2018
R1-20/FREE
The BEAT She was here! 6 April
Community newspaper
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Bela-Bela folk have fond memories of Mama Winnie’s visit in the year 1986
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is flanked by Bela-Bela ANC veterans Zakes Moeketsi (khaki fatigues) and Sam Makhubela (white T-shirt second from left). Photo: Supplied
NEWS
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6 April, 2018 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Mokopane medical doctor under fire
Limpopo Premier, Stanley Mathabatha. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela A Mokopane medical doctor who was alleged to separate waiting rooms in terms of the patient’s race came under
fire on the occasion of the recent Human Rights campaign in Limpopo. Limpopo government spokesperson, Phuti Sebola, said it was alleged the unnamed doctor’s black and white staff had separate toilets, kitchens and were barred from using
Cop triggers social media frenzy TK Mashaba A Mookgophong police officer has sent social media into a tailspin, after allegedly opening fire on a man he accused of allegedly attempting to mug him. The image of investigators leaning over the wounded man in his twenties — with what look like gunshot wounds on one leg — went viral on Facebook and Twitter. Limpopo SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe, said the man was recovering in hospital. He said the man and the police officer could not as yet be identified.
Ngoepe said the incident happened in Mookgophong on Monday 2 April. “The victim was shot on the left upper leg by a police constable who was off duty during the time of incident,” he explained. Ngoepe said it had also been alleged the shot man had threatened the police officer with a knife. The police officer opened a case of attempted murder and attempted robbery. The 20-year-old was expected to appear before the Mookgophong Magistrate’s Court, pending his recovery from hospital. Ngoepe said investigations continued.
the same kitchen utensils. “After the government and SAHRC intervention, the general practitioner was instructed to refrain from discrimination actions and requested to write a public apology, and desist from segregating
patients and staff according to race,” Sebola said. He said the provincial government has provided households with access to decent sanitation facilities and scholar transport to learners whose nearest schools were 5 km away from their homes. In 2017 alone, the province provided scholar transport to 255 schools, Sebola explained. The theme for the recent event was to celebrate former president Nelson Mandela’s centenary.
Limpopo ANC shocked at untimely passing Lizzy Bapela The ANC in Limpopo has expressed shock at the untimely passing of Struggle veteran Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. The provincial leadership said in a statement the ANC was “shocked and saddened” to receive news of the untimely death of Madikizela-Mandela. The former president of the ANC Women’s League died at Millpark Hospital in downtown Johannesbuerg, on Monday 9 April. “She passes away in the year the women’s
movement marks 100 years of the founding of the Black Women’s League, and the centenary of another stalwart, heroine of our movement Mama Albertina Sisulu,” the Limpopo ANC said. The provincial leadership said MadikizelaMandela was a key leader in the struggle for the liberation of the country from Apartheid, and for women emancipation in particular. “She was a great inspiration before, during and after the 1956 women’s march, together with other icons of women’s struggles like Lilian Ngoyi and Sophy de Bruyn. We honoured her in life and salute her in death,” the statement read.
Bela-Bela Community First’s memorandum to Premier Andries van der Heyde New entry into the civic and political arena, Bela-Bela Community First (BBCF), delivered a memorandum at the office of Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha on Thursday 22 March. The BBCF leadership of chairperson, Vision Mashaba, and general-secretary, Isaac Mahwela, opened up on some of the demands they pressed home with the premier. These included, among others, the burning issue of electricity tariffs for indigent households, which were decreased from a
free service of 100 kWh to 50 kWh in the last financial year. The memorandum sensitised Mathabatha that indigents were unable to afford to pay for additional electricity, and had to deal with power cuts. With regards to the housing backlog, the BBCF alleged that certain unnamed councillors were involved with corrupt activities, by allocating houses to certain individuals without having regard for the enormous backlog and having no regard for the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) policy. Mashaba said Bela-Bela residents could expect more unregulated townships that will
sprout all over the region if the issue of alleged “wrongful” allocation of housing was not addressed. The memorandum also made damning allegations against Mayor Jeremiah Ngobeni and certain councillors, with regards to procedural issues around, among others, job opportunities as far as capital projects were concerned. The BBCF also asked Mathabatha to intervene in terms of tender processes. Three local projects were named as problem areas to the Premier, namely the perimeter fencing at the local cemetery, renovation of the old community hall in the township, and the upgrade project at Sunfa
Stadium. The BBCF further suggested the supply chain management be investigated since the contractors were allegedly not from local. The grouping also suggested to Mathabatha that the Royal Northlands Golf Estate - defunct over a period of nine years - be explored as a potential investment opportunity. The issue of foreign nationals allegedly running businesses without proper permits was also raised. Municipal spokesperson Kabelo Mosito acknowledged receipt of a set of questions and said he would give feedback in due course.
