every time he made new friends he would bring them home with him so that his family could meet them,” said his sister Merriam Sathekge, talking about William’s easy manner and his knack for making friends.

“We are going to miss his presence in this family,” she added.

One of William’s closest friends, Johannes Ranoto, told The BEAT that he felt as though he had lost a brother in William.

“I called him my brother because we spent most of our time together,” said Sello. “We used to go partying together.

He was a fun-loving person, he never missed a Spin City event where guys will do motorcade and spin cars,” he added.

He added that the thing he would miss most about William was his tendency to nickname people. According to Sello, whenever William met a new friend, he would almost always come up with a nickname that was shortly universal.

The BEAT’s hearts go out to William’s family and friends in this difficult time.

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Developments since latest protest march

It has been almost two months since Bela-Bela residence joined hand in what was the biggest protest march to date. Photo:Justin Steyn Justin Steyn It has been nearly two months since BelaBela residents took to the streets in what was almost certainly the biggest protest march to date.

Those who took part were raising their concerns about poor service and alleged corruption within the municipality.

After a memorandum stating the demands of the residents, had been handed over Bela-Bela mayor, Freddy Hlungwane, he said that he has taken note of the issues raised and they will be attended to.

The BEAT has on numerous occasions inquired about the developments since the protest to which municipal spokesperson, Matome Sebelebele, responded that he does not have the information available.

In a recent interview with a reliable source, The BEAT was told that there have been quite a number of developments that have

taken place since the march.

“A meeting with the municipality was held at the end of August and a committee has been established which involved the cooperation from both municipal officials and residents,” said the source.

It was explained that the aim of the committee is to assist the municipality in cost effective ways when addressing public matters or concerns.

Bela-Bela Concerned Residents (BBCR) spokesperson, Martin Manala, said that the BBCR had written to the Limpopo Premier, Stan Mathabatha, regarding issues that the group still faces.

“We have written a letter to the premier whom we invited to visit the community where we will be addressing our grievances especially concerning education in the town,” he said.

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4 October, 2013

Modimolle community educated about food security

Lambert Moloto of the Department of Agriculture in the Waterberg District addressed people during an event on food security programme. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela The Department of Agriculture in the Waterberg District educated the people of Modimolle about the department’s food security programme during an event that took place at the Correctional Services centre on Thursday, 26 September.

The department’s chief agriculture technician Lambert Moloto delivered a keynote address during the meeting, briefing the audience about food security and commemorating Heritage Day at the same time.

In his address, Moloto indicated that food security also contributes to poverty alleviation. He said the term refers to the ability of individuals to obtain sufficient food on a dayto-day basis. He further gave a background on the initiative, indicating that the right to food is enshrined in international and national law. Moloto said that the right to access to sufficient food was embedded in Section 26 and 27 of the South African Constitutional law of 1996. The constitution

indicates that every South African citizen has a right to sufficient food, water and social security.

Two indigenous trees were planted on the day as part of cultural activity for Heritage day, which was observed in various ways.

Only traditional food was served during the event, with attendees sparkling with colourful traditional wear and dresses as part of the celebration of the highly observed day.

Attendees also sang traditional songs and were encouraged to persuade children to get more involved in the agricultural sector.

Moloto regarded the occasion as a good example of the department’s personnel to integrate their efforts in bringing a marked change in the lives of the community.

He said that in light of the initiative, the department was mandated to develop agricultural policies and support programmes to ensure that communities are given agricultural opportunities that will enable them to meet their basic food needs.

According to research, food security was reprioritized as one of the top priorities for South African government in the 2010/2011 financial year and this was also announced in the State of Nation Address in 2010).

This is in line with South Africa’s millennium development goal, which aims to halve the proportion of people who go hungry over the period 1990 and 2015 and to halve poverty and unemployment by 2014.

Moloto said that the department’s major role is, among others is to ensure that opportunities are created to encourage communities to participate in agriculture and produce to reduce food insecurity in the country.

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Still time to register for the 2014 elections Andries van der Heyde Citizens who wish to register for the 2014 National Elections have missed the second registration campaign unless they made contact with an election official who was making the rounds through Bela Bela on the weekend of the 13th to the 15th September.

The next national elections will be held between April and July 2014, with the exact dates still to be confirmed.

Residents who met individuals claiming to be from the IEC during the weekend of the 15th need not have worried, as these individuals were indeed duly appointed to go from house to house in order to assist with registrations.

