Limpopo Mirror 18 November 2022

A ritual killer on the loose?

By Elmon Tshikhudo

the Nzhelele region? This has become the most asked question in that area lately, especially following the disappearance and subsequent discovery of the mutilated body of an 11-year-old girl that was found floating in a local dam.

The girl, Pfunzo Makuya of Phadzima Dzumbathoho, was last seen on Wednesday afternoon, 9 November, between 16:00 and 17:00, after her mother sent her to the local shoemaker. According to a reliable source who spoke to this newspaper, the girl never reached the shoemaker, who runs his business not far from her home.

On Monday, 14 November, nearly a week after the girl had gone missing, local fishermen who were out fishing found her body floating in the dam. One of her hands had been cut off and in places, pieces of flesh had been carved from her body.

Naturally, this led the community to strong suspicions that she had been ritually murdered. Community leader Mr Richard Ramabulana said the disappearance of people who were later found dead had become a source of great concern in the area. “Since the beginning of the year we have had three

cases and the worst part of it is that they were all later found floating in the water. As a community, we will work with the police to fast-track this investigation and our call to the residents is to give as much information to the police as possible,” he said.

The parents of the dead girl were still very traumatised and requested to be given space before making a statement.

Over recent months, many outcries have been made by communities over the disappearance of children in the Vhembe area. One of the most notable cases was that of the missing Fiona Matodzi. The 10-year-old girl was allegedly kidnapped on her way home from the local Dzindi Primary School. The incident happened at Itsani on 11 August this year, and no trace of her has been found since then.

Acting Vhembe police spokesperson Sergeant Vuledzani Dathi confirmed the recent incident and said a case of murder had been opened. He said the body would be subjected to an autopsy that would determine the cause of death. Those with information about the case should contact Detective Sergeant Ronald Kwinda at 071 677 1766 or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.

Vhembe-born Thapelo Molomo became an instant millionaire on Sunday (13 November) when he won Season 18 of Idols SA in front of a full house at Tshwane’s Heartfelt Arena.

Thapelo, who is originally from Thohoyandou Block G, resides in Mokopane these days. After completing his matric, he went on to study psychology at the University of Venda (Univen) and started working as a trauma councillor at the Brits SAPS last year, with the rank of warrant officer.

On Sunday evening, he battled

it out on stage with Nozipho Sibiya in the grand finale, winning the audience’s love with his renditions of So Amazing by Luther Vandross and End of the Road by Boyz II Men. After he was crowned the winner, he performed his debut solo single, Phanda.

Thapelo’s reward was not meagre. He walked away with R1 million in cash, made up of R350 000 in a Standard Bank MyMo account, R300 000 from Spotify and R350 000 from Mzansi Magic.

(Continues on page 2)

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Could vicious ritual killers be stalking innocent people in villages around

The mutilated body of Pfunzo Makuya (11) was found floating in a local dam nearly a week after she had gone missing. Photo: supplied.

Thapelo Molomo emerged as the winner of Idols SA Season 18 on Sunday. Photo: supplied.

Beloved Bishop and church member drown during baptism - page 3

Life plus 135 years for serial rapist

By Elmon Tshikhudo

On Wednesday, 2 Novem ber, the Thohoyandou High Court sentenced a 42-yearold serial rapist to four life sentences and 135 years’ imprisonment. The charges against him involved the rape of four young women aged between 15 and 22

years around the Vuwani policing area between 2012 and 2015 respectively.

Ndidzulafhi Given Vhu romu was 32 years old when his reign of terror started on 10 February 2012. He then raped a 22-year-old woman who was walking with her boyfriend to his house in Vyeboom village. Armed with a knife, Vhuromu chased the boyfriend away and dragged the woman into nearby bushes at Vyeboom, where he repeatedly raped her. A rape case was opened at Vuwani that same day and Vhuromu, who was known in that area, eluded the police, who were trying to track him down.

continued when, on 20 December 2013, a 15-yearold girl was reportedly raped next to the Vuwani shopping complex. She was also robbed of R100.

His last victim was assault ed in 2015. The 20-year-old woman was walking along the bushes at Vuwani with her boyfriend when Vhuromu surprised them and threat ened the boyfriend with a broken bottle. The boyfriend ran away, leaving the woman at the mercy of her assailant.

Bail granted to suspect found with suspected stolen items at Elim Mall

By Staff Reporter

A 32-year-old man, who was arrested after he was found in possession of suspected stolen clothes at the Elim Mall, was granted R1 000 bail by the Waterval Magistrate’s Court on 11 November.

suspect was arrested, and his vehicle taken for further inves tigation.

Preliminary investigations revealed that a team of ladies was allegedly recruited and sent out to steal from the stores. The value of the stolen items amounted to R50 000.

to fight against any element of crime in the mall,” she said.

Given Vhuromu was sen tenced to four live sentences and 135 years’ imprison ment.

supplied.

The second rape occurred only a week later, on 17 Feb ruary 2012, when he raped a 17-year-old girl who was with a friend around Tshimbupfe. Once again, he showed his knife to threaten the girl. He demanded that she give him her cellphone, after which she too was dragged into the bush es at Tshivhulani and raped.

Vhuromu’s raping spree

These cases were investi gated by Detective Sergeant Mulalo Muanalo of the Family Violence and Child Protec tion Services Unit (FCS) at Vhembe District, who worked tirelessly in searching for Vhu romu, until he was arrested in the Polokwane area in 2019 and positively linked to all the cases through buccal samples.

Vhembe District Police Commissioner Major General Eddie Van Der Walt welcomed the sentence and said it served as a serious warning to other rapists and criminals.

Commuters fed-up with Mabirimisa

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Commuters are fed-up with what they describe as shoddy service from the local bus company, Mabirimisa Bus Company, and demand that the company’s operations be halted on the routes from the Nzhelele area to Louis Trich ardt town.

Protesters closed the roads off on Thursday (10 November), preventing the bus company from operating for the day. They complain that the buses

are unreliable, putting many commuters’ jobs at risk because they are either arriving late for work, or not making it to work at all. They also claim that the buses are unroadworthy and unsafe, thereby putting every one’s lives at risk.

The commuters said that they have had several meetings with the bus company’s officials in an attempt to resolve the transport problem in their area, but that the company does not seem to care about them.

According to Mr Joseph

Mudau from Manyii, who must make use of the bus service every day, a number of people have in fact already lost their jobs because the company does not keep to its own operating schedules. He said that, for years the operator had been refusing to address the problem of buses that frequently break down. “I have to wait for a bus for almost two hours,” he complained. “I have no choice but to continue using the bus service, because it is the cheap est option to get to work. Taxis cost twice as much.”

Another commuter, Ms Maria Dongola, said they did not want these buses to transport them anymore. “We arrive late for work and home every day. The Mabirimisa buses are not roadworthy and traffic officers in the area are not doing anything,” she said.

The spokesperson for the Mabirimisa Bus Company, Ms Takalani Mabirimisa, denied that their buses were unroadworthy and that they did not keep to their sched ules to ferry commuters. According to her, they have never received complaints

Thapelo Muleya was arrested on Thursday, 10 November, after the police had received a tip-off from reliable sourc es about a suspicious vehicle roaming around the Elim Mall and shopping complex since early that morning.

According to the police spokesperson, W/O Foster Rambau, the Waterval police responded quickly and spotted the vehicle at the complex. The vehicle was stopped and searched, whereupon a large quantity of clothes, allegedly stolen from various stores at the mall, was discovered. The

Muleya is expected to appear in the Waterval Magistrate’s Court again on Friday, 25 November. “We warn people to refrain from committing crimes of this nature,” Rambau said.

According to the centre’s manager, Ms Mpho Madadzhe, some of the shops that were targeted included Ackermans, Mr Price, PEP and Sportscene. Madadzhe said that they had made their tenants aware of this kind of crime. “The mall security and tenants are very vigilant. We are working hand in hand with our tenants’ secu rity companies and the SAPS

Thapelo Muleya (32) was ar rested by the Waterval police after he was found in posses sion of stolen clothes worth R50 000. Photo: supplied.

Criminal who terrorized residents sentenced to life imprisonment

By Silas Nduvheni

Residents from the Thohoy andou area heaved a sigh of relief after the Limpopo High Court in Thohoyandou finally sentenced a criminal who had been terrorising the commu nities for a long time to life plus an additional 75 years’ imprisonment.

Khumbelo Buku Tshisud zungwane (23) of Unit E in Thohoyandou was sentenced on Thursday, 10 November. He was charged with 31 counts, ranging from gang rape, attempted rape, kidnapping, house robberies, housebreaking with intent to steal, robbery with aggravating circumstanc es, malicious injury to property and theft of motor vehicle.

The court heard that, between July 2015 and August 2016, Tshisudzung wane and his accomplice had been terrorising the communities of Makware la, Mbaleni, Thohoyandou Unit E and Block G in the Thohoyandou area. The criminals would enter the homesteads of their victims and threaten them with a crowbar and pangas before robbing them of their vehicles, money, cell phones and other valuable items.

According to the spokesperson for the NPA

in Limpopo, Ms Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, one of the victims was raped several times and abandoned in the bushes. Tshisudzungwane also attempt ed to rape other victims. He would force his victims into his car while driving around the location and bushes at night.

Tshisudzungwane pleaded guilty and admitted all ele ments of the offences referred to in the indictment. The state evidence was overwhelming, and the court found him guilty as charged. The state advocate, Robert Nekhambele, submitted that the accused had acted in common purpose to terrorise his neighbouring locations. Nekhambele described Tsh isudzungwane as “heartless and arrogant” and pleaded with the court to remove him from society permanently. His sentences were ordered to run concurrently.

Tshisudzungwane’s al leged accomplice, Tsireledzo Makhadi, is still in custody, awaiting trial.

Thapelo wins Idols SA Season 18

(Continued from page 1)

He also won himself access to a Standard Bank wealth manager, a brand-new Toyota Star let, a fashion voucher from Truworths and his live-show outfits to the value of R100 000, R85 000 worth of musical equipment from Yamaha and a recording contract with Kalawa Jazmee Records.

As runner-up, Nozi Sibiya won a recording contract with Kalawa Jazmee, as well as R50 000 in a Standard Bank MyMo account, a fashion voucher from Truworths and her liveshow outfits to the value of R50 000, and Spotify

Having made a few attempts at succeeding in the music industry, Thapelo said that taking part

in the Idols SA competition certainly stood out as the most extraordinary experience for him, with the biggest stage he had been on. He said the competition had offered him the opportunity to learn more about performing live and how to handle himself as an artist.

“Being on Idols was enlightening. It has built me as a musician and a believer in God. I saw myself growing week after week, taking in the judges’ feedback and applying it. I am proud that all that hard work has paid off,” said the elated new winner.

“Winning Idols means so much to me. I’ve always had a passion for singing, and seeing people notice means the world to me. Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me. It is because of your vote that I made it. God bless

you guys!”

The MEC for Sport, Art and Culture in Lim popo, Nakedi Kekana, congratulated Thapelo on this momentous achievement. “We congratulate Thapelo, the son of Limpopo, for a deserved win. He is among the hordes of artists and beauty queens who are keeping the Limpopo flag high. He has true talent and ably showed the rest of South Africa that he deserved the crown. We had no doubt that Thapelo would bring the win home, that’s why we started preparing for his homecoming as early as two weeks ago, when it became apparent that we shall have a winner at Idols,” said Kekana.

Khumbelo Buku Tshisudzung wane (23). Photo: supplied.

Serial rapist Ndidzulafhi

Photo:

Bishop Mufamadi drowns during baptism

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Two weeks ago, Limpopo Mirror reported on the selfless work done by the well-known Bish op Collen Mufamadi from the Redemption Apostolic Church in Gogobole, who took young nyaope addicts into his own home to help rehabilitate them. This week we have to report that the clergyman has died.

