Limpopo Mirror 3 February 2023

Did he do it?

By Maanda Bele and Elmon Tshikhudo

The news of Lindelani Nengovhela’s death spread like the proverbial wildfire through Vhembe and the rest of the country on Saturday morning: “Did you hear? SABC Livhu’s wife was found dead in a ditch this

Even though the news of the death of the 32-year-old Mia Muofhe (as she was better known in social-meshock, many did not find this totally unexpected.

The couple had had a tumultuous relationship, with frequent allegations that the controversial comedian had assaulted and abused

She was the wife (or girlfriend, because many believe they were never truly married) of Livhuwani Madadzhe (38). He became known for his

comedy sketches and ran several very successful social-media pages. One of these, Captain SABC Livhu Online TV, amassed more than 127 000 followers on Facebook

But Livhu also made the headlines for the wrong reasons. As far back as November 2020, he had to spend a weekend in jail for driving with illegal flashing lights on his car and not stopping when confronted by law enforcers. Prior to that, he was accused of faking his own mother’s death and even erecting a tombstone for her.

In August 2021, however, he earned the wrath of gender-based activists when his wife resorted to social media to expose his abusive behaviour. She alleged that Livhu had beaten her up “like a snake found in a house”. After this outburst, the dust seemingly settled, and the couple continued the relationship, with Livhu trying hard to portray himself as a big benefactor, helping homeless people to obtain houses and doing philanthropic work.

In November last year, Lindelani pressed charges and Madadzhe was arrested. He spent the night in jail but was released again while the case

proceeded. Early in January this year, Limpopo Mirror contacted Livhu to follow up on a story that he had posted on social media. He explained to the reporter how he was the target of jealous people and he ascribed many of the bad things that had happened to him (such as a snake being found inside his home) as the result of this envy. When Livhu was asked about the assault case, he said the charges will be dropped as they (he and Lindelani) had reconciled.

(Continues on page 2)

A sobbing Livhuwani Madadzhe pleaded with the court on Monday to release him

go and bury his wife.

Photo: Elmon Tshikhudo.

A seemingly happy couple. Livhuwani Madadzhe and Lindelani Nengovhela appeared to be a perfect couple in photos he posted on social media.

Photo: Facebook.

A party out of control?

Shortly after news broke of the death of Lindelani Nengovhela, Limpopo Mirror visited the scene where her body was found.

The scene was intact, with only a bottle of liquor and a shoe believed to be that of the late Nengovhela in the water-filled ditch.

Lots of empty liquor bottles were lying around near the house, showing that a wild party had taken place. Leftovers of liquor were strewn all over in the new two-room house that Livhu had recently built.

During the visit, a heated

“Don’t be fooled by the laughter”

By Maanda Bele and Elmon Tshikhudo

“Don’t be fooled by the pictures, Livhu and Linde hated each other,” said a close friend when asked about the relationship between Livhu and Lindelani. The source did not want to be named, stating fear of her safety as reason.

“Those two were like cat and dog. They were always fighting. Don’t be fooled by their pictures, those are fake smiles. SABC Livhu abused his wife physically and emotionally. Everything that she said in that video was true. Livhuwani is heartless.”

The source said that the reason Vho-Hilda (an musician friend of the couple) was staying at Livhu’s place was because there was a new-born baby and Vho-Hilda had to take care of the little one.

“Livhuwani has another girlfriend who has a little baby. He is engaged to her. He proposed to her in front of his wife at the hospital after she gave birth. The two-room house that was built

on the side of his house is for that girl. She was supposed to be staying in that house in the same yard as Mme a Muofhe. My friend was depressed during her last days. She was even taking drugs, so that she can forget the pain she was going through. She said he once brought the new girlfriend home and asked her to come watch them have sex, so that she can learn some styles,” she said.

She said if Livhuwani had indeed killed his wife, he had not acted alone.

“Livhuwani uses only one hand. The other has a problem on the thumb and he cannot carry things well. If he did it, I doubt he acted alone. Someone must have helped him.” she added.

Another close friend of the couple, Fhulu Mommy Manngo, confirmed that they had been having serious relationship problems for a long time. Manngo said even though the couple looked happy in their Facebook pictures, a lot was happening behind closed doors.

“I was once attacked on social media because I advised Linde to leave Livhu. People called me names and accused me of being jealous of their relationship. They used to call me all the time when they had a fight, and I would go there and advise Linde to pack her bags and leave, because a man who beats women never changes,” she said.

Manngo said at one time she had even rented a room for Linde in Muledane, because

Livhu had not wanted her in his house. “It was in January last year when they (Livhuwani and Lindelani) came to my office and they told me that they don’t want to live with each other anymore. I took a bakkie and went to Ha-Sidou with Linde and my brother. We took all her belongings and went on to rent a room. I was willing to give her a job at my day-care centre. She didn’t even stay for a week in that room and went back to Livhu. I tried helping her, but she was blinded by love or something. There was this other time where I found bruises on her and told her to leave, but she refused and told me she worked hard to make her house a home and she just can’t leave like that,” she said.

Manngo is also the founder of the Mommy Fhulu Foundation that stands up for disadvantaged women and children and fights drug abuse.

“Towards the end of last year (November) Linde came to me saying that she wanted money to start a business and stand up for herself. I was happy thinking that she finally saw the light. In my foundation, we give women money to start businesses and fend for themselves, so I took R2 000 and we went to buy things for her business. She never came back. I still have the things with me here. I saw her on Friday at court and asked her about the business, but she told me that she and Livhu had fixed their problems. I am hurt because I tried several times to help her.”

Manngo said she always advised women to leave abusive relationships.

meeting between the family of Livhuwani Madadzhe and the Nengovhela family was in session. The families were mum about the incident, with little information being made available.

The women who had allegedly partied with Livhu and Nengovhela the previous night were nowhere to be found. Even the police remained mum about the situation, not willing to reveal how they linked Madadzhe to the murder. This will be divulged at a later stage, they said.

This has left the community with many unanswered questions.

How did Mia Muofhe die?

One of the most pressing questions asked the past few days is how exactly Lindelani Nengovhela had died.

With a history of alleged abuse hanging over SABC Livhu’s head, the public opinion seems to be that he should be the main suspect. Many also seem to believe that Livhu was in the habit of beating a woman but not necessarily with the intention to kill her.

“Livhu beat the woman [Lindelani] as he was used to beating her and the woman unfortunately accidentally passed on. He was left with no option but to carry the body and dump it in the water-filled ditch to fake a drowning,” said a source close to the family that preferred to remain anonymous.

“Livhu is capable of anything, and this is murder. It was not the first time the woman went missing and why in this instance did he report her missing to police within that short space of time? He knows about this and he must rot in jail,” he said.

Another source said he believed everything had been planned. “We are all anxious to know what had

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happened to Mia Muofhe, but by the look of things, Livhu planned the whole thing. The liquor that Linde drank could have been spiked. What about the cameras that he always boasted about? If they were on, you will find that they were tampered with. Livhu must just confess and not waste the court’s time,” he said.

Release me, so that I can bury my wife, pleads Livhu

pictures of liquor, indicating that a

The next morning, Lindelani was dead, her body lying in a water-filled ditch next to the couple’s house at Mangondi Sidou, outside Thohoyandou. Livhu reported the matter to the police and escorted

Once news broke about the death of Mia Muofhe, the tongues were aflutter, with little sympathy for the comedian. His reputation and the history of what had happened previously counted against him, and

he was immediately assumed to be the main suspect.

On Saturday afternoon, the police issued a press release stating that a 38-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the death of Lindelani Nengovhela. No one had any difficulty deducting that Madadzhe was the one arrested.

On Monday morning, Madadzhe cut a lone figure in the dock at the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court. Crying uncontrollably, he pleaded with the court to release him, so that he could go and prepare

to bury his wife. The case was postponed to the next day for him to have his legal representative at his side.

When he appeared on Tuesday, Madadzhe was much more subdued. His lawyer, Advocate Ntsako Hlungwani, spoke on his behalf and indicated that he was abandoning his bail bid. The case was postponed to 23 February and Madadzhe remains in custody.

Lindelani Nengovhela will be laid to rest at Vondo La Thavha, pending the finalisation of the autopsy.

Livhuwani Madadzhe and Lindelani Nengovhela, joking away after Friday’s appearance. He also posted pictures of bottles of liquor, indicating that a party was waiting. Photo: Facebook.

The grief-stricken Ms Munyadziwa Nengovhela, who is the sister of the late Ms Lindelani Nengovhela, breaks down in tears during the court appearance on Monday.

Photo: Elmon Tshikhudo.

Protestors holding placards and banners outside the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court braved the rain during the court appearance of comedian SABC Livhu on Monday. Photo: Elmon Tshikhudo.

An unnamed family member looks into the ditch where Ms Lindelani

A seemingly happy couple. Livhuwani Madadzhe and Lindelani Nengovhela appeared

Former TTM coach out on bail

By Maanda Bele

The suspended coach of Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM), Lucky “King Muchincha” Nelukau, is out on bail. Nelukau appeared in the Vuwani Magistrate’s Court for the second time on Friday, 27 January, and was granted R5 000 bail. He will appear again on 14 March.

Nelukau was suspended as coach of TTM on a precautionary basis on 22 January, pending the outcome of this criminal case.

Worker dies when team trying to unblock municipal sewer get trapped

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Three contract workers from a private company were rescued and one died on Thursday (26th) after the fourmetre-wide hole they were digging to fix a sewer line collapsed on them, trapping them inside the manhole.

The HTE Construction company was hired by the Vhembe District Municipality to fix the blocked sewer pipe in the industrial area in Louis Trichardt. Residents have been forced for months to watch their step as a stinky sludge of toxic sewage seeped from this manhole.

The incident occurred at around 09:30 that day. Local emergency services were summoned, and Polokwane EMS also arrived with their helicopter to help rescue the three workers who were still trapped inside the manhole. The oper-

ation took several hours, but by 15:00 the men were finally freed. One worker died on the scene, while two were rushed to Louis Trichardt Memorial Hospital for treatment and were later discharged. A fourth worker had sustained only minor injuries.

The deceased was identified as Livhuwani Samuel Madou (38) from Vhutuwangadzebu in Nzhelele.

