Limpopo Mirror 7 April 2023

They dragged their feet

Family members of murdered women unhappy with police’s slackness to investigate

By Victor Mukwevho

Murder, kidnapping and rape

suspect Mashudu Bele abandoned his bail application when he appeared before Magistrate Farhana Hussain at the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 4 April.

When he entered the court, mainly occupied by the late Fhatuwani Asnath Nguluvhe’s family members, he looked at the packed gallery and immediately told his legal aid lawyer that he was abandoning his bail application and would like to face his charges while in custody. Bele is facing charges of being in possession of stolen property, kidnapping, rape and murder. His case was postponed to 21 June for further police investigations.

Immediately after the case was postponed, Nguluvhe’s brother, Mr Livhuwani Munyai, who has been in close contact with Limpopo Mirror since the incident happened on 6 March this year, said he was not happy with how the police had been investigating the case from the start, but that he was relieved that a suspect had been arrested and was facing trial.

Munyai himself is an investigator based in Gauteng. He also has a

diploma in Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation, obtained from the University of Johannesburg. “From the very first day after my sister disappeared, I asked the investigating officer to apply for a Section 205 to speed up the investigations, but it was not done,” he said.

Munyai was referring to Section 205 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which allows the investigating officer to subpoena people and businesses to reveal certain information. This is used, for example, to obtain information from cellphone service providers, which can assist in tracing suspects.

“The suspect would have been arrested earlier, but the police dragged their feet and did nothing. It was only after I had contacted their boss, Brigadier Mukwevho - eight days after she had disappeared - and threatened to contact the province, that the Section 205 was done. What if I did not push them? I was also surprised when I asked for the K9 (dog) unit to assist right after the disappearance. I was told that the unit is based in Sibasa, but that they have to apply in Polokwane. There is something seriously wrong with this arrangement.”

(Continues on page 2)

Kidnapping, rape and murder suspect Mashudu Bele appeared in court on Tuesday.

Minister Zikalala on a mission to try and fix Beitbridge’s fence fiasco

By Bernard Chiguvare

During his first month in his new capacity as Minister of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), Mr Sihle Zikalala has already made a priority of addressing the Beitbridge Border Post saga involving the installation of the border fence between South Africa and Zimbabwe in 2020. When the fence was found to be of poor quality, this caused a lot of criticism from decision makers and the general public.

Bele abandons his bail application

(Continues from page 1)

The police investigations here are very, very pathetic, especially if it does not involve a direct family member of a police officer. They don’t even care how the victims’ next of kin feel after such incidents,” he said.

Munyai said that after the Section 205 request had been approved, they had obtained video footage from a local garage and a well-known liquor store. “We also got her banking details and saw how the suspect used my sister’s

Capitec bank card. At the local garage, the suspect is seen wearing a white hat when he purchased petrol for R1 000, using my sister’s bank card at 02:14. At the liquor outlet, he was wearing a Bermuda as he bought beer for R85. This was shortly after 09:00 in the morning, after her disappearance,” he said.

After Bele was finally arrested, he allegedly showed the police where he had dumped the body. Munyai said he had nearly broken down when he had seen his sister’s decomposed body.

“The post-mortem was done last Thursday (30 March) in Polokwane, but they are still going to do another post-mortem in Johannesburg, where they can really confirm what had happened,” he said.

The deceased’s in-laws were also in court. Mrs Martha Mavhetha said they were heartbroken. “All we need now is that justice has to take its course and we would like to see the suspect rotting in jail,” she said.

Nguluvhe is survived by her two daughters, five sisters, two brothers and her mother.

On Tuesday, 4 April, Zikalala, accompanied by Musina Mayor Godfrey Mawela, conducted a site inspection to assess the border fence, which he admitted was one of the government’s failed projects. “We are going to attend to [our] failures, but we are not going to accept wrongdoing. Where there is failure, we try to improve it, but where there is wrongdoing, people must be held accountable. The report that showed that the fence was not up to standard was correct. The Department of Public Works must implement the assessment report conducted by the government’s risk committee and Special

Investigating Unit (SIU),” he said.

The DPWI is already working on the recommendations of the report.

Two contractors, namely Caledon River Properties (Pty) Ltd and Profteam CC, were awarded R40,4 million by the DPWI to erect the Beitbridge border fence, but when the erected fence started to collapse, the SIU was prompted to investigate the awarding of the contract.

Minister Zikalala believes that consequence management is the only way to build a culture of responsibility and integrity. He told the media that his department had

already disciplined some of its staff members internally, but would now also deal with three other senior managers within the department.

Asked when the new fence would be installed, Zikalala said that had to be determined by the Border Management Authority (Department of Home Affairs and South African National Defence Force). “These are the departments that have to tell the DPWI what type of fence will be most suitable. Once they have done so, we can implement their recommendations,” he said.

Zikalala promised to be back again in two months to deal with the issue of the fence.

To the right, in uniform, is Lt Col Dalton of the South African National Defence Force, showing the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Sihle Zikalala (in orange work suit) some of the sections where the Beitbridge border fence had collapsed.

Hundreds march in Shayandima to celebrate Palm Sunday and pray for SA

By Elmon Tshikhudo

Hundreds of congregants from different denominations at Shayandima, under the auspices of the All Saints Fellowship Forum Shayandima, marched through the streets of Shayandima in observance of Palm Sunday.

Carrying tree branches and a brass band leading them, members representing the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church, Anglican Church, Full Gospel Church, Uniting Presbyterian Church and the Uniting Reformed Church marched in a procession for a few kilometres from Tshilidzini Hospital to the local Lutheran Church at Shayandima.

The annual event, to mark and celebrate the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, was this year graced by the presence of Vhembe’s executive mayor, Dowelani Nenguda, Thulamela Mayor Sarah Rammbuda (who led their other executives), senior pastors and bishops from the participating churches.

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The chairperson of the All Saints Fellowship Forum Shayandima, Reverend Jabulane Monegi, said that this year’s event was aimed at praying for the various problems the country was facing. “Our country is going through some serious challenges, with load shedding having become a way of life. As a church, we pray that a solution to the current crisis that is affecting our country’s economy so negatively be found. Again, as a church, we also pray for the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, to remain resolute and seek wisdom from God in taking this country forward. The Zondo Commission has done its job, and we pray that the NPA also does its job by arresting and charging those fingered to have misused state funds,” he said.

Monegi further indicated that the church was worried about the carnage that happens on the roads over the Easter holidays, as well as the prevalence of gender-based violence, especially in the Thohoyandou policing area, which has reached alarming proportions.

“We are calling upon men and women who are encountering challenges in their relationships to seek help from professionals and organisations, instead of resorting to killing one another,” Monegi said.

Dangerous suspect killed in shoot-out with police

By Kaizer Nengovhela

A dangerous suspect was shot and killed by the police while his accomplice fled on foot during a violent shoot-out in Tshakhuma at around noon on Wednesday, 29 March.

The deceased was identified as Tshimangadzo Nemaembeni (35) from Tshakhuma. Nemaembeni and his accomplice were allegedly among the most feared gangsters in the area and were linked to countless crimes in the Vhembe area. Both were on the police’s Most Wanted list.

On the day of the incident, the police received a tip-off from members of the community who saw the two suspects at the Tshakhuma graveyard, reportedly helping some people digging a grave for a funeral. “When the police arrived at the graveyard, the two suspects started to run away, into the nearby bushes, with the police in close pursuit. The suspects then opened fire on the police, who retaliated. Subsequently, one of the suspects was shot dead. The other suspect managed to evade arrest and fled the scene on foot. A manhunt ensued for the remaining other suspect,” said Limpopo police

spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo.

The drama played out like a scene from a Hollywood action movie, with gunfire being exchanged between the armed suspects and the police. A witness, who could not be named, said they heard gunfire coming from the bushes next to a local car wash. Within a short space of time, a big crowd had gathered at the scene.

“There were many police there and a man was lying face-down in a pool of blood on the ground. We suspected him to be one of the gang members that was being hunted by the police.” The source

said the scene was very scary. Mojapelo warned criminals to stop terrorising communities as, by doing so, they will meet the full might of the law. He also called on communities to work hand in hand with the police in fighting crime.

The spokesperson for the National Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), Lizzy Suping, said that the death of a suspect was being investigated. “Our investigators are still in the vicinity,” she said. She did not want to divulge any further information, saying that the information first needed to be verified.

The late Fhatuwani Asnath Nguluvhe’s in-laws after attending the court hearing on Tuesday.

Photo: Bernard Chiguvare.

Photographed during the procession are (from left) Ms Nyambeni Mudau (with white top), Thulamela Municipality’s mayor Cllr Sarah Rambuda, Vhembe District Municipality’s mayor Cllr Dowelani Nenguda, Rev Jabulane Monegi and Lay Preacher Mr Aron Mathuba. Photo by Elmon Tshikhudo

Missing man’s body found in dam at sewerage plant

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Members of the Rathidili family from Tshikhwani village, in the Sinthumule area, were devastated when the body of their missing son was found floating in a dam at Louis Trichardt’s sewerage plant on Tuesday (4th).

On Saturday, 25 March, the 24-year-old Mashudu Rathidili went to Louis Trichardt but never returned home. After reporting him as missing, the family members, with the help of other community members, began a frantic search of their own. They searched the area where he was last spotted, in vain. When his body was eventually found floating in the sewerage plant, it had already decomposed substantially.