Mafa Netshivhambe of the IEC in Bela Bela told Die Pos that the first registration drive, held in February this year, had not had positive results, as not enough people attempted to register.

That, she explained, is why this second registration drive was decided upon.

If residents mistook the IEC officials for scammers and turned them away, or if they were not home when the officials arrived, they will have to make use of alternative registration methods or wait until the next drive.

She added that there will be new voting stations opened at Bela Bela in order to accommodate the increase in population and reduce wait times.

Laerskool Warmbad will remain a voting station as it has always been, and among the new additions is the NG Moedergemeente church grounds.

Those who are in the ward contained between Voortrekker, Grobler/ Robbertson Street, Kretchmar and Flamboyant, should register at the NG church.

The next registration weekend will be held on Saturday, 9, and Sunday, 10 November at the NG church and Laerskool Warmbad, and then there will be another registration drive at some point during February next year, according to Netshivhambe.

“If people feel that they cannot come out to the stations, they can contact us and we will send representatives who will register them on the election roll,” said Netshivhambe.

The IEC on Bela Bela may be contacted at 014 736 8006. The commission notes that in order to be able to vote residents must be over 16 years of age, a South African citizen and in possession of a valid South African identity document.

The voting stations for Bela Bela and surrounds are as follows: Ward 1: NG Moedergemeente Warmbad and Laerskool Warmbad.

Ward 4: the park in Extension 5, Antioch River Church in Extension 6, the Towoomba hall, Roodekuil café, Mathinta combined school, Settlers Agricultural school and Extension 8.

Ward 6: Hleketani Primary school.

Ward 7: The double story house in Extension 6, Emmarentia Geldenhuys, Tsakane and Bela-Bela Christian Church.

Ward 9: Platrivier café and the BelaBela show grounds.

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BEAT

4 October, 2013

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Photo of the week Random acts of kindness I saw the saddest thing in the world on television, this Monday.

Everyone has heard about the Westgate Mall terrorist attack, of course. The violence, the deaths.

And you feel for those people, you really do, because that’s the point of terrorism. It can happen to anyone, anywhere. Any time you have something that someone else wants, you’re at risk.

In the case of Mbugua Mwangi and Rosemary Wahito, what they had was a future. The couple were shopping for wedding rings at the start of the attack.

They were buried together on Friday, 27 September. Rosemary was in her wedding gown. This couple who should have had their whole lives in front of them, buried together.

And why?

Because someone, somewhere, got the idea that if you kill enough people, then those in power will start to listen. It’s the ultimate check-mate. Because you can say ‘we do not negotiate with terrorists’ until you’re blue in the face and it won’t help terror’s victims. They’ll still be dead. You can’t cave in, though, because the next idiot with a big idea and a big gun will look at that example and think ‘hey, it worked for them!

Why wouldn’t it work for me as well?’ Call it what you will. Catch22, check-mate, no-win situation.

Once terrorists have decided to make you a target, there’s nothing you can do but stand strong and wait it out.

What can we, as ordinary citizens, do about terror?

Government will tell you that you need to be suspicious, that you need to be wary.

That’s fine. Those things may help.

But the biggest thing you can possibly do is a random act of kindness.

Make every day a string of small random kindnesses. Smile at strangers. Help those who need it.

Be polite. Be caring. Be sensitive.

Accept differences. Don’t try to force your beliefs on someone else.

Will that stop a terror attack?

Probably not.

But if we all work together and consciously act out kindness in our everyday life, we can change the world. Our government is fond of the motto ‘working together we can do more,’ and it’s true.

Working together, we can make the world a better, kinder, more accepting place.

If every one of us takes the time to make the world better in a small way, every day of our lives, think of the cumulative effect that will have! Think of six billion people taking ten minutes out of their day, every day, to make someone else’s life a little bit easier.

The human race working together can do anything. We are the greatest resource we have, and every moment we squander our energy on hate is a moment wasted, is a step back from fulfilling our true potential.

Commit a random act of kindness today. Do your bit to change the world.

A fire by the side of the road in Pienaarsrivier on a farm provides a perfect photo opportunity. Photos: TK Mashaba

What can parents do to help children become courageous in the face of fear Bishop Silas Tlou

Tel: (011) 447-1264/5/6

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Fear is something all people face.

From the time we’re babies, there are things that scare us—both real and imagined. For children, fear can be an overwhelming emotion.

