Limpopo Mirror 25 November 2022

By Elmon Tshikhudo

The belief that women should not be appointed as senior traditional leaders took another beating last week when the Limpopo High Court ruled that Ms Thifhelimbilu Nesengani must be considered for the position of Khosi of the Nesengani people. She was previously not considered for the position because of her gender.

In another ground-breaking ruling, judge Marisa Naudé-Odendaal set aside the appointment of Mr Fhatuwani Douglas Nesengani as Khosi of Hanesengani in the Vuwani area. Her ruling should also serve as a serious indictment of institutions such as the House of Traditional Leaders, who previously recommended that only men should be successors to such titles.

The ruling last Monday (14th) may end a leadership battle that started several years before 2018, when the name of Fhatuwani Douglas Nesengani was forwarded as the candidate to replace the late Khosi Nesengani Tshimbiluni Philemon Mbokota, who had passed away on 12 May 2016. He was installed in this position in 2020 by the then Vhavenda king, Toni Mphephu Ramabulana.

Shortly after the installation, the 26-yearold Thifhelimbilu and other parties who felt aggrieved within the royal family approached the High Court in Polokwane to set aside the decision to install Fhatuwani Nesengani.

In a very detailed ruling, Judge NaudéOdendaal set the background to the case. The animosity started back in 1987, when the family could not agree on who should succeed Andries

Kolokoshani Nesengani, who had died in 1964. (No leader seemed to have been appointed for more than 20 years.) When a part of the family went ahead to install Obert Vele Nesengani in 1987, the step caused a lot of problems. The case made its way to the then Venda Supreme Court for a ruling.

The then Venda government

referred the leadership battle to a commission of enquiry.

“After several court battles and the outcome of the Commission of MJ Geyser, the late Chief Nesengani Tshimbiluni Philemon Mbokota was finally identified, recognised and appointed as chief ..., with effect from 28 April 1990,” said Judge Naudé-Odendaal.

When Khosi Nesengani Tshimbiluni Philemon Mbokota passed away on 12 May 2016, the fight as to who should be the next leader erupted again. His dzekiso wife was Masakona Peggy, and they were blessed with one daughter, namely Thifhelimbilu.

(Continues on page 2)

Vho-Makhadzi Mutangwa Tshiteku Nesengani, Vhavenda Vho-Phillip Davhana Nesengani and Vhamusanda Vho-Alex Nesengani. Photo provided The possible heir to the title, Ms Thifhelimbilu Nesengani. Photo provided

Campaign to fight against GBV, xenophobia

By Thembi Siaga

With the aim of combatting gen der-based violence (GBV) and xenophobia, Vumbanani for Peace Building (VFP) recently held an anti-violence campaign at River plaats, with more than 100 residents in attendance. The campaign follows the concerning increase in cases of women and child abuse in the area, as well as the unrest that occurred after three Zimbabwean immigrants were burnt to death last month.

The three deceased men were apprehended by an angry crowd while they were allegedly peeling off the plastic casings from stolen copper cables. Being close to Chavani, where the incident occurred, the campaign at Riverplaats village was also intended to curb the spread of the violence into other villages.

Residents blamed insecurities and poverty as the main causes why foreign nationals were being blamed for taking the majority of jobs. Tintswalo Makamu, a local resident, said that she

learned the importance of coming to share problems with those she could trust to avoid becoming a victim of GBV. “I now believe that sharing our problems with those close to us is the only way to mitigate the rising issue of GBV,” she said.

She added that she was opposed to the unjust treatment of immigrants.

“It’s not true that foreigners are a threat to our jobs; they simply work

harder than most of us and are willing to take any job they can get,” she explained.

Tendai Chandigere, a VFP mem ber, was very grateful and happy that the residents supported their goal of bringing the community together. “We engaged everyone in that community to fight against violence against wom en and children, as well as xenopho bia,” she said.

Don’t ignore the princesses

(Continues from page 1)

At the time, the Nesengani royal family argued that the first-born son from the dzekiso must become heir to the throne. If no son had been born, the throne was to be inherited by the second house. The royal family then proposed that the son of the late Nesengani Ramarumo Aldon be appointed as successor.

about the court case. Residents who already knew the outcome could not contain their excitement and ululat ed and blew vuvuzelas, urging the royal family to install Thifhelimbilu as a matter of urgency.

Retired soldier ordained as bishop of BAAC

Church News

Azwinndini Titus Mad amalala (62), a retired member of the South African National Defence Force, was ordained as bishop of the Bethlehem African Apostolic Church this past Sunday (20 No

vember).

Madamalala is the eldest son of the church’s founder, Senior Inspector Simson Madamalala Ndhlovu, who passed away in 2009. The installation ceremony took place at the Musina Show Grounds, where various religious leaders, congregants

from different churches, community stakeholders and local community members filled the hall.

The president of the Pro tection of Apostolic Church es, Archbishop Nthatheni Mutswari, who performed the ordination rites, told the guests that the gospel of the Lord always moved well when accountable people held leadership positions in the church. He encour aged the new bishop to fulfil his duties faithfully and without discriminating against members of his congregation.

“When congregants look at you, they should see a role model who can lead them with distinction. You are a religious authority now who should play an important role in the church oversight, church law enforcement and the administration of the church. You must lead a sensible and dignified life

that will inspire the people to love the house of God,” Mutswari said.

Musina Mayor Godfrey Mawela advised Madamalala to work with other churches to spread the word of God. “When you do your work, you should remember that, although churches have different names, we serve one God. Besides working with other churches, you must develop and maintain a good working relationship with government and community stakeholders as well.”

Bishop Madamalala vowed to perform his duties faithful ly and to the best of his ability to honour the legacy of his late father. “In 2006, before my father passed on, he called a general church meeting and introduced me as the one to take over from him one day. I am happy that his wishes have finally been fulfilled, and I will always ask God to give me wisdom to lead his people ethically,” he said.

The pleas from Ms Thifhelimbilu Nesengani that she was discrimi nating against because of her gen der, fell on deaf ears. The secretariat as well as the executive committee of the House of Traditional Leaders brushed the arguments aside. Even appeals to the MEC and the Premier made no impact. Instead of considering the arguments and weighing them up against their Constitutional obligations, the green light was given for the instal lation ceremony to proceed.

The aggrieved parties then took the matter to court for a ruling. This process took several years, and various “technical points” first had to be considered before a ruling could be made.

“In the present matter, the 3rd Applicant [Thifhelimbilu] was not identified to ascend to the throne as Senior Traditional Leader due to gender discrimination, which offends the Bill of Rights in the Constitution,” said Judge NaudéOdendaal. She said that the effect of this would be that no woman would meet the criteria to succeed to the throne. “This issue, contrary to what was submitted by the Re spondents, is very much alive as it establishes a criterion that upholds the principle of primogeniture, which offends the right to equality in the Bill of Rights,” she said.

Judge Naudé-Odendaal repeated what the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court had said in the case where Masindi Mphephu Ramabulana took on Toni Mphephu Ramabulana for the Venda kingship position, namely

An ecstatic Khadzi Vho-Sarah Mutangwa Tshiteku Nesengani said the road had been a long and uneasy one for them, but they were excited that the truth had finally prevailed. “This mess started after the passing of Khosi Vho-Philemon Nesengani in 2016 and cracks in the family started showing up. We have been through a lot, having to change many lawyers in the pro cess,” she said.

She added that the family members had waited a long time to reach this point. She said the family would now sit down to choose a successor and ensure that all the proper protocols were followed.

Vhavenda Vho-Phillip Davhana Nesengani urged the community to rally around the soon-to-be inau gurated Thifhelimbilu Nesengani. “It has been a long wait but worth it. God answered our prayers, and we urge you all to support her. Let the truth prevail,” he said. He said that the Constitution of the country should be upheld and people should move with the times and allow women to reign.

“We cannot end this gathering without thanking advocate Patrick Matodzi, who did a sterling job after we have been failed by many other lawyers,” he said.

The former Khosi, Fhatuwani Nesengani, refused to comment and referred all questions to Vhavenda Vho-Mulomoni Nesengani, who indicated they were still to study the court ruling. “We still have to sit and acclimatise ourselves with the court documents. More so, the court has ordered that we convene as a family, which we are going to do. If we have erred, there is still room to rectify the mistakes, and at this stage we cannot even mention the word appeal,” he said.

Thifhelimbilu was not at the

The police are asking that anyone who might be able to help them with informa tion about this man (in the photo) to please contact the Mara Police Station at 015 593 0103. Residents of Buysdorp in the Mara region found the 24-year-old man, who is believed to be mentally ill, walking along the R522 road towards Tshikwarani at around noon on Tuesday, 22 Novem ber. He did not have any clothes on. The community members reported the matter to the Mara police, where the Mara Victim Empowerment (MVE) group is based. The MVE interviewed and assisted the man, who goes by the name of Zamani Mdima. He is believed to be from the Ndwendwe area in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The MVE contact ed the police in Ndwendwe, whose station commander promised to try and trace the young man’s family. In the meantime, he was taken to hospital for evaluation.

MAKHADO CARE GROUP IS A NON PROFIT ORGANISATION WHICH ASSISTS WITH THE CARE OF CANCER PATIENTS IN THE MAKHADO AREA

Residents of Riverplaats attended an anti-violence campaign organised by Vumbanani for Peace Building (VFP) with the aim of combatting gen der-based violence (GBV) and xenophobia in the area. Photo: supplied.

The president of the Protection of Apostolic Churches, Archbishop Nthatheni Mutswari (right), and Musina Mayor Godfrey Mawela (left) congratulate the newly ordained bish op of the Bethlehem African Apostolic Church, Azwinndini Titus Madamalala (middle).

On Sunday, an air of celebration prevailed at the Nesengani Tradition al Council, where the community gathered to get feedback about the court case.

Makonde learners told to strip naked and hand over their valuables to robbers

By Victor Mukwevho

More than a dozen learners who were preparing for the ongoing end-of-year examinations were stripped naked before being robbed of their cellphones, laptops and clothes at the Living Water Christian International Church at Makonde on Saturday night (19th).

According to one of the victims of that cruelly executed robbery, who spoke on condition of anonymity, armed robbers stormed into the church immediately after loadshedding started at 21:00.

“The robbers were armed to the teeth with guns and ordered us to take off our clothes. They took our cellphones before emptying our bags, looking

for money. Then they started taking expensive clothes and packed them into their bags. Cheap clothes were not taken but thrown all over the place. Some of the girls were molested as some of the suspects were touching their private parts.” he said.

He added that he was given a hot and very painful blow to the jaw and fell down. “I felt as if I was beaten with a hammer, and they took my laptop and cellphone while pointing guns at us,” he said. He added that some of the girls were taken out, still naked, and one of them managed to escape and run to the pastor’s house, which is about 700 meters from the church.

The church’s pastor, Mr HB Ramulifho, who is also

a councillor in the Vhembe District Municipality, said he was surprised when one of the learners came running and told him what was happening at the church.

“I rushed to the scene and, upon my arrival, the robbers started running away, firing shots into the air. I found some church members and we chased after them, not caring whether they were armed or not. We were very disturbed by the incident,” he said.