Mashudu’s father, Mr Moses Rathidili, said the circumstances around his son’s death were strange and left many unanswered questions. “We are so shocked, because we have been searching everywhere; even in the spot where we found his body, not knowing that he was rotting in there. We are convinced that he was murdered elsewhere, and his body later dumped in the sewage to conceal the evidence. But we

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Residents around Khalavha, Tshikombani, Dopeni and Tshirenzheni say they cannot deal with the growing problem of gangsterism around communities and at schools anymore and are close to starting to take the law into their own hands if that is the only way to put a stop to the intimidation they are being subjected to.

Mr Joshua Simango of the Boko Foundation says his organisation motivates young people who have fallen into bad behaviour early on in their lives. “If we don’t motivate them early, they will find violence and bullying fun. We hope that school learners report any acts or incidents that pose a threat to a healthy child at their school, so that a

Musina taxi violence erupts again

By Kaizer Nengovhela

cannot say for certain. What we do know for sure, is that he is dead, and only the police are able to help solve this puzzle,” he said.

The local traditional leader, Vhamusanda Vho-Mbulaheni Ramabulana, said after he had been notified of Mashudu’s disappearance, everyone had helped the family to look for him. “As community leaders, we are very saddened as we had hoped he would be found alive. Instead, this has happened. Yet, we can only commend the community for remaining calm and

not being led by their emotions. The body has been found, and we will hear from the experts as to what could have caused his death,” he said.

Makhado police spokesperson Sgt Irene Radzilani confirmed the discovery of Mashudu’s decomposed body at the sewerage plant. “We have opened an inquest docket, and the results of the inquest will direct us on what to do. If there had been any foul play involved, we will take it from there,” she said.

Commuters next to the Musina taxi rank had to flee for their lives on Monday when shots were fired, and nine private security officers were reportedly injured. The shoot-out appears to be the result of the ongoing war between rival taxi associations.

Limpopo Mirror first reported in 2016 about the feud between the LTT-Musina Taxi Association and the Beit Bridge Taxi Association (BTA). The rivalry over routes also found its way to the courts, and in July 2019, the Polokwane High Court was asked to rule on the matter.

The BTA was then prohibited from operating on the Musina-to-Louis Trichardt route, as well as the Musina-to-Polokwane route. The Limpopo Department of Roads and Transport, as well as the SA Police, was further instructed to enforce the law by issuing fines and arresting members of the BTA, should they operate on these routes.

office. They handed over a memorandum with detailed grievances, again urging authorities to act in accordance with the court order and to protect them from being intimated by BTA members. The conflict turned ugly on Monday when members of the LTT-Musina Taxi Association made use of a private security company to escort them into the Musina taxi rank. They allege that this step was necessary because the drivers were prevented from ferrying commuters to and from the taxi rank. When they arrived at the rank, fighting broke out and shots were fired. Nine security officers were injured and two cars were destroyed during the fight. The injured people were taken to the Musina Hospital for treatment.

name mentioned, said.

The deputy chairperson of MALTA, Mr Thomas Ludere, denied these allegations and said that they had written a letter to MEC Radzilani, informing her that the situation was volatile. He said that the MEC had been informed that they now had to use private security companies to help protect their members as her department and law-enforcement agencies were not resolving the issue.

Ludere said that they had contracted the security company to protect their members when entering the Musina taxi rank for the next six months. He denied allegations that they had hired hitmen to kill rival members.

peaceful learning environment can be maintained.”

Simango says residents live in fear every day as rampant gangsterism, drugs and general lawlessness continue to choke community members and school pupils. Young children at schools such as Tshifhena, Jack Lavhengwa and Ramashia Secondary are also said to belong to notorious gangs secretly.

Simango claims that these gangs consist of a criminal ring of young boys from their own community. “We want to raise awareness about the dangers of gangsterism, bullying, abuse and a negative attitude towards certain subjects. We are demanding change in our youngsters because day in and day out communities are being robbed of their belongings. So, we will be camping out in front

of the local schools until we see change amongst gangsters,” he said.

One of the community members, who asked not to be named, said the community would take the law into their own hands if the police failed to curb the on-going crime. He added that, in schools, bullying was the most common form of violence, while drug abuse was also increasing among the young children in the area. He said that residents being robbed at knifepoint had reached an intolerable high, but that the police dragged their feet in addressing any kind of problem.

The police’s spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, warned residents not to take the law into their own hands but to work with the police in apprehending criminals.

Despite the court order, BTA members appeared to continue operating on the routes. In April last year, taxi operators and owners affiliated with the LTT-Musina Taxi Association and Makhado Long-Distance Taxi Association (MALTA) marched to the office of the Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, and the Premier’s

BTA members, however, claim that they had only defended themselves. They claim that they had received a tip-off that nine people were hired to go to Musina and kill some members of their association. “We confronted them and took the law into our hands after they started shooting randomly. We apprehended them and took them to the police station,” the BTA member, who did not want his

The police spokesperson, Lt-Col Malesela Ledwaba, confirmed that the police had opened a case of malicious damage to property and assault.

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A new Tops liquor outlet officially opened its doors last Friday (30 March) inside the Spar at Mutsindo Mall. The Mutsindo Tops started doing business in December last year, but the official opening was only held last week. Well-known politician, theologian and local resident Dr Tshenuwani Farisani did the honours and cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the liquor section. On his left is Captain Mutangwa, the store manager of Thohoyandou Spar and Mutsindo Tops, and behind them are other staff members and management. Photo supplied.

Mashudu Rathidili’s body was found floating in a dam at Louis Trichardt’s sewerage plant. Photo supplied.

A bullet hole visible in one of the vehicles that were damaged during the shooting.

Photo supplied.

“Gangsterism is getting out of hand”

Rananga family pleads for donations for DNA tests

By Victor Mukwevho

The family of the late Livhuwani Rananga from Matangari village, whose lifeless body was found dumped on the bank of the Mudaswali River on 18 December 2022 after she had gone missing two weeks earlier, is pleading with the community for help, so that they can lay their loved one

to rest.

The suspect, Jutas Munyai, was arrested in connection with her murder after he had visited a prophet and asked to be cleansed for allegedly carrying a dead body. The prophet pretended to be helping him, but phoned the police instead, who managed to arrest him at the prophet’s residence in Makonde village. Munyai is now in custody on a charge of murder.

According to Rananga’s twin sister, Lufuno Rananga, her body is still lying in the government mortuary because the family is unable to raise R3 750 for the DNA test to be conducted. “We are pleading for donations to have the DNA test done, so that we can lay her to rest. We managed to get a private doctor to conduct the test, as we don’t trust a government doctor to give us the correct results,” she said.

Anyone who wishes to help the family can contact Lufuno on 064 642 4726.

We no longer feel save in our own community, complain Ravele residents

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Residents at Ravele have had enough of the increasing crime in their village. They have pledged their unreserved support of a crime-free society, saying that they would root out all criminals from their midst to see to it that the thugs were locked up behind bars.

Ravele’s community leader, Mr Gladwin Malema, said crimes such as cable theft, house

breaking and shebeen violence had become the order of the day and was negatively impacting residents. “We feel marginalised and that the Tshilwavhusiku police are not serving the interests of the people.”

According to Malema, criminals have taken over the village, where they roam the streets and terrorise residents at will. “We are at the mercy of these thugs, and we need to act in order to stop them in their tracks,” he said.

The community also complained about the fact that the Justice Department simply releases serious offenders on parole, who then continue with their criminal activities all over again. “As a community, we sincerely hope that our anti-crime concerns will one day be answered for the safety of our people. Justice institutions know their mandates, and we put our faith in them to see to it that these barbaric criminals get fair sentences that equal

Tourism Vhembe Guide

The Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror are publishing a comprehensive Vhembe Tourism Guide, to highlight the vast array of local tourism treasures. We hope that this publication, which will also be freely available online, will assist in promoting the industry and

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their crimes. We are law-abiding citizens who strongly feel that government should be protecting our communities and homes. We have established our own patrolling groups to patrol the streets every night to put a stop to crime. With tears in our eyes we, the community, say enough is enough!”

One of the residents, who wished to remain anonymous, said that, as a hawker, she had been forced to give all her perishable foods that had to be

OPTION 1

refrigerated to her children because of cable theft. “Cable theft is affecting everything that we do in my house. I am sick and cannot fetch wood in the bushes. I rely on a stove when I cook, and my daughter is studying for her June exams by candlelight,” she said.

Other community members complained that the police are ignoring them when crimes are reported. They say that, if someone cuts the fence and breaks into a house in the middle of the

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night, it should be regarded as a crime that needs to be investigated.

Another resident who fell victim to crime said, after someone had broken into her house, she had followed the footprints from her house, which had led her right to the suspect, but she was too afraid to take matters into her own hands. “We are tired of these criminal gangs who terrorise us. We are no longer safe in this community,” she said.

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The executive mayor of Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), Dowelani Nenguda, has called on all motorists to be safe on the roads this long weekend. Nenguda launched the 2023 Easter Road Safety Campaign for the Vhembe District along the Mukula-Tshaulu Road on Wednesday (5th), saying that law enforcement will be working around the clock to ensure that all road users are safe and adhere to the traffic rules. In the photo, Mr Walter Nengovhela, the Provincial Principal Inspector for Mutale Traffic Station (on the right, in uniform) checks the driver’s licence of a motorist, while Mayor Nenguda (wearing a traffic jacket) and the station commander of Tshaulu Police Station, Lt Colonel Mmboneni Mudimeli (standing on the left, in police uniform) inspect the roadworthiness of the motor vehicle during a roadblock. Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

The late Livhuwani Rananga. Photo supplied.

