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5 April, 2013
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SAPS Limpopo all out A Brawl and a bicycle during the Easter period
Andries Mokoka battling the alleged shoplifter outside the Pick n Pay entrance in Bela Bela. Photo: Supplied
The South African Police Service was on high alert and in full force during the Easter Weekend in Limpopo. Photo as illustration Lizzy Bapela Police in Limpopo went out in full force to protect the lives and properties of people visiting the province over the Easter Holidays. Police spokesperson, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi, said that the readiness of the police was declared ahead of the Easter weekend. Millions of people flooded to the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) in Moria for the annual Easter services and people from all corners of the country visited various tourist attractions in the province. As a result, members of the police were in high alert to ensure a safe Easter period for all. The police were working with various stakeholders such as the Department of Roads and Transport in the initiative. Members of the community witnessed high police visibility during the weekend, with roadblocks being conducted with stopand-searches and other crime prevention activities in the province. Intensified crime prevention operations and increased visibility, especially in areas where high incidents of crime are traditionally experienced, took place throughout the holidays. “This was to ensure that the South
African Police Service (SAPS) is always a step ahead of criminals during the holiday period and beyond,” Mulaudzi said. Police provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Simon Mpembe, reminded members of the public that the police cannot work in isolation and requested the assistance of all the members of the communities in the province. Clean-up operations were conducted in areas with the highest incidents of contact crimes and liquor outlets received high priority attention. Mpembe said that the police will concentrate on police priority areas and criminal activities such as illegal liquor sales, especially to underage individuals, drug dealing, illegal possession of firearms and tracking down wanted criminals. He appealed to vulnerable groups such as elderly women as well as teenage girls not to submit to excessive drinking and visiting tavern and shebeens. He said that being under the influence of alcohol makes them even more vulnerable to preying criminals and easy targets for suspects to rape and rob them of their valuable items. Mpembe also warned people to avoid hitchhiking and motorists to avoid giving lifts to hitchhikers as they might be served with drinks laced with drugs and end up being robbed or murdered. He also urged members of the community to use public transport during holidays. The police also focused their operations conducted in partnership with other role players, on people driving under the influence of liquor. Mpembe warned members of the public not get into a vehicle when they had consumed alcohol, as they will be arrested. He advised them to have a designated driver on standby to keep themselves and other road users safe.
Shirtless and fleeing the scene, the suspect runs for it when he realises that he is no match for the security guard. Photo: Supplied Justin Vincent On Thursday, 28 March, Andries Mokoka, a security guard at the Bushveld centre, confronted a suspected shoplifter and the incident turned into a brawl. Mokoka was operating his post at the front door when he noticed a strange man exiting the shop. He told The Beat that he noticed a large square shaped bulge in his pants and this prompted him to approach him. “When I approached the suspect I enquired about the item he was allegedly hiding. As he got on his bicycle, six chocolate slabs where showing from the front of his pants,” Mokoka said.
The alleged suspect could not present any proof of purchase as Mokoka confronted him and a brawl of twenty seconds followed before the suspect escaped with his shirt in his hand. Mokoka had minor chest pain since the incident, but sustained no major injuries. The bicycle that the accused travelled on was confiscated by security and placed inside the CCTV room along with clothing items he had dropped. It was soon discovered that the bicycle had in fact belonged to an acquaintance of the accused, who needed to declare ownership to the local police before his bicycle was returned to him. No arrests have been made and the suspect is still at large.
Accidents cause injuries and death Lizzy Bapela One person died in Bela Bela following an accident that happened on the Alma Dam road in the early hours of Saturday, 21 March. Bela Bela police spokesperson, Constable Glen Manamela, said that a bakkie collided head-on with a motor bike, claiming the life of the motorbike driver on impact. She said that the driver of the bakkie was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and the police are investigating a case of culpable homicide. The suspect was remanded in custody when he appeared before the Bela Bela Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 2 April. Meanwhile, 10 people were seriously in-
jured following an accident that took place on the R101 just before Radium on Sunday, 31 March. Manamela said that an Avanza in which the passengers were driving had a puncture and overturned, rolling three times. She said an accident report has been opened at the police station and investigations are in process. Two other people were injured after an accident that took place at corner Minaar and Pretoria Street on Tuesday, 2 April. Manamela said that a car was coming from the East and about to turn to the right when a motorbike came from the west and the two collided head-on. She said the injured people were rushed to the local hospital and police are busy with investigations.