Mufamadi (38) and one of his church members drowned while he was baptising new members at the Phiphidi Dam on Thursday,

10 November. The other drowning victim was identified as Rihone Tshivhombela (22).

According to a police spokesper son, Col Mamphaswa Seabi, the incident occurred when three of the church members (including Mufa madi and Tshivhombela) fell into the dam during the baptising cere mony. “The bishop was reportedly busy conducting a baptismal ritual at the said dam when they fell into the water. One of them managed to swim out, but the other two were overpowered by the water. Their bodies were later retrieved by police search and rescue divers.”

Two inquests have been opened, and police investigations are con tinuing. Seabi warned communities not to venture into rivers or dams for swimming and baptism without checking the depth of the water first. He further warned communi ties that crocodiles are found in all the rivers.

Mufamadi’s brother, Mr Calvin Mufamadi, said the family mem bers were deeply saddened by this tragic turn of events. “Our brother was a very religious person who had strict rules. He would never hurt a fly, and he taught us not to bear grudges against others. Collen

was the apple of my eye. He always respected everybody, and he was beloved in the community,” he said, unable to contain the tears stream ing down his cheeks.

“Life will never be the same with out him. I am out of my mind. I do not question God’s will, but it is still hard to accept this. We find solace in the fact that he died while busy with the work of the Lord,” he said.

Tshivhombela will be buried at Tshiozwi this Saturday (19 November), and Bishop Mufamadi at Ramahantsha on Sunday (20th). The services start at 06:00.

Western Vhukovhela case postponed for fourth time

Court News

The five members linked to the controversial Western Vhukovhela Protection Unit, who were arrested last month, appeared in the Tshilwavhusi ku Magistrate’s Court again on Monday (14th).

The suspects, Dakalo Makhavhu, Sam Makananise, Duncan Madza ga, Mbilaelo Bakali and Rendani Makhavhu, aged between 28 and 38, were arrested during a mul tidisciplinary intelligence-driven operation by the Vhembe Trio Task team, the Makhado CI and the Beitbridge Task Team between 26 and 28 October. They are facing charges of kidnapping, assault, and attempted murder.

According to the police’s spokes person in Limpopo, Lt Col Mam

phaswa Seabi, the suspects are linked to the Western Vhukovhela Protection Unit, who allegedly as saulted community members with sjamboks and other objects.

Some residents in the Sinthu mule area describe the group as “crime-fighting soldiers”, while others regard them as common criminals who threaten and assault citizens under the guise of protect ing law and order.

When the “unit” first became active in the area, this was seem ingly an effort to combat the rise in crime in the area. Members of the community, who requested that their names not be mentioned, said that the organisation’s mem bers at first went after young boys and men who were then accused of committing crimes. The group members beat the boys and young men with sticks and sjamboks.

The Western Vhukovhela mem bers became so brazen that some of these assaults were even filmed and posted on social media plat forms. Some of the goods that were allegedly stolen were returned to residents.

Many of the residents started to become suspicious when the organisation launched a campaign to collect R10 per month from each household to help pay for the protection against the criminals. Some of the residents opted to pay the protection money, while others refused. Some of those who refused also accused the Western Vhukovhela members of being behind the incidents of crime.

The “protection unit” caused mixed reaction in the community, with many blaming the police for not wanting to act against them.

Residents complained that if

someone refused to pay the R10 monthly contribution, they were asked to pay R300 before they could get any assistance from the organisation.

The tension in the commu nity reached fever pitch early in October when a well-known CEO of a small security company was attacked, allegedly by the mem bers of Western Vhukovhela. The chairperson of the Zoutpansberg Community Development Forum, Mr Patrick Sikhutshi, was allegedly also attacked early in October. The police had to be called in after the attackers allegedly tried to burn down Sikhutshi’s house. Sikhut shi was very critical of the rogue activities of Western Vhukovhela’s members.

The case against the five sus pects was postponed to 21 Novem ber for bail applications.

The late Rihone Tshivhombela, a member of the Redemption Apostolic Church in Gogobole. Photo: Facebook.

The late Bishop Collen Mufamadi of the Redemption Apostolic Church in Gogobole. Photo: supplied.

Gollong ponzi promises instant wealth from the sun

By Anton van Zyl and Maanda Bele

“Do you think it will last until December?” This is Edward’s* main concern. Two months ago, he invested R500 in a new get-rich-quick scheme, Gollong Investment.

It was all the money he had, but he was desperate to try something to make some extra cash.

After just 40 days, Edward, from Thohoyandou in Lim popo, received a notification that his balance with Gollong was now R800, showing a welcome R300 profit. The investment generated a 60% return, not bad going for just over a month.

Edward was so impressed with how his “investment” had performed, that instead of cashing in he decided to re-in vest the full amount, along with a further R1,500 he borrowed from a family member. Now he must wait 50 days for what he expects will be a payout of R5 250, a staggering R3 250 profit on the R2 000 invested.

“Some say it’s a Ponzi scheme, but I don’t know,” Edward says. A Ponzi scheme, according to Investopedia, is a “fraudulent scheme that in volves paying early investors in a non-existent enterprise with the funds invested from new investors”.

But Edward wants to believe that Gollong is legitimate.

“Gollong says it’s a legit com pany and that it is registered with SARS. I am just hoping that nothing happens before December, because I really need the money.”

Edward heard about the investment scheme from his sister, who lives in Johan nesburg. She was one of the early investors. A week ago she received another pay-out, says

Edward, showing a WhatsApp screenshot indicating that R15 393 was paid into his sister’s Capitec account.

“She invested R82 300 last week, but she now earns more than R3 000 a day.”

He admits that Gollong’s claimed returns on investment are extravagant, but he wants to believe that it is possible.

“I just hope I don’t lose my money,” he says.

One big red flag is that Gol long, in one of its promotional videos, shows a picture of an “Authorization Certificate” claiming that the company has full authority to promote its “photovoltaic series products” to South African citizens for a 10-year-period, from February 2020 to February 2030.

The certificate was awarded by the non-existent “Cape Town People’s Government of South Africa”.

It’s a Ponzi

People around the world have been fleeced of billions of dollars after falling for Ponzi schemes, which rely on the greed or desperation of investors. Characteristics of all schemes are unrealistically high or consistent returns, and vague or unclear business mod els underpinning them. The lucrative returns on offer often persuade investors to turn a blind eye to the way the returns are generated.

South Africans have seen many such schemes take off and then collapse after the people behind them disap peared with their cash.The most famous was probably Adrian Nieuwoudt and his ku bus Ponzi scheme that took the country by storm in the 1980s. This involved the cultivation of milk yeast cultures into a (ficti tious) wonder beauty cream. The pyramid collapsed and

Nieuwoudt was sequestrated. A clever Ponzi scheme will try to link to a fairly credible product, but preferably not one where the return on invest ment is easy to calculate. Until recently, crypto currencies were popular choices for Ponzi scheme operators, because few people understood how these currencies worked.

are the chosen ones”

With loadshedding predicted for the next few years, South Africa is fertile ground for Ponzis offering power solu tions. Gollong Investments, which claims to originate in the United Kingdom, appar ently entered the South African

The numbers don’t add up

Gollong offers investments in a variety of “products”. The bottom-of-the-line product is a six-slot power bank, which can be “rented” by the investor for R230 over a 40-day cycle. This, they claim, pays out R320 at the end of the cycle.

The top-of-the-range investment is for the G-VIP8, described only as “solar power”, at R140 000. After 60 days the investor is promised R588 000, a R448 000 profit.

“Of course, you won’t get the actual device. You’ll get the earnings hold on it,” Gollong says in its video marketing pitch. “The device is still in a mall. In other words, the device

issue, and it is growing in popu larity. People reliant on their cell phones and other commu nication devices for their work and livelihoods are drastically affected by the disruptions posed by load-shedding and power outages. Being able to recharge or power portable de vices is a fundamental require ment and also presents a huge business opportunity.

Adoozy Power’s power bank units cost R50 each for a threehour rental, but customers also have the option to rent them for longer periods at reduced rates, including a monthly rate of R199. During the rental period the power bank can be exchanged for a fully charged one at any of Adoozy’s kiosks.

Adoozy Power CEO, Kegan Peffer, says he has not come across any Gollong devices in South Africa.

“We cannot comment ex tensively on another business as we do not know the exact nature of their offerings,” he said. “But returns would be based on frequency of rentals, which can be high at high usage areas such as events or airports. Because consumers can rent [equipment] more than onceoff, this can give good returns, but … 357% with the consid eration of capital expenditure, logistics, maintenance etc is difficult to attain.”

the corner, is a popular tourist shopping destination.

But when a reporter visited this address he found that no such company operates from the building. The concierge, who has been working at the premises for eight years, con firmed that no such company had been based there over that time.

Gollong’s “team” in the UK are listed as Dilip Gupta (CEO and founder), David Adams (Engineer) and Bill Caruso (Engineer).

But a reverse image search of photos of Gollong’s sup posed staff revealed that the exact same “team” are also the driving force behind another company, Solar E-tribe, with the descriptions and photos of the team members identical to those on the Gollong website. Further searches showed that the same photos and names of the directors are also used on other websites, such as that of a company called Tiger Tooth Technologies.

Solar E-tribe did not respond to an email asking the company to confirm that its directors are also active in Gollong Invest ments. Bill Caruso did not re spond to a similar inquiry sent to his Tiger Tooth Technologies profile about his relationship with Gollong.

market in 2021, inviting people to invest in its products.

“GOLLONG is a company fo cusing on new energy research and development. Due to the current electricity shortage in South Africa, our company was invited by the South African government …”, an introduction to a Gollong YouTube market ing video claims. It describes Gollong’s business model as the “promotion of mobile charging equipment and solar generators in South Africa”.

From what we could gather from the company’s various websites, its presentation video on YouTube, and other sources we discovered, the scheme invites investors to “rent” dif ferent types of solar equipment including battery packs, solar panels and charging stations that can be used during loadshedding. Once the investor “rents” the equipment, the equipment is then on-rented to end users who pay to use them. Does that make sense? Not really! You are probably asking the same question we are: well then, why doesn’t the company just rent the equipment to consumers itself?

These are some of Gollong’s supposed products and the im plausible returns the company claims you can make by invest ing in them.

What’s also unclear is wheth er Gollong actually makes the equipment or buys it from an other manufacturer. And also very mysterious is who exactly are the end users? Who are the people or businesses prepared to pay such huge sums to use the equipment that generates such incredible returns for investors?

In short, it’s a very mysteri ous business model for one that generates such incredible returns.

works for you every day. Ev eryday people use your device, they need to pay and those profits are yours.”

Calculating the return on investment on an annual basis, it’s clear that percentage profits claimed are unrealistic. The supposed return on investment on the lowest investment of R230 would yield an annual return of 357%, which is about 350 percentage points more than you’ll get at a commercial bank!

The top-of-the-range invest ment seems to generate returns that are truly dazzling - and simply too good to be true. If you invested R140 000 in the scheme, a year later you would be a millionaire after having received a staggering R2.72million, representing a return of some 1 946% in a year.

“Gollong’s purpose [is to] insist on letting warmth enter thousands of households and serve every member with heart,” the company told inves tors in a message last week.

The reality

To try to establish whether Gollong can deliver such astro nomical returns, we contacted a legitimate vendor who is active in this segment of the market in South Africa.

Adoozy Power rents out power banks similar to the ones used in Gollong’s marketing material. “We give the end con sumer an opportunity to rent a power bank in one location and return it … at any other Power Tower throughout the Adoozy network which includes Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban,” the company says on its website.

The power bank rental concept is available in several countries where power is an

Peffer said that capital expenditure included not just the power bank itself, but also the actual kiosk and the tech and development involved. “On the whole, power bank rental can be profitable. However, it is a capital-intensive exercise to get off the ground. A critical component is choosing the right locations to ensure that frequency of rentals is high. That will dictate profit mar gins,” he said.

Tracking down Gol long in South Africa

Though Gollong Investment claims to have been active in South Africa since 2021, the company was only registered on 21 September this year. Its listed address is Office 26, Benvista Office complex, Edgar Road, Boksburg, on the East Rand. There is only one director, 31-year-old Melikhaya Palafini. Palafini has no social media presence and a Google search does not produce a single result.