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Vhembe TVET celebrates 60 years and many stories of success

By Silas Nduvheni

In celebrating the Vhembe TVET College’s 60th year of existence, three successful artisans who had completed their studies at the college in the days when it was still called Finyazwananda Technical College back in 1981, urged the current students to take their skills-development training seriously.

Mr Aubrey Mulaudzi of Aubs Motors and Diesel Centre in Tshisaulu village, Mr George Netshilindi of Gregory Auto Centre in Thohoyandou’s central business area, and Mr Sydney Kharivhe of SK New Look and Brekedo Lodge in Tshisaulu village, contribut-

ed their success today to the training they had received at Vhembe TVET College.

Mulaudzi, who studied to become a diesel mechanic, said that although going to a technical college in those days was regarded as an alternative for students who had not passed their secondary education well, he had found that a need existed for qualified mechanics.

“I had a passion for electrical engineering and, after studying at Finyazwananda Technical College back then, I went to Johannesburg, where I did my internship with a company and qualified as an artisan in 1986. After gaining experience, I started my own company here in 1993,” he said.

Mulaudzi said he started

with only a few employees. Today, he employs more than 80 people who work for him, with some doing their internships. He said his was a true success story, and he was proud to have studied at the Vhembe TVET College.

“My wish is that more young people get the opportunity to receive skills-development training, so that the country can be economically boosted and the lives of the people be changed for the better,” he said.

Mulaudzi and his two former fellow students congratulated the Vhembe TVET College on this milestone, and for teaching their learners the right skills, so that they can employ themselves if need be.

Keep the standards high, says MEC

By Silas Nduvheni

The Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Mr Buti Manamela, has called on the management of the Vhembe TVET College to work hard in keeping standards high, so that it remains a centre of skills development and production, to help in creating jobs.

Manamela was addressing hundreds of people who had gathered at the Vhembe TVET College’s main hall on Friday, 31 March, to celebrate the college’s 60th birthday. He was joined by the executive mayor of the Vhembe District Municipality, Dowelani Nenguda, several traditional leaders and academics.

“The Vhembe TVET Col-

lege should not consistently demonstrate only how your academic programmes are geared towards addressing the needs of the community around the college, but also how the various strategic partnerships you enter into are deliberately geared towards addressing the needs of the people in the Vhembe District. This is particularly important, given the unique location of this college in a region that shares borders with Zimbabwe in the north, Botswana in the north-west, and Mozambique in the southeast through [the] Kruger National Park,” he said. Manamela said that for the institution to attain 60 years was a major milestone and the college should take time to reflect on its evolution since its inception. “We have recently

allocated over R2, 88 billion for the development and refurbishment of new TVET campuses that will enable the expansion of our PSET sector. As it relates to infrastructure development in our TVET Colleges here in Limpopo, we have completed the construction of the Sekhukhune Skills Development Centre to the value of R146,9 million,” added Manamela.

The principal of the Vhembe TVET College, Ms Basane Hlekane, said that when the college had been established in 1963, its name had been Finyanzwanda. “Now we are celebrating 60 years of existence. This college is not still standing by accident. Hard work is what put us where we are today, and that is what we are celebrating,” she said.

Messrs George Netshilindi, Aubrey Mulaudzi and Sydney Kharivhe, who had completed their skills-development training at the Vhembe TVET College back in 1981, photographed during the college’s 60th birthday celebration. All three artisans have their own successful businesses today. Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

From left to right: Ms Ayanda Mafuleka (CEO of Fasset), Ms Nopendulo Mkhatshwa (chairperson of the portfolio committee of higher education and training), Executive Mayor of the Vhembe District Municipality Dowelani Nenguda, Deputy Minister of Higher Education,

The Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Mr Buti Manamela, adressing the gathering of people who attended Vhembe TVET College’s 60th birthday celebration on Friday, 31 March. Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

Science and Innovation Mr Buti Manamela and the principal of Vhembe TVET College, Ms Basane Hlekane, photographed during the college’s 60th birthday celebration. Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

No mercy for road hogs this Easter

Road Safety

The manager responsible for traffic and road safety in Musina, Mr Daniel Hlungwane, said his team would have no mercy on traffic offenders this Easter holiday. Hlungwane was speaking during the launch of the Easter Holiday Safety Campaign, which took place along the N1 road in Musina last Wednesday (29 March). The annual campaign aims to minimise road accidents in the Musina municipal area.

During the launch, passing vehicles were stopped and checked for roadworthiness, and those found with defects were issued with fines. Driver’s permits and licenses were also checked.

Hlungwane said that Musina, as a border town, experienced high volumes of traffic, especially during holidays.

“We do our work every day, but we need to intensify our efforts at this time of the year, as many people travel our roads to their various destinations. Our duty is to make sure that everyone is safe during this busy time of the year. Many road accidents that lead to the loss of lives or serious injuries are avoidable, but some drivers choose to ignore the rules of the road,” he said.

He urged drivers to take a rest at least once every 200km. “Fatigue is one of the major causes of carnage. We can avoid many accidents if our long-distance drivers give themselves time to rest. Another contributing factor

Labour department wants to “formalise” hawkers

By Bernard Chiguvare

On 28 and 29 March, representatives from the Department of Employment and Labour visited the Tshakhuma Fruit Market and Tshalovha Khumbe Market to assess the feasibility of transforming the informal sector into a more formal sector by providing benefits such as unemployment insurance fund, compensation for injuries and disease, the national minimum wage, and occupational health and safety to workers in the informal sector.

Municipalities must join in the war against HIV/Aids

Health News

The Covid-19 pandemic had worsened the situation by reversing the gains made in the fight against Aids in our country and around the world, said Musina Mayor Nkhanedzeni Mawela. Mawela addressed community stakeholders and fellow councillors during the launch of the Musina Local Aids Council, held at Musina’s municipal council chamber on Wednesday, 29 March.

Each municipality is required to have a Local Aids Council (LAC) to monitor, collate and evaluate information to distribute to the general public in the fight against HIV/ Aids and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Mawela said municipalities were ideally placed to play the coordinating and facilitating role needed to make sure that partnerships are built to bring prevention and care programmes to each community affected by Aids. “A local municipality is the government sphere closest to the people. We as local councillors are the politicians directly elected to serve local communities.

We need a coherent strategy that brings together leaders of all sectors of the community and welfare organisations to halt the spread of HIV and to provide care for people living with HIV and Aids and their families.”

He said that although the effects of Covid-19 were still felt, he was satisfied that the LAC would make a conscious effort to begin rebuilding, confront the status quo, and intensify interventions against the spread of Aids. “It is painful to see that we are still experiencing such high rates of new HIV infections, especially among the youth. However, what remains paramount in our response is the strengthening of awareness campaigns, psychosocial and socio-economic support to ensure successful HIV, TB and STI treatment completion.”

Evangelist Mabore Ravhuhali attended the launch on behalf of the religious sector. “As preachers of the Gospel, we do not only concentrate on the spiritual being of people. We are happy to join our municipality in this great initiative, which will help in improving the health of our people,” she said.

is speeding and overloading vehicles, either with passengers or goods. It is very difficult to control an overloaded vehicle. That is why many road users lose control of their vehicles, which lead to major accidents.”

Hlungwane said that, just as drivers had a responsibility to obey the rules of the road, pedestrians too had a role to play. “We urge our drivers to refrain from using intoxicants, drugs or alcohol when driving because this has a negative effect on their concentration and driving ability. Pedestrians must at all times use pedestrian crossings when crossing the road and wear visible clothing at night. They too must avoid walking along the road under the influence of alcohol.”

Advocate Fikiswa Bede, the national chief director advocacy and statutory services, explained the reason behind this research inspection. “As the world is shifting from the formal economy to the informal economy as a result of global economic challenges, the Departments of Employment and Labour and Inspection and Enforcement Services aim to protect all categories of workers

(wage and non-wage) in terms of employment laws. The research inspections seek to assess the feasibility of assisting workers in the informal sector to access benefits accessible in the formal sector, such as claiming compensation in the case where they find themselves unemployed or unable to make an income or get injured while on duty.”

According to him, the informal traders will have a different rate structure, which will be determined at a later stage once the Act is amended.

Some of the informal traders around the Tshakhuma area, however, were sceptical about this government initiative. “This is the first time we have been informed about it, so we are not very sure about the initiative. We have come across many scam projects in the past that sound good, but when it comes to claiming the money, it turns out to be an uphill task to be compensated,” one of the traders said.

Musina community seeks divine intervention

Religion

The scourge of gender-based violence, drug abuse, teenage pregnancies, fatal road accidents and other social ills in general have compelled local government to seek divine intervention. This is the reason why they instituted Musina Prayer Day, for believers from different faith groups to join in prayer.

The prayer day was held at the old Nancefield Community Hall on Wednesday, 29 March. Among the religious groups present were Muslims, Africans and Christians from different doctrines.

Over the past few months, the Musina region has seen many incidents of gender-based violence; some so severe that it led to death. Local community members also complained about the high number of fatal road accidents, the escalating crime rate and dealings in illicit cigarettes in the area on social media and at community meetings.

Addressing the group of people who attended the prayer meeting, Musina Mayor Nkhanedzeni Mawela said seek-

ing divine intervention and asking God to heal the land was important. “We have designed strategies and campaigns to fight these social ills as best as we humanly can, but it is vital to ask God to give us the power as we implement our plans. No matter how well-crafted our plans to fight crime may be, it means nothing without the support of our Creator.”

He thanked the faith groups, stakeholders and the general public for putting everything aside to attend this important day of prayer. “This clearly demonstrates that we are all concerned about what is happening in our country. Although this is a special day, I urge you to make every day a prayer day, so that we are able to restore peace in our land,” Mawela said.