The police spokesperson, Sgt Irene Radzilani, confirmed the incident and said an inquest docket had been opened.

The spokesperson of Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), Mr Matodzi Ralushai, said that they were saddened by what had happened. “One loss is one too many, and we send our sincere condolences to the family and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing and working with the deceased,”

Ralushai said.

The managing director of HTE Construction, Mr Humbulani Musandiwa, said that he had gone to the site with one of the Department of Labour’s officers before work had commenced to check that the site was compliant with the Health and Safety regulations, and that everything had been in place.

Musandiwa described the late Madou as a humble, reasonable and dedicated worker whose contributions would be missed. “He would come and greet everyone in the morning before he commenced with his duties. He was a very good advisor, who advised us on many work-related issues. He would also encourage the other workers to work hard.”

Madou will be buried at Vhutuwangadzebu on Saturday, 4 February. The service starts at 06:00.

Speeding car claims life at Tshififi

By Silas Nduvheni

The police in Thohoyandou are investigating a case of culpable homicide after a man was run over by a speeding car on Tshififi’s main road on Saturday, 28 January.

Acting spokesperson for the Vhembe SAPS Sgt Vuledzani Dathi said the police were notified that someone had been run over by a speeding vehicle on Tshififi’s main road at around 14:15. “On arrival, the police members found a male person lying in the road. He was taken to the nearby Tshififi

clinic, where he was certified dead shortly after arrival. The body was then transported to the government mortuary for an autopsy and further police investigation,” Dathi said. The deceased was identified as Nthatheni Saul Mukovhi (45) of Tshififi-Masakadza village, outside Thohoyandou. The family spokesperson, Aaron Mukhovhi, said the family members were left in a state of deep mourning after this unexpected death. He said that Mukhovhi had been a self-employed electrician who had worked hard to support his

family.

Mukhovhi will be buried at Tshififi village’s graveyard on Thursday, 2 February, with the funeral service to start at 6:00.

According to the police, Nelukau assaulted two people on 19 January and was arrested the next day. One of the victims is Bono Lovers Mudau. The other one was not named.

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 the day the assault occurred, 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 pointed a firearm at Mudau, threatening 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.

Angry mob kills Zimbabwean man

By Silas Nduvheni

The body of a Zimbabwean man was found at Tshififi-Tshitasini village, outside Thohoyandou, over the weekend. He is believed to have been killed by an angry mob after he was allegedly found stealing from and terrorising the people in their villages.

The incident took place on Friday, 27 January, at around 19:30. Acting spokesperson for the Vhembe police Sgt Vuledzani Dathi confirmed that the police in Thohoyandou are investigating a case of murder. He said the police had received reports about a male person who had been killed – possibly

by a mob. They then proceeded to the scene of the crime, where they found the man’s body. He had multiple stab wounds over his body.

The deceased was identified as Tapiwa Ndlovu. His nephew, Musa Ushe, who is also a Zimbabwean national, confirmed his identity.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Ndlovu and Ushe were staying at Ha-Ragwala and survived by doing piece jobs. Ndlovu was being accused of rape around the area before he was killed.

According to Dathi, no arrests have yet been made as the suspects remain unknown at this stage. Police investigations continue.

Mr Patrick Madzunye, the community leader of the rural communities of Budzhe, Tshififi and Ha-Ragwala, said he was worried about the high crime rate in his area. “We constantly hear about our communities having sleepless nights because of the high crime rate. They are being terrorised with burglaries, theft, rape and bag snatchings. We are tired of crime, and we want our communities to be regarded as peaceful places in the country,” he said.

Despite this frustration, Madzunye advised his communities not to take the law into their own hands, but rather to report crime-related incidents in their areas to the police as soon as they happened.

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The body of the worker who died when the soil collapsed, trapping them in the sewer is being taken away by the police’s forensic pathology unit.

Nthatheni Saul Mukovhi from Tshififi-Mashakadza village.

The suspended coach of Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM), Lucky “King Muchincha” Nelukau.

Makhado police still looking for suspects who robbed local garage

By Kaizer Nengovhela

The Makhado police are looking for a group of at least five suspects who robbed the BP filling station in Rissik Street, Louis Trichardt, on 27 January.

According to the police spokesperson, Sgt Irene Radzilani, the armed robbery took place just after 07:00, shortly after a security company arrived to collect the filling station’s money. The suspects were apparently masked, while some posed as cus-

Case of “pervert robbers” postponed

By Victor Mukwevho

The case against the two suspects who allegedly instructed students who were preparing for their matric examinations last year to remove their clothes before robbing them was postponed to 8 February for a formal bail application. They will remain in custody until their next court appearance.

Mulaifa Sikhipha and Shumani Ndlovu appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 27 January, and were charged with armed robbery, eight counts of house robberies and three counts of sexual assault. Most of the

tomers inside the Pick ‘n Pay Express shop on the premises.

“As the security guards collected the money from inside the shop, they were held up at gunpoint,” Radzilani said.

The suspects made their escape with an undisclosed amount of money in a white Hyundai hatchback. They were heading in the direction of the N1. The vehicle was later found abandoned near the old municipal dumping site.

The police are still investigating how the men got away after the robbery. No injuries

were reported, and no arrests have been made.

In the meantime, the police have appealed to the public for assistance that could lead to the robbers’ being brought to book.

One of the customers who was inside the Pick ‘n Pay shop, who wants to remain anonymous, told the media that the security guards were cornered by the armed men on their way to their vehicle. Other men were waiting at one of the pumps at the filling station.

poacher slapped with extra

years in prison by appeal court

GroundUp

The High Court of South Africa’s Limpopo Division in Thohoyandou has increased the prison sentence of a rhino poacher from 11 to 15 years after an appeal by the defendant.

Limpopo Judge Legodi Phatudi, with Judge Thogomelani Tshidada concurring, said the initial sentence given to Mfana Ignitus Kubai in the Louis Trichardt Regional Court in 2016 was lenient and shockingly inappropriate.

This was especially so since the province had one of the highest number of poaching incidents and rhinos were on the verge of extinction.

Judge Phatudi said Kubai had committed an offence that infringed the rights of all South Africans to have the environment protected. “This pandemic [of rhino poaching] is committed out of greed – to get rich quick[ly],” the judge said.

Kubai, in his appeal, had argued that his sentence was too high. He said the trial court had not taken into consideration that he was a first offender and a breadwinner and had spent two years in custody awaiting trial.

However, the appeal judges indicated at the outset that the sentence imposed had not been in accordance with the Limpopo Environmental Management Act (LEMA) which prescribed a maximum term of 15 years. Because of this, they were “bound to interfere” with the sentence and consider the

evidence afresh.

Kubai, dressed in camouflage, was arrested in June 2014 at Chataronga in the far north of Limpopo, after a carcass of a recently killed rhino was found with two horns missing. He was found in possession of a rifle, a silencer in a lunch box and two rhino horns in a black refuse bag – “caught with his hands in the cookie jar”, the judge said.

At the initial trial, Isak Prinsloo, manager at Chataronga game farm, said it cost R200,000 a month for security to protect the 51 rhinos on the farm. He said the farm had lost 11 rhinos to poaching in four

how to poach wild animals and had “found his niche in rhino poaching”.

“He went to Chataronga with the full intent to hunt. He had with him a rifle and a silencer.

I am not persuaded to consider him as a fallen angel. And it is immaterial whether he is a first offender or not,” said the judge.

Judge Phatudi said society watched the type of sentences the courts imposed in poaching cases and courts needed to show “just retribution” for the crime and act as a deterrent.

“I find it necessary to increase the sentence in order to bring to equilibrium the scales of justice relating to the offence and the interests of society, as opposed to (Kubai’s) personal circumstances.”

charges they are facing relate to armed robberies that were committed at different schools in the area, where they allegedly stole cellphones, laptops and clothes.

On 19 November last year, the duo, also known as “the pervert robbers”, allegedly pounced on matriculants studying at the church, and not only robbed them but also ordered them to undress and play with their own private parts.

The pastor of the Living Water Christian Church at Makonde, where the incident happened, said he was very disappointed in the investigating officer on the case. “After the

incident, we investigated the matter with some members of the church. We made a citizen’s arrest when we caught the two suspects, who are in custody today. We called the police, who came and took them away after they confessed to their involvement in the crime, but now the investigating officer doesn’t bother to update us about the court dates. We just see in the media that they were in court,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting spokesperson for the Vhembe police, Sergeant Vuledzani Dathi, said police investigations were at an advanced stage and they would be ready for trial soon.

years.

A probation officer said the offence had been committed out of greed. He said Kubai lived a lavish lifestyle and drove luxury cars. Members of the community wondered where he got the money to sustain his lifestyle.

In rebutting Kubai’s claim that he “knew nothing about rhino poaching”, evidence indicated that Kubai had been arrested in 2008 for 11 incidents of rhino poaching but had not been prosecuted because he had assisted the police, which led to the arrest of some Chinese nationals.

Judge Phatudi said Kubai was clearly knowledgeable on

He said a sentence less than the prescribed maximum of 15 years in terms of LEMA would be disproportionate because of Kubai’s involvement in rhino poaching in 2008, and because he viewed poaching as his “niche and a lucrative business opportunity”.

Judge Phatudi ordered that Kubai, who was on bail pending the outcome of the appeal, report to his local police station within three days (as from date of judgment on 27 January 2023).

He also directed that the judgment be sent to SANParks and the Green Law Foundation, which were monitoring the case.

(Published by GroundUp: https://www.groundup.org.za/ article/four-more-years-added-to-rhino-poacher-who-appealed-his-sentence)

Mulaifa Sikhipha and Shumani Ndlovu, also referred to as “the pervert robbers”, appeared before magistrate Terrence Maluleke in the Thohoyandou Magistrates Court on Friday, 27 January. The case was postponed to 8 February. Photo: Victor Mukwevho.

People encouraged to help parolees get integrated in their communities

By Victor Mukwevho

The Deputy Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa, every community member had the duty to accept people out on parole and help them to reintegrate in their communities.

Holomisa was speaking during an imbizo that was called by the leader of the Tshivhase dynasty, Thovhele Kennedy Midiyavhathu Prince Tshivhase, in conjunction with the Department of Correctional Services and the KARA Heritage Institute on Thursday, 26 January, held at the Prince Thikhathali Tshivhase Stadium.