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NEWS
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Bela-Bela mourns comrade Nomzamo Lizzy Bapela Locals have poured out their collective grief over the passing of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, sharing fond memories of her visit to BelaBela in 1986. Among them were former Bela-Bela mayor Henrietta Ledwaba, sharing with The BEAT images of speaker Zakes Moeletsi, during a protest march alongside the celebrated Mother of the Nation. “Let there be no doubt that my own political journey was shaped by Mama Winnie’s courageous leadership,” Ledwaba said. In the fading picture of Madikizela-Mandela’s visit, the late former president of the ANC Women’s League was leading a protest march in the streets of Bela-Bela, with Moeletsi and the late Struggle veteran, Sam Makhubela, marching along. Local political activist Sam Matlaisane formed part of the
archived picture. On the day Madikizela-Mandela and Moeletsi were dressed in paramilitary khaki fatigues, while Makhubela and Matlaisane were dressed caually. It was after Ledwaba’s first encounter with Madikizela-Mandela that she hit the ground running, as incumbent chairperson of the Shihlangu Makhubela branch and the local ANCWL. Her commitment to women’s issues elevated her to the ANCWL 2008 Charlotte Maxeke Award for best branch organiser of the year. Meantime, ANC Waterberg regional chairperson, Morris Mataboge has said the structure would definitely be deliberating on Madikizela-Mandela’s anticipated burial, looking at logistics such as transport. He indicated however, that it was anticipated the ANC at national level would provide direction as to what needed to be done ahead of the burial.
Henrietta Ledwaba Photo: TK Mashaba
Winnie MadikizelaMandela. Photo: Supplied
Bela-Bela municipality pours bucket of cold tears over croc sightings
The banks of the Pienaars River burst into flood with water seeping into various households and also causing the closure of the main bridge. Photo: Herman Steyn Against the backdrop of several flooded and around Bela-Bela not to off-load sightings in the aftermath of the TK Mashaba homes, the rumour mill was in overdrive garbage and other disposables into the Pienaarsrivir flash floods. about some people having allegedly spotted stormwater drainage pipelines. “It was all a myth. No crocodiles were crocodiles, with some households allegedly In recent weeks the Pienaarsriver burst its The Bela-Bela Local Municipality has sighted after the flash floods,” Moshito stumbling into unnamed snake species. banks into flood, triggering the rumours poured a bucket of cold water over alleged said. Limpopo SAPS provincial commissioner, about crocodiles which were reported even crocodile and other creepy-crawly sightings Moshito said two of the affected families Lieutenant-General Nneke Ledwaba, by the broader mainstream media. in Pienaarsriver in recent weeks. have since returned home, while the third The water levels were such that the bridge together with the search and rescue unit, the Municipal spokesperson Kabelo Moshito affected household members lived and K9 and disaster management visited over the R101 between Pianaarsriver and said the alleged sightings were just a myth, worked in Johannesburg. Pienaarsriver for an in-loco assessment. The Carousel had to be closed down after and that there was no proof of such. Moshito said the affected families were Much of the flooding was attributed to being flooded by the raging river. No lesser that the Limpopo SAPS offered food parcels and other basic raging currents flowing down from the Rust The stretch of road over the bridge recommunications division issued a statement necessities. de Winter Dam upstream. opened on Monday 26 March. at the time, confirming reports of crocodile He also called on community members in
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NEWS | OPINION