It’s hard for our little ones to be courageous when threats seem so big, they feel so small, and they cannot stop their knees from trembling. During the elementary or primary years, our children’s anxieties turn from imaginary circumstances—such as scary monsters under their beds—to more internal concerns.

Thoughts about rejection from friends can become predominant, as can the fear of failure. As children become involved in team sports or other activities where competition can be intense, their self-esteem can be damaged if others don’t acceptance them or they do not achieve the goals they have for themselves. As a result, they may begin to worry that they are somehow unlovable or unacceptable.

What can parents do to help children become courageous in the face of fear? A few things that may help include: Pray about it. -Pray aloud with your child about the concerns and fears he’s experiencing. This helps your child know you take his thoughts and emotions seriously, and that you trust in God to help him. Remember, right now you’re the greatest person of influence in your child’s life. Modeling prayer for him will go a long way.

Talk about it. -Conversations with your children are never wasted.

These precious early years of their lives are foundational for building your life-long relationships with them. Take advantage of the brief moments you have together to get in touch with your children’s feelings about their daily activities. Share with them about times in your own life when it’s been difficult to be courageous, and how you learned to trust God to help you.

Read about it. -Take time to read key Bible verses and stories with your child about biblical characters who also faced fearful situations.

The Word is full of encouragement to children about how faithful God is to comfort us in our times of need.

One Bible verse that is helpful for children to remember is, “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You” (Ps. 56:3).

Remind your children that regardless of where they are or the circumstances they encounter, God is always with them. They can trust Him to guide them through scary situations to lives of courageous obedience.

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LEGALS NOTICE OF SALE IN EXECUTION IN THE NORTH GAUTENG HIGH COURT - PRETORIA (REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA) CASE NUMBER: 45506/12 In the matter between: FIRST RAND BANK LIMITED Plaintiff and LINNIES BOERDERY CC First Defendant LINDA EURIKE SCHOEMAN Second Defendant In Execution of a Judgement of the North Gauteng High Court - Pretoria, in the suit, a sale with a reserve to the highest bidder, will be held by the Sheriff Bela-Bela at the Sheriff’s Office, 52 Robertson Avenue, Bela-Bela on 16 October 2013 at 11H00 of the undermentioned property of the Defendant/s on the conditions which may be inspected at the offices of the Sheriff, prior to the sale.

CERTAIN: Portion 116 (A Portion of Portion 10) of the farm Roodepoort No 467 situated at Portion 116 (A Portion of Portion 10) of the farm Roodepoort No 467, Bela-Bela MEASURING: 21,4133 Hectares Held by Deed of Transfer No T8741/2000; subject to all terms and conditions therein contained ZONED: Agricultural purposes IMPROVEMENTS: (Please note that nothing is Guaranteed and/or no Warranty is given in respect thereof) 1) Dwelling comprising of lounge,dining room, living room, kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms 2) Dwelling comprising of lounge, dining room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, bathroom Outbuildings 3 storerooms, cooler, 2 labour quaters The Nature, extent, condition and existence of the improvements are not guaranteed and/ or no warranty is given in respect thereof and are sold “VOETSTOOTS” 1. The purchaser shall pay Auctioneer’s commission subject to a maximum of R8 750.00 plus vat and a minimum of R440.00 plus vat.

2. A deposit of 10% of purchase price immediately on demand by the Sheriff. The balance of purchase price and any such interest payable, shall be paid to the Sheriff against transfer and shall be secured by a bank guaranteed), to be approved by the Plaintiff’s Attorney, which shall be furnished to the Sheriff within 21 days after the date of sale.

3. The rules of Auction are available 24 hous prior to the Auction at the offices of the Sheriff Bela-Bela, 52 Robertson Avenue, Bela-Bela. The office of the Sheriff Bela-Bela will conduct the sale. Registration as a buyer is a pre-requisite subject to conditions, Inter Alia: (a) Directive of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (URL http://www.infp.gov.za/ v i e w / DownloadFileAction?id=99961)

For a speedy & friendly service call: Jan: 073 1593 875 •Home: 014 737 8373 •Fax: 014 737 1577 Makwela: 071 490 3030

4 October, 2013 (b) Fica-Legislation proof of identity and address particulars. (c) Payment of a registration fee of R2 000.00 in cash. (d) Registration conditions.

The aforesaid sale shall be subject to the conditions of sale which may be inspected at the office of the Sheriff Bela-Bela, 52 Robertson Avenue, BelaBela.