When a reporter visited Gollong’s supposed Boksburg offices, there was no sign of the company. This address is of a series of townhouses and some offices. The security guard at the entrance pointed out a board listing all busi nesses at the address. Gollong Investments is not one of them. “There are one or two loan sharks operating from some of the offices, but I don’t know a Gollong,” the guard said.

London just as dodgy

The “international” address of Gollong also proved to be false. The company’s website says it is based at 47/48 Pic cadilly Street, London. This venue, close to the posh finan cial district of Mayfair, with Buckingham Palace just around

The www.gollong.org site is relatively new and first indexed by webarchive.org on 17 July this year. This site, however, can only be accessed by mem bers who have logged in and contains no public information, such as an address or telephone numbers.

The www.gollong.gq site contains some information, but the address of the office is false. The site contains a “contact us” page, but once a message is submitted via this page, it comes up with a “sorry, it seems that our mail server is not responding. Please try again later!” message.

The www.solaretribe.com site has a history dating back to 2013, but initially was a vendor referral site. When it started to focus on solar energy and de vices, it had two addresses, one in Texas in the USA and one in Gurugram, India. In about 2018, the Gurugram address was dropped and replaced with a New York address.

Make money the hush-hush way

Anyone wanting to join Gollong as an investor needs a referral from an existing mem ber. Once someone becomes a member, they can interact via an app that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or by visiting the website. Only members are privy to infor mation and messages from Gollong.

Gollong makes extensive use of WhatsApp groups to communicate with investors. Judging by the phone numbers, these groups appear to have operators based in the United Kingdom, but the address pro vided in the group details is in Camps Bay in Cape Town.

We sent a message via WhatsApp last week to one of the group administrators, who goes by the name “Leseai”, asking for names and contact

“We

... but when it crashes, a dark Christmas may be all that is waiting for investors

The supposed address of Gollong in London. No evidence could be found that the company exists here.

These are some of Gollong’s supposed products and the implausible returns the company claims you can make by investing in them.

numbers of the scheme’s man agers or owners. The messages were simply ignored.

We also sent a WhatsApp message to the cell phone num ber of one of the South African members, “Tsalelani”, who seems to be actively advising other members, and asked her to supply contact details of her manager. “Y asking me?” she responded, and then refused to interact further.

Judging by WhatsApp screen grabs, participants in the investment scheme are discour aged from talking about what is happening. One message sent to group members warned against “discussing or slander ing the company.” Members are even offered rewards of R200 if they report such conduct to the administrator.

“Recently, some people doubt the authenticity of Gollong, and there are rumors that Gollong will stop business in the near future,” Alyssa, who has a UK phone number, posted. “Gol long company will investigate its legal responsibility for these false information and rumor makers”.

Efforts to contact the admin istrators via these UK phone numbers were also unsuccess ful.

Feeding the beast

The messages to group mem bers are focused on encourag ing them to recruit more inves tors. “Reward codes will be sent every day at 19:30. Invite friends or family to join to get R50-R14 000,” reads a message sent out on Sunday night.

Any successful Ponzi scheme

relies on a myriad of entice ments. You have to convince the existing members to actively re cruit more investors and spend more money, because if money doesn’t flow into the pot, the fraudsters won’t be able to pay investors.

In the case of Gollong, it has all the bells and whistles, including a lottery pool where people can “spin and win”. “Ev ery time you recruit 1 new user (or spend R600), you get one lucky spin for free. 100% win ning,” according to Gollong’s “7 Ways to Make Money in Gol long” instruction manual.

If people don’t want to play Gollong’s lottery, they can make money by renting the equipment. There is, however, a slight catch. They have to visit the app at least once a day and claim their income. If they don’t, they lose it.

Investors can also make money by inviting new mem bers to join. Gollong’s “rules” in this regard are slightly confus ing, because it can either earn you an additional R2 a day, or R100 per member for the R500 device. Maybe they make it up as they go along.

Any clever Ponzi scheme relies on a hierarchy, which means people who have been members for longer have new recruits “under” them. And, being on a higher level, they also earn a percentage of what those under them earn. They will collect 10% of whatever the recruit below them earns, and a further 6% of the earnings of the person on the tier below that. And so it continues.

But, there is one little snag – the equipment that the top tier rent must be more valuable

than the equipment of those “below” them.

But wait, there’s more

If you are easily distracted and confused by the various levels, tiers and VIP statuses, luckily there is an easier way to quadruple your money: you can invest it in the “Energy Pool”. This is way better than any bank, because it offers 5.2% interest per day!

“If you put 10 shares (R1 000) in NO.3 energy pool, then it will automatically add 1000*5.2%=52 interest to your Gollong account every day

After 90 days you can get the total interest: 52*90=4680,” the manual explains.

This return-on-investment beats some of the best Ponzi schemes around. In real terms it works out as a rate of 1 898%. And, in the exact words of the manual: “At the same time, you can also get your capital back R1000”.

The manual ends this sec tion with: “If you experience load-shedding a lot or don’t have time to manage your Gol long account, energy pool are (sic) the perfect way to make money.”

Is this legal?

Of course, none of this is le gal, and for a variety of reasons. The Banks Act prescribes that only registered banks can take such deposits and it is illegal for unregistered institutions to take deposits from members of the public.

Gollong is not listed as an

authorised financial service provider, which means that the company may not handle investments or offer financial advice to clients. Gollong may argue that it doesn’t have “in vestors”, but merely customers “renting” its equipment, but this will be hard to prove as there is currently no evidence that any of its products are in operation in the country.

Also, the running of an inter nal lottery without permission is illegal in South Africa. The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) regulates all lotteries and sport pools in the country.

NLC spokesperson Ndi vhuho Mafela said that Gollong Investment “appear to be an in vestment scheme/company and therefore by law not eligible to conduct a lottery in terms of the provisions of the Lotter ies Act 57 of 1997”. He added that no application had been received from the company to run a lottery.

Where to from here?

For investors such as Edward, it’s a nervous period of waiting. If he “cashes in”, he will lose all his potential winnings. If the Ponzi scheme crashes before he bails out, he loses his R500 - and he still owes his friend R1 500.

Without inside knowledge of the scheme, it’s near impossible to judge how many people have invested. One of the Gollong WhatsApp groups, Gol Long exchange group 28, had 352 participants a week ago. It could mean that there are at least 27 other similar groups, but it could simply be a name

chosen for the group.

Judging by Gollong’s latest news postings, the bait is get ting even tastier. The lottery pool has increased in size. “As mentioned earlier, in order to speed up the popularization in South Africa, Gollong will spend 200 million rand to promote this event,” a recent post claims.

Edward’s sister has big plans for Christmas for her children and other family members. She has invested a lot of money in Gollong and would be very upset – and badly out-of-pocket – if the pyramid crumbles. She will also have to answer to a lot of friends and relatives who she has recruited, and who invested money based on her recom mendation.

“Do you think it will last

until Christmas?” Edward asks again.

* Edward is not his real name, but his story is based on his real situation. He did not want to be identified for fear of being victimised by other investors.

Disclosure: The reporters spent R500 investing in Gol long in order to get information they needed for the story.

Assistance was provided by Warren Thompson, a freelance journalist working with the London-based investigative journalism outfit, Finance Un covered. Zaid Khumalo, editor of Kathorus Mail on the East Rand, assisted with research in Boksburg. This article is copublished with GroundUp

The address in Boksburg where the company claims to be operating from. No such business is listed here.

First summer rains wreak havoc in Tshiungani area and destroy crops

By Kaizer Nengovhela

The rainy season has scarcely begun and some rural communi ties around Vhembe have already been experiencing the destructive side of it. The week before last, a hailstorm swept over the area, leaving farmers from the Rietvlei area with irreparable damage to entire crops – some that were just about to be harvested. On

the night of 9 November, families from Tshiungani in the Niani area, in the Musina Municipal ity, were left homeless after a fierce wind, followed by a heavy thunderstorm, wreaked havoc in the village.

Several homes collapsed with rooftops and uprooted trees scattered all over the village. The local Lwaphungu High School also suffered serious damage.

One of the victims, Ms Leah Mudziel wana, said the walls of her four-room house had started to shake and the cor rugated roof had rattled violently before the windows had been smashed and the roof sheets torn off by the detructive wind. She is now temporarily staying with her neighbours.

Mr Michael Tshivhiyahuvhi also had to bear the brunt of the storm. One of the walls of his three-room house

collapsed completely, leaving the family running for cover and everything they owned inside exposed to the pelting rain. “All my furniture, blankets and groceries were damaged. I did not sustain any major injuries, but I am still extremely shocked. I do not have money to replace or repair my loss,” he said.

The spokesperson of the Vhembe District Municipality, Mr Matodzi Ralushai, promised to help the affected

families and communities. He said the municipality would make use of their disaster fund to bring relief to those affected. He said that disaster-man agement officials were assessing the damage and would compile a report to help them determine what kind of assistance was needed. “We are busy assessing the damage and will assist the victims by giving out blankets and tents for immediate help,” said Ralushai.

Mudau’s fresh produce get a prime spot

By Bernard Chiguvare

Mulalo Mudau, a female farmer from Maila, was invited to sell her fresh produce directly to the public from Checkers at the Makhado Crossing Mall today (Thursday, 17 November), as part of the Shoprite and Checkers Market Day.

This nationwide initiative was first introduced by Shoprite and Checkers in 2017. According to Sanjeev Raghubir, sustainability manager at the Shoprite Group, the market was introduced to extend their support of the many community food gardens Shoprite and Checkers partners with to help create sustainable livelihood opportunities. It also provides veg etable farmers with an opportunity to sell their fresh produce and earn an income while promoting them selves to a broader audience and gaining valuable retail experience.

The Vhembe region has four food gardens affiliated with Shoprite and Checkers that are run by local communities, who in turn get the opportunity to sell their fresh and organically grown

produce directly to the public from selected Shoprite and Checkers supermarkets across the country, provided they meet the required standard of quality and freshness.

Mudau’s garden was selected by Checkers, so she gets to sell her produce from the Makhado Crossing Mall. Mudau runs the Marubini Multi-Purpose Wom en’s Primary Cooperative. On her two-hectare land, she grows beet root, butternuts, onions, okra and spinach. She has three full-time employees, but during harvesting time she hires three more.

Limpopo Mirror caught up with Mudau and asked her why she thought her garden was chosen. “I am a perfectionist in everything I do. I have a procedure that I stick to. I don’t take shortcuts, and I guess my dedication comes through my vegetables, which look healthy and appetising,” she said.

According to Mudau, anyone, irrespective of gender, can do farming. “Anything is attainable, whether you are a woman or a man. Women are naturally good at nurturing, so farming will be easy for them.”

Mr Michael Tshivhuyahuvhi and his wife, busy collecting the bricks where one of the walls of their house collapsed. Photo: supplied.

Mulalo Mudau, a female farmer from Maila. Photo: supplied.

Art & Entertainment

Tinyiko aspires to shatter stereotypes and make a positive impact on society

By Thembi Siaga

Many people believe that beauty pageants are still just about pretty ladies flaunting their stuff on the runway and getting crowned, but Tinyiko Rihlampfu from Waterval, one of the finalists in the Mrs Supreme Queen Global Earth Africa 2022 pageant, is determined to shatter this stereotype by making a real

difference in society.

Tinyiko was only 14 years old when she won her first two titles as Miss Waterval and Miss Elim Mall. She said that she had ventured into the pageant world with the goal of becoming a reflection of hope and inspiration to those around her. She secured her place as semi-finalist in the Mrs Supreme Queen Global Earth Africa after competing with 23 other contestants four months ago.

“The journey was not easy but extremely inspirational, and so much about me was unleashed. If I win, I will use this title to raise awareness

Beauty queen to contest in Miss Khubvi 2022/2023 pageant

By

on volunteer work that will assist the less fortunate. I also would like to use it to share compassion and kindness in the community where I live and the world at large,” she said.

The crowning ceremony will take place at the Indaba Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg on 9 December.

