2017
R1-20/FREE
The BEAT 8 September
Community newspaper
Wisdom mountains from the
The imposing mountain of Modimolle (Kranskop). Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Traditional health practitioners’ honcho Dr Andries Mohatla (greying beard) leads the pilgrimage down the slopes of the Modimolle mountain at the end of communion with the ancestors. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Read the story on page 3
CRIME
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8 September, 2017 Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Total of 23 arrested after spring partying Lizzy Bapela
Many loads of minibus taxis were stopped and searched during the operation. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Spring has sprung in a costly manner for 23 revellers in Bela-Bela Township, who were all nabbed by the police for public drinking and other liquor-related lawlessness, last Saturday, 2 September. The 23 suspects were rounded up during a six-hour joint operation at the local railway crossing, by the SAPS, traffic authorities and the Youth Against Crime movement. Bela-Bela Mayor Jeremiah Ngobeni and senior personnel from the municipality lent support to the law enforcement agencies by their presence. The operation’s commander, the nononsense Warrant Officer Sello Mangana, said the exercise was aimed at preventing criminal activity such as rape, common robbery, and over and above, a particular
hawk’s eye on liquor-related lawlessness. He said most of the suspects were visitors from the North-West, Gauteng and Mpumalanga, who had descended on the tourist attraction town for a weekend of fun. The total of 23 suspects were all released on an admission of guilt fine of R100 each. He said many of the suspects were picked up from the police station by group transport such as minibus taxis, and headed back to their respective home provinces. Inevitably at this time of the year, scores of minibus taxis arrived or alternatively filed past Bela-Bela, with youngsters dancing their day and night away alongside these vehicles, on their way to lodges and other destinations throughout the Waterberg. Mangana said no serious crimes were reported from the broader hectic Spring Day festivities for the entire weekend.
Punishment for ‘stalwart’ pangolin poacher and accomplice Justin Steyn Two men from Limpopo were sentenced to three years imprisonment each for the illegal possession of a protected animal species. And, irony of ironies, one of the culprits went by the name Oliver Tambo. On a serious note though, this particular Tambo, 37, and Kenny Mandebvui aged 31, were each sentenced to an effective three years imprisonment, without the option of a fine, over the two counts of the illegal possession of the endangered pangolin. For those visitng from another planet, the late Oliver Tambo was a stalwart of the ANC, after whom Apartheid-era Jan Smuts Airport had been renamed. The BEAT could not, at the time of going to press, establish if there was indeed a relation between the late ANC president and Pangolin Tambo, but was able to confirm from impeccable organisational sources, that the year of OR Tambo was chugging ahead at full steam. According to the provincial Limpopo SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, the conviction of the two culprits was a sequel to an incident which occurred on Thursday, 27 October 2016. At the time Stock Theft Unit members received a tip-off with regards to the suspects, who were en route from Modimolle to Polokwane, with the illegal possession of a pangolin in their vehicle.
Incidents of pangolin poaching a concern. Photo supplied
“Police, jointly with the Limpopo Department of Environmental Affairs officials, reacted swiftly and arrested the two,” he said. Mojapelo said the arrests proved the long arm of the law was dealing effectively with criminal activity. “This will serve as a perfect example that as the police, we are here to bring all perpetrators of crime to book, especially those who are still committing the illegal
poaching of endangered and protected species,” he charged. According to research, pangolins were a severely endangered species, and therefore a protected part of the wildlife. Perceived as a delicacy in Asian countries such as mainland China and Vietnam, the demand has also unfortunately increased, with syndicates going all out to access the pangolin, among other endangered species. Twanet van der Linde of Jedtwa Wildlife in
Bela-Bela, said the animals had become subject to severe poaching for their hides, which were being used to manufacture expensive leather shoes. The endangered specuies’ meat was also a consumable delicacy in the two countries. “Traditional practices are not playing a major part in putting pangolins in danger, but conservationists and traditional practitioners should work together to preserve these animals,” she added.
