27 September 2013

R1-20/FR

EE

Pg 2Cable thief goesunderground

Total Surrenderholds try-outs Pg 8

Mayor to the rescue

The Hlongwanes’ house burnt to ashes forreasons unkown two weeks ago. Photosupplied. Story on page 3

Pg 7Modimolle matricslook fabulous

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Tel/Fax: 014 736 3801 /5126

DR. TAC RAMASODINew Doctor in Town

17B Pretoria Road, between KFCand the Magistrates Office

Justin Steyn

In the early morning hours of Wednesday18 September Bela Bela police were inpursuit of an alleged cable thief. It wasreported that an unknown man tookcopper cables from the WaterfrontShopping Centre which was noticed bysecurity guards on duty.The guards immediately gave chase,

but the man fled into an undergroundtunnel nearby. Two men who witnessedthe incident reported the matter to localpolice while the guards were searchingfor the suspect.“We just saw a man carrying copper

cables running from the security and hecrept into the tunnels and we then called

Alleged cable thiefmakes narrow escape

One of the drain pipes from where the alleged cable thief could have escaped from.Photo: Justin Steyn

the police to assist in the matter” theysaid.Two police vans were seen parked in

Marx Street next to the Bushveld centrewhere the officers tried to find the sus-pect from inside a sewage pipe nearby.The pipeline from which the police were

trying to locate the suspect was toonarrow for them to enter and it wassuspected that the thief had alreadymade his escape.Passers-by suggested a dog unit be

called in to assist but never occurred.After an approximate three hour search

the police returned to the station.At the time of going to press Bela-Bela

police spokesperson, Glen Manamela,said that no arrests have been made andthe matter is still under investigation.Any persons who can provide the police

with information can contact them on014 736 9700 or approach the stationdirectly.

Lizzy Bapela

A tracing team of the Bela Bela policedetectives led byConstable FransSekgobela made abreakthrough inarresting twosuspects in con-nection with a caseof truck hijack. Theincident happenedin Pienaarsrivier and the suspects werearrested on Thursday, 19 September.Sekgobela said that the police received

information about the suspects hiding inSuurman in Pretoria and went andinvestigate. He added that the suspectswere found in a vehicle, which is believedto be used when they commit the crimes.Sekgobela said that the suspects were

then questioned and the investigationproceeded to Orchards. He further said

Police urges community to keepproof of ownership

with a corresponding serial number ofthe item in question will serve as validproof of ownership. He added that theMookophong police have noted agrowing trend in the theft of flat screentelevisions and said these items are justan example of items with high value thatresidents attempt to reclaim from thepolice with no proof of ownership.Ledwaba said that incidents of theft or

housebreaking should be reportedimmediately as valuable items are oftensold to buyers from neighbouring coun-tries at low prices, making it hard forpolice to relocate them.

Justin Steyn

Police in Mookophong have informed TheBEAT that many victims of theft are notkeeping the proof of ownership of theirvaluable items.Warrant officer George Ledwaba said

that victims of theft often approach thepolice claiming that stolen propertyrecovered by the police belongs to them.“Complainants often approach us

claiming that we have recovered some oftheir stolen property, unfortunately wecannot return these items without somesort of proof,” he saidLedwaba said that a till slip or invoice

Bela Bela detectives make a breakthroughthat some of the stolen items includingbeach chairs and hose pipes wererecovered in Orchards and suspects were

then detained onFriday, 20 Septem-ber. According tothe police, thehijacked truck wascoming from Macrodepot in CapeTown. The sus-pects were re-

manded to police custody when theyappeared before the Bela Bela Magis-trate’s Court on Monday, 23 September.Sekgobela said that it was discovered

through investigation that the suspectswere also wanted in Pienaarsrivier foranother case of truck hijacking.The suspects are expected back in

court on Tuesday, 1 October for formalbail application.

