2016

The BEAT Newspaper celebrates 10 years this month

R1-20/FR

EE11 March

P. 3

LiN Media Awards 2015 / 2016

Council members refuseto attend alleged ‘illegal’

meeting

Andries van der Heyde

A number ofcouncil membersrefused to sign anattendanceregister at thegates of KleinKariba, when aspecial councilmeeting was heldat the resortinstead of at themunicipal councilchambers. Themeeting at theresort wasallegedly illegal.On the photo,some of thecouncil membersare arguing withsecurity personneland asking whythey were notbeing allowed in.Photo: Andries vander Heyde

Several Bela-Bela Municipality councilmembers turned back at the gates of theATKV Klein Kariba Resort on Monday,7 March. They refused to sign an

attendance register for a so-called “specialcouncil meeting” which was to take place thatday.

Council members, and especially the DAcouncillors, were upset when security officersrefused to allow council members to enter theresort without having signed the register.

Arrangements were made during the course ofthe morning to allow the council members toattend, but the majority still declined to attend.

The BEAT was told that the meeting wascalled to discuss the suspension of MunicipalManager Morris Maluleka.

It is no secret that there is a certain amount of

enmity between Maluleka and the Bela-BelaMayor, Lucas Nhlapo. The split betweenthe Mayor and the Municipal Manager hasalso caused a deep rift in the council, assome council members support the Mayorwhile others rally around the MunicipalManager.

Several so-called “special councilmeetings” where allegations of corruptionwere made against Maluleka, have beenheld since the start of the year. Malulekawas not invited to these meetings to presenthis side of the story, but DA membersfrequently pointed out that the meetingswere being held illegally.

Maluleka warned the council members viahis lawyers that, should these meetingscontinue, he will be forced to take steps.

It has also recently come to light thatMaluleka is suing the Mayor in the HighCourt for R1 000 000 for the damage to hisreputation. According to the documentsThe BEAT received from MolotoAttorneys, Nhlapo has ten days to respond.

The meeting at Klein Kariba is one ofseveral “special meetings” which were notheld in the municipality’s Councilchambers. According to DA councilmember Tinus Ras, these meetings wereall illegal because the proper procedureswere not followed.

Council members were not notified ingood time and therefore did not attend, anda quorum could not be established. Themeetings were therefore, Ras says, illegal,and no binding decisions could be made.

Ras also pointed out that according to theMunicipality’s own regulations, theMunicipal Manager is responsible forconvening council meetings. The “specialmeetings” which were convened to discussthe allegations against Maluleka were notcalled by him.

The Mayor is accusing Maluleka, amongother things, of cancelling the municipalfleet and safety contracts without validreasons. The Mayor’s current vehicle, aBMW X5, formed part of the cancelledcontract, but according to one councilmember, he has not yet returned the vehicle.

The council member, who prefers toremain anonymous, told The BEAT’s sisternewspaper The Post that Maluleka did themunicipality a favour by cancelling thecontracts, since that would save money.

“It came as a shock to all of us when weheard the allegations of corruption againstMaluleka,” the council member said.

The mayor did not respond to requests forcomment.

2 | 11 March, 2016beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.zaCRIME

Potential informantsrequired by Modimolle PoliceThe police in Modimolle have put out a callfor informants. They ask that anyone withinformation on crime, such as illegal weaponstrading or drug dealing, who is willing tobecome an informant contact Warrant OfficerJames Findlay on 082 414 3218, or visit himat the police station.

Findlay emphasized that to become anofficial informer the individual must registerwith the SAPS. He said that information

Lizzy Bapela which leads to an arrest will result incompensation for the informer.

The reward may vary according to thecircumstances and the nature of the crime.

According to Warrant Officer Findlay, thepolice are in dire need of informers andmembers of the public are asked register forthe position.

Informers can assist the police in manycrimes taking place in the area.

Warrant Officer Findlay requested thatmembers of the community ensure that theirvehicles are locked at all times when not in

use. He added that where possible, residentsshould lock their vehicles in garages andbehind locked gates.Meanwhile, the Modimolle police are

investigating a murder case which happenedon Sunday, 6 March between 16:00 and 19:00in Phagameng. The victim, Phindi Mavululawas found under her bed with a cloth aroundher neck and her wrists tied with a rope.The 27-year old suspect, who may not be

named until he has appeared in court, wasarrested and is expected to appear before theModimolle Magistrate’s Court shortly.

Alleged witchexpelled fromcommunity

Justin Steyn

Cross-examination in a trespassing caseinvolving local EFF members wasexpected to start this week.

The EFF’s Branch Coordinator NeoMoloko, and three other members, hasbeen accused of trespassing on privately-owned property in Buiskop outside Bela-Bela.

Herman Kwadi, an ANC member,claimed that Moloko and three EFFmembers had trespassed on his property

Residents of Spa Park said that they“needed to be freed from the kingdomof darkness” after numerous bizarreincidents are said to have plagued thearea, allegedly caused by a witchliving in the area.

In January The BEAT reported thatthe community has accused a localwoman of witchcraft and claimed thatshe is responsible for the suicides.