According to Holomisa, the latest statistics show that 66,5% of the youth in the country today are unemployed. “Many of these unemployed youths end up in jail for committing crime. During their incarceration, we teach them special skills, so they can sustain themselves when they get out of jail. Don’t call them names. Let us support them and let them integrate peacefully with their communities,” he said.

Thovhele Tshivhase said he had decided to partner with the Department of

Correctional Services and other departments to help rehabilitate parolees, so that they could become productive members of the community who could work for themselves and refrain from committing crime again.

“I was very impressed with the MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, Ms Nakedi Grace Kekana, when she said parolees should also be encouraged to participate in sporting activities. Let me call on the department to build tennis courts in rural communities too and not only in urban

areas. As traditional leaders, let us join hands with the government to help parolees get integrated peacefully with our communities. The Department of Correctional Services teaches inmates specialised skills, and I am also encouraging the business community to utilise them,” he said.

The occasion was also graced by Dr Mathole Motshekga of the KARA Heritage Institute, who called on Africans to go back to their roots. “Let’s go back to our traditional ways of doing things and embrace our cultural values,” he said.

The BP garage in Rissik Street in Louis Trichardt was robbed at gunpoint on 27 January, just as the Fidelity guards collected the business’s cash. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

Thovhele Kennedy Midiyavhathu Prince Tshivhase and Deputy Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa during the Imbizo at the Prince Thikhathali Tshivhase Stadium in Tshikombani last Thursday. Photo: Victor Mukwevho.

Rhino

four

Two bodies exhumed after Vhukovhela members point out graves

By Kaizer Nengovhela

The bodies of a man and a woman were exhumed at different locations at Gogobole and Rathidili (Tshikhwani) in the Sinthumule area on Sunday, 29 January, after five members of the Western Vhukovhela security unit, who were arrested for terrorising the local communities, had allegedly confessed to killing these people and pointed out to the police the sites where they had buried their victims in shallow graves.

According to police spokes-

person Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, the woman (33) allegedly went missing in February 2022, after she had left her home in Sekonye village in Botlokwa for Louis Trichardt. The man was reported missing in July that same year.

“Investigations revealed that the woman was actually kidnapped, allegedly by the suspects, who tortured and killed her, [and] then buried her in a shallow grave. This after she allegedly refused to surrender a property in Louis Trichardt, which was initially used as a

brothel,” said Mojapelo.

The 40-year-old man fell victim to vigilantism when he was reportedly kidnapped from his home in Madombidzha Zone 4 after he was accused of stealing copper cables.

The Vhukovhela members were arrested during a multidisciplinary, intelligence-driven operation by the Vhembe Trio Task team, the Makhado CI and the Beitbridge Task Team between 26 and 28 October last year, and were charged with kidnapping, assault and attempted murder.

Gogobole farmer discovers hand at site where bodies were dumped

By Kaizer Nengovhela

A farmer from Gogobole was shell-shocked when he discovered human bones on his farm on Monday (30 January) that were left behind by the police after they had exhumed the body of a man that had been murdered and buried in a shallow grave on the farm.

Parents step in to resolve the fights among learners at Masiza High

By Thembi Siaga

Parents of pupils at Masiza High School and community leaders held a meeting on 23 January to express their displeasure to the school management after a video had gone viral on social media (Facebook) in which a group of the school’s learners violently attacked a fellow learner with a sjambok.

The concerned parents blamed the school management for not doing enough to resolve the issue of gangsterism at the school. In a previous incident, one learner was stabbed in the hand, after which his parents had opened a case of assault at the Waterval Police Station.

The most recent fight, which apparently started inside the school premises on 17 January, was between 18 boys from

three gangs, called Trouble 13, Bad Coming Company and the Rough 8 team. The following day, another fight erupted approximately 500 metres away from the school premises.

During the meeting, some of the parents suggested that the learners who were fighting be expelled from school, while others did not want to take the matter that far.

The chairperson of the school governing body (SGB), Mr Patrick Mashimbye, said they had not known that the school was facing issues with gangsterism.

“The school principal did not inform us about this problem at the school. It came as a surprise to us when parents reported to us. The gang members were invited to the meeting, and they said that the fight started during the December holidays; they were apparently fighting

over a girl, which continued when school started,” Mashimbye said.

“The parents never gave us a chance to investigate this issue, now they claim that we are not doing our job. The school doesn’t have security personnel, we only have general workers to guard the school. Those learners entered the school premises with sjamboks and knives hidden inside their school bags,” he said.

One of the deputy chairpersons of the EFF (Economic Freedom Fighters), Lucky Nkuna, said the learners involved in the fighting had apologised.

“The boys were granted a chance to continue learning, because they showed remorse and promised to never cause fights again. And if they do, they will be expelling themselves,” he said. According to the police spokesperson, W/O Foster Rambau, some of the learners were charged with unlawful wounding/GBH (grievous bodily harm). “However, the case is still under investigation as there are more learners who were involved,” he said.

Five of the suspects involved in the Western Vhukovhela Protection Unit (Tshisole) case allegedly pointed out a shallow grave where they had buried the body and some of the bones of a man they had burned and killed. The man is believed to be someone who was reported missing in July last year. The police exhumed the human remains on Sunday, 29 January.

The next day, the farmer, Mr Reuben Musefuwa, discovered the bones of a human hand that were left behind. This, he believes, might have been negli-

gence by the police and forensic officers. “I went to the spot with some of my farm workers to examine the bones. These bones do not deserve to be in public view for such a long time, and people might think that I killed someone here,” he said.

According to the spokesperson for the Makhado police, Sgt Irene Radzilani, they were notified by the farm owner about the human remains on Tuesday (31st), and went out to collect the bones, which were scattered on the ground. The bones were then taken for forensic investigations and for DNA tests to be conducted.

The chairperson of the Zoutpansberg Community Development Forum (ZCDF), Mr Patrick Sikhutshi, said that the Western Vhukovhela Protection Unit had been terrorising the community under the Tshilwavhusiku SAPS’s noses for far too long. He said the ZCDF was convinced that the deaths could

have been avoided if they had had proactive police services. He said serious allegations were being made that police officials at the station were afraid of these thugs and connived with them.

“We demand a thorough investigation into this matter. The ZCDF maintains its position presented to the police minister that the officers at the station should be fired. The criminals did not operate secretly. They did many of their activities openly, in collaboration with traditional leaders, who benefited 10% from collections imposed on communities. Churches, political and civil organizations, the academics, councillors and MPs all knew about this, but decided to go into hiding. They could not expose these heinous crimes because they feared for their lives, but still they call themselves community leaders,” he said.

Will Thohoyandou’s R250 million white elephant finally be fixed?

By Maanda Bele

A delegation led by the head of the department at the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, Mr Stephen Matjena, visited the controversial Thohoyandou taxi rank last Wednesday (25th) to assess the state of the facility.

The purpose of the visit was to determine the steps that would be needed to complete the facility and get the taxi rank operational.

The taxi rank was renovated at a cost of over R250 million 11 years ago, but the project was never completed. Construction work at the taxi rank commenced in 2011 and was scheduled to be completed in 2013. The project was supposed to make provision for retail space, office blocks, 65 taxi loading bays on the ground and 160 bays on the first floor.

For the past

couple of years, the taxi rank has been the haven of criminals and prostitutes.

Many people, including political parties such as the Democratic Alliance (DA), complained about the taxi rank’s not opening. In November last year, the DA issued a statement revealing that R6 million earmarked for the completion of the taxi rank facility had been returned to Treasury.

“The other major issue that contributed to the delay of the opening of the taxi rank

facility was that the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety had failed to acquire approved building plans and architect drawings required for an occupation certificate. There were also issues in finding a suitable contractor for the remedial construction work, a lack of capacity of the contractor appointed to do the remedial construction as well as the contractor’s non-compliance to health and safety regulations,” said the DA’s Katlego Suzan Phala.

Police arrive on the scene where the bodies were found.

A community member looks at one of the places where a body was found.

Officials from the Department of Transport and Community Safety assess the R250 million failed Thohoyandou taxi rank. Photo supplied.

The video that went viral on social media (Facebook), where a group of Masiza High School’s learners attacked a fellow learner with a sjambok. Photo: Facebook.

Municipality loses millions when Eskom is load-shedding

also seems to be a problem, with the outstanding debts for electricity usage at the end of June 2022 standing at R179,35 million. Of this amount, R43,73 million lies in the “danger” area, where the debt is older than 120 days.

The latest AFS makes provision for writing off R77,96 million in electricity debt, and R96,43 million in interest. The total income derived from interest in 2021/22 was R31,24 million.

By Anton van Zyl

Many local residents and businesses complain about the devastating effects of Eskom’s load-shedding. Municipalities, however, are just as badly affected and stand to lose tens of millions in revenue if the current load-shedding schedules continue.

Local municipalities such as Makhado Municipality rely on the reselling of electricity as a primary earner of income. In the 2021/22 financial year, service charges (mainly electricity and refuse removal) added R402,49 million (35,2%) to the municipal fiscus. The only other contributors that exceeded this were the government grants and subsidies, which brought in R558,02 million (48,8% of the income).

In the municipality’s latest available annual financial statements (AFS), the bulk purchases of electricity from Eskom are reflected as amounting to R306,3 million. Electricity sales to consumers are recorded as totalling R388,76 million, leaving a gross profit of just over R82,46 million. This number is a lot lower than the year before, when the sale of electricity was just over R435,8 million and Eskom’s account was R275,6 million. (A profit of R160,2 million).

Use it or lose it

For the past few months, the load-shedding schedules have varied between Stage 2 and Stage 6. In real terms, this means that the power is cut off anything between two and 10 hours per day. The past week, the electricity was off for an average of six hours per day.

Even if one would reduce the average to four hours per day, that would mean an effective loss of 16,7% per day. If this pattern continues for a full year, the municipality will lose, based on last year’s figures, an estimated R13,7 million in income.

The direct loss in revenue is also not the total loss. Throughout the country, illegal connections and cable theft have escalated, which would mean additional losses. The municipality, like most other institutions, would have to make use of emergency backup generators, which will cause operating expenses to escalate.

