Limpopo Mirror 27 January 2022

BEST-SELLING LOCAL NEWSPAPER IN LIMPOPO

Body of missing 15-year-old girl found in mealie field at Tshiozwi

By Kaizer Nengovhela

The Tshilwavhusiku police are investigating the murder of a 15-year-old girl, whose body was found by passers-by in a mealie field at Tshiozwi early on Monday morning (23 January).

Lugisani Phosa was a Grade 10 learner at Manaledzi High School.

Provincial police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed the incident, saying that the girl might have been raped before she was stabbed to death. “She had several stab wounds to her body and died as a result of this,” he said.

The police have opened cases of rape and murder.

The local community members are stunned by the brutal way in which Lugisani was murdered, and parents are left frightened and concerned over the safety of their children.

One of the family members, Mr Rofhiwa Phosa, said they are still trying to come to terms with Lugisani’s death. “The incident has really affected us. It will take a long time to get over this, but we put our trust in the police. We pray that the suspect will be found, even if we will never get our beloved Lugisani back,” he said.

Mojapelo urged community members with information to come forward. “We are appealing to the community to cooperate with the police, so

that the culprit can be arrested,” he said.

By Elmon Tshikhudo and Maanda Bele

Communities living on the outskirts of Musina are fearful of venturing outside their homes, because they believe a pride of lions is roaming the area. Whether lions are really lurking in the bushes is difficult to say, but the tension only increased when people started circulating false news about lion attacks in other parts of the region.

Late in December last year, a lion was spotted on the R572 road, next to the Mapungubwe National Park. This lion had escaped through a hole in the fence. A video distributed on social media on 2 January shows how park rangers used their vehicles to guide the male lion back to the “other side” of the fence.

Mapungubwe, however, is

some 70 kilometres to the west of Musina. That lions from this park would have ventured so

far from the area that they are accustomed to is unlikely.

(Continues on page 2)

Fifteen-year-old Lugisani Phosa from Tshiozwi. Photo supplied.

Thulamela Municipality’s mayor, Sarah Rammbuda (middle), congratulates two of Mbilwi High School’s top learners who passed with flying colours. On her left is Livhuwani Sidebi and on her right is Orifha Tshikororo. They were photographed at The Ranch Hotel on 20 January during the official announcement of Limpopo’s matric results. Orifha Tshikororo obtained 300/300 for mathematics, while Livhuwani Sidebi obtained 300/300 for physical science. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

The photo used alongside the fake news story of a man that was supposedly killed by a lion in Ha-Lambani. The picture is an old one that often gets used by people who run “clickbait” websites.

For comedian Livhu it never rains, but pours

By Elmon Tshikhudo

The old adage that it never rains but it pours seems to be true for businessman and comedian Livhuwani Madadzhe, popularly known as SABC Livhu.

Madadzhe made the headlines repeatedly the past year but not always for the right reasons. Towards the end of last year, the popular Tshivenda comedian was arrested and charged with assaulting his wife, Ms Lindelani Nengovhela. He subsequently appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court, where he was released on R1 000 bail. He is due to appear again on Friday, 27 January.

This, however, was not the last of the bad news to follow Madadzhe. On Sunday evening, 15 January, he

Bishop Hlungwane dies in freak accident

By Kaizer Nengovhela

was at home when he had a close encounter with a huge snake. He managed to kill the snake, apparently a cobra, before it could cause any harm.

The following day, while still recovering from the shock, Madadzhe received a phone call from his office staff at Thohoyandou. Faeces was found on sofas in the office.

He now lives in fear and believes that jealous people who cannot stand the idea of his progressing and prospering in life are behind the bad and shocking incidents.

“The past three years have not been good for me. Me and my wife would just fight over nothing and after some time all [differences] would be settled and life goes on. I have a strong belief that this is manmade demon [meant] to destabilise our family. Some bad people with deadly intentions are behind these incidents,” he said.

Madadzhe said that he had used his God-given talent and skills to succeed in life. “I have achieved so much in life, having built my family a decent and well-furnished house. I also drive a big Audi and I have no doubt my success is giving jealous people sleepless nights and they have teamed up with one intention - to see my demise,” he said.

He promised that all these things would not distract him and that he would be pushing forward more than ever before.

Family, friends and congregants are mourning the tragic death of wellknown Bishop Wilson Hlungwane (68) of the Shekinah Tabernacle Church. Hlungwane was killed in a freak accident when the tree he was cutting down fell on him. The

accident occurred at his home in Louis Trichardt last Thursday (19 January).

Hlungwane was a member of the Louis Trichardt Council of Churches. His son, Mr Lufuno Hlungwane, confirmed the sad news. “It is true that our beloved had passed on. It came as a shock to all of us.”

Lufuno said that, although the family members were in deep mourning, they comforted themselves with the fact that Hlungwane had touched many lives during his lifetime. “His love for the community came first before anything else. He was loved by many and created a very long chain of friends who loved his frank way of life. To our family, he was a pillar of strength. His departure is a terrible loss to us, the church, and the Makhado community,” he said.

The Makhado Municipality’s mayor, Cllr Samuel Munyai, sent his condolences to the Hlungwane family.

“Bishop Hlungwane participated in many of the municipality’s programmes and supported government initiatives through thick and thin. We feel very sad when we continue to lose community builders like him because this leaves our municipality poorer,” Munyai said.

Police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed that the police are investigating the incident in which Bishop Hlungwane died.

A funeral service will be held for Bishop Hlungwane at his home in New Town, Louis Trichardt, on Saturday, 28 January. The service starts at 06:00.

Security guard kidnapped by armed robbers

By Victor Mukwevho

A security guard from Tshitavha tsha

Sambandou had a close shave after he was kidnapped by armed robbers while he was on duty at Tshitavha Bar Lounge in the early hours of Sunday, 22 January.

Tshimangadzo Mukhinindi said that at around 01:15, he was sitting next to patrons who were drinking beer when two armed robbers in a white Toyota Etios barged in. The men walked straight up to him and demanded that

he give them his cellphone and the keys to the bar lounge.

“They produced firearms and demanded the keys. I told them that I didn’t have the keys to the bar, so they forced me into the boot of their car. While I was lying in the boot, I heard several gunshots. They sped away with me still in the boot. They stopped at Sambandou Diambele and threatened to shoot me if I didn’t give them the keys to the bar, but again I told them that I didn’t have it. Then they instructed me to run without looking back, so I ran as fast as I could to Tshitavha,” he

said.

When he got back to the bar lounge, he found that one of the patrons, Dakalo Mundalamo, had been shot in the leg. The police and EMS were called, and the injured man was rushed to hospital.

Police spokesperson Constable Vuledzani Dathi said they were investigating a case of kidnapping and attempted murder. “We appeal to members of the community who can assist with information about the whereabouts of the robbers to contact the nearest police station,” he said.

Panic sets in as rumours of more roaming lions spread

(From page 1)

Last Wednesday (18th), residents from the Antonvilla township near Musina reported that four lions had been spotted in the bushes. The tracks of a lion were also allegedly spotted near the Musina Mberegeni Cemetery earlier this week. This caused widespread panic and the authorities were called in to investigate. Residents believed that the lions had crossed the border and come from Zimbabwe.

Community leader Mr Oupa Tshitaka said that lions had actually

loved ones.

Earlier this week, a voice note was circulated widely on social media, in which a lady pleads for assistance after spotting the lion. The animal was allegedly spotted near the Musina spirulina plant. What was determined later was that she had seen a big dog and not a lion. This was confirmed by the municipality’s spokesperson, Mr Wilson Dzebu. “It is very disturbing and misleading,” he said.

The Limpopo Economic Development Environment and Tourism spokesperson Mr Zaid Kalla confirmed that they had received reports about roaming lions and that the animals had not been found yet. “As soon as we received the complaint, we immediately dispatched our officials, who have searched everywhere, but no lions

To add to the tension, a fake message started to do the rounds last Thursday of a lion attack at Ha-Lambani village. Ha-Lambani village is some 160 kilometres from Musina, not far from the Kruger National Park’s Punda Maria gate. Mafhungo A Shango kha Bodo ya Maswa ), a warning is issued to people to stay indoors. The post reads (translated from

We have just received the sad news that 8 lions escaped from the Kruger National Park this afternoon. A lion killed an unknown Tsonga man on a bicycle at Ha-Lambani near the Mavhoini church. It is alleged that the lion

attacked him as he was busy riding his bicycle and he started screaming until one of the community members came with a gun and shot the lion. Sadly, the man died at the scene.

The post then goes into more detail as to when the incident occurred and where the other lions had fled to. It even urges people to phone people in villages close to Ha-Lambani and warn them about the imminent danger. The police are blamed for not responding. “We are still following this story,” the author states.

To try and add authenticity to the story, a picture was posted of a man lying on the ground next to his bicycle with a lion next to him. This fake news story was shared more than 866 times, with 658 reactions and 523 comments, and sparked unnecessary terror among local communities.

A reverse-image search on Google shows that the picture used is not a new image. It features very often on “clickbait” sites, where unsuspecting

(and gullible) readers are enticed to click on a sensational article.

Several community leaders have warned against the dangers of spreading such false news. They point out that it can traumatise people and will also cause the unnecessary use of government resources to try and track down fictitious dangerous animals.

Chief Patrick Lambani of Ha-Lambani village said earlier this week that the rumours about a pride of lions that had escaped from the Kruger National Park (KNP) and attacked a Tsonga man in his village were nothing but fake news and people must stop spreading these stories immediately.

According to Chief Lambani, his village is surrounded by wild animals from the KNP and Makuya Park. “We are used to wild animals like elephants, buffalo and other wild animals, but not lions. There are no lions here. People just love spreading lies about my village. This story is false,” he said, clearly upset about the rumours.

Community members and wildlife officials searched for the lions that were spotted in Musina but have still not been found. Photo supplied.

Popular comedian SABC Livhu holding the snake that he killed at his house. With him in the photo is his daughter, Muofhe. Photo supplied.

Bishop Wilson Hlungwane of the Shekinah Tabernacle Church in Louis Trichardt was tragically killed after the tree he was cutting down fell on him. Photo supplied.

Suspended TTM coach arrested on charges of assault, kidnapping and pointing firearm

By Maanda Bele and Frank Mavhungu

The recently suspended coach of Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM), Lucky “King Muchincha” Nelukau, is still in custody and will appear in court again on Friday(27th) on charges of assault, pointing of a firearm and kidnapping.

Top awards for Rivoni School for the Blind

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Tshepo Makwela (19), Ponagatsho Moripa and Mpho Tshishonga from Rivoni School for The Blind near Elim made their school very proud when the province’s Grade 12 matric results were announced on 20 January.

Tshepo was named the Top Candidate in the Public Special School category, with six distinctions attained, while Ponagatsho followed in second place with four distinctions and Mpho in third place with two distinctions.

Over the years, the school has produced a 100% pass rate with very limited resources and poor conditions and facilities.

Tshepo was humbly elated about his achievement, saying that his family had been very supportive of his education. He was very excited when he was invited to the breakfast function of Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga with the 30 top learners in South Africa on 19 January.

“I was extremely happy, and I thank God for his unconditional love. I didn’t expect to be a top learner. Matric was sometimes draining. I would get depressed, but I kept myself motivat ed. I used to start my day early, so that I could be ahead; I guess I did catch the fattest worm,” he smiled.

“I managed to achieve such excellent results because of my dedication, drive, passion and my hunger for success. And I also want to put it out there that just because you are disabled doesn’t mean you cannot succeed in something,” Tshepo said.

“To this year’s matric class, my advice would be to work hard. Matric is not child’s play. They must sacrifice everything, don’t go to parties, and focus. If you put pressure on yourself now, you can have pleasure later.”

Tshepo is going to the University of Johannes burg, where he applied to the faculty of educa tion. His dream is to become a teacher and help others like himself.