6 April, 2018 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Permanent managers appointed in Bela-Bela Andries van der Heyde The Bela-Bela municipal council held a special council meeting on Tuesday 3 April to announce the new faces of the municipal manager, chief financial officer and corporate services. Council Speaker, Zachariah Moeletsi, asked everyone present for a moment of silence to commemorate the life of ANC stalwart, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who had passed away on Monday 2 April at the age of 81. Moeletsi told council that Mandela helped organize a march in the region during the 1980’s against the Apartheid regime and, amongst other things, assisted him to buy a pair of shoes which he was most thankful for. The focus then shifted to the new managers. Moeletsi said after more than three years of having only acting managers in the positions, the new head of corporate services is Jamela Selapyane, the municipal manager is Michael Makhubela, and the position of chief financial officer went to Ramadiga Melvin Marutha. Since Risimati Ntekele’s resignation as acting municipal manager, Selapyane had acted in the position. Both Selapyane and Makhubela’s
From left to right are Jamela Selapyane, Zachariah Moeletsi, Michael Makhubela and Ramadiga Melvin Marutha on the occasion of the special council meeting. Photo supplied appointment received full clearance, but Moeletsi said that Marutha’s appointment regarding his competence assessment was still underway. Marutha was allocated time to address the outstanding clearances. “We want zero corruption where
competent people are in charge. The new managers must guard against interference and intervene where necessary. If we hide information from the community, people will think that we are lying about things,” Moeletsi said. Jeremiah Ngobeni, mayor, told the new
Shoprite workers back at work
Mama Winnie taught us about megalomaniacs of this world, too We all have fond and not so fond vivid memories of sharing the memories of the late Winnie same space with Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, don’t we? Madikizela-Mandela, a woman Well, I am only as South African who has been described in many as pap and boerewors, and also quarters as a Colossus. have my own memories dating That was one hell of an back to my days as a mainstream experience, I tell you. newspaper Back at the reporter. burial Let me proceedings, the start by late Nelson boasting Mandela was the that I have keynote speaker. had close I remember encounters vividly how the with Mama then just released Winnie, as former political part of my prisoner had job, and mourners in also that I stitches, when he was friends spoke about how with one of Mangope had her closest objected to the comrades, funeral being LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Gwen held in Johnny Masilela MahlanguBophuthatswana. Nkabinde. Madiba Remember Gwen, she is the said he had personally former minister who was shown the phoned the Mangope door by former President Jacob household in Mahikeng, to Zuma, following question marks facilitate negotiations. over the leasing of a certain The voice at the other end building. of the line, Mandela But then that is a story for another explained, was that of a day. woman he guessed was the My first encounter with Mama wife, Leah Mangope. Winnie was during the burial of an Mandela said he had MK cadre, Bachana Mokoena. kindly asked to speak to The burial was held at the Lucas Mangope, when the cemetery in the erstwhile woman — also politely — Bophuthatswana township of Gaasked who was calling. Rankuwa, west of Pretoria, Madiba said he told the following persistent resistance woman that his name was from Bantustan strongman, Lucas Mandela. Mangope. “Mandela?” the woman Towards the end of the burial gasped. rites, Gwen whispered to me that And Madiba said yes, it we journalists were invited to meet was him calling. Mama Winnie at Gwen’s house in The woman then wanted the township’s Unit 8. to know which Mandela I can’t at the spare of the moment was calling, and Madiba recall what the informal explained his identity discussions were about, but have further.