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit. -Aristotle There go the people. I must follow them for I am their leader. -Alexandre Ledru-Rollin For hope is but the dream of those that wake. - Matthew Prior
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5 April, 2013
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Mookgophong mayor calls for public participation TK Mashaba
Mookgopong Mayor, Sarah Monyamane, called upon residents to work hand in hand with the municipality. Photo: Supplied
Not two weeks after the community of Mookgophong embarked on a protest march that left some injured and others arrested, mayor Sarah Monyamane called on residents to work with the municipality to ensure better service delivery. Monyamane made her pleas during her budget speech at the Mookgophong Banquet hall on Thursday, 28 March. “In accordance to the provisions of the Municipal Systems Act, we have developed a community based consultative programme which is part of the process plan. As part of fostering active citizenry, we have successfully established ward committees in all wards. It is our view that through this participation, our communities will be able to play a leading role in the development of our municipality,” she said. Monyamane said that it is in these community forum meetings, and not through protest marches, that the municipality will be able to provide progress reports and receive inputs from the communities. “We wish to extend an invitation to all leaders of the NGO’s, CBO’s and political parties to join us in addressing the complex challenges faced by our communities,” she said. The mayor said that political leaders who are trying to mislead the communities for self-gain and benefits would not assist the municipality to address the challenges of un-
employment, poverty and inequality. to compete in a modern and everMonyamane, who was accused by changing world,” she said. “It must be stated that, without the the community of not delivering in promises, spoke about housing is- active and maximum involvement of the private sector, the municipality sues in the area. alone shall never suc“The housing backlog, ceed in the fight against which is approximately unemployment, poverty 4500, has led to an in“The houscrease in the informal elimination and the reing backlog, duction of inequality in settlements. The Dewhich is our communities,” the partment of Cooperative mayor said. Governance, Human approxiShe said that a lot of Settlement and Tradimately work must be done to tional Affairs have allopromote the economic cated 400 sites towards 4500, has the establishment of the growth of the municipalled to an ity through the exploitatownship in extension 8,” increase in tion of the economic she said. opportunities provided According to the inforby the agricultural secMonyamane, the view of mal settlethe municipality is that tor, the mining sector ments...” and tourism. 70% of these units must “In as much as we are be set aside for middlecommitted to ensure the income earners while the rest shall be set aside for low- attainment of the objectives of the Naincome earners and social amenities. tional Development Plan and the MilShe said that the shortage of bulk lennium Development Goals, it must water supplies negatively affects this be noted that our municipality is exproject as well as other development periencing challenges including agein general. ing infrastructure for water, electricMonyamane also spoke about job ity, and roads, the increased cost of creation. “In line with the provisions bulk electricity supplies, high vaof the MDG and the NDP, we are ex- cancy rates due to cash flow chalpected to create opportunities for lenges and wage increases for mudecent work and full employment. nicipal staff which exceed the conThrough the expanded public works sumer inflation rate. The incapacity to afford capital borprogramme (EPWP) and the MIG projects, we have created 150 tem- rowing, affordability of all capital porary jobs. The beneficiaries to projects and poverty and high unemthese projects have been trained and ployment rate also had a negative capacitated so that they will be able impact, according to Monyamane.
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5 April, 2013
Offenders in Bela Bela get surprise visits
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Government says NO! to abuse
Maria Ramoshaba said that many children keep terrible secrets because they think adults will not believe them. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela
Stakeholders came together for a photo ahead of the operations in Bela Bela. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Offenders in Bela Bela and Lebotlwane recently received surprise visits from members of the Bela Bela Social Reintegration satellite office. The local Department of Correctional Services conducted a special monitoring to check on the offenders’ progress since they were released on parole and some are probationers. In Bela Bela, the operation was conducted on Wednesday 20 March, while in Lebotloane it was on the morning of Thursday, 21 March. Head of the office in Bela Bela, J.J Koegelenberg, led stakeholders from the Department of Social Development and Traffic and his colleagues from other stations such as Thabazimbi and Mametlhake during the operation. During the operation, stakeholders asked questions relevant to their department, checking whether the offenders are still abiding by the rules and whether
there were any social needs that could be addressed. All the offenders were found at their homes and still in good terms with the law. Koegelenberg told The BEAT and the stakeholders that if an offender is found absent during the operation, he or she gets a letter, instructing them to visit their office the following morning. He said the absence is regarded as another offense and the offender has to face the law. The department and its stakeholders encourage members of the community to welcome them back into the society and not judge them. Koegelenberg said the department is working together with the stakeholders and established Community Corrections Forums to rehabilitate the offenders and get them ready to go back to the community they have offended. He said this is done in order to create peace and forgiveness within the society and to help the offenders get their normal lives back on track.
