The Beat 9 May 2014

9 May 2014

Election Day

Roundup The queue at Bela Bela High school which didn’t look long during the time of our visit.

Photo. TK Mashaba.

Article on Page 2

Mystery over court case against former mayor

Pg 3

Plans of protest march

Pg 7

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9 May, 2014

BEAT

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Lively queues at voting stations in Bela-Bela

The queue at Thusanang Special School was already short around 09:00.

Photo: Lizzy Bapela

An IEC official helping to check if the voter was registered with the right voting station. Photo.

TK Mashaba.

A proud ANC member showed The BEAT her shack decorated with ANC stickers. Photo: Lizzy Bapela TK Mashaba, Justin Steyn and Lizzy Bapela

The local and national elections were held across the country on Wednesday, 7 May, and The BEAT’s reporters were on hand to see events unfold.

TK Mashaba visited Bela Bela High School, where former Bela Bela mayor Hendrietta Ledwaba was the first citizen to cast her vote.

The mood was positive as the queues grew, with people excited to be voting for the party of their choice.

Representatives from the EFF, COPE and ANC were in attendance, watching the proceedings eagerly.

A first-time voter said that she was voting for a better government, who would bring better jobs and opportunities

for the youth.

“I’m happy to be casting my vote for the first time and I hope it will make a difference in my life and my child’s,” she said.

TK also visited a nearby church and the Bela Bela community hall, where the crowds were in a mood of quiet optimism, under the watchful eye of the police, who were there to make sure that everything went peacefully.

Lizzy Bapela visited Thusanang Special School, which saw people flocking in numbers. This voting station was the site of lively political debate, with many of the voters taking a last chance to debate the merits of the various parties and extoll the virtues of their favourites.

“I am poor I know, but what the ANC has done is far better than what other parties are promising us,” said Maria

Spa Park residents Edward Coetzee and Alisha van Rooien with fellow DA supporters. Photo: Justin Steyn

Spa Park residents took to the poles at Spa Park Primary. Photo Justin Steyn

Manamela, who was proud to say that her blood was black, yellow and green.

“We have new schools, clinics, RDP houses and service centres, and this is all an inspiration for me to go out every election year and vote ANC.” Justin Steyn visited Laerskool Warmbad and Spa Park Primary, where a small number of eager voters gathered in front of the school hall, waiting for the doors to open from the early hours, while inside IEC officials prepared for a long day.

As soon as voting started the number of voters swelled, and IEC presiding officer Isak Motalane said that there were 2 907 people registered to vote.

Bela Bela residents Tsepo and Tumi Leshilo said that they had been praying for fair and peaceful elections, and trusted in God to provide that.

They added that every South African should take the time to cast their vote as it is their responsibility to look after the welfare of the country.

“Each person who does not vote is denying him-or-herself the opportunity to use their voice for a better South Africa,” said Tsepo.

“There are issues that the government should tackle and eradicate immediately, such as poverty and corruption,” said Tumi.

Challenges aside, the couple said that they were optimistic about the future of the country.

The recently labelled “Bela Bela hero” Thipe aka Buda Dlamini was seen casting his vote at Thusanang Special School on Election Day. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

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9 May, 2014

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Page 3

Mogalakwena Municipal drama

CoGHSTA Provincial Spokesperson Motupa Selomo confirmed that Mogalakwena Local Municipality has been placed under administration.

Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela The Department of Corporative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) in Limpopo has released a statement, indicating that they have applied Section 139 (1) b of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa on the Mogalakwena Local Municipality.

Departmental Spokesperson Motupa Selomo said that the action was taken following the Northern Gauteng High Court’s decision to set aside the earlier Court Interdict to prevent the Department to do so on Friday, 2

May. This simply means that the Department was previously denied the powers to place the municipality under administration, which have now been reversed. The Department welcomed the said court ruling, as it will assist in addressing the problems and challenges facing the municipality. This court ruling means that the Mogalakwena Municipality is effectively under section 139 (1) b of the Constitution of the Republic (Act 108 of 1996).

Limpopo MEC for CoGHSTA Ishmael Kgetjepe had on 17 March announced the decision taken by the Provincial Executive Council to place this municipality under section 139 (1) b of the Constitution. He announced the appointment of Dikgape Makobe as the municipality’s administrator as a matter of urgency.

Makobe has since assumed his responsibilities as Head Administration of the municipality.