He added that all the learners had still been stark naked when they had arrived and had had to be taken to the pastor’s house.

When asked if the learners received counselling for such a life-threatening experience, he said they were being counselled in groups. “The learners are very traumatised by the incident. I would also like to thank members of the SAPS for responding quickly and arriving on the scene in big numbers,” he said.

Meanwhile, the provincial spokesperson for the SAPS, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, confirmed that the police have opened a case of business robbery. “No arrest has been made so far, and police investigations are continuing,” he said.

Fholovhodwe village shocked by murder of 17-year-old local girl

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Residents of Folovhodwe village in the Niani area were shocked when news reached them that a 17-year-old local girl, Zwivhuya Miriri, had allegedly been assaulted and killed by her boyfriend.

According to the police spokesperson, Lt Col Maphaswa Seabi, the suspect (Miriri’s boyfriend) arrived at the police station on the Sunday morning (20 November) and reported that he and his girlfriend had been fighting and that he needed the police to intervene. He told the police that he had left his girlfriend sleeping at his house. When the police arrived at the house, they found the girl in bed, covered with a duvet. Miriri was unresponsive when they tried to talk to her. On closer inspection, the police found bruises all over her body. She also had head wounds. The paramedics were summoned to the scene. Upon arrival, they certified her as dead.

The boyfriend, Pfananani Goma (20), was arrested and charged with murder. According to information made available by the Miriri family, Goma confessed to killing the young girl the night before (Saturday, 19 November) during an argument. He appeared in the Tshilamba Magistrate’s Court on Mon-

day, 21 November. His case was postponed to 16 January 2023 for a bail application.

Miriri’s older sister, Ms Vidah Miriri, told the media that the couple had often argued, and that the family members were mourning her sister’s death.

The chairperson of the Real Men Foundation, Mr Calvin Nenguza, expressed his concern about the rise in cases of domestic violence. “In love, we are not called to tolerate each other’s abusive behaviour, but to love each other instead.

The only way to end domestic

violence is to address both sexes to bring the spirit of vhuthu (humanity) back into our communities. Women and child abuse is a serious, real problem in our communities and each one of us must vouch to never become part of the problem, only the solution,” he said.

The police urged community members to consult or engage third parties, such as elders and counsellors, when they find themselves faced with problems, to avoid incidents where violence starts to occur.

The Living Water Christian International Church at Makonde, where learners were stripped naked, molested and robbed of cellphones, laptops and clothes. Photo: Victor Mukwevho.

Zwivhuya Miriri (17) from Folovhodwe was allegedly killed by her boyfriend last Saturday night. Photo supplied.

Mashau residents call on police to curb crime

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Concerned communities from the Mashau area are calling on the police to step up and deal more decisively with the escalating crime in their area. They claim to have their hands full with criminals robbing their busi nesses and breaking into their homes.

Business owners are convinced that they are dealing with an organised band of criminals. A store, owned by foreign nationals, was apparently attacked recently by a group of men with guns and pangas. Several other businesses have also been robbed of cash recently and business owners say they have had

enough. The robbers are also said to target vulnerable groups such as pen sioners and women.

According to one of the businessmen who got robbed, Mr Shamir Azekal, the criminal onslaught in their area started at the beginning of November. Since then, he said, more than eight inci dents of serious crime, including armed robberies at their businesses, have been committed. “This is just an approxi mate number. We have lost count of the crimes committed against our people. We are making an appeal for assistance as a matter of urgency,” he said.

Mr Philip Mudzweda said that their homes were under siege too. “We don’t feel safe at all anymore as the criminals

wait for us at our homes at night. We can no longer sleep in peace; our homes have been turned into havens for crim inals. Our lives are in danger. People are tired of this crime, and something should be done to address the problem,” he said.

Police spokesperson Lt Col Maphas wa Seabi said they were investigating several leads relating to criminals targeting businesses. “We have had in cidents where businesses were attacked and criminals just went to the shops and started attacking the owners as well as the customers, stealing some goods and so on. We have launched investigations, but we cannot say there is an organised group that is targeting businesses. For now, we regard it as crimes that are being committed in the area, but we have plans in place,” said Seabi.

Waterval stadium still not completed in spite of promises

By Thembi Siaga

Youths in Waterval and nearby villages have been forced to hone their soccer skills on dusty fields because of the still-unfinished multi-million-rand Waterval Stadium. This project to turn the local sports grounds into a com munity stadium began five years ago but is still not complete.

Football teams such as Mpheni Home Defenders, who compete in the ABC Motsepe League, have been forced to travel long distances as well as pay exorbitant fees to practise and play games at other venues.

Mr Ntsakisi Mhlauri, the chair man of the local Elim 7 Stars foot ball team, said: “We are pleading with those in charge of this project to complete the stadium, because our local teams find it hard to adapt when they go to trials,” he said.

Phase 3 of the project entails the construction of a 2 000-seat precast pavilion, gabions and buttresses, an ablution block with changing rooms, and the construction of a guardhouse. This also includes the installation of electricity and water reticulation around the stadium, the installation of floodlights and paving of the entire area.

According to the Makhado Municipality’s 2021/22 integrated development plan (IDP), the tender value for construction of phase 3 of the Waterval Stadium amounted to R28.4 million. In the municipality’s budget that was tabled on 4 May last year, the expenditure is given as R17.3 million, with construction at

51% complete. The new completion date was set for May 31, 2021.

The contractor, Valcross Trading Enterprise, is working on phase 3 of the stadium, which not only includes a football field, but also tennis, basketball, volleyball and netball courts. In an earlier inter view with the owner of Valcross, Dr Crosby Mulungwa, he said that the stadium would be completed by December 2021. But this was not the case.

The municipality’s spokesperson, Louis Bobodi, explained that the smooth flow of the construction was hampered and delayed by, among others, the installation of a power transformer. “We are currently on course towards the realisation of the project as we are about to final ise securing quotations to complete the surfacing of running tracks and grassing,” said Bobodi.

About a month ago, this news paper spoke to Mulungwa again and enquired about the progress on the project. Mulungwa said that the project was complete and that he was about to hand it over to the municipality. However, when the reporter visited the site on Tuesday morning (22 November), no sign of progress was to be seen. No construction had clearly been done for some time as the untended soccer field was overgrown with long grass. Two security guards were on duty who refused to allow the reporter to photograph the stadium. The reporter tried to call Mulungwa as he has been doing for the past few weeks, but Mulungwa’s phone appears to be switched off permanently.

Football teams from Waterval and the surrounding areas raised their concerns about the long delay in the finishing of the Waterval Stadium. Photo: Thembi Siaga.

Tshakhuma Mall will be a “greener” shopping centre

By Anton van Zyl

The new Tshakhuma Corner Mall that is slowly rising on a site near the famous Tshakhuma fruit mar ket will not only be a hyper-mod ern building, but it also makes use of environmentally friendly design features. Construction work at the complex started a few weeks ago and is expected to be completed in October next year.

The new shopping complex, adjacent to the R524 road leading to Thohoyandou, will offer 11 500 square metres of retail space. The tenants include names such as Shoprite, Capitec Bank, Standard Bank, seven of the Foschini Group’s stores, five stores of Pepkor Hold ings and four stores of the Mr Price Group.

The developer is McCormick Property Development and was designed by MDS Architecture. The shopping centre is the 72nd retail development by McCormick Property Development.

According to Mr Louis Pretori us, partner at MDS Architecture, this will be a single-level develop ment with ample parking. When designing the mall, electricity and water challenges were taken into consideration, he said. Both solar and wastewater-management initiatives were included from the initial planning stages of the proj

ect. Natural light is used to light up the wide passages.

“The mall has been designed with two prominent entrances that are softened by climbing greenery,” Pretorius explained. “These feature cladding and prominent signage, punctuated by pops of bright colour in order to create a border around each entrance.” The mall has been contoured to minimise the natural fall of the site.

The mall, very fittingly, is host to a food court and provision is made for local artists to display their products. “The food court is such an integral part of any retail develop ment. We create these spaces with the distinct purpose of connecting with our customers,” explains MD of McCormick Property Develop ment Jason McCormick.

“Tshakhuma Corner’s food court spills out of the centre via covered walkways and a dedicated children’s playpark, ensuring a retail expe rience that the whole family can enjoy. We will also be showcasing promising local artists in promi nently located spots throughout the building in order to both support and connect with the community,” he said.

Work is expected to commence shortly on Vuwani Mall and Bunge ni Mall in the area, which are also McCormick Property Development projects.

Safer Season campaign shows good results

By Silas Nduvheni

The

to

murder and armed robberies in the prov ince seems to be bearing fruit. On Thursday, 10 November, a 58-yearold man was arrested for possession of illegal firearms and ammunition and eight bags of dagga.

Tshimangadzo Theophi lus Muobeleni of Ngwenani Ya Mapholi village near the Donald Fraser hospital outside Thohoyandou appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 14 Novem ber.

According to Limpopo po lice spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba, the suspect was apprehended by the Thohoy andou Police and the Tactical and Response Unit (TRT) in Vhembe.“We received infor

mation about a male suspect who was in possession of firearms and ammu nition at his residence. The house was identified and searched, resulting in the discovery of one rifle with eight [rounds of] live ammunition, one R4 rifle with two magazines and 78 [rounds of] live ammunition, three firearms with one magazine and three live rounds, one detonator with a red cable, and eight bags of dagga with an estimated street value of R80 000,” Ledwaba said.

He added that the firearms will be subjected to ballistic investigations to determine if they were previously involved in the commission of crimes. Police investigations are continuing.

Muobeleni was not asked to plead during his appearance. The case was postponed to 1 December for a formal bail application. He remains in custody.

An artist’s impression of the new Tshakhuma Mall.

launch of the South African Po lice Service’s Safer Season campaign

fight illegal firearms,

Tshimangadzo Theophilus Muobeleni of Ngwenani Ya Mapholi village appeared in court after he was arrested for possession of illegal firearms and ammunition and dagga.

Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

Honorary doctorates for Dr Farisani and Prof Marwala

By Ndivhuwo Musetha

The University of Venda has honoured Dr Tshenuwani Farisani and Prof Tshilidzi Mar wala with honorary doctorate degrees.

The struggle icon, Dr Farisani, and Prof Mar wala, an academic expert, were honoured during the university’s graduation ceremony held at its auditorium on 10 November.

Univen, which is celebrating its 40th anni versary, gave Dr Farisani a doctoral degree in theology, while Prof Marwala was honoured with a doctoral degree in sciences.

According to the confirmation letter sent to Dr Farisani, who was also a dean of the Lutheran Church of South Africa, the decision to confer this degree was taken on October 20, 2022, during a special council meeting. Dr Farisani

was honoured in consideration of the role he played in fighting against apartheid, when he was also detained by the then Venda Govern ment before he went into exile.

Dr Farisani, who provided refuge to many MK members, was appointed as MEC for Agriculture and Transport in the Limpopo Government after the dawn of democratic government. During his time as MEC, Dr Farisani launched Operation Hakela Hakela, and Operation Ndadzi, which were meant to enforce the payment of traffic fines and enforcement of traffic laws.

