Modimolle PrimarySchool Grade Rand Grade 1Photos

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15 January

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2 |15 January, 2016

beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.zaCRIME

Four suspects still on the run

TK Mashaba

Police are looking for Phillos Moyo inconnection with a burglary in Bela-Belain 2013. Photo supplied

The Bela-Bela police has linked two casesof burglary in 2013 and 2014 to foursuspects who have not been arrested yet.

A case of burglary was opened andinvestigations led the police to PhillosMoyo, Howard Muchinasa, and Chris

Police are looking for Mathews ChimiMokoena in connection with a burglaryin Bela-Bela in 2014. Photo supplied

Police are looking for HowardMuchinasa in connection with aburglary in Bela-Bela in 2013. Photosupplied

Thulani Moyo.According to information received from

Bela-Bela Police spokesperson ConstableMaria Maleto, the three suspects allegedlybroke into a house in Bela-Bela on 23November 2013 and stole cell phones,laptops, iPods, and other items.

“The victim said that all doors and windowshad been properly closed and locked before

she went to sleep,” Maleto said. “It was onlywhen she woke up that she realized that theitems were missing.”In another incident Mathews Chimi

Mokoena allegedly broke into a house at alodge near Bela-Bela on 6 March 2014 andstole a microwave. A case of burglary wasopened and investigations led the police toMokoena, who was linked to two other cases.

A resident of Bela-Bela found a ratherstrange parcel outside his home inRobbertson Street. The resident, who askedto remain anonymous, said that he foundthe plastic bag in front of his home. Insidethe bag was a condom filled with the drugmethcathinone, also known as ‘cat’.

The resident immediately brought theparcel to the attention of the police, whoconfiscated it.

Bela-Bela police spokesperson Maria

Responsible resident reports drug find

Justin Steyn

A condom filledwithMethcathinonewas found inside aplastic bagoutside aresident’s home inRobbertson StreetBela-Bela. Photo:Justin Steyn

Maleto said that the drugs were registeredin the exhibit register, and would bedestroyed in due course.

She explained that since the substance wasfound abandoned no investigation will takeplace, but said that the informationcontained in the parcel is crucial to theefforts to fight substance abuse.

“The community is encouraged to comeforward with such information, as this willeventually lead us to the source of drugs inBela-Bela,” she said.

Lieutenant-Colonel Abel Ngobeni thankedthe resident for his help.

Solly denied bailJustin Steyn

Murder accused Solly Ndlovu (37)was denied bail during his courtappearance on Monday, 11 January. Heremains in police custody.Ndlovu has been accused of

murdering his 28-year old girlfriendNathalia Maphanga at their home inExtension 5 at Bela-Bela. According toBela-Bela police spokesperson MariaMaleto, police arrived at the scene andfound Maphanga dead on the floor. Ithas been alleged that the couple hadbeen arguing, and that Maphanga drewa knife and tried to attack Ndlovu.Ndlovu allegedly drew a knife andstabbed her in return. Ndlovu washospitalized for more than two weeksafter suffering injuries to his throat andchest.He made his first court appearance on

Tuesday, 5 January, but this waspostponed to Friday, 8 January, and heappeared in court on Monday, 11January.Constable Maleto once again urged

the community to report cases ofdomestic violence.

The police warned the community againstSMSes that claim that they have wonmoney of prizes without the receiver havingentered any competitions. The communityis also encouraged to contact the companythat is alleged to be the source of thecompetition and double-check that thecompany is, in fact, running a competition.The statement by the police comes after a

77-year old man opened a case of fraud atthe Bela-Bela Police station on Monday, 4January. He alleged that on 15 March 2014he was contacted by a man who introducedhimself as an employee of a well-knowncellphone company. The man informed thecomplainant that he had been automaticallyentered into the competition and had wonan undisclosed amount of money, but wouldhave to buy airtime in order to be enteredinto the final draw.According to Bela-Bela police

Police warns against scammers

Crime round up*A man from Tzaneen is expected to appearbefore the Modimolle Magistrate’s Courtshortly, following his arrest for drunkendriving. Solly Rammalo’s arrest andsubsequent court appearance are a sequel toan incident that happened in 2013.Modimolle police spokesperson Warrant

