Limpopo Mirror 12 May 2023

“Chief Azwinndini” bids Muvhango-fans farewell

By Maanda Bele

Muvhango’s lead actor, Gabriel Temudzani, who played the role of Chief Azwinndini, made his last appearance in this popular television soapie on Monday, 8 May, to the consternation of many Muvhango fans. In the episode, Azwinndini is shot and killed in front of his childhood lover and now ex-wife, Susan, by his rival cousin, Tendamudzimu Mudau, who is planning to exact revenge against everyone who sent him to jail.

Temudzani, who originally hails from Tshivhilidulu village in Nzhelele, joined the Tshivenda telenovela 23 years ago, when he

Deadly generator

Worker at filling station’s death may have been caused by exhaust fumes

By Thembi Siaga

The family of 28-year-old Mpho Maiwashe, who is suspected to have died from carbon-monoxide inhalation from a generator while doing the night shift at Sweetwaters Filling Station in Mpheni, is seeking answers about what exactly had happened. Maiwashe was found dead in a storeroom at the fuel station by other employees in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 10 May. He is believed to have died from inhaling the exhaust fumes from the generator, which he must have switched on during load shedding. The family and community members

gathered at the fuel station with mixed emotions. The deceased’s uncle, Mr Khathu Nemagovhani, expressed the family’s profound sadness and raised their concerns over the circumstances. “What worries us is that he seemed to have been at work alone. We hope that the law will play its role, so that we can find justice,” he said. The owner of the Sweet Waters Filling Station, Mr Jerald Marallich, said they had found Mawashe in the storeroom, where the generator was still running. “That’s all we know for now. He was working night shift, that’s why he was alone,” he said.

Marallich also expressed his sincere grief over the incident, saying he was

very sad to have lost one of his workers. Raymond Matsapula, secretary general of Mpheni SANCO Ward 15, blamed the incident on the working conditions at the fuel station. “Our main concern is how one person was given the responsibility of overseeing the entire garage throughout the night. With the current situation of load shedding, what is the level of safety?” he said.

The police spokesperson, Sgt Tshifhiwa Radzilani, confirmed the incident. “A 28-year-old male was found dead in the storeroom with a running generator. He had no visible wounds, and we are investigating the matter as an inquest,” she said.

was only 20 years old, and ever since he had been a favourite of the fans. Saying his goodbyes, he wrote on his official Facebook page: “For me, it was not about having the skill to act. It was more about having the will, desire and commitment to be my best in telling stories with an African narrative that is very much familiar and relatable to/by the masses of our people and the world at large. To the loving Muvhango viewers, thanks for the continued support over the years. To my colleagues and crew from SABC, cheers. The journey continues and Muvhango lives on. I will remain a big fan.”

(Continues on page 2)

Cheers! Gabriel Temudzani, known to Muvhango fans as Chief Azwinndini, said goodbye to the show after 23 years.

The body of Mpho Mawashe was found in a storeroom at the Sweetwaters Filling Station in the early hours of Wednesday morning (10 May). He is suspected to have died from carbon-monoxide inhalation from the running generator.

Photo: Thembi Siaga.

Muvhango’s Chief Azwinndini says goodbye to his loyal fans

(Continues from page 1)

In an interview with Limpopo Mirror, he said he had learned a lot from being Azwinndini. “Azwinndini loved and embraced his children, and he also cared for his family. This role also taught me that no man is an island, and to always listen to other people.”

He said the biggest highlights of his career were when Azwinndini was crowned, and the time when he had to fight for his family’s legacy.

Temudzani is yet to announce his next move in the acting industry. “It is still early to say where I am going from here. I don’t want to count my eggs before they hatch. I have many other projects that I want to focus on now, like my travel agency and raising my children,” he said.

Temudzani has also been farming on the side since 2016.

One of the community leaders at Tshivhilidulu village, Mr Ntshengedzeni Robert Mamphasa, said they could not be prouder. “He is our celebrity, and we are very proud of him. We saw him growing up in our village and, for the past 23 years, we were happy to see him on our television screens. We encourage him to always remain humble and disciplined wherever he goes, and he must

Young soccer stars’ death a shock for family and mates

By Maanda Bele

Tshivhilidulu Hungry Lions are mourning the death of their lethal striker, 27-yearold Khuthadzo Tshikumela, popularly known as Butter, who had allegedly committed suicide.

Butter was reported missing on Friday, 28 April. After nearly a week of searching for him, his uncle, Tshikulumela Tshifhiwa, found him in an empty, halfbuilt house in Tshivhilidulu village.

According to acting police spokesperson Sergeant Vuledzani Dathi, the discovery of the body was made on Thursday, 4 May, at around 09:00. “The deceased was hanging by a white rope

tied around his neck. He was wearing black trousers, a white T-shirt, and white plastic sleepers. His body was already in a decomposed state. All stakeholders attended the crime scene, and the deceased was conveyed to Tshilidzini Forensic for a post-mortem.”

Dathi said the police’s investigations were continuing.

The young soccer star’s other uncle, Robert Mamphasa, who is also the team manager for Tshivhilidulu Hungry Lions, said Butter’s death had come as a terrible shock to them all. “He was the pillar of the team; a player you could rely on in the field. He gave us a winning when he played his last game against Berea FC. We didn’t know he was bidding us

farewell.”

Mamphasa said that he and his late brother, Jomo Mamphasa, had groomed Butter since he was just a young player. “He was such a good player. At one point we sent him to play for Mikhado FC, because Mikhado was playing at a top tier, and he helped them to participate in the play-offs twice. This season we decided to call him back to Hungry Lions, to come and assist our young players.”

Mamphasa said he would always remember Butter as someone who loved playing soccer with all his heart. “Last weekend, we played a league game against Phadzima KSP and won 2-1. We dedicated the game to him,” he said.

“Why kill my friend for something he had no part of?”

By Maanda Bele

A 17-year-old suspect from Divhani village appeared in the Dzanani Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 2 May, following the death of Masala Glen Murulana (22) at a pub in Mawoni village on Saturday, 29 April. Masala was

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door, while the other one (suspect) walked straight up to the victim and stabbed him in the chest once. The victim collapsed and was certified dead at the scene. The suspect was arrested,” he said.

In an interview with this newspaper, his friend Moses said his problem with the boys from Divhani had started four years ago, when one of them had stolen his (Moses’s)

“When I was in Grade 12 at Frank Ravele, they started setting traps for me. They would also threaten to beat up my friends. I ended up confronting them and told them if they had a fight with me, they must not involve my friends. It escalated to a point where they would sometimes wait for me outside the school gate, and I would ask one of the teachers at the school to accompany me home. It became an issue at school, and we were forced to reconcile,”

He said he had met Masala two or three years ago when Masala had moved from Vleifontein to Ha-Maphila, and that they had been good friends ever since. “I was sleeping when my mother received a phone call, informing her that my friend had been stabbed to death. I don’t understand why my friend had to die for something he was not even a part of,” said Moses with

One of Masala’s cousins, MaryJane Murulana, said the family members were in deep mourning.

“We thought he was going to play for those big teams one day and that we would see him on TV. He had big dreams about becoming a huge soccer star and giving his mother a better life. Our hearts are shattered,” she said. The suspect, who cannot be named because he is still a minor, appeared in the Dzanani Magistrate’s Court again on Monday, 8 May. The case was postponed to 29 May.

A probation officer, who preferred not to be named because of office protocol, explained that cases that involve minors (14 years to 21 years) are usually referred to a social worker for assessment. “When the social worker is done with the assessment, they sit with the magistrate, parents or guardians of the suspect, the social worker, and the representative of the plaintiff and that of the perpetrator.

After listening to both arguments, the judge will then decide whether to send the perpetrator into child or youth care, or to release them into the care of their parents or guardian. But usually, in the case of a murder, they are sent to juvenile prisons,” he said.

Masala was buried in Vleifontein village on Saturday, 6 May.

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Twenty-two-year-old centre back Masala Murulana in high spirits after winning a soccer tournament.

Chief Whips to join forces

By Silas Nduvheni

The newly elected Chief Whip of the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), Mihloti Mhlophe, has promised to do her best in making sure that councillors and officials work hard to deliver services to the communities.

Mhlophe was speaking on Friday, 5 May, at her office in Thohoyandou, during the launch of the VDM’s Chief Whip Forum, which consist of four Chief Whips from the local municipalities around the Vhembe District.

The aforementioned report is also available on the Municipality’s official website at www.makhado.gov.za

Mhlophe, who is also a former mayor of the Musina Local Municipality, was elected Chief Whip of the VDM on 31 March this year during a council meeting, following the resignation of former Chief Whip Rudzani Ludere, who is now serving as the secretary for the ANC Vhembe’s regional office based in Thohoyandou.

Tshimangadzo Malada is Thulamela’s Chief Whip, Festos

Mafela is Musina’s Chief Whip,

Erick Baloyi is Collins Chabane’s Chief Whip, and Sampson Baloyi is Makhado’s Chief Whip.

“We want communities to get better services, like clean water, electricity and accessible roads, but we can achieve these if we are whipping councillors and officials in the VDM. The communities have raised their concerns around service delivery during the IDP meetings and public-participation meetings (formerly imbizos), and now we must see to it that both councillors and officials are held accountable for it,” said Mhlophe.

According to Mhlophe, the Chief Whips from the four local municipalities, including herself at district level, plan to meet monthly to assess progress and interventions if needs be. She said they would also do site inspections to see to it that the district development model was being implemented. She added that the Chief Whips would be working as a forum, sharing challenges they were experiencing in each municipality.

Khuthadzo Tshikumela, popularly known as Butter. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Back to the drawing board for Gogobole Royal Family

By Anton van Zyl and Kaizer Nengovhela

The Gogobole royal family need to go back to the drawing board. They must now start afresh with the process of identifying and appointing a traditional leader. The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) set aside a 2020 ruling of the Limpopo High Court last week, which interdicted Matodzi Annah Magwala from performing duties as the interim headwoman of Gogobole.

The SCA ruled in favour of Magwala but was not very sympathetic towards any of the parties and reckoned the correct procedures were not followed when trying to resolve the dispute. “The High Court and the full court should not have dealt with the merits of the case. This is a matter that should have been referred to the Premier in terms of section12 of the Limpopo Act for investigation purposes,” the judgment reads.

The case that served before the SCA has its origins in a dispute that started shortly after 2008, when Matodzi Annah Magwala started to act as caretaker headwoman at Gogobole. She is the daughter of the late Vho-Matamela Ndwammbi Ramabulana, who was appointed as headwoman after the death of her brother, Nthatheni Petrus Ramabulana, in 1986.

When Ms Ndwammbi Ramabulana died, her daughter assumed that she would be the successor, but apparently the royal family (or sections thereof) did not agree. During oral arguments in court, Ms Magwala was allegedly not identified as the headwoman of Gogobole Village because she was not a descendant of or born of the Ramabulana lineage, but a Ramadzuwa by birth. (Her mother was married to Mr Tshikumbu Ramadzuwa.)