Professor TD Thobejane, who is a coordinator for the Gender Studies Unit, a senate member and researcher at Univen, said that he led a three-senate-member panel of the university that presented the proposal to the council. The information used in the proposal was compiled by David Musetha, a secretary of the Peter Dam buza Foundation.

“As an additional member of Univen Alum nae, Musetha felt that Dr Farisani, Pandelani

Nefolovhodwe and David Malada’s contribution in fighting against apartheid must be honoured and the university is still considering that,” said Professor Thobejane.

Mbulaheni (David) Malada, better known as “Peter Dambuza”, died in August 2020. The Makonde-born member of MK was described as fearless, selfless, and dedicated to the freedom of the country.

During the celebration of Dr Farisani’s life held at the Lutheran Church in Thohoyandou recently, Dr Bernard Nthambeleni, who is the vice-chancellor and principal of Univen, pledged that the application of honouring Dambuza was being considered.

Prof Tshilidzi Marwala is the University of Johannesburg’s vice-chancellor and principal. In July this year, he was announced the rector of the United Nations University (UNU) in Tokyo, Japan. He will take up this job on 1 March next year and will be the first African to be appointed in this prestigious position.

Students from Mukula must apply for bursary

By Silas Nduvheni

The deadline is looming for Grade 12 learners from three secondary schools in Mukula village outside Thohoyandou, and the Rhema Kingdom School in Tshifulanani, who are se rious about furthering their studies but suffer financial difficulties, to apply for the Louisa Tshifaro Mugwabana Bursary Fund, which helps learners with their tertiary tuition fees, textbooks, and accommodation.

Mukula Secondary, Mukula New Generation and Mukula Integrated School, as well as the Rhema Kingdom School, are set to benefit from this bursary and the learners are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.

The closing date for applications is 30 Novem ber 2022. Completed application forms must be emailed to vharox@yahoo.com. For more information, call 071 784 7519.

Staff at the Edenvale Hospital are trying to trace the family members of a man who was brought to the hospital by emer gency workers a week ago. The man was found on the street without any identity documents. He said his name was Lloyd Muleya and he came from Madombidzha, Limpopo. He also said he had a daughter called Maria. He then stopped talking and died on Monday. Anyone who might know him is requested to contact Mathatha Tsedu on 0824540527 or Thomas Muleya on 0825663761.

word, word hiermee uitdruklik voorbehou ingevolge die bepalings van Artikel 12(7) van die Wet op Outeursregte en wysigings daarvan.

Dr Tshenuwani Farisani.

Prof Tshilidzi Marwala.

Five people were confirmed dead on Monday morning, following a head-on collision be tween a minibus-taxi and trailer and sedan near the Huntleigh turn-off on the N1 North to Musina. The accident occurred around 04:00, with the N1 being closed to traffic for some time to allow the police’s forensic teams to conclude their investigation. All five deceased people where from the minibus-taxi. The dead included three adults and two children (aged three months and the other one year old). The sedan caught fire after the accident. Photos supplied.

The South Africa National Civic Association (SANCO)’s Vleifontein branch elected new office bearers last Thursday, 17 November, at the Vleifontein Community Hall. From left to right are: Mpho Nemavhidi (chairperson), Vincent Mahaldisa (secretary), Sarah Ratombo (treasurer) and Edward Tshkwatamba (organising secretary). The additional members are: Stanley Mu lovhedzi, Pastor Emmanuel Nemutudi, Benedict Mahaldisa, Sarinah Phululwana and Sarah Machumula. Photo supplied.

Published by Zoutnet CC, trading as Limpopo Mirror of 16B Joubert Street, Louis Trichardt. Typographically prepared by the proprietors and printed by D Brits, 1 Jeppe Street, Louis Trichardt

Art & Entertainment

Bernard Ndou promises the good vibe for the festive season

By

Musina-based singer/songwriter Bernard Tshibemuda Ndou will be releasing his seventh rhumba album, called Ubvelela (to be successful), at the end of November - just in time for the festive season.

Ndou (37), who is also a composer, guitarist and dancer, has his own band, called Bernard Tshibemuda & Uvuwa na u ima Express. He started his music career in his teens when, in 2004, he rubbed shoulders with successful Zimbabwean musicians in Johannesburg. From that time

on he has never let his rhumba fans down.

The new album contains six tracks, which includes songs such as U bvelela, Mulalo, The General and Ubvelela (title track). “It took me nearly six months to compose the album. I really wanted songs that my fans will enjoy during the festive season and beyond. The album’s message is that every person was created to prosper, irrespective of challenges; it

is only a matter of time before one breaks into prosperity.” He encourages his fans not to stop praying for prosperity.

In May this year, Ndou was nominated for the best Rhumba album at the Amaqhawanentaba Music Awards. Amaqhawanentaba FM, an online radio station based at

Orange Grove in Gauteng, launched the awards last year with

intention

Well-known gospel artist Lufono Tambani releases his new CD

By Silas Nduvheni

Well-known local gospel artist Lufuno Tambani said now was the time for Christians to go back and praise God in their respective churches as Covid-19 was no longer such a serious threat.

He recently released his new CD, Mvuseledzo, a Tshivenda word which means “revival” in English. Tambani, a policeman based in Thohoyandou, said life had been hard since 2020, when lockdown regulations forced churches to close and churchgoers to listen to their

pastors’ messages on media such as YouTube

“My new CD, Mvuselelo, aims at advising Christians that they have to revive [their religion] and go to church as normal. It has ten gospel tracks, including Ndila dzia vulea, meaning ways can open up, Dzuvha la Sheron and Khavha dzi vhonadze,” said Tambani.

Tambani, who is a singer and composer, was born and bred in the mountainous rural village of Vhutalu just outside Thohoyandou. After completing his Grade12 at Vhutavhatsindi Secondary, he went to the

University of Venda (Univen) to study for a BA degree in Music.

“I was appointed as a police officer in 2004 and attached to the band section, based in Sibasa, where I used to sing and compose songs. I was one of the first people from the band section coming with the idea of the formation of a police jazz band that entertains people and government departments in the Limpopo Province,” added Tambani.

According to Tambani, after the amalgamation in 2017 of the Sibasa police band with the provincial band in Polokwane, he decided to leave the band and went to the police station in Thohoyandou, where he is still working.

“I have already recorded three albums and have worked with different well-known gospel artists, such as Takie Ndou, Rofhiwa Manyaga, Kaizer Tshifura and Roxly Masevhe. I’m part of the worship team of the Rhema Kingdom Life Church based in Tshifulanani village under Dr Tshifhiwa Muligwe,” he said.

Mvuselelo was recorded at Worship House in Shayandima.

By Thembi Siaga

Vhembe demonstrated its prodigious talent at the 2022 Limpopo Music Awards (LIMA) when local reggae and gospel group

Burning Fire and Venda-beats artist Lidzebe Midalo, known as LP MiDALO, went home with trophies.

Burning Fire won the award for Best Tshivenda Song, while LP MiDALO won the Best Music Video award. The awards ceremony was held at the Meropa Casino Hotel outside Polokwane on 12 November, with more than 50 of the nominees hailing from the Vhembe region.

Burning Fire’s winning song, Mukonisi, first earned them an award for Best Reggae Group/Artist at the recent

South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMA).

The track is from the group’s second album, titled Miloro (Dreams), which was released in December last year.

The group’s senior member, Khuthadzo Mavhusha from Tshifudi village, also known as Ambasada, said that this accomplishment was a significant milestone for them. “We are very pleased, since this is our first Limpopo award. Our fans can be assured that our third album will be released by next year,” he said.

The group was founded three years ago by Mavhusha, Ronald Mahumele from Tshaulu village (also known as DJ Light) and Rudzani Mbengeni from Tshifudi village, aka Mufeelister. The collaboration between the three singers pro-

their contribution to the arts industry. Unfortunately, the award went to another artist, but Ndou is optimistic that he will carry his own award home one of these days.

African artists

Vhembe artists shine at LIMA

duced a unique reggae sound, laced with gospel vibes and melodies.

Lidzebe Midalo’s video, Bona Fide, is from his first official EP, titled 0950, released in February last year. For this singer from Maniini, who goes by the stage name LP MiDALO, it was his first award since he started his music career eight years ago. “I feel very blessed and dedicate this award to every upcoming musician, to encourage and remind them that anything is possible and that they should never give up,” he said.

Burning Fire and LP MiDALO work under the same record label, Director Maboko Music, a division of Director Maboko (Pty) Ltd. Their music is available on most music platforms, including YouTube

platforms, including

Celebrated artist’s heart set on building a cultural village

By Elmon Tshikhudo

Celebrated village artist Vhutshilo

Sivhetha was born with a unique gene that put him ahead of others from an early age. The 41-year-old sculptor from Tshififi Tshitwamaranzhe loves nature and his culture, and each one of his artworks tells a story that fully captures the imagination.

Sivhetha has endeared himself to his art-starved community by starting the Old Garden Centre and Resort, which has become a popular stopover for locals and tourists. Situated along the main road through the village, the resort is within easy reach of community members.

On entering the premises, one is immediately welcomed by choruses of

birdsong, hundreds different beautiful species of indigenous trees, and an atmosphere of true Vhavenda culture. At the gate stands a calabash and traditional grinding mill. Further on, one is greeted by other eye-catching pieces of art, such as a helicopter and a life-size car made of scrap metal and iron.

Sivhetha says that he was born in a family where a strong sense of culture existed, and that art also runs in his blood. “I was always the best student in art class when I was in school.

I excelled in different kinds of art, although I did not have any formal training. In 2008, a Bulgarian organisation taught us art at the Thulamela Art Centre. We obtained our certificates, which also allows us to teach art.

I was very lucky,” he says.

The artist says he is happy to give

the locals (and tourists) the chance to have a better understanding of art and the Vhavenda culture, close to their homes. “I am still burning with desire. My dream is to own a cultural village where our culture can be preserved for future generations. There will be different indigenous trees and birds. I have so many plans ready. The site is available. All that is needed is the financial muscle to kickstart the project. I will be the happiest man in the world when the cultural village is officially opened, where the youth will have the opportunity to know more about our culture and our environment, and have a place to chill,” Sivhetha says.

For orders or more information about Sivhetha’s art centre, call him on 079 664 4588.

Celebrated artist Vhutshilo Sivhetha with one of his artworks - a helicopter made of scrap metal. Photo: Elmon Tshikhudo.

Well-known gospel artist Lufuno Tambani has released a new CD, Mvuselelo. Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

Top: Local reggae and gospel group Burning Fire won an award for the best Tshivenda Song at the 2022 Limpopo Music Awards (LIMA). The group member are (from left to right) Khuthadzo Mavhusha (aka Ambasada), Rudzani Mbengeni (aka Mufeelister) and Ronald Mahumele (aka DJ Light). Photo: Maseo Nethanani.

