The Beat 6 March 2015

6 March 2015 R1-20/FREE

One dead and three

injured in collision

One man died in hospital after colliding with a tree. Photo: Supplied

Solve our problems or resign!

Angry residents of Bela-Bela marched to the municipality to voice their grievances. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela

Justin Steyn A 30-year old man has lost his life in a car accident. On Saturday 28 February, Prince Moselane was travelling from Vaalwater in a white Volkswagen Polo with three other passengers According to Modimolle police spokesperson, Warrant Officer James Findlay, it was suspected that Moselane had lost control of the vehicle and collided with a nearby tree.

Emergency personnel

arrived on the scene and the four occupants were stabilized and taken to the F.H Odendaal hospital in Modimolle.

Moselane passed away later that evening. The other occupants remain in critical condition at the hospital.

Findlay said the matter is still under investigation and a case of culpable homicide has been opened.

Angry residents of Bela-Bela headed to the municipal offices to voice their concerns and hand over a memorandum detailing their grievances to local mayor Lucas Nhlapo. The march took place on Friday, 27 February, starting at Lethlabile Park before heading into town with stops at main junctions.

The marchers said that they were tired of being made into fools by power-hungry leaders and wanted to sort things out once and for all, demanding urgent intervention.

The marchers sang struggle songs, demonstrating their anger and concern, as well as their dissatisfaction with the running of the municipality.

In their memorandum, the marchers demanded urgent solutions to many issues. They demanded that all general workers’ posts be reviewed, as those employed were not shortlisted, and that Manager for Planning Precious Raputswa be

Leader of the concerned residents of Bela-Bela Neo Moloko read out their demands to the mayor before handing over the memorandum.

Photo: Lizzy Bapela

fired with immediate effect as he allegedly employed his girlfriend in a position she was not qualified for.

They also demanded that the number of drivers and operators be made equal to the number of vehicles, as they say that there are more than 80 vehicles and less than 30 drivers. They want the remaining vehicles returned, as the municipality spends more than R3 million a month renting them.

The marchers also demanded the resignation of municipal manager Morris Maluleka, alleging incompetence. The marchers’ memorandum allegedly mentioned that many of the projects started during his tenure were not completed, while some have been abandoned by contractos.

They say that the municipality has lost more than R30 million for unbudgeted, frivolous and irregular expenditure.

During the reading of demands, one resident asked the mayor to stop smiling when they talk

because they did not enjoy seeing his “gold tooth”. The resident also accused Maluleka of also being corrupt as he is able to travel from Pretoria to Bela-Bela and back every work day because he does not feel the pain of expensive petrol as he buys it “with the money he stole from the municipality.”

The marchers continued to accuse the council of corruption and incompetence, adding that the political management team award tenders to and employ their friends and families instead of more qualified outsiders.

They also ordered the mayor to respond within seven days, threatening to create chaos in the town if he did not.

Municipal spokesperson Matome Sebelebele delivered a written statement to The BEAT’s offices, which can be read in full on Page 4 of The BEAT, in which the municipality denies allegations of corruption and mismanagement.

Page 2

BEAT

6 March, 2015

Mar khams store in Bela-Bela robbed once again

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

Two arrested for cop killing Justin Steyn Justin Steyn Two men, aged 21 and 25, have been arrested for allegedly killing a public order police officer.

According to the Hawks’ spokesperson in Limpopo, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi, the incident occurred when Constable Stanley Mokonyane was dispatched to Malumalele on Thursday, 26 February, to assist in keeping the peace.

Malumalele has been having issues with protests since the start of the year.

According to Mulaudzi, Mokonyane

was stabbed twice in the chest after meeting with two women who were allegedly sex workers.

Mulaudzi said that police had been informed of the men’s whereabouts by the two women, and arrests were made.

Mokonyane’s wallet and cellphone were recovered at the scene along with other stolen items.

The two men appeared at the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 2 February on charges of murder and robbery.

The incident is still under investigation.

Police rushed to Markhams after it was robbed on Tuesday, 3 March.

Photo: TK Mashaba TK TK Mashaba Mashaba Not six months after criminals robbed the Markhams store in Bela-Bela of large amounts of money as well as belts and cellphones, the shop has been hit by criminals again.

On Tuesday, 3 March, two people entered the store and robbed the store of shoes, money and cellphones.

According to Bela-Bela Police Detectives commander Colonel Abel Phetla, they have not yet established how much has been stolen from the store.

