6 February 2015 R1-20/FREE
Attack of the
pill - eater
The suspect allegedly left the medicine room in a a mess. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela
As if being framed by scammers was not enough, Dr Strini Naidoo has suffered another stressful encounter. The doctor suffered a break-in at his Bela-Bela surgery, the first in his 17 years of operation in the town. The doctor told The BEAT that he had received a call from local police on the afternoon of Saturday, 31 January, informing him of the incident. He was told that a mentally disturbed man broke down the doors to his surgery, locked himself in the medicine room and started taking pills. The man was in possession of an axe and a pick-axe handle, which he used to gain entry to the surgery, and suffered cuts to his head by entering through the broken glass. The police informed the doctor that they needed to use pepper-spray in order to take him into custody. “Rumour has it that the man was jailed for 20 years, and he is definitely not well,” said Dr Naidoo. “I need to find out about his state of mind and try to find reasons to his actions. The police attending the scene said that he was detained the same day, and was rushed to the local hospital when he started vomiting during the night.” The patients had to queue outside the surgery to allow space for the maintenance people to fix the damaged parts of the property. Dr Naidoo said that the damage to property was estimated at R150 000 and that the incident has left him saddened. Surgery employees also expressed their disappointment that the incident occurred when they reported for duty on Monday, 2 February, saying that it was a shocking scene. Bela-Bela police spokesperson Constable Glen Manamela said that no case had been opened with the police, and that she was not aware of the incident. At the time of going to press, the doctor was still waiting for feedback from the police regarding the matter.
Nehawhu protests at hospital
Page 3 Modimolleborn DJ passes away
Page 7 Photos from the Vaalwaver Athletics
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6 February, 2015
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Concer ned Waterberg stakeholders lend a hand in Mogalakwena MEC Makhurupetje led the team of volunteers during the campaign Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Volunteers were hard at work during the campaign. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Stakeholders came in their numbers to support the campaign. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
The team also cleaned even the dirtiest areas. Photo: Lizzy Bapela CoGHSTA MEC Makoma Makhurupetje and her entourage addressed stakeholders ahead and after the campaign. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela Over 60 offenders and officials from the Department of Correctional Services from across the Waterberg District joined other stakeholders in a cleaning campaign at the protest-ridden Mogalakwena Municipality. The Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) organized the campaign, which was held on Monday,26 January under the theme “Back to Basics: A Roadmap to Serving Communities Better.” CoGHSTA MEC Makoma Makhurupetje said that her department was responding to a request by local residents to bring services to their area, which has been badly affected by protests and political squabbles, and said that the area’s residents deserve better. CoGHSTA spokesperson Motupa Selomo said that the campaign was carried out as part of their program to resuscitate service delivery at Mogalakwena following the virtual collapse of service delivery in the area in the past few months. He said that there is more to do in this regard if they are to bring back the quality of life that people in the area have a right to expect in a bid to be consistent with the objectives outlined in the Local Government sphere of the constitution. Selomo said that this includes the promotion of social and economic
development, a safe and healthy environment, and to encourage the involvement of communities and organizations in matters of local government. “The campaign also aims to provide democratic and accountable government to local communities and ensure the provision of services to their communities in a sustainable fashion,” said Selomo. The massive campaign took place in town and in areas of the township. The campaign did not go to Mahwelereng Extensions 1 and 2 as was originally planned due to ongoing unrest in that area. Local police advised stakeholders against entering the area and confirmed that a heavily armed SAPS team was applying security in the area. During her address, the MEC pledged to monitor leaders’ performance and attend to non-compliance at the municipality in order to ensure the smooth running of the municipality. “We also want to see the current unrest become a thing of the past,” she said. Local Mayor Tlhalefi Mashamaite denied persistent allegations that police officers were stopping people from entering the municipality, and said that staff who were reportedly blocked from attending work may rest assured that the matter has been resolved. He added that the municipality is a service institution for the people and said that resource delivery is of core importance.
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6 February, 2015
Resident piled with showground’s water bills Justin Steyn A resident in Bela-Bela, who preferred to remain anonymous, said she has been receiving bills from the town’s show grounds near the Waterfront area. According to her, she worked as a secretary at the show ground’s offices nine years ago. After her resignation she approached the municipality and asked that the water bills be sent to the show ground’s committee and not her residential address. She indicated the water bill itself has grown to over R60 000 and that she wants to know who is responsible for payment of the bill. “Someone is losing money as this bill is very high. I would like to know why this bill is sent to me and who is going to be liable for payment,” she said.