Right: Venda-beats artist Lidzebe Midalo, also known as LP MiDALO, is smiling broadly after winning the award for best music video at the 2022 Limpopo Music Awards (LIMA). Photo: Maseo Nethanani.

Bernard Chiguvare

the

to honour South

for

Rhumba singer/songwriter Bernard Tshibemuda Ndou from Musina will release his seventh album at the end of November. Photo supplied.

By Silas Nduvheni

Best Xitsonga Duo/Group Tshifularo drops the mic after many years

Xitsonga artist Kaizer Shibambu, known as Hosi Yo Lungha in the music industry, encourages young and upcoming artists to first take a few courses after school to empower themselves as the music industry does not necessarily provide a full-time career for all local musicians.

Hosi Yo Lungha and his group, the Xirhami Group, won the Best Xitsonga Duo/Group award at the 17th Xitsonga Music Awards, held at the Nkowankowa Stadium in Tzaneen on 5 November.

Hosi Yo Lungha and the group members were very excited about winning this award. “When you work hard, it takes time, but success follows hard work and it can finally pay off for you. The award to me is a morale booster in this tough music industry and motivates me to work even harder to achieve more awards,” he said in an interview with the media.

The group received a trophy and R12 000 in cash. Hosi Yo Lungha said

they were happy to be able to make music that the people could appreciate. He thanked their producer, the legendary Mr MC Mabasa, Munghana Lonene FM, the organisers, and fans who voted for them in large numbers.

The talented musician was born and bred in Ha-Piet Booi in the Mulenzhe community.

He grew up listening to the music of veteran Xitsonga artist Thomas Chauke, whom he regards as his role model.

He was a backing singer for some of the Xitsonga artists until 2012, when he recorded his first CD, called Basiti ba Shibambo

Hosi Yo Lungha is also regarded as a community builder. Each year he organises soccer tournaments for the communities in Mulenzhe during the festive and Easter holidays in an effort to keep young people busy and out of trouble.

By Bernard Chiguvare

After a decade in the broadcasting industry, Univen FM presenter Mudalo Tshifularo has opted to put his mic aside to focus on applying his expertise in other fields, such as aiding with sound systems and lights at outdoor social events such as weddings and corporate events and doing his own podcasts.

Tshifularo (36) resigned from Univen FM early this month, but says that in two years’ time he would like to run his own online radio station.

Born in 1986 in Thohoyandou, Tshifularo trained as a radio presenter through Univen and the National Youth Development Agency in 2009.

Mudalo Tshifularo from Univen FM is putting the mic aside for the next two years to focus more on hosting outdoor social events. Photo supplied.

After receiving his training, he worked as a master of ceremonies for outdoor social events. Tshifularo hosted many shows such as the Thulamela annual show, the Phalaphala FM Royal Festival, Venda nga December, Gumbafire international Deep House event and many others. He also practiced his broadcasting skills with Choice FM and SABC 2.

In 2011, he joined Univen FM as a presenter and producer. He presented prime-time shows between 13:00 and 18:00.

SABC Combo report on province’s medium term budget

The SABC Combo, consisting of Phalaphala FM, Munghana Lonene FM and Thobela FM, did live broadcasts respectively of the medium-term budget public statement, hosted by the Limpopo Provincial Treasury and held at the Limpopo Provincial Legislature in Lebowakgomo on Thursday, 17 November.

Hulisani Phosiwa covered the event for Phalaphala FM, speaking to Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba, ANC Provincial Secretary Vhamusanda Vho-Reuben Madadzhe, and other dignitaries who attended.

The 2022/2023 medium-term budget was tabled by the MEC for the Provincial Treasury, Seaparo Sekoati, who said that their provincial economic recovery plans were well on course.

“We continue to traverse with the utmost diligence to ensure that there are no avalanches triggered by our actions or inactions in our course to find the base.

“Our own 2023/24 revenue target is expected to decrease to R1.706 billion or by a negative 21.6% due to the once-off surrenders received from public entities in 2022/23. However, the revenue targets for 2024/25 and 2025/26 will then increase to R1.789 billion and R1.878 billion, or [by] 4.9% and 5.0% respectively,” he said.

By Thembi Siaga

Sedzani (21) does beautiful pencil and charcoal drawings on canvasses. His older brother, Phany Mukwevho, was the one who first introduced him to the world of art when he was a young boy, and his love of it kept on growing as he grew older.

Coming from a disadvantaged community where he never had the luxury of an art school to help him hone his talent, his own learning experience had been a slow process. “It took me several years to improve

my creative abilities. I was not good at it at first, but as time went by, I started to learn the finer detail and different kinds of techniques, and my work grew better,” he said.

Sedzani Gereda from Tshakhuma village with some of his pencil and charcoal sketches. Photo: Thembiso Munzhelele.

Like most true artists, his work reflects his own emotions, memories, ideas, beliefs and values. “Some of my artwork conveys my personal thoughts, and so I communicate through my art,” he said.

better,” work reflects his own emotions, values. “Some of my artwork when he does an art piece for

His biggest supporters are the people from in and around his village, who have great admiration for his work. That is why he makes sure that, when he does an art piece for one of them, they get only the best from him.

Sedzani matriculated from Lwamondo High School

in 2018 and is now a fourth-year student at the University of Venda, studying to become a teacher. When asked why he was studying teaching instead of art, he said that becoming an artist had never been in his plans for the future. “I was not particularly serious about it at first as I used to sketch only in my spare time. That is why I enrolled for a teaching diploma instead,” he said.

He dreams of becoming a recognised artist someday. “I want to be counted among the finest artists alive, with my artwork on display around the world,” he says optimistically.

For more information about his artwork, call Sedzani on 076 184 9580 or follow him on Instagram (sedzy_g_lewin).

“They still treat us as troublemakers”

By Victor Mukwevho

Limpopo Mirror recently caught up with local reggae artist Mpho Mahovha, aka Bongo Natty, to chat about his upcoming album and what he has been up to.

Walking easily, like the late inimitable reggae icon Peter Tosh, Bongo pointed to a spot where we could sit, all the while smiling and strumming his guitar.

He was quick to mention that he was happy to see a journalist entering his self-proclaimed palace at last. Surrounded by other Rastas sitting around the man, I had the honour to hear him play a couple of his songs before the interview started, and I have no doubt that the man has real talent.

Getting back to business, he began telling me about himself and his career as a musician. His music journey started in 2008 with the release of his debut album, called Zwivhuya. On the success of this album, he said that it had done well

enough, considering that reggae did not enjoy the same publicity in the media and on radio as other music genres.

“Rastas talk about sensitive things that affect the poor in the communities every day, and the media don’t like that. Journalists are all searching for sound, not lyrics. They still treat us as troublemakers who incite the masses to revolt against corrupt political leaders, so reggae music is given very little space on air and in the papers,” he said.

In 2010, he released his second album, Ngoma, which also did well under difficult promotional circumstances. In 2018, his third album, Mutendi wa khole, which literally means “Fake Christian”, was released. He explained the meaning behind that title: “Most of the people you see these days, dressed in their church uniform with their Bibles under their arms, going to church every weekend, are sheep in wolves’ skin. They are there for

business.”

His latest music offering will be released early next year. This album, he said, is not that different from his previous albums with regard to

He said that, for the financial year under review, they were implementing approximately 1 379 infrastructure projects, with an original allocation of R6.848 billion. “As of 30 September 2022, the overall provincial infrastructure expenditure was at R3.208 billion, or 47.0%, which is a substantial improvement compared to the two previous financial years. To this effect, our provincial infrastructure budget is proposed to be adjusted upwards from R6.848 billion to R8.391 billion. This represents an increase of 22.5 %,” he said.

Phalaphala FM presenter Hulisani Phosiwa. Photo supplied.

addressing issues of poverty and the lack of service delivery to the people – something he feels strongly about. “We have to stand up and fight for our rights,” he concluded.

Reggae artist Mpho Mahovha (right), better known as Bongo Natty, is working on his latest album, which is to be released early next year. In the photo, Bongo Natty shares a moment with his younger brother and lead guitarist, Jahman Mahovha. Photo: Victor Mukwevho.

Sedzani Gereda is a gifted young artist from Tshakhuma whose impressive artwork adorns the walls of many of his clients’ homes.

Aspiring artist

Hosi Yo Lungha stands proudly after his band, the Xirhami Group, won the Best Xitsonga Duo/Group award at the 17th Xitsonga Music Awards earlier in November. Photo supplied.

Musina community gather at N1 to pray for an end to road carnage

Road Safety

Politicians, religious leaders, members of various church denominations and rep resentatives of the various communities gathered at a designated spot along the new Musina Ring Road last Friday to pray for an end to road accidents on Musina’s roads.

Since the opening of the Musina Ring Road in August this year, several fatal acci dents have occurred on this road. With the festive season approaching, the prayer session was aimed at asking for God’s divine intervention in keeping lives safe on these roads.

Musina Municipality’s traffic manager, Mr Ailwei

Mutele, said that Musina, being a border town, usually experienced high volumes of traffic during the festive season. “The high volume of traffic contributes to the high number of accidents on our roads during the festive sea son. We have done everything humanly possible to avert accidents. It is now time to ask God to intervene. We felt that it was important to hold this prayer session, because we want our road users to be safe this festive season. This prayer session should provide an opportunity for long-term and coordinated activities in support of local and national road safety initiatives,” Mutele said.

Addressing the audience during the event, Musina Mayor Godfrey Mawela said

that a need existed to build solid partnerships with var ious stakeholders, including public-transport operators, law-enforcement agencies and the religious community to make road safety everybody’s responsibility. “As we pray, let us be mindful of the threats in sight as we start this festive campaign. This includes stray animals, bad driving be haviour, speeding and drunk en driving. Besides asking for God’s intervention, we should also play our part as road users because some of the road acci dents are preventable.”

Shortly after the formal addresses, Pastor Titus Mad amalala led the prayer session in the middle of the road under the supervision of traffic officers.

At last there is hope of water in the taps for Ha-Mashau Doli’s residents

By Thembi Siaga

Residents of Ha-Mashau Doli are bubbling with excitement as they will finally have access to clean drinking water from their taps again. This follows years of struggling to fetch water from nearby rivers.

The long-awaited R18 million water project that will hopefully end their woes is ex pected to be completed by the end of November. This is ac cording to the spokesperson of Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), Mr Matodzi Ralushai.

The water project was sup posed to be completed in August 2020 but was repeatedly delayed. It involved the storage of water and supply to the village. The work was done by a joint venture, comprising HLTC and Splish Splash Construc tions, and started in November 2019.

The residents, most of whom are unemployed, said they were fed-up with paying R1,50 to R2 for 25 litres of water from households who had drilled their own boreholes. They claimed that the only borehole to provide them with water ran on diesel, and as the VDM seldom supplied them with diesel, the pump was constantly

inoperative.

Ms Salome Mathelemusa, a disabled pensioner from Mashau-Doli village, said she could not wait for the project to be finished. “It was really difficult for us to obtain water as we [have to pay for it using] our Sassa grants and the cost of living is high. I still have to pay young boys from the commu nity with my grant money to walk all the way to fetch water for me and my husband, who is also a pensioner,” she said.