Her name may not be mentioned forher own protection.

During a meeting on Tuesday, 26January, residents of the Spa Parkarea raised the issue with their WardCouncillor, Kobus van der Merwe,and members of the Bela-Bela policeservices at the Spa Park communityhall.

Van der Merwe said the seriousnessof the matter only became clear afterit was reported that a young girl fellill and said that she was instructed by“the witch” to kill her mother.

The girl allegedly made mention ofa list of children whom she wanted tokill. This was apparently recorded onan audio device at the time.

An attack on the woman wasapparently also planned, andemotions were running high amongresidents. The woman was taken intoprotective custody by the local police.

Van der Merwe said that despitesuggestions and attempts to resolvethe matter peacefully, residents wereserious about exiling the woman fromthe community.

She was placed in police custody butreturned a month later.

A community meeting on theevening of Wednesday, 2 March washeld with Van der Merwe and thelocal police. Residents claimed thatincidents of alleged demonicpossession and violence have onceagain occurred.

The massive crowd called forviolence against the woman who, theysay, “has been monitoring childrenfrom her laptop and possessingthem”.

After much negotiation between Vander Merwe, the Bela-Bela stationcommander Lindie Marx andcommunity leaders, it was decidedthat the woman be removed from thecommunity for her own safety.

Marx said that the woman does notface any criminal charges but aninvestigation may take place by thepolice’s special occult unit.

Cross-examination to begin in EFF land clash

Justin Steyn

The EFF’s coordinator in Bela-Bela has denied allegations of trespassing on a privately owned land in Buiskop. The land inquestion is said to belong to beneficiaries who were enlisted in the year 2000. Photo: Justin Steyn

on Monday, 13 April 2015.Kwadi claimed that Moloko and the

others threatened him, and threatened toburn down his home.

During the latest court proceedings onWednesday, 2 March, at the Bela-BelaMagistrate’s Court, Moloko spoke to TheBEAT regarding the allegations.

According to Moloko, the disputed landis owned by beneficiaries who were givenshares to the property. Moloko said thatthe property does not belong to Kwadi.

“In the year 2000, the municipalitysubsidised the land to beneficiaries who

are on a list. The property belongs to thosewho were subsidised and not to Kwadi,”he said.Moloko denied the allegations of

trespassing and accused Kwadi of wantingto sell the land to the municipality.“How can I trespass on my own property?

The beneficiary list is the only proof ofownership to the land and Kwadi has notprovided any title deeds and wants tounlawfully sell the land to themunicipality,” he said.Cross examinations will commence on

Thursday 17 March.

Water! Schools in Phagameng at Modimolle receiveddonations of 5 litre water bottles from the AECL CommunityEducation and Development Trust, in cooperation withOperation Hydrate, a non-profit organization which supplieswater to drought-affected areas. Altogether 62 000 litres ofwater was handed out on the day. Many of the schools,according to Muhammed Ravat who is part of the project, stilldo not have water in their taps. Photo: Marlene Vermaak

Members of the Police at Bela-Bela showed their support forCansa on 29 February when officials had their hair sprayed

and coloured as part of the Cansa event. The photo showssome of the brave officers with their new hairstyles.

Photo supplied

| 311 March, 2016beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL

BEAT reporter wins journalism prize

The BEAT reporter Lizzy Bapelawas awarded first prize in thecategory of Best Human InterestStory at the LiNMedia Awards onSaturday, 5 March.Bapela was honoured for the

sensitivity with which she handled a

Bernice Mills difficult story. Her winning article“Man accused of raping his 10 yearold daughter” was applauded for theskill and sensitivity with which shetreated a difficult subject. The storyappeared on the front page of TheBEAT’s 31 July edition.

“I feel honoured, more especiallybecause I am celebrating 10 years inthis industry,” said Bapela.

“Obtaining such an achievementreminds me of the contribution I’vebeen making all these years andwhat my job means to the judges,my bosses and colleagues, and thecommunity at large. I’m reallygrateful.”

The front page article with whichLizzy Bapela took first place in the

LiNMedia Awards.

Lizzy Bapela, The BEAT’saward-winning reporter.

SAPS members at Bela-Bela in thedark following unpaid municipal bill

Lizzy Bapela

Some of the houses where affected members stay. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

Members of the police in Bela-Bela haverecently lodged a complaint with theirunion, POPCRU, after having theirelectricity cut off. The BEAT interviewedsome of the members including thestation commander, Colonel Lindie Marx,and they confirmed that they were notable to load their new electricity unitsbecause they have been switched off.

A reliable source in the SAPS (SouthAfrican Police Service) told The BEAT thatsomeone from the municipality told themthat a member of the SAPS gave aninstruction for the municipality to cut offthe power, and issued a list of themembers who should be affected by thisdecision.

The members expressed concern abouttheir groceries rotting in their fridgesbecause they had no power, and thestruggle to bath with cold water.

The affected members include WarrantOfficers Andrea Dreyer, Meisie Nkosi,and Tracey Swanepoel, and ConstablesFrank Moeng among others. Themembers further said that they pay theiraccounts regularly. Apparently, however,their landlord the Department of PublicWorks is in arears on the accounts withthe municipality, and that affects themembers. They also said that they neverreceived statements showing outstandingmoney, while some said they receivedtheirs at short notice.