Dated at Pretoria on 10th September 2013 RORICH WOLMARANS & LUDERITZ INC Attorney for Plaintiff Block C, Equity Park 257 Brooklyn Road Brooklyn, Pretoria Reference: (F306866.B1/VD BURG/LVDW) Telephone: (012 362 8990).

NOTICE This notice serves to inform landowners, lawful occupants and interested and affected parties of the farms Sedan 654 KS and Ongegund 675 KS, situated in the Mookgophong local Municipality that Next Wave Investments (Pty) Ltd has submitted a prospecting right applications in terms of section 16 of MPRDA act 2002. You are hereby given an opportunity to submit your concerns within 21 days to Mr. Cecil Khosa on: 086 636 4839 or mail@jomela.co.za BELA-BELA LAND USE SCHEME, 2008 APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL CONSENT IN TERMS OF CLAUSE 21 OF THE BELA-BELA LAND-USE SCHEME, 2008, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF A TELECOMMUNICATION MAST AND BASE STATION Notice is hereby given that, in terms of Clause 21 of the BelaBela Land-Use Scheme, 2008, we the undersigned, intend applying to the Bela-Bela Municipality for Special Consent for the construction and operation of telecommunication mast and base station on the Remaining Extent of Portion 3 of the Farm Verloren 452 KR zoned as “Agricultural”, situated at 12 km from Bela-Bela on the R101 towards Modimolle.

Plans and particulars relating to the application may be inspected during office hours at the address of the Applicant: 414 Rustic Road, Silvertondale, Pretoria or at the offices of the Manager: Planning and Development, Bela-Bela Municipality, Chris Hani Drive, Bela-Bela.

Any person having any objections to the granting of this application must lodge such objection together with the grounds thereof in writing, with both the Manager: Planning and Development, BelaBela Municipality and the undersigned not later than 25 October 2013.

Applicant details.

VUKANI INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING SERVICES INC. PO Box 32017, Totiusdal, 0134 414 Rustic Road, Silvertondale, 0184 Tel: 012 804 1504, Fax: 012 804 7072/086 690 0468 E-mail: info@infraplan.co.za Reference Number: T10604 (4/10)

Trees are a source of life

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Minister and entourage give hope to Rapotokwane residents ‘We did not know where these people belong. At first, we thought they belong in Mpumalanga but we later realized that they belong here in Limpopo,’...

Lizzy Bapela

Community members listened attentively to the addresses during the arbour Day event in Vaalwater. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela The community of Vaalwater witnessed and participated in a tree planting session held at the Mabatlane Thusong Service Centre on Thursday, 19 September. The centre hosted the event in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET). The event was meant to commemorate Arbour Day and educate local communities on the importance of trees. The day was also celebrated under the theme “trees heal, clean the air and provide food and oxygen”.

Participants planted trees at Mabatlane Thusong Service Centre, Leseding Clinic, Meetsetshehla High school and Mahlasedi Primary School.

Isaac Mokoena from LEDET shared with the community that global warming is the result of excess greenhouse gases, which are created by burning fossil fuels and said that these destroy the tropical rainforests.

“Heat from the sun, reflects back from the earth and is trapped in this thickening layer of gases causing global temperatures to rise. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major greenhouse gas. Trees absorb CO2, removing and storing the carbon while releasing the oxygen back into the air.

Trees absorb odours and

pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulphur dioxide and ozone) and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark. Trees also prevent soil erosion and create economic opportunities,” said Mokoena.

He raised a concern that while driving into Vaalwater to attend the event, he saw men and women carrying wood on wheelbarrows from the forest.

“This shows that people still destroy the environment for personal use. He said that people should preserve the environment for the future generation, adding that “we cannot survive without trees”.

Mokoena further encouraged community members to continue planting trees for a greener environment, saying that trees which do not need more water for survival should be planted.

Manager for the centre Stan Tema highlightyed the fact that trees are important as they decorate the environment, prevent soil erosion caused by natural disasters, provide us with fruit, medicine and supply us with oxygen and shade. He added that campaigns on the importance of trees should be intensified in their area Mabatlane to can educate the community, as they cut trees on a daily basis and this is destroying nature.

A visit by Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi and his entourage to Rapotokwane Village has brought hope to the local residents. The Minister had a tour to the Waterberg on Wednesday, 25 and Thursday, 26 September, accompanied by his deputy Jeremy Cronin and Limpopo MEC for Public Works Dickson Masemola, along with senior government officials.