One of the secretaries of the Mashau Doli Civic, Mr Edward Mpakwa, said the leadership of

the community had sent alto gether three letters to the VDM to request that the project man ager return to the site after they had stopped working on the project for seven months. “We now have hope that our thirsty community will get water at last,” he said.

Ralushai explained that the completion of the snag list was delayed because of the vandalism of some of the street taps by unknown individuals.

“The constructor is finishing up the snag list. The project is anticipated to be completed by the end of November,” he said.

Tshiovhe

By Elmon Tshikhudo

When especially the younger generation come up with their own ideas and initia tives to sustain themselves in tough economic times, instead of sitting around and waiting for the government to provide for them, that serves as inspiration to others.

One such a young man stood up to the challenge and came up with the idea to start his own ‘kitchen’. Not only does he provide his customers with a hot plate of delicious food, but he is also able to put a plate of food on the table for his loved ones at home.

Thirty-two-year-old Collen Vhutshilo Tshiovhe from Tshilivho Makhuvha matric ulated in 2009 and worked for a recycling company from 2010 to 2016, until he was laid off. Suddenly faced with an uncertain future, he sat down and started considering ways to keep himself and his family afloat, and that was when the idea of Tshiovhe Fast Food was born.

He runs his makeshift food stall next to the Thohoyandou Post Office. He specialises in a variety of dishes, but the most popular meals are his beef stew and hardbody chicken. His meals are affordable, and he

even delivers around Thohoy andou. His clients show up from all over Vhembe for their share of their favourite meal.

Tshiovhe has never looked back and his business is growing by leaps and bounds. His dream is to open his own restaurant one day. “How long will people continue to sit and complain about not having jobs? Unemployment is rife in this country, and the most affected are the young people, some with very high qualifica tions. We do not have to live in poverty as long as we have brains and hands that can do whatever we want to achieve. The young people should try to do something while they wait for their true opportunities. There is a lot they can do, but they must be willing to put in some effort and drop the laziness. I work hard ev ery day, but this business has changed my life. I am planning on opening my own restaurant in a few years from now,” he said.

One of his regular customers, Mr Maanda Manngo, said he would never eat anywhere else again. “The food here is in a class of its own; one never gets enough of this tasty food,” he said.

Community members open hearts to give bishop a dignified burial

By Kaizer Nengovhela

People from the Vhembe re gion once again proved their goodwill and willingness to give their support in times of need the past week, when a few Good Samaritans offered to help the family of the late Bishop Collen Mufamadi of the Redemption Apostolic Church in Gogobole, so that he could be laid to rest with dignity.

Mufamadi (38) and anoth er church member, Rihone Tshivhombela, tragically drowned while he was bap tising new members at the Phiphidi Dam on 10 November. The bishop was well respected for his dedication to taking young nyaope addicts into his own home to help rehabilitate them.

The grieving family, however,

could not afford the expenses of a casket and tombstone to give their beloved a dignified burial, and this was where the Marindi Funeral Scheme, well-known businessman Mr Reuben Ram bado and community members stepped in to see to it that Mufamadi received a proper funeral.

The managing director of Marindi Funeral Scheme, Mr Kaizer Marindi, donated a coffin and tombstone to the in digent family, while Rambado, with the help of other commu nity members, saw to food and refreshments for the mourners.

Thousands of community members, close friends, church members and relatives from the region showed up to pay their last respects during Mufamadi’s funeral service last Sunday (20 November). He was buried at Ramantsha cemetery.

The tent that was erected at

his house was packed. Not a tear was shed as the family had requested that it be a celebra tion of a life well lived.

Marindi said: “When I received the sad news about the family’s struggle to bury their loved one, I was so touched. I could also feel their frustration and pain. In the rural com munities, where the unem ployment rate is so high, many people have it difficult in times of death. Our old men and women end up borrowing mon ey from loan sharks, who keep their social grant cards and withdraw the instalments until their credit is closed. I didn’t want this family to go through that kind of a situation.”

Mufamadi’s older brother, Calvin, was short of words to express his sincere gratitude to Marindi and Rambado, and everyone else who had offered to help.

Pastor Titus Madamalala (in red cloak) led a prayer session along the new Musina Ring Road for Musina’s roads to be safe this festive season.

The secretary of the Ha-Mashau Doli Civic, Mr Edward Mpakwa, and two of the village’s residents show their empty water containers at one of the community’s dry taps. Photo: Thembi Siaga.

Collen Tshiovhe (right) serves one of his regular customers, Mr Maanda Manngo, his favourite dish of chicken and pap at Tshiovhe’s makeshift stall next to the Thohoyandou Post Office. Photo: Elmon Tshikhudo.

“A few years from now I will open my own restaurant,” says

Family members photographed at the tombstone of the late Bishop Collen Mufamadi.

Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

Have municipalities lost the fight against illegal waste dumping?

By Elmon Tshikhudo

In May 2022, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy, launched a R44.5 million national waste-collection and landfill-management fleet intervention in the Vhembe District. Despite this massive intervention, however, the rampant scourge of illegal dumping and environmental degradation continues and keeps on mushrooming unabatedly in many areas.

The Thulamela Municipality especially is facing a serious problem regarding illegal waste dumping, where streets are said to be lined with litter and garbage that never gets collected. Bushy areas and open spaces in villages have become unofficial dumping sites where residents and businesses freely dispose of their rubbish, leaving these areas with the nauseating stink of rotten waste and dead animals. This has become a serious health threat for residents that also poses the risk of spreading diseases.

One of the worst affected areas is at Lufule outside Sibasa, where a long stretch of the tarred main road that cuts through the village is lined with litter and building rubble.

The local leader, Vhakoma Vho-Khathutshelo Makhari, said he knew about the problem. “We are very concerned. The people responsible for this are not local people, but neighbours from the nearby Makwarela township who use our area as a dumping site,” he said. “We are calling on the Thulamela Municipality to arrest the non-compliers, and we further urge our residents to report all in transgression and involved in illegal dumping. Our health is at risk here, and the worst part is that this might even cause accidents as the road has been narrowed considerably by the dumping. Our senior traditional leader, Vhamusanda Vho-Kenneth Mphephu, has complained to the municipality, but nothing is happening,” he said.

The escalating situation has many people wondering whether municipalities have lost control over waste management as they seem to

be failing grossly in enforcing punitive measures for non-compliance.

The Thulamela Municipality’s waste and environment manager, Mr Simon Madi, said he was aware of the community’s plight. “This is not the only place where we have these challenges, and communities have to bear the blame. They know who the culprits are but are not prepared to expose them. In that case, we are left helpless and we have to arrange for the rubble to be removed, which is what we are doing. We urge our communities to work with us and expose the culprits, so that they can face the law,” he said.

Disabled man robbed of his firewood

By Elmon Tshikhudo

Ndidzulafhi Mundalamo (46), a disabled resident from Matsika, was dealt a low blow last week when thieves stole a whole pile of firewood from him that he had gathered from the nearby bushes.

Mundalamo, who has a defective right leg because of polio and gets around on crutches, sells firewood to his community to supplement his meagre disability grant. Despite his physical condition, he has become a living example that not all disabled people are dependent on charity, but that some are able to fend for themselves.

On a normal day, he gets up like everyone else and, armed with an axe, ventures into the dense bushes where he gathers wood for resale. Normally, he needs two to three days to

gather enough wood to fill a bakkie load. He sells such a pile of wood for around R250.

Besides the firewood business, he also runs a small spaza shop from his home, and he sells snacks to the local Matsika Primary School learners each morning. This financial supplement makes a considerable difference in his life. With it he is also able to take care of his ageing mother, who lives with him.

Last week, however, the rainy weather caught him off guard. He had gathered enough firewood, packed it neatly in a pile and left it in the bushes while he waited for a buyer. But, because of the persistent rain, he could not collect the wood immediately. When the rain finally subsided and he went back to collect it, the whole pile of wood was gone.

“I already had a customer waiting for the load, but I was shocked to find the wood missing. I suspect it was deliberately stolen by somebody who knows my situation. They know that I would never go out when it rains. They are taking advantage of me. These people are heartless; they know I am disabled and trying to make ends meet. All I need is my wood and it ends there. My plea to whoever stole it is to return it,” said Mundalamo.

The local community leader, Mr Edwin Makhado, said Mundalamo should have reported the matter to the police or community structures immediately. “We as leaders will sit down and consider how best to help him. If the incident was reported, it would have been easier to catch the culprits,” he said.

Rubble and litter dumped along the roads could lead to serious accidents. Parts of the Thulamela municipal area have become illegal dumping sites and residents say no-one is doing anything about it. Photo: Elmon Tshikhudo.

Ndidzulafhi Mundalamo, a disabled resident at Matsika who sells firewood to the community, was robbed of a whole load of wood. Photo supplied.

Vhembe’s acting MM urged to help speed up service delivery

By Silas Nduvheni

The executive mayor of the Vhembe District Munic ipality (VDM), Dowelani Nenguda, said they were hopeful that the appoint ment of the acting municipal manager (MM), Mr Cedrick Tshikovha, would unite the workers in the institution, so that everybody worked in harmony. Tshikovha, the general manager of corpo rate services in the VDM, started in his new position on 9 November and will be acting as MM for a threemonth period.

Tshikovha was welcomed by Nenguda during a short function held at the Speaker’s

office on Thursday, 17 Novem ber. His appointment comes after the five-year contract of the district’s former MM, Tshimangadzo Sylvia Ndou, had expired on 8 November.

A special council meeting was held at the VDM’s council chamber, where a resolu tion was taken to appoint Tshikovha in the position until a new MM is appointed.

Nenguda said that the process of appointing a new MM was currently underway and that they were already interviewing suitable candidates.

Nenguda said he hoped that Tshikovha would work with all of his ability to improve the services of the VDM as water services authority as he

had extensive experience on how things were done in the district. “We don’t want [a] vacuum here in the Vhembe District Municipality. We want to speed up service delivery, especially regarding water and sanitation,” Nenguda said.

Tshikovha said he was humbled to be appointed for this position. “It requires great accountability, but I promise to work hard. During the first two weeks, I will establish a rapid-response unit, who will be at the ready to assist when water challenges arise. I want to urge communities to pay for services, so that we can continue to start new water projects to fight water scarci ty,” said Tshikovha.

“Allow us to earn a living and trade along the N1,” plead hawkers

By Bernard Chiguvare

Several hawkers who have been trying to make an income selling their fruits next to the road outside Louis Trichardt, just past the circle on the N1 towards Polok wane, claim that the Makha do Municipality is treating them unfairly since they are now prohibited from trading from there.

The hawkers say they have been selling their produce from that spot since 2012 and that it is their only means of support ing their families.

One of the hawkers, Simon Sadiki, explained the situation to this newspaper. He said that, on 2 November, they had received two days’ notice from the municipality to pack up and leave.

The hawkers, who did not foresee this action against them, felt that two days did not give them enough time to sell all their fruits. Some had apparently just ordered large quan tities of fresh fruit.