In his response on the matter, POPCRUchairperson Frans Sekgobela said that hewas very disappointed with the way theirmembers were treated. He added that thatkind of treatment is totally unacceptable,especially for people who work understressful conditions.

“We are investigating the matterinternally and we are keen on getting tothe root of the matter. We will engagerelevant people to find out what wasgoing on.

We deny allegations that members donot pay their accounts. Some of themfind that previous owners were notpaying their accounts and have toautomatically take over the outstandingbills. We confirmed with the municipalityand learned that there was a leak of

The bill of the station commander Colonel Lindie Marx shows an outstandingamount of over R20 000. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

information from the station.The municipality never had a problem

with the members but were justfollowing an instruction to switch off forthose particular members. As to why thatmay be, we cannot comment at this

point,” said Sekgobela.The union rallies its full support behind

its members and have arranged thatPublic Works sort out the matter and seeto it that the lights be switched back on.Sekgobela said that such treatmentaffects members’ performance.

4 | 11 March, 2016beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.zaGOVERNMENT / POLITICAL

Registration weekend goes smoothly

The registration points where citizens were encouraged toregister for the elections on 5 and 6 March.Photo: TK Mashaba

The IEC’s first registration weekendon Saturday, 5, and Sunday, 6March saw the IEC embarking on aregistration drive in preparation forthe Local Government Elections.According to Mafa Netshivhambe,

the IEC’s project coordinator in theWaterberg, a total of 418registration stations were open from08:00 to 17:00 on both days.

TK Mashaba “The only one that was closed wasthe one in Mogalakwena due to aservice delivery protest at theMountain View section,” she said.

43 165 people visited theregistration stations to confirm oramend their registrations. 10 990 ofthem were new registrations, while19 113 were there to confirm theirstatus.

Netshivhambe said that they urgethe community of the Waterberg tovisit the local IEC offices to register.

“All offices are open from 08:00 to16:00 and this time will allow us toensure that their details are capturescorrectly in the voter’s roll prior tothe election,” he said.

For more information citizens areadvised to call the followingnumbers:

Thabazimbi: 014 772 3182Mogalakwena: 015 491 8006Modimolle: 014 718 4042Mookgophong: 014 743 6600, andLephalale: 014 636 2143.

The International Women’s Daycommemoration on Tuesday, 8 March sawthe Waterberg District Municipalityacknowledging that politics have alwaysbeen traditionally a male-dominated terrainthat many women have found to beunwelcoming or even hostile. Also thatwomen are often more likely than men toface practical barriers when enteringpolitics due to cultural barriers.

This follows a gathering for women in thedistrict, where those in leadership positionsshared ideas and experiences with othersfrom different local municipalities inWaterberg. The gathering also saw SALGApartnering with the district municipality inworkshopping the women on politics andvoting.

Following these activities, the districtexecutive mayor Tlotlanang Mogotlane saidthat the role of women in political parties isa key determinant of their prospects forpolitical empowerment at all levels. Sheadded that except for close relatives of malepoliticians, women generally lack thepolitical networks necessary for electoralsuccess. The mayor further said thatpolitical party policies should makeprovisions for female participation andwomen should be able to emerge ascandidates for elections.

“Female participation and the positiveimpact it has in politics is undeniable.Women’s political participation can result

Waterberg District Municipality commemorates International Women’s DayLizzy Bapela

The WaterbergDistrict executivemayor TlotlanangMogotlaneencourageswomen to taketheir rightful placein their familiesand lead. Photo:Lizzy Bapela

in tangible gains for democracy, includinggreater responsiveness to citizen needs,increased cooperation across party andethnic lines, and more sustainable peace.Women’s participation in politics helpsadvance gender equality and affects boththe range of policy issues that getconsidered and the types of solutions thatare proposed. But how those parties

encourage and nurture women’sinvolvement and incorporate gender-equality issues are key determinants ofwomen’s political empowerment,” saidMogotlane.She further encouraged women to take

their rightful place and lead as they areleaders in their families. She alsoencouraged them to mobilise young people

to register and vote on the day of theelections.“We need to increased tempo in young

people themselves mobilising, reaching andencouraging other young people to takeresponsibility for their own future. We mustincrease participation of all youthgroupings, including but not limited to ruralyouth, young women and youth living withdisabilities. We really need women leadersfor the future.Let us make our mark as women during

the 2016 Local Government Elections.Together we will move women and SouthAfrica forward,” said the Mayor.Events to honour struggle political

stalwarts is expected to take place in theprovince on Saturday, 12 March and is heldby the International Relations andCooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, in partnership with the Officeof the Premier. Through the event, theDepartment aims to raise public awarenessrelating to the achievements made by, andchallenges facing, women globally,particularly in developing countries such asSouth Africa.The Minister is also expected to reflect on

the role women play locally andinternationally in promoting South Africa’snational interests as well as the importanceof education to disadvantaged communities.The Minister will take advantage of her

presence in the community to donate schoolshoes and other necessities todisadvantaged school children.