The Gogobole royal family, along with Chief Rudzani Harold Sinthumule and Nyamukamadi Mukondi Mukhuba (the makhadzi), told the court that Mr Simon Maluta Ramabulana was identified as headman to replace Ms Ndwammbi. Unfortunately, he died before he could be recognised by the Premier. Following Mr Maluta’s death, the royal family identified his minor son, Mr Percy Tshifhiwa Ramabulana, to succeed him. Because he was a minor, Ms Mukhuba was identified as regent to act in his position.

This version was disputed by Ms Magwala, who argued that Ms Mukhuba did not want to take up the role of interim leader as she feared that she might

be killed. The task of serving as acting headwoman then fell on her (Ms Magwala’s) shoulders.

The three SCA judges had to listen to the different opinions as to who the real leaders of the royal family are. Mr Lawrence Makhado Sinthumule, the chairman of the Sinthumule Tribal Council, told the court that Ms Mukhuba, Mr Nyadzeni Ramabulana and Mr Mbulaheni Ramabulana were legitimate members of the royal family. Mr Takalani Albert Mubva, who testified on behalf of Ms Magwala, told the court that he was the chairperson of the royal family.

“It is apparent from the pleadings and the evidence led at the trial that at the core of this matter is whether Ms Magwala was properly identified as the next headwoman of Gogobole Village in terms of its customs or customary laws. Aligned to this is who were the legitimate members of the royal family, whose function it was to identify the successor to the late headwoman, Ms Ndwammbi,” said acting SCA judge Zeenat Carelse in the ruling.

The SCA ruled that the Limpopo Division of the High Court in Polokwane had erred by making findings on the merits of the dispute, ruling that Ms Magwala was not qualified to succeed her mother, because of the customs and the relevant customary laws of the community. “It accordingly dismissed Ms Magwala’s appeal against the High Court judgment,” it states.

The SCA judges, however, reckoned that a dispute clearly existed as far as the identification of a new leader was concerned, which required the application of customary law and customs of the community. “Once identification is disputed, there are dispute mechanisms which the parties should utilise before approaching the courts,” said judge Carelse.

The Limpopo Traditional Leadership and Institutions Act 6 of 2005 sets out the procedures that should be followed when filling a vacancy for headman or headwoman. The SCA pointed out that no evidence existed that the royal family or Ms Magwala had informed the Premier of the dispute and set the dispute mechanisms in place.

As far as the costs incurred for all the court cases are concerned, the judges also showed little sympathy for the

various parties. “The Gogobole community has been without a headwoman or headman since the death of Ms Ndwammbi in 2008. In my view, the delay in resolving the disputes can be laid at the door of both parties. For this reason, both parties should bear their own costs,” the ruling states.

When approached for comment on Wednesday, the chairperson of the Sinthumule Tribal Council, Mr Makhado Sinthumule, did not want to elaborate on the issue and said such matters should not be discussed in the media. He said that the issue should be discussed during a gathering of the relevant members of the Gogobole royal family. He said that no single individual person appointed a new chief as this was the responsibility of the royal family.

Sinthumule explained that, according to Venda culture, the chieftaincy (Vhuhosi) is the property of the family and the chief is the “manager” of that property. “The appointment of the successor will thus be the responsibility of the royal family,” he said. Sinthumule further said that the royal family had already submitted the name of the rightful candidate to the office of the Department of Cooperative Governance Human Settlement &Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) and the office would forward the name to the Premier’s office.

The spokesperson for Ms Annah Magwala, Mr Takalani Mubva, said that he could not comment on the matter, because it had been referred back to the royal family and CoGHSTA to conduct a hearing. He promised to comment after the royal family’s meeting had taken place. He also said that he was surprised to hear that the Sinthumule Tribal Council had already submitted the name of a successor to CoGHSTA.

A 16-year-old girl was shot and killed during an armed robbery at Elim Mall on Monday morning (8 May).

Young girl killed in armed robbery

By Thembi Siaga

The police have launched a manhunt for an unknown number of suspects linked to an armed robbery at Elim Mall on Monday morning (8 May), during which a 16-year-old girl was shot and killed.

The robbers had stolen an undisclosed amount of money but were accosted by security guards. Shots were fired and shoppers and their children had to run for safety. The scene played out in the parking lot, near Roots Butchery, at about 10:00, as security guards from a cash-in-transit company were collecting money from the mall’s shops.

The Limpopo police spokesperson, Lt Col Malesela Ledwaba, said the suspects had fled in a white Toyota Hilux Super cab. “During the robbery, the security officials retaliated, and a shootout ensued. In the process, a 16-yearold girl and a 26-year-old man

were shot and seriously injured. They were taken to the hospital, where the 16-yearold succumbed to her injuries.

Police investigations continue,” said Ledwaba.

One of the witnesses told Limpopo Mirror that the robbery had been very traumatic.

“We were all scared because it resulted in the tragic loss of an innocent life. We are concerned about the increasing level of crime in the Elim area, which makes the community feel unsafe,” the source said.

Mr Wimpie Meyer, marketing manager at Elim Mall, said security personnel had asked shoppers to vacate the immediate area when one of the suspects had opened fire.

“Elim Mall has never had an incident of this sort in more than 10 years. We, along with law enforcement, private security, and other stakeholders, are taking all the necessary steps to ensure this remains an isolated incident.”

Meyer said they had already

engaged with the deceased’s family to offer their support in every way they could, as well as to the man who had been injured during the incident.

“The retailers involved have also already offered their support, and we are grateful to see the mall’s community coming together in this way,” he said. The acting provincial police commissioner in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, appealed to the community to provide them with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects. “If we stick together, nothing can defeat us. It is high time that the criminals realise that they have no room [for them] to operate in our society,” he said.

Anyone with information is requested to contact Waterval Detective Commander Captain Mabunda on 082 565 7901. Alternatively, they can call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, the nearest Police Station, or go onto the MySAPS app.

Ms Matodzi Annah Magwala. Photo supplied.

Photo: Thembi Siaga.

Livhuwani Rananga finally laid to rest after four months of waiting

By Victor Mukwevho

More than 5 000 members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), members of the Vhembe United Group (comprising members from different political parties, churches and GBV activists) and family members of the murdered Livhuwani Rananga converged at Matangari village, where she was laid to rest on Sunday afternoon (7 May).

Rananga, who was an EFF member, mysteriously disappeared on 3 December last year. Ten days later, her body was found dumped on the banks of the Mudaswali River. The gruesome discovery was made after her alleged killer,

Jutas Munyai, allegedly went to a Zimbabwean prophet in Makonde village and asked for muti to cleanse himself as he had carried the body of a dead person. The prophet notified the police, who arrested the suspect at the prophet’s house.

The suspect then took the police to the scene where he had hidden the body. He allegedly told the police that he had beaten Livhuwani Rananga to death with his fists.

Addressing mourners during the funeral service on Sunday, the EFF’s regional chairperson, advocate TP Matodzi. called on the National Prosecuting Authority to do justice to the peace-loving citizens of this country. “We demand justice for the late Livhuwani Rananga. It is surprising that people who are committing heinous crimes, like killing innocent women, are given bail in this country. The EFF and members of this community are law-abiding citizens, but we are not prepared to meet women killers enjoying themselves in our streets. If the

people start to lose faith in the justice system, something bad is going to happen. We demand that the suspect in this case is denied bail,” he said.

He added that the government had spent millions to bring Thabo Bester (known as the Facebook rapist) back from Tanzania but could not spend a mere R3 700 for a DNA test on the deceased. “We are burying her after more than four months in the mortuary, waiting for the post-mortem, just because [the] government does not care about its citizens,” he said.

The spokesperson for the Vhembe United Group, Ms Mulatedzi Ramaano, called for a halt to the killing of women and children, saying they would leave no stone unturned in making sure that Livhuwani Rananga received justice.

A very emotional moment arose when Rananga’s only child, Ankonisaho Rananga, said her goodbyes to her mother. Reading the letter she had written to Rananga, she said: “Mama, why did you leave me when I am still so young? I call on your spirit to wake up and fight, Mama. I am now an orphan because of those who killed you, Mama. I say, fight for justice, Mama.”

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Security guard killed at Muduluni

By Kaizer Nengovhela

The police are searching for two suspects after they had shot at two female security guards at Muduluni Community Hall last Sunday evening (6 May), killing one and leaving the other seriously

injured.

The deceased woman, who worked as a security officer for CS Security, was identified as Ms Molokgadi Sarah Ramalata (39) of Madabani. The identity of the 34-year-old woman who was injured was not yet revealed by the police. The two women were apparently working for different security companies but were stationed together at Muduluni Community Hall.

According to Limpopo police spokesperson Lt Col Malesela Ledwaba, the incident occurred during load shedding. “The police were notified shortly afterwards. Upon arrival, the police found that the deceased had five bullet wounds to the head and chest and three over the body. The other victim was shot in both her legs and rushed to the hospital for treatment. The assailants had by then vanished into the darkness,” he said.

The motive for the incident is still unknown and police investiga-

tions are ongoing. No arrests had been made at the time of our going to press.

The police appealed to anyone with information regarding the matter to contact them on their toll-free number 08600 10111, or by making use of the suggestion boxes that are available at all police stations.

The deceased’s older sister, Ms Sewela Rammbwa, said the family members were shocked by the incident and were trying their best to accept their loss and just rely on the police to solve the case.

The managing director of CS Security, Mr Collins Sebola, said the company was truly and deeply saddened by the incident. He said Ramalata had been a part of the CS Security family and as such they would lend a helping hand to the bereaved family and ensure that she received a decent funeral. “This is a very painful incident. She left home for work and never made it back to her family.”

Ramalata will be buried in Madabani village on Saturday, 13 May. The service starts at 06:00, before they proceed to the cemetery.

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The University of Venda is an equal opportunity employer committed to the principles of Employment Equity Act no. 55 of 1998 as amended. Preference will be given to designated groups in alignment with our Employment Equity Plan. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Candidates with foreign qualifications will be expected to have their qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before we formalise the appointment

Munyai denied bail, but may appeal

By Victor Mukwevho

Jutas Munyai, who stands accused of beating Livhuwani Rananga to death at Matangari village in December last year, was denied bail when he appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Monday afternoon (8 May).

Leading evidence on behalf of the State, advocate Angela Makwela cross-examined two state witnesses, Mr Maano Mavhungu and Mrs Thelma Marole from the Vhembe United Group, about the memorandum they submitted to the court last Friday (5 May). The memorandum contained the signatures from members of the public who marched outside the courthouse, demanding that the suspect should be denied bail. Both agreed that, if the suspect were given bail, chaos would ensue in the Matangari area at large, and in Matangari village in particular. The Matangari area include villages from Muhotoni to Matangari.