“We have on sev eral occasions visit ed the municipality, asking for permits to sell at the circle, but they always refer us to SANRAL (South

Africa National Road Agency). This is being very unfair as some hawkers are selling their fruits along the N1 at Maram boda just like us. We under stand they have permits, so why does the municipality not give us permits too?” Sadiki asked.

The municipality, in re sponse, dismissed these claims.

“It is not true that the hawkers were given just two days to stop selling on the N1 road. The municipality has been engag ing with the hawkers for more than two weeks until they were evicted,” said Mr Louis Bob odi, the spokesperson for the Makhado Municipality, adding

that the municipality was not reluctant to issue them with hawking permits, given the right procedures were followed.

The municipality advised all hawkers who want to conduct their business along the N1 to contact SANRAL, as the N1 is a national road under the com petency of SANRAL. According to Bobodi, the municipality only issues permits on the recommendation of SANRAL.

SANRAL, he said, must first assess the safety conditions of both the hawkers and motorists before permits are issued, as was the case with the Maram boda hawkers.

Executive Mayor Dowelani Nenguda (left) shakes hands with the VDM’s newly appointed acting MM, Mr Cedrick Tshikovha. Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

Some of the hawkers who used to sell their fruits on the N1 outside Louis Trichardt, just past the circle towards Polokwane. In the photo are (from left to right) Ndaveleseni Netshilindi, Thabelo Mulaudzi and Simon Sadiki. Photo: Bernard Chiguvare.

1990/05/17, ID No: 900517 5662 089, Last Address: Bode Village, Giyani, Limpopo. Date of Death: 15/11/2020.

Names and Surname of surviving Spouse: Vutomi Beverly Valoyi Date of Birth:1992/10/19 ID No: 921019 0556 080

Name and Address of ADVERTISER: ERWEE INC. ATTORNEYS, 9 Irwin Street, Musina, 0900 TEL: (015) 534 3394 E mail: ellen.erwee@lan�c.

net REF:VvW/ev/ES1136

ERWEE INC. 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 under men�oned estate must lodge it with the Executor concerned within 30 days (or as indicated) from

the date of publica�on hereof, Estate No: 1629/2021, Master’s

Office Limpopo High Court Thohoyandou, Surname: NETSHIDZIVHANI First

Names: PHILEMON TSHIFHIWA. Date of Birth: 1963/03/03, ID No: 630303 7460 088, Last Address: Tshilamba, Mutale, Limpopo. Date of Death: 14/07/2021.

Names and Surname of surviving Spouse: Lufuno Emily Netshidzivhani Date of Birth:1974/01/05 ID No: 740105 1304 080

Name and Address of Executor or Authorised

agent: Lufuno Emily Netshidzivhani, 9 Irwin Street, Musina, 0900

ADVERTISER: ERWEE INC. ATTORNEYS, 9 Irwin Street, Musina, 0900

TEL: (015) 534 3394

E mail: ellen.erwee@lan�c. net

REF:HE/MT/ev/EL1717

LUVHENGO ATTORNEYS INC

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN

TERMS OF SECTION 29 (1) OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES ACT 66 OF 1965

In the estate of the late

MATHIVHA AZWIFANELI of ID no: 651214 0831 080, stand No. 657, Thohoyandou Block J , Extension No: 1, Thulamela Local Municipality, in the Limpopo province who died on the 21st October 2022

Estate no: 2283/2022

Master’s office: Thohoyandou

All persons having claims against the above men�oned estate are required to lodge their claims with the undersigned within 30 days a�er the date of publica�on. Signed at Thohoyandou on this the 14th day of November 2022.

LUVHENGO ATTORNEYS INC

Office No: 08 Shothodzo Complex, Thohoyandou P.west, 0950

Email: INFO@LUVHENGO ATTORNEYS.CO.ZA REF: EST/CIV00014

MADIMA ATTORNEYS INC

NOTICE IN TERMS OF SECTION 29 OF ACT 66 OF 1965

ESTATE OF THE LATE

MULAUDZI RATSHILUMELA SAMSON ESTATE NO: 2304/2022

ID NO: 520928 5831 089

Last Address: Ha- Khakhu Village

All persons having claims against the above-men�oned estate are required to lodge their claims with the undersigned within 30 days a�er the date of the publica�on hereof.

MADIMA ATTORNEYS INC.

Office C06, Epikaizo

Proper�es, Stand 784, Block -P East, Thohoyandou, 0950, Po Box 507 Sibasa ,0970 Tel: 015 969 1036

E-mail: sedzani@ madimainc.co.za

THOHOYANDOU, who died on the 2022-10-15 Estate no: 2294/2022

Master’s office: Thohoyandou Persons having claims against this estate are called to lodge their claims within 30 days from date of publica�on hereof.

Signed at Thohoyandou on this the 16th day of November 2022.

MADZHIGA ATTORNEYS INC.,Office No. 02, 3Rd Floor, Bindulavhathu Building, Thohoyandou FAX: 086 510 4064

TEL: 015 151 0230

REF: TJ/EST/187/2022

MADZHIGA ATTORNEYS INC

NOTICE IN TERMS OF SECTION 35

Kindly be informed that the First and Final Liquida�on and Distribu�on Account in respect of the estate of the late TSHILILO AMOS MANENZHE of Id no: 511113 5127 082 of Stand No 2048 Vuwani Street, Shayandima, Limpopo Province Estate No. 2705/2021, shall lie for inspec�on at the Master’s office: Limpopo High Court, Thohoyandou, for a period of 21 (twentyone) days calculated from the date of publica�on hereof.

Dated at Thohoyandou on the 16th day of November 2022.

MADZHIGA ATTORNEYS INC. Executrix A�orneys, Office No. 02, 3rd Floor, Thohoyandou Tell: 0159691314 Fax: 0865104064

Ref: TJ/EST/146/2021

MAFANELA GEO-ENVIRO

NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION

APPLICATION BY:

BILA CIVIL CONTRACTORS PTY LTD No�ce is here by given in terms of EIA Regula�on 41(2)(c) of the Regula�ons, under the Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998).

Bila Civil Contractors (Pty) Ltd applied for prospec�ng rights for mineral gold, mica and nickel ore in terms of Sec�on 16 of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002. The applica�ons cover the farm:

1. Greater Giyani LP30/5/1/1/2/14762 PR (DMR REF)

Located in the magisterial district of Mopani (Greater Giyani). You can be involved in the Public Par�cipa�on Process by: - sending a fax, email or mail with your name, contact details and concerns/ques�ons rela�ng to the project.

- Providing us with the names of addi�onal people that can be contacted.

All correspondence, should be received within 30 days from the date of receipt of this no�ce, then will be submi�ed to the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR). All issues raised during the public par�cipa�on process will responded to in wri�ng to the Interested and Affected Par�es (I&APs).

I&AP include all par�es concerned, who will be affected by the project and interested in the prospec�ng/explora�on project.

CORRESPONDANCE MAY BE DIRECTED TO: MICHAEL MAFANELE

EMAIL: mafanelevm@ gmail.com OR Postnet Suite 210, Private Bag x 5981 Polokwane North, 0750 CEL: 072 395 9511 CEL: 081 575 1953 FAX: 0865 444 911 TEL: 010 634 0780

DATE OF NOTICE: 24 November 2022

MAPHOPHE MAKHENSA ATTORNEYS.

NOTICE IN TERMS OF SECTION 35(5) OF ACT 66 OF 1965.

Pursuant to the provisions of Sec�on 35(5) of Act 66 of 1965, no�ce is hereby given that the First and Final Liquida�on and Distribu�on Account of the deceased estate of late HLACHWAYO MASINGITA KENNETH Of ID NO: 650203 6121 084

Resident at house no: 1576, Sec�on A, Giyani, Limpopo Province, Estate no: 1328/2021, will lie for inspec�on at the office of the Giyani magistrate’s court Estate office, Limpopo Province, for a period of twenty-one (21) days, calculated from date of publica�on hereof. Dated at Giyani on the 03th of August 2022.

MAPHOPHE MAKHENSA ATTORNEYS INC.

Email: makhensa@ mmaphophea�orneys.co.za Email: info@mmaphophe a�orneys.co.za Cell: 082 367 6111

Old Mutual Building, Office no: 210, Second floor, Opposite Giyani Nursing College, Limpopo Province Giyani, 0826

A�orneys for Executrix. REF:MAM/EST/02/2021

NEKHONDELA L ATTORNEYS

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

In the estate of the late LUSUNZI DICHOEU JUNOIR of ID no: 660618 0569 087, Estate no: 2360/2022 who died on the 04th APRIL 2022, who was residing at 149 Lufule 2 Block 07 Limpopo Province. All persons having claims against the above men�oned estate are requested to lodge their claims against the estate within thirty (30) days of publica�on hereof with the executor’s agent whose par�culars are as follows:

NEKHONDELA L ATTORNEYS Office no: 07 Munaka Madilonge and maternity center. Mphephu Street, Thohoyandou, 0950 Cell: 0761452711/ 068 032 6770

REF: NEKH/EST LUSUNZI

NETSIANDA INCORPORATED

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

In the Estate of the Late TSHOFHISO KHUMELENI ENOS ID no: 510116 5398 083, who died on the 02nd

day of Npvember 2021, Last Address: Maranzhe Village. Master’s Ref: 2314/2022 All Creditors and Debtors in the above men�oned estate are hereby called upon to lodge or submit their claims with and to pay their debts to the Executor at the address furnished below within THIRTY (30) DAYS from the date of publica�on hereof. Dated at Thohoyandou on this 21st day of November 2022

NETSIANDA INC, Agent for Executrix, PO Box 5285, Block C, 1st floor, Office No 90, Limdev Building, Thohoyandou. Tel/Fax: 015 962 0016 Fax2email: 086 609 3482 Email: info@netsiandainc. co.za Ref: Est/M/T.03

NL CHOENE ATTORNEYS INC

NOTICE IN TERMS OF SECTION 35(5) OF ACT 66 OF 1965

Kindly be informed that the First and Final Liquida�on and Distribu�on Account in respect of the Late NETSHIENEULU NDIDZULAFHI SALPHINAH

Estate No: 1994/2020, of ID no: 530406 0232 080 shall lie for inspec�on at the Master of Limpopo High Court Thohoyandou for a period of twenty one (21) days calculated from the date of this publica�on hereof. should no objec�on be lodged with the master’s office during the specified period, the executor will proceed to make payments in accordance with the said account.