Learners from Thabakhibidu Primary School in Rooiberg were lectured on abuse during an awareness campaign that was held at their school on Monday, 18 March. The campaign was an initiative by the Waterberg Government Communications and Information Systems (GCIS) in partnership with other stakeholders. Maria Ramoshaba of the GCIS said the campaign was held in order to ensure that people are encouraged to break the silence against abuse. She said the purpose of the campaign is to fight the scourge that threatens to destroy the community, as government alone cannot eradicate it.
“Every South African has a right to a safer environment. The 16 days of fighting against abuse of women and children has now being intensified to be implemented on 365 days. All South Africans and sectors should partner with government in creating a safer and healthier space for our communities to thrive,” she said. “We visited the school so we could educate and inform the learners on what abuse is and to encourage them to be open to their parents and educators. Many children keep terrible secrets as they think adults will not believe them. Some children are abused and threatened to keep quiet by perpetrators or given sweets to entice them,” Ramoshaba said. The SAPS, Love life and ESKOM shared safety information with the learners. Constable Leah Malebye, of the Rooiberg SAPS, requested learners to go home after school because police observed that children play next to the police station until late in the evenings. She also encouraged them not to talk to or receive gifts from strangers, as that can put their lives in danger. Mokgadi Chokoe, from ESKOM in Thabazimbi, also educated the learners about the danger that electricity can cause. She said that children often play with kites and it is dangerous if they touch electric lines. Chokoe warned the learners never to play with electrical cords, wires, switches or plugs and to stay away from fallen power lines.
Lephalale embraces Easter spirit Lizzy Bapela The first citizen of Lephalale, Jack Maeko, led councillors and officials at his local municipality in a prayer day ahead of the Easter weekend. Municipal Manager, Bob Naidoo, accompanied the mayor to the session, which took place at the local Civic Centre on Tuesday, 26 March. The attendees assembled on the lawn in front of the Civic Centre for the prayer session. Spokesperson for the municipality, Nakampe Monyepao, said that the purpose of the prayer, as outlined by the municipal manager was to call for divine intervention in the serious challenges that the municipality is going through. The municipal manager concluded by saying that loosing eight employees in one year
DRS EMSLIE
is not something to be taken lightly. Pastor Papo delivered the service, reading from the well-known scripture in Psalm 23; The Lord is my Shepherd. He asked the municipality to make the Lord the shepherd of their institution. Papo said that the scripture goes further to say “Even though I walk in the shadows of death I shall not fear.” He said that the challenges that the municipality is going through is not death but the shadow of death and they should call for divine intervention. He requested the congregation to repeat the words inscribed on the American dollar: “In God We Trust.” He concluded by saying that his duty is to pray and God’s duty is to heal. The pastor said that if the staff members of the municipality believe, then the institution would be saved.
DE JONGE
Algemene Praktisyns / General Practitioners Dr. V.G. Emslie MB.Ch.B(Pret) Nr. 0332747 (014) 736-5616 (h) 082 490 6242 ABSA Bosveld Pick ’n Pay Sentrum h/v Marx & Potgieter straat Bela-Bela 0480
Na-ure After Hours 014 736 2032/3 Tel: (014) 736-2032/3 Faks: (014) 736-4809
Dr. T.M. De Jonge MB.Ch.B(UP) Nr. 0380342 (014) 736-3019 (h) 082 450 8411 Postnet Suite 80 Privaatsak X1604 Bela-Bela 0480
Elderly people from different community based organisations (CBO’s) listened attentively during the Human rights Day event in Bela Bela. The event was held by the local Parliamentary Constituency Office at the local community hall on Thursday 21 March. Photo: Lizzy Bapela To know how to suggest is the great art of teaching. Henri Frederic Amiel Fortune favors the brave. Publius Terence
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5 April, 2013
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Letter to the editor Motorcyclers are road users too This week, on Tuesday, The BEAT’s team was shaken when a road accident occurred right on our doorstep. A motorcycle with two teenagers was struck by a car. Although the accident did not happen at high speed, the cyclists were injured and had to be taken to hospital by an ambulance. Motorcycles provide almost no protection in a crash. Although there are some measures that a motorcyclist could take to avoid injury, like wearing a crash helmet and protective clothing, these road users are more vulnerable than others. According to Arrive Alive, over half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers tend to overlook motorcycles on the road. They simply do not see the bikes when they are on the road. Traffic officials warn that motorists should take a moment to look twice when turning into an intersection, passing a vehicle, and making a left turn in front of traffic. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car. A motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into a driveway, motorists should assume that a motorcycle is closer than it looks. It is better to be overly cautious than to be the cause of another’s injury or death. Motorcyclists should also take responsibility for their own safety. Bikers should make sure to wear a helmet at all times. Beware of helmets that do not meet the correct safety standards. Helmets are the most important piece of equipment you can wear when riding your motorcycle. A helmet could be your only source of protection in a serious crash. Because other vehicles have a hard time seeing bikes, the biker should be extra careful to ride with caution and to drive defensively. Be prepared for any eventuality Conduct a safety inspection of your motorcycle before each ride, and wear protective clothing including gloves, boots and a jacket. Proper maintenance and protective clothing will help reduce your chance of a crash or the severity of injury if you are involved in a crash. Ride assuming that you and your motorcycle are invisible to motorists. Anticipate trouble situations and know what to do when you see them. Be visible and enjoy the ride.