The principal of the school, Ms Conny Maba so, said that compassion, patience and love were key ingredients in facilitating learners’ academic growth. She attributed the success of the school to the teamwork, commitment and passion of the teachers and support staff.

“Love is everything, and when disabled learn

ers know that they are loved and appreciated, they tend to give their all and study even harder.

Over the years, the experience I gathered working with special-needs learners has taught me to always practice patience while teaching them, which I believe is something my colleagues also do. Most of the learners take their education seriously because they know it is vital for their future success and

The 42-year-old coach first appeared in the Vuwani Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 23 January, and the case was postponed to the next day. When he appeared on Tuesday, the case was again postponed to Friday, for a formal bail hearing.

Nelukau is facing charges of assault GBH (grievous bodily harm), pointing of a firearm, and kidnapping. The incident that led to his arrest happened in Tshakhuma Mulangaphuma on Thursday, 19 January. Nelukau was arrested the next day.

According to the police, the complainant is Bono Lovers Mudau. The acting police spokesperson in the Vhembe region, Sergeant Vuledzani Dathi, said the victim had been on his way home from visiting a friend in Tshakhuma on Thursday when a bakkie had stopped next to him and an altercation had occurred.

Sgt Dathi said that the complainant alleged that Lucky Nelukau, who had been a passenger in the bakkie, had jumped out of the vehicle and produced a firearm, which he had pointed at Mudau. The driver of the bakkie, whom Mudau did not recognise, was wearing a soldier’s uniform. The driver allegedly also got out of the vehicle and

ing to shoot him.

According to the police report, Mudau was assaulted before he was forcibly taken to Nelukau’s house. He alleges that he was further assaulted with a golf stick and tied up with ropes. He was allegedly only rescued when Nelukua’s brother arrived and intervened. Mudau then escaped and ran away. “The victim was [later] taken to Tshilidzini Hospital by an ambulance as he was badly injured,” said Sgt Dathi.

Over the weekend, TTM’s management released an official statement, confirming that the coach had been suspended, pending the criminal case’s outcome.

“Mr Nelukau is suspended on a precautionary basis as coach of Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC, pending an investigation into his developing personal matter with the South Africa Police Services,” the statement reads.

In their first game without their coach, TTM were humiliated 5-0 by JDR Stars. The caretaker coach, Ricardo Miriri, was in charge of the team.

In an interview after the game, the team’s president, Mr Masala Mulaudzi, said Nelukau

problem. “We have to leave everything in the hands of the authorities. I don’t want to comment on that one. I was not there,” Mulaudzi said.

When asked about the coach’s future at the team, he said: “He (Nelukau) didn’t do anything wrong to the team. He is still our darling, but for now we are leaving everything to the authorities.”

TTM’s suspended coach, Lucky “King

Premier Stan Mathabatha (left), Rivoni School for the Blind’s top learner Tshepo Makwela and Priest William Lesese of the St Engenas ZCC. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

Two of Rivoni School for The Blind’s top learners: Ponagatsho Moripa (left) attained four distinctions, while Mpho Tshishonga attained two distinctions. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

Another top year for Mbilwi High

By Silas Nduvheni

Vhembe District’s legendary school Mbilwi Secondary has done it yet again by being rated the best-performing public school in Limpopo Province, based on the school’s matric results of last year.

The school in the Vhembe East Circuit has a proud history stretching over several decades of being a top-performing school, not only in the province, but also in the country.

When the 2022 matric results were announced last Friday (20th), Mbilwi’s name featured prominently. Not only did it take top honours as the best public school, but it also produced the best performing teachers in mathematics, physical sciences, life sciences and geography. The school produced the best results in the Club 100 in mathematics,

mathematics and physical sciences, and physical sciences.

The school’s 2022 Grade 12 learners produced 246 university exemptions, with an overall pass rate of 80.8% and altogether 635 distinctions.

The school principal, Mr Cedrick Nyambeni Lidzhade, was beaming with pride and said that this year’s matrics would have to work hard to maintain the standard. “We want to set the record straight to our matric class of 2023, that only hard work pays off. You will reap what you sow. We want all 476 Grade 12 learners this year to keep the standard that was set by last year’s group and continue to reach higher and higher.”

Two of the school’s learners did exceptionally well. Orifha Tshikororo obtained 300/300 for mathematics, while Livhuwani Sidebi obtained 300/300

for physical science.

“We have strong foundations here at Mbilwi, starting from the lower grades. We pay close attention from Grade 8 to Grade 12, making sure that we complete the syllabus and continuously access their performances. We also have enrichment programmes in all the grades, paying special attention to maths and science, and that is why Mbilwi has been excelling in maths and science since the school was established in 1979,” said Lidzhade.

He said that no learner at his school was allowed to linger around and outside the school premises during periods, and that this was another reason why Mbilwi was rated the best, because they believed in discipline and maintaining order.

Lidzhade briefed the media on Monday, 23 January, when the school’s star learners and educators were awarded certificates and trophies from the provincial department of education.

“Mbilwi qualifies for the elite prestigious Club 100, where a school produces 100 or more candidates who pass mathematics and physical science at 50% or more. Hundred-and seventeen learners in this school obtained 50% or more in mathematics and physical science and we are proud of their achievements,” he said.

Family finally gets to bury Pfunzo

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Hundreds of community members, learners and teachers finally got to pay their last respects to 11-year-old Pfunzo Makuya of Phadzima Dzumbathoho, nearly two months after her death.

Pfunzo, a Grade 6 learner at Tondani Primary School, went missing in November last year after her mother had sent her to the local shoemaker. She was never seen alive again. News of her disappearance was reported to the local traditional leader and to the police, and a missing-person’s docket was registered. Ten days later, a body was found in the nearby Mutshedzi Dam.

Her body had been lying in a cold mortuary fridge ever since as the family waited for the DNA results that would determine whether the deceased was related to the family. These results, which only came back from Polokwane on 10 January, confirmed that the body was that of Pfunzo.

The local civic association’s chairperson, Mr Joseph Mulaudzi, urged parents to be responsible and look after their children. He said the community had had enough of killings. “We are doing all we can to make people aware of the crimes that are happening in their midst. The police are not doing anything to apprehend the criminals, but we seem to be fighting a losing

battle because people prefer to keep quiet.”

The deputy principal of Tondani Primary, Ms Ester Makhado, said they were deeply saddened by Pfunzo’s death as she had been a cheerful little girl who had been brilliant at school. She urged the community to stand up and ensure that the lives of children were kept safe.

Pfunzo’s uncle, Mr Masala Makuya, said they had accepted what had happened, although they were worried about rumours that the little girl had been ritually murdered. “We don’t know where they got this information, because the girl’s body parts were all intact when she was found,” he said.

Young man dies after allegedly being beaten by security guards

By Silas Nduvheni

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN IN TERMS OF SECTION 19 OF THE MUNICIPAL SYSTEMS ACT NO.32 OF 2000 THAT VHEMBE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL BE HOLDING AN ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING AS FOLLOWS:

DATE: 30 JANUARY 2023

VENUE: VHEMBE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY COUNCIL CHAMBER TIME: 14h00

THE SPEAKER CLLR NKONDO T.F. HEREBY INVITES MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND ALL STAKEHOLDERS.

CONTACT PERSON: SPEAKER: CLLR NKONDO T.F 015 960 2000

Members of the Nemukula family from Tshidongololwe, under the Thengwe Tribal Authority, are still seeking answers from the local Mutale police and a group of security guards from Oshamu Security and Trading, known as Tshiswole, after two brothers of the family were allegedly kidnapped and hit with sjamboks by the security guards. One of the brothers survived the attack, while the other one was beaten to death.

One of the victims, Mr Michael Nemukula (32), said he was lucky to survive after a group of people, allegedly members of the so-called Tshiswole, showed up at his girlfriend’s house in Makonde last Thursday night (19th). He alleged that the men had forcefully taken him away and started beating him with sjamboks. The men were demanding to know the whereabouts of his younger brother, Lerrick Nemukula, refusing to let him go unless he showed them Lerrick’s homestead in Tshidongololwe that night. The Tshiswole seemingly believed Lerrick to be involved in a case of malicious damage to property in the area.

At that time, Lerrick (30) was also wanted by the police in Mutale for breaching his parole restrictions. He was arrested for assault and sentenced to three months in prison, of which he had served one month. He was given parole by

the Thohoyandou Correctional Services, but breached the conditions when the parole officers could not find him at home during a routine visit.

“I went to my homestead of Tshidongololwe village with the group of Tshiswole. Lerrick was found sleeping in his room that night and the guards forcefully took him too. I was feeling dizzy from the beating. My nose was full of blood. The Tshiswole beat Lerrick really hard, like they were trying to kill a dangerous snake. They used broom sticks, sjamboks and snooker sticks that belonged to my brother that they found in the house,” Michael said.

“We as a family are shocked about what had happened, asking ourselves, if Lerrick was wanted by the police in Mutale, why was the private security company looking for him? Had the police assigned the Tshiswole to find him?” Michael wanted to know.

The managing director of Oshamu Security Trading, Vhamusanda Nyadzeni Ravhura, who also claims to be the acting traditional leader of Makonde village, has denied that members of his security company were involved in the kidnapping and assaulting of the two Nemukula brothers.

Acting Vhembe SAPS spokesperson Sgt Vuledzani Dathi confirmed that the Mutale police had opened an inquest, which had later been changed to a case of murder after Lerrick had died from his injuries.

“At about 23:00 on Thursday

night, 19 January, a suspect (Lerrick Nemukula) was brought to the Mutale Police Station by a private security company, known as Tshiswole, as they alleged that he was a suspect in a malicious-damage-to-property case. After detention at about 23:30, the suspect started to vomit and was taken to the Donald Fraser Hospital for medical treatment under police guard. On Friday, 20 January, at about 05:30, he died. His next of kin (mother and older brother) were informed and taken to the Tshilidzini Forensic [facility] for body identification,” said Dathi.

At the time of our going to press, no arrests had been made in connection with Lerrick’s death. He will be buried in the Tshidongololwe graveyard on Saturday, 28 January.

CLLR NKONDO T.F

The principal of high-riding Mbilwi Secondary School, Mr Cedrick Nyambeni Lidzhade (second from left in blue pull-over jersey) and some of the teachers and current Grade 12 learners show their excitement about the school’s good performance in 2022. Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

The deceased, Lerrick Nemukula of Tshidongololwe village. Photo supplied.

During the funeral service of 11-year-old Pfunzo Makuya of Phadzima Dzumbathoho, her fellow learners at Tondani Primary School displayed their placards with written messages. Photo supplied.

Lack of transport puts learners’ lives at risk

By Kaizer Nengovhela

The failure by the Limpopo Department of Education to provide learners with transport is becoming a serious concern for parents across Vhembe, who fear for their children’s lives. They say that, since the start of the school year on 11 January, no scholar transport had taken place in various areas.

Some of the learners from Bennde in Mutale and the surrounding area in Niani still have to walk long distances to school. One of the parents, Mr Rackson Mukhotho, said that their children travelled great distances to school while the department’s promises to provide them with transport had yet to materialise.

“This matter hurts us because our children walk far distances from the hostel to school and get robbed on

their way.” He said that some learners in the area walked more than 25 kilometres to school and 25 kilometres back.

One learner (girl), who did not want her name to be mentioned, said the journey to and from school made them feel very unsafe. “Men like touching us. Once, as we walked back from school, a boy was beaten up by other boys. They like to call to us, force us into sex and when we don’t want to, they chase after us. We just leave our books behind and run. And if we have phones and money, they take them from us,” she said.

Another learner, Thanganedzo Ndou, complained about the distance.