Mavhungu said the purpose

of the memorandum was to make sure that peace reigned in the area. “Villagers are very angry about the circumstances surrounding the killing of Livhuwani Rananga. If he gets out on bail, there will be no peace in the area,” he said.

The memorandum was accepted by the court as evidence. Defence lawyer advocate Cynthia Nemadzhilili was not happy about the memorandum’s being accepted as evidence. When cross-examin-

ing the state witness, Thelma Marole, she said: “I put it to you that those who signed the memorandum were told to sign without knowing its contents,” but Marole insisted that they were told the contents of the memorandum in advance and understood it.

Immediately after bail was denied, Nemadzhilili applied for leave to appeal the judgement, which was also granted. The case was postponed to 26 June for an appeal hearing.

Murder accused Jutas Munyai during his appearance in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The late Molokgadi Sarah Ramalata. Photo from family album.

The late Livhuwani Rananga’s daughter (left) speaking at her mother’s funeral.

Photo: Victor Mukwevho.

Pallbearers carry the coffin with the remains of Livhuwani Rananga to her last resting place at Matangari village on Sunday afternoon. Photo: Victor Mukwevho.

Vhembe’s latest financials do not bolster optimism

By Anton van Zyl

The Vhembe District Municipality (VDM) is seldom high on the popularity list of local residents. At the best of times, service delivery is intermittent and, in some areas, residents have given up any hope of seeing water flowing from their taps. Often described as one of the most dysfunctional municipalities in the country, this is sadly the municipality that needs to provide water and sanitation to the whole of the Vhembe District.

Judging by the VDM’s latest audited annual financial statements (AFS), the situation is unlikely to improve in the next year or two. The municipality is almost totally dependent on government grants for survival and once salaries and consultants have been paid, a big part of the budget is already depleted. Problems with irregular and unauthorised spending are still haunting the VDM.

In the latest report of the Auditor-General (AG), she complains about a total of R644 million that was spent where management ignored supply-chain-management regulations or simply splashed money on expenses that were not budgeted for.

The VDM’s billing system is in a complete state of disarray and, apart from that, more than half the water being distributed gets “lost” in the distribution network.

That the VDM received a qualified audit report, with the AG raising concerns over various matters, is therefore not surprising.

To get a better picture of the situation, however, analysing the 2021/22 AFS bit by bit, along with the AG’s report, will be best.

Where does the money come from?

VDM’s own revenue comes mainly from service charges. It distinguishes between exchange transactions and non-exchange transactions. Exchange transactions refer to income such as a consumer who gets a bill for water usage. A service has thus been rendered and the bill needs to be paid. Non-exchange transaction refers to instances where a certain “value” is supplied, such as infrastructure, but no specific service. An example of such a transaction would be an infrastructure grant received from national government.

As far as the exchange transactions are concerned, the VDM charged consumers R515,08 million in 2021/22 for water and waste management. This, however, seemed to be a complete guestimate and in her report, the AG points out several discrepancies. The AG states that several accounts had been identified that should have had service charges, but these had not been billed and recorded.

Local consumers can also testify to the fact that VDM’s billing system is, to put the matter bluntly, a mess. Accounts do not get sent out to consumers and water-meter readings are either not done or not reliable.

The discrepancy between what was charged the previous financial year also caught the attention of the AG. In 2020/21, the total for service charges was R309,28 million. The only explanation VDM could supply for the more than 66% rise in billings the following year was a note that said: “The movement was as a result of an annual CPI increase and increased billing.”

The AG did not accept this and pointed out that understatements occurred in one year and overstatements in another. “I was unable to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence for service charges, due to a lack of proper record keeping of the meter readings,” she says.

The municipality also did not charge consumption units in accordance with the approved tariffs. “Consequently, the revenue from exchange transactions and receivables from exchange transactions is overstated by R26 198 697,” the AG found.

Not much of this seems to matter, since the municipality writes off most of its consumer debt. At the end of the financial year, the balance for consumer debtors stood at R1,197 billion (up from the previous year’s R611 million). The VDM, however, made provision for impairment totalling R1,195 billion, leaving a balance of only R2,64 million.

This is not surprising, seeing that the bulk of the consumer debt lies in the 210 days and more category (R897,37 million).

In the current period, the outstanding amount was R40,86 million and in 30 days it was R39,14 million.

To make matters even more confusing, the VDM seems to be banking on the interest charged on overdue accounts. The municipality’s second biggest earner of “own” revenue was interest received on investments. This escalated from R29,02 million in 2021 to R59,04 million in 2022.

The breakdown provided for this item shows that the bulk of the amount (R48,54 million) is for interest charged on overdue customer accounts. VDM also collected R10,5 million in interest on money in its bank accounts.

As far as the remainder of the exchange revenue is concerned, operational revenue (water connections and sanitation) brought in R1,28 million (R545 232 in 2021), while the sale of tender documents collected R976 434 for the municipality. (In 2021, this item collected an astonishing R2,9 million.)

Government to the rescue

The bulk of the municipality’s income, however, came from government grants. This is not strange, as the Vhembe District is a rural district where a large portion of its residents are very poor and central government needs to assist.

The biggest portion of the grant money (R1,134 billion), comes from the Equitable Share Grant. This is an unconditional grant and is meant to help subsidise the provision of services to indigent community members.

Three other grants, namely the Rural Road Asset Management Systems Grant (R2,18 million), the Expanded Public Works Programme Grant (R2,25 million) and the Financial Management Grant (R2,9 million) take the total for operating grants to R1,142 billion.

Vhembe seems to have done quite well in spending the conditional grants, such as the Expanded Public Works Programme Grant, which is meant to promote labour-intensive projects and boost employment. The Financial Management Grant was also fully utilised. This grant is used to promote and support the financial management staff and systems. Only with the Rural Road Asset Management Grant had the municipality

failed to spend about R115 000. This grant is meant to assist VDM to set up rural roads and asset-management systems.

Vhembe also received two capital grants from central government, namely the Water Service Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), totalling R31,15 million and a Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) of R546,05 million. The MIG is supposed to be used to eradicate the backlog in providing the infrastructure to deliver water and sanitation services to poor households.

The WSIG is aimed at assisting the municipality with the planning and implementation of water and sanitation projects.

The VDM’s annual statements reflect that the grants were utilised in full, bar some balances that came from previous years and the R115 000 in the Rural Road Asset Management Grant. The AG, however, had a different view and criticised VDM for not spending R12,84 million of the WSIG.

How was it all spent?

By far the biggest expense for VDM is its employees. The bill for employees, councillors and contractors totals

VDM R11,58 million. Business and advisory services were also outsourced to private contractors at a cost of R13,9 million.

Money in the bank, but many obligations

Overall, the problem with VDM is not that no money is available. The AFS lists that it has assets of almost R6 billion. At the end of the financial year, VDM boasted R131,56 million in its bank accounts, with R313 733 in short-term deposits.

A small part of the VBS debt, R22,15 million, was recovered by the liquidator during the year, which was offset against the enormous loss incurred when the municipality, contrary to treasury regulations, made a massive investment in the scandal-ridden bank. The VDM had to write of more than R317 million of this VBS investment in 2017/18.

The municipality has several liabilities, the biggest being outstanding supplier bills (R128,5 million) and retention money (R203,49 million). It also received R33,27 million in advance payments.

The VDM failed to spend R12,85 million of a Municipal Water Infrastructure Grant. This was a conditional grant, which implies that money not spent in the year needs to be returned, but it can also be ring-fenced until the projects are completed.

In its AFS, the municipality lists debts totalling R1,083 billion to two municipalities and the Department of Water Affairs. It owes the department R739,98 million, the Makhado Municipality R33,88 million and Musina Municipality R309,17 million.

The notes on this debt state that the VDM is servicing the debt by doing payments of R3 million per month to Makhado and to the department. The VDM “is engaging with Musina Local Municipality on resolving the inter-municipal balances” it states.

The VDM is also involved in a number of court cases, and the total liability is estimated to be around R400 million. The cases vary from instances where a resident fell into a ditch dug by VDM’s workers, to a mother who sues the municipality after a water tank fell on her husband and killed him.

R934,5 million, or 46,24% of the total expenditure. The salary bill (R665,9 million) constitutes 33,28% of the expenses. The VDM paid out R72,32 million in overtime, which is almost 11% of their salary bill. The workers also received R33,62 million in car allowances.

The spending on various contractors and consultants is reason for concern. This item came down slightly from almost R300 million in 2021, to R247,97 million in 2022, but certain expenses increased dramatically.

From a total of R14 700 in the 2020/21 financial year, the catering services bill jumped to a staggering R2,46 million. No explanation was provided for this steep increase.

The bill for maintenance of equipment by outside contractors came down from R210,5 million in 2021 to R174,12 million in 2022. The reason given for this was that some of the work could now be done internally by employees of the municipality, after having returned to work after the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.

VDM still had to pay R12,49 million to consultants to assist with business planning and advisory services. The previous year, these consultants cost

The biggest case is against the Minister of Water and Sanitation, with R318,5 million at stake. “The Department of Water and Sanitation is suing the Municipality [for R307,08 million] for water that has not been paid by the district,” the AFS notes state. The court has apparently appointed a master who will assist both parties to reach an agreement.

Another court case with quite a high value attached to it, is the one against the Getrusberg Communal Property Association. The CPA is suing the Makhado Municipality for just over R17,3 million for drawing borehole water from its premises without consent. Makhado Municipality has joined VDM as a Water Services Authority and they are defending the case.

And finally – the VDM still has the dubious reputation of “losing” more than half of their “stock”. In the 2020/21 financial year, the water loss caused by leakages on the various distribution lines, up to the point where it reaches the consumers, was estimated to be 41,5%. Last year, the VDM lost an estimated 52,1% of its water.

Queen Makhadzi scoops up coveted Metro FM Award

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Vhembe’s own African Queen, Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, famously known as Makhadzi, has added yet another accolade to her host of accolades after she won the Metro FM 2023 Best Female Artist award at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga on Saturday, 5 May.

Over the years, Makhadzi has won numerous awards and travelled to several countries because of her popularity.

She has come into her own as the queen of dance and has shown dynamism, skill and unrivalled passion with her performances.

She thanked her loyal fans from home, in Limpopo and abroad, for voting for her. “I am very happy. I was hoping to win this [award], and of course God answered my prayer, so you know, I am speechless. It has not been an easy journey for me, but I learned it is important not to give up on yourself. This award gives me hope yet again to continue dishing out only the best music as a singer who gets so much support and love from so many people who love my music. I appreciate you very much. Metro FM, thank you for recognising my hard work. To everyone out there who is pushing hard, please keep praying and keep working hard ... God will do the rest. I love you all,” she said.