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Bravo Moloto! Pac Man from Bela Bela writes: Very few of us in Bela-Bela do not complain about service delivery in the country, or more specifically, about service delivery problems in Bela-Bela. We have complaints about billing systems, water quality, electricity outages, sewerage and lately the property valuation roll. Unfortunately, few of us are doing something about it. Last week, on Tuesday, 26 March, my gardener did not pitch up for work. In a phone call to him he informed me that his home was flooded with raw sewerage. Arriving at his house, I was horrified to see the mess. His neighbours told me that this was not the first time that it had happened. My gardener phoned the municipal offices earlier that morning about his problem and he was allegedly promised that the matter would receive their immediate attention. We decided to pay a visit to the municipal offices, where we were then told to contact the Superintendent of Water and Sewerage affairs, who did not answer his phone. We arrived at the workshops in town to talk to him, only to find out that he was not available (he was apparently in a meeting). I was then referred to municipal employees in the township who dealt with sewerage problems. They told me that they had heard that the pump at the pump station at section 6/7 was not working due to a lightning strike the previous day, but that they could not help because it fell outside their area. I contacted the owner of Coastal Hire and he promised to make a pump available after receiving an order from the municipality. I think the big breakthrough came when I was given the name and telephone number of Jimmy Moloto, the Divisional Manager of Water and Sanitation in town. I phoned him immediately and although he was in a meeting, he promised to contact me after his meeting ended — which he did. Just before noon I met Moloto at the pump station and was very impressed by the manner in which he handled the problem. He hails from the Southern Cape and had been employed by the municipality about three years ago (I believe that the improvement in the water quality in town is largely due to his efforts). It was clear from our discussions that service delivery was close to his heart and that he knew what he was doing. In the pump station we also found some half empty bottles of liquor. He also took photographs of this. We then proceeded to my gardener’s home, which was close by Moloto and his staff, who continued with the clean-up. I left
Victory through the blood Bishop Silas Tlou
shortly thereafter, but I was told by my gardener that Moloto and his staff only left about 15:00. Apparently he returned the following day to see whether everything was in order. I cannot thank him and his team enough for their assistance (I understand that the neighbours around my gardener’s home are equally delighted). After this rather lengthy introduction, what have we learned from this? Firstly, never give up at the first hurdle or any further hurdles until the problem is solved (sounds very easy until one has to deal with bureaucracy). Secondly, always try and find a knowledgeable person to deal with (unfortunately in these days of affirmative action, it sometimes presents a problem). It was therefore a privilege to deal with a person like Jimmy Moloto. His staff are fortunate to share in his knowledge and work ethic. I believe that this a lesson for our country and town to place people in positions for which they are qualified and for which they are competent. It is also unfair to put people who are competent without properly trained and competent mentors who can develop and train them for further promotion. If this is not done and managed, it would be like the blind leading the blind. We as citizens are, at the moment, paying the price for incompetence and untrained people. Moloto also expressed the view that the community at large should also be educated. Quite often drains and sewerage pipes are blocked by “foreign” objects such as pieces of cloth, sanitary towels and even foetuses. Thirdly, we have now reached the stage where we should stop accepting poor service. We need to support competent officials like Moloto to ensure that we retain them. Fourthly, I am also grateful for the role Pieter Raath, his committee and members of the Bela-Bela Tax Forum are playing to make Bela-Bela a town which we can all be proud of. Lastly, we salute those town councillors and employees who serve the community in the first place without thinking of their political party affiliation.