Makobe is not new to the local sphere of government, administration in general and this municipality in particular. He worked in this municipality as a Municipal Manager from the period 2001 to 2008, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) from 1999 to 2001, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) from 1995 to 1997 and the Limpopo Legislature from 1997 to 1999.

“We hope that, his experience ranging for all these years in various institutions will go a long in addressing the challenges facing this municipality. We would like to take this opportunity to wish him all the best in this responsibility. He is appointed as the Administrator for a period of six months, subject to the terms and conditions as contained in the Ser-

Baby still missing The police are urgently looking for information that could help them recover this four month-old baby girl, who was abducted from the Modimall on Wednesday, 23 April by a middle-aged Zulu-speaking woman. The photo provided is the most recent photo available of the baby. Please contact W/O Bobby Nel at 014 718 1025 or 082 319 9465 if you have any information.

Denise van Bergen The fourth month old infant who was abducted at the Modimall on Wednesday, 23 April, and her abductor, have yet to be found.

The child’s mother, Jacobeth Mongatane (17) from Syferskuil near Bela Bela, told police that she had met the kidnapper on the day before the incident in Bela Bela.

The middle-aged Zulu-speaking woman allegedly offered Mongatane a job as a babysitter at her home in Phagameng.

They travelled together from Bela Bela to Modimolle the following day, stopping at the Modimall where the woman allegedly informed Mongatane that she needed to make copies of some keys. The woman allegedly urged Mongatane to wait at the Fish & Co while the

woman made the copies and bought the child a present. The woman then entered the centre but did not return.

At 20:00 that evening Mongatane went to the police station to open a case of kidnapping. According to police spokesperson Warrant Officer James Findlay, the suspect was seen on CCTV leaving the centre via Entrance 3 with the baby.

“Due to certain factors that complicate this particular case nobody has yet been identified or arrested in connection to the kidnapping, but the Child Protection Unit’s investigative team is hard at work,” said Findlay.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the police. Warrant Officer Bobby Nel of the Child Protection Unit can be reached at 082 319 9465

vice Level Agreement signed with the MEC,” said Selomo.

The Administrator’s duties mean that he assumes the functions of Municipal Head of Administration. In performing his functions, the Administrator will:

Undertake all economic and financial management functions at the municipality, including being a signatory on the municipal banking account; and ensure that the provisions of the duties of the Provincial Executive in terms of Section 139 (1) (b) are realized.

Advise Council on all policy matters in respect of development and implementation;

Review all systems and policies (delegated powers, supply chain management policies, etc.) to ensure that they are in line with legislation;

Undertake all steps in terms of section 54A and section 56 of the Municipal Systems Act;

Develop a turn - around strategy for the municipality;

Implement a system to control and approve all expenditure;

Implement all governance systems and procedures including appropriate council oversight mechanisms;

Ensure implementation of proper financial systems, policies and procedures;

Ensure implementation of the Municipal Property Rates Act;

Set out a specific strategy for addressing the municipalities financial problems, including a strategy for reducing unnecessary expenditure and increasing the collection of revenue;

Finalise the preparation of the IDP and approval of the Municipal Budget for the 2014/2015 financial year before 30 June 2014

Selomo said that the Administrator’s ordinary place of work will be the demarcated area of the Mogalakwena Local Municipality and will report monthly in writing on the performance of the Municipality to the MEC. “We are looking forward to all of us, to support and work closely with Mr Makobe as he will be assuming this responsibility of being Administrator.

In particular, we would like to thank the community of Mogalakwena for the patience exercised during this trying period. We hope all stakeholders will give Mr Makobe the necessary co-operation as he will be striving to stabilise the affairs of the Mogalakwena Local Municipality,” Selomo concluded.

Meanwhile, municipal spokesperson Malesela Selokela told The BEAT that the municipality is not under administration. Selokela said that the “so called” administrator was shown the way out of the municipality when he came on Monday, 5 May to assume office.

“I can confirm that our municipality has not been placed under administration and that Mabuela is still the mayor. We were not informed of the decision and the administrator cannot just come in here and expect to exercise the duties without providing us with concrete proof such as an appointment letter. Our council was also not informed so they had to let him go. The said rule of the constitution does not say the municipality must be placed under administration but section 139 1 (c) says it can,” said Selokela.

He could not say exactly where is the ousted mayor Tlhalefi Mashamaite and his cabinet, but just that they would see whether they attend the next council meeting or not.

Mystery over court case against former Bela Bela mayor

The bleeding after he was allegedly stabbed. Photo supplied

TK Mashaba Dark clouds of confusion are gathering around former Bela Bela mayor Henrietta Ledwaba after Abdulmajeed Aphiri opened a case of common assault against her.