Minister Nxesi and his entourage visited the area, which has about 3 500 households, ahead of the Minister and Members of Executive Council (Minmec) meeting that was scheduled for Bela Bela on Thursday, 26 September.

Masemola indicated that Rapotokwane has been neglected for a long time.

“We did not know where these people belong. At first, we thought they belong in Mpumalanga but we later realized that they belong here in Limpopo,” he said.

The entourage visited the local tribal council offices, library and two schools in Bela Bela, namely Khabele Primary and Thusanang Special School. The structures were recently built as part of bringing services to the community that has been neglected. Other projects taking place in the area currently include road construction and a bridge.

During interviews with the national media about the minister’s visit to the area, local residents said that they now feel they have a home and hope that more services will be brought to them, as they were neglected for a very long time.

The residents mentioned that they still needed more services such as water, electricity and schools.

Regardless of the state of life in the area, the residents welcomed the minister and his entourage with warm hearts. They raised concerns, saying that they ask for the government to build more schools, as there are very few schools in the area. The Limpopo provincial government formally recognized the Rapotokwane community three years ago.

Speaking at the newly built library, Nxesi called on the local community to protect the library, as it belongs to them. The minister noted that there was a need for more services to be delivered to the local community.

Masemola assured the local community that the provincial government will monitor progress in the area.

“We are aware that the community has been neglected for a very long time. We are now going to ensure that services are brought to the area,” said the MEC. The people of Rapotokwane have heard promises from different leaders previously and are still being filled with the same promises to date.

Former Limpopo premier Cassel Mathale and his then cabinet of MECs previously visited the area and promised to attend to the residents’ concerns and complaints such as the need for water, electricity, unemployment and lack of schools.

Former Public Works Thabitha Mohlala also visited the area a few years ago, mainly focusing on the rebuilding of the local tribal offices. At least this need was attended to and the offices have now being built, meaning the department at least understood the residents’ needs.

When tabling her department’s recent provincial Budget Vote, Mohlala highlighted that the department embarked on an ambitious task to test its capacity to deliver projects using its internal expertise.

She said that although they still need more technically skilled personnel, she was pleased to announce that the men and women of Public Works were equal to the task when they built the Rapotokwane Traditional Council Offices.

Meanwhile, the former Limpopo MEC for the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Dipuo LetsatsiDuba’s recent budget speech indicated that the area’s library construction project was near completion.

Former Roads and Transport MEC Pinky Kekana’s recent budget speech also indicated that plans were at an advanced stage to construct a road that connects the Rapotokwane and Litho communities in Witlaagte. She said that this will help unleash the economic potential of this community, as an amount of R43 million has been set aside for two bridges in other districts and the Witlaagte road.

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

4 October, 2013

Moshia School receives water system

Lizzy Bapela

Moshia Secondary School Choir performing during handover ceremony.

Marlene Vermaak Investigations conducted at Moshia Secondary School indicated that the school was entirely reliant on the borehole which also supplies water to Alma informal settlement. Unfortunately, the borehole’s yield is frequently unreliable. During such outages, the school is forced to close until water supply is restored, thus causing disruptions to learning.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, Aquila Resources has recently funded the construction of a 32 000 liter water storage and reticulation system, as well as a 10 000 liter water storage tank to be utilized for watering the school’s garden. The system ensures that the school will now have a 15 day supply of water available during times when the borehole is not functioning and thereby eliminates learning disruptions resulting from the lack of water supply.

To mark this contribution, an official handover ceremony was held on 18 September.

During the ceremony Mr Vinesh Devchander, Limpopo Department of Mineral Resources’s Deputy Director of Mine Economics addressed the whole school and guest. He explained that all mineral resources in South Africa belong to the state, and that the state is the custodian of all mineral rights. He introduced Aquila Resources as a company that has earned the right to prospect in the Waterberg area, between Alma and Thabazimbi. The company‘s specific

focus is on finding enough resources to start an iron ore project/mine.

Devchander also focused a lot on explaining that water is a recyclable resource and not renewable. He said: “What we are doing now, will force our decisions regarding water availability in future”.

Devchander believes that investing in education is important, and that South Africans can expect a second mining boom which is going to need skilled workers with appropriate qualifications.

Another very inspiring speech came from Mashadi Monaledi, who grew up and went to school in Hammanskraal, and is now the Sustainability Officer of Aquila Resources in South Africa.