Tinyiko is not just a pretty face, though. She owns five active business enterprises, which earned her the nickname “Tinyiko Cash”. This ambitious woman also studies BCom Accounting part time at the Boston City College, believing that constantly improving and empowering one-

self is essential in this life. She is a makeup artist, pastry chef, food chef, an events planner, owns a clothing boutique, and she is currently the process of becoming a travel agent besides.

The two people in this world she is sincerely grateful for are her mother and her husband who, she said, had remained her motivators since she had begun her journey. “I value my mom and husband most of all when I look at how far I’ve come, considering that it was not easy. These two were the ones who kept me going,” she said.

started with the same

(Miss Khubvi) in 2017 and did not even make it to the top 10. I was still a novice then and didn’t know much about walking on the stage and answering questions. I have learned a lot since then and would like to have another go at the competition,” she said.

Besides aspiring to win the Miss SA title one day, Merina would also like to be a fashion designer.

“Beauty and fashion go hand in glove so, for me, it would be really interesting to design garments for future beauty queens,” she said.

The always-smiling jewel from the crime-infested Khubvi village is also a pioneer for the Girls Menstruation Awareness campaign. “We visit schools and churches to donate sanitary towels to poor girls,” she said. People who would like to donate to this campaign can contact them at 072 669 8650.

The Miss Khubvi pageant is open to girls between the ages of 14 and 27 years. The registration fee is R200 and closes on 10 December 2022.

For more information, visit their Facebook page (Mr & Miss Khubvi annual beauty contest).

Mayor urges men to stop GBV

By Kaizer Nengovhela

The Vhembe District Executive Mayor Dowelani Nenguda made a serious call on people to stop the abuse of women and children. Nenguda addressed communities during the 6 km fun walk against gender-based violence at Mukondeni on 8 November.

“Our responsibility is to create and keep a violence-free society by encouraging communities to report gender-based violence to the

police. This initiative is very important, because it aims to raise awareness among South Africans on the negative impact of violence against women and children. We hear and read about cases of violence and abuse every day, but we continue to pretend that this is not real, simply because it has not affected us personally. You do not have to be in a violent relationship to know that women and children are being abused every day. If we want to curb the GBV epidemic, we need

the woman to report it.”

Nenguda said South Africa needed men who were responsible enough to stand together and reject these acts of violence against women and children by spreading the message of a violence-free country.

The MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Ms Nakedi Kekana, who also took part in the walk, said people should face the realities that come with everyday life. “We live in a society where women and children are being

Thovhedzo crowned as Miss World Tourism South Africa 2022

am so thankful to Him for giving me this opportunity and the confidence to win such a highly competitive pageant. I’m very happy and proud of myself.”

ACPP Hall

Thovhedzo, who is a second-year health science

at the University of

says she feels very honoured to be crowned as the winner. “I couldn’t believe it when they called out my name. At some point I just kneeled and thanked God. I

She says that her own motivation and strength come from the encouragement she gets from her immediate family and friends. She thanked them for supporting and believing in her. “I am not only the child of my parents but of the entire community where I come from. There’s an African proverb that says: ‘It takes a village to raise a child’, and that’s exactly what has been happening with me.”

She says that her self-esteem and determination have improved greatly since she started modelling. “I have now become a confident young woman in the community where many of my peers look up to me as a role model. My social experiences also help to shape and build me into becoming a better person who adds value to society,” she said.

She does not, however, believe that one should focus more on modelling than on one’s education. “You need an education to fulfil your dreams. It is the most important of all, especially when you are chasing your dreams.”

abused physically, sexually and emotionally, [and are] getting killed every day. We want to send a message out to young women that they must not be afraid to report violence or abuse in any form, regardless of whether the perpetrators are breadwinners of the family or not. We know that many women are afraid that if they expose the people who abuse them, they will struggle without food on the table. There is always help for these victims,” said Kekana.

Tinyiko Rihlampfu, one of the semi-finalists in the Mrs Supreme Queen Global Earth Africa 2022 pageant, is set on making a real difference in society. Photo: supplied.

Participants of the 6 km fun walk against gender-based violence that was held at Mukondeni last Tuesday (8th). Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

Victor Mukwevho

Christian International Church at Ma-

is studying for a at Tshisimani FET

Beauty queen Merina Nevhungoni will next participate in the Miss Khubvi beauty contest. Photo: supplied.

By Kaizer Nengovhela Thovhedzo Netshimbolimbo (20) from Phiphidi village was crowned Miss World Tourism South Africa 2022 during the pageant’s crowning ceremony, which was held at the

in Pretoria West on 29 October.

student

Pretoria,

Thovhedzo Netshimbolimbo was crowned Miss World Tourism South Africa 2022.

Photo: supplied.

Some inspiration from

By Victor Mukwevho

Mr Ayon Netshamulivho, editor-in-chief for the Limpopo Legislature, has written an inspirational novel, called Zwanda zwo putaho Vhumatshelo (The hands that hold the future), which was already released earlier this year.

The book is about a girl called Limpie, who grew up under very harsh conditions, but in the end, through perseverance and hard work, she makes it. He says that people like Limpie, who pushes forward despite the odds, had inspired him to write the book.

Editor-in-chief

Netshamulivho obtained his B.Ed. degree from the University of Venda, and a diploma in editing and interpretation from the University of the Free State. He also obtained a certificate in editing and translation from UNISA.

Netshamulivho previously worked as editor in chief for the South African National Parliament, Maskew Miller Longman and the Pan African Parliament as well. His job in parliament entailed the editing of all policy documents, recording meetings, reports on public hearings, and translating documents into different languages, especially Tshiven-

da. He is one of the co-founders of the Tshivhase Royal Dynasty Documentary and has written and recorded articles about famous and successful people in the country. He is also the chairperson of the Tswera royal council, where projects to improve the villagers’ standard of living are discussed, formulated and implemented. As a community builder who cares about the well-being of his community, Netshamulivho initiated the Adopt a River project in his village, where about 20 women clean the rivers and fountains in the area.

Musekwa preserves mother tongue behind the mic

Musina FM. The natural flow and precision with which he presents his work has captured the attention of thousands of listeners over the years.

Musekwa says he is very proud to read news in Tshivenda because he feels very strongly about preserving the culture and tradition. “It is very painful to see indigenous languages disappearing. If we want our young generation to preserve their culture, the first thing is to pre-

serve the language itself. Mother tongue plays a very important role because it connects people with their culture and encourages social cohesion. One of the best ways to promote these indigenous languages is radio.”

Musekwa, who spends a lot of his time in the library when he is not in the studio, says bulletin writing requires someone who reads a lot. “There is not much time to rest as you have to consult different sources to make sure that the listeners get the latest news. Moreover, most of the news are sourced in other languages that need to be translated as well. It is important

to provide listeners with the local breaking news that has not been heard anywhere else. The more you feed people with exclusive news, the more they become interested. That way, you get them hooked, so that they don’t want to listen to other radio stations.”

Musekwa encourages aspirant news writers and readers to love their language first.

“If you love your language, it will be easier for you to express yourself

Skillowbeats releases his debut single at last

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Santos Macia from Tshikota, famously known as Skillowbeats, finally released his debut single, Give up on you, after years of struggling to get his music recorded. Although it has taken him a long time to get here, he is optimistic that this track is going to pave a way ahead for his music career.

The young Venrap artist is extremely excited about the song - a collaboration with fellow artists Kirra and Tessa – which he feels makes a well-balanced composition. “I feel that this collaboration with Kirra and Tessa is expanding my work to a different

dimension. I have learned so much from them; I feel I can take on anything now,” he said.

Skillowbeats fell in love with music at a very young age. He says he had always been an inspiration to his peers both at primary and high school whenever he sang during extramural activities, social gatherings, and music periods.

His journey in music has not been an easy one, though, even now. “When I started singing in 2009, I did not have the financial support to afford a studio to record my songs. This set me back a lot and was very frustrating,” he said.

But this promising young artist

did not and is not about to give up on his dreams. He says that nothing beats positive thinking. “There was a point where I nearly gave up, thinking that my career was doomed because of my financial issues. But Kurtisbeats and Nduvho Makhado both saw potential in me and encouraged me to keep working hard, and we ended up working on the release of my single together. Mr Collins Sebola, a well-known local businessman, stepped up and made it all possible for me to get my song recorded. I am grateful for each one of them,” he said.

Skillowbeats is available on Instagram (Skilllobeatz) and Facebook (Skillowbeats).

House music duo prepares a festive offering

Entertainment

Music lovers are in for a real treat as local celebrated disc jockeys Les Msa and Givergivero have joined forces to work on a special Christmas House single, titled Ndo humbula Venda, to spread the cheer this year. The single will be released at the end of this month (November).

The two DJs enjoy massive fame and regularly feature at major gigs around Vhembe. Givergivero, whose real name is Munei Netshiozwi, hails from Tshitereke village. His last music offering was an extended play (EP), titled Just Believe, that was released in February this year. DJ Les

Msa, born Mpho Muswede, grew up at Mianzwi village, near Matangari. His latest full album, Venda lashu, was released in September this year.

Although their latest music renditions are still enjoying airplay on various radio stations, the duo said that they felt they should come together to prepare a Christmas gift for their fans.

Givergivero, who doubles as music compiler for Vhembe FM, said that working with other artists was always good. “DJ Les Msa is one of the highly respected entertainers locally, and I felt that it would add musical value to work with him. Besides that, fans are always looking for something new. It is important to

move with the times and feed the fans’ appetite. We have both been in the House-music genre for some time and have no doubt that our new single will make our loyal fans happy.”

Les Msa added: “Working with Givergivero is a dream come true for me as I have always considered him a role model. His experience and success in the music industry is something I admire greatly. This will definitely boost my own music career, but at the same time also provide entertainment for our fans by putting them in cheerful Christmas spirit.”

Ndo humbula Venda will be available in all digital music stores from 30 November.

Listeners to choose the Song of the Year

Phalaphala FM has been running the Luimbo lwaukhaula nwaha (Song of the Year) competition for the past few years now, and this year it will be presented over the festive season, from 28 November to 31 December.

According to Ms Sharon Ravele, the station’s programme manager, the campaign will once again be fully driven by the audience on-air and through social-media platforms. Listeners will be given the chance to nominate the songs they feel should be on the station’s Top 30, Top 20 and Top 10 lists for 2022, as well as the Song of the Year.

Voting will be conducted through the following stages:

Stage 1: From 28 November to 4 December, listeners submit the songs they feel should qualify for the station’s Top 30 via Facebook. The afternoon drive show, Dzia Orowa, will drive the activation.

Stage 2: From 6 to 11 December, listeners can vote for their Top 20 songs. Voting will be done through the USSD line (*120*45884#), charged at R1.50 per vote. During this stage, two voters will stand a chance to win cash prizes. Selection of winners will be done randomly.

Stage 3: From 12 to 18 December, listeners can vote for their Top 10 songs. Voting will be done through the USSD line, and two more voters stand a chance to win cash prizes. Selection of winners will be done randomly.

Stage 4: From 20 to 31 December, listeners get to vote for their Song of the Year through the USSD line. During this stage, another two voters stand a chance to win cash prizes. Selection of winners will be done randomly. The song that garners the most votes will be dubbed Phalaphala FM’s Song of the Year.

To participate in the Song of the Year competition, tune in to Phalaphala FM every day.

Phalaphala FM’s programme manager, Ms Sharon Ravele. Photo: supplied.

DJs Les Msa (left) and Givergivero (right) will release a special Christmas House single, titled Ndo humbula Venda, at the end of this month. Photo: RR Photography.

Santos Macia, famously known as Skillowbeats. Photo: supplied.

Entertainment

Victor Musekwa is the Tshivenda news bulletin writer and reader on community radio station

love your work, there

Victor Musekwa writes and reads the Tshivenda news on Musina FM.

Mr Ayon Netshamulivho shows his book, titled Zwanda zwo putaho Vhumatshelo Photo: Victor Mukwevho.