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Take some time to worship God and thank Him for the blood of Jesus. Blood is described by the dictionary as the fluid that circulates in the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins of a vertebrate animal carrying nourishment and oxygen to and bringing away waste products from all parts of the body. It is obvious that without the blood there is no life. If a person’s blood is contaminated, that person will be in danger of death. Man’s death is therefore imminent since we have contaminated blood due to our sinful nature. The good news is that, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, His sinless blood that was shed on the cross at Calvary has made you whole and you have life eternal. The blood of Jesus saves, heals, delivers, restores, and empowers. The blood of Jesus is a weapon that cannot fail. Revelation 12:11 – “They gained the victory over him on account of the blood of the Lamb and the word of their witness. Love for their own lives didn’t make them afraid to die.” They were victorious through the blood of Jesus. We overcome the adversary, or devil, by the blood of Jesus and the testimony of our mouth. The adversary’s goal is to stand in the way of fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. He desires to steal, kill and destroy. By the blood of Jesus - Lamb of God we have divine protection. Exodus12:13 – “The blood will be your sign on the houses where you live. Whenever I see the blood, I’ll pass over you. No plague will destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.” As the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites, so the blood of Jesus protects us. The blood of Jesus also justifies us. Romans 5:9 – “So, now that we have been made righteous by his blood, we can be even more certain that we will be saved from God’s wrath through him.” No matter what you may be going through right now, remember that you have a covenant by the blood of Jesus and that covenant will not be broken. Matthew 26:28 – “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many so that their sins may be forgiven.” Revelation 1:5 – “…Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.” By the blood of Christ, we can be freed of our sins. Ephesians 6:12 – “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” The blood of Jesus will disarm every enemy and power set against us. 2 Corinthians 10: 4 – “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” The power of the blood of Christ will demolish every vicelike grip of the devil in our lives and defeat the enemy.
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Zimbabwe and South Africa meet over cholera Zimbabwean and South African stakeholders met in Beit Bridge on Monday, 25 March, to explore ways to contain the rapid spread of cholera between the two countries. The meeting, which was called by the Beit Bridge Civil Protection Unit (CPU), follows an outbreak of the disease in Musina town, where four suspected cases were detected three weeks ago. The senior clinical manager at Musina Hospital, Dr Allick Dube, said of the four cases, only one involving a 39-year-old patient, was confirmed. Samples for three others tested negative. The cases involved a 10-year-old boy, a six year-old girl and a three-month-old baby. The baby later died, however, despite having tested negative. “The situation is, however, under control as of now,” he said. The district medical officer for Beit Bridge, Dr Takaitei Kanongara, said they had nine suspected cholera cases detected from four rural clinics in the district. He said that there was one confirmed case of a man from Shashe village, who is suspected to have contracted the disease in South Africa where he had visited a farm in Musina. Kanongara said that they had also conducted sample tests on nine suspected cases in Makakavhule, Tshamnangana, Swereki, Shashe and Beitbridge District
Hospital and they had all tested negative. He said the sample tests conducted so far indicated that the cholera strain was less harsh. The acting Beit Bridge CPU chairperson, Peter Moyo, called for joint efforts in fighting cholera, which had claimed dozens of lives in 2008. In Beit Bridge, the disease left 54 people dead from about 5 000 recorded cases. Speaking during the meeting, the provincial senior manager for health care services in the Department of Health in Limpopo, Dr Nkadimeng Moo, said Vhembe District had recorded an increase in cases of diarrhoea. He also urged stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns at the Beit Bridge border post. “We need to intensify our awareness campaigns, especially at Beit Bridge border post, where we anticipate a sharp increase in the volume of traffic as travellers, particularly ZCC members, will be travelling to Limpopo for their annual church conference during the Easter holidays. We urge the worshippers to take great caution. We need to work collectively as the communicable diseases have no boundaries,” he said. Stakeholders also noted that there was an urgent need to engage both Zimbabwean and South African immigration and customs authorities, so that they speed
High blood pressure can kill you
It is very important to have your blood pressure tested regularly to avoid devastating illnesses like heart attacks and strokes. Photo as illustration World Health Day is celebrated on 7 April to observe the anniversary of the establishment of the World Health Organisation in 1948. Each year a theme is selected for World Health Day that focuses on a main concern of public health in the world. The theme for 2013 is high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. If left untreated, high blood pressure can also cause blindness and heart failure. The symptoms of high blood pressure include headaches, problems with your vision, seizures or blackouts. If anybody should experience these symptoms, he or she should see a medical practitioner immediately. However, most people generally do not have any symptoms that can be felt. The best way to know if you have high blood