Thabazimbi Municipality placed under administration

The Democratic Alliance (DA) andEconomic Freedom Fighters (EFF) inThabazimbi spoke out following thedecision by the Department of CorporativeGovernance, Human Settlement andTraditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) to place thelocal municipality under administration.Thabazimbi Local Municipality wasrecently put under Section 139(1)(b) ofAdministration.

The DA Member of Parliament (MP) forthe Thabazimbi Constituency Desiree vander Walt said that they have been workingvery hard for some time now to get themunicipality under administration and itfinally happened. She added that they havehad meetings with the previous minister ofCoGHSTA Pravin Gordhan, and MEC forthe Department in Limpopo MakomaMakurupetje in this regard. Van der Waltsaid that they have fought foradministration in the municipality.

Meanwhile, the EFF said that now theyhave hope that things will be much betteras the process unfolds. Chairperson ofthe party in Thabazimbi KopoMotshegwa revealed on social networkthat as the party, they will ensure that alltheir questions, interventions and plansare put into place to address all‘nonsense’ as they say in theirmunicipality.

The municipality held a special councilmeeting in terms of the MunicipalStructures Act No 117 of 1998 – Section 29in February. The purpose of the meetingaccording to the agenda that circulated was

Lizzy Bapela

to request permission from council toapprove the decision to place, which wastaken by the Provincial Executive ofLimpopo, also held in February. It alsoserved to appoint an acting municipalmanager seconded by province known asMr NS Mashamba as an administratorwith immediate effect until a team isappointed and introduced to themunicipality.

Section 139 (1)(b) of the Constitution ofthe Republic of South Africa providesthat when a municipality does not fulfilan executive obligation in terms of the

DA MP forThabazimbiConstituencyDesiree van derWalt said that theyfought for thelocal municipalityto be placed underadministration.Photo: LizzyBapela

constitution or legislation, the relevantprovincial executive intervenes by takingany appropriative steps to ensurefulfilment of that obligation. This includeassuming responsibility for the relevantobligation in that municipality to extendnecessary to maintain essential nationalstandards or meet established minimumstandard for the rendering of services. Italso includes to maintain economic equityand to prevent that municipal councilfrom taking unreasonable action that isprejudicial to the interests of anothermunicipality or the province as a whole.

Road Accident

The truck from Ngululu Bulk Carrierwhich dented the door of the Hondasedan during the accident. Photo: TKMashaba

TK Mashaba

The woman who was driving the HondaSedan was taken to the nearest hospitalfor treatment for shock. Photo: TKMashaba.

| 511 March, 2016beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

Tel: (011) 447-1264/5/6

COPYRIGHTThe reproduction or broadcast without writtenpermission of any material published in The Beatand its supplements is forbidden and expresslyreserved to Upfront Events Two CC, under sec-tion 12(7) of the Copyright Act, 1978 and anyamendment thereof. The Beat is typographicallyprepared, published and distributed by UpfrontEvents Two CC. The Beat: 7 Minnaar Street, Tel:(014) 736-2723, Fax: (014) 736-3428, PO Box16,Bela-Bela. E-mail: tbeat3@gmail.com.The Beat is typographically prepared, publishedand distributed by Upfront Events Two CC and isprinted by Paarl Coldset, 83 Heidelberg Rd, CityDeep Production Park, City Deep.

We at th e are proud to:

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EDITORIAL POLICYEDITORIAL POLICYEDITORIAL POLICYEDITORIAL POLICYEDITORIAL POLICY

ENTERTAINMENT

The famous DJ Fandzo during his visit onSaturday, 5 March, at Bela-Bela, withMenzi Ngubane. Photo: TK Mashaba

Priscilla Mathebeli danced through thenight. Photo: TK Mashaba

Metronome pianist Bobo Mautla with DJSasa during their performance at MaksCorner Chisanyama. Photo: TK Mashaba

Protego Retlampfu and his youngerbrother during DJ Fandzo’sperformance. Photo: TK Mashaba

Ruan Jansen van Vuren, Leo Baber, Daniel van Coller, Christie Steyn (teacher),Alexander Schulze, Zinhle Ntshangase and Ruben Doubell of Waterberg Academy inVaalwater are all showing off in their red Valentines outfits.Each child had to pay R5 to wear civilian clothing and the money was then donatedto the Heart Foundation of South Africa. Photo: Marlene Vermaak

Annika Kruger and Phillip Nicholson,both in Grade 5 at Waterberg Academyin Vaalwater, are presenting their redValentines outfits for the camera. Photo:Marlene Vermaak

SCHOOL PROMOTION

Seven police cars and nearly double as many officers arrived to do a random searchat Meetsetshehla Secondary School on Wednesday, 17 February. The officerssearched for illegal substance and weapons, but nothing was found. The police did,however, confiscate the cell phones of students which nearly turned into completeriot. The cell phones were returned the next day.