SANParks increase surveillance at KNP to curb crime in festive season

Conservation

South African National Parks (SANParks) is increasing surveillance at Kruger Na tional Park (KNP) entry gates as part of the festive season crime prevention. Increased spot checks of vehicles will also be done inside the park to check for, among others, park offences such as con traband and verification of identities, booking receipts of occupants inside vehicles. Other technologies being implemented include vehicle numberplate recognition, remote vehicle monitoring, radar surveillance as well as

night flying with specialised infrared cameras.

“In addition to the normal ranger and security services patrols, the dedicated dog units with tracking hounds will be deployed on poacher tracks; these will be enhanced during the festive season. The SANParks Environmental Investigative Unit (ECI), which

has been successful in opera tions outside of the KNP, will be joining hands with other law-enforcement agencies in tackling criminals in adjoining villages. These operations will be targeted at those supply ing rifles, ammunition, and recruiting poachers to commit crime. These are also the next level of poachers who transport and sell onward to their buyers. The operations are assisted by community members who often give good tip-offs to author ities that lead to arrests and convictions,” said acting KNP managing executive Dr Danny Govender in a press release.

The press release further states that the ongoing collaboration with the Mozambican author ities is continuing to yield positive results, with some of the elusive kingpins now behind bars. “There are regular meetings at the boundary to assess the threat from that country and to imple ment plans to mitigate against the threat. The sharing of intelligence has resulted in success ful arrests of poachers before they kill an ani mal,” the press release reads.

These measures are necessitated by the recent spike in poach ing, especially snaring and poisoning, which is indiscriminate and kills any animal that gets in contact with those elements. Snares have increased inside the park, which has resulted in serious injuries to animals, necessitating the inter vention of Veterinary Wildlife Services. The SANParks Honorary Rangers have also been hard at work every weekend, removing up to a thousand snares from the boundary that could have result ed in the loss of and injury to animals.

“Our data on rhino poaching has indicated a downward trend and we want to keep it that way. We have intro duced smart-camera technology systems at most hotspots; it has helped in the apprehension of suspected poachers and the confiscation of high-calibre hunting rifles and ammunition. Our dedicated Rangers are also motivated and encouraged by the re cent successful arrests and convictions of poachers. We will not let our guard down as the battle to safeguard our natural heritage is far from over,” said Govender.

These measures have already yielded success and in the last quarter, from July to September 2022, a total of 10 suspect ed

were apprehended and six

poachers

firearms confiscated.

“These measures are necessitated by the recent spike in poaching, especially snaring and poisoning”

shedding, Thovhele Vho-MPK Tshivhase, in col laboration with the University of Venda, Thulamela Municipality, Intal Power Trading Company, Vhamusanda Vho-Muelekanyi Tshivhase and the Beka Schreider Company from Belgium, launched the very first Solar Streetlights Technology Project at Tshilapfene village on Friday, 4 November. In the photo are Vhamusanda Vho-Johannes Zwo Tshifula ro, Vhamusanda Vho-Muelekanyi Tshivhase, Thovhele MPK Tshivhase and Vhamusanda Vho-Ligege. Photo: Victor Mukwevho.

Local farmers lose millions in hailstorm

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Farmers from the Rietvlei area out side Louis Trichardt suffered millions of rands’ damage after a ferocious hailstorm swept over the area two weeks ago (4 November), destroying the greater part of their vegetable

crops within a matter of minutes.

One of the local farmers, Mr Augus tine Nemasisi, fears that some of these local farmers may not recover their loss es because of a lack of funding. “Rainfall is a good thing and a bad thing. We need the rain, but too much of it affects farming and causes damage to infra

structure and crops. I don’t expect a complete shortage of food, but there will be higher prices for fresh produce.”

Nemasisi farms with butternuts and cabbages. He says that they were just about to harvest when the storm broke out. His estimated damage amounts to about R400 00. “Most of my vegetables were damaged. While some may be fine, others may suffer diseases. This storm damage will not only have a negative effect on our farmers but will also have another severe impact on the entire region’s economy. We are going to need government to help us with funding, so that we are able to continue our operations,” he said.

Another farmer, Ms Faith Ne shunzhi, said she would not be able to harvest any vegetables this year as all of her crops were destroyed, leaving her with an estimated loss of R500 000. Neshunzhi farms with cabbage, spinach, kale and water melon. “I cannot plant anything due to the water damage. Everything is inaccessible, it’s a mess! I might be able to plant wheat, but I’m not sure yet what I will do. We are dealing with yet another concern that will only increase the number of poverty and unemployment, as many farms will be forced to stop operating due to their loss,” she said.

Adhere to the traffic rules, asks department

By Victor Mukwevho

One person died while others escaped with slight injuries in two different collisions on the roads last Thursday afternoon (9 November).

According to the spokesperson for the Department of Roads and Community

Safety, Mr Mafeny Lediga, a Toyota sedan and a Nissan sedan collided headon at Mazhou, Tshivhulani, just two kilometres from Sibasa, shortly after midday. One person died. The cause of the accident is not known.

On the same afternoon, several people were seriously injured when two

taxis collided at Tshampama, between Musina and Tshilamba. Lediga said the cause of the accident was suspected to be reckless driving and speeding.

“We are appealing to all motorists to obey the rules of the road and drive within the speed limit,” he said.

Dedicated political giant laid to rest at Tshitereke

By Victor Mukwevho

One of the most dedicat ed members of the African National Congress, a physi cal-fitness fanatic and a former liberation fighter, Mboniseni ‘Bruno’ Mapasa, was buried at his home village of Tshitereke on Thursday (10 November).

Mapasa passed away two weeks ago after collapsing at his house in Yeoville, Johannesburg.

Speaking at his funeral, ANC stalwart and political guru Mr Rembuluwani Mantsha told the mourners how Mapasa had joined the ANC Youth League in 1986.

“This was before the Thulamela and Vhembe District Munici palities were formed. He did not join the ANC for tenders, as it is happening today, but for the love of his people.”

He described Mapasa as a true son of the soil who dedicated his life to the liberation of his people. “Even though he was harassed, detained and lived under the surveillance of the Apartheid forces, he never gave up.

Mapasa kept on telling those who were close to him and his comrades that, until Africans attained economic freedom, Africa would see no peace

as hungry people are always angry and look at other alterna tives, legal or illegal, to survive. He always maintained that ‘we will see no peace until poverty is eradicated in South Africa and [everyone] shares in the wealth of this country’,” Mantsha said.

While Mapasa worked at the University of Limpopo, he was tasked with integrating MK mem bers with the local communities.

“A spear has fallen. In his mem ory, we must pick it up and fight those who are looting state funds, depriving the poorest of the poor from much-needed services,” he concluded.

Mapasa is survived by his tod dler daughter Muneiwa Mapasa, partner Moipone Madumo, parents Mr Jackson and Mrs Tshimangadzo Mapasa and sister Livhuwani Mapasa.

ANC firebrand Mr Rembuluwani Mantsha addresses mourners during the funeral ser vice of the late Mboniseni Bruno Mapasa.

Many farmers from the Rietvlei area’s vegetable crops were completely destroyed in last Friday’s ferocious hailstorm. Photo: supplied.

Come rain or snow, Buthe walks to work and back to stay in good shape

Health matters

If you are a regular driver or commuter between Sibasa and Thohoyandou, you have undoubtedly have seen the old man who walks along this

road every day. His name is Ntshavheni Maxwell ‘Buthe’ Tshikhudo and he is 64 years old. Every day of the week, he walks eight kilometres from his home in Tshivhulani village to his office in Thohoy-

andou, and back: a total of 16 km a day.

Buthe, who has been a photographer for the past 50 years, says the reason why he walks this distance every day is because it keeps him fit. “For more than 25 years I rode my bicycle to work and back, but when it broke down 10 years ago, I decided not to repair it but walk instead. I am a pensioner and receives an oldage grant. I also generate an income by doing photography, so I have money for transport every day, but I choose to walk because it keeps me fit. Even when it rains, I simply take my umbrella and make the journey to work and back.”

Buthe, who does not drink alcohol or smoke, says many motorists stop to offer him a lift. “I always thank them and tell them politely that I am walking to keep myself fit. Some people even offer me taxi fare, and then I explain that I am not walking because of a lack of funds. When you have a specific goal in mind, you must stick to it, even when people offer you an alternative.”

As a veteran photographer, Buthe says his greatest moment was in 1979 when he was a personal photographer for P.R. Mphephu, the then Venda state president.

He encourages other senior citizens to take up daily exercise to keep themselves fit and healthy in body and mind.

Attorney in “Valentine’s Day murder” trial says he is ready for the case

By Silas Nduvheni

Advocate Ntsako Hlongwane, the legal representative of two of the people accused of murdering well-known Thohoyandou businessman Azwifaneli Mudau on Valentine’s Day in 2019 said he was ready to defend his clients.

Winnie Ntanganedzeni Nemaranzhe (34), the wife of the murdered man, her co-accused Takalani Nemutandani (33), Tshililo Madega (31) and Tshivhangwaho Mudau (46) respectively stand accused of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances after Mudau was killed in front of his house and his vehicle and cellphone stolen on 14 February 2019. Nemaranzhe is

suspected to be the mastermind behind the murder.

Hlongwane represented Madega and Tshivhangwaho Mudau during their second appearance in the Limpopo High Court in Thohoyandou on 2 November this year. He said no conflicting version of events existed in his clients’ testimonies. “It is clear and to the point. The defence is ready to defend its clients,” he told the court.

Nemaranzhe and Nemutandani abandoned their legal representatives during their first appearance in the Limpopo High Court in Thohoyandou on 24 October this year.

The case was postponed to 13-17 February 2023, while the accused will remain in custody.

Ward 24 residents accuse ward councillor of hiring “own people”

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Chaos erupted when residents of three villages within Ward 24 of the Makhado Municipality accused their ward councillor, Mr Muhali Makwala, of selling jobs and hiring his own people without involving the local community.

Residents of Madabani, Madodonga and Muduluni claim that Makwala hired members of the ward committee, who are already being paid by the municipality, to work on the renovation of the Vhuilafuri Stadium, situated between Madabani and Madodonga. The project started in October and is expected to be finished by September 2023.

The furious residents went to the stadium in protest on 10 November to stop the people who were hired by Makwala from working.

One of the community members, Mr Agreement Rasetjie, demanded that the councillor remove the people

he had allegedly hired via dishonest procedures. “We have a list of all the people who were employed by the councillor. All we want is that those who were employed in a corrupt way be replaced by people who are legitimately chosen, following the people’s will,” he said.

He said the people had passed a vote of no confidence in the councillor as he showed no respect for those who had elected him. “We are all going to march to the Makhado Municipality’s offices for his removal, come the end of November. We will show him who is boss.” Rasetjie said that Makwala had also rented out his own bakkie to the subcontractor who was working at the project.

Another community member, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of being victimised, added: “We are tired of this rude man who does not have respect for the communities. We have issues to discuss with him, but

every time we requested to meet with him, he would give excuses or threaten us. We are left with no option but to call for his removal. The Makhado Mayor, Cllr Samuel Munyai, must come and repeat what he said about employing locals for every project that comes here, because we are being bullied by the councillor.”

When contacted, Cllr Makwala, denied that ward committee members had been hired for the project. He also said he knew nothing about his bakkie’s being made available for the project. He said that the recommendations as to who should be hired were made by the local traditional council.

This paper sent a media enquiry to Makhado Municipality’s spokesperson, Mr Louis Bobodi, last Thursday (10 November), but at the time of our going to press, Bobodi was still waiting for the municipal manager to respond and provide details around the project.

Youth project gets boost from VDM

By Silas Nduvheni

Phatutshedzo Mudau, the founder and managing director of Dziphathu Green Technologies, a waste-plastic-recycling and biomass company based in Tshikuwi village outside Louis Trichardt, is optimistic that the boost offered by the economic development and planning department of Vhembe District Municipality (VDM) to improve and grow his business, will also contribute towards creating more jobs for the local communities.

On Thursday, 10 November, during a function held at the Muledane Disaster Centre, a plastic-crushing machine, five wheelbarrows, an eco-briquette bag-sealing machine and other items to the value of R150 000 were handed over to Mudau. The donation came after Mu-

dau’s company demonstrated that it would be able to do even more for the local community with some assistance from the district.