Officer James Findlay said that Rammalowas warned to appear in court after hisarrest but failed to present himself. Headded that the police was then granted awarrant of arrest and nabbed him inTzaneen on 29 December 2015.He wasreleased on a R2 000 bail when he made abrief court appearance on the day.*The police in Modimolle say that they

experienced a high volume of reportedburglaries and thefts, as well as rapes overthe December 2015 holidays and as a result,they are again urging alertness within thearea. The police warn all women not to

Lizzy Bapela

Modimolle police requests that the owner of these items which were foundabandoned in Phagameng come forth and identify them. Photo supplied

walk alone at night and where possible notto be on the streets at night.They also urged residents to take care

when going on holiday.“When you are away from home for a few

days, let someone keep an eye over yourhouse,” said Warrant Officer Findlay.“Theft out of motor vehicle and theft of

motor vehicle cases were not high and wehave things under control in combatingthese kind of incidents. We would like torequest the community to take good care oftheir personal properties. And to alwayskeep valuables in a safe place and not walkaround with big amounts of money,” headded.*The police are urging residents of

Phagameng to come forth and help themidentify items that were found abandoned inthe area. The items are a lawnmower and awheelbarrow with tools in it. Anyone whorecognizes them their own property andhave proof of ownership can contact thepolice station to claim them.

TK Mashabaspokesperson Constable Maria Maleto, thevictim did as he was told and sent theairtime voucher number to the suspect. Hewas also told to deposit cash into accountsat various banks.“The second suspect was introduced to

him, and he was informed that he would behandling the victim’s case. He was toldthat he would have to pay an amount ofcash so that his winnings could bereleased, but he said that he did not havethat amount.”The victim tried to contact them to ask

them how the case was proceeding butcould not reach either of the suspects.“He lost an undisclosed amount of money

in that period and a case of fraud wasopened with the Bela-Bela Police,” saidConstable Maleto. “An investigation istaking place to find the culprits.”Maleto said that people should not give

their banking details to strangers, and toreport strangers who ask for suchinformation to the police.

The ability to convert ideas to thingsis the secret to outward success.

Henry Ward Beecher

------------------------------------------------

The best way out is always through.Robert Frost

Far away in the sunshine are myhighest aspirations. I may not reach

them, but I can look up and seetheir beauty, believe in them, and

try to follow where they lead.Louisa May Alcott

| 315 January, 2016

beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL

Correctional Services’ partnership to improve reintegration

The Department of Correctional Services’Bela-Bela Cluster applauds a partnershipthat they have entered into with theBaphuthing Ba Nawa Traditional Councilfrom Lebotlwane and Moretele Districtregarding correctional matters. TheDepartment’s officials led by MalefanePholosi and Reneilwe Kgwale recently metwith the council to find a way to worktogether to successfully reintegrateprobationers and parolees in their district.

The Department made presentations onits services to the traditional council andhighlighted the importance of community

The Department ofCorrectionalServices and itsstakeholdersrecently embarkedon a specialmonitoringoperation at theLebotlwane andMoretele District.Photo: LizzyBapela

Lizzy Bapelainvolvement in corrections matters. Thecouncil under the leadership of Kgosichief S.M Nawa agreed to the partnershipand introduced the Department to the localstructures and other departments within thedistrict. The council further allocated theDCS offices within the council premisesfor free in order to render its serviceslocally.

Both the parties say that they areimpressed with the signing of amemorandum that they witnessed betweenthe DCS’s Area Commissioner KennyMthombeni aka Mr TKM and Chief Nawa.This relationship has been put to practiceas the DCS recently invited stakeholders tospecial monitoring operation at the

Lebotlwane and Moretele District.Representatives from the TraditionalCouncil, Ward Councillor LebotlwaneBodisa, SASSA and the departments ofEducation and Home Affairs turned up inbig numbers to attend the event.Social Reintegration Area Coordinator

Louis Shingange and the Head CommunityCorrections of Bela-Bela Malefane Pholosiaddressed participants and emphasized theneed to work together for the successfulreintegration of parolees and probationers.It was during this operation that DCSmade a commitment to embark on “Backto School Cleaning Campaign” prior to theschool reopening week in January 2016.Fourteen parolees and probationers from

Lebotlwane, Tlholwe, Little andRegtersloot were each paid two visits bythe stakeholders and DCS officials dividedinto two groups. Pholosi said that thepurpose of the operation was to ensure thatparolees and probationers comply withsupervision conditions set to them. Theconditions include house arrests,restrictions towards magisterial district,restrictions towards alcohol use,community services, not to commit crimeagain or intimidate community membersand victims.The operation was also graced by the

presence of The Department’s provincialmanagement team and various units fromthe Modimolle Correctional Centre.