Lizzy Bapela

The Director General of the Departmentof Trade and Industry (the DTI), MrLionel October said that the country’seconomy is on the road to recovery. Hehighlighted the culture of “buy local”and the need to narrow the divisionbetween big business and townshipbusiness as important componentsof efforts to build an inclusive SouthAfrican economy.October said this while presenting the

DTI’s annual report to the PortfolioCommittee on Trade and Industry inparliament on Friday, 20 September. Hesaid that the good news for SouthAfricans is that the country’s economyis recovering. October further said that itmay still be too slow for the liking ofsome people and a full recovery maystill take some time. He also said thatindications are that the fundamentalsthat were put in place and the decisionsthat were taken when the recession andthe Euro-zone crisis started biting arestarting to bear fruit. He added that thecountry was on a slow road to recoverybut it is continuing to face challenges.“The main challenge was the slow

contribution to global growth, which was1, 6 % in 2011 and the 1, 3 % in 2012of the advanced economies. The prob-lem for South Africa was that it still hada skewed reliance on the advancedeconomies for exports. The economicwoes of countries making up this bloc

“According to the police,the hijacked truck wascoming from Macro depotin Cape Town...

South African economy on the road to recovery

meant fewer export opportunitiesfor South Africa,” said the DG.October has indicated that another big

challenge centred on South Africa’strade deficit is that there has been animprovement in exports, but this stilllags behind the expansion in imports.He said that the emerging economieshave performed far better at 6, 3 % and5, 1 % over the past two years. Hefurther said this provided clear proof ofthe astuteness of the DTI in increasingefforts to diversify South Africa’s tradeand investment markets by turning toAfrica, South-East Asia, the MiddleEast and South America.The department’ spokesperson Sidwell

Medupe said that currently, the DTI isachieving its best successes in four keyareas, namely the auto industry, cloth-ing and textile industry, businessprocess services and the film industry.He indicated that the Business ProcessServices Incentive Programme providedR1.3-billion to create an estimated 4500 jobs over the next three years.“In another indication of its

diversity, the DTI through its industrialdevelopment cluster approved 70 filmproductions, including the recentlyreleased ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ andMonyetla Work-Readiness Programme,which trained 3,819 learners in theBusiness Process Services,” saidMedupe.

‘In another indication of its diversity, the DTI throughits industrial development cluster approved 70 filmproductions, including the recently released ‘Long

Walk to Freedom’ and Monyetla Work-Readiness Pro-gramme, which trained 3,819 learners in the Business

Process Services,...’

BEAT Page 3beateditor@gmail.com@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za 27 September, 2013

Lizzy Bapela

The mayor of Bela Bela,Councillor FreddyHlungwane, came to therescue of a family that wasin need and helped themback on their feet. On themorning of Monday, 9September, a house belong-ing to the family ofHlongwane – not related tothe mayor - in Extension 5burnt to ashes.Nearby community members

who witnessed the incidentrushed to the scene to assist inputting out the fire and save theoccupants’ belongings. Unfortunately itwas too late, as everything that was inthe house was destroyed and theresidents only managed to save acouch. Identity Documents and otherpersonal belongings also got burnt inthe fire.The house belongs to 94-year-old Ella

Hlongwane, who stays with her mid-forties son. The son is mentally dis-turbed and receives a social grant.Hlongwane told the mayor that she didnot know what could have caused thefire, as they just saw the house burn-ing while they were sitting outside.Concerned community members and

neighbours called the mayor for helpand he responded swiftly.He also summoned the acting munici-

pal manager Morris Maluleka andmanager for Social Services Dolly Mafato the scene to assist.The mayor told The BEAT that upon

arrival, he tried to establish a case tofind out the cause of the fire. He saidthat he provided from his own pocket,20 brand new iron sheets and otherhome-building materials to the family.

Front page story...

Bela Bela Mayor helps poor family affected by fire

IDs of the family members also got burnt beyond recognition. Photo: Supplied

A meter box wasalso affected bythe fire. Photosupplied

The municipality then issued a R1 500voucher for groceries and eight blan-kets and also helped them gettemporary IDs. The local businesscommunity donated householdappliances and some groceries tothe family.

A week later, a church fromSoshanguve called Word of Nationand Outreach visited Bela Bela fora charity drive and donated foodparcels to local needy familiesand the Hlongwanes were among

those who benefited from theinitiative.