Consumers cry foul over alleged inconsistent pricing Justin Steyn It appears as if human error has befallen upon two retail shops in Bela-Bela. The BEAT has received numerous complaints regarding the Pick ‘n Pay and Shoprite stores in Bela-Bela, regarding pricing. “I had problems with the price they had on the shelves. Some of them were
advertised on special (sale) but then there is a completely different price on the till register,” wrote a reader. “It’s terrible and time-wasting, especially when people stand in a queue behind you and ask questions about the pricing. “I just feel that the right price should be reflected with the right products. I know customers tend to put other products on different shelves, but this was not the situation at all. “
The BEAT bounced off the situation with both store’s headquarters, but only received a response from Shoprite’s marketing division. “We would like to apologize to the customer for any inconvenience caused by the fact that prices on the shelf differ from the prices in the system. It happens from time to time that prices are adjusted in the system and that the shelf label is not replaced in time, to reflect the new
price. This is a discipline problem that will be addressed,” their response read. It further stated the policy was that the consumer was entitled to pay the lowest price if the price of a product on the shelf differs from that charged on the cash register. “Such a problem should be reported to the branch manager so that steps can be taken immediately to rectify the error.”
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GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
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Wisdom sought from Modimolle mountain Provincial secretary, Dr Mahlasela Maluleka, dances to the beat of the cowhide hand drums. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Mzamane Ringane Traditional health practitioners spent last Wednesday, 30 August, on a spiritual pilgrimage to commune with those who lay buried in the belly of the earth, on the slopes of the imposing mountain of Modimolle. The colourful motorcade to the foot of what is also known as Kranskop, was cohosted by the Waterberg Traditional Health Practitioners collective, and the district’s health department. The occasion was the regional leg of the nationwide African Traditional Medicine Day, with the ongoing narrative to grant recognition to the age-old use of traditional medicine. Scores of traditional health practitioners departed in a motorcade from Ephraim Mogale Stadium in the early hours of Wednesday, dressed in colourful regalia, chanting and dancing to the beat of cowhide hand drums.
Locals lined up the sidewalk to watch the procession, which reached the slopes of the mountain within half an hour of their departure from the stadium. After an hour-long spiritual engagement with the ancestors, the health practitioners – still against the backdrop of the pounding hand drums – returned to the township, but first touching base with the local taxi rank. The procession was led by regional traditional health practitioners’ chairperson, Dr Andries Mohatla, and provincial secretary, Dr Mahlasela Maluleka. Age-old legend has it the imposing mountain was sacred, in that those who dare climb its summit, needed to go through special spiritual rituals, before
doing so. Addressing an estimated 200 health practitioners back at the stadium, Mohatla emphasised that traditional medicine still played a fundamental role. He said traditional medicine was recognised by the government, working in relation with, among others, the World Health Organisation (WHO). Limpopo chairperson, Ngaka (Dr) Morifi Makgabo, pointed out that back in the olden days, people had no access to modern health clinics and hospitals, but still led a healthy life. He further urged the traditional health practitioners to exercise caution when giving out medication, encouraging them to work with local health clinics. Health department manager for noncommunicable diseases, Mphonyana Maleka, thanked the traditional health practitioners for coming out in numbers. Modimolle/Mookgophong councillor Lesetja Monyela attended the event as acting mayor.
New boys on the block BRA go for the jogular in the township Lizzy Bapela The ANC breakaway independent BelaBela Residents Association (BRA) has started spreading its tentacles, launching no less than two new branches within a matter of weeks. BRA was scheduled to launch its second branch on Saturday, 9 September, at Mmamakwa Full-Service Primary School. The year-old community-based lobby group entered the local highly-contested political terrain as a loose alliance of ANC turncoats, by winning a PR seat, as represented by prominent politician, Joseph Makhubela. The recent launch of the first branch, named Tintswalo, took place at BelaBela High School, where educator, Ndibu Machele, was elected chairperson. In her acceptance speech, Machele told BRA members she urged for unity and
The newly elected branch leadership. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Bela-Bela downtown car crash
The accident caused traffic snarl-ups. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela A woman was injured in a car crash on Saturday, 2 September, at the northern entrance into Bela-Bela. According to information received, the driver of a sedan lost control and smashed into the driver’s side of another vehicle. At the time of going to press, police spokesperson Sergeant Hester Van Zyl promised to source details of the cause of the accident.