The Grade 11learners

Warmbad will beparticipating in a

“shadow evening” atPanarotti’s Pizza at the

Bela-Mall on 16 March.A percentage of all the pizza sold

during the evening will be used tosupplement the Grade 11’s Matric fund.Feel free to drop by and support theselearners in their goal.For more information please phoneMognon Roos at 084 587 9996

at Hoërskool

Advertorial

6 | 11 March, 2016beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.zaADVERTISMENTS / LEGALS

SMALLS

LEGALS

BLOCK add canalso be done at

additional charges.For more

information pleasecontact our offices.

BELA-BELA(014) 736 2723MODIMOLLE(014) 717 1774

MOOKGOPHONG(014) 743 3802

To ADVERTISE, Complete your Classified form here and send it to one of our offices...

MODIMOLLE LAND USESCHEME, 2004Notice is hereby given to allwhom it may concern that interms of clause 23 of theModimolle Land Use Scheme,2004, I LEE-ANE’LOMBARD from the firmWARREN PETTERSONPLANNING intend to apply

to the Modimolle LocalMunicipality for SpecialConsent to: erect atelecommunication mast andbase station on Portion 120 ofthe farm Modimolle Town &Townlands No 419 – KR alsoknown as Susan StrijdomSpecial School at 50 FriedbergStreet located in a Residential1 zone.Any objection, with thegrounds therefore, shall belodged with or made in writingto: The Divisional Manager:Town Planning, Ground Floor,Modimolle MunicipalBuilding, or Private Bagx1008, Modimolle, 0510,within 28 days of thepublication of theadvertisement in the LocalNewspaper, viz 11 March2016.Full particulars and plans maybe inspected during normaloffice house (08:00 – 13:00and 13:45 – 15:00) at theabove-mentioned office, for aperiod of 28 days after thepublication of theadvertisement in the LocalNewspaper.

Date of first publication: 04March 2016Date of second publication: 11March 2016Closing date for anyobjections: 31 March 2016Applicant: WARRENPETTERSON PLANNINGPhysical Address: HadefieldsOffice Park, Block D, 1067Pretorius Street, Hatfield,0083Postal Address: P.O. Box12562, Hatfield, 0028Telephone: 012 844 0116.(04&11/03).

BELA BELA LAND USESCHEME’ 2008APPLICATION FORSPECIAL CONSENT INTERMS OF CLAUSE 21OF THE BELA BELALAND USE SCHEME,2008, TO PERMIT A DAYCARE CENTRE.Notice is hereby given that,in terms of Clause 21 of theBela Bela Land Use Scheme2008, I/we, the undersigned,intend applying to the BelaBela Municipal i ty forSpecial Consent to establish

a Day Care Centre on Erf/Por t ion 602 Kretchmarzoned “Resident ia l” ,situated at 31 Kretchmar.Plans and/or part icularsrelating to the applicationmay be inspected duringoffice hours at 31 KretchmarStreet, Bela Bela or at theoff ices of theManager :Planning andDevelopment, Bela BelaMunicipality, Chris HaniDrive, Bela Bela.Any person having anyobjections to the granting ofthis application must lodgesuch objection together withthe ground thereof inwri t ing , wi th both theManager : Planning andDevelopment, Bela BelaMunic ipal i ty and theundersigned not later than21 April 2016.Applicant’s Details:Full name: M. SAMUELMAKGOBAAddress : P.O. Box 855,Bela Bela, 0480Tel: (Home)Tel: (Work) 083 872 3640.(11&18/03).

No answers for Bela-Bela’sseemingly chaotic health services

Justin Steyn

Spokespersons from the Waterberg andProvincial Department of Health have beenunavailable for comment to explain theseemingly chaotic circumstances at Bela-Bela’s government owned healthinstitutions.

The BEAT received multiple complaintsfrom residents claiming that services at theBela-Bela hospital and town clinic are notup to standard. Some said they have had towait more than two days before beingassisted.

On Monday, 22 February, Maria Molefe, aresident of Spa Park, said that she had beenstanding in the front of the clinic’s queuefor nearly seven hours only to be told thatthere are no nurses available to assistpatients.

She explained that she had been standingin the line on behalf of her daughter, LindaMolefe, who was due for an ultrasoundscreening for her first pregnancy.

Maria said that she arrived at the clinic atabout 10:00 on that day and waited in thequeue until just after 17:00, only to be toldthat there is just one sister available andthat waiting patients may be instructed toleave at any time. She said that she left thatday without any assistance, returned thenext day, Tuesday, 23 February but thiswielded the same result.