Aphiri appeared before the Bela Bela Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 2 May, on a counter-charge which was laid against him by Ledwaba.

Aphiri says that he is surprised that he was the only one to appear before the court on Friday, and went to the Bela Bela police to enquire about the case he had opened against Ledwaba.

“I’m surprised that she has not appeared before the court in connection with the case I opened against her, while I appeared on the one she opened against me,” he said.

Bela Bela Police’s Lieutenant-

Colonel Abel Phetla confirmed that the case had indeed been opened, but could not offer any information as to why Ledwaba did not appear in court on Friday as she had been ordered to.

“What I know is that both of them were supposed to have appeared before the court, but apparently the prosecutor was not available,” he said.

Ledwaba and Aphiri were allegedly involved in a tussle in an IDP meeting. According to Aphiri the former mayor wanted to run the meeting alone, although it was supposed to be chaired by the mayor, Freddy Hlungwane.

“Ledwaba stabbed me in the hand when I went to take the roll call list to the table where the officials were doing their presentation,” said Aphiri.

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9 May, 2014

BEAT

Rural safety meeting April report

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Mogalakwena municipal mayor wraps up IDP Roadshows

From left is The Induna, Cllr Mokgaetji Ramashala, Mayor Cllr Malose William Mabuela, Cllr Mbengwa Mabuela, Cllr Tlou Kgaphola and Cllr Chief Whip Cllr Phuti Pila during the IDP Budget Mayoral Road Show which kicked off on the 13th April 2014. Photo Supplied Lizzy Bapela Stakeholders at the rural safety meeting. Photo: Justin Steyn Justin Steyn Relevant issues were the main focus in the last rural safety meeting on Wednesday 30 April.

The chairperson of the meeting, Lieutenant Colonel. Jubeke Ngobeni, said that too much time is spent at the rural safety meetings addressing issues unrelated to crime.

“Too much time is being spent and wasted on issues that have nothing to do with crime. Issues such as the town’s infrastructure are not relevant in these meetings. If there is a problem with the roads or stop signs address it with the relevant authorities,” he said.

First on the agenda, the community watch of Springbokvlakte reported that their patrols at night have increased and they have arrested many people involved in criminal activities.

Warrant Officer Johan Momberg commended their services and thanked them for increasing their patrols.

The Bela Bela neighborhood watch announced its new scheme to raise awareness of safety in the community.

“We are currently sending a list to all our members who will make the community aware of who lives in their area. By doing this the community will know each other far better and will be more aware if suspicious characters are roaming around,” said the community watch chairperson, John Fourie.

Fourie said that the list will also explain ways to keep resident’s home safer and will provide tips on how to make homes inaccessible to criminals.

He added that a newsletter will be sent to press for further explanation later on.

Police in Pienaarsriver say they are currently having problem with motorists

who spend the night in town in their vehicles.

They explained that many incidents of theft have been reported.

“In Pienaarsriver we are faced with a challenge of theft out of motor vehicles.

Many motorists park their cars or trucks at the side of the road and then they get broken in to during the night. We would like to urge motorists to spend the night at safe places such as hotels rather than spending the night in their cars, so doing they will not be victims of theft and violent crimes.

Crime in Bela Bela was said to be higher in April of this year than in 2013.

However, police announced that crimes such as theft out of motorvehicles, housebreakings and general theft have gone considerably lower.

It was also said that police have made many arrests for drug and gambling related crimes as well as drunk driving.

Common Assault at taverns in the Bela Bela Township was announced to be on the increase and several cases of assault and malicious damage to property are reported each weekend.

Police added that only two election related incidents had been reported.

Housebreakings at Reitz, Mentz and Robertson Street have said to be on the increase and police is urging the community to be more alert in these areas.

Joseph Maburu of the Safety and Security Liason said that he would like to engage with municipal representatives,traditional healers and the community at large to participate in the rural safety meetings.

The next rural safety meeting will take place on Wednesday 28 May at 09:00 am at the Bela Bela police station.

The replacement mayor of Mogalakwena Local Municipality, Councillor Malose Mabuela, assumed office hosting an Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget Mayoral Roadshow on Tuesday, the 29th of April.

The mayor rounded off the events that kicked off from 13 April accompanied by Executive Committee (EXCO) member, Councillors, Section 56 managers and other municipal officials. Municipal spokesperson Malesela Selokela emphasized that the events were held as dictated by the Municipal Systems Act of 2000.