Transformer blows during power outage

The accidental damaging of an undergroundelectrical cable during routine maintenancework caused a nearly six-hour blackout inBela-Bela on Thursday, 7 January.According to the municipality’s divisional

manager for electrical services, MbalekwaTshabalala, the blackout was the result of anunderground electrical cable that wasaccidently struck while maintenance worktook place in Chris Hani road.The damage to the cable had also caused an

electric transformer to blow up in Sutter Roadnear the Elephant Springs Hotel, injuring oneperson.The spokesperson of the hotel, Egmond du

Justin Steyn Plessis, said that none of their guests or staffwas affected and knew nothing about theinjured person.“When we called the Municipality about the

outage they informed us that they are workingon a problem at the transformer that is locatedon the sidewalk outside of our property. Noneof the guests or staff was involved or knewanything about what had occurred. We alsohave no knowledge about anything other thanthe power going off at 2pm and coming backon after 9pm,” he said.Tshabalala said that he was aware of the

injury that had occurred but could notcomment on this.“I am aware of the incident but cannot

comment on this sensitive issue at this stage,”he said.

Modimolle Primary SchoolGrade R and Grade 1, assembled

Grade 1 learners at Modimolle Primary School during an assembly session.Photo: Mzamane Ringane

Lerato Kutumeladoesn’t know whatshe wants to beafter finishingschool. Photo:Lizzy Bapela

Thabang Sithole (5)wants to do anyjob. Photo: LizzyBapela

This transformer in sutter Road exploded during the power outage on Thursday,seriously injuring a municipal worker. Photo: Justin Steyn

4 | 15 January, 2016beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.zaGOVERNMENT / POLITICAL

Municipal spokesmanresigns unexpectedly

The spokesperson for the Bela-Belamunicipality, Matome Sebelebele, hasresigned. The town’s Mayor, Lucas Nhlapo,confirmed this during a telephonicinterview amidst circulating rumours ofSebelebele’s resignation.

The Bela-Bela municipal spokesperson,Matome Sebelebele, has resigned fromhis post and no replacement has beenappointed as yet. Photo supplied

Justin Steyn

Nhlapo said that Sebelebele tendered hisresignation in December and stated that hehad accepted a new post elsewhere.

Nhlapo said that a meeting withSebelebele is yet to be conducted beforemore information could be divulged.

He further stated that Sebelebele and themunicipality remain on good terms after histen years of service to the municipality.

“It is unfortunate that Sebelebele hasdecided to leave after serving themunicipality for such a long time. We wishhim well in his future plans,” he said.

Although no advertisement has been placedto replace Sebelebele, Nhlapo said that theywill do so toward the end of January.

Nhlapo said that all communication frommedia and other public entities to theMunicipality will be dealt with by his officeuntil further notice. Sebelebele could not bereached for comment.

Councillor promises to attend to RDPbeneficiary’s complaint

Lizzy Bapela

The streets ofExtension 8 wereheavily floodedafter it rainedrecently and carsand peoplestruggle to passthrough.Photo: LizzyBapela

Former mayor of Bela-Bela and now Ward4 councillor Freddy Hlungwane promisedto attend to an RDP beneficiary’scomplaints. This comes after thebeneficiary, Bertha Maseko suffered heavyflooding into her house following the recentheavy rains in the area.

Maseko called The BEAT for help inintervention with the local municipality, asshe says that she has been begging them forhelp since 2009. She said that always whenit rains, her furniture gets damaged by therain water as it sinks in it and this is awasteful expenditure. She added that shewas not the only one in the area sufferingfrom the same problem and whenapproaching Hlungwane, he told them tobuild walls to stop the water coming fromthe streets, into their yards.