The mayor indicated that hevisits the family very often tocheck up on them and assistwhere there is still a need.During an interview with TheBEAT on Monday, 23 Septem-ber, he said he had just comefrom there and everything

was back to normal, as thehouse was in order.The mayor confirmed that

concerned neighbours andcommunity members from the

ward, assisted with the rebuilding of thehouse, adding that people from thatward are very progressive and thought-ful. He said that it was also a pleasurefor him to assist, as there was a need.“I can never forget where I come from,

as it pains me seeing a person in direneed of things that they have a right tohave such as IDs and a place to laytheir heads. I also come from a disad-vantaged background so I know howsuch people feel, as I also went througha similar experience,” said the mayor.Gogo Ella expressed her gratitude

towards the mayor and the municipali-ty’s efforts of helping them. She toldThe BEAT that she is over the moonwith the assistance.

TK Mashaba

A dispute between members of theMaila family in Bela Bela has had togo to court.According to Mmaphuti Maila, she

has been ordered by the court not toapproach closer than 500 meters toher own home because her sister inlaw lodged a complaint with thepolice.Mmaphuti and her sister in law Olga

appeared in the Bela Bela Magis-trate’s court on Monday, 23 Septem-ber.According to Mmaphuti, who lives in

the township, Olga told the police thatMmaphuti’s traditional ritual was notallowed in her house. Olga andMmaphuti belong to differentchurches, and do not subscribe to thesame set of beliefs.“She alleged that my rituals are not

supposed to be performed here, butthis is my home – our parent’s home –and then she went ahead and openeda case at the police,” said Mmaphuti.

Family feud ends up in court“Me and my sister in law both work

at the Bela Bela hospital and we arenot on speaking terms at the moment.I believe that she made a big mistakeby going to the police because if shewanted to solve this she should havegone to the family elders and we couldhave met and discussed the situa-tion,” she added.The pair will be appearing at court

again on the 3rd of October.The BEAT attempted to call Olga for

her side of the story, but she couldnot be reached.

ANC branch meeting postponed

ANC Khutsong Branch members cameout in numbers to attend the bi-annualgeneral meeting. Photo supplied

bers but the deployed member justdecided to sabotage the branch with herabsence. We will have another BBGMwithin seven days and we are fullyconfident that we will emerge victorious.Our branch has confidence in me aschairperson and even intends to nomi-nate me for a position in the regionalexecutive committee in the comingelections,” said Mabunda.He indicated that their branch still stand

by their elected secretary GoshRachidumela and have confidence intheir preferred list of candidates for thewhole executive committee. Mabundasaid that there were no major disruptionsor conflicts during the meeting, just agroup of youths who were gettingimpatient waiting for Lamola.The local ward councillor, John Sesane,

was not impressed by noticing that hisname was not on the list. He said thathe had registered and renewed hismembership several times but he is stillnot in the database.Mabunda said that the ANC is currently

experiencing a challenge of membershipstatistics and that is a provincial crisis.“There is no bad hand in the matter and

many other members’ names are not inthe database, including the councillor’s.Anyone who has complains or queriesregarding the matter can send theircopies themselves to the provincialcoordinator and make enquiries them-selves,” he said.Mabunda told The BEAT that their

branch is canvassing and rallying peoplebehind supporting and retaining Andries“Blackberry” Lekalakala as regionalsecretary and the support is very strong.

Lizzy Bapela

Members of the ANC Khutsong Branchexpressed dissatisfaction over the non-attendance of the representative SarahLamola, who was deployed to come andhelp launch their newly elected branchexecutive committee members. Themembers held their bi-annual branchgeneral meeting (BBGM) at the localclinic on Sunday, 15 September.The branches were supposed to be re-

launched following a declaration from theoffice of the ANC Secretary GeneralGwede Mantashe, who dissolved allofficial structures in the province withhope to start new functioning ones. Thechairperson of one of the Khutsongbranches, Butani Mabunda, told TheBEAT that they were not informed of thereasons for Lamola’s non-attendance.He said that the meeting was set up for1pm and the members had waited forLamola from 12pm until 6pm.“We formed a quorum with 312 mem-

Don’t waste your life in doubtsand fears: spend yourself on thework before you, well assured

that the right performance of thishour’s duties will be the best

preparation for the hours or agesthat follow it.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Along with success comes areputation for wisdom.