She confirmed however, that the injured driver was taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries, and that no case was opened. Meanwhile, another accident took place on the R516 Settlers crossing on Saturday, 26 August. Van Zyl said a case of reckless and negligent driving, and also culpable homicide, was being investigated, after one of the drivers died. Some of the injured occupants were transported to Sunshine Hospital for treatment.
constant communication within the party’s structures. She warned her comrades in BRA not to be arrogant, something which she said triggered the steady decline of certain political parties. “Working together we can grow our party. Branch and community meetings are needed to take place in order for members of the party and the community to acquire relevant information, and also discuss issues affecting the welfare of the party,” she said. BRA founding president, Piet Mabusela, was excited by the turnout at the first branch launch, and said he expected similar, if not better interest on Saturday. The newly-elected Tintswalo branch leadership comprised of Siphiwe Tshabalala, as Machele’s deputy, Phillip Putuka as secretary, Margaret Maswanganyi as deputy secretary, treasurer Johanna Moumakwe and Irene Machele as the organizer.
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GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
Metro FM DJs mesmerize
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LETTERS A tribute to Dr. Tshehla Francis Hlahla — from a fellow-detainee Zunaid Mosam Zunaid Mosam writes: I watched him sitting in the courtyard with his back leaning against the wall. A lanky solitary figure in serene contemplation. I walked up to him and he smiled. He gestured, ‘Sit down young man’. ‘How are you this morning doc?’ I said, trying to make the proverbial ‘small talk’. ‘Couldn’t be better,’ he smiled. I frowned at his response and he continued, ‘I’m finally having a good rest.’ Dr. Hlahla, who I had befriended a few days earlier as a result of being detained and sharing a cell, had served his community in Mokopane as a medical doctor. But, like many of us, he landed in prison, the circumstances of which I don’t remember. Our bond extended as we both espoused the philosophy of Black Consciousness and our discussions ranged from Steve Biko to Malik al Shabbaz. I also envied his sense of serenity and perpetual smile, even in the midst of humiliation.
It so happened that one morning he was sitting and leaning against the wall minding his own business. A (prison) warder approached him and in deliberate humiliation bellowed: ‘Dr. Kry my ‘n stoel’ (Dr, bring me a chair.). He lifted his lanky body off the ground and briskly strode, like a basketball player, across the yard and returned with the chair. Without another word he returned to his normal posture. I watched the whole scenario unfold and, angrily, darted towards him. ‘Doc, why do you allow that white racist bastard humiliate you?’ I challenged him. He smiled, ‘Sit down young man’ He pointed, at the barricaded courtyard, ‘that fight is not for now. Our fight is beyond these walls. There’s a time and place for everything... Our struggle too.’ Indeed today you will finally rest... a well-deserved rest too. I salute you... father... friend.... fellow detainee. Hamba Khahle Doc.
Good gamblers know when to stop, dammit!