Famil yb uries wr ong inf ant amily buries wrong infant after mor gue b lunder morgue blunder
Frans Ganyane of Samma Ka-Nyane Parlour donated a coffin for the child. Photo: TK Mashaba
We further demand that all funded posts be advertised and filled, and also for the HR manager to report on duty like any other employee
Hospital liaison officer Solly Maphologela helped with the burial process while Peter Mukono returned the soil he took from the other grave. Photo: TK Mashaba
TK Mashaba
TK Mashaba A week after Bela-Bela municipal workers shut down the municipality because of late payments, Nehawhu members invaded Bela-Bela hospital in protest. The memorandum which was given to the hospital, and to which they were given fourteen days to respond, also mentions payment delays for overtime. “We as the members of the health fraternity, have recognized total failure in the running of the Human resources Department, which has led to serious issues across the board,” said Nelson Matlaisane, a Nehawu member. Matlaisane said that there has been issues between the community and the hospital due to the unavailability of the hospital board. “We also note with concern the lack of commitment shown by the communications officer, which led to a failure by the hospital to organize any important departmental activities in line with the national health calendar,” he added. Among other things, their demands included a demand for the reinstatement of the Hospital Board in order to improve the working relationship between the hospital and the community at large. “We demand the acting nursing manager be removed from office for
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Despite being billed each month, the resident said she has not received any communication from the municipality forcing her to pay the bills. Owner of Munsolve, a company which handles municipal billing issues, Frans Roodtman said that the resident cannot be liable for the bills since it was not registered to her account. He explained that it was simply a case of being billed at the wrong address. “The resident cannot be penalized or prosecuted and it is the responsibility of the municipality to ensure that the right person is being billed,” he said. Roodtman said that one of his consultants has since investigated the matter and the account has been erased from the municipality’s system. The Bela-Bela municipal spokesperson, Matome Sebelebele could not be reached for comment.
Neha whu tak es on hospital Nehaw takes after payment delay
Nehawhu members protesting at Bela-Bela Hospital. Photo: TK Mashaba
BEAT
Bela-Bela CEO Ricardo Escobar signing the memorandum handed to him by Nelson Matlaisane of Nehawu. Photo: TK Mashaba delaying the payment of overtime,” Matlaisane added. Their demands also included the implementation of approved organizational structures, proper and transparent use of funds, and managers to be confined to one position only. In addition, they require the availability of proper working material and equipment, immediate payment of all outstanding payments. “We further demand that all funded posts be advertised and filled, and also for the HR Manager to report for duty like any other employee,” the memorandum states. The CEO of the hospital, Ricardo Escobar, received the memorandum and promised to take the matter further.
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A mistake at the morgue has caused Peter Mukono from Modimolle’s family to have to bury two infants recently, only one of which was theirs. The two infants were both born on the 7th of February. One of them passed away on the 13th of January while the other passed away on the 15th. Both were born and passed away at the FH Odendaal Hospital in Modimolle. Mukono, who hails from Zimbabwe and resides now in Mabatlane, was given a child for burial, and the ceremony was conducted last week. Mukono told The BEAT that he was later informed that he had been given the wrong child. The
other family refused to comment on the matter to The BEAT. He was later given the body of his own child, and asked the other child’s family for assistance with the burial, as he had buried their child, but they apparently refused. Mukono managed to bury the child with assistance from Frans Ganyane of Samma Ka-Nyane Parlour in Bela-Bela, who donated a coffin to the family. Ganyane told The BEAT that he was happy to help, but felt that the situation had been mismanaged. “It’s getting to the point where people double-check their loved ones before burial to make sure that they are burying the right person,” he said.
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Depar tment to establish district land committees Lizzy Bapela
The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform in Limpopo is expected to have discussions with the Land and Rural Development sector stakeholders in due course. The discussions will be conducted in partnership with the Limpopo MEC for Agriculture Joy Matshoge, with the main focus being on stakeholders aimed at establishing district land committees in the province. Departmental spokesperson Avhashoni Magada highlighted that the 2012 National Development Plan (NDP) emphasizes the need to reintegrate rural areas into mainstream economic development. This would allow rural residents to share in the dividends of the country’s overall economic growth and prosperity. Magada added that land reform within the context of the NDP is geared towards ensuring that agricultural development and subsequent inclusive rural economic growth are central outcomes of the reform process. He further said that addressing the
6 February, 2015
inequitable distribution of land is a crucial step in accomplishing integration of rural areas into the mainstream economy. In the light of the above, the NDP proposes the creation of District Land Committees (DLCs) to handle acquisition and development for land reform purpose in South Africa. The DLCs are expected to create opportunities for communities to play a meaningful role in the processes of land reform. The NDP’s proposal on DLCs aims to radically change how land reform is to be carried out from now on going forward and give a voice to the landless and commercial farmers in the land redistribution process. The proposal also aims to ensure that those in need of secure rights to land work together with landowners in “finding social solutions” to the “social problem” of landlessness and tenure insecurity. It will further enable substantive and equal participation of all stakeholders in decisions surrounding land acquisition at local level and multisectorial land committees.