The Limpopo Premier, Stan Mathabatha, said he was proud of Makhadzi and all the other artists from the province, including Pastor Lungi Ndala, who won the Best Gospel Album award, and Musa Keys,

who won the Best Styled Artist award. “These artists have been influential aspects of the national cultural sphere, embodying the spirit of resilience and showcasing the good talent that Limpopo has come to be associated with,” he said.

According to Mathabatha, winning an award on a national radio station with more than 6 million listeners shows that, with great support, the people from Limpopo continue to mark their presence on national platforms. “This achievement is indeed a source of inspiration to the young ones, motivating them to become better artists and earn their rightful place in the national music industry,”

he said.

Makhadzi is presently embroiled in a legal battle with her (former) record label, Open Mic Productions. After she announced on Monday, 1 May, that she was cutting ties with the record label, they removed her new song from YouTube. She said that her three-year contract with Open Mic had ended end she had no intention of renewing it.

Spokesperson for Open Mic Productions Nkateko Maluleke said they could not comment on the issue as they were contractually bound by confidentiality provisions in the agreement entered into with Makhadzi.

Top Khubvi mechanic laid to rest

By Victor Mukwevho

One of the most decorated motor mechanics in the region, Thifhelimbilu Patrick Mbedzi, was laid to rest at Khubvi village last Friday morning (5 May), after he was found dead under mysterious circumstances in the bushes around Palathonga section at Khubvi village on 29 April.

The vastly experienced mechanic was born in Khubvi in 1971. He was the younger brother of Mr Mmberengeni Mbedzi, the village’s first person to have obtained a mechanical engineering diploma in 1977 and who has been running a mechanical garage

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for more than 45 years.

The younger Mbedzi started learning how to fix cars when he was still in primary school, helping his older brother at home. After dropping out of school in Grade 11, he started his own mechanic workshop, where he worked with one of his best friends, Mr Nyelisani Nemavunde. He later worked for many local taxi tycoons, such as Mr Mapholi and Mr Nkhumeleni, before he joined one of the country’s biggest mechanical garages in Germiston. In 2020, he was recruited by the Ramushwana Bus Services in Nzhelele, where he was still employed at the time of his death.

Speaking at his funeral, the manager of Ramushwana

Bus Company, Mr Muvhango Ramabulana, said Mbedzi had been a hard worker and a natural leader. “He was recommended to us by a Johannesburg-based company in 2020. When he arrived, we had only three buses working and [were] unable to service seven other buses. But today, as I am speaking to you, all the buses are working. He was the best motor mechanic we had ever worked with in this company,” he said.

The late Mbedzi is survived by his brothers Dr Booi Mbedzi and Mr Mmberengeni Mbedzi, sisters Ms Elina Mufamadi and Ms Tondani Mulaudzi, his wife and many children.

Shortage of water and bad roads high on residents’ list of complaints

Musina News

Villagers in the rural Niani area had the opportunity to contribute to the decision-making processes of Musina Municipality during the integrated development plan (IDP) and budget public-participation consultation meeting that took place at Zwigodini sports grounds on Friday, 28 April.

With the new municipal financial year kicking off on 1 July this year, community structures and the public are given the opportunity to give their input and suggestions on the plans of their local government in all 12 of Musina Municipality’s wards.

During Friday’s meeting at Zwigodini, the burning issues raised by community mem-

bers predominately revolved around the shortage of water and road networks that need to be improved. Other issues included the improvement of the Zwigodini sports grounds into a modern sports centre.

When responding to the issues raised, the Speaker of Musina Municipality, Cllr Siyaphi Shirilele, said the municipality was aware of the serious challenge regarding water provision in the whole Musina area. She said that, although the municipality was not the water-service authority, engagements were being made with the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM) to address this issue. “We sympathize with our people because we all have the right to access running water every day. We hope the engagements we have with the Vhembe District Municipality will pave a way for

us to get uninterrupted supply of water.”

On the issue of improving road networks, Shirilele said the internal streets, which were the direct responsibility of the local government, would be given urgent attention.

“We have developed a road maintenance plan where our graders are dispatched to work for a particular time in each ward. We will also physically visit the identified hotspots to make sure that those roads are attended to. The roads that do not belong to the municipality will be referred to the relevant authorities for immediate attention,” she said.

Shirilele advised the local community to include the Zwigodini Sports Ground in their ward’s IDP, so that the municipality could add it to their plans for improvement.

A community member makes a point, while members of the Musina Municipality management team (seated) listen attentively.

Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, famously known as Makhadzi, photographed during a perfomance at one of her shows. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

Pallbearers carry the late Thifhelimbilu Patrick Mbedzi’s casket to his last resting place at Ha Mashaile during the funeral service last Friday.

Families must stop the fighting over chieftainships, warns Tshivhase

By Silas Nduvheni

One of the senior Vhavenda traditional leaders, Mailausumbwa Kennedy Tshivhase, lashed out at the people from the Makhuvha clan over their constant fighting over the chieftainship.

Tshivhase was accompanied by the executive mayor of the Vhembe District, Dowelani Nenguda, during a visit to Ha-Makhuvha village on Saturday, 6 May, after news spread that some of the royal family members were at each other’s throats about who the legitimate ruler of the village was.

While Mukandangalo

Makhuvha and Vhamusanda Vho-Ntikedzeni Makhuvha both claimed to be the rightful

heir to the throne, Vhamusanda Ntikedzeni was declared the legitimate traditional leader of the village in the end.

According to Tshivhase, Vhamusanda Vho-Ntikedzeni Makhuvha had already been installed as the traditional leader of Makhuvha village in 2011, when he succeeded his father Vhamusanda Miriiavhavha Makhuvha, who died in 2009.

“All rituals of who the real traditional leader of Makhuvha village was had already been performed by the khadzis and makhotsimunene and family members.

Mukandangalo Makhuvha should have fought or interdicted Ntikedzeni Makhuvha’s installation if he disputed this decision,” said Tshivhase.

He said that, as the senior

traditional leader of the Tshivhase dynasty, he always encouraged people from the clan to unite and decide who should succeed in a peaceful manner. According to Tshivhase, the ones who had the final say were the makhadzi, ndumi and those in the inner circle, such as the makhotsimunene

Vhamusanda Vho-Makhuvha was very happy that he was given the authority to rule the village. “We want stability in the village, because communities need better services, like clean water, electricity and better roads. We are worried about people stealing cables in our village, and stock theft is also rife in this area. We appeal to communities to report all forms of crime to the police,” said Makhuvha.

The head of Legal Aid South Africa’s Thohoyandou office, Mr Thomas Madzaga.

Silas Nduvheni.

Sibanze’s case postponed again while he waits for a new lawyer

By Silas Nduvheni

The court case against Thabo Sibanze (28), who stands accused of intimidation in the murder case of the two SAMWU officials who were slain in 2019, was postponed again by the Sibasa Regional Court on 2 May. This followed after Legal Aid South Africa failed to send a lawyer to represent him. The case was postponed to 5 June, while the court waits for a Legal Aid representative to be appointed for Sibanze.

The family members of the two murdered SAMWU officials, Timpson Musetsho and Ronald Mani, however, were not wholly pleased about the delay. Rabelani Mphaphuli, who represents both families, said they were deeply worried and affected as they did not know when the matter would ever come to an end. “As family members, we are also worried that the kingpins, those who sent the hitmen to gun down our beloved family members, have not yet been arrested. We want the regional court in Sibasa to speed up the trial, and those found guilty to be sent to jail for their deeds,” said Mphaphuli.

The head of Legal Aid South Africa’s Thohoyandou office, Mr Thomas Madzaga, confirmed that Sibanze’s case was brought to them and that they had issued it for judicare. Madzaga said they had outside lawyers accredited within their structures, and that they were still awaiting their response.

“There is internal conflict of interest with our practitioners who deal with regional court cases, as they know the victims. That is why we cannot assist him (Sibanze) ourselves. The matter has not yet been accepted by judicare practitioners and, as Legal Aid South Africa, we want this matter to be handled by judicare practitioners, so that the accused can get a fair trial,” said Madzaga.

Meanwhile, Sibanze’s co-accused, the Radzuma brothers, Simon, Percy and Ndivhuwo, will appear in the Limpopo High Court in Thohoyandou on 29 May.

Photo:

Seated in the front row, from left to right, are Vhamusanda Vho-Ntikedzeni Makhuvha, Vhamusanda Vho-Thivhoniwi Ligege, Mailausumbwa Kennedy Tshivhase and Executive Mayor of the Vhembe District Municipality Dowelani Nenguda after Tshivhase’s visit to resolve the chieftainship squabbles at Ha-Makhuvha.

Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

Champions Academy aims to bridge the skills-deficit gap through ambitious project

Skills development

Champions Transformation Academy outside Louis Trichardt has embarked on an ambitious project through which they aim to empower 20 students from the area with employability skills next year. This will be done in conjunction with several stakeholders, including the Limpopo Department of Education.

According to the academy’s director, Ms Sonja Prinsloo, the academy recognises the need for transferable employability skills and will be launching the BTEC Level 3 vocational programme offered by the well-established company, Pearson. “Research shows that low skills perpetuate poverty and inequality. When done effectively, skills development can reduce unemployment, increase productivity and improve standards of living. There is no doubt that helping people develop and update their skills makes economic sense,” said Prinsloo.

Matsila couple celebrate their 75th birthdays

By Silas Nduvheni

Some of the streets leading to Thohoyandou Block F were closed off on Saturday, 6 May, when well-known businessman Mr Nnditsheni Matsila and his wife, Mrs Alice Matsila, celebrated their 75th birthdays together.

Hundreds of people, including, family members, friends and community members, gathered at the couple’s home in Block F. Nnditsheni, who owns the Block G business outlet, and Alice were met with loud ululations, while traditional dances, such as the malende and tshigombela, were performed. Some traditional leaders from the area also attended the ceremony and wished the Matsilas many more years to come, so that they could give newlyweds advice on a happy marriage. Nnditsheni married his Alice back in 1968, and ever since then their marriage has gone from strength to strength, in such a way that many other couples from their community have chosen to emulate them.

“My wife and I have been happily married for almost 55 years. The reason is that we trust each other. Nowadays, young people get married only to separate again a few months later because they don’t trust each other. As men, we must also love our wives and be willing to take advice from them. This is the secret for everlasting love, until we are separated by death,” said Nnditsheni.

Vhamusanda Mmbangiseni Nemalamangwa, who is one of Nnditsheni’s close friends, congratulated the couple on their shared birthday celebration. Nemalamangwa said his friend had taught him a lot about business, and thanks to Nnditsheni’s advice, his chicken-breeding business was booming today.

Nemalamangwa, who has known Nnditsheni for many years, since back in the days when they were still working in Johannesburg, said that, over the years, he had witnessed the couple’s happy marriage. He said he wanted to follow his friend’s example and organise his own celebration with his wife.