DJ Lamiez was the crowd favourite. Photo: TK Mashaba
The letter last week was something of a calculated risk, gentleman from the Bela-Bela taxi industry, who went with the potential to draw a backlash from supposedly lyrical about how he enjoyed what he called “good angry readers. English” in the last edition. Your mischievous Editor deliberately rambled on with Then there was Thabo Marema, a young fellow who is narrative which could have been a cut-and-paste from a certainly not generous with his praise, who fixed his stiff upper-lipped cockney (dictionaries, learners!), all deep-set eyes into mine, before whispering that, the way from London’s East End. “indeed, the only escape is for leaners to Words such as a “broadsheet” visit their dictionary”. newspaper, “tokenism” and Before and during our pre-publication “caricature”, were a deliberate attempt conference on Monday, reporters shared to tease and provoke, especially stories of the kind of reaction received English educators into anger, but then from readers with regards to several of the opposite was to be the response. our stories. Before giving you a glimpse into Naturally, the most popular of these what a couple of readers thought was the front page lead with the about last week’s letter, let us capture headline, “Hope for tourism”, for a a clear picture as to who in the number of reasons. Waterberg is the niche target market The first was that the tone of the for this column; the short answer is headline spoke of potential opportunities LETTER FROM THE EDITOR the abundant middle to upper classes. in the sector, and also that motherly Johnny Masilela This segment of readers is obviously, figure, the masseur (dictionaries!), Lebo among others, your professionals such Olifant, offered a short list of eight as civil servants, court orderlies and above all, the unemployed youngsters free training, in the niche English grammar teacher. tourism field of health and wellness. Having said that though, can we say with a straight The second most attractive story in the last edition was face that the segment of readers such as those absorbed the one with the headline, “You must be joking!” based within the framework of extended public works on the phenomenal success of stand-up comedian, aka programmes, would not be interested in a column like Multi B. this letter from the editor? Just shows how readers are crying out for something The answer is complex, and perhaps even baffling. light, from time to time, as opposed to the high-voltage Who among us are aware that lots of unemployed political discourse in the pages of the mainstream press, graduates and school-leavers are also absorbed within and also the electronic media. the ranks of these government interventions? And who In conclusion, we take this opportunity in chivalry of the unemployed graduates can bravely say she or he (dictionaries!), to extend our gratitude to all the ladies is at a loss with the column’s narrative? who snapped up the copy of our recent front page Last weekend I was personally approached by a headlined, “Handbag Backlash”, in their numbers.
Hope for embattled rural economies Justin Steyn
DJ Man playing at Bela-Bela. Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba Popular Metro FM deejays, Ismael Ibrahim and Joeman Mampuru, got a fabulous reception from revellers at Bela-Bela Township’s Shisanyama outlet on Saturday, 2 September. Mampuru replaced fellow Metro DJ, Amon Mokoena, who could not make it as originally planned. The line-up was completed by equally-liked Lamiez
Holworthy from Tshwane TV. DJ Fanzo from Mpumalanga made a brief appearance, en route to perform at another show in Rooiberg. Ibrahim, better known as DJ Man, was the first to show what he was made of, mesmerizing the audience with his line-up of yesteryear ballads. Lamiez was very popular with fun lovers, as the only female DJ on the night. She had them roaring for more, performing with a live band.
Slight hope has been triggered to arrest rising levels of poverty across the rural Limpopo, according to data released by Stats SA. Hardly a week after Stats SA head, Pali Lehohloa, sent shockwaves allround, to the effect that poverty levels were on a steady upwards trajectory in Limp[opo and the likewise rural Eastern Cape, the statistician-general on Tuesday, 2 September, somewhat lifted the gloom, reporting that the agricultural sector – a breadbasket of the rural poor – had leaspt upwards to 33,6% in the second quarter, as compared to a low of 22,2% over the same period in the first quarter. Gross Domestic Product had nudged upwards to 2,2%, with some
economists on record saying that the broader South African nation had hauled itself out of the prevalent recession, even if for the time being. In recent days Stats SA sent showaves throughout the rural hinterland, flashing a red light as to the rising levels of poverty, with particular reference to rural provinces, chief among these Limpopo and the Eastern Cape. Stunned NGO’s reacted to the gloomy news by poiting out that there had been an increase in requests for food donations, even from those in employment due to rising food prices, among other factors. At the time Stats SA reported that poverty levels were on the increase, as recorded in its statistics. The report stated the country’s economy had been determined by a
combination of international and domestic influences, among these weak economic growth, high unemployment levels, lower commodity prices, increased consumer prices, a decline in investment levels, and policy uncertainty. Limpopo and the Eastern Cape, in particular, and those with little or no education, were the most affected. Non-profit organization Light of Africa, based in Bela-Bela, said the ertwhile report rang so true, with project head Josias Ramalekana adding his grouping had also observed likewise. According to the earler report, Stats SA indicated children (aged 17 years and younger) were the most affected. Ramalekana said the majority of those who approached Light of Africa were child-headed households.