She spoke of how every school child should strive to do their best, and said “the dedication of students at Moshia Secondary School was what lead me to wanting to help them.

I know from personal experience that a good education is a good foundation”.

Aquila Resources is a company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX), they have project interests in iron ore, coal and manganese. They are currently listed as one of the top 100 public companies in Australia. Aside from the project in the Waterberg area, they are also busy in the Northern Cape province of South Africa with a coal project called Avontuur. Mr Johann van Breda from the Aquila Resources South African office in Johannesburg also addressed the crowd, saying “we use the resources that we have to

Page 7

Vaalwater learners get motivated

Isaac Moshoeu from LEDET shared information with the learners on career opportunities in Tourism.

Photo: Lizzy Bapela

The water tank that was installed at Moshia Secondary School. Photo supplied

BEAT

Grade 12 learners from Meetsetshehla and Leseding High Schools in Vaalwater got motivated during a Career Information Day that took place at their schools on Thursday, 19 September.

The campaign was an initiative by the Waterberg Government Communication and Information Systems (GCIS), in partnership with ESKOM, the Departments of Economic Development; Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Labour, Agriculture, Social Development and Corporative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA). The campaign was held under the theme: “improve the quality of basic education and create a skilled and capable workforce”.

Spokesperson for the GCIS Maria Ramoshaba said the aim of the campaign was to empower students by educating them about career paths and bursary opportunities in various institutions. The learners were also taught about compiling curriculum vitaes (CVs) and starting their own projects so that they can also create employment.

Ramoshaba said that this is in line

with government’s vision for prioritising education to ensure that learners from disadvantaged families have access to bursaries to further their studies. She added that it is common knowledge that some youths are unable to reach tertiary education due to the lack of information on career opportunities and bursaries offered by private and public sectors.

“Some who have matriculated still do not have information on which career to follow. Some learners do not apply on time and this results in their applications being rejected. Democracy has created many opportunities and it is important for the learners to make use of them,” she said.

Emmanuel Ravhudzulo from the Department of Labour encouraged learners to know their strengths, weaknesses and interests. He said that these factors dictate a person‘s desire and capability for doing a given job. Ravhudzulo encouraged matriculants to visit his office so that they can be assisted with compiling CVs and for coaching on how to answer questions during job interviews.

Phillemon Mashiane of the Department of Social Development, who works as a Community Development Practitioner, said that anything can be achieved and it takes a little bit of inspiration and lot of perspiration, quoting Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light-bulb, who said ‘Genius is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration’.

He said that he received a bursary from the department to study Community Development for 3 years and they employed him after he completed his studies.

Presenter after presenter urged the learners to consider scarce skills in order to achieve development outcomes such as acquiring critical skills in order to improve the employability.

They said that the learners will be able to enter the labour market or selfemployment on the impact level. Some examples of scarce skills in South Africa include science technicians in various fields, such as agriculture, medicine, chemistry, food beverages, architectural, building and surveying technicians.

The man who just can’t quit studying

Dr Stephen Shuti Khumalo. Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba The BEAT took some time this week to chat with one of Bela Bela’s great minds. Dr Shuti Khumalo was born in Bela Bela then moved to Winterveldduring his school years. He completed his matric here in 1985 at Bela Bela High School. Currently, he is occupied helping the Bela Bela Educational Advocacy Grouup (BBEAG) with advice as well as delivering motivation to Grader 12 learners to improve matric

results, and also finds time to sit on the boards of various NGOs. In Modimolle, he is the chairman of Lereko Life Improvement, an NGO with an interest in assisting traumatized and vulnerable members of society. The NGO boasts highly qualified specialists such as clinical psychologists.

He worked as a private teacher after school and attended Sekhukhune College of Education and graduated with a Senior Primary Diploma in Education.

Later, while working as a teacher, he enrolled at UNISA and obtained his BA in Communication and Psychology.

Having obtained that, however, he didn’t stop there. He currently holds a Ph.D in Management and a BA in Human Resources Development, and is currently writing the last two modules to obtain his Honours degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology with special emphasis in Organizational Development with the intention of obtaining a Master’s degree in the same field.

He is also the author of the novel ‘The Enemies of a Dream’ published by Critical Creative, as well as several academic texts.

And besides all of that, he is also the school principal at Maokeng Primary School in Modimolle.