To add to the municipality’s financial woes, many consumers have installed solar energy systems at their businesses or homes the past year in response to the electricity blackouts. This means that energy is not tapped from the grid but from renewable resources. Although this is excellent

of electricity per day in 2021. “My mother-in-law lived with us for part of 2021, so we had an extra person in the house,” he explained. In the first eight months of 2022, the usage dropped to an average of 24,6 units per day. The past four months it dropped further to 22,11 units per day.

In July last year, prepaid electricity cost him R2 600. The next month cost R1 700. As consumers with prepaid

year, his electricity cost was R1 400 and they even had family visiting over the period.

We also compared the account of a residential user staying in a much bigger house with no prepaid meter. Here the average electricity consumption for the first nine months of 2022 was 45,06 kWh per day. Between September and December, it dropped to 32,84 kWh per day. This means a difference on the account of R600 to

backup system. This was followed a month later with a small solar installation to supplement the power. The consumption in the last three months of 2022 was an average of 41,69 kWh, which also meant a saving of roughly R820 per month on the business’s electricity bill.

Will the municipality shop around for other sources?

The announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week that people with rooftop solar panels would soon be able to sell excess power back into the grid was generally welcomed. This means that a municipality such as Makhado can supplement its electricity with a “green” feed from local suppliers.

R700 per month.

At a business premises in the centre of town, load-shedding and the installation of a solar system made a big difference. In 2021, the business used on average 59,4 kWh of electricity per day. Over the first nine months of 2022, with load-shedding being very much part of the everyday problems, the consumption dropped to 54,3 kWh per day.

Some was lost and some not paid for

As is the case with many other electricity distributors, Makhado also had to contend with “lost” kilowatt/ hours. Makhado Municipality’s losses in 2021/22 amounted to about 9%, or R24,76 million. This is slightly down from the previous year’s R29,53 million.

The losses are attributed to “illegal connections to the electricity network and bridging of meters by consumers”, the municipality states in its AFS. An average price of R1,34 per kilowatt hour was used by the municipality to calculate the loss.

The non-payment of accounts

news for the environment, it means that less electricity from the grid is being consumed, which means less profit for the municipality.

But I do not see it on my account!

Many residents will argue that even with the extended power outages, they do not see any reduction in their electricity bills. This, however, is not the case. We analysed a few electricity bills and found that the “saving” because of load-shedding (based purely on electricity usage from the grid) was significant.

A consumer with a pre-paid meter living in a three-bedroom house in town used on average 30 kWh

meters know, electricity becomes very expensive if you use more than a certain number of units. In January this

Sadly, any saving in cost would have been gobbled up by the cost of running generators to keep the business up and running during load-shedding

In October last year, the business installed an inverter with a battery

In Cape Town, the metro was very keen to start buying from independent suppliers and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has approved a rate of 78.98c/kWh for the city to pay power sellers. The City of Cape Town, however, decided to add a 25c/kWh incentive tariff on top of this to encourage more businesses and residents to do this.

We sent through questions to the Makhado Municipality last week, asking them whether they had any such plans in place, whether measures existed to help absorb the losses incurred because of load-shedding and whether additional measures would be taken to collect the outstanding electricity debt.

At the time of our going to press, no reply was forthcoming. If a response is received, a follow-up article will be published.

Solar installations have mushroomed the past year, with more and more businesses opting for a greener and more reliable option. Photo: Annelise Muller - Amania Energy Solutions

Solar panels are now spotted at more and more businesses as well as residential premises. An aerial photo obtained on Google Earth shows the panels on top of the Makhado Crossing Mall. Photo: Google Earth.

If this pattern continues for a full year, the municipality will lose, based on last year’s figures, an estimated R13,7 million in income.

Many residents will argue that even with the extended power outages, they do not see any reduction in their electricity bills. This, however, is not the case.

This graph shows how the electricity consumption of a local business decreased as load-shedding kicked in. The vertical line shows the period when a solar installation was done, further reducing the consumption.

Learners from Thohoyandou High School who passed their matric with flying colours last year were called out by the MEC for Education, Mavhungu Lerule Ramakhanaya, during the official announcement of Limpopo’s matric results on Friday, 20 January. The function was held at The Ranch Hotel outside Polokwane. From left to right are Rinae Tshikhovhokhovho,

Africa needs a new generation

By Victor Mukwevho

Leeroy Mutsvanga, a young and energetic musician from Zimbabwe, has just finished recording his rhumba album, called Zvichanaka - an album filled with love songs from his country of birth.

Mutsvanga was born in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, 24 years ago. His family moved to South Africa when his father was employed as a teacher many years ago.

He has a twin brother, called Leengon.

“When we were young, our mother told us that she gave birth to us when she was seven months pregnant, but because of the love of God, we survived. When I think about that I just feel my heart brimming with love,” he said.

The six-track album deals with the love people talk about in their own countries. One of Mutsvanga’s favourite songs

on the album is the title track, Zvichanaka, which means things will change for the better one day. He remembers how his elders in Zimbabwe kept on telling them how the country used to be the food basket of the continent under colonial rule, but has now become the poorest country on the continent under the current government.

“This song is calling on the youth of this continent to stand up and remove all the old folks in government and replace them with young blood. Africa needs to be ruled by the younger generation who will pave the way for the future generations to be prosperous. How do you expect pensioners to plan for a better future generation when they know that they will be gone soon?” he asked.

On 24 January, Tshamakwatini Secondary School held a ceremony to honour their top 2022 matric learner, Vhahandwele Musanabi, who obtained seven distinctions. The school staff each donated an amount to be added to a fund that was created for Vhahandwele, to assist him in his future studies. The school principal, Mr David Neluvhola (right), congratulated him on his remarkable results. Vhahandwele plans on studying mechanical engineering at Wits University. Photo supplied.

By Thembi Siaga

Thiufhati Mbedzi, a budding jewellery maker from Tshifudi Mapudzi outside Thohoyandou, has set a new fashion trend among locals with his unique necklaces. He dedicates his time to collecting different kinds of stones, which he uses to create the most extraordinary necklace designs.

Mbedzi (36) had matriculated 12 years ago and worked part-time jobs as a gardener and builder to support his family. About four years ago, he decided to change his course and try something different, and that was when he ventured into the jewellery-making business.

“I am firmly anchored in my Tshivenda African traditions. Our great forefathers made a living by making their own clay pots. This gave me the idea to start making necklaces. I aim to travel worldwide to showcase my talent,” he said.

His necklaces are mostly made from natural materials he collects from the streets and the valleys, such as crystal stone, green jasper stone, red Jasper stone (the blood of Mother Earth) and many others, but he also uses recycled plastics. Not long after he perfected his necklace designs, he started carving drawings into pieces of rock as well to serve as home decorations.

To make his beautiful necklaces and ornaments, he uses different kinds of tools, such as pliers, a chisel, hammer and side cutter. “As for colouring, I use a powder I grind from plastics, tree leaves and colourful pieces of

in government and replace them needs to be ruled by the youngas “a young musician who comes shavha, Ama 2k

Mutsvanga describes himself as “a young musician who comes from Zimbabwe with love”.

The album was recorded at Zebulon Studios at Khubvi village. Songs such as A songo shavha, Ama 2k and Amai Wanga are already available on YouTube

Mbedzi’s stone necklaces are becoming the latest trend

rocks, mixed with paper glue,” he said.

Mbedzi believes that God had created everyone with their own special gifts that they can use to make ends meet. He hopes that his gift too can one day play a vital role in job creation and eradicating poverty.

For orders, Mbedzi can be contacted on 072 606 7298.

Zwivhuya Mathebula, Phindulo Mahada and Mashudu Magidi. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

Litshovhu High’s principal, Mr Abel Matshavha (left), congratulates the school’s top learner in business studies, Tshanduko Tshilinga (middle), who obtained 300/300. Also in the photo is Tshanduko’s proud father, Mr John Tshilinga. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

From left to right: Makhado Municipality’s Speaker, Dorcus Mboyi, and Vhembe District’s executive mayor, Cllr Dowelani Nenguda, photographed with Rynard Pretorius from High School Louis Trichardt at The Ranch Hotel on 20 January during the official announcement of Limpopo’s matric results. Rynard was the top achiever in information technology (IT) in the province.

Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

Zimbabwean-born musician Leeroy Mutsvanga. Photo: Victor Mukwevho.

Thiufhati Mbedzi’s stone necklaces come in different designs. Photo supplied.

Thiufhati Mbezi, a local jewellery maker from Tshifudi Mapudzi outside Thohoyandou, showcases some of his stone necklaces and carved rocks that are used as home decorations. Photo supplied.

By Maanda Bele

Thuthuwedzo Tshivhula, also known as Ladie Tee, has been in the Tshivenda hip-hop (Venrap) industry for more than seven years now, with over 30 tracks to her name. And yet, she has never released an album. Her fans will be ecstatic to know that this is about to change at last. The 22-year-old singer from Tshikombani in Nzhelele is proud to announce that her first album, titled Mutondi, will be released soon.

Ladie Tee says that her music

You are forced to work with men and they often end up wanting relationships; something I am not interested in. I just want to make my music in peace. Others will tell you that you cannot rap because you are a woman. I often get robbed by event promoters when I do a show because I am a woman, so I end up getting less than what we agreed on when I was booked. It has happened that I have recieved nothing.”

But despite these challenges, she says she will never stop making music because she truly enjoys it

Entertainment

During this past festive season, Murendeni Mamphogoro, or Mr Tshibode as he is popularly known, was among some of the most booked masters of ceremonies (MCs) in the Nzhelele valley.

The 27-year-old from Dopeni village first rose to fame when he was booked at one of Nzhelele’s popular taverns in 2021. “Just like anyone else, I had a dream. I worked hard and waited my turn, and today I am happy that someone recognised my talent and gave me a chance. I grew up watching a lot of people as my role models and one of them was Mr Magwedze (Mr Majo). He played an important role in

shaping my career as an MC,” he said.

Mr Tshibode says he has faced many challenges along the way, but that he overcame them and now he is making history. “I enjoy going to shows and events just to watch other MCs run the programmes. Working in front of people is not easy. You must get over your nerves and stage fright, and it takes a lot of practise to overcome this. I think every opportunity I get to entertain or act as an MC is a highlight for me.”