The BEAT spoke to a clinic employee who

Health institutions in Bela-Bela have come under fire by residents who claim noservices being rendered and insufficient staff. Photo: Justin Steyn

Van Rensburg said that he has askeddoctors at the Bela-Bela hospital that he beexamined and admitted for an operation torelieve him of the ailment, only to bedenied and to be prescribed with Tramazac,a pain relief pill.Van Rensburg said that he asked with one

of the doctors as to why an operationcannot be conducted and was told that thetheatres are out of order, and that thehospital lacks equipment to operate.“I spoke to one of the doctors at the Bela-

Bela hospital and he said that the funding atthe hospital is used for vehicles and not thenecessary medical equipment,” he said.Another eyesore for the local community

is an empty clinic in extension 6 of theBela-Bela Township.Construction of the clinic was completed

five years ago, but the building has notbeen utilized for medical services due tofaults pertaining to building irregularities.Township residents said that it would savethem the trouble of travelling to town, oftenon foot, if the clinic was made available asit is a stone’s throw away from their homes.The BEAT tried to get comment from the

Bela-Bela Hospital’s spokesperson BhutiMoagi via his cell phone but this wentunanswered.Attempts have also been made to

telephonically communicate with the headoffice Waterberg district’s Department ofHealth, but none of their spokespersonshave been available.

asked not to be identified. According to her,there is a major shortage of staff at theclinic for the long queue of patients that arewaiting long hours to be assisted.

This, she says, is due to patients beingturned away from the hospital and beingtold to be assisted at the clinic.

“The hospital has an abundance of staffwho want to sit around and chat all dayinstead of helping patients. Their excuse is

that they are only there to assist criticalpatients. We then have to take on a largeamount of people at our small clinic and themajority of our nurses leave work at 16:00leaving behind a long queue of people,” shesaid.Another resident, Willie van Rensburg,

said that he is need of an urgent operationdue to a gout problem he has been havingfor more than a year.

The DA encourages citizens to vote

The DA Provincial Leader Jacques Smalle ledmore than 700 DA aspiring candidates,Members of the Provincial Legislature,Members of Parliament and activists on amassive Blue Wave campaign across theprovince on Saturday, 5 March.The team visited shopping malls, bus, taxi

ranks, old age homes and other public places toencourage Limpopo citizens to register duringthe registration weekend.Smalle said that registering to vote will enable

all the citizens to vote in the coming 2016Local Government Elections. He added thatthe DA’s main focus was on their strategicwards. Smalle further said that they weretelephonically engaging unregistered votersthat were identified during their massive door-

Lizzy Bapelato-door campaigns.The DA made an appeal to all the country’s

citizens ahead of the registration weekend to“register for change”. Smalle said that they areready to bring change to people’s lives.Meanwhile, the DA had over the past month

emphasised registration weekends to thecitizens of the province. Smalle recentlyassisted councillors and aspirant candidatesacross the province to erect the party’s voterregistration posters ahead of the registrationweekends.Smalle said that the posters erected across the

province send a clear message that the DA isready to bring about change in communities.The first registration weekend was held on

Saturday and Sunday 5 and 6 March.Registered voters were advised to also

confirm their details by sending their identitynumbers to 32810.

‘Attempts have also been made totelephonically communicate with thehead office Waterberg district’sDepartment of Health, but none of theirspokespersons have been available.’

| 711 March, 2016beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za CHARITY / ENTERTAINMENT / SCHOOL

Waterberg SAB Leagueweekend wrap

Mzamane Ringane

The SAB League action continued lastweekend across the Waterberg Region, withModimolle Home Defenders upholdingtheir position on top of the log.

In Stream A, Home Defenders is nowsitting on top of the log standings with 31points after beating Qualitho FC 1-0 onSaturday 5 March.

Qualitho FC is occupying the second spotwith 28 points following their weekendloss.

Fourth-placed Bela Bela Diesel n Dust FCalso collected maximum points during theweekend when they beat Flamingo FC 1-0on Saturday and continued to defeat BusselFC 2-0 on Sunday 6 March.

It has been a rough season for Bussel FCwho had lost 2-1 to Celtic FC the previousday.

The struggling KK United conceded 16goals during the weekend after losing 7-3 toBoys 2 Men on Saturday, and sufferedanother 9-3 loss at the hands of the same

More mouth-watering footballaction wasexpected tocontinue thisweekend. Photo:Mzamane Ringane

team on Sunday.Modimolle NTK Happy Boys who are

placed on position four collected a total offour points after drawing 1-all withModimolle Troublemakers on Saturday anddefeated Bela Bela Pirates 2-1 on Sunday.

In Stream B of the Waterberg SAB LeagueYster United walloped Maxoma FC 8-1 onSunday.

Maxoma FC collected a single point theprevious day when they played to a 1-allwith Ditlou FC.

Mokopane Stone Breakers won 1-0 againstMookgophong’s AC Milan on Saturday, andended their weekend with a massive 6-2 lossat the hands of Mookgophong Junior Stars.

In other weekend results, SekgakgaphengYoung Cosmos thrashed Simple Yellows 5-2,while Juventus FC and Waterberg TVET FCand Juventus shared the spoils after a 0-alldraw.

More SAB League action was expected tocontinue this weekend, with local teamscompeting for the title and subsequentpromotion into the higher ABC MotsepeLeague.