The 30-year-old Mudau’s youth-managed project, established in 2015, provides jobs to ten young people. It forms part of the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve Project that focuses on recycling waste plastics and biomass.

“Dziphathu Green Technologies aims to liberate the environment from waste materials such as plastics, ashes and sawdust by turning it into highgrade products. This strategy addresses environmental stress caused by human activities. The materials can be used in the building and construction sector, where high durability and strength are required,” said Mudau.

Mudau explained that ashes

are collected from the local schools and used to make charcoal briquettes, which are eco-friendly and help reduce firewood harvesting among the locals. “The project has so much potential in terms of reducing deforestation in rural areas,” he said.

The acting executive mayor of the VDM, Ms Rose Mathukha, said they could not just stand and watch from the side line while young and upcoming people demonstrated the ability to change life for the better for themselves and others. “We must help these young people who are doing something in life by giving them some start up to help increase the economy. We are hoping that, with our boost, they will be able to increase their production and create more jobs for unemployed people,” Mathukha said.

Angry residents of Ward 24 within the Makhado Municipality, photographed at the Vhuilafuri Stadium on 10 November. Photo: supplied.

Mr Ntshavheni Maxwell Tshikhudo (64), also known as Buthe, on his daily walk from Tshivhulani to Thohoyandou.

Advocate Ntsako Hlongwane.

Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

From left to right: Mr Tshteli Davahana (portfolio chairperson of the LED in the Vhembe District), Ms Patient Mutheiwana, Mr Phatutshedzo Mudau (managing director of Dziphatu Green Technologies), acting Executive Mayor of VDM Ms Rose Mathukha and Mr Mufahti Bulannga display some of the items donated to Dziphatu Green Technologies by the VDM. Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

Tshikhuthula High gets its own multipurpose sports court

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Tshikhuthula High’s brandnew multipurpose sports court was officially opened by the MEC for Sport, Art and Culture, Ms Nakedi Kekana, at Mukondeni on Tuesday, 8 November.

Kekane was accompanied by Executive Mayor of the Vhembe District Munici pality Dowelani Nenguda and Netball South Afri ca’s President, Ms Cecilia Molokwane.

Kekane said that the multipurpose court was to present the opportunity for young people to participate in different sporting codes and recognise their talents. Sports such as hockey, netball, tennis and volleyball can be played

here. Kekane urged young people to make use of the resources, which is for their benefit, after all.

Kekana said that no proper sporting facilities could be found in the area and that the young people especially suf fered because of this as they had nothing to keep them busy with after school and during holidays.

The principal of the school, Mr Simon Mulaudzi, said that his school had produced good players over the past few years, despite the lack of prop er facilities in the area. He said the school was committed to using these new facilities effectively and that many people would benefit from them. Mulaudzi expressed his appreciation to the National

Department of Sport, Art and Culture.

“The donation will certainly enable us to unearth hidden sporting talents, and our pupils will be able to com pete with pride against other schools. The new facilities will also reduce crime as the children now have somewhere to play after school.” He ap pealed to the public to use the facilities in a proper manner.

Molokwane from Netball South Africa said that her or ganisation was proud of these kinds of projects as they had a positive impact on the daily lives of the local communi ty. To the children she said: “Sport is important for your health. Play while it lasts. It will also help you to succeed in your education.”

Musina United drop more points

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Mpheni Home Defenders reg istered their fourth victory in succession when they crushed the struggling Musina United 3-1 in their ABC Motsepe League match played at Louis Trichardt High School’s ground on Saturday.

United’s misfortunes started in the 10th minute. Their centre forward, Pfarelo Ndou, could not believe his eyes when his volley hit the woodwork and landed outside the field of play for a goal kick.

Defenders’ striker Fusi Matlabe experienced a similar result when he let loose with a close-range ground cutter that missed the goalmouth by inches.

United gained momen tum with time and started to

Tough

By Frank Mavhungu

After suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the University of Western Cape FC (UWC) at the UWC Campus Stadium last Sunday, Maindis Ladies have another mountain to climb this weekend. They will host TUT Ladies FC in their Hollywoodbets Super League match at the Giyani Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Maindis must win the match to be sure of a place within the top-8 bracket come end of the season. They are currently lying in the eighth po sition on the log standings with 44 points, which they had accumulated from 28 outings. The Bungeni side have two matches to play before they wrap up their league programme.

control the match. Zwitavhathu Mutsinda opened the score line in the 14th minute. Defenders came close to scoring again three minutes later. Maanda Makhado unleashed from the left corner, but the ball crossed to the other end as no one was inside the box to give it the final touch.

The half-time score was 1-1. Defenders snatched their second goal in the 65th minute. Nkosepheyo Mavundla collect ed a chip over the heads of the defenders and beat the keeper. The final 20 minutes of the game was a war in the true sense of the word. United were threatening to find the net, but the solid defence of their opponents denied them a goal. In the 79th minute, Gift Nemu tandani of Defenders scored the last goal after receiving a beautiful pass from Freedom Nyundu.

The head coach of Maindis, Mr Sipho Mabuza, has vowed that his team will make a comeback and make the TUT students pay for their defeat against UWC. Last Sunday’s defeat was the sec ond for Maindis in succession. They were beaten 0-2 by City Lads FC at the Giyani Stadium two weeks ago.

Asked about their level of readiness for the game, Mabuza had said that the players were fit, both mentally and physically. He said that the players had assured the chairman of the club, Mr Philemon Mdaka, that they were going to win their two remaining matches and wrap up their league programme with a bang.

Bloemfontein Celtic will host Coal City Wiz ards at the Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloem fontein. Durban Ladies will host City Lads at the Chatsworth Stadium in Durban. The other fixtures are First Touch FC vs Vasco da Gama, Richmond United vs Thunderbirds Ladies, Golden Ladies vs UWC Ladies and JVW FC vs University of Johannesburg Ladies.

Clubs must register now for the Thulfa leagues

By Frank Mavhungu

Clubs wanting to be members of the Thulamela Local Foot ball Association (Thulfa) in the 2022/23 soccer season have until this Friday, 18th, to pay their affiliation fees. According to the acting chairperson of the associ ation, Mr David Khakhu, clubs that do not meet the due date for affiliation will not be allowed to register their players when the window for registration of players opens next week.

Khakhu said that no extension for the payment of the affiliation fee will be made. He further said that clubs who were members of the association last season would be expected to pay an amount of R3 500 to renew their membership. New clubs will part with an amount of R4 500 to affiliate with the association.

Khakhu said clubs that battled to pay their affiliation fees in full were

allowed to pay half of their affilia tion before the end of business on the due date. Such clubs must then settle their accounts before the start of the second-round matches. The opening matches of the new season are scheduled for the first weekend of next month. Khakhu said that the teams would play their last matches for the year over the weekend of 17 and 18 December and break for the festive holidays.

During the official opening of the multipurpose sports court at Tshikhuthula High, from left to right: MEC for Sport, Art and Culture Ms Nakedi Kekana, Netball South Africa’s President Ms Cecilia Molokwane, Thovhele Vho- Fhatuwani Mulima and Vhembe Execu tive Mayor Cllr Dowelani Nenguda. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

Tshikhuthula High’s new multipurpose sports court offers sports such as hockey, netball, tennis and volleyball. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

The acting chairman of Thulame la LFA, Mr David Khakhu.

Gift Nemutanda of Defenders with the ball, with Duglers Mthimkhulu waiting for a mistake. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

Munaca and Mikhado in ABC Motsepe clash

By Frank Mavhungu

The going is getting tougher each week for the teams campaigning under the banner of the ABC Motsepe League in the Limpopo Stream. Most of the teams will play their matches on Saturday, while only three will take place on Friday afternoon.

Munaca FC will play their second home match in a row when they host Mikhado FC at the Makhado Show Grounds on Saturday. Munaca played to a 1-1 draw with Emmanuel FC at the same venue last Saturday. The team’s

head coach, Mr Solly Luvhengo, is still battling to find a winning combination. His team has managed to win only two of the six games they have played to date.

Musina United are waiting for Giyani Happy Boys at the Old Mine Stadium in Musina. Giyani Happy Boys are still to lose a league match this season, while Musina United are fast becoming the milk cow of the league.

The pace setters, Mpheni Home Defenders, will undertake a journey to Giyani, where they will fight for league points against Emmanuel FC at the Giyani Stadium. Home Defenders

managed to collect the maximum points in the four matches they have played to date.

The spirits are high in the Defend ers’ camp after they were crowned the provincial Nedbank Cup champions on Tuesday this week. Home Defenders beat Royal Pirates 2-1 to become the provincial champions.

Vondwe XI Bullets will host Winners Park FC at the Tshifudi Stadium. The other fixtures are City Motors vs Mighty FC, Phinnet City vs Eleven Fast Tigers, Tubatse United vs Tzaneen United and PJ Stars vs Ditlou.

Pfariso is now aiming for France Paralympics

By Victor Mukwevho

Pfariso Rakonanani, one of Vhembe’s most talented disabled athletes, has qualified for the National Champi onship for the Physically Disabled, which takes place in Cape Town between April and March 2023.

During the trials, which were held in Louis Trichardt on Saturday (12 No vember), Rakonanani qualified for the 100- and 200-meter events in the T-46 category. He says that what makes him the happiest is the fact that he recruited two other disabled people from his vil lage, Mulisa Mudzanani and Ndivhuwo Gethe, to also take part in the trials, and both qualified for the national champi onship with him.

“I recruited Mulisa and Ndivhuwo a few months ago. They didn’t know about sports for people with disabilities because they attended normal public schools, with able-bodied children. I am very happy that they also qualified. I see my village being represented by three people in the next Paralympics,” he said.

Rakonanani, who hails from Samban dou, was born with deformed arms and hands, but his disability has not stopped him from setting goals for himself. His athletics career took off when he was in primary school. “I competed with kids who were not disabled and outran them all. At the time I didn’t even know that I was disabled, thinking that I just had shorter arms than others,” he said.

After he completed Grade 4, his parents sent him to Tshilidzini Special School, where his talent was discovered

by one of his teachers, Mr Tshifhiwa Netshitanini. “One day he sent me on an errand and said I must run as quick as possible and come back immediately. Within minutes, I was back, and he was very surprised. That same afternoon, he took me to the sports field to compete with the others during training sessions, and I ran faster than all of them. The rest, as they say, is history.”

Rakonabani has won three gold medals in the 100- and 200-metre races

during his student years. His aim now is to qualify for the 2024 Paralympics in France. He is, however, pleading with the government and the business com munity for a sponsorship, so that he can properly prepare for the Olympics.

“I am struggling to buy decent run ning shoes and a tracksuit. A sponsor ship will be much welcomed,” he said. Anyone who might be able to help can contact Rakonanani on 076 328 8815.

Referee Eric “Khathikhathi” Munyai retires

By Frank Mavhungu

After blowing the whistle for 19 years, a well-known local football referee, Mr Eric “Khathikha thi” Munyai from Hamakhuvha village outside Donald Frasers Hospital, has retired.

At the age of 42, Munyai felt that he had contributed enough to foot ball over the past years and that he should give way to the young blood.

Munyai’s refereeing career start ed in 2003. He said that the late Robert “Likhandela” Mphaphuli had taught him the basics of ref ereeing. After the passing away of Mr Mphaphuli, other well-known referees such as Mr Ephraim Singo and Mr Rudzani Mulaudzi became his mentors.

He officiated in the now-defunct Sibasa Local Football Association for one year before he was pro moted to ply his skills in the SAB League in 2004. He was promot ed to the Vodacom League the following year, following his superb performance in the SAB League.

Munyai said that his first game in the Vodacom League was between Masemola Diarora and The Dol phins FC, which was played at the Tshikota Grounds. Although he was one of the people who had excelled at the fitness tests to officiate in the professional ranks in 2017, Munyai was told that it would not

be possible for him to officiate in the PSL and National First Division games because of his age. That has propelled him to say goodbye to the Vodacom League and concentrate on blowing the whistle in the SAB League.