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VACANCIES
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ADVERTISMENTS / LEGALS
SMALLS
LEGALS NOTICE TO REINSTATE A DEREGISTERED CLOSE CORPORATION Notice is hereby given of the intention to reinstate the deregistered Close Corporation: RAINDAWN 143 CC, Registration number: 2008/ 023139/23. The reason for the reinstatements is that the Close Corporation is in business and was deregistered because of an administrative omission. For further information or objection please contact: NUMERI ACCOUNTANTS INC R-M Jansen Van Vuuren, Tel no: 014 004 0100, 35 Luna Road, Bela Bela, 0480. (25/ 08,01&08/09). NOTICE OF SALE IN EXECUTION IN THE MAGISTRATE’S COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF MOOKGOPHONG HELD AT MOOKGOPHONG CASE NO: 94/2017 In the matter between: WILGERT BK h/a BUFFELSDRIFT BOERDERY Execution Creditor and NYLSVLEI GAME TRADERS Execution Debtor Take notice that in terms of the Judgement that was granted by the above Honourable Court on 28 June 2017 and issued a Warrant of Execution Against Movable Property, in terms thereof and the subsequent seizue of the undermentioned property, the undermentioned property will be sold by Sale in Execution on 27 September 2017 at 10h00 at the office of te Sheriff: Mookgophong, 133 Sixth Street, Naboomspruit, to the highest bidder. Description of property: 1 x Trailer with registration number BLZ 857 L; 1 x Volvo Tractor with registration number DKG 123 N; 1 x Fiat Tractor with registration number NONE, and 3 x Single Animal Trailers The terms of sale are available for inspection at the Sheriff’s office at 133 Sixth Street, Naboomspruit. Signed at Naboomspruit on 21 August 2017. Ms. M.E. VAN DER MERWE RICHTER & HILL
ATTORNEYS Attorneys for Execution Creditor Tel: 056 343 3221 REF: FJ RICHTER/cb/ KAE914 c/o CHRISTO NEL SWART & PARTNERS 47 Fourth Street, Naboomspruit REF: B282 NOTICE Notice of application for an integrated Environmental Impact Assessment, and integrated water use license application on portions 7, 61 and 62 of the farm Cyferfontein 457 KR, Waterberg District Municipality, and Modimolle Local Municipality, Limpopo Province Applicant: Imerys Refractory Minerals South Africa (Pty) Ltd Cyferfontein Mine Nature of proposed activities, applicable legislation, and listed activities applied for: Integrated Environmental Application: Water will be pumped from the proposed new quarry, as necessary, for the safe continuation of mining. Activity 6 of GNR 984 of 8 December 2014 (as amended) in terms of NEMA - The development of facilities or infrastructure for any process or activity which requires a permit or licence or an amended permit or licence in terms of national or provincial legislation governing the generation or release of emissions, pollution or effluent. Approximately 25ha of indigenous vegetation will be removed for the new quarry and haul road. Activity 15 of GNR 984 of 8 December 2014 (as amended) in terms of NEMA - The clearance of an area of 20 hectares or more of indigenous vegetation. Activity 129e)(ii) of GNR 985 of 8 December 2014 (as amended) in terms of NEMA - The clearance of an area of 300m² or more of indigenous vegetation. In Limpopo outside urban areas, in Critical biodiversity areas as identified in systematic biodiversity plans adopted by the competent authority or in bioregional plans. Approximately A haul road 860m long and 10m wide. The haul road will cater for traffic in both directions. Activity 27 of GNR 984 of 8 December 2014 (as amended) in terms of NEMA - The development of a road catering for more than one lane of traffic in both directions. Activity 4(e)(i)(ee) of GNR 985 of 8 December 2014 (as amended) in terms of NEMA - The development of a road wider than 4m with a reserve less than 13,5 metres. In Limpopo outside urban areas, in Critical biodiversity areas as identified in systematic biodiversity plans adopted by the copetent authority or in bioregional plans. All activities triggered under GNR 985 of 8 December