“Two people came into the store and pretended to be customers,” he said.

“Later they held the personnel in the store at gunpoint and were joined by six others. They took some shoes and cellphones, as well as an amount of cash.”

The criminals piled into a getaway car and escaped.

It has not yet been established whether the criminals were the same ones who robbed the store in October of 2014.

The police attended the scene with fingerprint instruments to see if they could identify the suspects.

The MEC for Agriculture in Limpopo Joy Matshoge recently visited the Modimolle Correctional Centre to review the State of the Nation Address together with the Offenders; also to simplify and give them the speech overview. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

Limpopo MEC for Transport, Safety, Security and Liaison Mapula Mokaba-Phukwana and her entourage visited the Modimolle Correctional Centre on Wednesday, 18 February to motivate the inmates. From left to right: the Waterberg District Executive Mayor Tlotlanang Mogotlane, Modimolle SAPS Cluster Commander Colonel Lookie Harmse, MEC Mokaba-Phukwana and the Department of Correctional Services’ Polokwane Area Commissioner Kenny Mthombeni. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

The head of Modimolle Correctional Centre Erastus Mocke (middle) was recently promoted to Deputy Director and still heads the Centre. His junior colleagues and area management team attended the celebration ceremony held at the centre recently to congratulate him. From left to right: Area Coordinator for Cooperate Services Tito Sekwakwa and Area Commissioner Kenny Mthombeni. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

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

6 March, 2015

BEAT

Page 3

Deceased traffic officer laid to rest in Mokopane

Mourners filled the hall for the memorial service. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Law-enforcement officers and other mourners came in their numbers to attend the memorial service of the late Thibe Charles Kekana, who had been employed as a traffic officer in Modimolle. The ceremony was held at the Waterberg Community Christian Church on Thursday, 26 February.

Kekana died after being hit a truck while he was on duty on Friday, 20

Traffic officers came in numbers to pay their last respect to their late colleague. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

February. He is suspected to have been sucked under the truck’s wheels by the heavy wind while he was busy assisting one driver who was passing, asking for directions.

Most speakers at the service described the deceased’s personality, strengths and character, remembering the times they had with him. Every speaker ushered their messages of heartfelt condolences with either tears in their faces or sad voices, expressing the pain

and shock of losing their loved one.

Representing the Traffic Department, the Waterberg Road Traffic Manager Simon Kekana talked about his colleague’s commitment in his job, saying that he was among the hard working staff members who always put his job first. Kekana indicated such dedicated and motivated people are needed in the law enforcement industry in order to ensure people’s safety. He added that their job is one

Alle gations of mass poisoning in sc hools Alleg schools The DA, in a recent press release, attributed the hospitalization of hundreds of learners at Mankgane Primary School in Sekhukhune to food poisoning from the school’s feeding scheme.

The incident follows hot on the heels of another incident late in 2014, where hundreds of Sekhukhune learners were hospitalized, also for food poisoning.

In September and October 2014, 300 learners were admitted to hospital after glass was found in their food, According to the DA, the Auditor General accused the Department of Education in Limpopo of delivering substandard food to their students as early as April 2014. The Department responded by cancelling the contracts of several suppliers involved in the feeding schemes in Sekhukhune late last year.

In a statement to the media the DA’s provincial leader Jacques Smalle promised to call for an inquiry by the Limpopo Legislature’s Education Committee into all school feeding scheme contracts the Department has entered into.

“How is it possible that the same tragedy has struck again just four months later?” he asked. “How many lives is the Department willing to risk before it properly vets suppliers of food to our learners?”

The DA is accusing the Limpopo Department of Education of providing dangerously substandard food in the school feeding scheme. Photo as illustration

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

The late Modimolle traffic officer Thibe Charles Kekana. Photo supplied of those that poses risks in an individual’s life and is not easy, urging members of the public to bear that in their mind when they think that their officials are being too strict that they are just doing their jobs.

Friends, colleagues, relatives, family members and people from various sector departments attended the memorial service and the deceased’s funeral held at Mahwelereng section in Mokopane over the past weekend.

By lear ning y ou learning you will teach; by teaching you will under stand. understand.

La tin Pr overb Latin Pro

Page 4

BEAT

6 March, 2015

Koppewaai in need Justin Steyn Justin Steyn Koppewaai residents say that they are fed up with their living conditions and with having no response from the Bela-Bela mayor Lucas Nhlapo.