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Bela-Bela hosts SAMWU Limpopo Provincial Congress Lizzy Bapela The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) in Limpopo held its 8th provincial congress in Bela-Bela. The event was scheduled to take place at the Jinnah Park Hall from Tuesday, 26, to Friday, 29 November. The venue was later changed to Elephant Springs Hotel, on the same dates. Speakers present at the event include representatives from COSATU, SACP, ANC and SALGA. The union’s newly elected provincial secretary Simon Mathe said that the conference was aimed at dealing with policies and constitutional amendments in preparation for the national conference which is scheduled for April 2015. He added that the event was also aimed at developing strategies in preparation for
salary negotiations to be held in January 2015. The congress resolved to convene a provincial collective bargaining conference to enable members to consolidate a mandate from all municipalities in the province. A new provincial executive committee was elected during the conference, with Ernie Mbiza representing the Waterberg District as the union’s Provincial Treasurer. Other candidates elected include Timsen Tshililo from Vhembe District Municipality as the chairman and Nelson Mokgotho from Greater Tubatse Local Municipality as his deputy. Union official Simon Mathe, who resides in Polokwane was elected as the secretary with Gerald Twala from Greater Tzaneen as his deputy.
DA tac kles Waterber g’ s tackles terberg’ g’s water and electricity issues
Communities discuss social issues Facilitators at the nation building and social cohesion community conversation gathering led the event. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Participants in their groups worked together on the topics given. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela Community members and representatives from municipalities in the Waterberg District gathered at Modimolle’s OR Tambo Hall for a nation-building and social cohesion community conversation. The event was held by the Waterberg District Department of Arts and Culture on Wednesday, 28 January. An official from the Department, Refilwe Seleka, said that the event was aimed at raising issues of concern to the society and come up with potential solutions. The issues will then be raised with the Office of the President to be covered in the State of the Nation Address, which will be taking place on Thursday, 12 February. The State of the Nation Address outlines the government’s plan for the year ahead to improve the lives of South Africans. A service provider Aurecon
Company, facilitated the program, dividing attendees into groups that would elaborate on individual issues. Topics covered by the event include Education, Crime, and Religion, among other things. The discussion focused on service delivery, air pollution, school retention rates, teenage pregnancy, divorce, and other matters of concern. Participants were tasked to identify major social issues and suggest possible solutions, as well as what roles agents of change such as government and NGO’s play. An open discussion and review was done on issues that divide us as a nation and what can be done to foster social cohesion. A program of action is set to be developed on identified issues and actions that need to be taken to accomplish these goals, and a report back is expected in due course.
The Democratic Alliance has recently addressed water and electricity issues in the Waterberg. From left to right is: Lance Greyling, Shadow Minister of Energy, Leon Basson, Shadow Deputy Minister for Water and Sanitation, and Limpopo Provincial Spokesperson for the DA, Desiree van der Walt. Photo supplied Justin Steyn Parliamentary leaders from the Democratic Alliance (DA) paid a visit to the Waterberg to assess the district’s water and electricity issues. Lance Greyling, Shadow Minister of Energy, Leon Basson, Shadow Minister for Water and Sanitation, and Limpopo Provincial Spokesperson for the DA Desiree van der Walt embarked on a twoday visit on Tuesday, 20 January Van der Walt said that their visit was to investigate water and electricity concerns within communities and their municipalities. Greyling said that Eskom debt by municipalities was one of the key issues as it often results in residents who pay their electricity bills being without power in any case. “I was made aware of the high debt that is owed to Eskom by some of these municipalities. In Modimolle, for instance, the debt seems to be R26 million while in Thabazimbi it is closing on R70 million. My concern with this debt is two-fold: it shows that these municipalities are not able to enforce proper financial controls and many residents who do pay their electricity accounts live under threat of having their electricity cut when Eskom cuts off these entire municipalities as a credit control measure,” he said. Greyling also mentioned that load shedding also has an impact on water supply. “Often what seems to occur is that load shedding leads to a water crisis as
problems emerge with water pumps and some areas are left without water for two to three days while technical problems are resolved,” he said. He also blamed the lack of technical skills within municipalities and upkeep on their distribution grids, staring that the maintenance backlog on these grids are nearing R40 billion. Basson presented his findings on each municipality. He emphasized that the majority of Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) within the district are in a bad state and in need of repair. He said that a visit to the WWTW in Bela-Bela is yet to be made, and will be followed by a full report. On the issue of Mookgophong’s drinking water, Basson said that Mookgophong is still without clean running water. This, he said, is related to issues with upgrading the municipality’s 14 boreholes, maintaining the Frikkie Geyser Dam infrastructure and replacing dilapidated borehole pipelines in the area. In Modimolle, Basson said that sewage has been found flowing out of manholes, ending up in streams and rivers in the Nylsvley wetlands. “This is an international protected area with more than 370 bird species. More than 80 000 birds have been counted in the area. The sewage is threatening the existence of these wetlands,” said Basson. Van der Walt said that the observed issues will be taken to parliament and it will be suggested that municipalities be held accountable.