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managers that they must respect the community so that the community can respect them. “You can expect them to visit your office with their grievances, because they want service. Let us primarily aim for the future to obtain a clean municipal audit,” Ngobeni said. There was additional debate regarding the possible expansion of the municipality’s legal department. The new managers were advised to guard against the use of outside consultants. The position of social and economic development manager remained open. Council took the decision to appoint Gloria Seleka as the acting manager until the shortlisting for the position is finalised. The new managers have assumed their roles on Tuesday 3 April. * A notice of intention to sue the municipality with regard to the appointment of the new municipal manager is still on the cards. Simon Ngomane, a candidate who applied for the position, claims that procedures and legislation were not followed and that it led to the appointment of Makhubela. At the time of going to press Ngomane told The Beat that he is continuing with his legal case against the municipality in this regard.
Hurriedly the woman asked Madiba to hold on, and in a moment a male voice came on the line. “Mangope speaking, what can I do for you, sir?” the male voice declared. Mandela said the two exchanged tense pleasantries, until he had impressed on Mangope that Comrade Bachana, an MK cadre and former exile, was to be buried in his home township of GaRankuwa. Then Madiba disclosed to the thousands of mourners that Mangope had said he had no problem with the funeral arrangements, but that he did not want Mama Winnie and the late Communist firebrand, Chris Hani, to enter Bophuthatswana. Guess what? Mama Winnie did attend and was one of the speakers, calling Mangope “that megalomaniac”. May Mama Winnie’s, Madiba’s and indeed ol’ man river Mangope’s soul rest in peace.
Bela-Bela Shoprite workers in full cry during a recent strike. Photo: TK Mashaba.
TK Mashaba Shofloor workers at Shoprite in Bela-Bela have returned to work, following a chaotic preEaster shopping season as a direct result of a strike action. The strike took place over two days, from Wednesday 28 March to Thursday 29 March. Workers converged on the store’s main parking, chanting slogans and demanding higher wages. They also pressed home demands for the full-time employment of those temporary
workers who had been working at stores countrywide, allegedly over a long period of time. South Afriocan Catering and Commercial Workers Union (Saccawu) regional official, Jojo Steward, said the striking workers have expressed concern over a range of issues, among these transport for those who worked late shifts. The Saccawu national office said in a statement that negotiations would continue. The union accused the retail chain store of alleged certain “unilateral” changes to shopfloor working conditions.
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SOCIAL
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Song and dance characterized both townships and villages Modimolle and Katjibane members of the Jerusalem Apostolic Church of God on the occasion of an allnight Easter prayer service in Katjibane, outside Settlers. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Jerusalem Apostolic Church of God members dance to the tune of cowhide drums during the all-night Easter prayer service in Katjibane, outside Settlers. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
The youth of Jerusalem Apostolic Church of God celebrated their Easter weekend at the church in Katjibane, outside Settlers. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
The late stage theatre impressario Gibson Kente wrote a song with the effect that in times of peace and war Africa always sings. The Easter Weekend was no different with the local club circuit and also the religious movement.
Ms Divine during her performance at Hapido CafĂŠ. Photo: TK Mashaba
Brazo-Wa-Afrika during his performance at Tsongo’s Chisanyama. Photo: TK Mashaba
A reveller having fun at the Colour Fest in Modimolle. Photo: TK Mashaba