According to Ward Councillor Kobus van der Merwe, there is a lot of uncertainty regarding proposed housing developments and the implementation of temporary toilet facilities which had been approved by the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) as well as the growth of local squatter camps.

Van der Merwe previously revealed that a survey was conducted last year by CoGHSTA and the Housing Development Agency, and found that an estimated R72 million was needed to supply the area with services such as storm water drainage and sewage disposal. According to van der Merwe the local municipality does not have the money for these services, and the application for a financial grant from the Urban Settlements Development Grant has been denied.

Van der Merwe said that he has written several letters to Nhlapo but he has received no response.

“It does not seem as if the mayor wants to talk to me about the issues at Koppewaai.

The community is faced with serious problems and they need answers.”

Another issue that van der Merwe complained about are illegal residents.

It has been alleged that some residents, particularly those with a political affiliation, are pretending to be leaders and levying certain extensions to residents at a reduced price.

Meanwhile, the National Treasury has taken an estimated R660 million in housing

funds from Limpopo and has handed it to four other provinces.

According to an article in The Star, the move was in terms of Section 19 of the Division of Revenue Act of 2014, which allows the Treasury to stop the transfer of certain allocations to a province.

As a rule, this is done if the province has broken the law on the use of those funds, or if the Treasury believes the province will not spend the money before the end of the financial year, if the function that the money was intended for is moved, or if the province does not comply with construction industry standards on infrastructure projects.

Limpopo’s R599.5 million was for the province’s Human Settlements Department and was part of the Human Settlements Development Grant for housing. It is a conditional grant, which means it must not be spent on anything else.

Van der Merwe blamed poor planning and maladministration on the part of CoGHSTA for the situation.

“It is now clear why the people of Spa Park and Koppewaai have been struggling for many years and will still struggle because of provincial departments that do not know what they are doing. If the MEV of CoGHSTA had responded to an urgent request and invitation by the community and had visited the area, it would have been unnecessary to send back funds.

It is an absolute disgrace that every year so much money is taken back,” he said.

Municipal spokesperson Matome Sebelebele said that the municipality is not happy with the developments in Koppewaai, but could not confirm whether Nhlapo had received van der Merwe’s written communications.

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

Libr ar y to be upg Librar ary upgrraded Justin Steyn Justin Steyn After more than ten years, it appears that something is finally being done about the Bela-Bela library’s condition.

According to the municipal spokesperson Matome Sebelebele, a vast amount of furniture, including tables, chairs and new bookshelves have been delivered to the library from the department. New books have also apparently been added to the list.

Following a meeting between the municipality and the department on Tuesday 3 March, it was decided to reinstate the library.

Sebelebele said that it was decided that the entire library is to be refurbished and that it is expected to function as a normal library.

“After much negotiation with the department we have decided to re-open the library in an upgraded state. The library will still have its internet station and the public will once again be able to apply for membership and borrow books,” He could not verify when the refurbishments would be completed.

Veld and Forest Fire Fighters gear up for the upcoming fire season Northam and Sondela fire fighters posed for a photo before departing to the camp.

Photo: Lizzy Bapela

BELA BELA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

Fire fighters from Waterberg were hard at work during the camp.

Photo: Lizzy Bapela

Private Bag X1609 Bela Bela 0480

RE: Statement on allegations on the contained in the Memorandum The municipality wishes to put the following on record regarding the allegations contained in the Memorandum, as submitted by the Concerned Community members of the Bela Bela to the Office of the Mayor on the 27th February 2015.

1. All the general workers’ posts were subject to the normal recruitment processes, which were followed to the letter culminating with the employment of the applicants.

2. Regarding the appointment of Mr Preciousstone Raputsoa, the municipality wish to state Mr Raputsoa has been appointed based on the requirements of the position to the satisfaction of Council.

2.1. Pertaining to the appointment of Mr Lesley Mokgwemang, LED Divisional Manager, the municipality can confirmed that all the requirements for the post as per the advertisement were met satisfactory, inclusive of the required qualifications and experience.

2.2. Contrary to the allegations that the municipality has hired a certain Ms Moloko Aretha Mabetwa, as the new Divisional Manager: Performance Management System (PMS), the municipality wishes to state no such candidate is in the employ of the municipality.

3. Currently, the municipality has a fleet contract on the leasing of vehicle, which is ending in June 2015. Consequently the municipality has, in preparation of the lapse of the current contract, and also to avoid in service delivery disruption, has entered lease agreement with a different service provide. By the beginning of the new financial year, all municipal fleet will be as per the service delivery need of the municipality.