BTEC Level 3 is an extended diploma course that offers a comprehensive vocational programme for students in Grade 11 and 12 and is aimed at learners in the 16-to-19 age group who either wish to pursue a career via higher education to access graduate entry or through direct employment in the work sector. The course encompasses applied learning that brings together knowledge and understanding with practical and technical skills. This applied learning is achieved through learners’ performing vocational tasks that encourage the

development of appropriate vocational behaviour and transferable skills.

The academy has partnered with various stakeholders, including business partners, the Department of Education in Limpopo, traditional chiefs and headmen, pastors and mentors from various pastors forums in and around the Makhado Municipality and many other interested potential community members to assist in the project. In conjunction with the local circuit office of the Department of Education, 20 students will be selected to take part in the programme. These 20 students will all have to attend an orientation camp from 11 to 14 July at Schoemansdal for

the final evaluation and selection of the students to be registered at the academy next year.

However, the programme comes at a cost and a lot of funds will be needed to support the students. Regarding this, a gala dinner will be held at the Schoemansdal EEC on Friday, 26 May, from 18:00. Persons wishing to attend must RSVP before 19 May by phoning the academy’s deputy principal, Mr Simon Ravhuhali, at Tel 067 576 5067 or email: tshilaravhuhali43@gmail.com

Persons unable to attend but interested the programme as a skills or financial partner or sponsor are also invited to phone Ravhuhali.

Some of the partners and management involved with Champions Transformation Academy’s

calls on residents to work with their traditional leaders to boost service delivery

SANCO

By Victor Mukwevho

On Thursday, 27 April, the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the Vhembe Region met with Khosi Vho-Nkhaneni Jeffrey Ramovha at the Mulenzhe Traditional Authority’s offices to discuss matters of development and service delivery.

SANCO was represented by the regional chairperson, David Makananise, and

regional secretary Marcus Malume. Malume said that SANCO was proud to have met the visionary leadership of the Mulenzhe Traditional Council. “After robust deliberations with Khosi Vho-Nkhaneni Jeffrey Ramovha, all parties agreed that SANCO will operate freely in seven villages under his leadership. We will also hold induction sessions to conscientise villagers about the importance of working

closely with their traditional leaders,” Malume said. He also encouraged other traditional leaders to work with SANCO on matters of development and service delivery in their villages. “We are calling on all SANCO structures in the Vhembe Region to work hand in glove with traditional authorities with respect and honesty in order to help in delivering good services to our communities,” he said.

Young academic star from Makonde dreams of one day healing the sick in her community

By Victor Mukwevho

Thirteen-year-old Antikaho Mbedzi from Makonde village, a Grade 8 pupil at Thengwe Secondary School, says she wants to be a doctor one day, so that she can help the poor in her community. Antikaho has been accumulating one certificate after another for her exceptional academic achievements.

Speaking to Limpopo Mirror at her home last month, Antikaho said that even though she was only in Grade 8 now, she took her education very seriously. “I make sure that I read my books every day, even during the weekends. I also practise mathematics on my own, and when I encounter problems while studying at home, I ask my older sister

or my parents for help,” she said. She said becoming a doctor would enable her to help the sick. “At first, I wanted to be a nurse, but now I want to be a doctor. I know I am still young, but I believe that if I work hard, I will achieve my goal. When I look around my village and the surrounding areas, there are many nurses, but very few qualified doctors. I want to open my own practice here at Makonde and help the local people,” she said.

According to her parents, Rendani and Norman Mbedzi, the fact that their daughter was exceptionally bright became apparent when she was still a little girl. Norman, who is a newspaper vendor, said she started paging through newspapers when she was only in Grade R. “At first, she only looked at

the pictures of other young girls, but one day she talked to me about certain stories that had been published in the Limpopo Mirror, and I realised she could read and understand the content. These days I don’t even have to read the newspapers anymore to pick up the latest news. Antikaho reads all of them and then tells me which stories are the most important, so that I can inform my customers about what is in the papers as I move around selling them,” he said.

Antikaho believes she has a bright future ahead at Thengwe Secondary. “My father told me this is one of the best schools in the Vhembe District when it comes to producing good results in Grade 12, and I am here to contribute to making this school the best during my time here,” she said.

Vho-Nnditsheni Matsila (right) helps his wife, Vho-Alice, to cut the cake during their 75th birthday celebration party at Thohoyandou Block F last Saturday (6 May). Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

Antikaho Mbedzi (13) displays some of the certificates she has won for good academic performance.

ambitious employability skills-development project. From left to right are Mr Pieter Els (head of academy at Limpopo Dairy), Ms Sonja Prinsloo (director of Champions Transformation Academy), Mr Simon Ravhuhali (deputy principal of Champions Transformation Academy and BTEC Level 3 coordinator), Ms Fulufhelo Masengani and Elsie Brandt, manageress at Light of Life Centre with Dr Tshinetise Maligana (not in the photo). Photo supplied.

SANCO’s regional chairperson, David Makananise.

Art & Entertainment

Stunner Da Rapper sets his sights on global collaborations

By Thembi Siaga

Terence Mudau from Mpheni, also known as Stunner Da Rapper, is determined to make it all the way to the top, so that he can collaborate with the biggest names in the music industry from around the globe in future.

Stunner Da Rapper’s love of music was sparked when he met a friend whose older brother was a recording artist. “They made me listen to old-school hip-hop, such as 2Pac and Jay-Z and many others. I developed an interest in hip-hop music and soon began to practise my rapping,” he said.

His passion for music continued to grow, and he started listening to local VenRap legends such as

Sikheli Junior urges people not to forget their roots

Mizo Phyll, Mac-fam, and Too Fab Music, to name but a few. “My main inspiration is the King of VenRap, Mizo Phyll. I perform a variety of genres, but my specialty is hip-hop and VenRap music,” he said.

The 27-year-old first became known with the release of his debut EP, titled New Addiction, in 2020. This was during his first year studying for his degree in environmental sciences at the University of Venda.

The EP was followed by the single Vhakho-vala in 2021. About four months ago, he released a catchy piano (amapiano) single, titled Asong Vhala (featuring Racha Kill), which is being played in taverns across the region. He is currently working on his second EP, called Ntwana-Ka-God. The 12-track album is expected to be released by late June this year.

“I aim to work with big artists from countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and the United States. Venda music is very good, and I am convinced it must receive more attention from the rest of the world. We are very grateful to local artist Makhadzi for pushing our music that far,” he said.

Stunner Da Rapper wants to use his platform as musician to encourage young people to embrace their talents but never to underestimate the power of education.

Olugaho wants to use radio show to inspire youth

Olugaho Mphadi (17), a Grade 12 learner at Frans Rasimphi Secondary School, joined Phalaphala FM’s educational team to present the State your Mind show, which airs on Fridays from 14:05 to 15:00. The show specifically focuses on primary school learners between the ages of 6 and 12 years.

name for himself in the music industry.

“I want to be remembered as the messiah of Venda music and hope to reach a wide audience through my music,” he said.

By Elmon Tshikhudo

Traditional Tshivenda musician and songwriter Sikheli Junior has been in the music industry for 11 years, and with a string of albums under his belt, he has proven that he is an experienced artist and entertainer.

Sikheli Junior, born Mudodzwa Josef Nengudza, last released an album in 2020, during the Covid restrictions. The album, titled A Li ngo Lala, was not promoted well because of the dreaded pandemic, but this did not deter him from composing more music.

On Friday, 5 May, he released his seventh album, Pangula Ndevhe. The 12-track album boasts songs such as Mufunwa Wanga, Khombo and Diphineni, which have already become favourites with his fans. The album was recorded at his Athletes Media Productions studio, which he founded in 2018.

Sikheli Junior was born at Tshifudi but grew up at Mangondi. He refers to his music as “sacred” and “spiritual”, saying that it is inspired by his own personal experiences and what he observes from others.

“I sing about topical issues that affect the commu-

Ntikelo is slowly becoming a fashion guru in her own right

By Maanda Bele

Ntikelo Diligent Rikhotso

from Saselamani in the Malamulele district is slowly becoming a household brand with her creative fashion designs. The 23-year-old, self-taught designer and owner of Valore Diligenta was among the selected local talents who got to showcase their designs at the fashion show hosted by First Style Designs at Porche Villa Hotel in Tswinga on 18 February this year.

The project was led by Jane International Luxe and Sandra Nngwedzeni Ndou.

Ntikelo says she was driven by her love and passion for fashion when she bought her first sewing machine in 2020, during the national lockdown

and, with a lot of practice and some help from YouTube tutorials, she taught herself how to sew.

“I have to admit that, when I bought my first sewing machine, it wasn’t with the idea of going into fashion designing, let alone starting a business, but that is what it led to in the end. I was fortunate enough to be able to manoeuvre my way into this industry on a selftaught basis. My family had been very supportive from the start. They never once mocked me for buying a machine I’d never operated before. They would proudly wear the not-so-good-looking clothing I’d make them wear without thinking twice. The hours of trial and error put in and the tutorials, as well as God’s grace, came in very handy for

a beginner in this industry, as I was at the time. The fashion show earlier this year was a very big deal for me. Overall, this has indeed been an amazing journey so far and having people recognise and love what I do is one of the reasons why I work hard at what I do now.” Ntikelo says her father, who was a craftsman, is the reason behind her inspiration. “Growing up, I always watched my father creating things with his hands.

Even when he got sick and his leg had to be amputated, it never stopped him from continuing with his craft. I am motivated to keep going because he taught me that I can achieve anything despite my circumstances, and to never let anything derail me from reaching my goals,” she said.

nity. On my latest album, which I rate the best in my career, the track Khombo is an expression of my dissatisfaction over the way people treat the dead these days. Our culture dictates that we perform rituals upon death to appease the spirit of the departed. We have forsaken our roots, and this is leading to so many ills in the community. Families are breaking apart, there is no peace, and, for many, things are not going right at the workplace either. Let us go back to our roots and all will be well with us,” he said. The foundation of his music is choral reggae in true traditional Tshivenda style through his connection to cultural observation, heritage, and sharing knowledge. In 2013, he won the South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMA) Best Tshivenda Album for his debut album, Ladzani

The educational team consists of Mulalo Ramarumo (executive producer), Tovhowani Rathala (producer of Teen Zone, State Your Mind, Youth Ke Yona, and Commerce), Wonder Juniper (presenter of Civic, Health and Science Technology), and Godfrey Mavhasa (presenter of Learner Support and Educator Development).

Olugaho was born in Ha- Radali and started his primary schooling at Sudzulusani Primary School. He told Limpopo Mirror that he was determined to root out unfair practices within the many spheres of society. “I want to use my show to get solutions for social ills,” he said.

The young presenter is confident that he can work well under pressure and believes he can show initiative and work independently. “I like reading and writing. I like to think and dream. I spend quality time at home whenever I have an opportunity, although work life and school in between can be hectic at times.”