He said that the purpose of the consultation is to fulfil the above legislative requirements and keep in touch with the community and the voters with regards to their expectations. Selokela added that the Local Government Municipal Finance Management Act further requires that the views of the local community should be considered when the budget is tabled.

During the roadshow, Mabuela outlined the draft municipal service delivery plan and the financial

resources available for the 2014/2015 financial year to the community.

Mabuela was very pleased to announce that for the 2014/2015 financial year, the community budgeted R1 081 413 168, of which R722 320 787 is for the Operational Budget while R359 092 381 is for the Capital Budget.

During the consultations in all the 179 villages of Mogalakwena, chief amongst service delivery issues that confront the community were the shortages of water and power at the new stands in the village extensions, roads, and storm water control.

In his response, Mabuela said that they are aware that there are still some villages without roads, electricity and water. He says that the municipality is aware that large numbers of Mogalakwena residents have been forced to resort to illegal water connections.

“That is the reason why some communities sometimes go for days without water. However, measures are put in place to attend to these problems and our water tankers provide water at our extended villages.”

Parties hold rallies to round off election campaigns

DA trucks drove around the township to ensure visibility of the party in the area. Photo supplied Lizzy Bapela

Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) Bela Bela Sub-Regional Cordinator Solly Mokoena thanked his companion from Ward 3 David Sekanka for assisting his fellow party members financially. Sekanka contributed a certain amount towards unpaid memberships, transport for some members’ and food for several party agents during two recent election campaigns. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

The DA in Limpopo embarked on a roadshow to encourage voters for the last time before the elections to go out and vote. The road show took place in the township and wrapped up at the local show grounds on Saturday, 26 April. Over 160 people from Bela Bela came out in support, wearing party colours.

Councillor Keenan Alberts said that the event was aimed at ensuring visibility of the party to the community and to ‘paint Bela Bela blue’. In his address, Alberts reminded attendees about the general elections on Wednesday, 7 March.

DA trucks drove around the township, with local leaders making mini addresses at stopping points to remind

residents of the party’s goals, and was rounded off by lunch at the show grounds.

The EFF meanwhile also wrapped up their mini rallies, which were scheduled to take place in all parts of the Waterberg Region. The leaders visited Mookgophong on Friday, 25 April, and Thabazimbi on Tuesday, 28 April, during the last stage of the rallies.

EFF members conducted door-todoor campaigns and motorcades before wrapping up their campaign with a formal event on the day of the rally.

According to the party’s regional leader Lebogang Monageng, increasing numbers of supporters are flocking to the party’s banner and they consider themselves ready for May 7.

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9 May, 2014

BEAT

Page 5

Photo of the week Excellence and effort

Choice It’s a bit hard, writing an editorial before an event that will only be read after it.

I’m talking about the elections, of course. Realistically, what else would the editor of a newspaper write about during election week?

The problem is that I find myself wanting to urge you, dear reader, to go and make your mark — to vote, and vote your conscience and do the right thing for our country.

But of course by the time you read this, you will have already voted or not.

You will already have made the choice (and even not voting is a choice) and will be living in the future created by that choice.

So instead, I’m going to take this chance to remind you that choices come with consequences.

If you chose not to vote — if you chose to ignore this opportunity for which thousands of people throughout history and in almost every country in the world have died — then when the election results come in, please remember that you could have made a difference.

Don’t demonstrate in the streets because the party you were hoping would win fell on their faces in the final lap. You gave up the right to do that when you chose not to exercise your democratic right (and obligation) to cast your vote.

If you did vote, and the party you voted for doesn’t win, do not despair. There will be another election in five years and there’s always the chance that they could win then. That’s the wonderful thing about democracy. You should also keep in mind that your vote may have helped your party gain slightly more representation, which is never a bad thing.

If you voted and your party won, congratulations! You’ve done your part and, in this small way, you have changed the world. I sincerely hope that the party you have chosen to vote for keeps the promises they made during election season. I hope that they take the reins and govern for a better tomorrow for everyone, not just the chosen few.

I hope that they govern in such a way that, in another few years, you won’t need to think about who to vote for.

That, when the next election inevitably rolls around, you don’t hesitate for a second before voting for them.

And to the politicians of our fair country, win or lose, but mostly the winners, remember what you promised your voters this year. Remember to whom you owe your victory.

The people do not serve the government. The government should serve the people. Not outmoded ideals and certainly not itself. The plain fact of the matter is that if your government is not concerned, every day, with making life better for everyone in this country, you’re doing it wrong.