“I wake up at 04:00 every morning and leave for school at 05:00, when it is still dark. I walk to school with my schoolmates. We cross the Mutale river and walk through the thick bushes. We arrive at school at 06:30 for morning

classes. Most of the time we don’t finish our homework at home because we are tired. On wet days we stay at home because there is no way we can concentrate in class while our clothes are wet. Sometimes it’s hard to concentrate because I feel tired,” he said.

The Limpopo Department of Education’s spokesperson, Mr Mike Maringa, said that they were aware that some learners had not had transport since the schools had opened. He said that the department had experienced delays, but that they had appointed service providers across the province.

The SGB chairperson of Fhetani High, Mr Samuel Baloyi, told Limpopo Mirror that most learners walked four hours to and from school every day.

“As a result, many learners quit school when they reach high school because they can’t cope with the long distances and effort to get to school.”

One man’s trash is the treasure of another man

By Bernard Chiguvare

The saying goes that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. This is very literally the case at the waste dumps near Musina, where trash collectors try to eke out a living by recycling plastic and glass. Not much “treasure” to be found, but it keeps them alive.

On the morning of Monday, 23 January, Innocent Mwenewazvo was busy stacking empty plastic bottles into a heap, while his wife collected some more plastic products and empty soda cans for recycling from the spot where they usually find these items.

materials. They take almost two weeks to collect a mere 50kg of empty cans or plastic bottles, which are then sold to South African buyers. To anyone else, this may seem like a lot of trouble for little reward, but to them, this has been their way of living for years. It gives them a purpose - staying alive.

Friends and family members said their final goodbyes to the late Vho-Muvhulawa Mutobvu (96) of Tshisaulu village, just outside Thohoyandou, during her funeral service, held in Tshisaulu village on Saturday, 21 January. Mutobavu, who was the mother of Thulamela Municipality’s spokesperson, Mr Nndwamato Tshiila (third from right in the back row in the photo), died on 12 January after a long illness. She was buried in the Tshisaulu graveyard. Mutobavu will be fondly remembered for the role she had played throughout her life - not only as mother to her own children, but also in her community. Photographed during the unveiling of her tombstone are her children, grandchildren, and other family members.

Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

Lufule’s learners motivated to work hard

Well-known local businessman and philanthropist from Lufule village Mr Richard Hangwani of Hangwani Funerals was invited to the rural Lufule Primary School along the Punda Maria road on Friday, 13 January, to offer some motivation to the young learners. They were encouraged to work hard at their lessons as education holds the key to a better life. Some of the learners also received new school uniforms, shoes and school bags from Hangwani, which he believes will motivate them to work hard. In the photo, Lufule Primary School’s principal, Ms Sarah Ravele (far left in the front row, in black dress) and Hangwani (far right in the back row), pose with some of the learners with their new school uniforms, shoes and bags. Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

Mwenewazvo and his wife are among the many Zimbabweans who make a living through recycling. Some of them have been doing recycling at the Beitbridge Border Post (on the Zimbabwean side) since 2017, but eventually decided to relocate to South Africa instead as they claim business is more viable here than in Zimbabwe. In the past, after they had collected their empty containers, they had to carry everything to the South African side to sell it to the waste buyers. Now they do not have to go to the trouble anymore.

Most of these waste pickers sleep under makeshift shelters made from cardboard boxes and plastic

“There is more waste to collect on the South African side at Beitbridge than on the Zimbabwean side,” said Mwenewazvo. The waste-picking business, he says, is normally at its peak on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, when Zimbabweans travel to South Africa in large numbers to do their shopping. “We are not usually busy on a Sunday. This is the day when we crush empty cans and heap them all in one place, so that we are ready whenever buyers come,” said Mwenewazvo.

Collen Marimo (43) is a father of three. He told Limpopo Mirror that he used to work as a garden boy back in Harare, Zimbabwe, but he lost his job two years ago. “After losing my job, I decided to start collecting waste materials at Beitbridge (on the Zimbabwean side). This is the only means of putting food on the table for my family back home.”

Marimo says he is praying to be formally employed again in Zimbabwe one day.

LEFT: On Monday, 2 January, Tswime Secondary School’s Class of 1987 gathered at the home of Mr Nthangeni Nelson Netshisahulu, their beloved former principal, to thank and honour him for the work he had done. Netshisahulu was principal of Tswime High for over 35 years, and the impact he made on the school and its learners has been immeasurable over the years.

Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

Innocent Mwenewazvo, busy stacking empty plastic containers into a heap before he can start packing them into bags.

Photo: Bernard Chiguvare.

Innocent Mwenewazvo and his wife Linea Muchekeza, busy crushing empty soda cans for recycling. Photo: Bernard Chiguvare.

Vhembe’s top Grade 12 achievers for 2022 praised as they move on

By Silas Nduvheni

The executive mayor of Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), Dowelani Nenguda, called the district’s top Grade 12 achievers for 2022 “shining stars” and said they were exceedingly proud of the learners’ astonishing achievements.

Nenguda was speaking on Saturday, 21 January, during the Vhembe

District’s farewell function for 2022’s top Grade 12 achievers who will be going to their various institutions of higher learning. The function was held in the Vhembe TVET College Hall in Makwarela. Other guests included Thulamela Mayor Sarah Rammbuda, the chairperson of the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) Judge Joe Raulinga and various sponsors, such as the Tshivhase Development Foundation

President Ramaphosa pays tribute to Amos Mbedzi

By Victor Mukwevho

Trust.

“We want to produce professionals, like engineers, chartered accountants and land surveyors, right here in the Vhembe District, who will contribute to the development of our communities.

As you are now going to institutions of higher learning, like universities and colleges, self-discipline should always guide you throughout your years of learning,” said Nenguda.

He advised the 25 learners to spend their bursary funds wisely on study materials and nothing else. He said for them to learn how to manage their own budgets was important as they would not be living with their parents.

Vhembe East’s director, Mr Gerson Rambiyana, was delighted with the matriculants’ good performance, saying that the good results were symbolic of the learners’ and educators’ hard work. Rambiyana said they were also very proud that the province’s top three schools, namely Mbilwi, Tshivhase and Thengwe, were all from Vhembe District.

The family members of the late former Umkhonto We Sizwe combatant Amos Mbulaheni

Mbedzi said that they were very happy that ANC and South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa had finally paid tribute to their loved one. This was during Ramaphosa’s deliverance of the ANC’s statement on 8 January this year.

former Angolan president Eduardo do Santos, which means he is regarded as one of the internationally known freedom fighters, like Che Guevara,” he said.

Born and raised at Ha-Luvhimbi, about 30 kilometres north of Thohoyandou, the late Mbedzi was a member of the South African Communist Party (SACP) too. When operating underground in Swaziland, he also joined the Communist Party of Swaziland. Mbedzi was arrested in Swaziland and sentenced to 85 years in jail. He died last year while undergoing surgery at a hospital in Polokwane, barely two months after he was handed over to the South African prison authorities to serve the remainder of his 85-year jail sentence.

Musina’s small businesses ask BMH Africa to include them in local contracts

By Bernard Chiguvare

Last Friday, 20 January, the owners of several small businesses in Musina marched to BMH Africa to hand over a memorandum of demands. BMH Africa is a company specialising in construction, engineering design and project management services for infrastructure projects in the mining, municipal and private infrastructure sectors. The company has been contracted by the De Beers company to do projects in Musina since 2011.

During Friday’s march, certain members of the local small-business community complained that they were being overlooked regarding the hiring of subcontractors. BMH Africa is currently busy with a construction project a couple of kilometres outside Musina. The project commenced last year.

According to Mr Peter Jack, who joined the group of protesters, they had been trying to find clarity as to why they had been left out of this project but in vain.

The protesters were all transported from the Nancefield community hall to where BMH Africa is busy working on the construction site. Mr Jan Ndou, who is also in the construction industry, proceeded to read the memorandum. The protesters demanded that Musina’s small businesses be subcontracted in all construction projects implemented in the area.

The memorandum was received and signed by Mr Christoff Pretorius from BMH Africa, who promised that the company would respond within seven working days.

In response, BMH Africa said they had always been known for sustainable implementation of construction projects in Musina. Since 2011, they, together with the De Beers group, have been presenting community skills development programmes that include bricklaying, plastering and carpentry. Twenty-four semi-skilled employees have been trained and offered the opportunity to obtain certificates in their respective trades, BMH Africa said.

The Tshivhase Development Foundation Trust presented each of the learners with R5 000 pocket money. Vhamusanda Muelekanyi Tshivhase, who did the honours, said their great pleasure as royal leaders was to encourage and reward the learners who had worked so hard with funds to help them advance their education.

Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

The Vhembe District’s top learner, Portia Rambevha (in the front row), is flanked by Thulamela Mayor Sarah Rammbuda (on her left) and the executive mayor of the Vhembe District Municipality, Dowelani Nenguda (on her right). Portia received R20 000, sponsored by the Thavhani Mall. Also in the photo are some of the other top learners, officials and donors.

Mbedzi’s younger brother, Rudzani Mbedzi, who is a freedom fighter in his own right, said things had changed when president Ramaphosa had become the president of the ANC and government. “During Jacob Zuma’s time as president, some members of both the ANC and the SACP distanced themselves from Amos Mbedzi when he was incarcerated in Swaziland. When we approached them to help in facilitating his release from the dreadful King Mswati’s regime, they never helped us. It was a very painful journey for the family, especially when visiting him in jail in Swaziland, because King Mswati also denied Amos the right to receive medical care,” he said.

“But when President Ramaphosa took over, he asked the Justice and Correctional Services minister Ronald Lamola to start talking to Mswati’s regime until his brother was brought back to the country. We are pleased that the president has now paid tribute to him with the likes of

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The late Amos Mbedzi’s younger brother, Cde Rudzani Mbedzi. Photo: Victor Mukwevho.

Representatives of small businesses from Musina marched to BMH Africa on Friday, 20 January, to hand over a memorandum of demands. The protesters want the company to include them regarding the hiring of subcontractors for projects in and around Musina. Photo: Bernard Chiguvare.

Lutendo Faith Muthala (19 was crowned Miss Khubvi Beauty Queen 2022. The beauty pageant was held at the Living Water Christian Church on Reconciliation Day (16 December). In last week’s edition of Limpopo Mirror, an incorrect picture was used, for which we apologise. Muthala is a final-year student at the University of Venda and only started competing in beauty pageants early in 2022. Muthala has also started her own social campaign, called Restore Your Integrity with Faith, which has already helped more than 2 000 girls around the Vhembe District from poor backgrounds with sanitary towels.

Miss Lim 2023 semi-finalist wants to spread the message of hope in her community

By Elmon Tshikhudo

Fhumulani

Christina Mau-

mela, a model who has now become a semi-finalist in the Miss Lim 2023 competition, believes she has what it takes to win the title.

This 20-year-old beauty is a devout Christian from Tshimbupfe Mavhulani village outside Vuwani and a third-year bachelor of science student at the University of Limpopo. Although she is relatively new in the modelling field, she has already made some impressive strides.

Fhumulani managed to reach the top 16 in the Miss Sports, Arts and Culture Limpopo 2022 competition, won the Miss Youth Polokwane 2022 title, and was crowned first princess in the Face of Polokwane 2022 pageant. She is very proud to have also made it to the semi-final of the Miss Lim 2023, which will take place later this year.

Fhumulani, who is an athlete and part-time model, says that entering the Miss Lim competition was a

blessing that has opened not only new avenues for her, but has also given her a new perspective on life. “My pageant career really only began a few months ago, but it has been such an amazing journey so far. I have achieved so much in this short space of time, and I am enlivened to have made it this far. Miss Lim has taught me that sometimes you must create what you want to be a part of. I make it a point to make time to give back to my community by assisting children in learning how to break from their own shells through sports, motivational talks and pageantry coaching.