“Rain comes from the sky and we can onlystop the water coming from the streets, notthe actual rain. I only earn R600 a monthand am responsible for all householdexpenses. I cannot afford to lift the floor

inside the house. I pleaded with themunicipality for help for years now and I amstill waiting for a solution. Maybe if they seeproof of how much we are struggling in thenewspaper, they will do something,” she said.

She said that after the flooding, no one in thehouse can bath or do anything because thereis water everywhere. She also said that sheeven had to send the children to their fatherbecause the house is not in a suitablecondition to live in.

In his response, Hlungwane confirmed thatbeneficiaries are responsible for fixing theirown RDP houses if they have problems. Hesaid that he promised to bring the affectedpeople soil to level the streets and preventflooding in that area. Hlungwane further saidthat he advised the residents to build the wallsas a temporary solution and it is not justMaseko alone but more other experience thesame problem.

“I will take this matter to the housingdepartment in the municipality and hear whatthey say about it. I will then report to theaffected residents as to how our meeting wentand how the municipality intends to assist,”he concluded.

The furniture sinks in the rainwater and poses a concern toMaseko. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

Condolences still pour in for the DAspokesperson and Skeem Saam actor’s family

Lizzy Bapela

The untimely passing on of the DALimpopo Media Liaison Officer and thepopular SABC 1’s daily drama SkeemSaam actor Stephen Mbedzi saddened theprovince, with political parties ANC and theDA and people from all walks of lifeextending their heartfelt condolences to hiswife, children, family and friends. Mbedzi was known as a seasoned

journalist and a defender of media freedom.His deeply felt love for the country and theconstitution largely informed his decision tojoin politics and he chose the DA. Thosewho knew him well say that his skills inarticulating his thoughts through a pen wereunsurpassed; that he had a passion forwordsmith.Mbedzi spent a larger part of his career as

a journalist, working with the NorthernMedia Group (NMG) based in Polokwane.He was an outstanding figure in theProvincial Media fraternity for a long time,being counted amongst the few reputableprofessionals with an inimitable newssense. He has built himself a reputationbecause of the hard work that he had put inall the roles that he occupied with the NMG.

The late spokesperson of the DA PartyCaucus in the Limpopo Legislature, ajournalist of the Northern Media Groupand Skeem Saam actor Stephen Mbedzi.Photo supplied

Before joining the Provincial Legislature,Mbedzi was a career journalist whooccupied a number of positions during hisextended stay at the Northern Media Group,and edited a few titles. On Skeem Saam, heheld a character called Mr Namane, whowas a businessman and attempting to date awidow named Mma Kunutu.“The DA family is incomplete without the

warmth and loving character of the lateStephen Mbedzi. He will forever be a partof us,” said the DA’s Limpopo ProvincialLeader Jacques Smalle.Meanwhile, spokesperson for the

ANC Party Caucus in the LimpopoLegislature Phuti Lekganyane also sent outmessages of condolences, expressing thesadness caused by Mbedzi’s death. Theparty’s Chief Whip Falaza Mdaka said thatMedzi was a full of life character, whotouched the lives of many in the provincewith his participation in the media and inpolitics. The party caucus further extendtheir deepest condolences to the family ofMbedzi, his friends and colleagues.By the time of going to press,

arrangements for his memorial service werestill underway and the DA confirmed thathe would be buried in Venda on Saturday,16 January.

Waterberg schools matriculantsperformand in 2015

Following the release of the 2015 matricresults by the Department of BasicEducation, Limpopo province has achieveda 65.9% pass rate, which is 7% lower thanthe 72.9% that was achieved by the Class of2014.According to the results published on the

Eyewitness News website ewn.co.za, a totalof 21 learners at Phagameng High Schoolachieved admission to Bachelor Degree,while 45 learners got admission toDiploma, with the remaining 47 gainingadmission to Higher Certificate.At the neighbouring Solomon Mahlangu

High School, only two learners achievedadmission to Bachelor’s Degree. A total of14 learners achieved admission for aDiploma, while the other 17 achievedadmission for a Higher Certificate.In Bela-Bela, one learner at Raeleng