4. The amount currently been paid for security services is in line with the appointment of the service providers, and security needs of the municipality, some of which arose during financial year, and has since been addressed during the Budget Adjustment Process in January 2015.

5. All our capital projects are progressing as scheduled and are due to be completed, by the end of the current financial year, ending in June 2015.

6. All tenders and quotations-based projects are awarded according to the Supply Chain Regulations and Council approved SCM policy, which also gives preference to locals.

For more information, contact: Matome Sebelebele Head of Communication and Spokesperson sebelebelemp@belabela.gov.za 072 751 1553 / 014 736 8005

Various new items of furniture have been seen at the Bela-Bela library.

Photo: Justin Steyn

Fire is always the main obstacle for the fire fighters during training.

Photo: Lizzy Bapela

Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Working on Fire (WoF) firefighters from various Waterberg bases joined their colleagues from all corners of Limpopo Province at a yellow card training camp to prepare for the 2015 fire season. The camp started on Monday, 23 February, and will run until Monday, 9 March, at the WoF provincial offices in Dalmada.

Provincial spokesperson for the WoF Matema Gwangwa said that normally the training camp is hosted a month prior to the start of the fire season.

She added that this year, due to the dry season and the lack of rain, the camp was moved earlier so as to have the firefighters ready for the season.

“The firefighters are assessed on their fitness level. They are expected 2,4km, and do sit-ups and push-ups within a limited time. Apart from attending lectures and writing

assessment tests, they also have to do practical exercises,” said Gwangwa.

The training instructor said that the firefighters also need to be exposed to fires in order to get used to the heat.

He added that they are expected to be able to continue even if they are surrounded by fire without being injured.

Meanwhile, the Working on Fire General Manager Sam Maepa said that all firefighters will be ready to deploy to any fire anywhere in the province once they pass their training. He told The BEAT that he was proud of the firefighters’ performance so far.

Gwangwa also mentioned that the firefighters showed a high level of commitment and motivation, often motivating themselves with song during challenges.

She added that team spirit is high among the fire fighters at the camp.

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

6 March, 2015

BEAT

Photo of the week

Letter to the editor An anonymous resident writes:

Live long, and prosper Leonard Nimoy, the actor who portrayed Mr Spock in the celebrated and world-changing series Star Trek, passed away on 27 February at the age of 83.

Tributes came in from all corners of the world. Barack Obama, America’s first black president, mentioned that Nimoy, as Spock, had been an inspiration to him. Crew on the International Space Station tweeted that Nimoy had inspired many of them to go to space in the first place. Actors and film people from across the world spoke out about the impact he had had on their lives. In short, a small, but significant, part of the world’s population – the most innovative, the most imaginative part — was united in grief. Many of them grieved for a man they had never met.

The interesting thing is that Star Trek was never supposed to change the world. It was a low-budget series, which was cancelled after only three seasons. The special effects were bad, even for the late 1960s, and the acting was, let’s say ‘not very good’ and leave it at that, shall we?

And yet, that cancelled series spawned ten films, four spin-off series and, in 2009, a reboot of the entire series with a new cast and all the shiny technology Hollywood could lay its hands on.

It captured the imagination of a generation. NASA named their space shuttle the Enterprise, after the ship in the series. Some say that Star Trek had as much to do with keeping man in space as Heinlein’s 1940s science fiction stories had with getting us there in the first place.

How did this admittedly not very good show do that?

By being brave.

In a time when America was still reeling from the after effects of World War 2, and with the Japanese internment camps still fresh in everyone’s minds, Gene Roddenberry put a Japanese man — one who had actually been in an internment camp as a child — on the bridge of a spaceship!

In a time when black people across America were fighting for equal rights, and women were trying to break their own chains, Gene Roddenberry put a black woman on the bridge of a spaceship! Incidentally, one of the acknowledged Queens of Comedy, Whoopi Goldberg, mentioned that she had been inspired to try acting when, as a small girl, she had seen Nichelle Nichols, a black woman, in Star Trek. “Momma,” she said, “There’s a black woman on TV, and she ain’t no maid!”

Many of the pioneers in the fields of computing said that they had been inspired by Star Trek’s treatment of technology as good, when most of the fiction at that time was predicting doom and gloom.

What’s the point of this editorial?

I hear you ask.

It’s this: Nobody ever changed the world unless they were a little bit brave. You may not have as big an influence on the course of the human race as Leonard Nimoy did, but you can change the world.