Euripides

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Lizzy Bapela The Economic Freedom Fighters called outto its supporters and members of the publicfrom across the country to donate to themovement using SMS.They told the media that many people

have been enquiring about how they cancontribute to the financial muscle of theEFF on small scale. The movement’snational spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozisaid that this is one of the direct and mostuseful ways to achieve the initiative.He added that the proceeds of this SMS

Department talks onannual assessments

EFF SMS fundraising campaignfundraising campaign will go into theorganisational costs and preparations forthe official launch in Marikana on Sunday,13 October. Anyone who wishes to contrib-ute to the movement can SMS EFF to42009 and donate R30 to the organisation.This means that R30 will be deducted fromthe contributors’ airtime.“This way, you would have had an opportu-

nity to support your organisation, contrib-uted to the building blocks of a vehicle thatmust lead the struggle for economicemancipation in our lifetime,” said Ndlozi.

Minister for theDepartment ofBasic EducationAngie Motshekgawished all learnerswell for theirAnnual NationalAssessments.Photo: LizzyBapela

teachers should concentrate on. Parentscan assist their children by ensuring thatthey revise all the work done thus far, gothrough the activities in their workbooks andworking through the exemplar tests thathave been distributed to schools and arealso available on the department’s website,”said Maria Ramoshaba of the department inWaterberg.The Minister said that these assessments

that have been administered since 2011have proven to provide extremely usefulinformation. She added that there has beena steady improvement in learner perform-ance, since the introduction of these tests.She stressed that special attention hasbeen devoted to the development of thisyear’s maths test for grade 9 learners, toensure that it serves as an appropriateindicator of learner’s performance at thatlevel.“In 2012, the Grade 9 mathematics

performance was particularly low and thishas raised some pertinent questions ofmathematics teaching at this level. We areconfident that relevant interventions havetaken place and that we will see an im-provement in this year’s results,” saidMinister Motshekga.The Minister said that a significant amount

of effort has gone into the preparation for thetask. She said that educators have beentrained to administer these tasks understandardised conditions across all schools.She further said that there are specialmechanisms in place to ensure that themarking by educators is tightly controlledand quality-assured. Sample scripts fromevery class in each school will be collectedand re-marked at a central venue in theprovince, to ensure that the school markingis of the appropriate standard. To furtherensure that the results of ANA 2013 arereliable and credible, the department hasappointed an independent agent thatconducted the tests at more than 2 000selected schools across the country.These tests were to be collected andmarked by the independent agent and theresults from these selected schools will beused to verify both the process and theresults obtained from the rest of thecountry.The Minister wished all the learners well

during these assessments, saying thatshe looks forward to the analysis of theresults.

Lizzy Bapela

The Department of Basic Education hasinteracted with media houses pertaining tothe administration of the 2013 ANA (AnnualNational Assessments), which began withLanguage Assessments for grades 1, 2, 4and 5 on 10 September. Minister AngieMotshekga is already conducting radiointerviews on the administration of theassessments. The department declared its readiness to

administer 2013 ANA process on Monday,9 September. The department announcedthat more than 7-million learners fromGrades 1 to 6 and 9 were to participate inthe assessment in public schools andindependent schools that qualify for govern-ment subsidy in South Africa. The depart-ment has indicated that this is an importantactivity for them, as these assessments areused to gauge the literacy and numeracyskills of learners at the foundation, interme-diate and senior phases of the educationsystem.The ANA results will help in identifying

areas that need urgent attention andimproving the learning success levels of thechildren. These results will be used tomonitor progress, guide planning and thedistribution of resources to help improveliteracy and numeracy skills of learners.ANA will also assist the provincial educa-tion departments to make informed deci-sions regarding schools that require extraattention so as to improve learner perform-ance.The department acknowledges that South

Africa is the only country that administerssuch a test on an annual basis, indicatingthat this demonstrates the government’scommitment to ensuring that a minimum of60% of South Africa’s learners achieveacceptable levels of performance in literacyand numeracy by 2014. This is being donein keeping with President Jacob Zuma’sdirective in his 2010 State of the NationAddress.Meanwhile, the Government Communica-

tions and Information Systems (GCIS) inthe Waterberg had indicated that it must bestressed to learners and parents that theseassessments are not used to determine achild’s progression or promotion to the nextgrade. “It is purely to measure the learners’progress with the curriculum and to estab-lish the level at which they are performingand the areas of the curriculum that TK Mashaba