“As my journey as a Miss Lim finalist continues, I will be visiting elderly people in my community who live alone to assist them with their household chores. Because I want to encourage the next generation to discover their own voice, push limits, and bravely take on all aspects of their lives, I live by the maxim ‘Accept who you are and revel in it!’ I am more than determined to make it in the final,” Fhumulani said.

Musina News

Livhuwani Jahlady Ramalivhana of Ngovhela village, near Sibasa, is one of the staunch local Rastafarian women who believe that peace in our country can still be restored through prayer. Ramalivhana, as well as her colleagues, does this through what they call overnight Sabbath observation and prayer services, which are conducted in different mountains around Vhembe every weekend.

Last weekend, Ramalivhana (34) spent the night up in the quiet Tshandama mountains in the Mutale area. She believes that her weekly prayer sessions will ultimately heal our land from corruption, women and child abuse, the high crime rate

and all the other challenges it faces.

“Every weekend, we visit an identified mountain where we observe the Sabbath and pray for our people. Our Sabbath starts at sunset on Friday and ends again at sunset on Saturday. We spend the whole Friday night praying and on Saturday morning we start preparing our special Rasta meals, which consist of fresh fruits, indigenous bush vegetables and porridge. We don’t eat meat and everything we eat does not contain salt. During the Sabbath observation, we only drink pure water from natural streams in the mountains and meditate as we smoke our weed. This helps to ease our minds after the whole night spent praying,” she says.

Ramalivhana says that although some people do not

accept her as a Rasta woman, she enjoys her life to the fullest. “Choosing a lifestyle and religion is all about personal choice. Those who think that Rastafarianism is only for men must think again. Our constitution guarantees equal rights for everyone and there is no need to look down upon other people. As a Rasta woman, I proudly enjoy smoking the herb, but I do it privately and responsibly. This is the life I have chosen for myself, and I believe Jah is happy about what I believe in. My wish is that more Rasta women come and join us every weekend as we observe Sabbath and pray to the Almighty Jah.”

Ramalivhana earns a living by crocheting and sewing Rasta attire, which she sells to the local Rasta community.

The power of print can make a huge difference to a butcher’s life

Entrepreneurs

The Limpopo Mirror serves as a community newspaper that provides insightful and interesting news to its readers, but by doing so it often also empowers community members from the region. One such example is Rudzani Colbert Khubana of Tshivhilwi village outside Thohoyandou, an informal entrepreneur we did a story on in March last year. Khubana told us then how, after he had been retrenched in 2017, he had come back home and started his own small business, cooking and selling pork next to the busy Mukula-Tshaulu Road.

Last week, we received a complimentary call from a very happy Khubana, who thanked the Limpopo Mirror for the exposure. He said that his business had taken off with a vengeance since the story appeared in the paper, completely changing his life.

“Your newspaper is very powerful! Just a day after

my article was published, people started flocking to my makeshift stall in numbers to support my business. My phone has not stopped ringing since, with people calling to say they saw me in the newspaper. I was also visited by many people who asked my advice on how to start their own small businesses. Some of them have already started their own businesses and they have reported to me that things are looking good.”

When we first did the story on Khubana, he used an axe to cut up the meat before cooking and selling it. Now he has his own meat-cutting saw. “I don’t have enough words to thank the Limpopo Mirror for publishing my story. My business is doing so well now. Not only could I buy my own meat-cutting saw, but I have also

been able to buy myself a car and refurbish my house. The Limpopo Mirror was like an angel who came from heaven to change my life. I wish the newspaper many years of prosperity and all their staff members good health, so that they can continue doing the good work of empowering our communities. Thank you, Limpopo Mirror, again and again,” said

Miss Lim 2023 finalist Fhumulani Christinah Maumela is reaching out to communities as part of her journey to stardom. Photo supplied.

Rastafarian Livhuwani Jahlady Ramalivhana, captured during Sabbath observation up in the Tshandama mountains last weekend. Photo supplied.

Rasta woman spends her weekends in mountains to pray for peace

Khubana.

Informal entrepreneur Rudzani Colbert Khubana also has his own meat-cutting saw these days.

Since the Limpopo Mirror covered Rudzani Colbert Khubana’s story last year, his small business has grown significantly. He has even been able to buy his own car and refurbish his house.

Art & Entertainment

Mutendas’ new gospel album pays tribute to his grandfather

By Elmon Tshikhudo

After close to 25 years in the music industry and with 30 albums under his belt, veteran musician Tendani Phillip Nephawe’s music continues to mature like good wine, getting better and better with time.

The artist, better known as Mutendas in Tshivenda soul circles, is back yet again, this time with a seven-track gospel offering titled Madimoni, which he released in December last year.

Madimoni follows the success of his previous offering, Ndi Ngasi Hangwe, in 2021 and, judging by the warm reception and massive airplay it is receiving, it will take Mutendas to a whole new level, with songs such as Madimoni (title track),

Yesaya 6 and Muthavhini among the fans’ favourites.

Mutendas said that, although he had taken the gospel route, he had not deviated from his usual sound. “I was born and raised in a religious family. My grandfather, Bishop Daniel Malala, was a very religious man of God who planted more than 26 churches all over Limpopo and beyond. He preached the old-time religion that led many to salvation and that is why I did this album and sang about him - to pay tribute to him,” he said. Mutendas said he was worried about today’s gospel which, in his opinion, was all about prosperity and wealth.

“People have forsaken God’s way and are now following false prophets in search of riches. Some even go to the extent of

keeping snakes for the love of instant money. Let us rather look to God for all our needs. He created us for a purpose and his time is the best,” Mutendas said.

Mutendas wrote all the songs on Madimoni himself, did the vocals and played the lead and rhythm guitars. Although the album will only be available from February this year, all his previous music is available on digital music platforms.

For bookings and copies of the new album, contact Mutendas directly on 079 906 6164.

Murovhi also part of the Nne Navhone show’s team

The evergreen Tshivenda music maestro Mutendas released another album. Photo supplied.

Mudau loves her job at Vhembe FM

By Kaizer Nengovhela Vhembe FM’s Mpho Phillicia Mu-

dau says she could not be happier in any other job.

community, you see, and we make sure that our show stays on top when it comes to the competition we get from other shows.”

Phalaphala FM’s former current-affairs producer and presenter, Tshimangadzo Lizzy Murovhi, will be responsible for producing and presenting the Nne Navhone show, along with the Lutendo and Vhurereli ha hashu programmes in future.

Murovhi has been presenting and producing the Lutendo show (an interfaith programme) and the Vhurereli ha hashu show (a religious show) since March last year. She now teams up with Rofhiwa Nethengwe for the Nne na Vhone show. The show airs Mondays to Fridays from 09:00 to 12:00.

Murovhi, born and bred in Tsianda village, attended primary school at Mutangwa Manugu Junior Primary School. She continued her school career at Mafharalala Senior Primary School and Khwevha Commercial High School and matriculated at the Pragmatic Centre for Science and Technology, where she was a member of the debate club. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in media studies at the University of Limpopo. She started her radio career in 2011 at Makhado FM as a Tshivenda and English news anchor and then became a news editor at the station in 2012.

In 2013, she joined Univen FM as a news anchor, and went on to join the SABC as presenter and producer of Phalaphala FM’s current affairs and Ndevhetsini programmes in 2014. In 2015, she joined the station’s news desk as a bulletin writer and reader.

Vhembe FM’s Mpho Phillicia Mudau. Photo supplied.

Mudau matriculated at Denga Tshivhase Secondary School, after which she enrolled at Jeppe College in Polokwane and completed her diploma in journalism and radio broadcasting. She started her journey at Musina FM in 2015 and stayed there until 2017. Last year she joined Vhembe FM, where she now works as news reporter and produces the community show Mutingati. The show is broadcast Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 13:00.

Mudau says media content should be aligned with what is actually happening out there. “It’s high time that, when the media industry considers hiring people, they hire people who are ready to make the necessary changes in the industry.”

Murovhi enjoys the opportunity to interact with the listeners. She sees herself as a self-motivated and a naturally hardworking person who adapts to change without hesitation. “As a hard worker, my personal objective is to establish myself in a dynamic environment where my theoretical knowledge and practical experience can be fully utilised.”

produces the community show

She shares some advice: “Nothing is more fulfilling than doing one’s work with love. I do not allow fame to go to my head, and I gave myself time to study. Teamwork is very important in life. Without teamwork, there is no productivity.”

She says she loves radio very much and enjoys her job thoroughly. “I start every day with fresh energy. I don’t see myself leaving radio for anything. Radio inspires and instils hope. It bridges the gap between the local communities and the world. With radio, we learn the difference between right and wrong. Radio has given me the opportunity to do something in my

the world. With radio, we learn wrong. Radio has given me the

Mudau says that radio journalism has taught her to always be prepared to learn. She is very thankful for the support she has received since her venture into the broadcasting industry. “I am who I am because of my listeners, and I will never forget to appreciate their continuous support. My achievements are through their constructive criticism and, with their support, I believe I will go far.”

Abraham’s art depicts traditional lifestyles

By Thembi Siaga

Abraham Mkumba from Tshikota

is widely praised for his beautiful African paintings that are not only appreciated by local art lovers but international tourists as well.

Originally from Masvingo, Zimbabwe, he relocated to South Africa in 2007 to seek a better life for himself and showcase his art, so he settled in Tshikota. Before long, people started noticing his extraordinary talent.

Mkumba has had a love of art since he was very young. When he was in Grade 4, back in 1988, an Australian tourist visited his school and saw a drawing by the young artist. The drawing was so exceptional that the tourist offered to buy it there and then. “I was encouraged to work more

on my craft, but I was already in this industry, doing sign art painting for different schools in Zimbabwe, so I never studied beyond Grade 12,” he said. Most of Mkumba’s work depicts traditional African life and how the local people live. “My clients love the African style and the stories my paintings convey. Many of them can even relate to them,” he said.

He hopes to encourage emerging local artists. He said that his talent was not put to use just for his own gain, but also to teach young people who were interested in art. “I’m already helping children and people who are keen to learn the arts. I am also eager to receive assistance from others who are willing to help me.”

Mkumba can be contacted on 064 335 5631.

Phalaphala FM’s Tshimangadzo Murovhi.

Photo supplied.

All you need is a little imagination ... and some tasty pepper sauce

Our Entrepreneurs

Nthanyiseni Muvhenzhe (36) is yet another living example that, with a little bit of imagination, defying the odds and rising above one’s circumstances can be done, no matter where you come from.

Born and bred in the mountainous village of Tshiavha in Vhembe, Muvhenzhe did not allow his rural upbringing to have a negative impact on his desire to succeed in life. In 2017, he came up with the idea of producing his own pepper

sauce. This concept, however, took some rigorous planning as well as trial and error before he could start marketing the final product, called Kupisa Lugu-Peri Sauce, at last in 2019.

The sauce is produced in a modern facility in Sandton, Gauteng. Kupisa is a Shona word meaning something that is hot. Besides peppers, the sauce also contains some indigenous herbs, such as lugu, a wild vegetable with a sour taste, which is found in the mountains and bushes around the Vhembe area. This con-

Shortage of classrooms and toilets still a problem at Elim Secondary

By Thembi Siaga

cept has empowered around 115 young people from Limpopo, Gauteng, Northwest, KwaZulu Natal and Mpumalanga, who are involved in harvesting, supplying ingredients, and the sales and marketing of the product. Kupisa Lugu-Peri Sauce has now also penetrated markets in Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Namibia and Mozambique.

Muvhenzhe holds a BCom degree in economics and statistics from the University of South Africa (UNISA). “The rate of unemployment is very high, but I don’t agree with those who say there are no jobs. People, especially young people, must start to see things differently and develop a positive mindset about self-reliance. Depending on how one perceives things, we are able to create our own jobs, grow our economy and make our country a better place to stay and invest in,” he said. His message to the younger generation is: “It is good to do things for ourselves, but the most important thing remains to seek education first. When you are educated, you are able to critically analyse what is before you and ultimately make good choices.”