Just be brave.

And in the meantime, as the saying goes: Live long, and prosper.

Page 5

This photo was taken from the International Space Station by astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti of Italy on Friday, 27 February. It is the view of Earth as seen from the International Space Station.

Photo supplied

I would like to bring it to the attention of all concerned that the noise level in Bela-Bela Township is far too high at night, especially around Sun Valley, Leseding, and the industrial area where several taverns are situated.

I phoned the police on Tuesday night when the bass was especially loud. They wanted to know the name of a specific tavern, but they all play very loud music. The music is so loud that it shakes the roof and walls of the shacks, and I call it the demon beat because no-one in their right minds or having full hearing can listen to such trash.

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

COPYRIGHT

The reproduction or broadcast without written permission of any material published in The Beat and its supplements is forbidden and expressly reserved to Upfront Events Two CC, under section 12(7) of the Copyright Act, 1978 and any amendment thereof. The Beat is typographically prepared, published and distributed by Upfront Events Two CC. The Beat: 7 Minnaar Street, Tel: (014) 736-2723, Fax: (014) 736-3428, PO Box 16, Bela-Bela. E-mail: tbeat3@gmail.com.

The Beat is typographically prepared, published and distributed by Upfront Events Two CC and is printed by Paarl Coldset, 83 Heidelberg Rd, City Deep Production Park, City Deep.

EDITORIAL POLICY We at the

are proud to:

• provide our readers with complete, accurate, credible and objective news reporting • remain unbiased under all circumstances • strive to reflect the truth, objectivity and interests of the community in our reporting • support and contribute to freedom of speech, human rights and the economical and social upliftment of the towns and regions of our readers

The BEAT wants to hear from our readers. If you have a great story or something that you want us to bring to light, please email beateditor@gmail.com or send an SMS to one of our reporters. Lizzy: 072 264 7740 or TK: 076 756 9740. We would also LOVE to see some of your weird and wonderful photos for our editorial page.

Page 6

BEAT

Youth chamber launches brand new task team

6 March, 2015

The Waterberg Youth Chamber’s newly appointed task team members, convener Lehlogonolo Mathabatha and coordinator Tshepiso Boskraal. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela The Limpopo Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) of the Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industries (YCCI) recently appointed a new task team in the Waterberg District, following the alleged failure of the previous team. The newly appointed task team was announced during a conference that was held at the Mookgophong Municipality’s chamber recently.

The YCCISA was launched in 2014 by Minister for Small Business Development Lindiwe Zuluan was set to work closely with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). The Department said that the chamber was formed as an umbrella body aimed at uniting all youth business formations, also ensuring that young people speak in a single voice with respect to business development.

The previous team led by Tebogo Mothapo of Bela-Bela and Russia Monene of Lephalale was established in February 2014 and reportedly could not satisfy the policies and requirements set for the chamber, including being able to

take the YCCI to the provincial congress and being able to meet deadlines.

This resulted in the PEC appointing the new team that committed itself to ensuring that the youth in the Waterberg District benefit from the district’s economic growth.

Meanwhile, Lehlogonolo Mathabatha from Mogalakwena was appointed as chamber’s convener in the Waterberg, with Thabazimbi’s Tshebiso Boskraal as the coordinator. Other members include Seipelo Masemola of Bela-Bela, Kabelo Masilwane of Modimolle, Lesiba Phosa of Mookgophong and Thabitha Modise from Lephalale.

“We urge young entrepreneurs to join the chamber. We promise good operation under Mathabatha’s leadership and say that it is about time to enjoy what belongs to us,” said Boskraal. “We plead with the mines, municipalities and all government departments to afford opportunities to young entrepreneurs to prove themselves. Young people must also feel free to contact us with any further queries or for more information.”

Bela-Bela Hospital accused of nepotism ‘How can they do that to us? We pay taxes and they have to help us!’

TK TK Mashaba Mashaba Complaints have been made about alleged service issues at the Bela-Bela Hospital.

The people who talked to The BEAT said that they had been sent back to local clinics when they went to the hospital for help.

One woman, who asked not to be named, said that it was disappointing to go all the way to hospital only to be sent back to the local clinic.

“How can they do that to us?” she said.

“We pay taxes and they have to help us!”

“We believe that the hospital are not practicing the Batho Pele principles. How

SMALLS BARGAIN newly build 3 bedroom house, 2 bathrooms, garage, open plan living room/ dining room. Paul Kruger str.