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: 084 490 9273. We would also LOVE to see some of your weird and wonderful photos for our editorial page.

Chantel Mosoeu during a photo shoot on the railway tracks. Photo: TK Mashaba

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

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• 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

Aristotle, one of the great students of Socrates, once said “Excellence is never an accident.

It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives — choice, not chance, determines your destiny.”

It seems to run contrary to many popular beliefs of this time: the idea of genius, of instant bestsellers and actresses discovered in Wimpy.

“Surely,” we think, “that’s not still true? Aristotle’s been dead for very nearly two thousand years, what does he know?”

It turns out, quite a bit.

Nobody ever reached the top of any career path without a bit of elbow grease, without wanting it and working for it, did they?

Sure, you could be discovered in a restaurant.

But after that, there’s a whole lot of hard work that needs to be done before you’re going to get anywhere.

Nobody is ‘destined for greatness.’ Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that everyone is destined for greatness.

But the thing about destiny is that it’s an end point. The road is not the destination, and many things can go wrong before now and then.

Every human being ever born has held within them the seeds of greatness.

So why, then, do we have so few who truly achieve it?

Why do we have people so many people just barely making it from today to tomorrow, while above them all soar the Einsteins and the Newtons and the Mandelas, doing what they were born to do and doing it gloriously?

It all comes back to choice and effort, I’m afraid.

Each and every one of us have the seeds of greatness.

Each of us carries within us the potential to be the next Nelson Mandela, the next Henry Ford, the next Bill Gates or Steve Jobs. But not everyone has that drive, the drive that makes people like that shine so much brighter than the rest of us.

Not everyone has the discipline to work at it, and if you fail, work harder.

We make the wrong choices, we do stupid things, and with every decision we make we move further away from unlocking our true potential.

Whereas they, while they may not always make the right decision, make it more often than us ordinary people.

The decisions they make and the work they put in are the ones that lead, in the end, to fulfilling their true potential.

That’s the only difference between the great and the ordinary.

Effort, and choice.

Or, to quote another wise old man: It doesn’t matter what you’re born, but what you become.

Adv er tise A dv er tise dver ertise Adv dver ertise

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9 May, 2014

BEAT

Local politicians kiss and make up

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Lephalale has a busy Freedom Month ‘ This is the first class to start school after the passing of our political icon, the first democratically elected president of South Africa ...’

Africa...’

Reuben Kekana and his loved ones rejoiced with him during his birthday party.

Photo: Lizzy Bapela

Birthday boy Reuben Kekana talked about his life as a politician, a father and a friend to many during his birthday party Photo: Lizzy Bapela

Lephalale mayor Councillor Jack Maeko (far right) assisted the birthday centenarian Mmakgabo Mabula with cutting the cake. Photo supplied Lizzy Bapela

Lizzy Bapela Alleged sworn enemies Reuben Kekana and Sipho Mhlanga of Mookgophong said that they have buried the hatchet and are united in purpose once more,

SMALLS NYLSTROOM: 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1 Living/Dining Room & 1 TV Room, Double Garage & “afdak”, Swimming Pool, Entertainment area. Available 1 June. R8700/month Tel: 083 251 5990

LEGALS MODIMOLLE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY AMENDMENT SCHEMES 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 15 OF 1986) I, NICOLA LUDIK being the authorized agent for the registered owners of the following properties hereby give notice in terms of Section 56(1)(b)(i) of the Town Planning and Townships Ordinance, 1986, (Ordinance 15 of 1986) that I have applied to the Modimolle Local Municipality for the amendment of the Town Planning scheme in operation known as the Modimolle Land Use Scheme, 2004 by the rezoning of the properties described below, situated within the jurisdiction of the Modimolle Local Municipality as follows: MODIMOLLE AMENDMENT SCHEME 305: Portion 192 of the Farm Nylstroom Town & Townlands 419 KR, located in Von Backstrom Street, Nylstroom, from “Residential 1” to “Residential 3”, at a density of 80 units per

hectare (4 units on the property) subject to certain conditions.

MODIMOLLE AMENDMENT SCHEME 306 Portion 193 of the Farm Nylstroom Town & Townlands 419 KR, located in Van Ryneveldt Street, Nylstroom, Modimolle, from “Residential 1” to “Residential 3”, at a density of 80 units per hectare (4 units on the property) subject to certain conditions.