He says he wants to see himself presenting one of those big television shows in five years. “My dream is to be a television presenter and I believe that, through hard work and dedication, I will achieve it.”

Matriculants of 2022 praised for outstanding achievements

Phalaphala FM’s programme manager, Ms Sharon Ravele, has congratulated Limpopo’s Grade 12 Class of 2022 for their outstanding 72.1% pass rate amidst what must have been one of the most difficult periods to complete the Senior Certificate.

“Learners who excelled deserve praise. We hope that this year’s matriculants will even improve on the high standard set last year. Pupils should be encouraged and supported throughout the year. Stakeholders must take a leaf from the adage that says it takes a community to raise a child. Teachers, pupils, SGBs and the community in general must all play their part,” said Ravele.

Thuthuwedzo

Tshivhula, better known as Ladie Tee, will soon release her first album, titled Mutondi. Photo supplied.

Entertainment

Ephraim Galaha Masindi’s latest music offering, titled Thase ya Haluvhimbi (beautiful girl from Haluvhimbi) is due to be released on 15 February, and promises to be yet another hit sensation with his fans.

This highly respected artist, who started his music career in church, says that this EP, which he produced especially for his eager fans, might be his best work yet. “It was the pressure from my fans that compelled me to work on this album. They begged me to record another full album, but due to my tight personal schedule, it was not possible for me to do a full album immediately, so I decided to record these four tracks to keep my fans happy,” he said.

Masindi, who is a teacher by profession and a lead-guitar wizard, has two successful Tshivenda albums under his belt He drew inspiration from Zimbabwean superstars such as Oliver Mtukudzi and Thomas Mapfumo.

The title track on his latest four-track album, Thase ya Haluvhimbi, holds a special meaning. “The beauty of this girl from the rural village of Haluvhimbi

sets tongues wagging wherever she goes. She is the most perfect gift that nature could offer to humanity, and everyone admires her beauty,” he explains.

Masindi says that music lovers would not be able to resist dancing to the powerful tracks on the album. The other songs are Dibviseni mafhungoni, Mulalo, and Vha no da vha re na mari, a Shona track meaning people love those with money. “My music is influenced by both Afro Jazz and Zimbabwean Rhumba. That is why I included the Shona song, Vha no da vha re na mari, because I also have a huge following in Zimbabwe, especially in the town of Beitbridge just across the border. My plan is to officially launch this extended play in Zimbabwe around March this year,” he said. He has some advice for young people who want to follow a career in music. “Music is a very good career, but you must seek education first. The music industry is unpredictable, so you need to have something to fall back on when your music career hits a snag.”

Thase ya Haluvhimbi will be available in all online music stores when it is released on the 15th of this month.

The president of the International Revelation Congress (IRC), Mr Ernest Mammba, said that, despite so many challenges, they had been able to produce excellent results. He urged the department to help schools from rural areas in terms of resources and advised learners to study hard. “It is up to each individual to make it or fail in life. There is no time to waste. It starts the minute the school year starts. I want to encourage all Grade 12s to emulate Rivoni School for the Blind, who produced a 100% pass rate, and make the whole Vhembe region proud,” he said.

Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha said that they were extremely excited about the achievements of the various schools and learners and urged the current Grade 12s to work extra hard. He said the province was aiming for an 80% pass rate this year.

Mathabatha committed to resolving infrastructure challenges at schools. He also criticised communities who disrupt schooling. “I wish to appeal to communities to stop disrupting learning and teaching in the name of service delivery protests,” he said.

The deputy federal chairperson of the Democratic Alliance in Limpopo, Mr Jacques Smalle, said he appreciated the learners and educators who had been resilient under very diffi cult conditions. “Our children have to learn under diffi cult conditions. Some children have to write their matric under trees, while others go to school where there are no ablution facilities,” said Smalle.

Ephraim Galaha Masindi’s latest EP promises to be yet another hit sensation with his fans

Ladie Tee’s first album will soon be released Mr Tshibode is quickly working his way up

Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha during the annoucement of Limpopo’s matric results for 2022 in January. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

Ephraim Galaha Masindi will release his thrilling new EP, titled Thase ya Haluvhimbi, on 15 February.

Photo: Bomo Photography.

Local master of ceremonies Murendeni Mamphorogo, better known as Mr Tshibode. Photo supplied.

Parents

Photo supplied.

Parents fed-up watching children walk long distances to school

By Thembi Siaga

Learners of Hluvuka High School in Bungeni finally returned to their classes on Tuesday (24 January), after frustrated parents from Mtsetweni Secondary School had blocked the entrance to their school for three days, demanding that the school admit Grade 8 and 9 learners again.

In 2015, Hluvuka High School used to still admit Grade 8-12 learners. Then, in 2016, Grade 8 and 9 learners were moved to Mtsetweni Secondary because Hluvuka High was being renovated. The parents say the circuit manager promised to take Grade 8 and 9 learners in again as soon as the renovations were done, but this did not happen. Renovations at Hluvuka were completed that same year (2016), and since then the school has not taken in Grade 8 and 9 learners. Now parents are demanding that the circuit manager keep her promise.

The protest started on Thursday morning (19 January). More than 80 parents

Granny Sirwali laid to rest

By Elmon Tshikhudo

The much-loved Granny Nyanngwaneni Nyamasindi Sirwali from Tshaanda Tshitandani in the Mutale area passed away at the age of 91 on Sunday, 22 January, following a long illness.

Vho-Sirwali was the mother of the Adziambei Band’s founder, Maele Sirwali. She was described as the “Tshivenda library” because of her immense knowledge of the Tshivenda culture, which had contributed to the phenomenal success of the Adziambei Band.

She was buried at the Sirwali sacred burial grounds at Tshaanda on Saturday, 29 January, where relatives, the local Aged Citizens (of whom she was a member), and people from the local and surrounding communities gathered to give her a dignified send off.

protested outside the school, demanding to meet with the circuit manager first before allowing the school to reopen.

On Monday (23 January), parents, members of the school-governing body (SGB), the school management team, the circuit manager and other stakeholders such as local chiefs, held a four-hour-long meeting to discuss the matter.

Parents raised their concerns, saying that their children must travel long distances to attend Mtsetweni because Hluvuka High no longer admits Grade 8 and 9.

Ms Johanna Ntshani, one of the concerned parents, said that some learners were compelled to get up earlier since their parents could not afford to pay for taxi fares. “During winter seasons, some learners walk in the dark as they are expected to arrive at school at 06:30, which is not safe for them,” she said.

Ntshani claimed that the Grade 8 and 9 classes at Mtsetweni Secondary were overcrowded, with 80 to 95 learners, while Hluvuka High had empty classrooms.

The chairperson of the

Bungeni Royal Council, Mr Albert Mabunda, said an application to return the two grades had been submitted to the Department of Education but declined in October last year. An appeal was made in November, but the outcome is still pending.

Mabunda denied the parents’ allegations about overcrowded classes at Mtsetweni Secondary. He explained the reason why the application was denied. “The Department of Education indicated that the application was unsuccessful because it will turn Mtsetweni Secondary School into a white elephant. We are now waiting for feedback on the appeal we made,” he said.

Mr Khazamula Nwandule, chairperson of Hluvuka High School’s SGB, said the issue of admitting the two grades would be followed up by the SGB and other relevant stakeholders.

The parents seemed to be satisfied with the outcome of the meeting and the new commitment to admit Grade 8 and 9 learners at Hluvuka High, which is scheduled to be implemented by next year.

Former football legend, “Valdez” Mabula laid to rest at Ha-Mashaile

By Victor Mukwevho

The former dribbling wizard of Khubvi Peace Makers, Makwarela United Scientist and Shayandima Bob Stars, Moses “Valdez” Madula, was laid to rest at Ha-Mashaile graveyard in Khubvi on Saturday morning (28 January). Madula passed away last week after a long illness.

Tshisamphiri Madima, one of his teammates at the then University of the North, now known as the University of Limpopo, said Madula had been one of the best players ever produced in this part of the country. “I first met him when my home team, Masikhwa Young Stars, were playing against Khubvi Peace Makers at the Khubvi Grounds back in 1977.

The first time he trapped the ball, I could see that he was going to give us problems. I remember I scored the opening

goal of the match, but within five minutes, he dribbled past the whole defence and equalised with ease,” he said. Madima, who was also regarded as a football megastar during his heydays, said that when Madula had arrived at the University of the North in 1978, he had immediately poached him to join the team he had been playing for at the campus. “We once won a topeight competition. In that competition, we scored six goals in three games, and Madula scored three of those goals. I also played with him for Makwarela United Scientist. We used to mesmerise the defenders with our one-touch football and, of course, open-

Sirwali was born at Hamakhuvha Godobi in 1932. She was the third-born of Mr George Madidimalo Thothoma and the late Ms Nnyambeni

Nyatshavhungwa Nemukula Khomunala’s six children. She later married Mr Rakuambo Frans Sirwali and the couple were blessed with six children of their own - three boys and three girls.

Maele recited a poem he had written as a glowing tribute to his late mother. The family spokesperson, Lutendo Sirwali, eulogised her as a “fearless and industrious woman”, whose contributions to the development of the family and the village will not be forgotten.

“She was a talented singer and dancer, a farmer of note and also contributed to the building of some of the important infrastructure in the village. Her contributions will forever be inscribed in the village’s history books,” he said.

The Adziambei Band’s publicist, Ntsieni Sirwali, described her death as a blow to the group. “The passing on of our mother and granny has left us with sore hearts. It is like our

library has burnt down; her memories were like an archive when it came to Tshivenda norms and customs. Most of the band’s compositions were inspired by her vast knowledge of our culture. We will always cherish the advice and wisdom she shared,” said Ntsieni.

Vho-Sirwali, who survived all her siblings, leaves three of her children, 21 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren behind.

New doors open up for unemployed

By Elmon Tshikhudo

A whole new world opened for 20 formerly unemployed residents from Dzimauli Harammbuda in the Mutale area, who had the opportunity to attend a three-week security training course at the end of 2022.

This opportunity presented itself after the Ambassador Youth Development Centre, a local non-governmental organisation, had approached businessman Mr Stephen Tsumbedzo Rafundisani of Elephant Head Security and Training and asked him if he could help train a group of unemployed people from the community.