The community of Spa Park are callingon residents of the farm Platneus a fewkilometres out of Bela Bela town for aland meeting. This is, according toconcerned residents, a long-overduemeeting.The objective is to discuss their op-

tions, as they say that the land wastaken over by a trust that did not involvethe rest of the community before theywere moved to Spa Park.A resident informed The BEAT that the

community, mostly made up of colouredpeople, had been staying on Platneus foryears before they were moved by theDepartment of Labour in 1983. TheNosejeje Trust, which includes only

Mogalakwena mayoral team plants trees

Spa Park community to hold a land meetingsome of the former residents, laterclaimed the land. Attempts to negotiatean equal distribution of the land failed.“We are calling together all the former

Platneus residents including those whoare renting the small portion there, tocome together with the Trust to thismeeting, which will be held on Saturday,29 September at the Spa Park Commu-nity Hall,” said one resident.The farm included areas around

Buiskop, which has been allowed to fallinto serious disrepair.The resident said that this meeting

would be Nosejeje’s last chance as allprevious attempts have failed, and thatthe farm’s former residents would occupythe land if the trust failed to show up atthe meeting.

Mogalakwena Mayor Tlhalefi Mashamaite, Kgoši Phuti Matlala, EXCOmembers and councilors posed for a photo after the official opening of theAmaloba Nursery. Photo Supplied

their doorstep, encouraging them toplant, nurture and celebrate theunique biodiversity of their homes,municipality and country at large.Mashamaite also used the opportu-

nity to remind schools learners whoattended the event that Arbor Week iscelebrated each year in the beginningof September to focus people’sattention on the importance and valueof trees in their daily lives. He addedthat the week also aims to raiseawareness about the need to plantmore trees, their importance inpeople’s daily lives and theirbiodiversity and protect existing ones.“This year Arbor Day is celebrated

under the theme “Trees are terrificin all shapes and sizes”. The themeis designed to increase knowledgeabout the importance of tree diver-sity in community forests. We areencouraging communities to stopcutting trees but plant them andcontribute to the greening of ourcountry. Let us protect our treesand stop veld and forest fires,” hesaid.Mashamaite indicated that trees

are the lungs of the earth, thus byplanting trees and greening thecountry “we are saying no todesertification”. He urged communi-ties to remember that electricity andgas are better and cleaner sourcesof energy for cooking than firewood.He also urged people to use dead-wood and invader species for fire-wood.“To our learners and the youth in

general, Arbor Day seeks to instil asense of responsibility for theenvironment that we live in, espe-cially the trees. We need to takecare of our trees and flowers at ourrespective homes, in our streets andin our parks,” said Mashamaite.

Lizzy Bapela

That time of the year has come, whenpeople volunteer and grab shovelsand plant a tree for Arbor Week, anenvironmental campaign aimed topromote a more beautiful SouthAfrica. Councillor Rahaba Lebelo, onbehalf of Mayor Tlhalefi Mashamaite,and Mayor Tlhalefi Mashamaite ledmunicipal councillors, executivecommittee (EXCO) members andofficials in planting trees in the area.A delegation led by Lebelo con-

verged at Ithuteng Primary School inMahwelereng and planted ten trees,distributing others to the neighbouringschools. A formal event took place atthe school to embrace Arbor Week,which is celebrated throughout thecountry.Meanwhile, Mashamaite and his

delegation officially opened theAmoloba Nursery plants in TenerifVillage. The formal event took placeon Friday, 6 September.In his address Mashamaite indi-

cated that it was a blessing that themunicipality and the community ofthe particular ward now have a placewhere plants, including indigenoustrees and fruit trees, are propagatedand grown.“We humbly appreciate having such

an initiative in our area and rejoiceover the fact that the nursery hascreated 13 permanent job opportuni-ties and they will create another fivepermanent job opportunities to thecommunity of Ramela Village,” hesaid.The mayor extended words of

gratitude to the nursery ownerGodfrey Masegela and his partnersfor ensuring that 18 households willbe able to provide food for theirfamilies through the project. Heencouraged the local community tomake use of the garden services at

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The BEAT wants to hear from our readers. If you have agreat story or something that you want us to bring to

light, please email beateditor@gmail.com or send an SMSto one of our reporters:

Lizzy: 072 264 7740, TK: 076 756 9740 or Justin: 072388 8568 We would also LOVE to see some of your weirdand wonderful photos for our editorial page. Do not delay,

just contact us today!