While the number of learners enrolling at Elim Secondary School keeps growing, the school is facing a serious shortage of classrooms and flushing toilets. The management of the school voiced this concern to the MEC for CoGHSTA, Mr Basikopo Makamu, during the Backto-School campaign visit on Wednesday, 11 January.

MEC Makamu also visited other schools such as Muthuhadini Combined School and Masindi Primary School. He was accompanied by local leaders and councillors, such as Ms Joyce Simangwe, Makhado PR councillor Ms Itani Tshidavhu and others. Makamu said that he noticed the concern surrounding infrastructure at all the schools.

Mr Oupa Ndhima, the school governing body (SGB) chairperson, said they had tried to escalate the matter of the shortage of classrooms to other relevant departments before, but with no outcome.

“It has been four years since we also went to the premier’s office, and it was just a promise which has never been fulfilled.

Toilets are also not enough because we have more than 1 800 learners, with only three flushing toilets for boys and three for girls, while the others are pit toilets,” he said.

Makamu monitored the school’s infrastructure and said that he would take the matter up with the cabinet. “I have seen that the infrastructure of both schools is not the best that we think we should have as a government. The department has already committed to refurbishing the school,” he said.

Makamu said education was everybody’s business and a

societal issue, and that they had a programme that had been developed by the provincial government to play their role in motivating learners. “Hence, all premiers, MECs, members of legislature, mayors and councillors are trying to motivate our learners,” he said.

He advised parents to also help their children with their schoolwork and studies at home. “Be supportive of your children by reducing some of their home chores to give them enough time to study, and always check their books,” he said.

From left to right: Elim Secondary School educator Mr Pat Shigwagwa, school principal Mr Tinyiko Nkatingi, chairperson of the Education Portfolio Committee Ms Violet Mathe and CoGHSTA MEC Mr Basikopo Makamu, monitoring the school’s readiness during their Back to School campaign visit. Photo: Thembi Siaga.

Nthanyiseni Muvhenzhe with his popular Kupisa Lugu-Peri Sauce. Photo: Zwendaamba Wanga.

Maano family finally receive their house

By Elmon Tshikhudo

For many years, the four members of the impoverished Maano family of Mbahe outside Thohoyandou shared a single-room house – with all their belongings and foodstuffs squeezed in with them. None of them had any privacy and they had to take turns for taking a bath.

In 2019, the family was identified by the Sterkstroom Living Gospel World Mission Church at Malavuwe as a beneficiary for their housing programme, but as fate would have it, Covid-19 struck, and the house was never built.

They did not, however, forget about the family’s need and four years later, the church finally delivered on its promise when it handed over a threeroom house to the family. The official hand-over ceremony took place on 18 December last year, marking it as the best Christmas ever for the family. The church president, Pastor Rembuluwani Kharivhe, and Pastor Ronald Makhadi of the local Malavuwe Living Gospel World Mission Church, did the honours for this special occasion. Also present was Vhavenda Vho-Muthabeni, Thulamela’s acting mayor Tshivhangwaho

Godfrey Makungo, and church and community members.

The family’s eldest daughter, Mashudu, who is a member of the church, said the house had opened a new chapter in their lives. “This is the best thing to have ever happened in our lives. There was no privacy with us all packed in one room, but this has changed. Now we are living like any other family. We do not have enough words to thank the church for turning our lives around,” she said.

Pastor Makhadi said that, every year towards Christmas, his church identified needy families to whom they donated food parcels, and at that time they had discovered the poor living conditions the Maano family had been subjected to. “We decided there and then to build them a house, but Covid prevented us from doing so at the time. We are so happy that we finally managed to build this spacious house for them. James 1 verse 27 says the religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. We are doing exactly that. This is not the first house we have built, and we will continue to identify the needy and intervene,” he said.

Ratshilumela Secondary produces 100% pass rate

By Elmon Tshikhudo

As the 2022 Grade 12 results are being celebrated in Limpopo, a relatively rural and little-known school has surpassed even the traditionally high performing schools by obtaining a 100% pass rate.

Founded in 1981, Ratshilumela Secondary School at Tshixwadza village in the Mutale area has re-written the school’s history books by producing the first class to obtain a 100% pass rate. On top of this, the school is the only one in the Vhembe East District to have achieved a 100% pass rate in the 2022 results.

From the 28 learners who sat for the exams, 18 learners achieved university exemption, with four scoring high enough to study for a diploma.

On Friday, 20 January, the school was a hive of activity when ecstatic learners received their results. The whole village took to the streets and formed a guard of honour for school principal Ms Rejoice Dangale, who received a hero’s welcome when she arrived with the results from the local circuit office.

The local traditional leader, Vhamusanda Vho-Ntendeleni Siaga, joined in the excitement. “We are over the moon. This has never happened before in our school, and we thank the principal, teachers and all other stakeholders who made this possible. Our village has been put on the national map,” he said.

Dangale attributed their

success to teamwork. “We are a deep-rural school with very limited resources, but we have worked ourselves up against all the odds to become one of the best schools in the area. We have brought the school back to the community, where we involve all our stakeholders in the education of our children. I will not be doing justice if I do not thank my circuit manager, who has been very supportive, businessman Mr Rudzani Rambuwani, who is supporting the school from his pocket, our SGB that has been very supportive too and the educators who worked day and night to ensure the best results,” she said.

The president of the Living Gospel World Mission Church, Pastor Rembuluwani Kharivhe (second from left) and the leader of the Sterkstroom Living Gospel World Mission Church, Pastor Ronald Makhadi (second from right) with the Maano family and other guests during the handover of the house. Photo supplied.

The happy principal of Ratshilumela Secondary School, Ms Rejoice Dangale, whose Grade 12 class of 2022 attained a 100% pass rate. Photo supplied.

MIRROR CLASSIFIED

for inspec�on at the offices of the Master of High Court, Limpopo High Court and the Magistrate`s Office, Thohoyandou for a period of 21 days as from the date of publica�on hereof. Estate No.

00267/2022

ANTON RAMAANO INC.

A�orneys For Executrix No. 902, P-West Thohoyandou, Cnr Tendamudzimu Ratshitanga Ave / Denga Mphigalale Ave, opposite Khoroni Casino Hotel / Venda Plaza, P.O. Box 2246, Thohoyandou, 0950

TEL: (015) 962 2232

FAX: (015) 962 5009

EMAIL: anton@ ramaanoa�orneys.co.za

EMAIL: antonramaano a�orneys@gmail.com

REF: AR/FN/ES8/21

In the estate of the late NDLHOVU TINYIKO ERIC Estate No: 000141/2023

ID No: 580806 5914 088

Last Address: Stand No:269, Sec�on C, Malamulele

Date of Death: 31/12/2022

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

MADALA PHILLIP ATTORNEYS INC, House No.801 A, Block

P-East Pfunzo Street, Thohoyandou, 0950

Ref: MAD NDLHOVU/ EST/01/23

MAUNGEDZO ATTORNEYS.

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

In the estate late of MABASA MKHACANI JOSEPH of ID No: 571103 5661 088 an adult

OF ESTATES ACT 66 OF 1965

The estate of the late NEMAKALANGANI SAMUEL OF ID No: 540606 5937 082 Who used to reside at Stand No: 233 Tshisaulu Siawoadza Village, Limpopo Province who died on 03 July 2022.

Estate No: 2573/2022 at Master of the High Court Thohoyandou All persons having claims against the above men�oned estate must lodge them with the executor within 30 days from the date of publica�on hereof.

MUDAU AND NEMADODZI

ATTORNEYS INC

Office 04 Madar Centre.

Thohoyandou, Post Office Street, P.O. Box 917

Thohoyandou 0950

Cell No: 076 095 3652/ 076 474 5274

Ref: MN/Est.17/2022

MUDAU & NEMADODZI ATTORNEYS

NENGWEKHULU TSHIWANDALANI INC.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

ln the estate of the late RAVELE AZWIDOWI MARIA

ID No: 470627 0127 085, who resided at House no. 162 Shayandima Zone 2 Limpopo Limpopo Province, who died on the 08 October 2022 and who was married.

Estate no: 002074/2022

All persons having claim against the abovemen�oned estate must lodge them with the executor within 30 days from date of publica�on hereof.

NENGWEKHULU TSHIWANDALANI INC.

Plain�ff ’s A�orneys 38 Thohoyandou, Unit C

R523 Road, Golgotha

Tel: 015 962 5446

Email: mmnengwekhulu@gmail.com

REF: MM NENGWEKHULU/EL114/22

NETSHILEMA ATTORNEYS

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

ESTATE OF THE LATE MUSHIANE NYAMBENI

EMMA Estate No: 000099/2023.

ID NO: 320229 0208 080.

Date of death 2019/03/03

Last address: Vuwani House No 12

Any persons having any claims against the above-men�oned estate are required to lodge their claims with the undersigned within

30days a�er the date of the publica�on hereof.

NETSHILEMA ATTORNEYS

INC 150 Tshedza Street,Block A,Sibasa.

PO Box 1440, Sibasa, 0970.

Tel: 015 004 1370

Email: admin@ netshilemaa�orneys.co.za

Ref: EMMA MUSHIANE

TSHITANGANO ATTORNEYS

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 of the Estate Late MALUMA

AILWEI ELIAS

ID NO 410325 5097 089.

Estate no 2895/2021.

Date of birth: 1941-0325 and died 2018-01-31

married in community of property to MALUMA KANUKANI SELINAH and who died residing at house no 47, Matatani village Lwamondo. Will be open for the inspec�on of all persons with an interest therein for a period of 21 days of publica�on hereof, and at the offices of the Masters of the High Court. Should no Objec�on thereto be lodged with the Masters concerned during the specified period, the executors will proceed to make payments in.

TSHITANGANO ATTORNEYS

Stand No 445 P East, Opposite Thavhani Mall Thohoyandou 0950 Email: kagiso@tshitangano a�orneys.co.za

MAKHADO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

Tel: (015) 519 3000 Fax: (015) 516 1195 Private Bag X2596 Louis Trichardt 0920

ATTORNEYS

NOTICE TO LIQUIDATION AND DISTRIBUTION

ACCOUNT LYING FOR INSPECTION 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 in the estate of the late NTHEMBULUSENI

MBEREGENI ROBERT

ID No: 531123 5167 083 who died on the 19/03/2021, is lying

LEGAL NOTICE

In terms of Regula�on 56 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 as amended. You are hereby kindly requested to publish the following details in your publica�on:

The Department of Social Development, in Vhembe District, Collins Chabane sub-district is reques�ng anyone with informa�on regarding the whereabouts of biological father of Simango Muhluri Faith born 2011.06.07 and Simango Masingita Praise born 2013.12.27, they are the children of the late Simango Sylvia who was residing at Jerome village new stand, Malamulele to contact Social Worker on Tel: 076 289 8093/015 851 3064 during office hours (7h30 – 16h30).

M K MULAUDZI ATTORNEYS

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 TSHABUSE NTIKEDZENI ID NO. 900416 5752 083, who died on the 14th of October 2021, Estate’s Reference number 002576/2021.

Creditors and Debtors are hereby called upon to submit their claims and to pay their debts within 30 (thirty) days as from the date of this adver�sement.

Dated and signed at Thohoyandou on this the 16th day of January 2023.

Executor: MK MULAUDZI ATTORNEYS, Munaka Madilonge Medical & Maternity Centre, Office 12, 670 P West, Mphephu Drive, Thohoyandou, 0950 Tel/Fax: 015 962 0966

Cell: 060 659 6935

Email: mkmulaudzi

a�orneys@gmail.com Ref: MKM/EST15/2021

MADALA PHILLIP ATTORNEYS

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

male person who was risiding at Dumela Village Venda in the district of Malamulele, Limpopo Province and who died on the 19th day of December 2022.