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6 February, 2015
Photo of the week
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Letter to the editor Tha bo Mar ema, habo Marema, a Bela-Bela resident, writes:
Vaccinations are important With measles making a comeback, we decided to post this letter from children’s writer Roald Dahl, on the subject of vaccinations. The letter was published in 1988, twenty-four years after the death of his daughter Olivia to measles, at age 12: Olivia, my eldest daughter, caught measles when she was seven years old. As the illness took its usual course I can remember reading to her often in bed and not feeling particularly alarmed about it. Then one morning, when she was well on the road to recovery, I was sitting on her bed showing her how to fashion little animals out of coloured pipecleaners, and when it came to her turn to make one herself, I noticed that her fingers and her mind were not working together and she couldn’t do anything. “Are you feeling all right?” I asked her. “I feel all sleepy,” she said. In an hour, she was unconscious. In twelve hours she was dead. The measles had turned into a terrible thing called measles encephalitis and there was nothing the doctors could do to save her. That was twenty-four years ago in 1962, but even now, if a child with measles happens to develop the same deadly reaction from measles as Olivia did, there would still be nothing the doctors could do to help her. On the other hand, there is today something that parents can do to make sure that this sort of tragedy does not happen to a child of theirs. They can insist that their child is immunised against measles. I was unable to do that for Olivia in 1962 because in those days a reliable measles vaccine had not been discovered. Today a good and safe vaccine is available to every family and all you have to do is to ask your doctor to administer it. It is not yet generally accepted that measles can be a dangerous illness. Believe me, it is. In my opinion parents who now refuse to have their children immunised are putting the lives of those children at risk. In America, where measles immunisation is compulsory, measles like smallpox, has been virtually wiped out. Here in Britain, because so many parents refuse, either out of obstinacy or ignorance or fear, to allow their children to be immunised, we still have a hundred thousand cases of measles every year. Out of those, more than 10,000 will suffer side effects of one kind or another. At least 10,000 will develop ear or chest infections. About 20 will die. Let that sink in. Every year around 20 children will die in Britain from measles. So what about the risks that your children will run from being immunised? They are almost non-existent. Listen to this. In a district of around 300,000 people, there will be only one child every 250 years who will develop serious side effects from measles immunisation! That is about a million to one chance. I should think there would be more chance of your child choking to death on a chocolate bar than of becoming seriously ill from a measles immunisation. So what on earth are you worrying about? It really is almost a crime to allow your child to go unimmunised.
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Over 300 learners from Thusanang Special School in Bela-Bela received a donation of shoes from the Special Olympics organisation. The school benefited from the organization’s charity programmes as they are one of their affiliates. The happy learners showed off their gifts to The BEAT during a photo shoot on Monday, 2 February. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
It is with anger and disappointment that I write this letter. I hear some people are calling for Clive DerbyLewis to be granted medical parole so that he can die peacefully with his family. How dare unreasonable people think of families when one of their own should die? Why haven’t they thought about Chris Hani’s living peacefully with his family? At least the DerbyLewis’ spent the past two decades seeing the face of Clive, have they ever thought about the Hani’s not seeing the face of Chris for two decades? I am one person who champions reconciliation, forgiveness and non-racism but it makes me sick when I think that there are still people who think black life or black families are cheap. On the 15 April 1993, hardly five days after the death of Chris Hani, I was wrongfully arrested for public violence, arson, attempted murder and other unreasonable charges. I spent nine months in New Lock Prison away from my peaceful family and friends, only to be found not guilty (I was not guilty anyway) and be acquitted on 20 December 1993. That’s how unreasonable some people can be. Therefore I say no to the granting of medical parole to the coward murderer.