2014 (as amended) in terms of NEMA. Activity 30 of GNR 983 of 8 December 2014 (as amended) in terms of NEMA - Any process or activity identified in terms of section 53(1) of the National Backfilling of either one quarry or three smaller quaries with mine residue. Category B(11) of GNR 921 of 29 November 2013 (as amended) in terms of National Environmental Management Waste Act, 2008 (Act No 59 of 2008) (NEMWA) (as amended, and NEMA. The establishment or reclamation of a residue stockpile or residue deposit resulting from activities which require a mining right, exploration right or production right in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act No 28 of 2002. Integrated water use licence application: Abstraction of surface water (rain water) from Quarry North, South and quarry 3 for use as dust suppression. Section 21a and j of the National Water Act No 36 of 1998 (NWA). Storage of water from the quarries in dam. Dust suppression. Overburden dumps at North and South Quarries and Quarry 3. Backfilling of North and South Quarries and Quarry 3. Storing of material stockpile. Section 21g of the NWA. North and South Quarries fall within 500m of the wetland. Section 21c & i of the NWA. Competent authorities and relevant reference number: Integrated Environmental application: Limpopo DMR: LP30/5/1/2/3/2/1/(71) EM. Integrated water use licence application: Limpopo Department of Water and Sanitation: No reference yet. Additional information: A scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment procedure; and integrated water use licencing procedure will be followed. Letters will be send to all I&APs and stakeholders on or before 31 August 2017. Site notices will be placed at the mine and two other places in the area on 31 August 2017. Register as an interested and affected party (I&AP): To register as an I&AP of this project, to obtain more information, or submit comments, please request a Registration Form from BECS and return it to the details provided below,on or before 8 October 2017. Invitation to a public meeting: You are invited to attend the public meeting to be held on the 29th September 2017 at 10h00 at Cyferfontein Mine. Contact details for more information: To obtain additional information, please contact the EAP. BECS ENVIRONMENTAL (PTY) LTD, SALOME BEESLAAR, (Cell) 072 191 6074, (Fax) 012 361 0645, salome@becsenv.co.za, P.O. Box 72960, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040.
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Schoolgirl wins i-Pad Learners received sanitary towels from the mayor. Photo: Lizzy Bapela
Lizzy Bapela Ulando Combined School learner Sophy Marima won herself an i-Pad from a contest sponsored by BelaBela Mayor Jeremiah Ngobeni. The mayor visited the school to interact with learners, offering them various prizes to win. Even though many learners lamented the fact that the questions from the competition were based on issues beyond their carricula, Marima gave it her best shot and won herself the coveted prize for the day.
Ngobeni visited the school in the company of some of the local councillors and administration officials. He said the objective of the visit at the school was to encourage learners to take their studies seriously, and aim for the highest possible marks during the forthcoming year-end examinations. The mayor also distributed sanitary towels to girl learners across all grades. The Catholic Church women’s prayer brigade in the township also recently distributed sanitary towels at the Bosele Drop-in Centre. The women funded the initiative from their own pockets. Tel: (011) 447-1264/5/6
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CHARITY / ENTERTAINMENT / SCHOOL
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Residents seeking solutions to sewage spews Justin Steyn A range of sewage-related complaints from the community have emerged in parts of the Watterberg. In recent weeks, Mookgophong resident Louis van Nuwenhuizen said vast amounts of sewage had been flowing in First Street. He alleged he had reported the problem to the municipality, but was met with no response. The Modimolle-Mookgophong Mayor, Marlene van Staden, told The BEAT’s sister newspaper, The Post, that the problem was caused by ageing sewage pumps. She said some of the sewage pumps had burned out, and that it took time to repair the pipelines. More recently, overgrown roots have
Massive sewage spews have been reported from across the Waterberg. Photo supplied
caused a bottle-neck of sewage in a part of Modimolle. It was reported sewage had been spewing out of the back entrance into Eenheid Primary School.