Phagameng High School class of 2015product Kgothatso Maluleka gotadmission to Bachelor Degree, with adistinction in Life Orientation.Photo: Mzamane Ringane

Mzamane Ringane Secondary Shool got admission to BachelorDegree, while nine others got admission toDiploma.A total of five learners got admission to

Higher Certificate at Raeleng.Eight learners got admission to Bachelor

Degree at Maope Secondary School, with28 of them gaining admission to Diploma.A total of 60 learners got admission toHigher Certificate at this Bela-Bela School.In other parts of town, four Bela-Bela

High School learners got admission toBachelor Degree, with a total of 33 learnersgetting admission to Diploma. A number of28 leaners got admission to HigherCertificate.In Mookgophong, 18 learners of

Makhutjisha Secondary School gotadmission to Bachelor Degree, with aconfounding number of 50 learners gettingadmission to Diploma.The other 39 got admission to Higher

Certificate.

| 515 January, 2016beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za

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EDITORIAL

A communist who writes poetryin Afrikaans an enigma

Mzamane Ringane

Greg Morukhuladi is a familiar facewithin the ranks of the tripartitealliance in Bela Bela — except thathe also writes poetry in Afrikaans.Morukhuladi, who is also at ease

with English and Sepedi, started hispolitics as a student, during the timeof the so-called Class of ‘76, whofought running street battles with thepolice, against the introduction ofAfrikaans as a medium of instructionin black schools.But how did such a militant, and

present-day field worker of theSACP, decide to use his townshiproom as a creative space to writepoetry in Afrikaans?“Never mind our stone-throwing

days as student activists, everybodyelse at high school was aware that I

Greg Morukhuladi finds joy inwriting Afrikaans poetry. Photo:Mzamane Ringane

always came up tops in Afrikaansgrammar,” he explained.Morukhuladi said he was grateful to

former President Nelson Mandela,who at the dawn of democracy shookhands with his arch-rival F W deKlerk, embracing among others,Afrikaans as one of the officiallanguages.ANC heavyweight and erstwhile

premier of Mpumalanga, MatthewPhosa has published a couple ofbooks of poetry in Afrikaans.The SACP man, Morukhuladi, said

the Afrikaans language had openedmany doors for him in the jobsmarket, like when he was appointedoperations manager at the old RoyalNorthland Golf Estate, previouslyknown as Wambaths Golf Club.Morukhuladi remembers with

nostalgia how in his younger days asa caddie, he and others used to sneak

A male Bela-Belapolice officialposed for a photoin a weave. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

into the golf course early onSundays, to steal a round of golffrom hole number 4 to numberseven.“This was the time oom Frans

Vermaak, the green-keeper, waspreparing for the church service,” hesaid with a chuckle.Morukhuladi said when in later

years he joined oom Frans as acolleague at the clubhouse, he lackedthe courage to reveal how duringApartheid the lot of the caddies“stole” rounds of golf along thefairways.He said he usually tells those who

wish to listen that he (Morukhuladi)was the last caddie standing from thecollapsed golf course, on theoutskirts of Bela Bela.Like Phosa, Morukhuladi says he is

steadily building up a book of poetryhe plans to test with publishers.

6 | 15 January, 2016beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.zaADVERTISMENTS / LEGALS

ENGINEERING STUDIESEvening classes from

January 2016

Contact Willem Gerber on082 577 4291 Modimolle

National Certificate: N 1Subject: Electrical Trade

Theory N 1

BLOCK ad 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 LANDUSE SCHEME, 2004Notice is hereby given toall whom it may concernthat in terms of clause23 ofthe abovementionedscheme, I (full name)MOTAUNG MORWESIFRANCINA intendsapplying to the ModimolleLocal Municipality forconsent to :- Tuckshop on(property and property andsuburb) ME 374 alsoknown as (street name andnumber) Phagameng Ext13 situated in anResidential 1 zone.(Example: Residential 1,Business 4 etc.)Any objection, with thegrounds therefor, shall belodged with or made inwriting to: The DivisionalManager, Town Planning,Ground Floor, ModimolleMunicipal Building, PrivateBag x1008, Modimolle,0510, within 28 days of thepublication of theadvertisement in the Localnewspaper viz

Full particulars and plans(if any) may be inspectedduring normal office hours(08:00 - 13:00 and 13:45 -15:00) at theabovementioned office for aperiod of 28 days of thepublication of theadvertisement in the localnewspaper. Closing date forobjection:Applicant Street and postaladdress:Phagameng Ext 13Modimolle0510Tel: 071 989 6896.(08&15/01).