NL CHOENE ATTORNEYS, Office No.g9, Sabina Plaza, Opposite Usave Shoprite. Thohoyandou, 0950

OCTON GEOLOGICAL CONSULTANTS

NOTICE OF INTENT TO APPLY FOR RECTIFICATION OF UNLAWFUL COMMENCEMENT OF LISTED ACTIVITY IN TERMS OF SECTION 24G OF THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ACT 107 OF 1998 AS AMENDED IN RESPECT OF CONSTRUCTION OF A DEEPARK RESORT ON FARM PASWANE 275MT AT STAND B15 DIMANI VILLAGE, WITHIN THULAMELA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY OF VHEMBE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY No�ce is hereby given in terms of Sec�on 24G Regula�ons published in Government No�ce NO. R982 as amended by GNR 326 (07 April 2017) promulgate in the Na�onal Environment Management Act (Act NO. 107 of 1998) that MS Khomola of DEEPARK RESORT intent to apply for rec�fica�on of unlawful commencement of listed ac�vity in the EIA GN R982 to the Department of Economic Development Environmental Affairs and Tourism.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION Deepark Resort has unlawful commenced with the construc�on of the following: 3 x Swimming Pools, 10 x Guests Room, 2 x Lap, 2 x Borehole, 1 x Guard room.

Playing ground, Perimeter Fence, Ablu�on facili�es; Sep�c tank and Performance stage. The development footprint of DEEPARK RESORT covers an area of 3 Ha.

Triggered Ac�vi�es GNR 983, Lis�ng No�ce 1: “The development triggers ac�vity No 27 lis�ng no�ces 1 of GNR 983-The clearance of an area of 1 hectare or more, but less than 20 hectares of indigenous vegeta�on, except where such clearance of indigenous vegeta�on is required for — (i) the undertaking of a linear ac�vity; or (ii) maintenance purposes undertaken in accordance with a maintenance management plan. GNR 985 Lis�ng no�ce

3; The development triggers ac�vity No 5 and 6 of GNR 985- The development of resorts, lodges, hotels and tourism or hospitality facili�es that sleep less than 15 people (c) Limpopo, ii. Outside urban areas, (aa) Cri�cal biodiversity areas as iden�fied in systema�c biodiversity plans adopted by the competent authority or in bioregional plans.

PROJECT LOCATION DEEPARK RESORT site is located within Thulamela Local Municipality. Defined by the following Geographical Coordinates: 22˚ 50’ 11’’ South and 30˚ 44’ 10’’ East. PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

PRACTITIONER

OCTON Geological Consultants 389 Green Shank Avenue, Groblers Park, Roodepoort, Gauteng, 1724 Contact person: NR Netshiongolwe Cell: 078 082 6640 Email: robert netshiongolwe9@gmail. com

PROJECT APPLICANT MS Khomola PO Box 956, Tshaulu, 0987 Email: Khomolamaitele 01@gmail.com

REGISTRATION OF INTERESTED AND AFFECTED PARTIES In order to register as an interested and affected party, raise queries, or submit your comments you may contact OCTON Geological Consultants on the above contact details within 30 days of the date of this Newspaper Advert.

UIGC CLEANING SERVICES POST x 62

of the following businesses: Cleaning, Gardening, Security, Travel Management and Training Services.

Requirements:

• Grade 12 certificate.

• Cleaning certificate will be an added advantage.

• One year experience as a cleaner.

Duties:

• Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming them.

• Gather and empty trash, clean, and supply restrooms.

• Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment, to prevent damage to floors and fixtures.

• Prepare facilities for events such as meetings and conference.

• Notify managers concerning the need for major repairs or additions to building operating systems.

Applications are to be submitted to the following e-mail: uigc.recruitment@univen.ac.za

For enquiries contact :015 962 9172/9168

UIGC GARDENING SERVICES POST x 4

The posts are for UIGC (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of University of Venda (and does not report directly to UNIVEN structures). UIGC group comprise of the following businesses: Cleaning, Gardening, Security, Travel Management and Training Services.

Requirements:

• Grade 12 certificate

• One year experience as a gardener

• Brick laying and paving would be advantageous.

• Pest control management

• Experience as a mechanic

Duties:

• Mow, trim and fertilize green spaces

• Mulch, edge and weed gardens

• Prune and trim trees and bushes

• Maintain all gardening equipment and machinery

• Monitor and maintain the health of plants

• Deal with pest problems that could damage plants

• Keep gardens and green spaces clear of debris and litter

Applications are to be submitted to the following e-mail: uigc.recruitment@univen.ac.za

For enquiries contact :015 962 9172/9168

CLOSING DATE: 30 NOVEMBER 2022

Vhembe’s young boxers confident of winning SANABO championship

By Thembi Siaga

The Waterval Mpheni Box ing Club believes that two of its boxers, Anao Netshidzati (16) and Lloyd Chigwedere (13), will win the 2022 South African National Boxing Or ganisation (SANABO) Cadet and Junior Championships competition. The competi tion, organised by SANABO, is scheduled to be held at Mangosuthu University of Technology in Durban from 12 to 15 December.

SANABO organises national competitions such as the cadets, junior, youth and elite national championships for both male and female boxers. These two young warriors from Vhembe’s own shore will

be among 264 cadet and ju nior girls and boys from South Africa’s nine provinces.

Anao and Lloyd first showed their skills at the Vhembe Dis trict and Provincial Champi onships at Malamulele Boxing Gym in July and August this year, where they both finished first, each winning a gold medal and qualifying for the national championships.

Anao said that they were doing their best in preparing to win the competition. “We are going to fight a good fight to make our province proud of us,” he said.

Waterval Mpheni Boxing Club’s coach, Mr Pat Mathon si, who is also a retired boxer, said he reckoned that they would return home in glory.

“We are expecting them to

bring back gold medals and make our province proud. Based on their commitment to training, we believe they will make it to the top,” he said.

Mathonsi founded the team in 2019 with the goal of get ting the children of Waterval Mpheni and the surround ing areas off the streets. “I wanted to get the young kids off the streets and away from substance abuse, such as drugs and alcohol,” he explained.

The chairperson of the team, Mr Phungo Tshirangwa na, shared some of the chal lenges they are facing. “We’ve been requesting sponsors since we established the team, but with no results as yet. Our aim is to get more boxers, but due to a lack of finances, we are stuck,” he said.

Makhanda Singo promises to get rid of corruption in local refereeing

By Frank Mavhungu

A well-known local football administrator, Mr Ephraim Singo, has been given a new role in football. He will be chairing the provincial refereeing sub-committee for the next four years. His appointment came into effect

on Monday this week. During an interview with him, Singo said that his goal was to get rid of corruption in refereeing. Makhanda, as he was known during his time as a referee, admitted that for him to eradicate corrupt activities completely would not be easy. He added that he would create an environment that would make things difficult to both the match officials and the clubs officials to pay or receive a bribe in order to influence the results of matches.

Singo said that his aim was to see the teams gaining pro motion to the higher divisions in a fair and just way. He would like to see a decline in the number of protests and complaints regarding the officiating at games in the province.

Singo’s refereeing ca reer started way back in 1981. He went through the ranks and officiat ed in the professional division for several years

before his retirement in 1992. Professional games where he officiated that still stand out include the Bloemfontein and Amazulu league game that was played at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium in Bloemfontein. He recalled that he had escaped death by a whisker in that game after the fans of Amazu lu had run amok when Celtic had scored the winning goal towards the end of the game.

The Mainstay Cup game between Ria Stars and Seshego Naughty Boys, which was played at the Seshego Stadium in Polokwane, will remain fresh in his memory for a long time. According to him, the situation had taken an ugly turn after Naughty Boys scored their sec ond goal in the dying minutes of the game. Fans of Ria Stars started to throw various objects onto the pitch and later invad ed the pitch. Gunshots were fired at the stadium and his life and those of his assistants were only saved when the police of ficers who were at the stadium intervened.

Singo is the current second deputy president for the Safa Vhembe Regional Association.

Black Leopards and Polokwane City in first-round

The

Whether

By Frank Mavhungu

Cup clash

ards were brutally walloped 0-3 by City.

According to the head coach of Black Leop ards, Mr Rodwell Dhlakama, Polokwane City

be in for a big surprise if they come to the Malamulele Stadium with the hope that history is going to repeat itself. Black Leopards were still under the guidance of the former head coach, Mr Joel Masutha, when they lost 0-3 to City.

Speaking from his home in Harare, Zim babwe, Dhlakama had said that winning the Nedbank Cup would boost the players’ morale. He further said that they would not lose their focus on the league title because of their Ned bank Cup campaign. He said his mandate was to ensure that Black Leopards were among the top three teams on the log standings at the end of the season.

Venda Football Academy will travel to Kim berley, where they will play against Hungry Lions at the Galeshewe Stadium. Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila will be visitors to Cape Town All Stars.

The other Limpopo-based side, Magesi FC, will play against MM Platinum FC at the Bidvest Stadium in Johannesburg. Cape Town Spurs will host University of Pretoria FC at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town. Baroka FC will battle it out against Platinum City Rovers, while Pretoria Callies will play against JDR Stars at the Lucas Moripe Stadium outside Pretoria.

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is committed to broad-based black economic empowerment. We strive to comply with the provisions of all relevant legislation. Details are included in the bid.

TUT reserves the right not to accept the lowest or any tender.

Mr Ephraim “Makhanda” Singo. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

The Waterval Mpheni Boxing Club members, Anao Netshidzati and Lloyd Chigwedere, have their eyes set on winning this year’s SANABO Cadet and Junior Championships competition. From left to right are Mr Pat Mathonsi (Waterval Mpheni Boxing Club’s coach), Lloyd Chigwedere, Ronald Makumbi (captain of the boxing team), Anao Netshid zati and Mr Phungo Tshirangwana (chairperson of the team). Photo: Thembi Siaga.

draws for the Nedbank Cup qualifica tion round were held at the Premier Soccer League’s offices in Johannesburg last Thurs day (17th). Black Leopards are the only team from the Limpopo Province that will enjoy the home-ground advantage. They will entertain Polokwane City in their Limpopo derby at the Malamulele Stadium.

Lidoda duvha will use the fixture to make Polokwane City pay for what they did in their first-round league match that was played at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane is something that remains to be seen. Black Leop

will

The head coach of Black Leopards FC, Mr Rodwell Dhlakama. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

XI Bullets prepare for another battle

By Frank Mavhungu

After holding Bellevue Winners Park to a 3-3 draw in their ABC Motsepe League match that was played at the Tshifudi Stadium last Satur day, Vondwe XI Bullets are gearing up for another tough battle this weekend. They will rub shoulders with the newly promoted United Artists at the same venue on Saturday afternoon.

The head coach of XI Bullets, Mr Oruel Sambo, is optimistic that his side will use the homeground advantage and collect the maximum points at the expense of Artists. He said that they had been working on vari ous defence strategies through out the week. This after his team had failed to defend their 2-0 lead in their game against Winners Park last Saturday.

He said that his team would be able to maintain the lead to the end in case they managed to score first on Saturday.

Bullets will pin their hopes on Lucky Mutshotsho and Phathutshedzo Nemagovhani for goals. Mutshotsho scored a brace in their game against Winners Park. On the other hand, the Artists’ keeper, Em manuel Mukwevho, is one of the best goalies in the league.

Should they manage to collect the maximum points against Bullets, United Artists will be on course for the league title. They are currently lying in the fifth spot on the log standings with 7 points, 6 behind the pace setters, Giyani Happy Boys. Bullets are not safe regarding relegation. They are perched in the second-last position on the log with four points.