Munyai, who is also the deputy chairperson for the Thulamela Local Football Association (Thulfa), reckons that his most memorable game was the clash between Maelu la United Brothers and Rabali Pull Together, which was played at the Maelula Grounds way back in 2018. The match was a league-title decid er and was abandoned towards the end of the game.

Apart from officiating at different levels over the past years, Munyai was grooming young football refer ees at his referees’ academy, which he had established in 2011. Some of the referees who are the products of his academy include Mr Khamusi Razwimisani and Mr Rabelani Nemushungwa. Razwimisani is cur rently officiating in the PSL, while Nemushungwa is one of the best local referees in the ABC Motsepe League.

Munyai advised young referees to refrain from taking bribes to influ ence match results if they wanted to succeed in refereeing. He said that his retirement from refereeing meant that he would now concen trate on mentoring young referees through his academy.

Munaca FC are preparing for a tough game against Mikhado FC. Pho to: Frank Mavhungu.

Pfariso Rakonanani poses for a picture at his home village of Sambandou recently. Photo: Victor Mukwevho.

DE

BEERS GROUP - VENETIA MINE

All persons having claims against the undermen�oned estate must lodge it with the Executor concerned within 30 days (or as indicated) from date of publica�on hereof. Estate number: 2024/2022

Master’s Office: Thohoyandou, Surname: MULAUDZI

Names: NALEDZANI BETHUEL , Date of birth: 1963-04-30 Id No. 630430 5067 084

Last address: Tshisaulu Date of death: 2022-10-04, Name and Address of Executor or Authorised agent: MASINDI TE ATTORNEYS. Mphephu Drive, Thohoyandou 2010 Centre, opposite Vhembe FM & GEPF, 0950, TEL:082 536 5418, EMAIL: info@masindite a�orneys.co.za

DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT

BY LAWS 2016 ON STAND NUMBER FF002 HA

MANNGO VILLAGE DZANANI

was residing at stand no. 177 Manela Street, Shayandima, Vhembe District and who died on the 3rd day of October 2022.

OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES ACT 66 OF 1965

publica�on: The Department of Social Development, Limpopo Province, Vhembe District is reques�ng anyone with informa�on with regards to parents / family the following child: Baloyi Vu�vi Jenifer, born on 2008-11-11, residen�al address: Xithlelani Village, to contact Social Worker Maluleke SS on Tel: 015 851 3064 during office hours, Malamulele Local office. To our knowledge the reported family of the child is Nkuna Tintswalo Grace.

MASINDI T.E ATTORNEYS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN TERMS OF SECTION 29 (1) OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES ACT 66 OF 1965

All persons having claims against the undermen�oned estate must lodge it with the Executor concerned within 30 days (or as indicated) from date of publica�on hereof.

Estate number: 002117/2022

Master’s Office: Thohoyandou, Surname: HADZHI

Names: MATODZI JEREMIAH , Date of birth: 1954-06-17 Id No.5406175548084

Last address: Vleifontein Date of death:28-09-2022

Name and Address of Executor or Authorised agent: MASINDI TE ATTORNEYS. Mphephu Drive, Thohoyandou 2010 Centre, opposite Vhembe FM & GEPF, 0950, TEL:082 536 5418, EMAIL: info@masindite a�orneys.co.za

I Mbedzi Avhapfani Joseph being the owner of stand Number Ff002 Ha Mango Village Dzanani hereby give no�ce in terms of sec�on 93 of Makhado Municipality Spa�al Planning and Land Use Management by-laws 2016 read together with the provision of spa�al planning and land use act, 2013 (act 16 of 2013) that we have applied to Makhado Municipality for a consent use of stand number FF002 HA Manngo Village Dzanani for purpose of restaurant and Bar .The relevant plan(s) documenta�on and informa�on are available inspec�on at the office of the director responsible for planning and development, Makhado Municipality for a period of 30 days from 17 November 2022, and any objec�on or interest in the applica�on must be submi�ed in wri�ng to The Municipal manager ,private bag x 2595,makhado,0920 before 17 December or to the officers of the Makhado Municipality during office hours from 07h00 to 16h00

Address of the Applicant P.O BOX 1113 DZANANI 0955 Cell NO : 0764691146/ 0678778441

Email address : avhizojoe@gmail.com

NEGOTA K ATTORNEYS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN TERMS OF SECTION 29(1) OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF DECEASED ESTATES ACT 66 OF 1965.

In the estate of the late MADONDO AVHAMPFUNI FEDDY, of ID No: 610127 5164 085, DIVORCED adult male person who was residing at stand no. 1047 Mathule, Lwamondo Village, Vhembe District and who died on the 23RD day of JULY 2022.

Masters reference number: 2292/2022

THOHOUYANDOU MASTER’S OFFICE.

All persons having claims against the above men�oned estate are called upon to lodge their claims with the undersigned within thirty (30) days as from date of this publica�on thereof.

NEGOTA K ATTORNEYS INC House No. 86 Mvudi Park, Thohoyandou 0950

TELL: 015 962 1137

CELL: 072 986 7805

E-MAIL: KNEGOTA@LIVE. CO.ZA

Date and signed at Thohoyandou on this the 15th day of November 2022.

REF: NEG/EST020/2022

NEGOTA K ATTORNEYS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN TERMS OF SECTION 29(1) OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF DECEASED ESTATES ACT 66 OF 1965.

In the estate of the late MUKHWATHI AZWIVALI PHILEMON, of ID No: 380217 5230 081, married adult male person who

Masters reference no: 2062/2022 Thohouyandou Master’s Office.

All persons having claims against the above men�oned estate are called upon to lodge their claims with the undersigned within thirty (30) days as from date of this publica�on thereof.

NEGOTA K ATTORNEYS INC House No. 86 Mvudi Park, Thohoyandou 0950 TELL: 015 962 1137

CELL: 072 986 7805

E-MAIL: KNEGOTA@LIVE. CO.ZA

Date and signed at Thohoyandou on this the 15th day of November 2022.

REF: NEG/EST019/2022

NOEL CHAUKE ATTORNEYS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN TERMS OF SECTION 29 (1) OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES ACT 66 OF 1965 IN DECEASED ESTATE OF NGOVENI FAZA JOHN. Date of Death: 28th February 2021.

ESTATE NO: 003143/2021

LAST ADDRESS: Stand no; 155 Ximausa Village.

All persons having complaints and claims against the above estate are called upon to contact the appointed Executrix within thirty (30) days of the publica�on of this no�ce. The name of the Executrix is as follow: NDZALO NGOVENI and the name of the agent is as follows: NOEL CHAUKE ATTORNEYS INC, CKFT House, House No: 2213, Giyani Sec�on-A, PO Box 1422, Giyani, 0826 TEL: 015 812 1574 FAX: 015 812 1575

REF: CH/MN/42/21EST

PHUNDULU M ATTORNEYS

NOTICE TO DEBTORS AND CREDITORS IN TERMS OF SECTION 29(1) OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES ACT 66 OF1965

In the Estate of the late MAFUNA MUNYADZIWA RACHEL ID No. 531217 0153 088

Date of Birth: 1953/12/17

Last address: House No F125M, Hamanngo, Nzhelele who died on the 2021/01/04

Master’s Reference number 635/2021

All Creditors and Debtors in the above men�oned estate are hereby required to lodge their claims and pay their debts to the Executor at the address furnished below within (30) days from date of publica�on hereof.

Master’s Office: Thohoyandou PHUNDULU M

ATTORNEYS: Executor HUMBULANI SANDRA MAPANDE, Office No 46, 2nd Floor, Limdev, Thohoyandou Tel: 0760756202

Email: rendi@phundulum a�orneys.co.za

S V PHURAVHATHU ATTORNEYS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN TERMS OF SECTION 29 (1)

All persons having claims against the under men�oned estate must lodge it with the Executor concerned within (30) thirty days (or as indicated from date of publica�on hereof).

Estate No: 1436/2022 Master’s Office: Thohoyandou Surname: NTHANI

Names: MUZAMANI WILSON

Date of Birth: 04/12/1950 Id No: 501204 5456 084

Last Address: Stand No: 828A, Waterval - Loca�on Makhado District Date of Death: 2022/07/12

Only applicable if the deceased was married in community of property/ subject to accrual system.

Name and address of Executor or Authorized agent:

S V PHURAVHATHU INC, 113 PRESIDENT STREET, PSV BUILDING, LOUIS TRICHARDT

Period allowed for lodgment of claims is within (30) thirty days from date of publica�on.

S V PHURAVHATHU INC P O Box 3127 Elim Hospital 0960 Tel: 015 516 5192/ Fax: O86 602 2781 Ref: PSV/EST.044

TSHILIDZI

MAKUYA ATTORNEYS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN TERMS OF SECTION 29 (1) OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES ACT 66 OF 1965

In the Estate Late: THIDZIAMBI TSHIKHAKHISACHADWICK ID NO: 600412 6084 082

Estate No: 1792/2022 Date of Death: 202208-24

Last Known Address: HaMakhuvha, Thulamela Local Municipality Creditors and debtors in the above-men�oned estate are hereby required to lodge their claims with and to pay their debts to the undersigned within (30) thirty days of the date of publica�on hereof.

TSHILIDZI MAKUYA ATTORNEYS, Office No A. 08 Mashapha Complex CELL: 072 384 7341 E-MAIL ADDRESS: e�mkr@gmail.com

TSHITANGANO ATTORNEYS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN TERMS OF SECTION 29 (1) OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES ACT 66 OF 1965

ESTATE LATE: MALUMA AILWEI ELIAS ID NO 410325 5097 089. Estate no 2895/2021. Date of birth: 1941-0325 and died 2018-01-31 married in community of property to MALUMA KANUKANI SELINAH and who died residing at house no 47, Matatani Village Lwamondo. Creditors and debtors in the above men�oned estate are hereby required to lodge their claims against the estate within 30 days of publica�on hereof with executor’s agent whose par�culars are as follows:

TSHITANGANO ATTORNEYS, House No 445. P East, Thohoyandou, 0950 EMAIL: info@tshitangano a�orneys.co.za Tel: 081286 0813 Ref: Tshitangano

Legals

Chester honours an incredible coach

By Victor Mukwevho

Former striker for ISD Thohoyandou FC and the Venda National soccer team Tshilidzi “Chester” Ndam

bakuwa wants to thank his former coach, Vhamusanda Vho-Thivhonali Nemavhola, for guiding them on as well as off the field and teaching them how to be disciplined and responsible

individuals in life.

Speaking to Limpopo Mirror at his house last month, Ndambakuwa said that nearly all the players who had played under the no-nonsense coach were successful people in their own right today. “The coach was not only re sponsible for guiding us into an unstop pable football outfit of the time, he was also a life coach. He taught us how to be

disciplined in life in general, and 99% of that team’s members are working and have stable families today,” he said. Ndambakuwa was thrown into the deep end when he was just 15 years old. He was already a household name at the age of 16, in the then Venda Football Association Soccer League, and was selected for the Venda national squad at 20. In 1990, he was nominated as Player of the Year.

Notice is given in terms of regulation 7 (2) of environmental impact assessment ( act of 2014) in order to carry out the following activity:

CISIMA (PTY) LTD have applied for prospecting right and Mining Permit in terms of Section 16 of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002. The applications cover the farm: farm VAN DER BIJL 528 MS situated in the magisteri

During his time with ISD, he played along side great footballers in the mould of the late Baldwin Mahlale, Muraga Mufamadi, Jomo Marubini, Au brey Ratshihedane, his older brother Rofhiwa Ndambakuwa and Gideon Malombo Nn danganeni, to mention just a few.

He said that one of the games he would never forget was a game between Ngov hela XI Experience and ISD Thohoyandou FC. “I scored a goal from a place kick I took from about 30 metres away from the goalposts.”

DATE TIME VENUE 30 November 2022 10h00 AM

Makhado Showground Hall

In 1994, he started work ing for the Department of Correctional Services, and in 1995, was selected to repre sent the Correctional Services’ soccer squad and South Africa in Australia. They made it to the semi-finals, but lost 2-1 to

England. He scored an amazing 16 goals in the tournament.