Ready for Easter. Some of the traffic officers captured during the launch of the Easter Holiday Safety Campaign at Musina.

The Department of Employment and Labour embarked visited the Tshakhuma Fruit Market and Tshalovha Khumbe Market last week to assess the possibility of transforming the informal sector into a more formal sector. Photo supplied.

Musina Mayor Nkhanedzeni Mawela (seated in middle row) captured with the representatives of different stakeholders during the launch of the Musina Local Aids Council last week.

People from different religious backgrounds gathered at the old Nancefield Community Hall last week to pray for the country to be healed.

Art & Entertainment

Young traditional healer moves with the times

Entertainment

In the olden days, traditional healers used to relax in their consultation huts while they waited for their clients to approach them for assistance. With the advent of communication platforms such as social media, however, young traditional healers refuse to be left behind.

Tshilidzi Brenda Munyai, a young traditional healer

from Dzimauli Tshibvumo near Tshilamba, is an example of this. Besides conducting physical consultations, she also makes use of video calls, voice calls, Facebook, WhatsApp and TikTok to consult with her clients around the country.

Tshilidzi (27), who is known as “Gogo Hlangelani” on social media platforms, says she realised that traditional healers today also need to adapt to these ever-changing times. “I

personally feel that, as a young person, I should adjust to the new way of life. We live in a technological world now. It is easier now to interact with people from anywhere at any time through social media. I had to take advantage of what it offers. Unlike some people, who use social media for all the wrong reasons, I believe that this platform can be constructive if used responsibly,” she says.

Asked how she gets compen-

Joyful commotion in Tshilamba at wedding of Nefale couple

By Victor Mukwevho

The Tshilamba township came to a near standstill on Saturday afternoon (1 April), when a newly married couple came driving down the street in a somewhat uncommon fashion (for modern times) during their wedding ceremony. The lovebirds, Awelani Nefale from Vondwe village and Livhuwani Madzonga from Tshandama village, made their grand entrance to the township in a well-decorated donkey cart amid ululations and jubilations from passers-by.

The coachman (driver of a horse/donkey-drawn carriage), who happened to be a woman, was also whistling, but in her case she did so to keep the three donkeys in check. She stole the show for a moment when she parked the donkey cart like a professional truck driver parking a big truck at the entrance of the complex. On arrival at the complex, the bride and groom were whisked away into a brandnew white German sedan.

Amid the high divorce rate and killings among married couples in the country today, and in the Vhembe District in particular, seeing such a crowd-catching wedding ceremony was indeed a refreshing sight. On this, Nefale (groom) remarked that now was the perfect time for those who were truly in love to show the world that, if you

asked God to guide you in your marriage, nothing could stand in the way of your married life together.

“Marriage has been created by God for a man and a woman to live happily together, forever. With God on our side, our love and marriage will stand the test of time,” Nefale said. He added that, after five years of dating his lovely wife, he felt the time

had come to make her his queen for life.

The blushing bride, who was smiling from ear to ear the entire time, thanked God that she could finally be called Mrs Nefale. “I am so happy to finally be married to such a handsome and God-loving man. God, I will always praise You for guiding me all the way to this big day in my life,” she said.

sated for her work through social media, she explained: “I can throw the bones on a video call with my clients and interact with them on WhatsApp and other social media platforms. After the ‘virtual’ consultation, I package their traditional medication and have it couriered directly to them. They transfer the money for the services rendered electronically, without ever coming to me personally. I interact and help people from as far as Gauteng, Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein on a daily basis.”

She encourages other traditional healers who make use of social media in their pursuit to help people to use it responsibly. “With

everything changing because of social media, we have no other choice but to follow suit. Using social media saves time and makes it easier for traditional healers to help their clients, regardless of their geographical location.”

Moving with the times. Traditional healer Tshilidzi Brenda Munyai, better known as ‘Gogo Hlangelani’ on social media.

Dressmaking has helped Tuwani to be her own boss

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Ntombikhona Zuma Tuwani from Louis Trichardt is one of the lucky ones who can call herself “boss”. She runs a dressmaking business and provides her community with tailormade traditional attire and modern designs.

Tuwani says she developed a love of sewing when she was still very young. “My grandmother used to give us old clothes that we could use to make new clothes for our dolls. My dolls’ closet was full of unique styles,” she said.

After her teenage years, she decided to pursue a career in dressmaking. “When I told my grandmother that I was going to the then Mavhoi Technical College (now Vhembe FET College Mavhoi) in Nzhelele to study clothing and fashion design, she was so excited about it. I did not really have another alternative except to use my hands to generate an income, but this was what I wanted to do. Many people think the best thing is to go out and look for jobs, but we can also create jobs for ourselves. Everyone has hidden

talents, but people do not always know how to utilise them. I never realised that I was sitting on a bag of money, until I took the initiative to stand up and fight for my future.”

She says the thing that makes her different from other fashion designers is that she believes that people are what they wear. “What you wear defines you, and that’s why I let my designs talk to the world.”

She says that when her clients come to her and request a unique product, it allows her to express her creativity. “I create, customise and personalise both men’s and women’s apparel, varying and ranging from formal wear and casual wear to uniforms, work suits, bedding, house wear and accessories. All big brands once started in a small county or village by an individual who had a vision. They only branch out to other places after some time. People in Vhembe are highly talented and are at a stage where they are starting to make things happen independently,” she said.

Kharendwe's taxi runs on grass and water

By Victor Mukwevho

Unemployment is a stark reality affecting millions of South Africans every day, but despite the challenges it produces, it also allows thousands of people to come up with bright and creative ideas every day to sustain themselves.

While some may choose to drown in their misery, others choose to make the most of what they have at their disposal, and they are the ones who live to share their inspiring stories about how they beat the odds.

In Tshikundamalema village, deep in the bundus of the Vhembe District, lives a young man who has come up with the idea to use his father’s donkeys to transport people around and, by doing so, he now earns an income for himself.

Kharendwe Mundalamo told Lim-

popo Mirror that he was staring at the (imaginary) crystal ball one day while sitting at home, when he realised that a man’s power and ability to do anything on this earth lay in the mind. So, he approached his father, Mr Josias Mundalamo, and asked him if he could use the family’s donkeys and donkey cart, so that he could fend for himself.

“When my father gave me permission to use them, I first started fetching firewood and water for villagers at a fee. As my business slowly began to grow, I started to also use the donkeys to deliver bousand (building sand) for people and small building contractors who are building but do not have vehicles. I even drive elderly villagers to payment points during month end.”

Kharendwe said he did not need petrol or diesel for this job; all he needed was to make sure his donkeys were fed.

“My donkey cart is powered by grass

and water, not petrol,” he smiled.

He also makes donkey carts, which he sells for about R4 000 each. “I wonder why people get angry when some foreigners say South Africans are lazy and only want top jobs. I concur with them. Our people do not want to do hard work, they are used to getting things for free from the government,” he said.

When asked what message he had for other young people who sat at home, doing nothing, he said they must think out of the box and do something for themselves. “There are people who may feel that using a donkey cart in this day and age is enough to damage one’s reputation in society, but the truth is, we must try anything that can bring in money, so that we are able to sustain ourselves. Forget about what people might think or say and work for your family,” he said.

Some of Kharendwe Mundalamo's friends with him on his donkey cart while they watch a local football game. He gave them a lift from his village, which was about eight kilometres away from where the game was being played.

The newly married couple, Mr and Mrs Nefale, arriving at Tshilamba complex in a donkey cart during their wedding ceremony, held on Saturday, 1 April.

Ntombikhona Zuma Tuwani, a dressmaker from Louis Trichardt, is happy to be her own boss. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

Photo: Romeo Photography.

Wedneys inspire jobseekers with his acting role

By Thembi Siaga

The 26-year-old Wedneys Makulane, well-known for his portrayal of “Mushe” in the popular television soapie Muvhango, uses his on-screen character to inspire those who are eagerly seeking employment opportunities. With the high unemployment rate in South Africa, Wedneys hopes to educate students who recently graduated and other jobseekers about recognising job prospects.

Originally from Tembisa, Wedneys discovered his passion for acting at a young age, after he relocated to Ha-Munzhedzi.

He encountered a former acquaintance from Vleifontein, Lutendo Masindi, who had achieved success as an actor on the Generations soap opera.

“His success inspired and motivated me to pursue my own dreams. I was also influenced by prominent actor Warren Masemola, who played a critical role in motivating me to work hard and pursue my dream of becoming an actor,” he said.

After completing Grade 12 at Michael Denga Ramabulana High School in 2019, Wedneys took steps to turn his passion for acting into a reality. He went to Johannesburg to live

with his best friend, Owen Bakali, who informed him about the audition for Muvhango

“I auditioned for the role in February 2020, and received an email from the Zero To Hero Casting Agency three months later, offering me a recurring waiter role. I am continuously striving to land a more substantial role on Muvhango,” he said.

Despite having no formal acting training, Wedneys has landed roles in engaging television reality shows such as Ufelani (Channel 157 Moja Love) and The Estate (SABC 3). Wedneys plays the character of a determined young man

Another accolade for Tshitangano

By Thembi Siaga

Mulamuleli Tshitangano

from Mutshenzheni village is a young writer with ambitious aspirations. She had the honour of representing South Africa at the Mulher Forte African Literature Awards, held in Maun, Botswana, on 31 March.

Despite being only 20 years old, she has achieved recognition in the literary realm, having received two provincial accolades for her written work. Even though she did not win an award in the final, she is thrilled that her work has been acknowledged not just in SA but also across the globe.