He urges young people to get serious about their education, so that they can make a significant contribution to the communities they live in. “Youths must stay away from drugs and criminal activities and prepare themselves for careers that will benefit them (and others) in life,” he said.

The executive producer of Phalaphala FM’s educational programmes, Mulalo Ramarumo, said part of the SABC’s policy included hiring young people with potential who were still in school to give them the chance to express their talents and encourage other young people to pursue a career in the broadcast industry.

Seventeen-year-old Olugaho Mphadi presents Phalaphala FM’s State your Mind show on Fridays. Photo: Olugaho Mphadi.

Local fashion designer Ntikelo Diligent Rikhotso from Saselamani in Malamulele is the founder of Valore Diligenta.

Photo: Eneto Mashaba.

Stunner Da Rapper is hard at work to make a

Photo: Thembi Siaga.

Musician Sikheli Junior. Photo supplied.

“We cannot allow our local schools to be drug zones”

By Thembi Siaga

Drug abuse among young people is becoming a serious concern for parents and learning institutions. Children are experimenting today with practically anything they can lay their hands on that can put them on a “high”, not realising the danger they put themselves in.

On Wednesday, 26 April, a Grade 8 learner from Tshiawelo Secondary School in Vleifontein collapsed twice during class from drug abuse. The said learner apparently showed unusual behaviour, including heightened alertness and energy levels, which prompted two of the schoolteachers to take immediate action. The learner was taken to the Vleifontein Clinic and subsequently referred to Elim Hospital, where he was confirmed to have smoked crystal methamphetamine.

Tshiawelo Secondary School is said to have a serious problem with learners going to school while under the influence of drugs, such as dagga.

Following this latest incident, Thusa Lushaka Paralegal and Advice, a non-profit organisation (NPO) that deals with substance abuse, bullying and gender-based violence, organised an anti-drug abuse campaign at Tshiawelo Secondary on Tuesday, 2 May.

The NPO, along with police members from the Bandelierkop Police Station, gathered the learners and informed them about the

dangers of drug use. They emphasized how substance abuse can ruin a person’s life completely. Learners were instructed never to go to school with drugs, or be under the influence of drugs, as this may lead to suspension.

Mr Rendani Ramagoma, executive director of the NPO, said they had seen a need to have a campaign to educate learners and residents to promote zero tolerance of substance abuse. “The way forward is a collaborative effort by the community and school stakeholders, who must engage the police and pastor’s forums to deal with this matter. We cannot allow our schools to be turned into drug zones,” he said.

The deputy chairperson of Tshiawelo’s school governing body, Mr Muntu Zozo, admitted that they were facing problems with drug dealers who supply drugs to the learners. “We suggest that the police visit our school regularly and deal with the suppliers. It scared us when this learner first collapsed, then collapsed again two days later,” said Zozo.

Sergeant Tshifhiwa Radzilani, spokesperson for the police in Makhado, said that the campaign was also intended to address the consequences of having a criminal record.

“We are warning children that, if they continue to use drugs, we will catch them and bring them to book, and this will have a negative impact on their future,” she said.

Sgt Shinga Netshikulwe from Bandelierkop Police Station addresses learners during an anti-drugabuse campaign that was held at Tshiawelo Secondary School last week. Photo:

Acknowledgement for role of the church in the struggle for liberation

Musina News

The role that the church has played in the fight for the liberation of the oppressed was put in the spotlight during a ceremony held at the Nancefield Multi-purpose Centre on Saturday, 29 April, to conclude Freedom Month.

Organised by Musina Municipality, in partnership with different denominations and community stakeholders, the event was celebrated under the theme “Consolidating and safeguarding democratic gains”.

Addressing the audience in the fully packed hall, Musina Mayor Nkhanedzeni Godfrey Mawela said a need existed to recognise the church for its contribution towards the attainment of democracy in South Africa. He added that the

church should also play a role in protecting that democracy today. “We know many clergy who turned their churches into secret meeting places for comrades during the dark times of apartheid. Armed with the Bible, these clergy believed that, while others were preparing for the armed struggle outside the country, theirs was to use the Bible to liberate this country. Through their prayers, the armed struggle was suspended, following the peaceful talks, leading to the democratic government that we have today.”

Mawela said the fact that society still experienced social ills such as gender-based violence, human abuse and other types of crimes, despite being free, was painful. “That is why we have invited the church to come and celebrate with us here today. We are not only

celebrating the attainment of freedom and democracy, but we are also praying for all the social ills to be rooted out in our society. It is good to see so many congregants present, which only shows that they too are worried and affected by the social ills in our society.”

Pastor Takalani Samuel Tshikhudo of the Apostolic Faith Mission, who conducted a sermon during the event, said the fact that the church was working with the government and other stakeholders to restore peace and stability in society was good. “Although we celebrate freedom and democracy as a church, we also have the responsibility to pray for our leaders, so that they can lead this country with God’s wisdom.”

Autism and Fitness Awareness campaign launched in Malamulele

By Elmon Tshikhudo

On Thursday, 27 April, residents of Malamulele and surrounding villages within the Collins Chabane municipality enjoyed an exciting day, filled with fun walks and runs, aerobics and health talks. This formed part of the Autism and Fitness Awareness programme that was launched at Malamulele Crossing Mall’s parking lot.

The programme is the brainchild of Vuthlari’s Voice Foundation, led by Mr Lucky Makamu, in partnership with Arthur’s Fitness Gym, owned by Mr Arthur Masebenza. The launch also formed part of the Autism Month celebrations.

Makamu, the event coordinator, said his son Vuthlari had been diagnosed with a neurological condition at the age of one. “The disease made me aware of the challenges parents and families affected by autism were going through. Many people in the community did not even know about it, as there is no awareness about it. That is what led me to establish Vuthlari’s Voice Foundation, to assist those

affected by the disease. This programme serves to make the community aware of this disease and give support to the families affected by it,” said Makamu.

Two occupational therapists, Ms Aluwani Manenzhe and Ms Joy Mathe, were also roped in for the day’s pro-

gramme.

Masebenza said he would continue to partner with Vuthlari’s Voice Foundation. “We deal with the physical part of the person, while my partner deals with the mental side. Together, we work towards building a healthy being,” he said.

Thembi Siaga.

Captured during the event to conclude Freedom Month in Musina are, from left to right, Evangelist Norah Ndhlovu, Musina Mayor Nkhanedzeni Godfrey Mawela, Evangelist Mabore Ravhuhali and Pastor Takalani Samuel Tshikhudo.

Some of the children who enjoyed the Autism and Fitness Awareness day in Malamulele pose for a photo with the organisers of the event.

Photo: Elmon Tshikhudo.

Mr Lucky Makamu (left) and Mr Arthur Masebenza (right) partnered up to organise a successful Autism and Fitness Awareness campaign. Photo: Elmon Tshikhudo.

Ramadwa takes 2nd place in Zim cycle race

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Local cyclist Timothy Ramadwa from Ramahantsha village in the Sinthumule area finished second in the 160km 100-Miler Classic Gweru to Bulawayo Cycle Challenge in Zimbabwe on 30 April. Participating under the banner of the Vhembe Cycling Club, Ramadwa completed the race with a time of 5:12 and proudly returned with his silver medal. He said that the race had not been an easy feat as cyclists had participated by invitation only. “It was tough, and I was the only South African who participated in the

race. But I think I did a good job. It is one of the greatest honours to get to represent my country at the highest level,” he said.

Ramadwa joined the Vhembe Cycling Club in 2015, where his natural talent for cycling was discovered. Ever since then, he has dominated the local cycling scene, clinching various podium places.

Ramadwa is now preparing for the annual Kremetart 175km one-day stage-race, which takes place in Louis Trichardt on 9 September. He also wants to take part in

the Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg Road, hosted by the City of Johannesburg, on Sunday, 19 November, at the FNB Stadium.

But how does he prepare for all of this? “Hard work, and then some more hard work,” was his simple reply. Apart from balancing his heavily loaded job at the SAPS’s dog unit, he also follows a specially formulated training programme. Besides this, Ramadwa offers lifeskills training and sometimes visits schools to give motivational talks. Here he touches on the importance of disci-

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pline and encourages pupils to remain focused and not let themselves be distracted from their schoolwork. “It is better to inspire the younger children, to coach and steer their passion in the right direction,” he said. His primary objective is to offer recreational cycling training to interested young people from all around the Vhembe region. Riders also get to compete provincially and nationally, based on their skills. He encourages active mobility within communities that previously had no access to the sport.

Published by Zoutnet CC, trading as Limpopo Mirror of 16B Joubert Street, Louis Trichardt. Typographically prepared by the proprietors and printed by Northern Media Group, 46 Fosfaat St, Polokwane Ext 8, Polokwane, 0700

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The Limpopo Provincial Legislature team donated school shoes and socks to learners from Muthuhadini Combined School, Elim Secondary School, Tshimonela Primary School, Ozias Davhana Secondary School, and Tshiawelo Secondary School on Tuesday, 9 May. Each of the five schools received 20 pairs of school shoes and socks out of a total of 100 pairs donated. Local councillor for Ward 20 and Elim circuit manager Mr Ntshavheni Rantsu, Ms Violet Mathye, a member of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature, Ms Jane Khosa, and administrator of constituency Makhado were photographed with some of the recipients from Tshimonela Primary School.

Photo: Thembi Siaga.

NOTICE OF WATER USE LICENCE APPLICATION ON FARM MARTON 231LS IN MAKHADO WITHIN MAKHADO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY OF THE LIMPOPO PROVINCE.

Notice is hereby given in terms of Chapter 5; of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations of 2014 promulgated under the National Environmental Management Act (Act 107/1998) (NEMA) and Section 21 of the National Water Act of 1998 (NWA) that P& S Mavhungu Family Trust has appointed Naledzi Environmental Consultants (Pty) Ltd to apply for a Water Use Licence application from the Department of Water and Sanitation for the existing agricultural activities on Farm Marton 231LS.

Locality: P&S Mavhungu Family Trust Farm is situated in Makhado Local Municipality of the Limpopo Province. The property is located on farm Marton 231LS.

Project Description: The water uses applied for in this WULA are associated with activities related to the agricultural activities being undertaken onsite.

TRIGGERED ACTIVITIES

WULA activities in terms of the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998):

Section 21e: Irrigation

Section 21a: Abstraction of water from 2 boreholes

Section 21b: storing of water in reservoirs

PUBLIC PARTCIPATION PROCESS (11 May 2023- 11 July 2023)

The public participation process is being undertaken to inform Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) regarding the Water Use Licence Application process.

Parties wishing to formally register as I&AP and offer comment on the project are requested to submit their name, contact details and interest in the project to Naledzi at the below contact details on or before 11 July 2023.

The contact details of the EAP are: Naledzi Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd: 141 Thabo Mbeki Street Polokwane; Postnet Suite Library Gardens, Suite 320, Private Bag X 9307, Polokwane. 0700.