BELA -BELA LAND USESCHEME, 2008

APPLICATION FORSPECIAL CONSENT INTERMS OF CLAUSE 21OF THEBELA-BELA LAND USESCHEME, 2008.

Notice is hereby given that,in terms of Clause 21 of theBela-Bela Land UseScheme, 2008,that the undersigned, beingthe authorized agent,

intends applying to theBela- Bela Municipalityfor Special Consent to“relax the number ofdwelling units per nettohectare to 30 units perhectare” to support aminimum erf area of 550square metres applicable toERF 189, Warmbaths zoned“Residential 1”.

Objections orrepresentations in respect ofthe application must belodged with or made inwritting to:The Municipal Manager,Private Bag X 1609,Warmbaths, 0480, within aperiod of 28 days from15 January 2016.

Further particulars withregard to the proposedapplication/use is obtainablefrom undersigned,P.D.Bekker Land Surveyor,P.O.Box 533,Moffat street 44,Warmbaths,0480.Tel: 014 736 4162 Fax: 014736 2904Cell: 082 320 9229(15 & 22/1)

LEGALSSo often times it happens that we live our lives in chainsAnd we never even know we have the key. Lyrics from Already Gone, peformed bythe Eagles for their 1974 On the Border album

| 715 January, 2016beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za CHARITY / ENTERTAINMENT / SCHOOL

Structures speak at releaseof 2015 matric results

The ANC Congress of South African Students(COSAS) in Limpopo expressed their viewsfollowing the release of matric results. TheCongress congratulated the class of 2015,which they say has managed to pass againstthe odds. They also sympathized with thosewho could not make it, encouraging them tonever lose hope and go back to the classroomand try again.

COSAS say that the 7% decrease in thematric pass rate is a shock and adisappointment to them all. The congressadded that besides the introduction of a newcurriculum and a change in the setting ofquestion papers, the infrastructures thatstudents in Limpopo find themselves learningin are still not conducive. Also that lack ofquality of teachers and study materials; aswell; as the distance many learners travel toschool remain the biggest factors in studentpass rate.

“As an Organisation that represents students,we’re not impressed by the rate of theDepartment of Basic Education in theintervention of matric pass rates. The fight forfree quality education for a black child is farfrom over,” said the congress’ LimpopoProvincial Deputy Secretary MotlokwaRamenyeng.

Meanwhile, the ANC says that whilst it isacknowledged that more work needs to be

ANC Limpopo Provincial Secretary Nocks Seabi. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

Lizzy Bapeladone to improve the quality of education, it isalso worth noting that the government hasbrought more change and progress in 20years. They added that matric results inLimpopo have been steadily improving over aperiod of time although a slight fluctuation inpass percentages was witnessed. The 2015results are down to 65%, although the numberof students who passed has increased with abetter percentage than the overall drop from2014 pass rate.

“We must all work together to improve thissituation. Despite the slight percentages drop,thousands of our children have performedexceptionally well. The ANC Limpopowishes to congratulate class 2015 for a jobwell done. This has been a result of hard-workby stakeholders, educators, parents and schoolgoverning bodies. We thank all of you for thesterling work you did,” said the ANCLimpopo Provincial Secretary Nocks Seabi.

The party further called upon all studentswho are venturing into various academicfields to continue with the hard work so theycan come back and help build the economy ofthe province. They also told those who couldnot make it that they still have a chance to doit better, as the world still awaits theircontribution.

“Do not despair, work harder, we will offerall the necessary support, this should include“The second chance Program” announced byBasic Education Minister Angie Motshekga,”Seabi concluded.