Outdoor cooking for township
According to Fortune Manamela, the caretaker of the municipality’s sewage department, the roots had blocked the drainage flows.
In Bela-Bela, the municipality has issued an apology for massive sewage leakages in Pienaarsrivier. “The Bela- Bela Local Municipality wishes to deeply apologize to the community of Pienaarsrivier for the unbearable smell and environmental hazard, posed by the overflowing sewage, due to the ageing infrastructure of the pump station,” the municipality said in a statement. The municipality further indicated it had procured funding for the upgrade of the affected pump from the Department of Water and Sanitation. “An engineer has been appointed and assessment on the extent of upgrades is concluded. We are at the preliminary design stage of the project. Upgrades will start in due course and Phase One is to be concluded in June 2018.”
Lephalale women win big
TK Mashaba Cuisine of various tastes was scheduled to go outdoors in Bela-Beala Township on Heritage Day, 23 September. Black Rose Events mangement company, in partnership with the Nombolicious sports promotion company, has extended an invitation to like-minded groupings to join in the day of fun. The so-called “cook out” initiative was to be preluded with open air aerobics, and a mini soccer festival was scheduled to be staged at the end of the day of fun. The food on offer would largely be African cuisine, such as Mandela’s favourite mnqushu Xhosa samp concoction. The soccer contest was expected to feature local teams and those visiting from other centres. Black Rose Events head, Matome Sebelebele, said the fun day was a “first” for the township. He said it was hoped some of the local and
Some of the African dishes on offer. Photo: supplied foreign tourists would be attracted by the unique food on offer. Sebelebele said fun lovers were encouraged to attend dressed in traditional wear. “This should be a beautiful day of fun, music, food, art and fashion,” he said. The local “Believe It” team was to perform the outdoor aerobics. Sebelebele encouraged those who wished to set up stalls at the evnt to make contact with him on 0630305241.
Top learners at Jinnah Park
These learners from Jinnah Park Primary School at Bela-Bela received top marks during the recent ATKV Waterberg arts festival in town. They competed in the standing poetry item. Their scores varied from a B tot A++.
Nicolene Petersen from Jinnah Park Primary School at Bela-Bela won a certificate of merit during the recent ATKV Waterberg arts festival. She competed in standing poetry.
Winners of the Limpopo Regional Awards with dignitaries. Photo supplied Lizzy Bapela The Lephalale Womens’ Primary Cooperative emerged winners at the recent Productivity SA Awards. The occasion to honour Limpopo provincial winners in various categories was held at theWeesgerus holiday resort in Modimolle on Thursday, 31 August. Other winners included Limpopo AgriFood Technology Station, Pavecon Manufacturing, and Palabora Mining. Productivity SA Board’s CEO), Mothunye
Mothiba, said the awards were aimed at recognizing those making a contribution towards the creation of decent employment. Awards were conferred in the corporate, emerging, public and cooperative sector categories. Economic Development, Environment and Tourism MEC, Seaparo Sekoati, graced the occasion. The winners were to represent the Limpopo province during the National Productivity Awards, scheduled to be held in Gauteng on 20 October 2017.