Contact persons: DESMOND MUSETSHO & SITHABISIWE NCUBE. Email: info@naledzi.co.za/ sncube@naledzi.co.za or Tel: 087 5501529 Fax: 087 550 1537 Cell: 060 550 9311.

1. Vacancy: Departmental Teacher’s Post no 15 (Temporary) Requirements:

*English Home Language Gr 8-12

* Minimum relevant Degree completed

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* Medium of Instruction: Afrikaans & English

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Closing Date: 5 June 2023

Send your application with a cover letter, detailed CV and certified copies (not older than 3 months) of any qualifications to:

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Irwin street, Private Bag X626, Musina Tel: 015 534 0706 • Fax: 015 534 0899 E-mail: principal.ericlouw@gmail.com Ad

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MAKHADO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

NOTICE OF THE APPLICATION FOR CONSENT USE IN TERMS OF SECTION 75 0F THE MAKHADO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY SPATIAL PLANNING, LAND DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT BY-LAW 2016 0N STAND NUMBER 116 MANNGO VILLAGE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ( SMALL FREE STANDING & AND LOCAL CONVENIENCE CENTRE ) I, Mahafha Nndileleni Dorah , being the owner of stand number 116 Manngo village hereby give notice in terms of section (93) of the Makhado Local Municipality Spatial planning , Land Development and Land Use Management By-Law 2016, that I have applied for ( SMALL FREE STANDING AND LOCAL CONVENIENCE CENTRE) ON Stand Number 116 , Manngo Village in terms of Section (75) Of Makhado Municipality Spatial planning, Land Development and Land Use Management By-Law 2016 read together with the provisions of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Act, 2013 ( Act 16 of 2013) . Particulars of the application Will lie for inspection during normal office hours ( 7:00 to 16:00) at the office of the Director Development and Planning: Makhado Local Municipality at 83 Krogh Street, Trichardt , 0920 for the period of 30 days from 11 MAY 2023. Any objections to or interest in respect of the application must be lodged with or made in writing to the office of the Municipal Manager at Private Bag X2596, Makhado, 0920 within a period of 30 days. Applicant Address: stand No 116 Manngo, 0993

CELL NO 072 222 0580 / 076 620 7101

NDIVHADZO YA KHUMBELO Y0 lTIWAHO UYA NGA KHETHEKANGO (75) YA MAKHADO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

SPATIAL PLANNING, LAND DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT BY-LAW 2016 ZWI TSHI KWAMA

KHUMBEL0 Y0 lTWAHO KHA TSHITENTSI TSHI DIVHALEYAHO SA 116 MANNGO VILLAGE

Nne, mahafha nndileleni dorah , ane a vha munne wa tshitentsi NO. 116 Manngo ndi khou nekedza ndivhadzo uya nga ha khethekanyo (93) ya Makhado Local Municipality Spatial planning, Land Development and use management BY-Law 2016 ya uri huna khumbelo yo itiwaho kha masipala wa makhado ya( SMALL FREE STANDING AND LOCAL CONVENIENCE CENTRE) kha nomboro ya tshitentsi 116 Manngo village fhasi ha khethekanyo (75) ya makhado Local Municipality Spatial planning , Land Development and Land Use management BY-Law 2016 I vhaleaho khathihi na mu]ayo wa Spatial Planning and Land Use Act, 2013 (Act 16 of 2013 ) . Zwidodombedza zwa khumbelo iyi zwi do wanala kha ofisi ya mulanguli (Director Development and Planning Makhado Local Municipality at number 83 Krogh street, Louis Trichardt, 0920 kana Private Bax X2596 , Makhado , 0920 lwa maduvha a furaru (30) ubva nga dzi 11 FULWI 2023 Zwothe khamaho iyi vhanga zwilivhisa kana u nwala vha swikisa kha adiresi yo bulwaho ubva nga 7:00 u swika 16:00 . Nomboro ya tshitentsi 116 Manngo , 0993

072

076

LEFT: Timothy Ramadwa came second in the 160km 100-Miler Classic Gweru to Bulawayo Cycle Challenge in Zimbabwe on 30 April. Photo supplied.

Blue Birds outsmart Flying Eagles

By Frank Mavhungu

Manamani Blue Birds kept their title hopes alive when they brutally walloped Flying Eagles FC 4-0 in their Safa Vhembe Regional League match that was played at the Lwamondo Grounds on Saturday.

The game was equally contested throughout the first half and the scoreboard was still blank when the teams ad-

journed for the half-time break.

The home side gradually lost their original fighting spirit in the last stanza. They tried to neutralise the visitors from Manamani village with dangerous tackles. The referee did not allow any of the culprits to go unpunished. He flashed four yellow cards within a short space of time in a bid to normalise the situation.

The wheel of fortune turned against the Flying Eagles when

Blue Birds stamped their authority in the 64th minute. Their lethal striker, Fhatuwani Khangale, gave the ball the final touch, following a scramble within the box. As if they were the leading side, Flying Eagles then started to play defensive football. That prompted the visitors to move one defender forward to add to the number of strikers.

Blue Birds increased the lead three minutes afterwards when Ronewa Sadiki blasted in a rocket from inside the box. Blue Birds scored their last two goals in the 78th and 85th minute respectively. Anani Mukhanu, who scored a brace in the game, was on target with a long-range ground cutter. He completed his brace with a half volley to bring the full-time score to 4-0. Blue Birds are lying in the third position on the log standings with 47 points with the victory.

Can you

SP T THE BALL?

WEEK 7 ...

Will Galaxy pay for Maindis’ defeat?

By Frank Mavhungu

Another busy weekend lies ahead for the teams campaigning under the banner of the Hollywoodbets Super League.

Still battling to come to terms with the 1-2 defeat they suffered at the hands of Copper Belts Ladies at the Seshego Stadium in Polokwane last Saturday, Maindis Ladies have another mountain to climb this weekend. They will host TS Galaxy Queens at the Giyani Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Maindis are struggling to find a winning combination this season. They managed to win only two of the 12 matches they have played to date. The Bungeni side are currently

rooted at the bottom of the log with six points.

The chairman of Maindis Ladies, Mr Falaza Mdaka, admitted that the team’s poor performance was a thorn in the flesh of everyone in their camp. He said that they were working hard in a bid to turn the team’s fortunes around. A quick glance at the Queens’ performance in their last eight games shows that Maindis will be lucky if they manage to grab a point in Saturday’s match. Galaxy Queens are lying in the third position on the log standings with 27 points, six behind the pace setters, UWC FC.

The mood is good in the Queens’ camp, following their 5-0 victory over Richmond United last Saturday. The

Queens’ playmaker, Madembe Tshikumbu, will be playing against her former team. Tshikumbu was part of Maindis for the past two seasons, until she parted ways with the club at the end of last season.

First Touch Academy will entertain Copper Belts in their Polokwane derby at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Richmond United will meet University of Pretoria FC at the Galeshewe Stadium in Kimberley, while City Lads will fight for league points against Durban Ladies at the Tsakane Stadium in Johannesburg. The other fixtures are Royal AM vs University of Johannesburg, Thunderbirds Ladies vs TUT FC, JVW FC vs Coal City Wizards and Mamelodi Sundowns vs UWC FC.

Leopards and VFA in Vhembe derby

By Frank Mavhungu

This weekend marks the end of the Motsepe Foundation Championship League programme. All matches will be played on Sunday afternoon. Not only will the league champions be crowned on Sunday, but the two teams that will partake in the promotional playoffs will also be known after Sunday’s games.

Name & Surname:

Cellphone nr:

How to enter:

Clearly mark the block in which you think the ball is with a cross, fill in your name & telephone nr and send us your entry. You can hand deliver the entry form at our office at 16B Joubert Street, Louis Trichardt, or you can take a photo and WhatsApp it to us at: 072 822 3262. Closing date for entries: Monday @16:00

All correct entries will be entered into a draw and one lucky person will win R300.

If we receive no correct answers, the prize-money will roll over and the following week’s prize money will be R600.

Winners will be contacted after the draw and the money will be sent to the phone number provided using Standard Bank’s Instant Money Service.

Terms and conditions:

The judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Only correct answers will go into the lucky draw. One entry per person.

The race for the league championship is among three teams, Cape Town All Stars, Casric Stars and Polokwane City. Should they all manage to win their matches on Sunday, Cape Town Spurs will gain automatic promotion to the DStv

Premiership Division. The Cape Town side are shining on top of the log with 56 points. Casric Stars and Polokwane City are in the next two positions, with 55 and 54 points respectively. Although they will be playing on their home soil, winning the match will not be easy for Spurs. They will host University of Pretoria FC at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town. University of Pretoria are in the right frame of mind after beating Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC 2-0 last Sunday.

The other title chasers, Polokwane City, will host Pretoria Callies at Polokwane’s Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. Casric Stars will visit Cape Town All Stars at the Tsakane Stadium in

Johannesburg.

Venda Football Academy (VFA) will conclude their league programme by hosting Black Leopards at the Thohoyandou Stadium. Black Leopards have nothing at stake in the game as their relegation to the lower league was confirmed when they lost 0-2 to Platinum City Rovers two weeks ago. Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila will accompany Black Leopards to the bantam division.

The other weekend fixtures are Uthongathi FC vs MM Platinum FC, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila vs Baroka FC, JDR Stars vs Platinum City Rovers and Hungry Lions vs Magesi FC.

Bright future waits for young referee

By Kaizer Nengovhela

The future looks bright for a promising young local football referee, Pfariso Mababo (15) of Tsianda, who is officiating in the Safa Limpopo ABC Motsepe League. Mababo was spotted among the group of referees that underwent the referee fitness tests, which were held at Oscar Mphetha Stadium at University of Limpopo on Sunday, 6 May.

Some spectators were heard speaking among themselves, saying that Pfariso was quickly establishing himself as a referee. They did, however, advise him that he stood a better chance of officiating during major games if he refused to allow grown-ups to corrupt him with bribes.

Pfariso, a Grade 10 pupil at

Lwamondo High School, said he had never in his life received a threat as a referee. When asked where he saw himself in three years’ time, Pfariso said that his dream was to officiate at international level soon.

He singled out Mr Nkhumiseni Nyambeni as the one who motivated and guided him in refereeing. Nyambeni is the current referee selector for the Safa Vhembe SAB stream D and the ABC Motsepe League match commissioner. Pfariso said Nyambeni had taught him many different skills in life, encouraged him to stay focused when officiating matches and to have a match plan ready at all times.

The young referee believes that setting realistic goals that can be achieved within a given period is important. He said he had declined many offers

from club officials who wanted him to fix the results of their matches. “I don’t want to ruin my refereeing career by taking bribes. Besides, I am a man of strong principles,” he said.