MODIMOLLE AMENDMENT SCHEME 307 Portion 194 of the Farm Nylstroom Town & Townlands 419 KR, located in Van Ryneveldt Street, Nylstroom, Modimolle, from “Residential 1” to “Residential 3”, at a density of 80 units per hectare (4 units on the property) subject to certain conditions.

MODIMOLLE AMENDMENT SCHEME 308 Portion 195 of the Farm Nylstroom Town & Townlands 419 KR, located on the corner of Von Backstrom and Van Ryneveldt Streets, Nylsroom, Modimolle, from “Residential 1” to “Residential 3”, at a density of 80 units per hectare (4 units on the property) subject to certain conditions. All relevant documents relating to the applications will be open for inspection during normal office hours at the offices of the Modimolle Local Municipality, The Divisional Manager: Towm Planning, Ground Floor, Modimolle Municipal Building, Harry Gwala Street, Modimolle for a period of 28 days i.e. 9 May 2014 to 6 June 2014. Any person who wishes to object to the applications or submit representations in respect thereof must lodge the same in writing to

following a surprise birthday party for Kekana on Monday, 28 April, which was apparently arranged by his former political enemy Mhlanga.

Kekana is the former mayor and current chief whip of the Mookgophong Local Municipality and a local businessPrivate Bag x1008, Modimolle, 0510 or lodge man, while it with the Modimolle Mhlanga is a Local Municipality at its member of the address and room number specified above on or before Mayoral Commit6 June 2014. Name and tee in the address of agent: NICOLA LUDIK, ALTO AFRICA Waterberg District TOWN PLANNING & Municipality. The DEVELOPMENT two have been CONSULTANTS, P.O.Box 3007, Modimolle, 0510, friends since the Tel: 076 606 6372. (9 &16/ late 90’s.

5).

In his speech on MODIMOLLE LAND USE the day, Mhlanga SCHEME, 2004 said that all Notice is hereby given to all whom it may concern friendships go that in terms of clause 23 of through rough the MODIMOLLE LAND USE SCHEME, 2004, I, patches. He NICOLA LUDIK, described Kekana authorised agent of the as a father to him, property owner intend applying to the Modimolle in politics and life, Local Municipality for and said that he Special Consent to use a portion of Erf 3/302 admires him in Nylstroom / Modimolle for more ways than a dwelling House Office one. He said that also known as NICHOL STREET 21, Nylstroom Kekana has Township located in a always provided a Residential 1 zone. Any objection, with the grounds shoulder to lean therefor, shall be lodged on, for him as well with or made in writing to: as for other young The Divisional Manager: Town Planning, Ground political activists.

Floor, Modimolle “Whatever he Municipal Building, or Private Bag x1008, has, he shares it Modimolle, 0510, within 28 with others,” he days of the publication of the said. advertisement in the Local Newspaper, viz 9 May 2014.

Full particulars and plans (if any) may be inspected during normal office hours (08:00 13:00 and 13:45 - 15:00) at the abovementioned office, for a period of 28 days after the publication of the advertisement in the Local Newspaper. Closing date for any objections: 6 June 2014.

Applicant: NIKKI LUDIK, P.O.Box 3007, Modimolle, 0510, Tel: 076 606 6372. (9 &16/5).

A dv er tise dver ertise

in The BEA T BEAT (0 14) (01 736-2 723 736-2723

Lephalale saw a busy month as the country celebrated 20 years of democracy in April, which is of course known as Freedom Month.

The final two weeks of the month was a packed whirl of events, which saw Lephalale mayor Jack Maeko attending numerous events on Monday, 28 April, the day after Freedom Day. The mayor and his leadership chose to celebrate the day with as many different people from as wide a section of his community at a time.

The first event was celebrated with pump operators and water committees in Mokuruanyane Village in Ward 8.

The day was also used to celebrate the municipality’s achievements in bringing water to the villages and addressing water-related challenges.

Pump operators were brought in from all the villages in the municipality.

Officials reminded the attendees that Lephalale is considered a waterscarce area, but added that the municipality was working hard to make sure that all villages continued to be provided with potable water.

The mayor and his party then moved on to Living Ministries in the town itself, where he spent a day with the youth. The young people interacted with local businesses such as Shanduka Black Umbrella, Waterberg Coal Mine and Exxaro ahead of the event. They were also given a chance to express their expectations and challenges about the mushrooming mining industry in the area, especially their impact on local communities.

The Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Regulations, commonly known as the Mining Charter, was the subject of the day, as businesses made commitments in line with their plans and the municipal IDP. The municipality’s youngest councilor, Mkhari Thulare, called for the youth to be energetic and filled with initiative in order to be equal to the tasks ahead, as their area is developing very quickly, economically speaking. He called for the youth to be more active in the petro-chemical development in

the area.