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NEWS
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SMALLS
Funeral tent, 50 Chairs, 2x2 Fibre glass toilets for sale. Contact Gerhard 082 416 6067 NOTICE OF SALE IN THE MAGISTRATE’S COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF MODIMOLLE HELD AT MODIMOLLE Case No:184/2017 In the matter between: KRANSKOP DIEREKLINIEK & WILDDIENSTE CC Execution Creditor and DANIEL JACOBUS PRETORIUS Execution Debtor Please take notice that in pursuance of a warrant of execution in the aforementioned matter the following movable assets of the Execution Debtor DANIEL JACOBUS PRETORIUS, will be sold by public auction to the highest bidder on 19 April 2018 at 11H00 at 20 Arhmed Kathrada Street, Modimolle. GOODS: 1 x HP Printer 1 x Radio 1 x Book shelf 1 x Office table 1 x Sinja mini fridge 2 x Office desks 4 x Office chairs 1 x Wooden wall clock 1 x Wall mirror 1 x Coffee table For further particulars and conditions of the sale, contact the Sheriff Modimolle, telephone (014)717 3065. TERMS: Strickly cash or bank guaranteed cheques. Dated at Modimolle on this day of March 2018. BEUKMAN-BRITZ ATTORNEYS Thabo Mbeki Drive 104A P.O. Box 566 Modimolle Tel: (014) 717 5201 Fax: (014) 717 5220 E-mail: legal@bdlaw.co.za REF: B72/16 NOTICE OF SALE IN EXECUTION IN THE MAGISTRATE’S COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF MOOKGOPHONG HELD AT MOOKGOPHONG CASE NO: 168/2017 In the matter between: PRIMEINVEST 1088 CC t/ a HANWILL TYRES Registration Number: 1993/
014987/23 Execution Creditor and PIETER LOUIS BOTES t/a BOTES TYRES & RIMS Execution Debtor Take notice that in terms of the Judgement that was granted by the above Honourable Court on 9 Nobvember 2017 and issued a Warrant of Execution Against Movable Property, in terms thereof and the subsequent seizure of the undermentioned property, the undermentioned property will be sold by sale in Execution on 25 April 2018 at 10h00 at the office of the Sheriff: Mookgophong, 133 Sixth Street, Naboomspruit, to the highest bidder. Description of property: 1 x tyres changer 112 blue in colour; 1 x Wheel balancing machine CB - 530; 1 x Blue jack; 2 x Trolly jack; 4 x Accelera tyres (285 x 35 x 22; 285 x 45 x 19; 255 x 55 x 18) 1 x Zeta tyres (265 x 35 x 22) The terms of sale are available for inspection at the Sheriff’s office at 133 Sixth Street, Naboomspruit. Signed at Naboomspruit on 12 February 2018. Ms. M.E. VAN DER MERWE JACO DE VILLIERS ATTORNEYS Attorneys for Execution Creditor Tel: 014 755 4463 REF: DE VILLIERS/adv/ 101/17 c/o CHRISTO NEL SWART & PARTNERS 47 Fourth Street, Naboomspruit REF: B291
Easter vibe to continue Radio 702 deejay Paul Mtirara. Photo: TK Mashaba
TK Mashaba Disc Jockeys in Modimolle and Bela-Bela were expected to prove that “local is lekker” when they return to the deck following an Easter Weekend dominated by visiting DJs. Popular Polokwane-based producer and deejay Problem Child has since vacated the stage at Bela-Bela’s Maks Corner Chisanyama, to be replaced by local resident deejays like Toxedo. At Modimolle‘s Tsongo Chisanyama Polokwane’s Brazo Wa Afrika and S-Jam had audiences eating out of their palms, but the venue should this coming weekend bring back local deejays Phomolo and
Skido. Last weekend the place was a riot of colour with guests’ faces painted with a variety of shades during what was termed Colour Fest. In Modimolle some revellers converged on the Hapido Café to enjoy music but also played street soccer. DJ Rose Ms Divine from Hammanskraal and DJ Miss Lee from Ga-Rankuwa were the visiting entertainers. On Sunday Lerato’s Grill House in BelaBela brought Radio 702 deejay Paul Mtirara. The place was packed to capacity with fans coming from as far as Polokwane and Rustenburg to enjoy the night with the popular radio personality.
Down but not out for Limpopo soccer Mzamane Ringane TK Mashaba
Journalist - BelaBela Sport and Social events tbeat3@gmail.com 076 756 9740 Man-about-town TK Mashaba is viewed as somewhat of a celeb around town, informed by his journalism and in his other life as a club circuit deejay.