Limpopo soccer followers were givensomething to brag about after a total ofthree teams from the province managed toadvance into the last 16 of the covetedNedbank Cup.ABC Motsepe League campaigners

Magesi FC, NFD log leaders Baroka FCand the ABSA Premiership Polokwane City,did not disappoint the fans when theyplayed in the top 32 during the pastweekend.Magesi FC was the first Limpopo team to

secure a place in the next stages of thecompetition, after beating Eastern Cape’sEC Bees FC 2-1 on Saturday 5 March.Baroka FC recorded yet another Nedbank

Cup upset when they knocked ABSAPremiership side Chippa United out of thecompetition with a 3-2 win on Sunday 6March.Baroka FC is known for its ability to

defeat bigger teams in the Nedbank Cup.This NFD team once knocked both

Moroka Swallows and Kaizer Chiefs out ofthis lucrative competition.The limping Polokwane City FC also

Limpopo well-represented in theNedbank Cup

Mzamane Ringane booked a place in the Nedbank Cup last 16when they defeated African All Stars 2-0 onSunday.Limpopo-based Black Leopards made an

early exit after they were beaten 3-1 byMaritzburg United on Wednesday 2 March.On the positive side, Black Leopards, who

are now on the ninth place in the NFD, willnow have more time to refocus on the NFDLeague.Black Leopards will receive R100 000 for

their participation in the Nedbank Cup last32.Baroka FC, Magesi FC and Polokwane

City stand to receive R200 000 each if theyare knocked out in the last 16, and they stillstand a chance to collect more if theyadvance to the quarter finals.A staggering R7 million awaits the team

that will go all the way to win the NedbankCup final.The Nedbank Cup remains the only

football competition in South Africa wheresmall teams are given an opportunity toface teams from higher leagues.It also opens up opportunities for

youngsters to showcase their talent in frontof scores of fans, coaches and scouts fromacross the country.

A record number of 727 people registeredfor the 2016 Marakele Marathon, whichtook place on Saturday, 27 February. Professional and fun runners were in highspirits at the marathon, which is in its 7th

year and serves as a qualifier to the worldrenowned comrades’ marathon.

According to SANParks DivhaniMaremba, the marathon - dubbed a run onthe wild side - takes place in MarakeleNational Park. He said that the marathonreally lived up to its name this year, assome runners experienced what it is tocome face to face with a mock-chargingelephant.

This year’s race was tightly contested withElijah Mogoboya retaining his 2015championship in the 42km marathon with atime of 02:33:42, two minutes ahead of RufusPhoto the 2014 champion. AndrenicaMokgotla won the female race in the samecategory with a time of 03:16:56 ahead ofLesley Train-Austin who came 3 minuteslater.

In the 21km half marathon, NtsekeleMoshetwi won the male race with an amazingtime of 01:10:44 whilst Lizzy Dlhiwayo wonthe female race with 01:38:47.

Some of this year’s highlights include ateam from the nearby game farm ThabaTholo, which registered 30 people toparticipate in the different categories of the

Over 720 athletes enter 2016Marakele marathon

Maria Manaka made it through to theLimpopo Provincial tryouts which were

held on Wednesday, 2 March, inPolokwane. Maria is from Laerskool Alma

and competes in the 100m, 800m, andlong jump, in the Under-10 category.

Photo supplied

Lizzy Bapela race, and a couple from the United Statesknown as Greg and Vira, who happened tobe in Marakele and were looking foractivities to do in the area found themselvesin the right place at the right time.

“We are so excited that we could participatein the race as part of our activities inMarakele, super excited that we got to walk inthe Park and experience the bush at its best,”the couple said.

Rosalyn Elf of Thaba Tholo was so excitedthat their team was part of the marathon andsaid that they believe that a fit body gives aperson a fit mind.

“We saw this as an opportunity to do somephysical activity as a team. Furthermore thiswas a chance to publicly support our localnational park in its conservation efforts,” shesaid.

Marakele National Park Manager, JohanTaljaard said that they were faced with manychallenges in staging the 2016 race due to thewithdrawal of the main sponsor. He added thatat some points in the process they evencontemplated cancelling the 2016 race but feelindebted to the people of Thabazimbi and thecountry at large who year after year havecontributed to the phenomenal growth of thisrace. He also said that they are glad that theydid not cancel because they reached theirlargest number.

The 2017 race entries will be open towardsthe end of the year and people who areinterested in taking part are advised to be onthe lookout for more details.

NGO’s at warJustin Steyn

Two Non-Government Organizations(NGO’s) at Bela-Bela seem to have crossedswords after accusations of theft have risenbetween the two.Light of Africa’s Project manager, JosiasRamalekana, has accused Change for Bela-Bela of allegedly stealing one of their SuperSpar sponsored billboards and damaginganother.“I was driving around the township to

check on our projects and noticed that oneof our “Ke moja” boards that were erectedat the Hleketani Primary School had beenremoved. I went inside the school toinvestigate and one of the teachers told methat Sam Selokela from Change for Bela-Bela has removed the board,” he said.Ramalekana said that the incident took

place on Monday 29 February and that hediscovered another of their “Ke moja”billboards that was erected at Raelengsecondary school had been damaged.Ramalekana said that he has since opened

a case of theft against Selokela.Selokela was arrested on Friday 4 March

and found in possession of the board.Ramalekana said that the boards were part

Light of Africa’s project coordinator,Josias Ramalekana said that he is angryat Change for Bela-Bela, a fellow NGOwhich is accused of stealing theirprivately owned billboards. Photo: JustinSteyn

of their “Ke moja- I’m free without boards”campaign to encourage drug abstinence inschools. He said that since the boards werepaid by Super Spar in Bela-Bela and weredeemed as private property owned by theretailer.In a brief telephonic conversation, Change

for Bela-Bela’s founder NJ van Heerdensaid that the case is being investigated andcould not provide any more comment.