LEGALS BELA-BELA LAND-USE SCHEME, 2008 APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL CONSENT IN TERMS OF CLAUSE 21 OF THE BELA-BELA LAND-USE SCHEME, 2008, TO PERMIT A CELLULAR TELEPHONE MAST AND BASE STATION Notice is hereby given that, in terms of Clause 21 of the BelaBela Land-use Scheme, 2008, I/we, the undersigned, intend applying to the Bela-Bela Municipality for Special Consent to establish a cellular telephone mast and base station on the Remainder of Portion 3
of the Farm Witlaagte No. 173JR zoned Educational, situated at Khobongwane Primary School, Witlaagte. Plans and/or particulars relating to the application may be inspected during office hours at 371 Melk Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0181 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 03 May 2013. SMIT & FISHER PLAN-
pressure is to have it tested regularly. According to the WHO, there are some steps that a person can take to lower their blood pressure and decrease the risk of serious illness. These include reducing salt intake, eating a balanced diet, avoiding harmful use of alcohol and taking regular physical activity. Maintaining a healthy body weight and avoiding tobacco use also play a very important role in keeping blood pressure in check. Maintaining a healthy weight has other health advantages as well. According to Weigh Less, the weight loss experts, losing just a few kilograms can make a huge difference in the individual’s health index. According to research done by Weigh Less, as little as losing 2,3 kg will immediately improve a person’s health. Losing 2,3 kg will lower cholesterol, losing 2,5 kg will relieve depression and losing 5 kg will lower blood pressure. The ultimate goal of World Health Day 2013 is to reduce heart attacks and strokes. Specific objectives of the campaign are to raise awareness of the causes and consequences of high blood pressure, to provide information on how to prevent high blood pressure and to encourage adults to check their blood pressure and to follow the advice of health-care professionals regularly. Anybody with high blood pressure should seek the help of a medical practitioner immediately. With the correct treatment and lifestyle changes, the problem can be treated effectively. NING (Pty) Ltd PO Box 908, Groenkloof, 0027, 371 Melk Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk 0181 Tel: (012) 346 2340 Fax: (012) 346 0638 E-mail: admin@sfplan.co.za (12/4) SECTION 24G APPLICATION - NOTICE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS & INVITATION TO REGISTER AS AN INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTY Notice is hereby given in terms of Regulations 54(2)(c)(i) of Government Notice R.543 of 2010 promulgated in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) as amended.
The application for rectification of unlawful activities (Section 24G application) is for the expansion of an irrigation dam where the combined capacity was increased by 52 000 cubic meters on the farm Farm Vlakfontein 522 KR within the juriction of the Mookgophong Local Municipality area of the Waterberg District, Limpopo. The application for rectification of unlawful activities is made in terms of section 24G of the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107 of 1998) as amended. An application has been lodged with the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (DEDET Reference: 12/1/9/S24G- W4).
up the flow of human traffic at the border post, adding that delays and the slow movement of people had the potential to cause a volatile situation. Musina municipal manager, Johnson Matshivha, said that, as a decongestion drive, they had offered their show grounds to be used by SA Home Affairs as a preclearance facility during the Easter holiday. Matshivha said that it was important to extend the twinning arrangement that they have with Beit Bridge Rural District Council to the town council also. Musina Municipality signed a memorandum of understanding with Beit Bridge Rural District Council in 2004. Beit Bridge Town Council secretary, Dr Sipho Singo, also called on both Zimbabwean and South African health officials to scale up efforts in the fight against cholera through joint monitoring programmes. He said that it was critical to address the issue of water provision, solid waste management and sanitation to contain another massive cholera outbreak. “We need to collectively work together as stakeholders from Zimbabwe and South Africa in fighting cholera. As council, we managed to rope in the World Bank, which assisted us with funds to rehabilitate our sewer and water infrastructure under the emergency water and sanitation pro-
gramme. This really helped in reducing the flow of sewerage, although it still remains a major challenge. We need to significantly improve our systems through complementing each other as stakeholders from the two countries,” he said. The district environmental officer for Beit Bridge, Noti Dube, said that they had deployed health promotion teams to hot spots in the district where they were conducting anti-cholera awareness campaigns. During the meeting, stakeholders resolved to form an inter-border monitoring and evaluation committee on cholera. The committee would comprise representatives from the two countries’ port health departments, Beit Bridge Town Council, Musina Municipality, health promotions and environmental health officials, South Africa’s Department of Water Affairs in Limpopo and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) and CPU. Singo and Matshivha were assigned to play an advisory role in the committee, whose terms of reference are yet to be formulated. Some of the areas in Beit Bridge identified as hot spots include Dulibadzimu bus terminus, the border post, where toilets are not working, and Hlalani Kuhle residential area, which has no sanitation facilities. — LiN News/Limpopo Mirror