The climax of Lephalale’s Freedom Month was when the mayor and his coterie celebrated a birthday with a local centenarian. 105-year old Makgabo Anietjie Mabula resides in Ga Monyeki Village, in Ward 7 of Shongoane. Senior citizens from all corners of Lephalale were bussed in to celebrate 20 years of Democracy with Mabula. Cheers and ululations sounded from all corners as Mabula cut the cake and shared it with her peers.

Earlier, Limpopo MEC for Public Works Namane Masemola joined the mayor in sharing with Mabula a cake that was only slightly larger than the table it rested on. The delegates shared the cake with community members at the Rangers FC Grounds, just a stone’s throw from Mabula’s house.

The outspoken MEC Masemola and Lephalale Municipality representative Rosina Boloka reminded attendees of their origins and encouraged everyone who had registered to vote to do their duty by voting on Wednesday, 7 May. The delegation and a local traditional leader Mmakgoshi Laka conducted a sod-turning ceremony for the building of the new Mokuruanyane Tribal Office at Ward 8 on the same day.

The mayor closed off his Freedom Month activities by visiting Bangalong Village at Ward 7, where he held a community meeting and donated school uniforms to Grade R pupils. He called the 2014 Grd R class the ‘Mandela Detachment.’

“This is the first class to start school after the passing of our political icon, the first democratically elected president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, and we gave them these uniforms so that they can try to emulate or even surpass him.

Madiba inspired a global movement for good and he is the first and only citizen who has had his birthday marked by the United Nations.”

The mayor then moved on to Reabetswe Village in Ward 9 for a community meeting before heading to Keletselemme Village in Ward 8, where he launched a water project.

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

9 May, 2014

Community prays for peaceful elections

BEAT

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Local hiphop artist sidesteps industry gatekeepers

Shimy Jackson AKA Lekganyane, ready to share his music with the masses.

Photo supplied

Several residents and local spiritual leaders came together to pray for South Africa’s fourth democratic elections. Photo: Supplied Justin Steyn Residents of the Bela Bela township came together earlier this week to pray for peace in the general elections, which were held this past week.

The prayer service, which was held on Sunday, 4 May, at the Bela Bela Community Hall, saw residents, members of the Bela Bela Police, NICSA, local municipal and council members, and IEC members come together to pray for this nationally important day.

Speaking at the service, the chairman of the Bela Bela Ministers Fraternal, Reverend Petrus Mosima, delivered a message of peace. He said that the community should be fearless, and carry the peace of God with them.

Pastors from various other churches led the attendees in prayer. The secretary of the Bela Bela Ministers Frater-

nal, Pastor Sammy Masole, said that the community prayed for the IEC and its staff during the elections. Masole also added the community’s prayers for free, fair and peaceful elections, and urged the people to accept the results and the elected government.

He said that there were also prayers for the town of Bela Bela itself.

“It must be indicated that we also prayed for Bela Bela,” he said. “We still face many challenges, such as the use of drugs among the youth and a high suicide rate among young people.

Prayers were accompanied by the singing of hymns and church choirs.

Masole said that the Ministers Fraternal is satisfied with the day, and especially with the attendance, and added that the organization appreciates the support of everyone who participated.

TK Mashaba Bela Bela local Shimy Jackson, AKA ‘Lekganyane’, who has been rapping since 2005, just released a new album called Saka Mo Pelong (Dance in My Heart).

In an interview with The BEAT this week, he said that he had chosen his stage name to deliberately refer to the ZCC prophet, and said that he had done so because his rapping skills have matured to a high level.

“I named my album Saka Mo Pelong because I wrote all these songs from the heart and I believe they can touch people,” he said. “I grew up listening to hiphop and related to it easily as it spoke to me. My friends and I used to

have rap battles and I felt that now is the right time to drop something my fans have long been waiting for.”

Jackson has attended a multitude of events, honing his craft while performing at local clubs and government events.

“I’ve worked with many talented rappers on this album,” he said. He added that the music industry is a tough one to break into, which is why he decided to record, package and sell his album himself.

“To get a record deal is a dream of mine,” he said. “Time will tell if I ever get signed under a big label but for now I am selling my own CDs.” He has also devised a branded TShirt to go with the albums.