Mikhado FC are waiting for Emmanuel FC, with whom they will fight for league points at the Rabali Stadium. Winners Park and Musina United will meet at the Xikukwani Stadium outside Giyani. The other fixtures are Ditlou FC

Emmanuel donate points to Mpheni

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Emmanuel FC donated three league points to the on-form Mpheni Home Defenders when they lost 2-0 in their Limpopo ABC Motsepe league that was played at Gi yani Stadium on Saturday.

Both sides managed to display entertaining football throughout the game. Fisters Magodimisa of Defenders

was reprimanded with a card, following a late tackle on Mlamleli Letlape in the 10th minute. That did not neutralise Emmanuel. They continued to fight collectively, although finding their way through the defence of Defenders, which was marshalled by Freedom Nyundu and Fisters Magodimi sa, was difficult for them.

The score was still nil-nil when the teams adjourned for

the half-time break. Defenders broke the deadlock in the 47th minute. Gift Nemutandani received a brilliant pass from Ernest Munyadziwa at the left corner. Instead of dish ing a square pass to either Lwazi Meek or Bonginkosi Makanya, Nemutandani took it upon himself and unleashed a ground cutter from an awkward angle. Emmanuel’s keeper, Luckyboy Mosele, could only watch the ball go beyond his reach.

Emmanuel soon realized that Saturday was not their day when they missed two clear chances in the 60th and 62nd minutes respectively.

In the first instance, Matome Sekwela won a loose ball from outside the box and shot wide, with the keeper already beaten. Wandile Ndunakazi committed a similar blunder a few minutes later.

Thabelo Tshikweta of Defenders forced his way through the Emmanuel de fence and increased the tally in the 78th minute. Emman uel lost hope after Defenders’ second goal. Emmanuel missed another opportunity in the 80th minute. Peter Aphane tried his luck from outside the box, but the ball hit the woodwork and bounced back into the field of play.

Final hurdles for the ladies teams

By Frank Mavhungu

Teams affiliated to the Holly woodbets Super League will play their last league matches for the current season this weekend. All matches will be played on Saturday after noon.

Maindis Ladies will wrap up their league programme with an away fixture. They will undertake a journey to But terworth in the Eastern Cape. Their match against Thunder birds Ladies will be played at the UBC Sports Grounds.

Maindis’ players are not in the right frame of mind after losing their fourth league game in succession. Their most recent result was a 1-2 defeat at the hands of TUT Ladies FC at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium

in Polokwane last Saturday.

Maindis are already sure of a top-eight spot. They are currently lying in the eighth position with 44 points accu mulated from 29 matches. The team lying the ninth spot, First Touch Ladies, have deposited 38 points into their league account so far.

Just like Maindis Ladies, Thunderbirds donated vital league points to the opponents in their last three matches. They were crushed 1-4 by Rich mond United last Saturday. Thunderbirds are lying in the 11th position on the log stand ings with 35 points.

TUT Ladies FC will fight for league points with Golden Ladies at the TUT Campus Stadium. City Lads will host Bloemfontein Celtic at the

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. The other fixtures are Vasco da Gama vs Coal City Wizards, UWC vs Durban Ladies, University of Johannes burg FC vs First Touch Ladies, Tsunami Queens v JVW FC and Richmond United vs Mamelodi Sundowns.

Ndamulelo “Messie” Muthumuni steers Munaca FC to a 2-0 victory

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Ndamulelo “Messie” Muthu muni steered his team, Munaca FC, to a 2-0 victory when he scored a brace in the ABC Motsepe League match against Mikhado FC that was played at the Makhado Show Grounds on Saturday.

The match had to be delayed by 15 minutes when the teams argued over an allegedly unregistered player that Mikhado fielded and later replaced.

What was evident from the start was that Munaca were

going to collect full points as the hosts were outclassed in all departments. Mikhado fumbled at the goal finish on a continuous basis.

Mikhado’s keeper, Zwoluga Tshisikhawe, pulled off an ear ly save when Orilwela Nema tenda forced his way through the defence of Mikhado before passing to Rinae Madzhuta. His attempt missed the target by inches.

Ndamulelo Muthumuni Munaca scored the first goal of the match in the 34th min ute. He unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that beat the keeper.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The second half saw Mikha do pressing hard in search of the equaliser. Rendani “Sailor” Thavhana of Mikhado drib bled past three defenders in a row but shot wide when left with only the keeper to beat. Both sides played attacking football early in the second half, making the match enter taining to watch.

Ndamulelo Muthumuni completed his brace and scored his team’s second goal late in the match. He unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box and the keeper watched in disbelief as the ball hit the back of the net.

DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT CONSULTATION ON THE DRAFT BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE SOUTHERN GROUND-HORNBILL (Bucorvus Leadbeateri)

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Dallas Creecy, has published the draft Biodiversity Management Plan for Southern Ground-Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri), under 43(1)(b) and (c), read with section 99 and 100 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA), for public comment in the Government Gazette No. 47527, Notice No. 2754 of 2022 on the 18 November 2022.

Southern Ground-Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) is one of only nine African savanna hornbill species listed as being of conservation concern. It is also known across its range as the rainbird or thunder bird by indigenous people who share its habitat. The Southern Ground-Hornbill is proposed to be one of the swiftest declining bird species in South Africa, and is listed as regionally Endangered in South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland and Namibia. The Southern Ground-Hornbill is one of the two species in the genus Bucorvus. Both species are apex predators and thus ecologically important, beside holding immense cultural value to most indigenous language groups across its range. Both are typical K-selected species and have several significant life history characteristics, each independently increasing their vulnerability to extinction. They are diurnal, long-lived, large, conspicuous, apex avian predators, with large spatial needs that result in low densities and, therefore, small population sizes per unit area. These features, together with its cooperative breeding and other com plex social structures, combine to produce a naturally slow rate of reproduction and recruitment. Added to this, the species faces many anthropogenic threats, each growing in scale as human population growth expands across sub-equatorial Africa.

Consistent with section 43(2) of NEMBA, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) has been identified as the suitable lead-implementing agent for the draft Biodiversity Management Plan for Southern Ground-Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri), supported by Mabula Ground-hornbill project and Birdlife South Africa.

Members of the public are invited to submit written comments on the Draft Biodiversity Management Plan for Southern Ground-hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) within 30 (thirty) days from the date of publication of the notice in the Gazette or in the newspaper, whichever date is the last date, to any of the following addresses: By post to: The Director General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment

Maindis’ killer striker, So phie Magoro. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Ndamulelo “Messie” Muthumuni (right) of Munaca, with Mashudu Mudau ready to inter cept. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

vs Mighty FC, Tubatse United vs The Dolphins FC, Eleven Fast Tigers vs City Motors and Tzaneen United vs PJ Stars.

Vondwe XI Bullets’ top strik er, Lucky Mutshotsho. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Mpheni Home Defenders’ striker, Gift Nemutandani (right), with Xolile Zotha waiting for any mistake. Photo: Kaizer Nen govhela.

Coach Ferreira now with Lidoda duvha

By Frank Mavhungu

Following his resignation as head coach of Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC (TTM) last week, Mr Johnny Ferreira revealed the reason that propelled him to say goodbye to the club.

Ferreira cited the club’s financial position as the only factor that had forced him to terminate his relationship with the Tshakhuma side with immediate effect.

During an interview with the 65-year-old mentor, he said that working at TTM had been pretty good in the first two months after his appointment to the position of head coach in the beginning of July. According to him, the club’s financial problems only started two months ago. He said that he had received his salary the past two months in bits and pieces.

Ferreira said that the club’s financial constraints had affected the team’s performance to a large extent as the players had not received their salaries in time, while others had only been paid a fraction of their salaries. That resulted in the team’s losing four league games in succession. Their last victory was against Cape Town Spurs, whom they had beaten 1-0.

The former Venda Football Academy head coach said that for him to tell the players to give their best on the field under those circumstances had been difficult. Honouring most of his financial commitments as a family man over the past two months because of the financial position of the club had also been a strain.

The president of TTM, Mr Masala Mulaudzi, confirmed this week that the club was indeed experiencing some financial constraints.

Unlike many other coaches who battle to find a new job after they had parted ways with their employers, Ferreira took only a week to find a new coaching job. He is now the new head coach of Black Leopards.

According to the chairman of the club, Mr David Thidiela, Mr Ferreira’s contract with the club will expire at the end of the current season. Thidiela said that the Zimbabwean mentor, Mr Rodwell Dhlakama, would continue to work as a senior coach for the team, the position which he had been holding while Mr Joel Masutha was still the head coach of Lidoda duvha. Mr Masutha has since joined Venda Football Academy as an assistant coach.

The Prophet must try to assist and help rescue VFA

By Frank Mavhungu

As part of their many ways to try and change the team’s fortunes, Venda Football Academy (VFA) has bolstered the team’s technical staff by roping in the former head coach of Black Leopards FC, Mr Joel Masutha.

Masutha’s appointment came into effect on Monday this week. His appointment ends weeks of speculation that the club was planning to replace the current head coach of the team, Mr Simo Dladla, with Masutha.

The Prophet, as he is widely known, will serve as an assistant to Mr Dladla. According to the chairman of the club, Mr Itani Munzhelele, the current assistant coach, Mr Kabelo Sibiya, will continue to work as an assistant coach, together with Masutha. He said that Masutha’s employment contract with the club would lapse at the end of the season.

Masutha’s appointment follows a series of poor results for VFA over the past weeks. VFA are lying in the second-last position on the log standings with 10 points, which they had accumulated from 12 matches. They managed to win only three matches and shared the spoils on one occasion.

Asked whether his presence in the club would change the team’s fortunes in their future games, Mr Masutha was quick to mention that the team’s future looked bright. He reckoned that anything was still possible, when considering that the team had 18 matches to play before the end of the season. He said that their target was to win automatic promotion. “Should we fail to gain automatic pro-

motion, we shall settle for the promotional playoffs,” he said.

Masutha said that what he had observed during his short stay at the club was that VFA had assembled the best squad this season. He did not rule out the possibility of beefing up the current squad with a striker or two when the transfer window opens in January.

VFA started the season on a sad note, winning only one of their first five games. This prompted the club to fire the head coach, Mr Michael Loftman. Mr Kabelo Sibiya took over as a caretaker coach for the team. The team’s fortunes did not change under Kabelo and the club was forced to appoint the former head coach for Richards Bay FC, Mr Simo Dladla, to the position of head coach.

Mavhungu

Mr Joel “The Prophet” Masutha.

Photo: Frank

Mpheni Home Defenders are ready to take on Amaberethe FC from Mpumalanga in their Nedbank Cup clash that will be played at the Tsakane Stadium in Gauteng on Sunday. The winner will qualify for the last-32 stage of the prestigious Nedbank Cup. The tournament caters for 16 teams from the PSL DSTV league teams and eight teams from the Motsepe Foundation Championship league, as well as eight teams from the Safa teams. Mpheni’s head coach, Mr Vhutshilo Phuravhathu, said that they had had enough time to prepare for the big event and he was confident that they would use their game as a stepping stone to proceed to the next round. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

Mr Johnny Ferreira. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.