Waterberg rewards top learners

The Waterberg’s top learners were recently rewarded for their outstandingperformance. Photo supplied

Representatives of political parties,municipalities and sector departmentsgathered together to witness the crowningof top learners who put the WaterbergDistrict on the map during the WaterbergDistrict Matric Awards ceremony for theclass of 2015.The event was held at the Bela-Bela

Forever Resorts on Friday, 8 January. Theday belonged to teachers, parents, theschool governing bodies and thecommunity at large; all of whom haveplayed a significant role in molding thelearners, ensuring that they obtain the levelof success they have achieved in theirstudies.The ceremony has become an annual ritual

as the stakeholders work together toencourage and motivate learners to dobetter in their Grade 12 examinations. TheWaterberg District Municipality’sspokesperson Pat Malete said that they arecommitted to the recognition of learnerperformance and providing support to theDepartment of Education in providingquality education to the children. He addedthat they do that in the belief that Educationis a societal issue.For the 2015 academic year, Waterberg

obtained 58, 1% — a 12. 41% dropcompared to 2014‘s 70.5 % achievement.This places the district at position 4, the

Lizzy Bapela same position obtained at provincial ratingsin 2014. This decline resulted in the districtperforming below the national norm of60%. In other words the district hasunderperformed with 1.9%.The municipality states that the decline in

the 2015 matric results does not affect thedistrict or the province alone, but is anational issue as all provinces experiencedthis decline. That stakeholders will have togo back to the drawing board, find outwhere challenges are, and strategize onimproving performance in the currentacademic year in order to reclaim glory.The district executive mayor Tlotlanang

Mogotlane said that they are however stillproud of circuits, schools and learners whoperformed outstandingly including theRoedtan Combined School inMookgophong Circuit for obtaining a 100%pass rate.“As the ancient African proverb teaches

us; “It takes a village to raise a child.” Wealso know that when it comes to education,it takes the whole community to make adifference,” said mayor Mogotlane.“We are aware that many of you,

especially from our township, farm andvillage schools, have had to overcomecountless obstacles. We know that yourroad to success has not been an easy one —you have had to beat many odds. We aretherefore gathered here today to celebratewith our 2015 matriculants, a momentousperiod during their schooling career.

Metronome lead singer aims for Idols after Clash of the Choirs

Metronome lead singer Evans KatlegoMashaba is preparing for Idols 2016 after hemade a breakthrough during the Clash of theChoirs competition.

The Bela-Bela based Afro-Pop groupleader made his mark on the Clash of theChoirs, which aired on Monday, 10 Januryon DSTV.

Speaking to The BEAT this week, Mashabasaid that he had learned a lot from theexperience, and he is planning to try his luckby auditioning for Idols 2016 on 6 February.

The Clash of the Choirs was awesome,” he

TK Mashaba

said. “I worked with a team of well-knownartists under Limpopo Choir.”For the first time, the season had more

twists to the gripping format, with the sevenchoirmasters drawn from a hat to choosewhich province they would represent.The season’s seven choirmasters were:

Limpopo’s music king Penny Penny,superstar singer and actress Kelly Khumalo,rapper iFani, producer and performer JR,South Africa’s Queen of House BucieNqwiliso, Kalawa Chikita Busiswa Gqulu,and KwaZulu Natal gospel legend SfisoNcwane was among the lead mentor in thecompetition with Mashaba and Limpopochoir under Penny Penny.Limpopo team only made it to two

episodes before exiting the toughcompetition.He said that he still believe the sky is the

limit for him as an artist.“I will also be focusing on Metronome

album this year and pushing couple singlewe did in the past.”

Evans Mashaba during his appearance on clash of the choiron channel 161 Mzanzi Magic. Photo Supplied

Mashaba as lead singer of Metronomeduring Bela Bela Holiday festival atLetthabile park . Photo: TK Mashaba

8 |15 January, 2016

beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.zaSPORT

The second season of the ABC MotsepeLeague is going to be a test of characterfor the newly relocated Bela-Bela teamTerrors after they only managed toobtain one point in the previous season.

The struggling team have so far playedeight games with one draw and sevenlosses.

They will be playing their first fixturegame on Sunday, 17 January.

Terrors will need to show some skill inthis season or they face relegation fromthe prestigious league.

Coach Bondis Shika, however, repeatedwhat the team’s owner Speke Manamelasaid in an interview last year.

“We have learned from our mistakes inthe first leg of the season, and we arewilling to come strong this time around,”said Shika.