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6 February, 2015
LEGALS NOTICE OF SALE IN EXECUTION IN THE LABOUR COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA HELD JOHANNESBURG CASE NO:- MP8870-13 In the matter between LEBOGANG E BOROKO Execution Creditor and A AND S GENERAL ENGINEERING Execution Debtor Kindly take notice that in terms of judgement granted on the 20th Fbruary 2014, in the Labour Court of South Africa and a warrant of execution issued thereafter, a sale in execution of the undermentioned goods will be held at 20 Ahmed Kathrada (Paul Kruger), Modimolle, 0510 on the 19th February 2015 at 11h00 consisting of: 1 x Round corner table 1 x Wooden office cardboard 1 x Steel filling cardboard 4 x Office chairs 1 x Panasonic fax machine 1 x Wooden small table 1 x Pine wave fan 1 x Paper try stol black 1 x Water cooler machine 1 x Proline lig box and sahara keyboard 1 x Samsung microwave 1 x L.T.C. fridge 1 x Golf car Light 1 x Steel filling cabinet 1 x Welding machine 3 x CO2 welding machine 1 x Plasma Curter machine 3 x Oxygen bottle 2 x CO2 bottle 2 x Gas bottle 2 x Handy gas bottle 1 x Lawn mower machine 1 x Wooden reception desk 1 x Wooden office desk 1 x Diamond heater 1 x White 8 ton truck Nissan diesel registration FKB 805 N Vin No ADDT 5200000001119 UD70 403800938002 1 x White Isuzu KB250 fleetside registration CLY 103 L 1 x White Hardbody Nissan registration BJH 270 L Dated at Modimolle on this the 29th day of January 2015. MALUMBETE & MAKHUBELE ATTORNEYS Execution Creditor’s Attorneys 31 Nelson Mandela Drive Office No 5, 1st Floor LeGrant Building Modimolle 0510 Tel: 014 717 5473 Fax: 086 514 3994 REF:- NCM/CK/ LAB00541
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Women in the Making charity group lends a helping hand
Ramatapa Motau of the BBEAG addressed the girls during the event. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Twenty-seven young girls from Bela-Bela benefitted from the Women in Making charity drive recently. The girls received a donation of school shoes, uniforms, stationery containers, pens, and school bags during an event at the Towoomba Agricultural Centre on Saturday, 31 January. Women in the Making is a Christian organization run by Makosha Mamabolo and a group of others in Bela-Bela, The beneficiaries attend twice-weekly sessions where they are taught about Christianity and the value of education, the challenges faced by young girls, and how to comport themselves as young ladies. “I met with girls during the program and we gave them Bibles so that they can learn to live by the Word of God,” said Mamabolo. “We
The young girls had fun and played games during the event. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
The young girls showed off their gifts after the event. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
also help them in any area that they may need assistance with, whether financially or otherwise.” The program is open to any girl in Bela-Bela older than 10. The event at Towoomba was organized for girls who attend WITM because the team saw that most of the girls did not have school shoes and bags. Mamabolo said that the intent was to buy them quality shoes which would last longer, as most of them come from poorer families. A member of the Bela-Bela Education Advocacy Group (BBEAG), Ramatapa Motau, addressed the girls on the value of education and what it takes for a person to further skills instead of relying on parents or bursaries for help. He also shared his life experiences with the girls, motivating them to aim high and work at achieving their goals in life. A teacher at Ulando Combined School,
Morongwa Moaga, taught the girls about the process of developing into a woman, highlighting real-life experiences as examples that the girls could learn from. The girls said that they were really grateful for the donation, as well as for the motivation to keep coming to the sessions where they are taught many things that shed a light on the mysteries of growing up. Lettah Mphamo, who received shoes and a bag, and Tsholofelo Moselana, who received a skirt and a bag, could not contain their gratitude after receiving their gifts. Ruth and Reuben Bainaar from Bainaar Ministries presented the Word of the Day, while Audrey Mphela of WITM interacted with the girls. Mamabolo said that the initiative is not receiving outside funding, but bought the items out of their own pockets.