Masters Reference no: 03/2023

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

Dated at Thohyandou on the 17th day January 2023.

Name and Address of Executrix or Authorised agent: MAUNGEDZO ATTORNEYS

Office No 21, Bindulavhathu Buildings behind CTM store, Thohoyandou CBD, PO Box 4373, Thohoyandou, 0950

Tel: 015 962 4922

Fax: 015 962 4952

Ref: EST/MABAS M.J/22

MUDAU & NEMADODZI ATTORNEYS

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

The estate of the late TSHIAMBWA LIVHUWANI RACHEL OF ID No: 700102

1682 084 Who used to reside at Maname Paradise Dzanani Village, Limpopo Province who died on 25 March 2022.

Estate No: 2580/2022 at Master of the High Court Thohoyandou

All persons having claims against the above men�oned estate must lodge them with the executor within 30 days from the date of publica�on hereof.

MUDAU AND NEMADODZI

ATTORNEYS INC

Office 04 Madar Centre.

Thohoyandou, Post Office Street, P.O. Box 917

Thohoyandou 0950

Cell No: 076 095 3652/

076 474 5274

Ref: MN/Est.01/2023

MUDAU & NEMADODZI

ATTORNEYS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN TERMS OF SECTION 29(1) OF THE ADMINISTRATION

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

The estate of the late MULANGAPHUMA SHONISANI OF ID No: 610328 5155 087

Who used to reside at Tshakhuma Ludanani Village, Limpopo Province who died on 28 June 2022.

Estate No: 136/2023 At Master of the High Court Thohoyandou

All persons having claims against the above men�oned estate must lodge them with the executor within 30 days from the date of publica�on hereof.

MUDAU AND NEMADODZI

ATTORNEYS INC

Office 04 Madar Centre.

Thohoyandou, Post Office Street, P.O. Box 917

Thohoyandou 0950

Cell No: 076 095 3652/ 076 474 5274

Ref: MN/Est.02/2023

NEGOTA K ATTORNEYS

NOTICE IN TERMS OF SECTION 35(5) OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF DECEASED ESTATES ACT 66 OF 1965.

No�ce is hereby given that Liquida�on and Distribu�on account in the estate specified below will be open for inspec�on to all persons with an interest therein for a period of 21 days at the Master’s office Thohoyandou High Court. Should no objec�on thereto be lodged with the Master concerned during the specified period, the executor will proceed to make payments in accordance with the accounts. In the estate of the late MADONDO

AVHAMPFUNI FREDDY of ID No: 610127 5164 085, an adult male person who was residing at stand no. 1047/734 Mathule, Lwamondo Village, Vhembe District and who died on the 23RD of July 2022, Master’s reference number: 2292/2022

NEGOTA K ATTORNEYS INC, House no. 86, Mvudi Park, Thohoyandou, 0950, PO Box 3020, Thohoyandou 0950

Phone: 015 962 1137

Email: knegota@live.co.za

REF: NEG/EST020/2022

Ad designed by Zoutnet Publishers

PROPOSED LEASE OF A PORTION ON THE REMAINDER OF FARM CLOUDEND 279-LS

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of section 79(18) of the Local Government Ordinance, 1939 (Ordinance 17 of 1939) as amended read together with section 21(4) of the Local Government Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No 32 of 2000) that the Makhado Local Municipality is of the intention to lease a portion in extent thirty-five (35) hectares on the remainder of farm Cloudend 279-LS for a period of fifty (50) years for the development of a Hotel and associate activities.

Any person who wishes to object to the lease of a portion is called to lodge his/her objection in writing to the office of the Municipal Manager at Private Bag X2596, Makhado, 0920 by no later than 31 January 2023.

Any person who cannot write may come to the Director Development and Planning office, Civic Centre, 83 Krogh Street, Makhado during office hours from 7H00AM to 13H00PM and 14H00PM to 16H00PM on or before the 10 February 2023 where objections/comments of representations will be transcribed.

All enquiries can be directed to the Director Development and Planning Mr A Mabunda at (015) 519 3190 or Mr T Musandiwa at Tel no (015) 519 3105 or Mr ED Fungene at (015) 519 3281.

Civic Center 83 Krogh Street

Makhado

Notice No : 1/2023

File No : 8/3/2/18/3

INVITATION TO COMMENT ON THE DRAFT BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT & ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME REPORT IN RESPECT PROSPECTING

RIGHT APPLICATION FOR THE SEARCHING OF CHROME, FELDSPAR ORE (GERMSTONE) OVER PROSPECTING

RIGHT AREA ON PORTION 1 OF THE FARM MONDPLASIER 494 MS, SITUATED IN THE MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT OF MUSINA IN LIMPOPO PROVINCE (DMRE REF: LP30/5/1/1/2/14804 PR)

Application for Prospecting Right: Mposi Grey Holdings (PTY) LTD has lodged an application with DMRE REF: LP30/5/1/1/2/14804 PR for the searching of Chrome, Feldspar Ore (Germstone) on prospecting right area on Portion 1 of the Farm Mondplasier 494 MS, situated in the Magisterial District of Musina in Limpopo Province

Notice is hereby given in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) (Act 28 of 2002) and EIA regulations 2014, published under Government Notice No. 982 in Gazette No. 3822 of 8 December 2014, amended on 7 April 2017, which requires that Interested & Affected Parties (I&APs) be notified of Mposi Grey Holding’s intention to obtain a Prospecting Right for the above-mentioned mineral.

INVITATION TO COMMENT

As part of the Public Participation Process (PPP) for this proposed Prospecting Right project, Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) are invited to review and comment on the Draft Basic Assessment Report (DBAR) and Environmental Management Programme report (EMPr). The Draft BAR & EMPr will be available for review for 30 days’ calendar period from Monday the 28th of February 2023 until Wednesday the 30th of March 2023. The Draft BAR & EMPr will be available at Musina Public Library (Corner Irwin & Scholtz, Musina, 0900), and a soft copy upon request from Singo Consulting (Pty) Ltd using the detailed EAP’s contact’s below

MR K.M. NEMANAME

MUNICIPAL MANAGER

THAMBO YAU TAHISA VHUPFIWA/MUHUMBULWO NGA

KHA MANWALA MALUGANA NA KHUMBELO YAU SEDZA MINERALA WA CHROME, FELDSPAR ORE (GERMSTONE)

KHA TSHIPIDA TSHA ZWA BULASI LI TEVHELAHO:

PORTION 1 OF THE FARM MONDPLASIER 494 MS, NGEI TSHITIRIKINI TSHA MUSINA NGEI VUNDUNI LA LIMPOPO (DMRE REF: LP30/5/1/1/2/14804 PR)

Khumbelo yau sedza minerala: Khampani ya Mposi Grey Holdings (PTY) LTD yo isa khumbelo yau sedza minerala wa Chrome, Feldspar Ore (Germstone) kha Mushasho wa Minerala and fulufulu (DMRE REF: LP30/5/1/1/2/14804 PR) kha tshipida tsha zwa bulasi li tevhelaho: Portion 1 ya bulasi Mondplasier 494 MS ngei tshitirikini tsha Musina vunduni la Limpopo.

Ndivhadzo iyi yo di imisa nga mulayo wa Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (Act 28 of 2002) na EIA regulations 2014, zwo andazwaho fhasi ha Government Notice No. 982 in Gazette No 3822 nga duvha la Malo(8), Nyendavhusiku 2014, wa khwiniswa nga la Sumbe(7) la Lambamai 2017, mulayo uyu u toda vhathu vhane vha vha na lutamo kana u kwamea vha tshi divhadzwa nga khumbelo ya khampani ya Mposi Grey Holdings (PTY) LTD nga khau sedza minerala yo bulwaho afho ntha

THAMBO YAU TAHISA VHUPFIWA/MUHUMBULWO

Sa tshipida tsha u dzhenelela ha vhathu kha u sedza minerala iyi, vhathu vhane vha vha na lutamo kana u kwamea nga thandelo iyi vha rambiwa u lavhelesa nau tahisa vhupfiwa/mihumbulwo havho malugana na manwala a khumbelo iyi. Manwala a khumbelo iyi ado vheiwe ngei Musina Public Library(Corner Irwin and Schortz, Musina, 0900) lwa tshifhinga tsha Maduvha a mahumi mararu ubva nga Musumbulwo wa 28 Luhuli 2023 u swika lavhurarui la dzi 30 Thafamuhwe 2023. Nzudzanyo dza u lavhelesa manwalwa a khumbelo iyi dzi nga itwa ngau kwamana na muthu o bulwaho afho fhasi

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PRACTITIONER AND CLIENT DETAILS

Office No.: 870, 5 Balalaika Street, Tasbet Park Ext 2, eMalahleni (Witbank), 1040.

Contact

Mulaudzi

Former students of Mushaathoni Secondary School have launched a student-support programme (SSP) to help the school achieve better results. Dignitaries such as Dr Mathatha Tsedzu, Mr Thivhilaeli Makatu, Talukanyani Nangani and ward councillor Khuliso Mukheli also attended the event. Photo supplied.

Former students return to help school perform

By Maanda Bele

Former students of Mushaathoni Secondary School launched a student-support programme (SSP) to help the school achieve better results.

THULAMELA MUNICIPALITY

THULAMELA MUNICIPALITY HEAD OFFICE : THE ECONOMIC HUB OF VHEMBE REGION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INVITE APPLICATION FROM SUITABLE CANDIDATES FOR APPOINTMENT ON THE FOLLOWING VACANT POST.

1. DEPARTMENT: Planning & Development

POSITION: Senior Manager: Planning & Development

REMUNERATION: R987,238 (minimum) or R1,124,899 (midpoint) or R1,276,762 (maximum) per annum, as set out in the Government Gazette no. 47538 dated 18 November 2022 on Upper limits of Total remuneration packages payable to Municipal Managers and Managers directly accountable to Municipal Managers. The offer of remuneration will be determined by competences, qualifications, experience and knowledge of the candidate to be appointed.

EMPLOYMENT TERM: This is the permanent position and the incumbent will be expected to sign an Employment Contract, an Annual Performance Agreement and complete the Disclosure of Financial Interest Form. The Incumbent will be stationed at Thulamela Local Municipality. The recommended candidates will be expected to undergo Assessment Test.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Building Sciences /Architect/Bachelor Degree in Town and Regional Planning or Development Studies.

• Five (5) years experience at middle management level.

• Have proven successful Professional Developmental / Town and Regional Planning experience.

• Registration with SACPLAN.

KNOWLEDGE

E-MAIL:

Advertising: george@zoutnet.co.za

Editor: anton@zoutnet.co.za

Administrative: admin@zoutnet.co.za

Website: http://www.limpopomirror.co.za

WORLD YOUNG READER PRIZE 2005 www.wan-press.org

The event took place on 13 January and was attended by dignitaries such as Dr Mathatha Tsedzu, ward councillor Khuliso Mukheli, 430 pupils from Mushaathoni Secondary and many other guests.

The quintile 2 school achieved a pass rate of 70,5 % in 2020, 64.4% in 2021 and 67,6% in 2022, showing a visible decline.

One of the organisers, Mr Thivhilaela Makatu, who was a student at Mushaathoni Secondary himself from 1982 to 1986, said that during his time the school had lacked resources. “The environment had not been conducive for teaching and learning either back then. I observed that the school has been performing below par ever since, at times showing a promising upswing, albeit short-lived. I believe that there is potential at this school, if what we heard from staff and students is anything to go by. The school is now well-resourced, both in class and out of class. All that is required is for the school to get support from the community, beyond the school-governing body’s overseeing role.”

Makatu added that parents needed to take the education of their children more seriously by being present and involved throughout the year.