Nylstroom R680 000. Contact Francois 082 495 3299.

LEGALS BELA BELA AMENDMENT SCHEME 93/08 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR AMENDMENT OF THE TOWN PLANNING SCHEME IN TERMS OF SECTION 56 (1) (b) (i) OF THE TOWN PLANNING AND TOWNSHIPS ORDINANCE 1986 (ORDINANCE No 15 OF 1986) We, GEO PROJECTS, authorised agents of the owner of Erf 205, Bela

Bela township, Bela-Bela hereby give notice in terms of section 56(1)(b)(i) of the Town Planning and Townships Ordinance, 1986 (Ordinance No 15 of 1986) that we have applied to the Bela Bela Municipality for the amendment, known as the Bela Bela Land Use Scheme, 2008, by the rezoning of the property describe above, from Business 3 to Business 1.

Particulars of the application will lie for inspection during normal office hours at the office of the Municipal Manager, Municipal Offices, Bela Bela , for a period of 28 days from 27 February 2015. Objections to or presentations in respect of the application must be lodged with or made in writing to: The Municipal Manager at the above address or Private Bag x1609, Bela Bela, 0480, within a period of 28 days from 27 February 2015 Address: P.O. Box 919, Bela-Bela, 0480, Tel: 082 881 7252. (27/2 & 6/3)

Bela-Bela Hospital has been accused of nepotism and discrimination.

Photo: TK Mashaba can they turn us away when we needed help? If they are understaffed, let them hire more people to help the community.”

Hospital spokesperson Buti Moagi explained that services work a certain way in the various health services.

“People must understand that we have different health institutions, like local clinics, local and regional hospitals, and we have such for a reason,” he said. “We render services according to the condition of our patients, and when people are sent to the clinic the personnel who sent them might know how serious their conditions are,” he said.

He added that the hospital and the clinics are not all rendering the same services. ”It’s not nepotism,” he said, “it’s just how the system works.”

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

Spa Park Primary gears up for Library Week from 2 to 6 March Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Bela-Bela’s Spa Park Primary School is commemorating their Library Week from Monday, 2 March to Friday the 6th of March, by urging all parents, teachers and learners to use the week to focus on improving children’s reading skills.

The school’s principal Johan Adams encouraged students and teachers to read magazines, newspapers or books for at least 30 minutes a day throughout the year, not just during this time. He said that learners should read through their work at least three times, and that all children should read and finish at least one library book a week.

Adams said that the main focus during the week is on English.

“We are now well on our way in our endeavour to improve the quality of learning and teaching in our school, and reading is also a big part of learning as it instils the skill in our children’s minds,” he said. “We appeal to parents to support us by regularly checking the learners’ books and sign the last page as evidence, assist children with their work, reading through the work daily, use diaries to communicate with teachers, making sure that your child attends school and prepare for assessment and adhering to the school Code of Conduct and rules.”

Children are urged to read and finish at least one library book a week.

Photo: Lizzy Bapela

Thr ee educa tor s assigned hree educator tors to Solomon Mahlangu ‘Phatudi’s visit to our school has been a blessing and it shows that many people care about the children’s future’..

TK TK Mashaba Mashaba Two weeks after Modimolle’s Solomon Mahlangu High appeared in The BEAT, the school says that the Department of Education has finally heard their cries for help.

According to information received, the school has received three new educators, which will go some way toward making up for the recent loss of 15 educators whose contracts were terminated.

The school principal Steven Majapholo said that the department had responded to their problems, and have helped with the problem as much as they can.

He added that since The BEAT and the Heartlines crew had visited the school, there have been many positive results from other visits to the school.

“Phatudi’s visit to our school has been a blessing and it shows that people do care about the children’s future,” said Majapholo.

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

6 March, 2015

Monareng for Mr Commonwealth!

Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Vaalwater resident Lucas Monareng, 24, is a contestant in the 2015 Mr Commonwealth South Africa pageant.

He is among the top 24 contestants working toward reserving a place in the top 12 finalists, who will be competing for the crown. The grand finale is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg in August.

The competition administrator Ziyanda Makoto said that the competition creates a platform for men to become leaders and role models in the community and empower and inspire them with the knowledge to bring about change and development.

The winner will represent South Africa at the international competition in London in November, where representatives from all the Commonwealth nations will be competing for the title.

The top 24 semifinalists will be judged and tested on their leadership, entrepreneurial and community development skills. Each semifinalist needs to make his mark within the community by bringing about change through charity work and motivating improvement.