Whole province can benefit from astronomy outreach Astronomy is the science that studies all extraterrestrial objects that originate outside the earth’s atmosphere including stars, planets, the moon and comets. Photo: Supplied
Limpopo Astronomy and the Soutpansberg Astronomy Club (SAC) will once again be focusing on public outreach during 2013. Astronomy-related outreach projects at schools and public locations have always been a priority for the SAC, based in Makhado (Louis Trichardt), and this year will be no different. A general public-outreach project, sponsored by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), through its Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), will see the organisation visit a number of venues in the province, as well as in the Kruger National Park. Appropriately, the province’s capital, Polokwane, will be first on the agenda with a visit to Mall of the North on Friday, 29 March, Interested and affected parties (I&APs) are hereby invited to provide written comments together with their name, contact details and an indication of any direct business, financial, personal or other interest which they have in the application to the contact person indicated below within 40 days of the publishing of this notice. For further information pertaining to the project, kindly contact Phaki Phakanani Environmental Consultants. Furthermore, the draft Environmental Impact Assessment Report will be made available for comment and review upon request. Contact Person: PHAKI PHAKANANI EN-
VIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS Ms. Segopotse Mabule P. O. Box 1198,Fauna Park, 0787 Tel: 015 295 7391 Fax: 086 618 5960 Email: segopotse@phakanani.co.za NOTICE INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES PUBLIC PARTICIPITATION PROCESS (PPP) Notice is hereby given for interested and affected parties as part of consultation to be undertaken in terms of Regulation 52(2) g of Mineral Petroleum Resources Development Act (Act 28 of 2002) and the following applies:
followed by Forever Resorts Bela-Bela on Saturday, 6 April. Some of the other towns to be visited are Musina, Thohoyandou, Makhado, Giyani, Elim, Tzaneen, Lephalale and Modimolle. Astronomy-related posters and information on astronomy and where to study, as well as pamphlets, will be available. Views of our closest star, the sun, can be enjoyed through the telescope during the day, and after sunset, the telescope will be pointed to the stars and planets. Contact Kos Coronaios at 079 148 4934 or via email at elephantcastle@lantic.net for further information or if you would like to include your venue and participate in this outreach initiative. — LiN News/ Zoutpansberger Mbombela Coal (Pty) Ltd is currently in the process of applying for a Prospecting Right with Reference: LP 30/ 5/1/1/2/10861 PR for Mineral Uranium on the farms Belabela 611 KR, Bela-Bela 598 KR, Bela-Bela 647 KR, Bospoort 450 KR and Buiskop 464 KR, in the Magisterial District of Bela-Bela, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Municipalities, Property owners, Government departments , Communities, Individuals who are Interested and Affected parties are requested to Comment, Object and give inputs regarding the application and send such comments, inputs and objections not later than 15 days after Publication of the notice to:-
Geo-Prospect Investments Holdings, 208 Klinkenberg Gardens, 400 Visagie Street, Pretoria, 0002, or Fax: 086 620 5788, or email: Info@geoprospect.co.za, or Cell: 076 172 7188 NB: Information sharing session will be arranged when suitable date and time has been identified for convenience of all parties and only if is necessary in case all parties identified did not comment or covered by one to one consultation. For more information contact Mr Edgar Netshiozwi 076 172 7188 (Environmental Geologist) Mr Nano Mataboge 079 493 8644 (Managing Director) Mr. Joshua Matlala 078 415 0890 (Legal Advisor)
tbeat3@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
5 April, 2013
NPO visits purification plant
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Pretty Paper is true to Deep House
DJ Pretty Paper Mohola burned up the airwaves during his set at Capricorn FM. Photo: TK Mashaba
Members of Iyethu Environmental Foundation were photographed during their visit water purification plant. Photo supplied Lizzy Bapela The non-profit organisation (NPO) Iyethu Environmental Foundation, from Bela Bela, took their members and learners to visit the local water purification plant. Iyethu attended an educational tour to the plant with 40 learners from Ulando Combined Schools on Friday, 22 March. Another group of 40 learners from Mampatile Primary School went on the tour on Friday, 15 March. The learners were taught about the process of water purification. They took some notes through this process to answer their given assignments. They also visited Bela Bela Dam for a cleaning campaign, where paper, bottles and other rubbish were picked up and filled in big dustbin bags.
“The manager of the plant, Jimmy Moloto, gave us a warm welcome and fully participated in educating the learners who were divided in groups. The organisation provided the learners with transport, food, soft drinks and bottles of mineral water and snacks to enjoy. Iyethu is looking forward to taking learners from other schools on this kind of an educational tour,” said the project coordinator Ikalafeng Lebelo. He said the organisation is also community driven, as members usually engage in community development programmes and events such as the 2012 Mandela Day Celebration event; hosted in partnership with the Bela Bela Local Municipality. The NPO focuses on local environmental issues and has six coordinators operating under the mentorship of the local NGO Bosele-Drop-in Centre.