Mogalakwena’s political violence result in alleged assault The community burned tires during the protests. Photo supplied
BELA BELA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY Private Bag X1609 Bela Bela 0480
2014/15 MID-YEAR BUDGET AND PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REPORT
“It is clear that the ANC factionalism in the area has crippled the Mogalakwena Local Government Lizzy Bapela
Notice is hereby given that the Bela-Bela Local Municipality Council received and considered the 2014/15 MidYear Budget and Performance Assessment Report, as prepared by the Accounting jOfficer in terms of Section 72 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, Act No 56 of 2003, at its ordinary meeting held on the 29th of January 2015. The 2014/15 Mid-Year Budget and Performance Assessment Report is hereby published in terms of Section 21A 1(a); (b) and (c) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, Act No 32 of 2000 as amended, read together with Regulation 34 (1) of the Municipal Budget and Reporting Regulations promulgated in terms of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, (Act 56 of 200). Copies of the 2014/15 Mid-Year Budget and Performance Assessment Report are available for Public Inspection at the Municipal Offices, Office F37, First Floor, Municipal Buildings, Chris Hani Drive, Bela-Bela or the Municipal Website: www.belabela.gov.za MM Maluleka Municipal Manager
Notice No: 11/15
The recent political violence in Mogalakwena has resulted in a Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor Thapelo Pooe being assaulted on Saturday, 31 January. The DA in Limpopo has laid a charge of assault as a result, calling on to the MEC of Safety, Security and Liaison, Mapula-Mokaba Phukwane’s to intervene. The party requests that the MEC table a plan to tackle the continued political violence and intimidation in Mogalakwena which is now endangering lives. “It is clear that the ANC factionalism in the area has crippled the Mogalakwena Local Government and is causing political violence on the ground. The 2016 Local Government Elections are fast approaching and the DA in Limpopo is deeply concerned that the elections will not be free and fair with current political intolerance and police’s abuse of power rampant in the area,” said
SAPS members from different units camp at the municipal premises, supposedly to restore order. Photo supplied the DA’s Limpopo Provincial Spokesperson on Transport, Safety, Security and Liaison portfolio Katlego Phala. The DA urges MEC Phukwane to table a plan that will bring stability and safety to the community of Mogalakwena ahead of next year’s elections. Pooe told The BEAT that he believes the incident was orchestrated and not just a coincidence because the people who attacked him do not know him and seemed to have had information on him. He added that four of them were speaking Shona, while one was a local resident. He was rushed to the local hospital for medical attention after the incident and is now recovering at home. Mogalakwena has been plagued by service delivery breakdowns due to political in-fighting, leaving residents with little hope for better governance in the municipality. This resulted in the DA’s Parliamentary Leader Mmusi Maimane visiting the area twice
to meet with residents during his “Power to the People Tour” recently. Maimane was assessing the true state of the nation ahead of the President’s State of the Nation Address on Thursday, 12 February. He was joined by Limpopo Provincial Leader Jacques Smalle. During Maimane’s return to the area, the political crackdown on local residents was continuing, with alleged “riot police aligned to a local ANC faction”. “Several residents were transported to hospital by the DA after SAPS used rubber bullets to disperse a planning gathering ahead of the day’s protest. Taps have run dry and rubbish piled high in the streets as a result of the ongoing war between ANC factions for control of the municipality that began months ago. Basic services are at a near standstill and it’s only a matter of time before a total collapse, which the community cannot afford,” said Maimane’s spokesperson Mabine Seabe.
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Lephalale Municipality rewards excellence in education Lizzy Bapela Teachers and learners from Lephalale who excelled during the 2014 academic year were honoured for their dedication and hard work during a prize-giving ceremony hosted by their local municipality at the Seleka Community Hall on Friday, 23 January. As part of his keynote address the mayor of Lephalale, Jack Maeko, congratulated the schools and their learners for the caliber of results they obtained in 2014, and emphasized that improving matric results is a collective effort. The mayor thanked Exxaro mine for the role that they played in assisting the learners through their winter school program, which is aimed at assisting learners in preparing for their exams. He encouraged learners, especially the sixteen who received bursaries, to study hard and make a success of their tertiary education. “We cannot achieve economic freedom in our lifetime without an education,” he told parents, learners and teachers. Thabang and Seoketseng High Schools from the Phalala Cluster each obtained a 100% pass rate, making this the third successive year that Seoketseng obtained a 100% pass rate. Thabang High School took first place among the best-performing schools in the cluster. Thabang’s achievement is even more
remarkable because the school achieved what it did in spite of vacant teachers’ posts due to its remoteness. The school reached this achievement despite being without a Maths teacher for over three months, yet six of the nine Grade 12 learners achieved the marks to study for Bachelor’s degrees. Ellisras High School was second, with an 89.13% pass rate and 11.27% distinctions. Tielelo High School came in third, with a pass rate of 84.38%. This was the school’s first Grade 12 class. The best improvements in matric results was obtained by Mathulasera High School, moving from 30% in 2013 to 69.23% in 2014, which was an improvement of 39.23%. Learners with four or more distinctions were also rewarded, with Morutla Sathekge from Raserite High School obtaining distinctions in Maths, Physical Sciences, Life Science and Geography. From Ellisras High School it includes Nandri de Beer, who obtained distinctions in Afrikaans, English, Computer Application Technology and Life Orientation, while Jacques du Plessis obtained distinctions in Maths, Physical Science, Information Technology, Electrical Technology and Life Orientation, Learners who participated in sports, arts and cultural activities on a national level were also rewarded at the ceremony.