Black Leopards FC and Tshakuma Tsha Madzhivhandila FC of Thohoyandou continue to raise the flag for a spot in the National First Division (NFD), fighting for a place in the end-of-the-season promotional play-offs. Black Leopards FC and Tshakuma Tsha Madzhivhandila FC are placed second and sixth on the NFD league log standings. If things stand as they are come the end of the season, Leopards would qualify for the play-offs for the lucrative spot into the paid ranks. Highlands Park FC of Gauteng is runaway
leaders at 56 points, with Black Leopards FC at 41 points and Tshakuma at 36 points. The impressive run by the two Limpopo sides make up for the elimination of Baroka FC from the Nedbank Cup, after being narrowly beaten 1-0 by the mighty Kaizer Chiefs. Baroka FC also have a fighting chance of claiming a top eight spot, with a fairly good run in the Premier Soccer League. The downside for Limpopo soccer is the once revered Polokwane City FC, which is holding on for dear life at the bottom end of the PSL log standings. The home team was scheduled to host Supersport United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium mid-week.
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Mampatile Primary School welcomes donors
SCHOOL | SPORT
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Volleyball scores big at local administration
Jeep Revolution members bought goodies to the learners. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
The donors gave the learners a ride after the event. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
The new municipal manager of Bela-Bela Michael Makhubela. Photo: TK Mashaba
Lizzy Bapela The town of Bela-Bela recently welcomed the Jeep Revolution collective, members of which brought along goodies for some pupils. The visitors from various parts of the country donated upwards of 2 000 sanitary towels for most needy learners at Mampatile Primary School. Bela-Bela Mayor Jeremiah Ngobeni set aside time to welcome the visitors. “We are so much thankful for the Jeep
Revolution’s response to the call for help,” he said. He said what touched him most was that the donors came from different parts of the country in their numbers. “There is no child who was born poor. Every child belongs to the community,” said the Mampatile High School headmaster, Lesiba Matlala. A motorcade of a total of 20 vehicles of the Jeep model made its way into the township in Bela-Bela, offering rides to scores of learners along the way to Mampatile Primary School.
TK Mashaba Limpopo Sports Administrator of the Year Michael Makhubela has been appointed municipal manager for the Bela-Bela Local Municipality. Makhubela was to start heading a line-up of several other departmental managers at the municipality. He is the new appointee alongside incoming corporate services manager Jamela Selapyane and chief financial officer Melvin Marutha. The new managers were introduced during
a special council meeting on Tuesday 3 April. Makhubela, better known as the coach for the local Kamplits Volleyball Club, has been named Limpopo’s sports administrator of the year, scooping R20 000 in prizemoney. At the time he committed to re-invest the money into the volleyball club. He started as a player for the muchdecorated Kamplits Volleyball Club in his youth from 1994 to 1995. Makhubela later became the head coach at the local Kamplits Volleyball Club from 2005 to 2012, before rising to be president of Limpopo Volleyball.
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SPORT
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No mind games for Modimolle Troublemakers FC Bela-Bela Diesel ’n Dust FC. Photo: TK Mashaba
Mzamane Ringane Modimolle Troublemakers FC manager Dion Bodiba chose to go for the jugular in his confidence that the team would lift the Waterberg SAB Regional League title, and represent Steam A at the promotional playoffs. The league race was headed for the final stretch, with teams left with one or two fixtures to play. Bodiba’s boys are second on the league log standings, at 33 points with pace-setters
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Bela-Bela Diesel ‘n Dust FC, but with Modimolle Troublemakers having a game in hand. Troublemakers FC has played 14 matches, while their rivals Diesel N Dust FC played 15 matches. Bela-Bela Diesel ’n Dust FC has so far lost two matches, while Troublemakers lost only one match throughout the league race. Modimolle Troublemakers was scheduled to lock horns with Modimolle Bussel FC, on a date yet to be decided by the Waterberg South African Football Association.
The team that wins the Stream A title was set to compete in the Waterberg SAB Regional League play-offs. The ultimate winner of the regional playoffs would then represent the Waterberg at the Limpopo provincial play-offs later in the season. “Our players are highly motivated. We believe that we stand a better chance of winning the league. It is not going to be an easy task, but our goals are achievable with the support that we get from the local community. Our supporters remain loyal through thick and thin,” Bodiba said.