All men dream but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of theirminds wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are danger-ous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes to make it possible. -T.E. Lawrence

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National coach prepares local handballteams for provincial games

Lizzy Bapela

Handball coach Thabo Baloyi led the Under-16boys’ and girls’ teams from Phagameng inModimolle and Itireleng High School fromRooiberg in preparations for the provincialgames. The two teams recently competedagainst each other during matches held atMmamakwa Full Service School where theyalso received motivation from the coach.

In the first match, the boys from Modimollegave Rooiberg a whipping of 37 goals against17, while their girls lost 24 goals againstPhagameng’s 26. Baloyi outlined the rules andregulations of the Limpopo HandballAssociation to the teams, also teaching theabout what makes a better player and roleplayer in the handball field.

He made a plea to the teachers to allow theplayers an opportunity to explore and enjoytheir talents, thanking those who already are

making an effort to teach and grant theplayers time to implement what they havebeen taught.He has played many games locally and

abroad, bringing home a number of wins andawards to prove his capabilities and skills. Hehas also given up time in his schedule manytimes to spend time with players from differentcommunities and schools, grooming them toput their talents to good use. Some of theseplayers have now made it to the national level,including Samuel Baloyi of Bela-Bela and JanBaloyi of Modimolle.Baloyi encouraged the teams to invite other

teams from different parts of the province toplay friendly matches in preparation for the

provincial games.The games are scheduled for Saturday, 26

March at the Thohoyandou Indoor SportsComplex.They will kick off with Itreleng girls playing

against Univen in the morning, and Univenboys will play against Modimolle Maniacs,who will later play against Mapuve.Itreleng boys will play against Modimolle

Maniacs, then the girls against SechabaSuperstars afterwards and later againstMapuve. Itireleng boys will go againstUnivern, then Sechaba Superstars, and laterMapuve. Modimolle Maniacs will wrap up thematches by playing against SechabaSuperstars.

Waterberg handball teams are already preparing for provincialgames. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

Members of thehandballassociationinteracted with theplayers. Photo:Lizzy Bapela

Shika believesthat his team canperform well evenafter manysetbacks. Photo:TK Mashaba

Terrors FC happy to be homeTK Mashaba

Terrors FC have a lot to prove in theirupcoming three home games after atough three away games.They lost all their away games and must

now collect maximum points to end theseason on a good note.In the midst of their home game set

they will also be playing away againstPolokwane United at the Peter MokabaStation.This weekend they are expected to host

Nkowa Nkowa’s Barcelona at SunfaStadium on Sunday, 13 March. On 27March they will be hosting BoyneTigers.They will need to be on their guard, as

they have lost to these teams before.They have a chance at the moment to

turn the situation around.“There has been a

lot of pressure inthe past and we arestill trying to get agoodcombination,” saidteam managerBondis Shika.“Soccer is soccer.You can’t predictthe scores but youcan alwaysapproach any gamebetter than the last.”

Long jump athlete makesSolomon Mahlangu HighSchool proud

Mzamane Ringane

The mood is high at Modimolle’sSolomon Mahlangu High School,after under-15 Long Jumpparticipant Dimakatso Ncubeobtained second place with awinning distance of 4, 86 metresduring the provincial athletics.

The provincial event was held atthe Old Peter Mokaba Stadium inPolokwane on Saturday 5 March.

Ncube is now carrying the hugeresponsibility of representing herschool, town and the entireLimpopo at the national level ofthe competition.

This young athlete comes acrossas a shy person who lets heractions speak loudly.

During an interview with TheBEAT, the soft-spoken Ncube wasvisibly excited about herachievement, and said she wasconfident that she will alsorepresent the school well duringthe next leg of the athletics.

The Grade 8 learner said she hasnot yet decided what career shewould like to pursue after

completing her studies.“The support I get from my

coach and the school motivates mea lot. I am not nervous at all, Ibelieve I will do well at thenational athletics”, she said.

Long jump coach Busta Mametjasaid the school is proud of Ncube’sachievement, and stated that theywill support her all the way.

“As the school we are proud ofthis youngster. I think she is thefirst one from the school to reachthis level. Ncube has now set astandard and as the school we haveto uphold it whenever weparticipate in other competitions. Ifwe work together as teachers,learners and parents it is possibleto produce good results asSolomon Mahlangu High School”,Mametja said.

He also encouraged those whodid not make it to regroup and startpreparing themselves so that theycan achieve better next time.

Mametja said other learnersshould draw inspiration fromNcube and be determined whenthey participate in all theiracademic and sporting activities.

SolomonMahlangu HighSchool educatorand long jumpcoach BustaMametja withathlete DimakatsoNcube. Photo:Mzamane Ringane

A wise man willmake moreopportunitiesthan he finds.Francis Bacon