“As someone who never once dreamed of becoming an author, I feel deeply honoured. I would like to have my books in bookstores nationwide. I have already started through Amazon and Takealot,” she said.

Mulamuleli began writing during her primary school years, and she was inspired by the renowned writer Thomas Hardy. Her journey, however, was not as straightforward as one might imagine. She says she has had to deal with quite a few bogus

individuals who pretended to be publishers but were not.

Mulamuleli has penned two books thus far, namely I shall find the light, a poetry book published in 2021, consisting of 90 poems, and Beauty with Scars, which was published last year. Beauty with Scars focuses on empowering women, addressing gender-based violence, and exploring the upbringing of women.

A third-year student at the Tshwane University of Technology and pursuing a diploma in language practice, the young author was selected as a semi-finalist at the Mulher Forte African Literature Awards for Beauty with Scars last year. She has won provincial awards as the best writer in Limpopo at the MAMA 2021/2022 awards and won the African Honouree Global Writers’ Award in 2022. The book was also approved by the by Gauteng Department of Education last week.

Nyafhasi Visual Arts Alliance boosts employment in Tshaulu

By Silas Nduvheni

To fight poverty and unemployment in rural communities, a group of people in Tshaulu village, just outside Thohoyandou, have grouped together to form a visual arts co-operative, called the Nyafhasi Visual Arts Alliance, through which they are producing and selling their wood carvings, beadwork, sculptures, ceramics and weaving products.

The group leader, Mr Gerson Nemuelela, said everything started when he was still in primary school in the 1960s. Those years, children had to learn how to work with their hands, producing crafts. “I was good at working with my hands during that time, and my educators used to encourage me,” he said.

Nemuelela started carving sculptures out of wood, and made thonga (wooden sticks), mifaro, ngoma (drums), mpfo and peto, which he then sold to members of the local the community. This provided

much-needed income, which helped him to provide not only for himself but also for other members of the family as well.

In 2019, a group of artists from the area decided to pool their resources and formed the Nyafhasi Visual Arts Alliance. Initially, it consisted of only seven dedicated artists.

Nemuelela said that the Thulamela Local Municipality supported them and they were also fortunate enough to get assistance from the National Lotteries Commission, who gave them R381 000 in 2019 and another R81 000 in 2021.

from the village who works hard to earn a living by taking any available opportunity to make money. “I aim to educate jobseekers that they should not be too selective when selecting a job, as long as it meets their basic needs,” he said.

Wedneys Makulane, also known as “Mushe” from the well-known soapie Muvhango, utilszes his character to motivate viewers who may be in search of employment opportunities. Photo supplied.

Tshikosi releases her first single

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Upcoming gospel musician Mashudu

Glacia Tshikosi released her debut gospel single, Khariduligisele, at the beginning of March this year, and if she keeps up this standard of work, a bright future undoubtedly awaits her.

Tshikosi hails from Tshikuwi in the Nzhelele area. She realised the depth of her zeal for music as a career in 2013, when she got to sing with the worship team of the New Life Church.

She says that the response she has received since her single’s release is an indication that she is on the right track. She hopes that it will catapult her to greater heights, so she can entrench herself in the tough gospel music scene.

Blue Monkey now presents Reggae Show

David Khavhu, also known as Blue Monkey, joined the Phalaphala FM team to present their Reggae Show. He has already hosted his first show, which was broadcast on Saturday, 1 April, from 12:00 to 15:00, and it looks like he will be making a name for himself before long.

Khavhu, who hails from Mphadzha (Ha-Nthabalala), had risen considerably since his humble beginnings. After he matriculated from Thwalima High, he proceeded to the Boston City Campus and Business College, where he obtained his diploma in media studies.

Khavhu joined the Makhado Community Radio in 2009 as presenter, music compiler, librarian, and programme manager until March this year. He says he has always dreamed of asserting himself as a key player in the media industry and, for him, radio always represented a wider platform to express his ideas. While he is interested in creative broadcasting, his main goal is to keep radio entertaining, relevant and progressive. He does a lot of research to improve his knowledge and keep up with what is happening around him.

“To be in this industry, you need to be driven by passion. I remember listening to the presenters on the radio when I was a boy, and I knew that one day I would sit behind the microphone too. When I am on air, I feel as if I am in a certain realm. What I like about my show is that it requires a lot of energy and flexibility.”

Khavhu says he is proud of the huge support the programme is receiving. “I was so happy when the management of Phalaphala FM hired me. I made a promise to myself that I would make them proud of me. It is not always easy in this industry, but if you can overcome the challenges, you will make it to the top and only settle for the best,” he says.

“This helped us to develop our co-operative when buying tools,” explained Nemuelela.

He added that his visual arts co-operative was also assisting young people from Tshaulu village and surrounding communities to develop their visual-art skills.

One of the women doing beadwork for Nyafhasi Visual Art Alliance, Ms Alice Makhanthisa, said that doing beadwork had helped her and other women. Now they can produce an income, instead of just sitting at home waiting for a man to provide food for the family.

Tshikosi believes that people can have everything they have ever wished for in life, but that they could never enjoy life to the fullest without God in their lives. “We are all created in the image of God, and we should praise Him for his goodness every day. I do that through my music. I prayed and asked God to provide me with the perfect time to release my first single, and my prayers have finally been answered. I serve a living God who never disappoints. The most important thing is to be patient and just trust Him. I have also received immeasurable help and support from my husband. He loves me, he understands me and my love for music, and for that I am grateful,” she said.

Tshikosi is currently working on a full album, which is scheduled to be released later this year, but she says that she is not rushing things as she wants to make sure that she produces quality music that the fans will enjoy.

Mashudu Glacia Tshikosi released her debut gospel single. Photo supplied.

Some of the members of Nyafhasi Visual Arts Alliance in the rural village of Tshaulu, where they do all kinds of artwork, such as wood carving, beading work, sculpting and weaving. In the photo, they display some of their handwork. Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

David Khavhu is a new radio presenter at Phalaphala FM. Photo supplied.

Mulamuleli Tshitangano from Mutshenzheni village is an award-winning local writer with lofty goals. Photo supplied.

Zazi Foundation donates shoes

said.

By Silas Nduvheni

The executive mayor of the Vhembe District Municipality, Dowelani Nenguda, called on unemployed rural men and women to empower themselves economically by harvesting the fruit of the marula tree and producing products such as the marula drink which could assist them in providing for their families.

“We must commercialise our marula beer in such a way that it [becomes] a source of making money, especially this marula season. You can smile all the way to the bank just by collecting the marula fruits and brewing the beer, which is also good for our health,” Nenguda

A well-deserved rest for Musina Municipality’s trusted messenger

Musina News

For the past 14 years, the friendly and ever-smiling face of Mr Markus Ndou was a welcome sight at government and private institutions in Musina town. However, the time came for him to say goodbye to the job he loved so much, following his retirement last Friday (31 March) at the age of 65. Ndou worked as a messenger at Musina Municipali-

ty’s Corporate Services Department.

On his last day of work, Ndou told Limpopo Mirror that his retirement was a bittersweet moment for him. “I am happy to have served the people of Musina to the best of my ability, and I have fulfilled my obligations as a civil servant. But I am also sad to leave my dear colleagues and the stakeholders I have worked with, because they were a part of my daily life. Musina Municipality was my second home, and I will miss all the beautiful things I now have to leave behind. I want to thank the municipality for giving me the opportunity to realise my potential,” he said.

Ndou said that, when he had started his job 14 years ago, things had not been as easy as they were today. “I had the advantage of being physically fit because I had previously worked for several security companies. When I joined the municipality, I was given a bicycle to distribute municipal correspondence accordingly. I did not realise then just how much riding a bicycle all day would contribute to my physical health and fitness. Now, cars are available, which makes the job of a messenger a lot easier, but I still preferred to ride my bicycle from place to place. I loved this job more than anything I have ever done in my life. My wish for the young people is that they too develop a true love for their jobs, so that they can also retire with pride one day, like me,” he said.

Nenguda, who was joined by some of the senior traditional leaders of the Vhavenda people and traditional healers, addressed communities during the 2023 Limpopo Marula Festival build-up event at the Tshifudi Sports Grounds on Tuesday, 28 March. The provincial festival will be held in the Ba-Phalaborwa local municipality from 12 to 16 April.

Marula beer brewers from the rural areas were invited to bring their beers to the buildup event to be sold to the municipality, who later shared it with the community members free of charge.

Thovhele Mphaphuli told the gathering of people that they should respect and conserve the marula tree and warned

communities against chopping down these trees for firewood. “In the past, if someone was caught chopping marula trees, he or she was summoned to the chief’s kraal and fined. We also want the young people to learn how to brew our marula beer, so that they continue to brew it for their families in the future,” he said.

Before the tasting of the marula beer commenced and the rituals were conducted, Dr Mashudu Dima, one of the traditional healers who attended the event, said that, when the fruits started to ripen in January each year, marula brewers were summoned to the chief’s kraal. The traditional leader is the first one to taste it before he allows them to start brewing and selling it to the people.

Late Dr Shikwambana described as young doctor with so much to offer

By Silas Nduvheni

A memorial service was held for the late Dr Mainfred Shikwambana (35) at the Donald Fraser Hospital in Thohoyandou’s Garden Square on Friday, 31 March, following his tragic demise.

On 27 March, the young doctor shot and killed his wife, Dr Tshimadzo Muofhe (32), before turning the gun on himself at their house in Thornhill Estate in Polokwane. Muofhe was also a medical doctor, attached to the Provincial Hospital in

Polokwane.