BELA BELA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY Private Bag X1609 Bela Bela 0480
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Bojo Mujo w as a leader was leader,, say friends Lizzy Bapela Friends and family members of the late House Music DJ Jacky Letlhake, also known as Bojo Mujo, described him as a person with great leadership characteristics and a hero. This follows the breaking of sad news about his sudden passing on Saturday, 31 January. Letlhake’s brother and manager, Sello Letlhake, said that the artist passed away peacefully in Pretoria after a short illness, surrounded by family, at 05:00. He added that the family is humbled by the outpouring of love and support they received from those who were touched by his music from across the country. “He loved to empower the people surrounding him and would go the extra mile to make sure that they are satisfied. Bojo would not rest until those in need received the help they needed, and he was a good leader to those around him,” said his friend Jacky Mafumane. Mafumane said that Letlhake was his mentor and that he looked up to him. Letlhake moved to Pretoria at an early age and broke into the music scene in 2003, after the release of several albums, including House Therapy, The Return of Bojo Mujo, Destiny, Unblievable, and the most recent Umthwalo. His hit songs include Indab’ila, Setla, thando Lwami, Hlonolofatsa and Kulenyane, among many others. Bojo Mujo was a multi-platinum artist and outsold many mediahyped big name artists in South
The late Jacky Letlhake, better known as Bojo Mujo, who passed away recently. Photo supplied Africa. His stage name reportedly came from the Antonio Banderas film Desperado. Bojo used to say that to be successful you have to be in people’s ears, and the township was his inspiration. A memorial service for the late DJ is scheduled for Pretoria on Thursday, 5 February, and he will be laid to rest in his home town of Modimolle on Saturday, 7 February.
BELA BELA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY Private Bag X1609 Bela Bela 0480
BID NOTICE AND INVITATION TO BID
PUBLIC NOTICE: DRAFT 2013/14 ANNUAL REPORT A public notice is hereby given in terms of Section 129 (3) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 That the Accounting Officer must in accordance with Section 21 (a) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 make public the Draft Annual Report as tabled in Council. The Draft 2013/14 Annual report was tabled before Council on the 29th January 2015. The Draft 2013/14 Annual Report is available for public inspection at Municipal Building as well as in the municipal website www.belabela.gov.za for a period of 21 working days, commencing from Friday, the 6th February 2015 to Friday, the 6th of March 2015. Written Comments on the Draft 2013/14 Annual Report can either be emailed to raputsoap@belabela.gov.za or be placed in comment boxes provided for at Municipal offices. Members of the Public are welcome to submit written comments and representations on the Draft Annual Report to the Manager: Planning & Economic Development, Private Bag X1609, Bela-Bela 0480, or e-mail: raputsoap@belabela.gov.za or Fax to 014 736 3288. Comments must be received by not later than 06 March 2015 at 12H00. The Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) of Council will consider comments at a Meeting and submissions (as received by not later than Friday 06 February 2015 at 12H00) must indicate whether you wish to appear before the MPAC to motivate your comments and representations. A notice to the MPAC meeting will accordingly be issued to you. For any enquiries, do not hesitate to call Mr P Raputsoa of the Municipality at 014 736 8037 or VW Mhlongo at 014 736 8078. MM Maluleka Municipal Manager
BEAT
6 February, 2015
Notice No: 10/15
TENDER NO: 9/3/1/160 Bids are hereby invited for the CONSTRUCTION OF AN OPEN, CONCRETE LINED STORM WATER CHANNEL IN BELA BELA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY The contract entails the demolishing and disposal of an existing concrete channel, and the construction of 1300m new open concrete channel. Only bidders who comply with the following requirements are eligible to submit tenders: • Register with CIDB and having a grading of 6CE or higher • Employ staff which satisfies EPWP requirements. (Minimum requirement NQF 5 in Labour Intensive Construction) Bids will be evaluated on the 90/10 points system Tenders will be evaluated on functionality with a minimum qualifying score of 70 points. Tender documents will be obtainable as from 9th February 2015 at the offices of Bela Bela Local Municipality (not on site), in Bela Bela, upon payment of a non-refundable amount of R500.00. Only cash or bank guaranteed cheques made out to Bela Bela Local Municipality will be acceptable. A compulsory site inspection will be held on the 13th February 2015 at 10:00. Prospective bidders are expected to meet the representative of the Engineer at the main entrance of the Bela Bela Local MUNICIPALITY in Bela Bela, 59 Chris Hani