The competition focuses on social upliftment and finding South Africa’s next Ambassador of Change.

“The top 12 contestants will be announced on Friday, 1 May, and these finalists will attend workshops and boot camps to determine the most deserving finalists. The winner will represent South Africa in London,” said Makoto.

“Through the pageant, a platform is created for men and women of all ages to become charity and culture ambassadors within South Africa as well as in the broader international community. The title holders become

Mr Commonwealth South Africa Semi Finalist Lucas Monareng.

Photo: Lizzy Bapela involved in charitable causes and uphold the aims and objectives of the Commonwealth. These include racial harmony, the eradication of poverty and cultural cohesion.”

Monareng is currently working on the challenge of getting involved in charity work. He says that his love for the needy gave him too much passion in modelling and that this is the reason he entered the competition.

Monareng says his dream is to show troubled youth in the country that they can be who they had always dreamed that they wanted to be, as long as they work hard and do not give up.

“In order for me to qualify to be in the top 12 finalists to take part on the final stage of the competition expected to be held at the end of August this year, I first need to host fundraising event and donate to the needy.

To be considered as someone who can be ambassador for the country in this competition, you have to prove that you have passion, love and the ability make the needy happy,” he said.

BEAT

Page 7

Waterber g hosts Pr ovincial terberg Pro Wetlands Da y cele br ations Day celebr bra Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela MEC for the Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) Seaporo Sekoati led the Provincial Wetlands Day celebrations held at the Nylsvley Nature Reserve in Mookgophong recently. Political and sector departments’ officials and management from across the Waterberg District joined their counterparts from the Limpopo Provincial offices during the event.

Spokesperson for the Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) Kgatla Ntlhekeng said that World Wetlands Day is an annual event that commemorates the signing of the Convention on Wetlands, which took place on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar. He added that the Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental agreement that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

“A Ramsar site is known for ”the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world”.

“Nylsvley is an internationally renowned Ramsar site. Nylsvley was recognized as a Ramsar site in 1997. It forms part of South Africa’s largest flood-plain, the 16,000-ha Nyl River floodplain which stretches over 70 km from Modimolle to Mokopane. Over 104 water bird species

MEC for LEDET Seaporo Sekoati.

Photo: Lizzy Bapela visit and many breed during extensive flooding, which only occurs every three or four years,” said Ntlhekeng.

According to Wikipedia website “the area boasts some 370 bird species — of which more than 100 are waterfowl — and during peak floods, over 80,000 birds are to be seen. The reserve is also home to roan antelope and Tsessebe.

The only stands of wild rice in South Africa, Oryza longistaminata, are to be found there.

Environmental Club at Meetsetshehla

Those who educate children well are more to be honored than parents, for these only gave life, those the art of living well.

Aristotle

A group of Meetsetshehla Secondary School students that are part of the Environmental Club in 2015. The whole group was not available for the photo.

Marlene Vermaak Marlene Vermaak The Environmental Club at Meetsetshehla Secondary School was started shortly after the Waterberg Biosphere had their exhibition at the Farmers Hall in 2014.

Marlene Vermaak previously had an Outdoor (Environmental) Club at Waterberg Academy but has since moved to Meetsetshehla Sec School in April 2013.

While attending the Waterberg Biosphere’s exhibition Vermaak saw that one of the areas the Biosphere was interested in was Youth Education and Environmental clubs.

She spoke to a member of the Biosphere, Arthur, who has since become her liaison there. Arthur regularly came to the school on Thursday’s during the activity period to help facilitate the environmental programed.

The club was formed with 20 learners who volunteered and currently 26 learners make up the club. More students would actually

like to join but it’s important to keep the group manageable for all parties involved. The students are not forced to attend any of the meetings and the idée is that they should want to attend to learn more about the environment.

There is only one Grade 12 boy, the school’s head boy Elias Kekae, in the group. The rest of the group consist of Grade 9, 10 and 11 learners. No new Grade 8’s were accepted into the group this year, as there were already enough students.

The goals of the club are to educate students about nature and initiate a love for nature. Students should see this as knowledge they can use for the rest of their lives, in potential jobs as well as in general conversation with their friends and family.

The club were expected to have their first outing to Makapaans Caves, between Mokopane and Polokwane, on Wednesday 4 March, accompanied by Vermaak and two members of the Waterberg Biosphere. Members from the Biosphere were vital in making all the necessary arrangements.