He also said that there will be a fewchanges in play and in the lineup, but hedid not want to divulge any moreinformation on the changes.

“Let all soccer-loving people come tosupport us during out home games andwill take it from there,” he concludes.

Do or die for Terrors insecond season

Terrors FC manager Bondis Shikabelieves his team can bounce back.Photo: TK Mashaba

TK Mashaba

Modimolle Celtic FC thrashes KKunited

Modimolle Celtic FC walloped KK United FC5-1 last Saturday, 9 January, when theWaterberg SAB Regional League resumed.

The SAB League teams picked up where theyleft off, after brief period of break for theDecember holidays.

Bela Bela Diesel N Dust FC also resumedtheir league race with a comfortable 3-0 victoryover local rivals, Bela Bela Pirates FC.

Bela Bela Happy Hearts FC received a 3-1walloping when they hosted Flamingo FC ofModimolle.

Modimolle Home Defenders FC moved tothe top of the league log, after whippingneighbouring Vaalwater Boys 2 Men FC 3-1.

NTK Happy Boys succumbed 2-0 to theirarch-rivals Modimolle All Stars, who nowoccupy the second spot on the league log.

Rapotokwane’s Qualitho FC plunged fromthe first position on the log, and landed on thefifth spot after losing to the visiting ModimolleTroublemakers.

Troublemakers FC will host Happy Hearts atModimolle’s Ephraim on Saturday, 16 January.

Boys 2 Men FC of Mabatlane will alsowelcome Qualitho FC at Meetsetshehla HighSchool Sports Ground.

Another SAB League showdown will be atthe Happy Boys Ground, when log leadersHome Defenders will be visiting NTK HappyBoys, in what promises to be an excitingencounter.

Bela Bela Diesel N Dust will host ModimolleAll Stars at Sunfa Stadium, while ModimolleYoung Pirates and Modimolle Celtic FC willlock horns at Lekkerbreek Primary School.

KK United who are still recovering followingtheir huge loss, will attempt to use home-ground advantage when they host ModimolleBussel FC at Masakhane Ground.

All the fixtures are scheduled to take placethis Saturday.

Mzamane Ringane

Happy Hearts hard at training. Photo: TKMashaba

No bad blood after heavy loss

The owner of Bela-Bela Pirates FCJohannes Mabua aka Material did not turnout as a sore looser after SAFA Limpopohigh ranker Pat Seema’s Diesel ’n Dust FCgave his boys a heavy whipping over thepast weekend.The two teams played against each other

in the SAB League games that took place atSunfa Stadium on Saturday, 9 January andBela-Bela Pirates FC suffered a 3-0 lossagainst Diesel ’n Dust FC. The owners andmanagement shook hands after the game,with Bela-Bela Pirates FC’s congratulatingthe winners with their open hearts. Mabuasaid that soccer is always unpredictable andlike any other game or competition, therecan only be one winner. He added thatsports is not just about winning but thedevelopment of emerging and existingplayers counts and when they are motivatedand inspired, that is what counts the most.

Diesel ’n Dust FCgave theiropponents a heavywhipping duringthe SAB Leaguegames. Photo: Lizzy Bapela

Lizzy Bapela Seema could not hold back his excitementwhen he sang and danced his way out of thestadium, saying that the boys made hisafternoon. He added that after such a lovelygoal filled match, he was then waiting tosee his favourite Premier Soccer Leagueteam Kaizer Chiefs beating MamelodiSundowns that evening.Meanwhile, the two teams’ junior boys

battled each other in the LFA matches andBela-Bela Pirates FC still suffered anotherloss against Diesel ’n Dust FC. Seema’steam beat Mabua’s with 2-1 and still, therewas no bad blood between the two ownersas they have been involved in soccer fordecades and understands how things go inthe field.“I open heartedly congratulate Seema and

his boys on the win and hope to return thefavour in the near future. This loss willmotivate my players to work harder as wewill be going back to the drawing board torectify whatever mistakes were made thisweekend. What a game …” Mabua said.

Seema’s teamkicked off theirnew year practiceswith heavypreparation aheadof their well-played and worthwatching gameagainst Bela-BelaPirates FC.Photo: Lizzy Bapela