The police in Polokwane have opened a murder case and an inquest, and although the motive remains unknown, domestic violence could not be ruled out, especially since preliminary investigations showed that the couple had been fighting earlier that day.

Shikwambana was laid to rest in Hovheni village in Tzaneen on Sunday, 2 April.

Speaking during the service, Mr Ntakuseni Netshisaulu, chairperson of the Donald Fraser Hospital board, described the deceased as a young and en-

ergetic doctor who had always shared new ideas to raise the hospital to greater hights.

“Shikwambana was ready to bring new and better changes to the hospital, although he had only worked there for a short period of time before his untimely death. He was one of the hardest-working and most intelligent doctors we have ever worked with, and was just appointed acting CEO of the hospital,” he said.

Tshimangadzo Muofhe was also buried by her loved ones on Sunday, at Maniini Block K, near Thohoyandou.

Following his retirement at the age of 65, Mr Markus Ndou will be missed by his colleagues at Musina Municipality and all the other stakeholders he worked with over the years.

Musina’s municipal manager, Mr Nathi Tshiwanammbi, thanked Ndou for his much-appreciated contributions over the years and wished him a happy retirement and well-deserved rest.

Well-known traditional healer Dr Mashudu Dima (seated second from right) conducted the rituals by being the first to taste the marula beer during the festival at the Tshifudi Sports Grounds last Tuesday. Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

In the middle row, seated from left to right with their calabashes filled with marula beer, are Vhamusanda Balanganani Mphephu, Thovhele Nndweleni Mashamba, Executive Mayor of Vhembe District Municipality Dowelani Nenguda and Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli during the 2023 Limpopo Marula Festival build-up event at the Tshifudi Sports Grounds on Tuesday, 28 March. Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

Take care of the marula trees, as they can provide an income to many

The medical staff at the Donald Fraser Hospital in Thohoyandou paid their last respects to the late Dr Mainfred Shikwambana during a memorial service that was held at the hospital’s Garden Square on Friday, 31 March.

Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

Learners from Mbilwi Ha-Tshimange village, near Sibasa, under the leadership of Vhamusanda Mashonelo Tshimange, received a welcome shoe donation from the Zazi Foundation. The handover was held in Ha-Tshimange musanda (chief’s kraal), a sub-village under Mbilwi, on Saturday, 1 April. In the photograph is the chairperson of the foundation, Ms Mpho Makosholo (in the middle, in white t-shirt) and Vhamusanda Mashonelo Tshimange (far right, wearing traditional Tshivenda attire), with the learners showing their new shoes. Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

N1 crash claims eight more lives

By Kaizer Nengovhela

The N1 between Musina and Louis Trichardt produced yet another fatal accident last Saturday morning (1 April), when a bakkie and a minibus taxi collided headon near the Baobab tollgate. Eight people were reportedly killed.

The road was temporarily closed for many hours while emergency services attended

the scene. The spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Community Safety, Ms Tidimado Chuene, confirmed the incident. “The accident is suspected to have happened when a minibus taxi overtook unsafely on a barrier line, colliding head-on with a light delivery vehicle. Five men and three women lost their lives. Eight other people who sustained injuries were transported to nearby hospi-

tals,” she said.

In another accident on 17 March this year, three people lost their lives when a truck crashed into a minibus taxi near the Ingwe Hotel. The taxi was heading to Beitbridge when the accident occurred.

The Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Florence Radzilani, also sent her condolences to the families of the deceased.

“We are nearing the Easter long weekend, which will see a heightened volume of traffic on our roads as people will be travelling to different parts of the province to spend time with their families. While we anticipate this to be a period of joy and family reunions, experience has taught us that there are some among us who are reckless on the roads.

Reckless driving, overtaking at unsafe spots, over-speeding, overloading, and drunk driving, count as the number one causes of road accidents and fatalities. The responsibility for road safety lies with all of us as individual drivers. We are therefore continuing to make a clarion call on motorists to become a part of the road safety crusade and be responsible road users at all times for all to arrive alive,” said Radzilani.

Tshiozwi family devastated after their ten-room house burns down

By Kaizer Nengovhela

The Sebola family in Tshiozwi were left devastated and homeless after a fire gutted their ten-room house on Monday, 3 April.

The owner of the house, Mr Simon Sebola, said that, fortunately, none of the family members had been at home when the fire had started. “I was called by my neighbours, who informed me that my house was on fire. When we got there, the fire had already spread through the entire house, destroying everything we owned inside, including

By Bernard Chiguvare

“Government must always be pushed by communities before services are delivered to the people. Sometimes we break into protest; not because we love to protest, but because we understand that this is the only language the government understands when it comes to service delivery.”

These words came from the residents of the Waterval, Bungeni, Mpheni and Magangeni areas during an event hosted by Lawyers for Human Rights’ Kagisano

branch, in collaboration with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture on the last day of Human Rights Month. The function was held at Waterval Community Hall on Friday, 31 March. More than 100 people attended, including some foreigners.

Advocate Xoliswa Bam, a volunteer from the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, who deals with social and cohesion matters, said the government should deliver the services the communities require, but she encouraged communities in turn not to vandalise facilities that are provided to them by the

TO ALL SUPPLIERS AND CONTRACTORS DOING BUSINESS WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF VENDA PAYMENT RUNS FOR 2023 FINANCIAL YEAR

The University of Venda would like to notify all its Suppliers and Contractors of the payment schedule for 2023. This is to ensure that we pay you within 30 days upon receipt of a valid tax invoice together with the statement of account. All these documents should be emailed to invoices@univen.ac.za

There will only be one (1) payment run per week, i.e., every Friday for the month of April 2023 as follows:

As from the 1st of May 2023 onwards, there will only be two (2) payment runs per month, as per the following schedule:

government. “We feel the government should do what is to be done. We usually advise the local government to address communities’ concerns,” said Bam.

Limpopo Mirror spoke to some of the community members who attended the celebrations. “What we have realised is, it’s not that the government is not aware of what they should be doing in our communities. The government only comes to the communities after they have protested. We have several issues that we feel the government is not doing what it is supposed to be doing, like building better footbridges and providing clean water to the communities,” said Thembekile Mkhabela from the Waterval area.

Ndzalama Maswanganye from the Magangeni area complained that no clinic is available in their area, saying that residents were forced to walk nearly 10 kilometres to get to the nearest clinic. Maswanganye further pointed out that about 20 boreholes existed in their area that had been drilled several years ago, but that none of them was working.

Agnes Muuduuri from the migrant community said the police were quick to arrest undocumented foreigners whenever they reported criminal cases at police stations. “We appeal to the police to attend to our cases, instead of arresting us,” said Muuduuri.

Other members of the community claimed the police took too long to attend crime scenes. The police, however, denied the claims, saying that they always attended to cases reported by members of the community quickly – whether the persons were documented or not.

a car. They told us that they heard an explosion shortly after the fire started. For now, there is nothing to suspect because I was not there, although some of the residents around suspect arson. But I will leave it to law enforcement to do their investigations. That way we will get an answer on what had really happened. Luckily, no one was around when the fire started, and we have only God to thank for protecting us,” he said.

According to Sebola, the total damage to his property is estimated to be more than R1 million. He said the family faced a really difficult time

WSPRs

SUBMISSIONS 2023/24

30 APRIL 2023

ahead. “This will be a dreary Easter holiday for my family. We do not even have a decent place to stay or food to eat. We are hoping and praying that someone out there might find it in their heart to help us get back on our feet,” he said.

The spokesperson for the police, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, confirmed the incident. He said that the police had opened an inquest docket, following the incident. He dismissed claims that it had been an act of arson. “Our investigations are still continuing, and people must stop pointing fingers at each other,” he said.

Reminder to submit Work Skills Plans and Reports

(WSPRs) by 30 April 2023

The Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) mandate is to promote and facilitate skills development in the Education, Training and Development (ETD) sector.

In carrying out its mandate, the ETDP SETA encourages all employers that fall within the scope of the ETD sector to raise the skills levels of their employees, by submitting the WSPRs.

For the submitted WSPRs to be processed for Mandatory Grant payments, the following criteria should be met:

WSPR authorisation forms must be signed by the organisation’s designated signatories | WSPR forms must be submitted on or before the 30th April 2023 | No late submissions will be accepted by the SETA | WSPR forms will only be accessible to the registered and approved Skills Development Facilitators (SDFs) through the AIMS system, if not registered please visit our website: https://aims.etdpseta.org.za | WSPR forms can only be submitted through the AIMS system which can be accessed through this link: https://aims.etdpseta.org.za/web/login | WSPR forms to be used must only be those downloaded from the AIMS system | ATR forms must be completed using the OFO Codes 2021 version | WSP forms must be completed using the OFO Codes 2021 version | All mandatory fields of the form must be completed in full.

Please ensure that you access and complete the correct WSPR form relating to your organisation based on the following:

Public form | Provincial Department of Education (PDE) form only

| Private form | Small levy form (including non-levy organisations).

For more information regarding submissions, contact your nearest provincial office:

Ensure that all valid tax invoices and statement of accounts are submitted to invoices@univen.ac.za by Monday 16h00, for inclusion in the payment run of Friday All submitted documentation after the deadline will be included in the subsequent run.

For more information, please contact Mrs Beauty Mutheiwana, Director Supply Chain Management and Expenditure on 015 962 8366 / 060 911 2886 or email beauty.mutheiwana@univen.ac.za

More than 100 people from areas in and around Elim attended the Human Rights celebration function on 31 March. Photo: Bernard Chiguvare.