Page 8

BEAT

6 March, 2015

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

Young Pirates suffer against National soccer coach visits Bela- Surrender Bela Bafana Bafana Coach Ephraim Shakes Mashaba took pictures with players and management from the SAB team Total Surrender.

Photo: Lizzy Bapela

TK TK Mashaba Mashaba The SAB League continued on Saturday, 28 February. Modimolle’s Young Pirates had a hard time over the weekend, losing 4-0 against Total Surrender’s inspired play at Moloto Stadium in Bela-Bela.

They went into the match determined to collect maximum points, but Surrender was motivated by a visit from Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba. They were also supported by Ramasela Galane, Chief Operational Officer of Surrender and Nobantu Mthunzini, the team’s vice president.

Soccer fans and supporters flocked to Zone 14 soccer fields to take pictures with Coach Mashaba. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba visited Bela-Bela over the past weekend. Mashaba told The BEAT that the main reason for his visit was to take a break from his work and enjoy the peace and quiet.

He added that he also wanted to see the local teams playing casual soccer and interact with the players. Mashaba also said that he wanted to honour the Local football Association (LFA) for his invitation to Bela-Bela. They planned to congratulate him for the work he did for the national team during the Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

The coach arrived at Forever Resorts on Friday, 27 February, and received a warm welcome from the resort’s management. He then took a tour of various places in Bela-Bela, accompanied by LFA member Dimakatso Jane Thema and

management from other local teams.

He met and took pictures with fans.

Mashaba visited the Zone 14 soccer fields in Phomolong, where Bazooka FC was playing against a visiting team. He proceeded to the Moloto Stadium just before the match between SAB teams Total Surrender and Young Pirates ended in a 4-0 loss for Pirates.

Mashaba concluded his visit at Sunfa Stadium, where Diesel n Dust was playing against a visiting team.

During his interactions with local fans, Mashaba indicated that he may return soon to watch more games, as residents made his stay a great one.

“I came here to rest but ended up seeing places I never thought I would visit, and loved the warm welcome that the people of Bela-Bela gave me. I never experienced any difficulties in my visit here, and will surely come back to visit these wonderful folks again,” Mashaba said.

Surrender player up for the ball during their game against Pirates. Photo: TK Mashaba

In the first half of the game Pirates led with possession but failed to net goals against the excellent performance of Surrender’s goal keeper.

Surrender scored in the first half of the game. They received a penalty later, after a player was fouled in the 18-area, and scored the penalty.

Pirates’ tactics in the second half game them an addition of momentum, but Surrender’s defense was solid.

Surrender later scored another two goals sealing the deal at 4-0.

Surrender lost 5-2 against Qualitho on Sunday.

Danone Na tions Cup Nations tour nament star ts up tournament starts

Some of the young players who are aiming for the top.

Photo: TK Mashaba

‘Through the Danone Nations Cup we are reaching kids at a crucial age’..

TK TK Mashaba Mashaba

These students from Meetsetshehla Secondary School in Vaalwater qualified for the Limpopo Athletics on Saturday, 7 March, in Polokwane.

They are Edwin Skota, U-19 boys (400 meters and 100 meters), Enifa Mophuting, U-15 girls (javelin), Boitumelo Makhubela, U-19 girls (javelin) and Betty Kosana, U-17 girls (800 meters and 1 500 meters).

Photos: Marlene Vermaak

Primary schools across the country have been invited to join in the biggest football tournament for kids between 10 and 12 years of age in the world, by entering the 2015 Danone Nations Cup. Altogether 32 countries have started the grueling qualifiers to identify the teams that will compete in the World Finals in Morocco later this year. Team registrations closed on 27 February.

“This week ten teams from the BelaBela clusters were expected to meet on Wednesday, 4 March, at Moloto Stadium, and the winner will be representing Bela-Bela at the district level,” said SAFSA chairperson Hendrick Kgwebane. “Last year Spa Park Primary did very well. They made it to the district level before being

disqualified.”

The competition is run under the auspices of the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA) and the Department of Basic Education.

The winners will progress to regional finals, culminating in the nine provincial winners playing in the national finals to determine the national winner.

“Through the Danone Nations Cup we are reaching children at a crucial age,” said Chantel Ehlers, a communications specialist at Danone, during a media briefing.

“We are passionate about making a difference to people’s lives and our mission is ‘bringing health through food to as many people as possible,’ which we are achieving through this tournament. We are also encouraging kids to believe in their dreams.”