BBCR plans another protest march

WHO declares polio crisis

BBCR members recently drove through Bela Bela canvassing support for another protest march. Photo: Justin Steyn Justin Steyn A victim of polio. Photo supplied According to media reports, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared that the spread of polio is reaching emergency levels internationally.

Polio, a virus for which a vaccine was discovered in 1952, is an acute infectious disease for which children are at high risk. Although the disease has no symptoms in the majority of cases, in others it can enter the nervous system causing paralysis. In the early 20th century, before the discovery and implementation of the vaccines, it reached epidemic proportions, leaving thousands of children and adults paralyzed.

Due to vaccination efforts by organi-

zations such as the WHO and Rotary International and UNICEF, the disease was well on its way to being entirely eradicated.

However, starting in 2013, outbreaks were reported in Syria, and on 5 May, the WHO announced that the size of outbreaks in Africa, Asia and the Middle East is considered ‘extraordinary’.

In South Africa, infants are routinely vaccinated against polio and a host of other diseases, such as measles (which is also making a resurgence in parts of Africa and Europe due to lax vaccination policy).

Readers are urged to make sure that their children’s vaccinations are up to date.

The Bela Bela Concerned Residents group (BBCR) have told the media that they are in the process of planning another protest march, after electricity in the township was shut off for several days.

According to Given Baloi, a senior BBCR member, the township community is fed up with having no notice of planned power shut offs. Baloi said that the suggestion of another march has been well-received by the local community, but added that the march was still in the planning phase.

“We are not going to do anything as yet. The BBCR Is still planning a march and the community is agreed that this is a good idea.”

Baloi said that the community does not understand why their pre-paid electricity supply has been cut off and

that many residents are also complaining that they are being overcharged.

In April last year an estimated 700 residents protested in front of the Bela Bela Municipality when their electricity was cut off for more than a week.

Municipal spokesperson Matome Sebelebele said that the main reason for the cut offs was financial stress on the municipality due to the overuse of municipal services.

He said that the majority of the protesters were indigents, who receive their first 100 kw of power and 10 kl of water per month for free.

Refuse and sewage services are provided at no cost. These households have to pay any charges that accrue above the subsidized limits.

Sebelebele said that the cut-offs were due to the fact that many residents did not pay their electricity bills.

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9 May, 2014

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SAB League tail enders feel the sting

Struggling Stream A team Happy Hearts, which has been suffering since joining the SAB League. Photo: TK Mashaba TK Mashaba The sun is setting on the tail enders in both streams of the SAB League.

In Stream A, Happy Hearts have been struggling since the season commenced, and despite a last-minute improvement they have still won only 3 out of 21 games after being joined by former Total Surrender coach Zwakala Mokoma. Time may be too short for him to save the struggling team from relegation, but there are still a few games left in the season and the team remains hopeful.

The other team which has been struggling is Mountain Powers, who have played only one game, which they played to a 1-all tie. The team is shrouded in mystery as it has honoured only one of the games it was due to play this season. SAFA could not be drawn to

commend on the Mountain Powers issue.

Dimakatso Sundowns in Stream B is also headed towards relegation after a dismal season.

The weekend results are as follows.

In Stream A, on Saturday 3 May, Bazooka played to a 0-all draw against Happy Hearts while Bela Bela Pirates beat Qualitho 2-1. On Sunday, 4 May, A1 Terrors beat M.Mammoet Arsenal 2-1 while Trouble Makers were received a 41 beating from Boys to Men. Home Defenders lost 2-1 to Total Surrender.

In Stream B, Yster United whipped Juventus with a score of 8-2. M. Ratanang beat Maxoma 3-1 while Siwelele lost 4-1 against M. Stone Breakers.

In Stream C, Ocean Birds beat Real Hearts 5-2 while Super Eagles and Township Rollers played to a 3-all draw.

Jonas Mothobi Sportsman of the Year TK Mashaba Kamplits Volleyball player Jonas Mothobi is the first person from Bela Bela to win the provincial Sportsman of the Year award.

“We don’t celebrate mediocrity, we reward excellence,” said former coach Mike Makhubela. “This is a boy who has done us proud. He is so down to earth and he made sure to master everything he learned.”

Mothobi, who has been with Kamplits for six years, has played to a very high level, and even won a cup during the Limpopo Gala Dinner Awards earlier this year.

He scooped three special awards: Best Attacker, Most Valuable Player and Best Blocker.

Mothobi, who is 17 years old, is playing with the under 20 provincial team and is in Grade 9 at Bela Bela High School Jonas Mothobi with his awards.

Photo Supplied