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SPORT
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Countdown to Modimolle’s drug-free colour run Mzamane Ringane The Modimolle-based Organisation Hands On (OHO) has started branding its ambitious drug-free colour run scheduled for Saturday, 30 September. According to OHO chairperson, Ronnie Makgetha, the inaugural run was geared to become an annual charity event, aimed at raising funds for different youth and community development programmes. Earlier in the year, the organisation launched an initiative called “The Truth about Drugs Programme”. The latter initiative was targeted at school-going youngsters of all ages. The drug education and prevention programme served as a pushback against the rapid increase in the abuse of drugs. Makgetha said the colour run, which
The Modimolle-based Organisation Hands On activists. Photo: Mzamane Ringane
Bela-Bela soccer on the rise
was anticipated to be characterised by various fun-filled activities, would also serve as a fundraiser. The main thrust though, he said, was to raise awareness about the abuse of substances. Proceeds from the event were being earmarked for channneling into a series of awareness and educational programmes. Makgetha said instead of lecturing young people about drug abuse and subsequent repercussions, the programme provided facts which were aimed at empowering the youth to choose not to use drugs in the first place. “If you educate a child with the truth about drugs, they are more likely to make the correct decisions about drugs and reach that decision on their own,” he said. The colour run event would comprise of activities such as sack race, bottle race, tug o’ war and a 5km run/walk.
Opleft FC to make SAB League debut status of Modimolle NTK Happy Boys FC at an undisclosed sum of money, would be based in Bela-Bela. Team manager, Reuben Mochusi, said the team was owned and sponsored by the Marapyane-based Oupa Pontsho Letwaba Education Foundation and Trust. The trust was involved in developmental issues such as sport New kid on the block Opleft FC was to make its debut within the and education. According to Mochusi, the team was ranks of Waterberg SAB Regional in the process of finalising the League. Photo: Mzamane registration of players. Ringane He said the team would be steered by him, assistant, Ally Muthutsi, Mzamane Ringane better known as Bra Ally, and head coach Ananias Lister Kolokoto. New kid on the block, Oupa Pontsho Kolokoto has a wealth of experience Letwaba Education Foundation and in grassroots football development, Trust (Opleft) Football Club, has committed to bring about a whole new with a SA Football Association CLicence coaching course, among his dimension into regional soccer. other qualifications. The team was expected to make a Waterberg SAB Regional League debut when it kicks off in midSeptember. The new team, which purchased the
Sam Modise talking to his troops at half-time. Photo: supplied national squad and club were to confirm the dates for the trials in due course. Four under-15 school-going Overall Modise said he was soccer players from Bela-Bela not satisfied with the results Township were on the brink of from the provincial Copa Cocasuccess, after showcasing their Cola Cup, but that the skills during the provincial performance by the entire Copa Coca-Cola Cup finals in squad was satisfactory. Tzaneen last Saturday, 2 He said that explained why a September. total of four of the players had The youngsters, namely Kina been invited for trials at the Nkhumise, Gontse highest levels of South African Molokomme, Kabelo Mokoena football. and Ralph Ledwaba, During the first of the matches impressed scouts at national in Tzaneen’s Nkowankowa, the and professional club level lads from Bela-Bela played to a with their sterling 0-all draw against Selatole performances. High School. The Bela-Bela High School Bela-Bela High School then under-15 coach, Sam Modise, played to a 1-all draw against said the foursome had been Northern Sports Academy, and invited for trials at the national went on to play another 0-all under-17 squad, and also at draw with Benny’s Sports reigning Confederation of Academy. African Football champions, The players lifted their game Mamelodi Sundowns Football when they beat Mawala High Club. School 1-0, which earned them The mentor said both a bronze medal. TK Mashaba
“Although this will be our first season, there will be maximum performances from our young players. This will also be an opportunity for our players to showcase their talent and skills,” Mochusi said. The SAB League is by far the largest grassroots football development initiative in South Africa, targeting players aged 21 and below. These players stand a fighting chance to rise to national prominence, through the annual national SAB League championships, and the coveted Nedbank Cup. The Nedbank Cup has over the years offered unknown players from the lowest levels of football the opportunity to showcase their skills, also at the highest level of the nation’s soccer terrain.