Still battling to find a winning combination: Maindis Ladies FC. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Khathutshelo Makhale of Flying Eagles (left) and Fhatuwani Khangale of Blue Birds chase the ball.

Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Football referee Pfariso Mababo. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

Lacoste Morning Stars in joyous mood after beating Phomolong

By Frank Mavhungu

Lacoste Morning Stars are still in a joyous mood after registering a historic 12-0 victory over Phomolong

Ladies FC in their Sasol

Women’s League match that was played at the Shayandima School Grounds on Sunday afternoon.

The visitors from Phalaborwa had to play the whole game with nine players. They told the referee before the game that the rest of the players would join them during the game, but that was not to be.

The home side capitalised on the setback and took the game to the visitors from the

onset. They took only seven minutes to open their account.

Nthabiseng Matswiwas on target with a ground cutter after going loose from the right corner. They increased the margin through Gumani “Mphela” Mulibana in the 17th minute.

A defender of Phomolong, Selina Mafera, handled the ball within her own penalty box. The referee, Mr Nyiko Maluleke, did not hesitate to award a penalty to Stars. Gumani Mulibana caused an upset by shooting straight at the stranded keeper. Morning Stars were leading 4-0 at the end of the first half. Their third and fourth goals were scored by Nthabiseng

Matswi and Shumani Tshikosi respectively.

The visitors were down and out during the second half. They were defending too deeply and thus inviting the opponents to invade their territory. Tshisevhe Lidzebe, who came on as a substitute, made her presence felt when she scored three goals within the space of 10 minutes. Nthabiseng Matswi scored two more goals while the remaining three came via Unarine Nembaleni (1) and Gumani Mulibana (2).

Phomolong Ladies are still to deposit a point into their league account to date. They have conceded 57 goals in six games.

“Weary and unfit” Black Leopards go down 1-3 to Cape Town All Stars

By Frank Mavhungu

Black Leopards could not absorb the pressure from Cape Town All Stars, to whom they lost 1-3 in their Motsepe Foundation Championship League match that was played at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

After the match, the head coach of Leopards, Mr Morgan Shivambu, attributed the defeat to a number of factors. He said that the absence of their key players, such as Tshepo Matsimbi and Sanele Zulu, who are still nursing injuries, was

Young Stars, Rodadau on warpath

By Frank Mavhungu

Teams affiliated with the Limpopo Stream of the Sasol Women’s League will play their sixth league matches this weekend. Seven matches will be played at different venues throughout the province on Saturday, while only two are scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

Tshandama Young Stars are gearing up for a tough match. They will rub shoulders with Rodadau FC at the Tshandama Grounds on Saturday. The fact that Rodadau and Young Stars are closely contesting for the league title is reason enough for the fans to expect a thriller. Rodadau are lying in the second position on the log standings with 15 points, one behind the log leaders, Two for Joy Ladies.

Young Stars are one step below Rodadau with 13 points.

Merwe United Ladies will be lucky if they manage to hold Lacoste Morning Stars to a draw when they meet at the Merwe Grounds outside Malamulele. Morning Stars are sharpened to kill after crushing Phomolong Ladies FC 12-0 at the Shayandima School Grounds last Sunday. Whether the defenders of Merwe will have enough strength to stop the Stars’ goal poachers in Nthabiseng Matswi, Andani Ramafola and Gumani Mulibana remains to be seen.

Merwe are still to deposit a point into their league account so far.

Masakona

Liberty Experience and Phomolong Ladies will test each other’s strength at the Masakona Grounds. Two for Joy Ladies will enjoy the home-ground advantage in their match against Real Mighty Girls at the Tshirenzheni Grounds.

The other fixtures are Sisters FC vs Sealene Ladies, Seven Stars Ladies vs FC 50 Stars United, University of Limpopo vs Kanatla Ladies, Ramatlaohle Ladies vs Marumo Gallants and Schoonoord Chiefs vs Mandebele Happy Fighters.

one factor. He said that they had to take the risk of fielding Lucious Ndou in the starting line-up for the first time in an official game this season. Mr Shivambu again stated that his team were not physically fit and were looking weary towards the end of the game. The former Moroka Swallows midfielder further said that he had warned the players not to take the game for granted on the basis that the team had already been relegated to the lower division.

Mr Shivambu’s counterpart from Cape Town All Stars, Mr Sinethemba Badela, said that

his team had deserved to win the game as the home side had not shown any signs of seriousness in the game.

The Stars first found the net via Tebogo Makobela in the 18th minute. Leopards’ solitary goal was scored by Noko Malekana towards the end of the first half. Lidoda duvha effected four changes to their starting 11 earlier in the last half. The move was not good enough to stop the Stars from scoring two more goals via Menzi Ndwandwe and Kamohelo Hoala in the dying minutes of the game.

Lucious Ndou of Black Leopards (front) and Thabo Maphakisa of All Stars are focused on the high ball. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Andani Ramafola of Morning Stars (left) and Matsatsi Makgalaka of Phomolong Ladies chase the ball.

Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Cherise Hamman from Louis Trichardt was last week’s winner of our spot-theball competition and she walked away with the R300 prize money.

Lacoste Morning Stars’ scoring machine, Andani Ramafola. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Munzhelele to compete in “world’s fastest 100km”

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Local runner Timothy Munzhelele (35) from Makonde is on his way to taking part in what may very well be the fastest 100km race in the world that is being organised by Nord Security and world-renowned ultra-marathon runner Aleksandr Sorokin. It takes place this Sunday (14 May) in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Aleksandr Sorokin made international headlines last year when he broke the Men’s 100km World Record, completing the distance in 6:05:41. He is considered to be the fastest ultrarunner of all time. He holds five world records, on the track and road, from 100 km to 24-hour runs. Sorokin is determined to beat this record on Sunday, with the assistance of long-distance runners from across the world.

Two South African runners, Timothy Munzhelele and Craig Cynkin, were invited to take part

TTM drop complaint against VFA

By Frank Mavhungu

in this prestigious race. The race takes place under the auspices of the Lithuanian Athletics Federation, in conjunction with the Lithuanian Ultra Runners Association.

Munzhelele, who competes under the banner of the Murray & Roberts Athletics Club, is confident that he will do well in the race. He is currently in excellent physical form, which he proved by winning the SPAR Tzaneen Tuffy 4-in-1 Marathon in March this year. He was supposed to participate in the Two Oceans Marathon last month, but because of this invitation to participate in the European race, he had to cancel and focus on his preparation.

“I am looking forward to the 100km run, as it is the only race before the Comrades Marathon. I’m prepared for it. The training went well, so last week I just did some easy jogs, relaxing, getting a lot of rest and making sure that my legs are ready for Sunday. I’m carbo-loading, which is basically putting enough carbs in my body to make sure I am able to sustain myself for the distance.

I intend to use this race as a confidence booster before the Comrades Marathon. I will give them a run for their money. I am confident that I can finish in a good time in Europe. The plan is to finish the race in under seven hours,” Munzhelele said.

He says he feels honoured to have received the invitation to represent South Africa at the European race. “This is a great opportunity for me to compete overseas,” he said.

Munzhelele’s coach, Mr Takalani Mavhona, who is also the chairperson of the Vhembe Athletics Club, said: “We are using our own money to transport this boy everywhere he goes, so with support he can go far.” He said he was confident that Munzhelele would come back with silverware.

Venda Football Academy

FC (VFA) can relax again, with the sword of a disciplinary hearing no longer hanging over the team. This after Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC (TTM) had withdrawn the complaint they had filed against them.

TTM had been relegated to the ABC Motsepe League after the team finished their league programme in one of the last two positions on the log standings. TTM’s relegation was confirmed when they lost 1-2 to Hungry Lions FC at the Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein two weeks ago.

In a final attempt to retain their Motsepe Foundation Championship franchise, TTM decided to file a complaint with the league against Venda Football Academy (VFA). In the complaint documents that TTM filed with the league last week, they were alleging that one

of the players of VFA, namely Athini Jodwana, was not properly registered with the club. They went further to say that Jodwana had featured in seven games at VFA, despite the fact that he was a defaulter.

Upon receipt of the complaint from TTM, the Premier Soccer League decided to formulate charges against VFA. The matter was laid down for hearing on Tuesday afternoon this week. According to the charge sheet, of which this publication has a copy, VFA were to give answers to the charge of registering a player (Jodwana) improperly.

TTM were alleging that VFA had used a transfer letter from Cape Town All Stars when they registered the player instead of the club he had last played for, Nyanga Zizwe United. According to the information at our disposal, the legal representatives from the two clubs had decided to meet and share some information outside the chambers. After the two

parties’ bilateral meeting, the TTM legal team felt that their chances of winning the case were slim. Against that background, they decided to tell the league’s prosecutor that they were withdrawing their complaint.

The chairman of VFA, Mr Itani Munzhelele, said that he had not felt any reason to press the panic button as he had always known that they had followed all the processes when they had registered the player.

Defenders crowned the Limpopo champions

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Mpheni Home Defenders were crowned as champions of Limpopo SAFA ABC Motsepe league when they managed to snatch a 1-0 victory at the expense of The Dolphins FC. The provincial play-off match took place at a packed Oscar Mphetha Stadium at the University of Limpopo on Sunday.

Home Defenders will now represent the province in the national play-offs at KwaZulu Natal from 5 to 11 July.

Defenders had to start Sunday’s match with a slight disadvantage, because of the absence of their midfielder-cum-striker, Ernest Munyadziwa. He had to watch the game from the grandstand because of an injury.

The Dolphins threatened to score in the seventh min-

ute. Their midfielder, Phuti Maifo, manoeuvred past Defenders’ Fisters Magodimisa and unleashed a volley. The ball hit the woodwork and bounced back into the field of play.

Defenders’ players used their height advantage to win the aerial balls from behind. Instead of playing “carpet football” when they were in possession, Dolphins committed the blunder of volleying the balls from the middle of the field.

Dolphins had nobody else to blame for the defeat as they squandered numerous scoring chances throughout the game. Their second player to cause an upset was veteran player Katlego Mashego. In the 14th minute he received a pre-cooked pass from Thabo Molekwa from just outside the box. In-

stead of picking his spot and unleashing quickly, Mashego held onto the ball for far too long and lost possession.

Muhlupi Mavundla committed an unforgettable blunder a little later. He shot wide from the edge of the box with the keeper already beaten.

Things turned against Dolphins when Defenders were awarded a free kick outside the box early in the second half. Freedom Nyundu caught the Dolphins keeper, Hlaisane Ntimane, napping and passed to Gift Nemutandani to finish it off.

Timothy Munzhelele will be participating in the 100km Run Secured by Nordic race, which takes place in Vilnius, Lithuania on Sunday, 14 May. Photo supplied.

The player who is at the centre of the whole controversy, Athini Jodwana. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Gift Nemutandani (left) and his team mates celebrate his only goal, which was enough to secure the team a place in the national play-off matches.

Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.