Rafundisani (53), who hails from Makwarela Extension 3, did not hesitate and took it upon himself to train the students free of charge. They were trained in different grades and graduated

ing defence with our dribbling. May your soul rest in peace, my brother,” he concluded.

The funeral was graced by former football stars and officials from both the provincial and the national government. Madula is survived by his mother, one brother, one sister and four children.

late in December.

One of the beneficiaries, Ms Azwinnyandi Tshidino of Harammbuda Baimoro, said she had been unemployed for years as she lacked skills. “We are very excited at having received such training. The security industry is one of the biggest employers in the country, and we hope we will soon be permanently employed,” she said. Rafundisani said he was aware of the rampant scourge

of unemployment in the country and the gesture was his humble contribution to addressing this issue. “As a company, we try to intervene and help where necessary, and when a request was made, we could not say no. We hope the successful candidates will go out and be in a position to gain employment and take care of their families. We will also be looking out for vacancies for them from our side,” he said.

Gogo Netshiozwi now wants to teach

By Bernard Chiguvare

The love that Ornica Netshiozwi of Jordan Street, Nancefield, Musina has for children is now heading for another level. Netshiozwi’s dream has always been to help young children living in street shelters. Last year, during wintertime, she donated 18 blankets to children staying at the Nancefield shelter. Towards Christmas the same year, she spoiled the children by buying them new clothes. From next year, however, she wants to provide lessons to the children.

The 57-year-old Netshiozwi has become a gogo for many of the children in her street. Nearly every day the children spend time after school at Netshiozwi’s place, relaxing. “Several children, mostly from my street, visit me after school.

This provided me with an opportunity to introduce them to educational games,” said Netshiozwi.

She has now finally decided to take the children for extra lessons, but this will only be with effect from next year. “I

have developed a strong bond with the children, so I want to nurture their lives from an early age,” she said.

Netshiozwi plans on offering maths, English and natural science lessons for children between the ages of 3 and 18.

of Mtsetweni Secondary School shut Hluvuka High School in Bungeni down for three days, demanding that Mtsetweni admit Grade 8 and 9 learners again.

The late Vho-Nyamasindi Sirwali (91) was buried at Tshaanda last weekend. Photo supplied.

The late football icon Moses “Valdez” Madula.

The candidates with their certificates after they successfully completed a three-week security training course. With them are guests and officials during the pass-out parade at Tshixwadza. Photo supplied.

Ornica Netshiozwi of Jordan Street, Nancefield, Musina with children from her street. She will start offering extra school lessons as from next year for a small fee. Photo supplied.

Successful fourth annual Miss Angelic pageant

By Maanda Bele

The fourth annual Miss Angelic beauty pageant was held in the Malamulele Hall in December last year, and the organisers are proud to call it yet another success.

The lovely Khanimamba Masia was crowned Miss Angelic 2022/23, while Faith Chauke won the title of First Princess and Prudence Pondo was Second Princess.

The event organiser, Ms Patience Chauke, said that everything had gone according to plan and they were very happy. “Organising a beauty pageant has so many challenges. It’s not always easy to deal with the models, but I just thank the Almighty for making this event another success. I

Makhado criticized for not clearing blocked drains and overgrown bushes at Sendedza

By Bernard Chiguvare

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Makhado intends to write a letter to the mayor to raise its concerns regarding the maintenance of overflowing blocked drains and the clearing of bushes, especially in areas such as Sendedza village.

Sendedza residents have experienced overgrown, waterlogged yards for the last three years. “We are not sure why the municipality is not attending to blocked drains in our area. Whenever we experience heavy rains, this smelly water flows into our yards. Last year, we as a community voiced our concerns about it to the ward councillor but nothing has been done yet,” said Fhumulani Manugu, one of the affected residents.

Manugu told Limpopo Mirror that he sometimes hired people to clean the drainage and paid them from his own pocket. “Most of the affected people leave the water to dry, but this causes challenges. Sometimes the children cannot get past the water that dams up to go to school. This also creates a breeding nest for mosquitoes that get into our homes in swarms as well as a breeding ground for frogs. Frogs attract

snakes. Besides this, there is a bad smell hanging over our homesteads all the time,” said Manugu.

Ward 33 councillor Khuliso Mukheli, however, blames the community for continuously causing the drains to block up, and says that clearing blocked drains is the responsibility of the Department of Public Works.

Meanwhile, DA councillor in Makhado Aaron Madavha said his party would

like to know why the Department of Public Works was neglecting to clear the tall grass and bushes and maintain blocked drains in the village. “The municipality’s failure to properly maintain the water-drainage system in the village is detrimental to the quality of life for residents, as well as the local economy, which has the potential to bring about economic benefits and raise living standards,” said Madavha.

don’t think I could have done it without God by my side,” she said.

The queen, Khanimamba Masia, said that wearing the Miss Angelic crown felt amazing. “I am so excited, it’s like a dream come true! I have dreamed about winning a beauty competition ever since I was young.

I always wanted to achieve the best for my life, and I worked hard to wear this crown today,” she said.

For the ladies who might be interested in entering, the fifth annual Miss Angelic pageant will be hosted at the Malamulele Hall again on 16 December this year. For more information, just follow Angelic Modelling and Casting Agency’s Facebook page and make sure to get those entries in.

The management of this eating house in Sendedza says it loses business on rainy days as the whole path to the entrance gets waterlogged because of the overflowing drains that dam up. Photo supplied.

Muobeleni

granted bail

By Victor Mukwevho

A 59-year-old man, arrested for being in possession of an arsenal of weapons and explosives in 2022, was granted R20 000 bail when he appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 30 January.

Tshimangadzo Theophilus Muobeleni was arrested at his home at Ngwenani ya Ha Mapholi on 12 November last year where the police confiscated one R1 rifle with eight rounds of ammunition, one R4 rifle with 78 rounds of ammunition, three pistols and explosives.

The state opposed his bail application, arguing that to grant the accused bail would not only jeopardise the public’s security, but also undermine the administration of justice in the country. They further argued that, if he were granted bail, the state witnesses would be threatened. “The state has a very strong case against the applicant, and he is not a suitable candidate to be granted bail,” they said.

Magistrate Terrence Maluleke reminded them that it was a bail application and not a trial.

“Bail is just a temporary freedom while facing trial until judgement is pronounced by the trial court,” he said.

Fhumulani Manugu from Sendedza runs a car wash and a butchery here. When heavy rain falls, tenants cannot go anywhere because the whole yard is filled with water from overflowing drains. Photo supplied.

On Wednesday, 18 January, the Given Bungeni Foundation (GBF), in partnership with various other organisations, handed over 230 food parcels to needy families from Bungeni village and the surrounding areas. The food parcels consisted of necessities such as cooking oil, maize meal, rice and washing powder. The Bungeni Royal Council, Bungeni Community Development Trust, Given Bungeni Gogos and other stakeholders were among the various structures that helped with the handing out of the parcels. The donation aimed to eradicate poverty by assisting community members who rely on social grants for survival. Photo supplied.

Maluleke granted bail under strict conditions, though. Muobeleni is prohibited from conducting his business at his family home, he is not allowed to speak to or contact his brother Peter Muobeleni, he is to report to the correctional offices at Sibasa every Friday between 08:00 and 16:00, and he must also report to the investigating officer if he wants to visit another province in the country. The case was postponed to 23 April 2023.

Tshimangadzo Theophilus Muobeleni appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

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Khanimamba Masia (seated in the middle) was crowned Miss Angelic 2022/23 during the pageant’s fourth annual competition, which took place at the Malamulele Hall in December last year. Faith Chauke (left) won the title of First Princess, while Prudence Pondo (right) won the title of Second Princess. Photo supplied.

TTM bolster ailing squad by signing eight new players

By Frank Mavhungu

To prove that they are serious about gaining promotion to the DStv Premiership Division at the end of the season, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) bolstered their ailing squad by signing eight new players on

Tuesday evening. According to the president of the club, Mr Masala Mulaudzi, the eight players are from the DStv Premiership side, Royal AM. He said that they had been forced to beef up the squad after realising that for them to accomplish their mission with the current squad would be

difficult.

Mulaudzi was still adamant that their aim was to finish their league programme within the top three positions on the log standings. TTM had lost their last five league matches. The team have dropped from the fifth to the 13th position on the log standings, following their

string of poor results. The new recruits are: Rorisang Mpoza (goalkeeper), Sbonelo Boyce (centre back), Mhlengi Nxele (midfielder), Notha Ncobo (left back), Phila Mzila (midfielder), Ayabuyela Maxwele (left winger), Nkosivumile Zulu (centre forward) and Marlon Heugh (goalkeeper).

Fight against GBV also taken to soccer field

By Elmon Tshikhudo

The village of Maniini, outside Thohoyandou, has been identified as one of the region’s crime hotspots, particularly regarding gender-based violence. But this troubling issue could soon be curbed, following a well-attended awareness campaign that was held in the area last weekend.

On Saturday, 28 January, a soccer tournament, attended by local youths and senior teams, was held at the Maniini soccer grounds, next to the

local cemetery. This initiative was the brainchild of a non-profit youth organization, called the Litshani Vhana Vha-De-Foundation, in partnership with the local traditional leader, Vhamusanda Vho-Muonyolosi Mmbi.

The participating local soccer teams drew a huge crowd of onlookers who enjoyed a day of very entertaining games. The final was played between Maniini Real Madrid and Maniini Rovers, who became the champs when they beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the final. For their effort, Rovers took home a cash prize of R1 000, while Real Madrid received R500 as runners-up.

Litshani Vhana Vha-De-Foundation’s director, Ms Bridgette Mamugudubi, said they were concerned about the ever-increasing crime in the area. “As an organisation, we are part and parcel of the fight against gender-based

violence and we felt we were not reaching our intended audience, who are mostly men. We have workshops and dialogues, but the men are nowhere to be found. That is where the idea of a soccer tournament came into being and we are very excited that it worked. We managed to bring many of them together and we had the chance to speak to them while they also had the chance to speak out. Our plan is to visit many villages and stage similar tournaments and, at a later stage, find a suitable venue where the winners from the different villages can fight it out for bigger prizes. We would like to have more sponsors to come on board for this to become a reality, as we are not financially stable,” she said.