Holidays are very expensive. It costsmoney to get where you’re going, tostay once you’ve got there and, onceit’s over, it costs even more money tocome back.Let’s talk about the kind of adventure

you can have without ever leaving thecomfort of your own home or, if youlike, ever leaving your own bed!Let’s talk about reading.Books are the best-disguised thing

you will ever see. A book may looklike a dull rectangle made out of deadtrees, but what it is…oh, dear reader,what it is, is a portal to another worldentirely.Some of you may have heard of a

British television show called DoctorWho, about a man (well, technicallynot a man, but let’s not quibble aboutdetails) who travels through all of timeand space in a telephone box calleda TARDIS. A book can be yourTARDIS. A book is a magical thingthat, if you only let it, will whisk youaway from your boring life and let youlive, for a little while, in a differentworld.Books can take you to

Neverneverland, where nobody evergrows old and Peter Pan has themost fabulous adventures. Books cantake you to Middle Earth, to journeywith Bilbo or Frodo. Both these bookshave been made into films. And whilefilm is nice, and I, personally, approvethoroughly of actors, there’s some-thing quite different about reading abook for yourself, about seeing thecharacters come alive in your ownmind, in your own way. No film is evergoing to be exactly like it was in yourhead, because nobody else is evergoing to see what you see when youread it.When I was small, books took me

all over the world. I’ve seen Italy, I’vewalked the halls of Versailles. I’vebeen in Jerusalem during the Cru-sades, and Venice during the BlackPlague. When I was small, bookswere my best friends. I learned somuch from Peter and Wendy, andFrodo, and even silly old Winnie thePooh. Things I couldn’t have learnedin school, about being kind, andbrave, and that sometimes being sillyis the only right way to be.Now that I’m all grown up, with

responsibilities and a job, books aremy adventures. This past week, Ihave been in London, investigatingcrimes with Sherlock Holmes, andChina, where a good friend of minehad lost his memory and his dragon. Ivisited a town called Sorry-in-the-Vale, where magic is real. I travelledthe stars on a ship called Enterpriseand walked the halls of Hogwarts withHarry Potter. I stayed over for a bit inAnkh-Morpork, a city in the strangestworld you can think of (no, really, tryhard. Did you imagine a flat worldstanding on the backs of four el-ephants, all supported by a giantturtle flying in space? Bet youdidn’t.), and had some really excel-lent adventures there.This week, let’s go on an adventure

together. Go to the library and takeout a book. Ask the librarian if you’renot sure what you would like to read.Take a little break from the real world,with its real – and often quite dull –problems, and come with me to aworld that’s unlike anything you’veever imagined, where the problemsare rather more interesting.Read a book. Have an adventure.

A great poet, Kahlil Gibran, once said:“God has made many doors openinginto truth which He opens to all whoknock upon them with hands of faith.”It’s a nice idea, that God will gift us

with the truth. The thing is, though, thatyou do need to knock.You need to ask questions, you need

to think!Blind faith is an idea made popular by

churches and institutions, in whosebest interests it has always been thatpeople don’t ask too many questions.Blind faith is not what the Lord is after.Informed belief is much better than

blind obedience.Think of the body of believers as an

army. Anyone can put on a uniform,grab a gun and call himself a soldier.But without any training, withoutknowledge, how useful a soldier can hereally be? The answer, of course, is notvery useful at all.Give that same person a bit of

knowledge – teach him how to fire agun and to keep his head down – andhe becomes a much more importantpart of your army.Give him a bit more – teach him how

to bandage a wound, how to dig atrench – and he becomes really useful.Then take that same person, that

same useless person who didn’t knowhow to fire a gun, and teach him howto command others, teach him tacticsand strategy and the art of war, andsuddenly you have a general. Do yousee how knowledge makes a soldiermore useful? How a little bit of knowl-edge, and then a little bit more, makesa soldier a better soldier? A little bit ofknowledge and then a little bit morecan only make you a better soldier ofthe Lord as well.Knowledge is power, they say, and

this is equally valid whether you’retalking about an army of soldiers or thehost of the Lord.You need to arm yourself with every

scrap of knowledge you can find, so asto be as useful to God as you possiblycan. You cannot afford to be ignorant.It will not be easy. It will be hard work,