DISTRIBUTION:

The newspaper is distributed by Deon Brits. Any queries regarding distribution can be directed to Deon at 063 372 9029

Limpopo Mirror publication subscribes to the South African Press Code that prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced. If we don’t live up to the standards set in the Code, please feel free to contact the editor at the numbers provided above.

Complaints about advertisements are handled by the Advertising Standards Authority of South Africa (ASA). Complaints must be directed to the ASA at Willowview, Burnside Island Office Park, 410 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall Park, Johannesburg or PO Box 41555, Craighall, 2024. Fax: (011) 781 1616 E-mail: complaint@asasa.org.za

© All rights of reproduction of all articles, advertisements and all other material published in this newspaper are hereby distinctly reserved in compliance with Article 12(7) of the Copyright Act. Alle regte van reproduksie van alle berigte, foto’s, advertensies en alle ander materiaal wat in hierdie koerant gepubliseer word, word hiermee uitdruklik voorbehou ingevolge die bepalings van Artikel 12(7) van die Wet op Outeursregte en wysigings daarvan.

The school principal, Mr Fhatuwani Thiba, said that this initiative showed a great start to the academic year. “We are very happy that our former students are stepping in to help us, and we hope that this relationship will last a lifetime,” he said.

VACANCY

A leading Market Research Company seeks to employ the services of FIELD RESEARCHERS in THOHOYANDOU to work on a project to project basis. Applicants need to possess interviewing skills, numeracy at Matric or equivalent level, computer literacy, and at least 5 Matric passes.

All applicants must be fluent in at least two languages (including English).

Please forward CVs to funeka@plus94.co.za or fax to 086 688 7284

• Good knowledge and understanding of relevant policy and legislation.

• Good understanding of institutional governance system and performance management.

• Good knowledge of supply chain management regulations and the preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, 2000 (Act no.5 of 2000),

• Knowledge of spatial town and development planning.

• Knowledge of geographical information system.

• Knowledge and understanding of property valuations and assessments.

• Knowledge of property registrations and Geomatics.

ADDED ADVANTAGE

• Project management certificate or diploma.

• Registration as Professional planner in accordance with the planning professions act, 2002 (Act no.36 of 2002) SACPLAN

COMPETENCIES

• Strategic leadership and management, co-ordination and project management skills and inter personal skills, computer literacy, extensive knowledge of Municipal Town Planning, IDP, LED and Tourism.

• Ensure effective land use management at the customer care.

• Establish operational mechanisms on daily/weekly, monthly basis.

• Oversee receipt, evaluation and report writing in connection with land use management / town planning applications.

• Manage the budget and assets assigned to the planning and development.

• Provide inputs to the drafting of policies related to development planning.

• Keep records of legislations and policies related to development planning.

• Identify and initiate land development opportunities and pursue necessary processes to ensure the fruition thereof.

• Ensure that all contravention complaints are dealt with in accordance with relevant legislations and policies.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Develop co-ordinate and manage the operations of the planning and development department, integrated Development Planning, Local Economic Development and Tourism sub-sections.

• Develop methodologies and approaches to guide specific urban design investigations and research processes.

• Manage developmental project management processes associated with scoping, resourcing, implementation, monitoring and communication.

• Manage the IDP implementation and review process, advise the Municipal Manager on planning and development matters.

• Prepare reports on the activities of the component, as and when required to do so.

NB. Application for Senior Manager position must be submitted on an official application form for Senior Managers obtained on the website:www.thulamela.gov.za. accompanied by comprehensive CV and certified copies of certificates to be forwarded to: The Municipal Manager, Thulamela Municipality, P/Bag x5066,Thohoyandou,0950 or may be handed in at Office no.130B during working hours. People with disability encouraged to apply. No faxed, Emailed or late applications will be considered.

Enquiries should be directed to the office of the Municipal Manager tel no.015 962 7623. For administrative enquiries contact: Senior Manager Corporate Services : Todani N.A @ 015 962 7593.

Closing date: 15 February 2023

Should you not be contacted within 30 days after the closing date, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful. Qualification, employment background check, security vetting and screening will be carried out to all shortlisted candidates.

Leopards’ strikers can’t find the net and drop more significant points

By Frank Mavhungu

Although the chairman of the club, Mr David Thidiela, seems to have done his homework by signing a number of experienced played and beefing up the team’s technical team by employing the services of the former TTM and VFA head coach, Mr Johnny Ferreira, the team is still battling to find a winning rhythm.

To make matters worse, Lidoda duvha have lost most of their home matches this season. Their only home victory was against MM Platinum FC, whom they had narrowly beaten 1-0 about five months ago (14 September). Their latest humiliation was a 1-2 defeat they suffered at the hands of Uthongathi FC at the Malamulele Stadium last Saturday.

During an interview with the assistant coach of the team, Mr Morgan Shivambu, shortly after the game, he said that everyone in the club had difficulty understanding how the team could dictate terms for the better part of the game and yet fail to collect the full points at

stake. He reckoned that his team could have scored at least three goals, had they managed to convert their scoring chances.

Mr Shivambu’s counterpart from Uthongathi FC, Mr Papi Zotwane, said that collecting four points in two successive games away from home was a great achievement for his team. This after Uthongathi had played to a 1-1 draw with Venda Football Academy at the Thohoyandou Stadium last Wednesday.

The visitors from Durban took 24 minutes to open their account on Saturday. Their centre forward, Tsepo Liphoko, beat the keeper with a ground cutter to bring the half-time score to 1-0. Uthongathi increased the tally in the 78th minute when a substitute, Thato Mohlamme, hooked in the ball after a corner kick that was taken by Victor Bakar.

Lidoda duvha were awarded a penalty during the referee’s optional time. This after a defender for Uthongathi had handled the ball within the box. Tiklas Thutlwa made no mistake from the white spot.

”Ferrari” Molekwa steers Giyani to victory

By Kaizer Nengovhela

The striker of Giyani Happy Boys, Sello “Ferrari” Molekwa, scored a hat trick in his team’s 3-1 victory over Munaca FC in their Limpopo ABC Motsepe league match played at the Louis Trichardt Show Grounds on Saturday.

Munaca managed to match Happy Boys pound for pound in the early minutes, but their fighting spirit vanished over time.

The boys from Giyani scored their first goal after Mafa Funeka dished a well-cooked pass to Sello Molokekwa, who scored after a scramble for the ball within the box. Munaca did not stop fighting, despite conceding the early goal. They created numerous scoring opportunities, but their strikers let them down by shooting aimlessly from close range.

Munaca missed a fortune in the 29th

Rakonanani now aims to qualify for Paralympics

By Victor Mukwevho

Pfariso Rakonanani, a wellknown disabled athlete from Sambandou, is currently training hard in preparation for the National Championships for the Physically Disabled, to be held in Cape Town from 16 to 22 March this year.

Though he is making sure that he is physically ready to do Vhembe proud, he is still in dire need of proper running shoes and pleads with the corporate sector or any Good Samaritans to help him gear up.

Rakonanani qualified for the championship during the trials that were held in Louis Trichardt on 12 November last year. “I am now preparing with the sole aim of qualifying for the 2024 Paralympics in France. I am optimistic that I will qualify and bring the Paralympic gold medal home, but I need good running shoes,” he said.

The diminutive athlete was born with deformed arms. Because his parents knew nothing

about available schools for the disabled, he started school at his rural village of Sambandou, where he competed with kids who were not disabled and outran them.

“At the time, I didn’t realise that I was disabled. I thought I just had shorter arms than the others.”

During his student days, he won three national gold medals.

Rakonanani is very excited about competing at the National Championships for the Physically Disabled. The trip, accommodation and registration cost R7 500, of which the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture pays R7 000 for each athlete. This means that they only have to pay R500 from their own pockets.

“Considering the fact that most of us as disabled athletes do not work, R500 is still a lot of money. But, as this is such a big opportunity for us, we do all we can to come up with this money. Running in the Olympics is every athlete’s dream,” he said.

Those who would like to help Rakonanani with running shoes can contact him on 076 328 8815.

minute. Their centre forward, Rofhiwa Tshikovhi, could not believe his eyes when his volley hit the woodwork and landed outside the field of play for a goal kick. The half-time score was still 1-0 in favour of Happy Boys.

Munaca came close to scoring again three minutes into the second half. Orilwela Nematenda unleashed from the left corner, but the ball crossed to the other end as no one was inside the box to give it the final touch.

Happy Boys snatched their second goal in the 65th minute Molokekwa headed home after finishing off a square pass from Sandile Mazizi. Munaca reduced the margin in the 69th minute when Rinae Madzhuta scored after receiving a beautiful pass from Ntanganedzeni Mudau.

The last 10 minutes of the game was war in the true sense of the word. Munaca were threatening to find the net, but the solid defence of their opponents

denied them a goal. Sello Molokekwa completed his hat trick when he headed in the third goal.

Madombidzha Arsenal hold log leaders to draw

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Madombidzha Arsenal held the current log leaders in the Safa Vhembe Stream E, Tshikhwani Stone Breakers, to a goalless draw at the Tshikhwani Grounds on Sunday.

Arsenal played entertaining football from the onset, but their strikers were unlucky. Baldwin Sepheyi, Breakers’ left flank, missed an opportunity in the 16th minute. After beating two defenders in a row, he shot aimlessly from inside the box. The ball went far wide, much to the disappointment of the team’s fans.

Breakers soon realised that their day at the office was going to be difficult when their leading goal scorer, Livhuwani Masindi, fumbled at the goal finish. He received a neat

pass from Khetho Tahula within the box and shot wide with the keeper, Mudivhazwothe Mmbara, already beaten. Masindi committed a similar blunder a little later. This time around, he failed to connect Khodani Lukheli’s square pass.

Breakers threatened to score for the first time in the 47th minute.

Percy Mushukwa received a beautiful pass from his teammate, Ntendeni Ratshikhopha, and unleashed aimlessly from close range.

Lufuno Murunzi of Breakers added to their frustrations in the 78th minute. He won a loose ball from the left corner and ran a few steps towards the goal before beating the keeper. He caused an upset, however, when his shot hit the woodwork and landed outside the field of play for a goal kick.

Black Leopards and Amatuks on the warpath

By Frank Mavhungu

This weekend will be a busy one for the teams campaigning under the banner of the Motsepe Foundation Championship League.

After donating vital league points to Uthongathi FC, to whom they lost 1-2 at the Malamulele Stadium last Saturday, Black Leopards will play another league game in front of their home crowd this weekend. Lidoda duvha will host University of Pretoria FC at the same venue on

Saturday afternoon.

The Thohoyandou side must win the match at all costs to restore their lost pride. Leopards are still to win a league match this year. They were held to a 1-1 draw by Venda Football Academy (VFA) at the Thohoyandou Stadium two weeks ago. They were also held to a goalless draw by Cape Town All Stars in their midweek game that was played at the Bidvest Stadium in Johannesburg last Wednesday (18th) before they came back home to donate

more points to Uthongathi FC last Saturday. Leopards are lying at the bottom of the log with 12 points, following a string of poor results in their last seven matches.

The senior coach of the team, Mr Rodwell Dhlakama, is adamant that losing home matches would soon be a thing of the past to his team. He said that they were working on the strikers’ target shooting at training sessions this week to avoid a recurrence of what had happened to them in previous games.

Dhlakama said that his team would be lying in a respectable position on the log standings, had they managed to convert the scoring chances in their previous games.

The defenders of Amatuks will have a mammoth task to stop the Leopards strikers, Tiklas Thutlwa, Bethuel Muzeu and Matimu Tshabalala, while Rafik Namwera, Wiseman Maluleke and Donald Makgetlwa will be expected to make things happen in the middle of the park.

Amado Gulele of Uthongathi (left) and Lethabo Mathaba of Black Leopards wrestle to win the ball. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Disabled athlete Pfariso Rakonanani displays some of the medals he has won. Photo supplied.