Office Manager Skills Advisor Limpopo MakhuduT@etdpseta.org.za ClementS@etdpseta.org.za

or email Head Office at: RefilweN@etdpseta.org.za

For more information regarding 2021 OFO Codes, follow the link: www.etdpseta.org.za

The Sebola family’s ten-room house in Tshiozwi that burnt down. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

A minibus taxi collided head-on with a bakkie near the Boabab Tollgate on the N1 last Saturday. Photo supplied.

“Government only come when there’s protest”

Mukula XI crush Nweli’s Breakers

By Frank Mavhungu

Mukula Fast XI enhanced their chances of winning the league championship when they crushed Nweli Stone Breakers 2-0 in their Safa Vhembe Regional League match that was played at the Nweli Grounds on Sunday.

Fast XI moved a step up on the log standings with the victory. They are now shining

on top of the Stream C2 log with 36 points, two ahead of Tshitereke Young Masters. The visitors from Mukula village made their intentions clear from the onset. They initiated some promising moves from behind time after time, forcing the home side to defend from their own half for the better part of the first stanza.

Fast XI 19 took minutes to stamp their authority. Their

VACANCIES / NOTICES

overlapping midfielder, Apfiwaho Mamphiswana, forced his way through the defence of Stone Breakers and beat the keeper with a half volley.

Although the goal was legitimate, the players of Stone Breakers were not happy with the referee’s decision. They confronted him in anger, accusing him of incompetency. The match officials stood by their decision and the players finally succumbed and the game continued as if nothing had happened.

Fast XI enjoyed their 1-0 lead until the referee blew the half-time whistle. Fast XI did not abandon their positions to defend their 1-0 lead in the last half; instead, they continued to play attacking football in search for more goals. Their efforts paid dividends when they increased the tally in the 78th minute. Thitevhelwi Nembilwi was on target with a grass cutter from the 20-metre area.

Sixteen local teams to battle it out in Mamu’s Easter Tournament

Soccer development

Teams from 16 villages from the Sinthumule and Kutama areas will participate in the Hollywoodbets Easter Soccer Challenge that will take place this coming weekend.

This year marks the 14th anniversary of the popular tournament, said Mamu Community Development’s general secretary, Mr Jafter Mamugudubi. He was speaking during the official launch of the tournament on Saturday.

The tournament boasts some attractive prize money for the winning teams. According to Mamugudubi, the overall winners will go home with R20 000, a trophy, a soccer kit and gold medals. The runners-up will get R10 000 and silver medals. Even the teams losing in the semi-finals will each receive R5 000.

During last week’s launching ceremony, the main sponsor,

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Previous retail experience will be an advantage CV’s can be delivered at Gem Furnishers, Louis Trichardt at 18 Shongozwi Street or emailed to: gemmakhado@gmail.com

Closing date for applications will be on 14 April 2023. Ad designed by Zoutnet Publishers

NOTIFICATION OF AN APPLICATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION AND A PROSPECTING RIGHT.

Mbokoto Mining Group (Pty) Ltd is applying for Environmental Authorization (EA) in accordance with the NEMA (Act No. 107 of 1998): Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations (2014), as amended, and a Prospecting Right in accordance with the MPRDA (Act No. 28 of 2002) for the proposed prospecting activities.

The Application for EA will follow the Basic Assessment process as required by the NEMA EIA Regulations (2014), as amended, and will make provision for the application for the following Listed Activities: GN R.327 (Listed Activity 20).

Beyond Green Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd (BGES) has been appointed as an independent Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) by Mbokoto Mining Group (Pty) Ltd to undertake the necessary Basic Assessment and associated and Public Participation Process (PPP) which is a regulated requirement of the above application.

NATURE OF ACTIVITY.

Hollywoodbets, praised the organisers for the hard work done in organising the annual Easter tournament. Mr Nigel Naicker, the Football Sponsorship Co-ordinator of Hollywoodbets, complimented Mamu Community Development and said seeing how such a sports event could uplift a whole community was heart-warming.

The tournament will kick off on Friday (7th) with matches at different venues. The winners of Friday’s matches will proceed to the Top Eight stage of the competition. The eight remaining teams will compete at the Tshikwarani Rainbow Grounds on Saturday.

The final matches will be played on Sunday, when the last four remaining teams will clash in the semi-finals. This will be followed by the final, which is scheduled to start at 15:00.

The fixtures for Friday’s matches are:

Tshikwarani Rainbow Grounds: 09:00 – Manavhela vs Maebani, 11:00 Muduluni vs Tshikota, 13:00 Madodonga vs Midoroni, 15:00 Tshikwarani vs Zamenkomste.

Ramantsha Grounds: 08:30 Tshiozwi vs Madabani, 10:30 Gogobole vs Ravele, 12:30 Ramantsha vs Madombidzha, 15:00 Muraleni on standby.

Mamugudubi thanked the sponsors of the Easter Tournament: Premjee and Son Cash & Carry, Hollywoodbets, KFC, Collins Sebola Group, Nkoli Enterprise, Hyundai Louis Trichardt, Talisman Hire, Mikasa, Phadziri & Sons Bus Service, Coaches R Phadziri & Bros, Postnet Makhado, Muswobi Building Construction & Property Developers, Soutpansberg Koelkamers, Coca Cola, FNB, Trade Post 2076 cc, Limpopo Mirror.

Mbokoto Mining Group (Pty) Ltd intends to undertake prospecting activities for Gold, Iron and Aluminium in terms of section 16 of the MPRDA on the following property: Farm Shapela 269 MT, Mpapuli 278 MT, Tshibielwe 268 MT and Chibase 213 MT situated in the magisterial district of Vhembe. The portion of land subject to the PR Application is 5996.69 ha in extent with the prospecting activities making provision for drilling prospecting core boreholes within the total prospecting area. As part of the application process, any person who is interested or affected by the proposed operation, are hereby invited to register as I&AP’s and participate by providing comments and raising issues of concern regarding the proposed application.

AVAILABILITY OF THE BAR AND EMPR FOR PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT

The Draft BAR and EMPr is available for public review and comments for a period of 30 days from the date of the publication of this notice. I&APs are encouraged to request an electronic copy of BAR/EMP from BGES (Pty) Ltd or visit our website as per details below.

To register as I&APs and details on meeting schedule contact: Macevele Ripfumelo, BGES (Pty) Ltd, Tel: 031 003 2900 / 012 003 6593 / 079 178 9655

Email:info@beyondges.co.za | www.beyondges.co.za

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

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

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

IDP/BUDGET REGIONAL CONSULTATIVE MEETINGS:

Notice is hereby given that Makhado Local Municipality will be holding an IDP/BUDGET Regional Consultative meetings scheduled as follows:

The purpose of the meetings is to present the 2023/24-2026/27 Draft IDP Review and 2023/24-2025 /26 Draft Budget.

All Councillors, Ward Committees, Traditional Councils, organized businesses, mining sector, Parastatals, Agricultural sector, Tourism sector, Sanco, Community Development Officers, NGOs, Ratepayers Associations, Chairpersons Associations, Provincial Sector Departments and representatives of any interested groups are invited to participate at the aforementioned meetings.

All enquiries can be directed to the Chief Financial Officer or the IDP Manager at telephone number 015 519 3000.

The final of the Hollywoodbets Easter Challenge will take place on Sunday afternoon at Tshikwarani. As a curtain-raiser, teams from the KFC U/13 league, the Premjee & Son U/15 league and the Collins Sebola Group Ladies Soccer Cup will clash. Pictured from left to right are some of the team representatives, namely Ms Sarah Mashamba (Tshiozwi), David Tshivhase (Ravele) and Tshikhudo Chuene (Madodonga). Photo supplied.

Trevor Ramanala of Stone Breakers controls the ball, while Apfiwaho Mamphiswana of Fast XI is on his heels.

Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Safa Vhembe match abandoned after fans douse referee with beer

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Sunday’s match between Makhitha Oscar Stars and Midoroni Real Hearts had to be abandoned after angry supporters had stormed onto the pitch and doused the referee with liquor. This was the second match in the Safa Vhembe league that had to be abandoned because of spectator behaviour in the past month.

Two weeks ago, the match

between Makhitha Oscar Stars and Muraleni United Brothers was prematurely stopped after a fan of Muraleni’s had allegedly assaulted Oscar Stars’ keeper. The past Sunday’s match also ended in controversy, when fans of Midoroni Real Hearts stormed onto the pitch, protesting against the referee’s decision to allow a goal. They complained that the referee, Mr Vhutshilo Mafunisa, was biased and that the goal had been scored from an offside position.

During the chaos that ensued, Mafunisa was allegedly doused with liquor by some of the fans.

Officials of Real Hearts seemingly tried to calm down the situation by requesting the supporters to leave the pitch.

The referee said afterwards that he had been grabbed by some supporters of Real Hearts. He could not recognise them, as they were many, but they started pouring alcohol over him. He was only saved from the unruly mob when officials intervened.

Mafunisa said that the situation had become

tense when Stars had scored their second goal, taking the score to 2-1 in their favour, with five minutes left on the clock. When the chaos erupted, he had no other choice than to stop the game.

According to an official of Makhitha Oscar Stars, Mr Sydney Luvhengo, he was surprised by the attitude of Real Hearts, as no one could dispute the validity of the goal that was scored.

After the match, a fan of Real Hearts, who did not want to be named, said that he was shocked and disappointed by the way the referee had handled the game. He said that it demoralised players if they lost a match in such an unfair manner.

The SAFA Vhembe SAB league secretary, Mr Sam Matodzi, condemned incidents where referees get assaulted. He appealed to the teams to write a report and notify the league administrators if they were not satisfied with the refereeing. He said that they were waiting for reports from the captains and the referee, explaining what had happened during Sunday’s match.