Drive, from where they will be accompanied to the site. All bids will remain valid for a period of ninety days after the time and date of opening. Late submissions, telegraphic, telefax or e-mail transmission tenders will not be accepted. Bela Bela Local Municipality does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any bid and reserves the right to accept a tender as a whole or in part. All tenders and supporting documents must be sealed in a cover clearly marked "TENDER 9/ 3/1/160 "STORM WATER CHANNEL - LIMPOPO STREET" and must be deposited in the tender box, at room F58, Bela Bela Local Municipality, 59 Chris Hani Drive, Bela-Bela, not later than 12:00 on 27th February 2015. Supply Chain Management related enquiries can be directed to the procurement office of Bela Bela Local Municipality on 014 736 8000 Technical related enquiries can be directed to DIKGABO CONSULTING ENGINEERS at 011 656 4075. MM Maluleka Municipal Manager BELA BELA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY
(Notice number: 3/15)
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BEAT
6 February, 2015
Siwelele loses derby match on walkover TK Mashaba
Mookgophong’s Siwelele FC lost on a walkover on Saturday, 30 January, making it two games in a row that the team has lost by not showing up. They also lost against Mokopane Ratanang for the same reason, also on 30 January. Siwelele, who are in their second year in the SAB League, did not perform badly last year, but the past weekend’s events do not bode well for the team. Attempts to contact the owner proved fruitless. Simple Yellows lost against Mosesetjane United, also on a walkover, and SASE lost against Ditlou for the same reason.
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Registration period now open for 2015 Kay Motsepe Cup Atteridgeville’s Holy Trinity High School in Gauteng was the national winner in 2014. Photo supplied
Siwelele are currently occupying 14th place in the league’s Stream B, while Yellows are in 15th place. In other results, Mokopane Stonebreakers played to a 1-all draw against Real Madrid while PJ Stars lost 4-1 to United. In Stream A, Qualitho smashed Young Pirates 8-2 while Diesel n Dust lost 2-0 to Troublemakers. Happy Hearts played to a 1-all draw against Home Defenders, while M. Mmamoet Artsenal beat Bela-Bela Pirates 1-0. Celics lost 1-0 against Modimolle All Stars. Streams C and D have not started their games, and are said to be busy with player development.
Vaalwater circuit athletics
Zakele Mgobozhi, the captain of Holy Trinity’s team, celebrates a goal. Photo supplied U. 19 boys running the 500 m. Photo: Marlene Vermaak TK Mashaba
This boy managed an impressive high-jump. Photo: Marlene Vermaak
Jacob Mosima broke a field high jump record of 1,7 meters. Photo: Marlene Vermaak
The 2014 school year has begun, which means planning for the busy year ahead is underway, and high on the agenda of thousands of schools across the nation is getting their entries in for the largest football tournament in the country. The u.19 Kay Motsepe Schools Cup offers prize money of R3.4 million as well as the opportunity for coaches to have their key players under the eye of scouts who will help the youths to take their careers to the next level. According to Itune Communications spokesperson Phindile Sihlangu, schools have until 17 March to register. “Registration is open and the Motsepe Foundation, the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA) as well as
the Department of Basic Education are encouraging all high schools to enter the competition, as there are plenty of benefits associated with the tournament,” she said. “For individual players with exceptional talent, there is the opportunity to take their soccer career to the next level.” Scouts from professional clubs keep an eye on the competition with the aim of recruiting players for their youth development structures, and the financial implications are impressive, with the winning school getting R1 million to spend on projects that benefit the school and the community at large. The school which won the R1 million last year, in addition to R100 000 as Gauteng provincial champions, was Holy Trinity High School from Atteridgeville.
Volle yball coac hing c linics olleyball coaching clinics recr uit local pla yer s in ecruit play ers Bela-Bela ffor or tr aining training TK Mashaba Bela-Bela junior volleyball teams were lucky enough to be visited by the National Volleyball coach on Tuesday for coach clinics. According to Levy Thantsha, a local coach, the youngsters are coming along well after the clinics. Thantsha said that Bela-Bela Volleyball team Kamlplits has been doing well lately and
it’s all because of the dedication of the players. Last year, players from Kamplits scooped multiple awards during the Gala Dinner for Limpopo Sports Awards. At the moment their junior team will be focusing on school leagues, which is due to start in March. “We are training the new players hard for the school league,” he said
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