BIS active this Easter weekend
TK Mashaba Pretty Paper Mohola is a musician that certainly knows all the ins and outs of the Deep House music genre. On Friday, 29 March, Mohola featured on the Mix Avenue radio show on Capricorn FM. He played a 30 minute set where he stayed true to the principles of Deep House by mixing soulful and mature house music. The DJ, who started his career using cassettes, is still going strong after nine years of playing and developing his unique sound. Mohola was born and bred in Bela Bela. He spent some time in Pretoria where his love for House music bloomed and developed into a career. Like many others of his generation, Mohola was influenced by international Deep House legends like Lars Behrenoth of Deeper shade of House, Frank Rogers, Kerri Chandler, Rocco and Martin Atjazz. Mohola said that he used to collect vi-
nyl albums at some of Pretoria’s record stores. “I used my pocket money to go and buy vinyl. It was hard times, because I attended school at the same time,” he said. Little by little, Mohola built his career and the equipment that he needed to make his sound work. “The love of music had me save all the money that I could to buy sound equipment and instruments,” he said. Mohola has played many gigs with various South African House music legends. He is the co-founder of Mofaya Entertainment in Bela Bela and a member of Expression House in Pretoria. In 2005, Mohola was a finalist in the Smirnoff Red National SA DJ competition. “I stayed true to the music and believe my time to cut an album will come when the time is right,” he said. Mohola said that he enjoyed touring and sharing his experience and knowledge with younger DJ’s and people who love music.
Congregants of the Uniting Reformed Church headed to the streets to celebrate their annual Palm Sunday event on 24 March. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Learners attending the Easter Weekend classes hosted by the BBEAG. Photo: Supplied. TK Mashaba The Bela Bela Education Advocacy Group (BBEAG) kicked off their Easter programme on a high note. The BBEAG in Schools (BIS) programme was initiated last year and forms a part of the bigger BBEAG objective. According to Jonas Ramatapa, project leader, the Easter Weekend programme went well, but many learners did not attend because they did not get the timetables for classes on time. “We only had a 50% attendance because learners were unsure whether they should attend. Some classes were supposed to be headed by teachers and the go-slow influenced their commitment,” he said.
Ramatapa said that the BBEAG had no choice but to push the two-week session regardless of setbacks. Learners received tutoring in Maths, Literature, Physical Science, Life Science, Accounting, Business Studies, Economics and Geography. Ramatapa said that they would continue with Saturday classes as soon as the schools re-open. The BBEAG is working hard to ensure that all learners in Bela Bela achieve their best scores. They stated that they wanted to see all the high schools in the area reach a 100% pass rate. “We cannot afford to have learners staying at home, we want them to achieve better marks so that they can apply for bursaries and further their education after school,” Ramatapa said.
A teacher affects eternity: he can never tell where his influence stops. -Henry Adams
For a speedy & friendly service call: Jan: 073 1593 875 •Home: 014 737 8373 •Fax: 014 737 1577 Makwela: 071 490 3030
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5 April, 2013
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SAFA Regional referees under investigation “We will never condone the assault of referees at any matches. We will issue warnings to any team that assaults referees,”... TK Mashaba The state of any sporting game can be measured by the quality of the referees. Referees are human and make mistakes as all humans do, but these mistakes could cost a team its crown or leave a team relegated. Recently the SAFA Regional League made
headlines when a referee in the Stream B game between Real Madrid and Yster United was assaulted. Mpho Manganye had to run for cover when he was accused of adding time to the game illegally and attached by players and supporters. SAFA official, Refiloe Khoza, said that scenes like these are not taken lightly by
SAFA. “We will never condone the assault of referees at any matches. We will issue warnings to any team that assaults referees,” she said. The punishment for assaulting a referee includes suspension for a period depending on the nature of the case. Khoza said that they have received a report on the assault and that the disciplinary committee had to asses the report before steps could be taken. Allegations of bias against SAFA referees are not new. Last year, Leventis FC accused the SAFA offices and referees. “In most of our games we face disadvantages because referees demanded bribes ahead of each game,” Leventis coach, David James said. James claimed that the referee who refereed their Nedbank Cup games contacted
him before their game against Bela Bela FC United. “The referee called me on the night before the game and asked what I had to give him. I told him that I did not believe in bribery and that my team will play a fair game. Unfortunately, we lost the game by penalties. The referee of the game was the same one who contacted me,” he said. The Leventis coach levied accusations against SAFA offices after the team was suspended from the league. “Our suspension came as a surprise because there were other teams who also missed games, but who were not expelled from the league,” James said. He said that he was disappointed in the way that SAFA ran the regional leagues. “There is a level of unprofessionalism there. I do not think that I will ever affiliate with them again,” he said.
Bela Bela Local Municipality netball team recently beat their rival Aganang from the Capricorn District 17-12 during a match that took place at Mmamakwa Primary School on Saturday, 23 March. Aganang visited Bela Bela and both the municipalities competed against each other in soccer, volleyball and snooker. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
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