Vhamusanda Vho-Muonyolosi Mmbi hailed the initiative, saying it would go a long way in addressing issues of crime and gender-based violence in his community. “We are overwhelmed by crime here, and gender-based violence is one of the most disturbing issues. Our wish is that this is done on a continuous basis,” he said.

MAKHADO LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

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

ERRATUM

Makhado Local Municipality is hereby issuing an erratum for notice which appeared in Limpopo Mirror newspaper dated 27 January 2023.

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

NB: erratum issued to the following:

• The date of submission of objection in writing to the office of the Municipal Manager is also on or before the 10 February 2023.

Civic Centre

83 Krogh Street,

File Number: 8/3/2/18/3

Notice Number: 1/2023

MPC (PTY) LTD

ENVIRONMENTAL, GEO, SOCIAL CONSULTING & PROJECT MANAGERS

NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESMENT

Notice is hereby given in terms of the following act : Regulation 5 of the regulations published in government notice No.R983 read with section 44 0f the National Environmental management Act (Act no, 107of 1998 ).

Activity and Location: The proposed establishment of piggery farming , Cash crops and Layer chicken production with associated infrastructure at Mashau Magweni Village within the jurisdiction of Collins Chabane Municipality in Vhembe District Limpopo Province.

Proponent: Mr Dovhani Ronnie Mukondeleli

Address: 173 Mathule Tshikosi Lwamondo 0985 Cell : 072 794 3389, Email: kdce59@gmail.com

Contact person : Mr Mukondeleli D.R

Environmental Consultants: MPC Technology(Pty) Ltd

Contact Person: Mr.Nemadzhilili TB./ Mrs Ramugondo L.L Tel/ Fax: 015 962 1639 Cell: 082 734 9246

Email: nemdacompany@gmail.com

Address: P. O. Box 478, Sibasa 0970

In order to ensure that you are identified as an interested and affected party by (IAP) only in terms of the EIA process, submit your name, contact information and interest to the contact person given above within 30 days of the publication of this notice.

ENVIRONMENTAL, GEO, SOCIAL CONSULTING & PROJECT MANAGERS

NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESMENT

Notice is hereby given in terms of the following act: Regulation 14 of the regulations published in government notice No.R983 read with section 44 0f the National Environmental management Act (Act no, 107of 1998).

Activity and Location: The proposed establishment of a filling station with associated infrastructure at Mahematshena Village within the jurisdiction of Thulamela Municipality in Vhembe District Limpopo Province.

Proponent: Mrs Mukondeleli Grace Kanakana Katumba

Address: Dzwerani, Lwamondo 0985

Cell : 076 316 6224, Email: makhadzifs@gmail.com

Contact person : Mrs Mukondeleli Grace Kanakana Katumba

Environmental Consultants: MPC Technology(Pty) Ltd

Contact Person: Mr.Nemadzhilili TB./ Mrs Ramugondo L.L

Tel/ Fax: 015 962 1639 Cell: 082 734 9246

Email: nemdacompany@gmail.com

Address: P. O. Box 478, Sibasa 0970

MR KM NEMANAME

Louis Trichardt MUNICIPAL MANAGER

INVITATION TO BID

Invitation to all interested suppliers rendering Laundry services: Towing of light, medium, heavy and extra heavy vehicles for SAPS and SAPS 13 vehicles, Tyre puncture repair, Laundry services and Gardening services for the period of 6 months from: 2023-04-01 to 2023-09-30.

Bid number : 82/2022/2023

Name of institution : South African Police Services

Bid session and collecting of bid forms : 2023-02-14 at 10:00am

Venue : SAPS Sibasa Supply Chain Management Office

Bid documents will be available during briefing session for those who will sign the attendance list.

Contact Person : Lt Col Ramabulana - 082 565 8086, 015 960 1200 / 1203

PAC Sigogo : 072 674 6661

Spac Robane : 082 737 5022

In order to ensure that you are identified as an interested and affected party by (IAP) only in terms of the EIA process, submit your name, contact information and interest to the contact person given above within 30 days of the publication of this notice.

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Murendi Properties and Building Supplies is is looking for a qualified and experienced marketing personnel to join the sales team as a Sales Representative

The incumbent responsibility will include the following:

• Establishing and maintaining strong business relationship with existing and potential clients

• Increase current sales volumes and achieve the set sales targets

• External sales experience

• Excellent verbal communication skills

• Must be able to speak Tshi-Venda language fluently

• Understanding of Building Materials Hardware Products

• Able to read and calculate building materials quantities from the building plan

Requirements

• Grade 12 and/or Post matric Marketing Qualification

• Valid Driving Licence

• Performance, Self-Motivated and Commission driven Individual Email CVs to admin@murendi.co.za

NB: If you don’t hear from us within 14 Days after closing date, consider your application unsuccessful. Closing Date is 10 February 2023

One of the new recruits, Notha Ncobo. Nkosivumile Zulu.

Litshani Vhana Vha-De-Foundation’s director, Ms Bridgette Mamugudubi, addresses the players during the soccer tournament.

Photo: Elmon Tshikhudo.

Maelula United and Eagles in a draw

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Maelula United Brothers rose to the occasion and held the pace setters, Eagles United, to a goalless draw in the Safa Vhembe SAB match played at

Maelula Grounds on Saturday.

The game was a thriller from the first whistle to the bitter end, with both sides creating and wasting scoring opportunities. United took the

game to the visitors, with their mid-fielders, Vusani Tshiafula, Mavhungu Netangula and Rabelani Rakhokha, pressing hard in search of an early goal.

Marubini Nenungwi of Eagles became the first player to receive a yellow card. United realised that finding the net would be difficult if they continued volleying from behind and then started to cool the ball down in the middle of the park. They hit the back of the net, but the referee ruled the player offside.

The second half started at a snail’s pace, with both teams struggling to penetrate each other’s defence. United gained momentum as the game progressed, but in the 66th minute their lethal striker, Tsumbedzo Khodobo, missed a fortune. He shot wide with the keeper, Thogu Masia, well beaten.

Eagles realised that Saturday was not their day when they missed a fortune in the 74th minute. This after they were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty box. Junior Ravhutendele took the set piece and Matamela Sithakhathakha caused an upset by heading away from inside the box.

UNIVEN CONTINUING EDUCATION POSTS x 5 A SUBSIDIARY OF UIGC

Positions within UCE (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of UIGC Group of companies. UCE comprises of the following activities that include the submission of Bids, coordination, monitoring of Short Learning Programme and Training Services

DIRECTOR: MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS : (FIVE YEAR CONTRACT RENEWABLE FOR A FURTHER TERM)

Requirements: The ideal candidate will have at least a minimum of three year degree in the field of communication and marketing. The candidate should have an impeccable experience of no less than 5 years in the private sector with verifiable and credible organisations or companies at middle or senior management level.

Duties: The candidate will be expected to provide strategic leadership and management of the following functions: positioning and managing the Univen Continuing Education (PTY) LTD brand in the industry and marketing its products. He/she will execute a communication and marketing strategy that will enhance the image of the company both locally and internationally.

DIRECTOR: TRAINING AND CONSULTING SOLUTIONS:(FIVE YEAR CONTRACT RENEWABLE FOR A FURTHER TERM)

Requirements: The ideal candidate will have at least a minimum of three year degree in the field of Training and Development. The candidate should have an impeccable experience of no less than 5 years in the private or public sector with verifiable and credible organisations or companies at middle or senior management level.

Duties: The candidate will be expected to provide strategic leadership and management of the training and consulting activities of the company.

UCE FINANCE MANAGER

Requirements: The ideal candidate will have at least a minimum of three year degree in Financial Accounting or equivalent, Registration with a professional accounting body (SAICA/CIMA/ACCA/SAIBA/SAIPA), 5 years’ experience in a financial/educational environment, with at least 2 years’ relevant managerial experience.

Duties: IFRS compliant consolidations, reporting and GL management, Budgeting and forecasting, Fixed Asset Management, Taxation compliance, Sage business cloud, draftworx and Advanced Excel.

UCE PROJECTS

COORDINATOR

Requirements: Candidate must be in possession of a relevant Bachelor Degree or Diploma. At least 4 years’ experience in the project management and coordination environment, with at least 2 years relevant project coordination experience.

Duties: Coordinate project management activities, resources, equipment and information, Break projects into doable actions and set timeframes.

UCE PERSONAL ASSITANT

Requirements: Candidate must be in possession of a relevant Bachelor Degree or Diploma plus four years’ relevant experience.

Experience in office management and administration. Working with stakeholders. Thorough knowledge of power point presentations. Ability to work under pressure and to meet strict deadlines. Effective communication using South African languages.

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

For assistance in applying, you may contact 015 962 9172

CLOSING DATE: FRIDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2023

Can United Artists beat Munaca?

By Frank Mavhungu

With most teams left with only five matches to play before the end of the season, business as usual is expected for the teams affiliated to the Limpopo Stream of the ABC Motsepe League this weekend. Two matches will be played on Friday afternoon, while the rest of the fixtures are scheduled for Saturday. All eyes will be on the match between Mpheni Home Defenders and Vondwe XI Bullets that will be played at the Louis Trichardt High School Grounds on Saturday.

Home Defenders have some unfinished business to settle with XI Bullets after Bullets had narrowly beaten them 1-0 in their first-round league match played at the Tshifudi Stadium three weeks ago.

Munaca FC will host United Artists in a fight for league points at the Makhado Show Grounds. Munaca must beat United Artists to restore their lost pride after losing their last two matches. United Artists beat Munaca 1-0 in their firstround league match, played at the Makhuvha Stadium towards the end of last year. Musina United will play

against Emmanuel FC at the Musina Old Mine Stadium. Musina United and Emmanuel are fighting for survival. Winners Park FC will visit Mikhado FC at the Rabali Stadium. Mikhado are languishing at the bottom of the log.

The match between PJ Stars and City Motors will be played at the Seshego Stadium in Polokwane. Eleven Fast Tigers will play against Tzaneen United at the Turfloop Stadium outside Polokwane. Friday’s fixtures are: Phinnet City vs The Dolphins FC and Mighty FC vs Tubatse United FC.