Page 8

BEAT

4 October, 2013

Regional SAFA officials to visit teams ahead of new season

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

15 selected for School of Excellence

SAB Regional League Manager Refiloe Khoza Daine Klate of Orlando Pirates. Photo supplied TK Mashaba

TK Mashaba Regional officials from SAFA (the South African Football Association) will be visiting local teams ahead of the 2013/ 2014 SAB League season.

SAB Regional League Manager Refiloe Khoza told The BEAT that they will be going on visits to teams from all three streams to get the teams ready for the new season.

“We will be visiting Stream A and B on Saturday, 12 October and Stream C on Sunday, 13 October,” she said.

The purpose of the visits to the teams is to inform the team of any last-minute details and to ensure that all the teams are fully compliant within SAFA rules and regulations.

Stream A includes teams from Bela Bela and Modimolle and Stream B has teams from Mogalakwena and Mookgophong, while Stream C sources its teams from Lephalale and Thabazimbi.

The last season was filled with drama with referees being assaulted, official infighting and even a team taking SAFA to the High Court. 2012/2013 also saw SAFA introducing cluster streams to the SAB League, as a way to encourage struggling teams to participate well within the league by providing games closer to home. The last season was won by new boys Ocean Birds from Lephalale.

Khoza said that SAFA was planning to open the league on the 26th of October or the 2nd November.

Fifteen local players were selected to join the School of Excellence in Gauteng. The lucky players were selected on Sunday, 29 September at Bela Bela’s Sunfa stadium. According to SAFA’s provincial league manager Pat Seema the players were all from the Waterberg’s Local Football Association (LFA).

“We are happy about the attendance and those who were selected will soon be invited to Gauteng for the final assessment before they start at the school,” he said.

The trials were organized by the South African Football Association in partnership with Transnet for boys born in 2000 and 2001.

“The initiative has already taken place in other regions and this was the first time it happened in the Waterberg,” Refiloe Khoza of the SAFA Regional Office said.

The School of Excellence has produced the likes of Bafana captain and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Steven Pienaar, Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs striker Bernard Parker and Orlando Pirates Daine Klate.

The school will be transformed into a National Football Academy. To this end, the Association has developed a concept that will herald a National Academy System comprising Local Football Association (LFA) Sattelites, Regional Centres of Excellence and Provincial Academies all feeding into the National Academy.

Sam Modise is dreaming big

Baroka FC the second Limpopo team to be in an accident

Baroka head coach Sello Chokoe.

Photo supplied.

TK Mashaba Baroka FC, the team that made headlines last year when they beat the mighty Kaizer Chiefs and Moroka Swallows, was in an accident this

Sunday, 29 September, that left six players injured.

The team was on its way from a game against United FC in North West when their minibus collided with a Mercedes Benz on the road between Mookgophong and Roedtan at around 21:00. The Mercedes was allegedly heading from Roedtan to Mookgophong, while the team’s minibus was travelling from Mookgophong in the direction of Roedtan.

Last year on the fourth of November PSL team Polokwane City lost four players in a fatal accident.

Baroka FC’s head coach Sello Chokoe could not be reached for comment by The BEAT, but he told mainstream media that while the players used the minibus while the technical crew took a different vehicle, so only the players themselves were involved in the accident.

The players admitted to hospital are Tshepo Mothiba, Mathari Motupa, Augustine Rampela, Maleasenya Kuduki, Thaba Ralebakeng and Caiphus Mashiane.

Real Fighters FC from Midrand.

Photo Supplied

TK Mashaba One of Bela Bela’s rising young soccer stars is getting right back on the horse after an unimpressive performance at the SAFA trials by his team.

Sam Modise organized a small tournament in Bela Bela during the off season, which was held this Saturday, 28 September.

Modise told The BEAT in a brief interview that he had been expecting more teams than the three who showed up to attend the games at the Sunfa Stadium.

“The other teams unfortunately couldn’t make it but we still continued to play and we’re planning another big tournament in December,” said Modise.

The three teams that played over the weekend were Diesel n Dust, Happy Hearts FC’s under 13 team and Real fighters FC from Midrand in Gauteng.

“We are pleased that Real Fighters FC were able to come because they were in town for a holiday, being hosted by Diesel n Dust owner Pat Seema,” said Modise.

Modise is currently attending trials with Modimolle’s Second Division team Modimolle Aces.

“I’m still with Total Surrender at the moment and have not yet signed with aces. I am practicing with them until they have made a decision about my future with them ahead of the new season,” he said.