and it will take time, but the payoff isso very worth it. Not only in terms ofyour faith, which will grow stronger asyou learn more about it, as you acquirea firm bedrock of fact on which to baseit, as you learn enough to avoid thetraps and snares that seek to draw youaway from the true path, but in terms ofyour entire life, which can only beimproved by the addition of new skillsand knowledge. One of the greatestblessings of universal – or almost,we’re still working on it – literacy, isthat you do not need anyone to tellyou what the Bible says, becauseyou can read it for yourself. Anddespite what many would have youbelieve, what the Bible says isgenerally what it means. It does notneed to be explained, excused orilluminated, it is the Word of God,and sufficient unto itself. Use it.Learn it.Ignorance is not bliss. Ignorance is

dangerous, and it is stupid, and Goddoes not want it for you.

FaithThe best adventure

Some local comedians from Modimolle during the matric farewell parade. Photo:TK Mashaba

Photo of the week

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LEGALSMODIMOLLE LOCAL

MUNICIPALITYAMENDMENT SCHEME

298Modimolle Local Municipal-ity herewith give notice interms of Section 28(1) of theTown Planning and Town-ships Ordinance, 15 of 1986that a concept town planningscheme has been prepared inrespect of a portion of Portion3 of Erf 2883 Nylstroom x15.The scheme is an amendment ofthe Modimolle Land UseScheme 2004, and representsthe rezoning of the north east-ern portion of Portion 3 of Erf2883 Nylstroom x15(±2800m² in extent), situatedat AD Diederick Street, from“Public Open Space” to“Government” with the addi-tion of Annexure 296 to theScheme in order to permit theconstruction of Offices for theDepartment of Home Affairs.All relevant documents relatingto the application and conceptsheme will be open for inspec-tion during normal office hoursat the offices of the ModimolleLocal Municipality, The Divi-sional Manager: Town-plan-ning, Ground Floor, ModimolleMunicipal Building, HarryGwala Street, Modimolle for aperiod of 28 days i.e. 20 Sep-tember 2013 to 17 October2013. Any person who wishesto object to the applications orsubmit representations in re-spect thereof must lodge thesame in writing to Private Bagx1008, Modimolle, 0510 orlodge it with the ModimolleLocal Municipality at its ad-dress and room number speci-fied above on or before 17 Oc-tober 2013. Name and addressof agent:RIAN BEUKES TOWN &REGIONAL PLANNERSAND PROPERTY CON-SULTANTS

P. O. Box 12417, Bendor Park,0713. Tel: 015 230 0010. Fax:086 602 1851. (20&27/9/13).

BELA-BELA LAND USESCHEME, 2008

APPLICATION FOR SPE-CIAL CONSENT IN TERMSOF CLAUSE 21 OF THEBELA-BELA LAND-USESCHEME, 2008, FOR THECONSTRUCTION AND OP-ERATION OF A TELECOM-MUNICATION MAST ANDBASE STATIONNotice is hereby given that, interms of Clause 21 of the Bela-Bela Land-Use Scheme, 2008,we the undersigned, intend ap-plying to the Bela-Bela Munici-pality for Special Consent forthe construction and operationof telecommunication mast andbase station on the RemainingExtent of Portion 3 of the FarmVerloren 452 KR zoned as “Ag-ricultural”, situated at 12 kmfrom Bela-Bela on the R101 to-wards Modimolle.Plans and particulars relat-ing to the application may beinspected during officehours at the address of theApplicant: 414 Rustic Road,Silvertondale, Pretoria or atthe offices of the Manager:Planning and Development,Bela-Bela Municipality, ChrisHani Drive, Bela-Bela.Any person having any objec-tions to the granting of this ap-plication must lodge such ob-jection together with thegrounds thereof in writing,with both the Manager: Plan-ning and Development, Bela-Bela Municipality and the un-dersigned not later than 25 Oc-tober 2013.Applicant details.VUKANI INFRASTRUC-TURE PLANNING SERV-ICES INC.PO Box 32017, Totiusdal,0134414 Rustic Road,Silvertondale, 0184Tel: 012 804 1504, Fax: 012804 7072 / 086 690 0468