Mixed fortunes for Tshivhazwaulu Peace Makers in Safa Vhembe

By Frank Mavhungu

Tshivhazwaulu Peace Makers had mixed fortunes in their two Safa Vhembe Regional League matches the past weekend. They brutally crushed Kurhuleni Happy Fighters 3-0 at the Tshivhazwaulu Grounds on Saturday, but then suffered a 1-2 defeat at the hands of their neighbours, Tshivhazwaulu Cosmos, at the same venue on Sunday.

Their game against Cosmos was a thriller. Realising that coping with the tempo of the game was difficult for them, the players of Cosmos started to display their rough skills in a

bid to neutralise the home side. The referee did not allow any of the culprits to go unpunished. He was forced to reprimand two of them with yellow cards within a short space of time.

Cosmos were the first to blow the trumpet. Their opening goal came nine minutes towards the end of the first half. The team’s captain, Mushe Mudau, led by example when he beat the keeper with a neat header to bring the half-time score to 1-0.

Peace Makers approached the last half with renewed self-confidence. They came close to scoring several times within the first 15 minutes of the last half, but their strikers

were unlucky at the goal finish in all instances.

Although they were playing against the wind, Cosmos still managed to increase the margin in the 64th minute. They were awarded a free kick in the 25-metre area. Their lethal striker, Mukandangalwo Ramunana, beat the keeper with a half volley from the free kick.

Peace Makers effected three changes to their original lineup in a bid to strengthen their midfield. They were rewarded with a goal in the 76th minute when Khathutshelo Majuta forced his way through the Cosmos defence and sent the keeper the wrong way with a ground cutter.

Matamela Sithakathaka (left) of Eagles and Vusani Tshiafhula battle it out. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

Will Munaca FC rise to the occasion against United Artists? Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Mashudu Tsharane of Peace Makers (right) and Gundo Kgaabi of Cosmos chase the ball. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Leopards and Amatuks in 2-2 draw

By Frank Mavhungu

Black Leopards once again failed to collect the maximum points in front of their home crowd when they played to a 2-2 draw with University of Pretoria FC in their Motsepe Foundation Championship League match that was played at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.

Lidoda duvha are still to win a league match this year. They are currently lying at the bottom of the log with 13 points.

The head coach of the team, Mr Rodwell Dhlakama, said any thoughts about relegation were premature when a chance to fight for promotion still existed. He appealed to the fans

not to press the panic button.

The Zimbabwean mentor said that while he was impressed with the team’s overall performance, he was equally realistic about the fact that a performance without a result was only good for the eyes.

Mr Dhlakama said that they were going to do their homework and that they would make sure that they won most of their remaining matches. His counterpart from the University of Pretoria, or Amatuks, Mr Tlisane Motaung, blamed his players for the poor result. He said that they could have won the match, had the players obeyed his instructions.

Motaung said that his players had started to play defensive football after scoring their sec-

ond goal early in the last half. He said that the players had turned a deaf ear and continued to play defensive football when he was instructing them not to defend from their own half.

Amatuks opened their account in the 24th minute via Ayanda Mvambi. The home side found the equaliser through Tiklas Thutlwa, who finished with a rocket after the keeper had mishandled the ball. The visitors from Pretoria then reclaimed the lead in the 64th minute. Kamohelo Pheeane hooked in the ball after receiving a square pass from Rodney Ramagalela. Siphelele Ntshangase scored the equalising goal for Leopards on the stroke of full time.

Maindis and Royal in a league clash

By Frank Mavhungu

This weekend marks the starting point of the 2022 season league programme of the Hollywoodbets Super League. Six matches will be played at different venues throughout the country on Saturday, while the remaining two fixtures are scheduled for Sunday.

The only Vhembe-based side, Maindis Ladies, will open the new season with a home match. They will host Royal AM Ladies at the Malamulele Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

According to the head coach of Maindis Ladies, Mr Sipho Mabuza, they are expecting to open the new season with a bang. Mabuza said that they had retained most of the players who were the backbone of

the team last season. He said that their aim was to finish their league programme in a respectable position on the log standings. Maindis had finished last season’s programme in the eighth position on the log standings. Maindis have beefed up their technical department by recalling the former head coach of the team, Mr Isaya Sehlapelo.

Also on Saturday, the defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, will host Richmond United at the Loftus Stadium in Pretoria. University of Johannesburg Ladies will travel to Durban. They will fight for league points with Durban Ladies at the Chatsworth Stadium in Durban. Coal City Wizards will entertain UWC Ladies at the Puma Rugby Stadium in Emalahleni.

City Lads are waiting for Vasco da Gama at the Mahikeng Stadium in the North West. JVW FC will play against Thunderbirds Ladies at the Tsakane Stadium in Johannesburg. Sunday’s fixtures are Copper Belts vs University of Pretoria and First Touch Academy vs TUT Ladies FC. All matches are scheduled to start at 15:00.

Sikhosonke Langa of Amatuks kicks the ball after beating Maphuthi Leso of Leopards. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

The head coach of Maindis Ladies FC, Mr Sipho Mabuza.

Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Litshovhu Secondary School in Madombidzha Zone2 took part in the circuit sporting activities held on 25 January at Louis Trichardt High School. Litshovhu’s athletes won 13 bronze medals, five silver medals and six gold medals. The school is especially proud of the athletes who won gold medals in the 3 000 metre race as well as the high jump. In the photo, the athletes pose with some of the teachers and coaches. Photo: Charity Mulaudzi.

VFA beat TTM to revive promotion hopes

By Frank Mavhungu

Venda Football Academy (VFA) revived their hopes for promotion when they beat Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) 2-1 in their Motsepe Foundation Championship League match that was played at the Thohoyandou Stadium last Friday afternoon.

VFA jumped a few steps up on the log standings with the victory. They are now perched in the 11th position on the log standings with 18 points. VFA are still to lose a match this year. Their worst result was a draw.

During an interview with the head

coach of the team shortly after their game against TTM, Mr Simo Dladla attributed the team’s success to good preparation during the festive holidays. He said that hard work and dedication by both the players and the technical staff were starting to pay dividends.

Dladla also sent a chilling warning to Magesi FC, with whom they will be locking horns at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Friday afternoon, saying they must not be underestimated. On the other hand, the head coach of TTM, Mr Johnny Ferreira, was singing the praises of his players even though they had lost the game. Ferreira, who re-joined Vhadau Vha Damani three days before last Friday’s game

Magesi FC up against VFA in Limpopo derby

By Frank Mavhungu

The long-awaited Motsepe Foundation Championship League match between Venda Football Academy (VFA) and Magesi FC will be played at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Friday afternoon. A quick look at the recent track records of the two teams shows that Magesi will be lucky if they manage to go back to Polokwane with a point in hand. VFA are still to lose a match this year. They managed to collect eight points in the four league matches they have played this year.

VFA opened the new year with a 1-1 draw against Black Leopards. They again shared the spoils with Uthongathi FC, following their 1-1 draw at the Thohoyandou Stadium two weeks ago. That was followed by an away 1-0 victory over Platinum City Rovers and a 2-1 win over Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) at the Thohoyandou Stadium last Friday.

game against Uthongathi FC. The strikers of VFA, Rhulani Manzini, Sedzani Mudau and former Black Leopards sharpshooter Maboke Matlakala, are poised to cause havoc for the defence of Magesi.

against VFA, said that the players had not taken long to adapt to his coaching philosophy. He was still optimistic that TTM will partake in the promotional playoffs at the end of the season if they fail to gain automatic promotion to the elite league. “With 14 matches remaining before the end of the season, anything is still possible,” he said. VFA were the first to score on Friday. Kgothatso Mariba was on target with a ground cutter five minutes into the game. TTM found the equaliser through Issa Sarr, who headed home after a corner kick that was taken by Xolani Nkala. A substitute, Rotondwa Mutsivhuli, scored the winning goal for VFA in the referee’s optional time.

Magezi, on the other hand, could register only one victory this year. Their only win was against MM Platinum FC, whom they had beaten 2-0 in their opening fixture for the new year.

VFA are lying in the 11th position on the log standings with 18 points, while Magesi are perched in the 10th spot with 19 points. Should they manage to beat Magesi on Friday, VFA are likely to move three steps up on the log.

VFA’s captain, Nhlanhla Makhubele, will be available for selection on Friday. Makhubele was out of action in the team’s previous games after seeing red in their

Vhadau Vha Damani are geared to crush City Rovers

By Frank Mavhungu

After donating significant league points to their opponents in their last five matches, Tshakhuma

Tsha Madzivhandila FC (TTM) are determined to crush Platinum City Rovers when they meet in their Motsepe Foundation Championship League match at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

TTM and Rovers are in a similar situation as both are fighting for

survival. TTM are lying in the 13th position on the log standings, while City Rovers are 12th. The two teams are tied on 16 points.

The head coach of TTM, Mr Johnny Ferreira, is adamant that his team can collect the maximum points at stake. He said that the players were adapting to his coaching philosophy after he had re-joined Vhadau Vha Damani last Wednesday (25th).

He added that TTM would soon move out of the relegation zone and start to compete for the league

title. He admitted that the morale was down in the camp when he re-joined the Tshakhuma side last week. TTM were still fresh from a 0-5 drubbing when Mr Ferreira took over as the head coach of the team.

Black Leopards will be on the road this weekend. They will visit MM Platinum FC at the Bidvest Stadium in Johannesburg. Polokwane City will host Cape Town Spurs at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. Cape Town Spurs are in top form after beating

Cape Town All Stars 2-0 at the Blue Downs Stadium in Cape Town on Tuesday afternoon.

Hungry Lions will take on JDR Stars at the Windhoek Draught Stadium in Kimberley. The University of Pretoria will have a date with Uthongathi FC at the Absa Tuks Stadium in Pretoria. Baroka FC will try their luck against Casric Stars at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in Siyabuswa. Cape Town All Stars will host Pretoria Callies at the Bidvest Stadium in Soshanguve Giant Stadium outside Pretoria.

Issa Sarr of TTM kicks the ball, while Kgothatso Mariba of VFA tries to block the way. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

TTM’s head coach, Mr Johnny Ferreira. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

VFA’s sharpshooter, Maboke Matlakala. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.