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All correct entries will be entered into a draw and one lucky person will win R300. If we receive no correct answers, the prize-money will roll over and the following week’s prize money will be R600.

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

Dreadful season for Mikhado FC

By Frank Mavhungu

Mikhado FC are preparing for a new life in the Safa Vhembe Regional League. This after Ikwasha Fhedzi, as they are commonly known, had finished their league programme at the bottom of the Stream A log standings for the Limpopo ABC Motsepe League.

This season was the worst for the team from the Nzhelele Valley. They managed to collect only 12 points in 16 outings. Mikhado registered only three victories and played to a draw on three occasions this season. Their victories were against Munaca FC (10), United Artists (1-0) and Vondwe XI Bullets.

To prove that the team’s performance was below par throughout the season, Mikhado had conceded the most goals. Their goalkeeper

watched 20 balls go beyond his reach, while the strikers managed to score only six goals in 16 games.

Musina United, who completed their league programme in the second-last position on the log standings, are not certain of their future as an affiliate of the ABC Motsepe League. They will only know their fate at the end of the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Should Black Leopards be relegated to the lower division, Musina United will join Mikhado FC on their way down.

During an interview with the head coach of Musina United, Mr Godfrey Mashau, he said that everyone in their camp was fully behind Black Leopards. He added that they would attend all Leopards’ remaining games to pledge their support to the struggling team. Black Leopards are

currently lying at the bottom of the Motsepe Foundation Championship League log with 18 points. They have five matches to play before the end of the season.

Mpheni Home Defenders secured a place in the provincial promotional playoffs. They lost only one match this season. Their only defeat was against Vondwe XI Bullets, who beat them 1-0 at the Tshifudi Stadium early this year. Home Defenders will play against their Stream B counterparts in the provincial playoffs to determine the team that will represent the province in the national promotional playoffs that will be staged on dates still to be announced. The top two teams in the national promotional playoffs will be promoted to the Motsepe Foundation Championship Division.

Easter Weekend Football Bonanza

By Victor Mukwevho

Local radio presenter Reginald “Moretjetje” Musetha has organised an Easter Weekend Football Tournament, which will be held at the Tshakhumba Grounds in Tshibvumo village, Ha-Rammbuda, this weekend. The tournament starts on Good Friday (7 April) and ends on Sunday (9 April).

According to the disc jockey from the bumpy and mostly rural Rammbuda dynasty, the teams that had been invited to participate in the tournament are the Mutshenzheni Gorillas, Tshapasha Western Chiefs, Rammbuda Young Fighters, Tshibvumo Football Academy and Managa Rising Stars.

“We have selected the best teams in the area. The main aim of this tournament is to enable football scouts to identify young and talented footballers who can make it in the professional ranks,” Musetha said.

The tournament has no sponsor at the moment, so Musetha is using his own money to host the tournament. The winning team will walk away with a floating trophy, soccer kit, a ball and R3 000 in cash, while the second placed team will receive a soccer kit, a ball and R1 000.

Musetha assures football fans that the place will be very safe, as security guards will be available to deal with troublemakers. “We are appealing to soccer lovers not to use the

grounds as a public tavern. Please, come and support our local football teams,” he said.

The organiser of the Easter Weekend Football Tournament, Mr Reginald “Moretjetje” Musetha. Photo supplied.

No room for any error for Leopards

By Frank Mavhungu

Black Leopards FC are facing the most difficult time in the history of the club. They can only survive the relegation axe under two conditions. Not only must Lidoda duvha win their five remaining matches, but Platinum City Rovers must also lose at least four of their remaining fixtures to drop down the order on the log.

Their first assignment is to beat Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM), with whom they will rub shoulders at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Should they fail to collect the max-

imum points at the expense of TTM on Sunday, Black Leopards will have only themselves to blame.

TTM, or Vhadau Vha Damani as they are affectionately called, are still to win a league match this year. The last time TTM won a league match was on Wednesday, 11 November 2022, when they beat Cape Town All Stars 1-0 at the Thohoyandou Stadium.

To prove that their situation is almost hopeless, TTM failed to impress their home crowd last Sunday when they played to a 2-2 draw with Cape Town All Stars at the Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Black Leopards came back with empty hands from their

Limpopo derby against Baroka FC, to whom they lost 0-1 at the Global Stadium in Lebowakgomo last Sunday. Although Leopards are rooted at the bottom of the log, the team’s head coach, Mr Owen Da Gama, is adamant that anything is still possible. He revealed that they were going to fight to the bitter end.

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

Referee Vhutshilo Mafunisa was doused with liquor. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

Relegated and preparing for a new life in the Safa Vhembe Regional League, Mikhado FC. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Deadline: Tuesday 12:00 - No handwritten logs will be accepted

Timothy ready for Zim race

Local cyclist Timothy Ramadwa of the Vhembe Cycling Club participated in the 150km Tour de Frontline (TDF) Fun Ride presented by the Polokwane Road Cycling Club, It took place on 21 March and started at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. For Timothy, the race was in preparation of his next cycling event, which will be a race in Zimbabwe in April. Photo supplied.

United Artists wrap up their league programme by crushing Musina 2-1

By Frank Mavhungu

Although they had only pride at stake in their ABC Motsepe League match against Musina United, which was played at the Thohoyandou Stadium last Saturday, United Artists did not leave anything to chance. Instead, they took the game to the visitors from the onset, giving the defenders of Musina no time to breathe. Musina United were beaten 1-2.

The managing director of Artists, Mr Thikhedzo Mashau, could not hide his joy after the game. He said that the victory was sweet revenge for his team, apart from the fact that they wanted to wrap up their league programme on a high note. United Artists were beaten 0-1 by Musina United in their first-round league match that was played at the Musina Old Mine Stadium early this year.

Mashau admitted that he was not happy about the fact that his team had squandered numerous scoring chances in the game. He said that

they could have scored at least four goals during the first half, had it not been for the fact that their strikers were unlucky at the goal finish.

The head coach of Musina United, Mr Godfrey “Peach” Mashau, was spitting fire after the game. He blamed his players for becoming complacent after scoring their solitary goal. He said that they had managed to contain the home side for the better part of the first half and that they had only lost control of the game after they had taken the lead in the 28th minute.

Gerson Ndou scored Musina’s only goal, against the run of play. This after a defender of Artists had failed to clear the ball from his own danger area. The home side found the equaliser nine minutes towards the end of the first half. The team’s captain, Ndamulelo Mathoni, was on target with a ground cutter to bring the half-time score to 1-1.

United Artists took the lead when Reginald Mhlanga beat the keeper with a long-range half volley later in the game.

Will Hungry Lions have to pay for VFA’s defeat?

By Frank Mavhungu

After unexpectedly donating league points to Pretoria Callies, to whom they lost 0-1 in their Motsepe Foundation Championship League match played at the Soshanguve Giant Stadium outside Pretoria last Saturday, Venda Football Academy (VFA) now need to make a comeback and crush Hungry Lions at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.

VFA need at least four points in their five remaining matches to be safe in terms of relegation. The team have dropped from the 10th to 12th position on the log standings with their defeat against Pretoria Callies.

Although they will be playing in front of their home crowd, VFA must not expect a walk in the park against the Hungry Lions from Kimberley. Hungry Lions are in the running for the league title, lying fourth on the log standings with 42 points, only eight behind the pace setters, Casric Stars. The Northern

Mpheni Home Defenders ready for Dolphins in play-off match

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Motsepe league.

Cape side are still fresh from a 1-0 victory over Uthongathi FC at the Galeshewe Stadium in Kimberley last Saturday.

Hungry Lions will be fighting with the aim of exacting sweet revenge for the 5-4 defeat they had suffered at the hands of VFA in their Nedbank Cup KO Competition match that was played at the Windhoek Draught Stadium in Kimberley about three months ago. The winner was determined through a penalty shootout, following a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation time.

VFA have lost only two matches under the guidance of the team’s new head coach, Mr Joel Masutha. Breaking VFA’s wall, which is marshalled by the team’s captain, Nhlahla Makhubele, as well as Bongolwethu Siyasi and Katlego Ramonyai, will not be easy for the Hungry Lions’ strikers. Tatenda Tavengwa and Wanga Khorommbi will be expected to keep the fire burning in VFA’s midfield throughout the game.

Mpheni Home Defenders are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for their ABC Motsepe promotional play-off match.

Defenders completed their league programme on top of Stream A last Saturday when they beat Winners Park 2-1. They are now scheduled to play against the Stream B champions, The Dolphins, to determine which team will represent the province in the national promotional play-offs. Although the teams had played their last league matches early last week, the league is still to announce the date on which the match will be played. What is clear is that the match will be played at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

According to Defenders’ coach, Mr Vhutshilo Phuravhathu, his team has never stopped training. “The boys are doing their best, and I am impressed with their performance,” he said. He added that their aim was to use the promotional play-off matches as their stepping stone to the national ABC

Phuravhathu thanked the team’s supporters for all their messages of support. “Just getting to the promotional play-off matches has made a difference to the boys in terms of confidence and motivation,” he added.

The head coach of The Dolphins

FC, Mr Joel Mongalo, admitted this week that he did not know much about their opposition. He said that they were leaving no stone unturned in their preparations to avoid a repeat of what had happened last year. Mongalo appealed to local football lovers to rally behind the team during the play-offs.

Goodman Chirwa of Musina United hooks the ball, while Ndamulelo Mathoni of Artists is on his heels.

Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Mpheni Home Defenders’ coach, Vhutshilo Phuravhathu. Photo supplied