Many soccer analysts and football fanatics today say that, whenever they see the trickery and speed of Kylian Mbappe from PSG, they are reminded of the young Chester Ndamba

kuwa.

Ndambakuwa also thanked the football administrators, Mr Freddy Mabidi and the late Mr Calvin Mafenya, for leading the team to such great heights, even though those were diffi cult financial times.

MK NEMANAME File No : 16/2/7 MUNICIPAL MANAGER

Tshidumbi Primary’s soccer team win CTM School Championships

By Silas Nduvheni

Tshidumbi Primary School in Thohoyandou won the soccer trophy in the CTM School Championship held at Thohoyandou Block F last month. The netball trophy was won by Mulamuli Prima ry School.

aged to do well by the acting mayor of the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), Cllr Shonisani Sinyosi. She urged young people to get more in volved in the different sporting codes as those who take it seriously enough can actually make a career out of it.

that candidates have their own laptop, internet connection, mobile phone, and are mobile as well the ability to travel extensively.

• Registered on the Central Supplier Database as Sole proprietor or as business entity.

NB: Please indicate your province of residence and district municipality as this will be critical when allocating tourism products to the successful candidates.

and your CV to: Ms. Noxolo

2022 at

Sixteen primary schools in Vhembe competed in soccer and netball games. The winning teams of both the soccer and netball divisions received sports kits to develop themselves further in their respective sporting codes.

During the launch of the competition on 14 October at Porche Villa Lodge in Mule dane, the teams were encour

“Many young people are making a living out of sports. Who knows, some of the participants here may end up at professional level. That is why we are saying to CTM, you are a good corporate citizen. Your contributions in sports development may create a huge market for you in future when these young people start to work or become profession al sports people,” said Sinyosi.

The chief financial officer of Italtile (CTM’s holding company), Mr Brandon Wood, said they were constantly astounded by the sheer scale of the market in the beautiful Thohoyandou area and that they, as a group, understood the importance of giving back to the communities in which they operated. “We have a keen focus on our country’s future (the youth), so our charitable and social economic develop ment spend is largely concen trated on sports and education for the youth. The develop ment and upkeep of sports fields with local community partnerships form a large part of our sports charitable activi ties,” said Wood.

The managing dircetor of CTM Vhembe, Pastor Livingstone Simango (far left), the acting mayor of the Vhembe District Municipality, Cllr Shonisani Sinyosi (fourth from left), and other councillors, officials and learner representatives before the launch of the CTM Schools Championships. Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

Former ISD Thohoyandou FC’s goal scoring machine Tshilidzi “Ches ter” Ndambakuwa. Photo: supplied.

More warning lights shine for VFA

By Frank Mavhungu

Things are fast moving from bad to worse in the camp of Venda Football Academy (VFA). Although the club has recently appointed Mr Simo Dladla to the position of head coach of the team, the team’s performance is deteriorating with time. VFA have won only one of the six games that they played under the guidance of the for mer Richards Bay FC’s head coach. Their only victory was against Pretoria Callies, whom they had narrowly beaten 1-0 at the Thohoyandou Stadium on 1 November. That was followed by a 2-0 defeat at the hands of JDR Stars at the Soshanguve Giant Stadium outside Pretoria and another

0-2 defeat against Hungry Lions.

They again gave away sig nificant league points to Cape Town Spurs, who beat them 1-2 at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town two weeks ago. Their most embarrassing defeat was against Cape Town All Stars, to whom they lost 0-4 at the Cape Town Stadium last Wednesday, 9 November.

Their only draw was against the University of Pretoria FC, with whom they had played to a goalless draw at the Absa Tuks Stadium in Pretoria.

To rub some salt into their bleeding wounds, the team’s top striker, Rotondwa “Ney mar” Mutsivhuli, was given his marching orders in their game against Cape Town All Stars.

VFA had dropped from

the ninth to the second-last position on the log standings after their poor results over the past weeks. To prove that their strikers are not doing what they had been hired to do, VFA had scored the least goals to date. They had scored only four goals and conceded 15 in 12 matches that they have played so far.

The chairman of the club, Mr Itani “Vhanzheli” Mun zhelele, is adamant that the team’s fortunes will change in the new year. He revealed that they had identified all the factors that had contributed to the team’s poor running in their first 12 games. He stressed the fact that they were spending sleepless nights in trying to address all the problems.

Cape Town Spurs shame Leopards

By Frank Mavhungu

The head coach of Black Leopards FC, Mr Rodwell Dhlakama, is still trying to find answers as to why his team had managed to control their Motsepe Foundation Championship League game against Cape Town Spurs at the Malamulele Stadium on Saturday and yet lost the game 0-1.

When answering questions from journalists shortly after the game, the Zimbabwean national said that his team had managed to create numerous scoring chances in the game

but failed to convert even one of them.

Dhlakama said that losing home matches was unac ceptable to everyone within the club. Every single point counted, and dropping points in games which could easily have been won, was not a good thing, he added. He said that time was fast running out for them as the other teams were busy collecting points at their expense.

Dhlakama’s words were echoed by the chairman for the club, Mr David “Tshifhe” Thidiela. Mr Thidiela said that no one was to blame for the de

feat as the team had managed to display high-class football although they could not find the net.

Black Leopards have man aged to win only one match un der Mr Dhlakama’s guidance. Their only victory was over Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandi la, whom they had beaten 1-0 at the Thohoyandou Stadium early last month.

The team’s top goal scorer, Tiklas Thutlwa, could have scored at least three goals on Saturday in the first half. That Saturday was not his day became clear when he dribbled past two defenders in a row four minutes into the game and miskicked the ball at the edge of the box.

His teammate, Bethuel Muzeu, was unfortunate moments thereafter. This after the Namibian inter national had tried his luck with a ground cutter from inside the box. The Spurs’ keeper was forced to stretch to the limit and pulled off a brilliant save.

The goal through which the boys were separated from the men was scored by Colin Ryan towards the end of the game.

Black Leopards are lying in the third position from the bottom of the log with 10 points, following the defeat.

Munaca and Emmanuel in a draw

and started to dictate terms.

By Kaizer Nengovhela

A week of mixed fortunes for TTM

By Frank Mavhungu

Tshakhuma Tsha

Madzivhandila FC (TTM) had mixed fortunes in their last two Motsepe Foundation Championship League games. They had risen to the occa sion and beaten Cape Town Spurs 1-0 at the Thohoyandou Stadium last Wednesday, but then suffered a 0-1 defeat at the hands of Pretoria Callies at the same venue on Saturday afternoon.

Moeketsi Sekola scored TTM’s goal in their game against Spurs. Their game against Pretoria Callies was characterised by wasted scoring

opportunities. The home side could have sealed the game within the first 20 minutes, had it not been for the fact that their strikers did not show any appetite for goals when they approached their opponents’ danger area.

TTM’s sharpshooters, Moeketsi Sekola and Thabiso Nkoana, caused upsets one after the other within the first 10 minutes of Saturday’s match. The Callies’ defence was run ning for cover for the better part of the first half. Realising that they had nothing to fear, the vis itors from the capital city opted to take the game to TTM in the last stanza. Their all-important

goal came via Skhumbuzo Mazi buko in the 67th minute.

The defeat at the hands of Callies was a bitter pill to swal low for the team’s head coach, Mr Johnny Ferreira. During an interview with him, the soft-spoken mentor said that they wanted to win the game at all costs to revive their hopes for promotion.

TTM would have jumped from the ninth to the fourth position on the log standings had they managed to win their match against Callies. Ferreira said that the victory would have been a perfect Christmas gift for the president of the club, Mr Masala Mulaudzi.

Both sides played

football in the first half, making the match entertaining to watch. Munaca did not lose their fighting spirit, al though two of their key players, Clinton Senyolo and Ntanganedzeni Mudau, were cautioned with yellow cards.

Munaca were led by their speedy striker, Alu wani “Killer” Nedzamba. They raided Emmanu el’s danger area continuously, but Lady Luck was not on their side.

Matome Sekhwala of Emmanuel scored first after receiving a beautiful pass from Wandile Ndunakazi. After the goal, Emmanuel regrouped

In the second half, Munaca were the supe rior side as far as possession of the ball was concerned. This resulted in their putting more pressure on the defence of Emmanuel for the better part of the match.

The keeper of the Emmanuel, Improve Mathebula, was yellow carded for wasting time. Munaca’s defender, Ampfarisaho Nenzhelele, swung the match when he won the ball just behind the centre line and ran towards the right corner, from where he dished up a square pass to Orilwela Nematenda. Nematenda beat the keeper with a ground cutter to level the score.

Fighting for survival: Venda Football Academy FC. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Moeketsi Sekola of TTM (left) and Jarrod Moroole of Spurs wrestle to win the ball. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Clayton Daniels of Cape Town Spurs (left) and Bethuel Muzeu of Leopards chase the ball. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Munaca FC held Emmanuel FC to a 1-all draw in their ABC Motsepe league match played at the Makhado Show Grounds on Saturday.

attacking

Temosho Matabana of Munaca (left) and Thabo Phala fight for possession of the ball. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

Raider is the new SA champ

By Victor Mukwevho

Raider “The Earthquake” Muleba made history the past weekend when she became the first female boxer from Limpopo to win a national boxing championship title. She beat the tough-as-nails former female lightweight champion, Kholosa Ndobayeni, at the Nkowankowa Sports Grounds in Tzaneen last Sunday evening.

Muleba also became the first boxer from the A-to-Z boxing stable to win a national boxing title.

This resident from Tshidzini village outfoxed, outboxed and hammered Ndobayeni from the first round until the last with swift left hooks and right uppercuts.

Ndobayeni, who hails from the Eastern Cape, in turn showed that she was well prepared for the fight as she absorbed punch after punch for 10 rounds without kissing the ground.

After the fight, Muleba said she is dedicating the title to her trainer, Mr John Nemakonde, her parents and the people of Vhembe in particular, and boxing fans across Limpopo.

“I never fought as an amateur. My trainer took me from nowhere and started teaching me the basics of the sport, including how to throw a punch,

and today I am a national lightweight champion,” she said proudly. When asked what her

the local business community will support me. I want to defend this title at least twice and challenge for the World Boxing Federation (WBC) before the end of next year,” she said.

Nemakonde said that Muleba was the very first national champion he had produced since he had started the A-to-Z boxing academy in 1994. “My stable is as old as the democratic South African government but had never produced a national champion until Muleba snatched it last week. I am calling on all my male boxers to work hard and win national titles. As boxers, how do you feel that the only national boxing champion in this academy is a female boxer? Guys, pull up your socks and do better,” he said.

Muleba’s training partner, Khodani “Cena” Raphalalani, who fought in the same tournament, beat Thulani Nkwinika on points. Tsumbo Mbedzi drew with Ripfumelo Maluleke.

Thulamela Mayor Sarah Rambuda congratulated Muleba on winning the South African title. “As Thulamela Local Municipality, we are so proud of her for this achievement. She put Thulamela on the map and made a great contribution to the development of boxing in the country.” She said the municipality would continue to support boxing and all different sporting codes in the municipality.

Coach Ferreira quits

By Frank Mavhungu

The relationship between Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC and the team’s head coach, Mr Johnny Ferreira, is something of the past. According to the marketing and communications manager for the club, Mr Livhuwani Madzuhe, the club had received a resignation letter from Mr Ferreira on Monday morning.

Madzuhe did not elaborate

further except to say that the club had accepted Mr Ferreira’s resignation with immediate effect.

Mr Ferreira has confirmed that he is no longer the head coach of the team. He further stated that continuing with our telephone conversation was difficult for him as he was in a crucial meeting.

Mr Ferreira joined the Tshakhuma side at the beginning of this season after parting ways with Venda Football Academy FC at the end of last season.

TTM’s head coach, Mr Johnny Ferreira.

Photo: Frank Mavhungu

Local boxing machine Raider “The Earthquake” Muleba displays the South African female lightweight belt before the fight at the Nkowankowa Sports Grounds last Sunday.

Photo: supplied.