Orilwela Madzhuta of Munaca with the ball, with Mafa Funeka running for cover. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

Omphulusa Ndou (left) of Breakers and Baldwin Sepheyi fight for the ball. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

Another humiliating defeat for TTM, the “punch bag” of the league

By Frank Mavhungu

Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila

(TTM) are fast becoming the laughing stock of the league.

After suffering a 1-2 defeat at the hands of the University of Pretoria FC last Tuesday, Vhadau Vha Damani again failed to absorb the pressure from JDR Stars, to whom they had lost 0-5 in their Motsepe Foundation Championship League match, which was played at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

TTM were without the team’s head coach, Mr Lucky Nelukau, in their game against JDR Stars. Nelukau was placed under precautionary suspension by the club last Friday. (See a full story about his suspension elsewhere in the paper). The caretaker coach of the team, Mr Ricardo Miriri, could not hide his disappointment after the game. He said that while a team might lose some matches, for his team to lose 0-5 was a bitter pill to swallow. He said that losing a game by such a margin was likely to affect the players’ confidence in their next game. Miriri added that they

would employ the services of a professional person to work on the mental fitness of the players while the technical team would be dealing with their physical fitness. He said that he was gravely worried about the fact that their next fixture was to be a Vhembe derby against Venda Football Academy (VFA), which would be played at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Friday afternoon.

The head coach of JDR Stars, Mr Nnditsheni Nemasisi, was an ecstatic man after the game. He said that the victory would go a long way in boosting the players’ morale and enhancing the team’s chances of gaining promotion to the elite league at the end of the season. He said that he was impressed by the fact that his team was still to concede a goal this year.

Stars were leading 2-0 at the end of the first half. Their opening goal came via Ishmael Wadi in the 15th minute, while Tiisetso Maseko was on target seven minutes before the referee, Mr Siyabonga Nkomo, blew the half-time whistle. Wadi completed his brace in the 59th minute, while the other two goals came via Prince Nxumalo and Tumi Ngoepe.

Can Musina United stop Vondwe XI Bullets’ winning streak

By Frank Mavhungu

With most of the affiliates of the Limpopo Stream of the ABC Motsepe League remaining with seven matches to wrap up their league programme for the current soccer season, the struggle for promotion and to escape the relegation axe will continue this weekend. Three matches will be played on Friday afternoon, while the rest of the fixtures are scheduled for Saturday.

After collecting the maximum points in their last two matches, Vondwe XI Bullets are geared up to deposit more points into their league account this weekend. They will host Musina United at the Tshifudi

Three vital points for VFA

By Frank Mavhungu

While the other two Vhembe-based clubs, Black Leopards and Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM), have reason to press the panic button, Venda Football Academy (VFA) seems to have found a winning combination at last. Black Leopards and TTM lost their matches last weekend, while VFA is in a joyous mood.

VFA is still to lose a game this year. They had opened the new year with a 6-5 victory over Hungry Lions in their Nedbank Cup match that was played at the Windhoek Draught Stadium in Kimberley. They came back home to share the spoils with Black Leopards, with whom they played to a 1-1 draw at the Thohoyandou Stadium in their league campaign.

Although they were reduced to 10 men 15 minutes into the game, VFA managed to hold Uthongathi FC to a 1-1 draw at the same venue last Wednesday (18th). To prove that they are serious about promotion, VFA then proceeded to collect the maximum league points when they unexpectedly beat Platinum City Rovers 1-0 at the Olën Park Stadium in Potchefstroom last Sunday.

on Friday?

Stadium on Saturday. Bullets started the new year with a 1-0 victory over the log leaders, Mpheni Home Defenders, at the Tshifudi Stadium two weeks ago. They went on to collect more points when they narrowly beat Emmanuel FC 1-0 at the same venue last Saturday. Their goals against Home Defenders and Emmanuel were scored by Mulweli “Matari” Netshidzivhe. Should Netshidzivhe fail to find the net against Musina on Saturday, his teammates, Phathutshedzo Nemagovhani and Talifhani Manyaga, will ensure that United go back to Musina with empty hands.

Giyani Happy Boys will host Mikhado FC at the Xikukwani

The goal that separated the boys from the men came via Rhulani Manzini during the referee’s optional time. Patrick Maseko of City Rovers was given his marching orders for dangerous play shortly before VFA scored their all-important goal.

VFA have moved two steps up on the log standings with the victory. They are now lying in the 13th position with 15 points collected from 15 matches. VFA are 15 points behind the pace setters, Polokwane City. Whether VFA will manage to maintain their unbeaten record for this year when they meet Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday remains to be seen.

Stadium outside Giyani. Happy Boys are sharpened to kill after beating Munaca FC 3-1 at the Makhado Show Grounds last Saturday. United Artists will travel to Giyani, where they will test their strength against Emmanuel FC at the Giyani Stadium. United Artists played to a goalless draw with Winners Park at the Makhuvha Stadium last Saturday.

Winners Park will host Munaca FC at the Xikukwani Stadium outside Giyani. Tzaneen United will play against Phinnet City at the Nkowankowa Stadium in Tzaneen. The three fixtures scheduled for Friday are City Motors vs The Dolphins FC, Tubatse United vs PJ Stars and Ditlou FC vs Eleven Fast Tigers.

Victory for Makhitha Stars

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Makhitha Oscar Stars managed to beat Benny’s Care 2-0 in their Safa Vhembe League match played at the Tshiozwi Grounds on Sunday.

Both sides displayed entertaining football throughout the game. Stars’ striker, Mudiidi Mapoko, had his chance nine minutes into the game. He received an excellent pass from Marubini Manyane just outside the penalty box. Instead of unleashing, Mapoko chose to give the responsibility to Andries Masingi, who was in an awkward position to score. Masingi, unfortunately, shot far wide. Stars broke the deadlock in the 68th minute. Andries Masingi received a brilliant pass from Arehone Mbodi at the left corner. Instead of dishing a square pass to either Marubini Manyane or Veron Mpashe, Masingi took it upon himself and unleashed a ground cutter from an awkward angle.

Benny’s’ keeper, Ronewa Manavhela, could only watch the ball go beyond

his reach.

Benny’s threatened to equalise a few minutes later. Their overlapping midfielder, Xolani Muleya, forced his way through the defence of Stars but lost possession on the brink of unleashing from inside the box.

Stars increased the lead through Humbulani Ratombo, who scored after receiving a well-timed pass from Hulisani Maluba.

Issa Sarr of TTM (left) and Tshepang Moremi of Stars chase the ball.

Vondwe XI Bullets’ sharpshooter, Phathutshedzo Nemagovhani. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Rhulani Manzini scored VFA’s all-important goal. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Marubini Manyane of Stars lost sight of the ball, but Faranani Mafara is ready to take control. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela

By Victor Mukwevho

One of the country’s leading long-distance runners, Mushoni Nyamande, has already started preparing for the 2023 Comrades Marathon.

Limpopo Mirror found him running on the Tshipise tsha Dambale road towards Ha-Mutele on Tuesday morning (24 January).

After stopping by the roadside for a brief interview, the lanky runner from Tshirunzini village, situated deep in the mountains of Niani, about 40 kilometres from Musina, said he had participated in nearly every marathon in the country. He has run the Comrades 17 times and has won eight silver medals.

Nyamande used to be a mem-

TTM to relocate to Bloem

“Cost of renting Thohoyandou stadium too expensive”

By Frank Mavhungu

The deal is almost done. Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila Football Club (TTM) will be relocating to Bloemfontein next month if the club gets approval from the league.

During an interview with the president of the club, Mr Masala Mulaudzi, he revealed that they had already sent a request to the league regarding the relocation of the team to Bloemfontein.

According to him, the request will be one of the agenda items in the board of governors’ meeting that was scheduled for Thursday. Mr Mulaudzi further said that should the league give the move their blessing, they would start with the relocation process as early as next week.

As for the reason why TTM are moving out of Thohoyandou, Mulaudzi said that using the Thohoyandou Stadium as the team’s home ground was too expensive for the club.

Asked about their initial intention to move the team to Musina, Mr Mulaudzi said that this was not possible as the Lesley Manyathela Stadium was still being refurbished. They are still willing to consider using this facility as the team’s home ground as soon as the construction work is completed.

According to Mulaudzi, the decision to move the team to Bloemfontein was their last option after they had searched for suitable stadiums in Gauteng, without success. He said that relocating the team to Bloemfontein would stabilise the club’s financial position as a huge

TTM and VFA

ber of the Manoni Athletics Club, one of the well-known running clubs in the country. When asked whether he trained youngsters to follow in his footsteps, he said a lot of challenges existed with the youth today. “They are very lazy and spend too much time in taverns and pubs. They don’t want to train hard,” he said.

Nyamande said that training for a marathon took a tremendous amount of sacrifice and dedication. He trains three days a week. “When I prepare for the Comrades, I run 20 kilometres, three days a week, and 50 kilometres every Saturday. It is not easy to run a marathon. You have to work very hard,” he said.

He has vowed to bring the title as winner of the Comrades back to Vhembe one day.

By Frank Mavhungu

The Thohoyandou Stadium is expected to be packed to capacity on Friday afternoon. That is where the much-awaited Motsepe Foundation Championship league match between the local teams, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) and Venda Football Academy (VFA), will take place.

A quick glance at the track records of the two teams shows that TTM will be lucky if they manage to grab a point in the game. TTM, or Vhadau Vha Damani as they are commonly known, are still to deposit a point into their league account this year. They had lost all four their matches, including their Nedbank Cup qualifying-round match against Cape Town All Stars.

chunk of their budget was being used towards the booking of the stadium for their home matches.

Regarding the team’s poor performance in the four games they had played this year, Mr Mulaudzi was quick to mention that he was taking the blame for that. He admitted that he had not provided enough resources to ensure that the team kept the momentum

during the festive holidays.

Unlike most of the teams, who were training and playing some friendly games during the festive season, TTM’s players had had only one training session a day before their Nedbank Cup match against Cape Town All Stars, which was played at the Soshanguve Giant Stadium outside Pretoria on Friday (6 January). TTM were beaten 1-7.

Motsepe Foundation clash

The Tshakhuma side will be without the head coach of the team, Mr Lucky Nelukau, when they face VFA on Friday.

The 42-year-old mentor was placed under precautionary suspension by the club last Friday, pending the finalisation of a criminal case that he is facing.

VFA, on the other hand, are still to lose a game after they had appointed the former Black Leopards’ head coach, Mr Joel Masutha, to the position of head coach towards the end of last month.

The spirit is high in the VFA camp after they had collected the maximum points at the expense of Platinum City Rovers, whom they had beaten 1-0 at the Olën Park Stadium in Potchefstroom last Sunday. VFA’s centre back, Nhlanhla Makhubele, will watch the game from the grandstand. He is still serving his suspension after receiving his marching orders in their game

against Uthongathi FC, which was played at the Thohoyandou Stadium last Wednesday (18th).

Unless he passes a late fitness test, the TTM’s sharpshooter, Thabiso Nkoana, will also watch his teammates in action from a distance. Nkoana was taken off the field on a stretcher with an injury to the knee in their game against JDR Stars at the same venue last Sunday. Should Nkoana not be available for the game, TTM will pin their hopes on Rendani Ndou and Moeketsi Sekola for goals.

The other weekend fixtures are Black Leopards vs University of Pretoria FC, Platinum City Rovers vs Hungry Lions, JDR Stars vs MM Platinum FC, Polokwane City vs Magesi FC, Pretoria Callies vs Baroka FC, Uthongathi FC vs Casric Stars and Cape Town Spurs vs Cape Town All Stars.

Well-known local long-distance runner Mushoni Nyamande.

“Just wait, I’ll bring back the Comrades title to Vhembe”

Mr Masala Mulaudzi. Photo supplied.