Lizzy Bapela

The Waterberg District Municipality cel-ebrated Heritage Day before the actual timethis year, due to number of work commit-ments during the month of September, alsoknown as Tourism Month. People from allwalks of the district flocked to the event,which was held at the Makapan ValleyWorld Heritage Site under theMogalakwena Local Municipality on Friday,20 September.The day was celebrated under the theme

“reclaiming, restoring and celebrating ourheritage”. Spokesperson for the districtmunicipality, Pat Malete, said that theobjectives of the theme include amongstothers to promote unity in diversity amongall sectors of the South African society.These objectives also include raisingawareness and illustrating the importanceof liberation heritage to the youth and “bornfree” generation, and to reaffirm and pro-mote the significance of liberation heritageas part of the cultural heritage of SouthAfrica.Among other people attending the event

include Mogalakwena Mayor CouncillorHlalefi Mashamaite and other mayors fromacross the district. Chiefs representing theDistrict Local House of Traditional Leaders,speakers and chief whips in the district,Members of the Mayoral Committees(MMCs) in the District, councillors, officialsand managers from sector departments andmunicipalities in the district, officials fromsector departments and municipalities andthe community at large also graced theevent. The district executive mayorTlotlanang Mogotlane gave a keynoteaddress during the event, highlighting theimportance of commemorating and cel-ebrating the historic site Makapan Valleyand the heritage month. In her speech,Mogotlane pointed out that children born in1994 will be able to vote for the first time in2014, saying that this is an importantmilestone, not only for this group of SouthAfricans, but for the nation as a whole. Shesaid that young people are confronted withan ever-changing world, globalization, rapidtechnological advances and many other

Waterberg celebrates Heritage Day in advance

The WaterbergDistrict executivemayor Tlotlanang

Mogotlane ad-dressed the

scores of peopleduring the district

Heritage Daycelebration.Photo: Lizzy

Bapela

challenges, adding that it is important thatthey remain rooted in their cultural traditionsand practices. Mogotlane added that thetheme for Heritage Day 2013 is aimed atencouraging the youth to realize that nomajor civilization or development hashappened outside a cultural and heritagecontext. The district municipality acknowl-edges that Heritage day recognizes diverseculture and history of the people, regardingthe gathering as a way to celebrate the richcultural heritage and diversity that has thepower to build a nation. Malete said thatpeople also affirm the diverse cultures andin so doing shapes the national character,as a “rainbow nation” that is at peace withitself. Celebrating heritage is part of thecountry’s effort to heal the divisions of thepast and establish a society based ondemocratic values, social justice andfundamental human rights. The municipalityencouraged communities to use the day tomove towards the vision of national unityand cultural harmony.“Everyone should be proud of their herit-

age. We should look back with pride as anation at our peaceful transition from a

divided society to a stable democracy,which is one of our most important achieve-ments in our country. This history formspart of our nation’s heritage, as we continueto hold free and fair elections every fiveyears as stipulated in our Constitution,”said the executive mayor.She indicated that the nation should,

irrespective of shortcomings or challenges,preserve these traditions and hand themdown to the next generation. Mogotlanesaid that our heritage is the springboardthat will help brand South Africa as one ofthe greatest theatres of struggle and toillustrate the country’s victory over apartheidand the world-renowned model of reconcilia-tion and nation building.“The government will continue to ensure

that together we build a nation that encour-ages dialogue, fosters social cohesion andcelebrates its heritage. Great progress hasbeen made in ensuring that our culturalinstitutions portray South Africa’s diversehistory. Prior to 1994, our museums andmonuments were accessible only to a fewand reflected the experiences and politicalideals of the minority,” said the mayor,

adding that since 1994, the government hasensured that many institutions such asmuseums and monuments reflect thehistory and experiences of all citizens.She said that cultural institutions are now

in line with the constitution and the Bill ofRights that recognize and respect people’sculture equally. She also said that variousheritage sites and buildings are named aftera number of liberation struggle icons fromSouth Africa and the continent. Theseinclude Sol Plaatjie, Nelson Mandela,Shaka Zulu, Steve Biko, Samora Machel,Kenneth Kaunda, our own MakapanHeritage site and many others.South Africa is also home to eight of the

world’s official heritage sites, as determinedby UNESCO’s (United Nations EducationalScientific and Cultural Organization) WorldHeritage Committee. The national anthemrepresents various components of the pastand it is owned by everyone. The heritagegives us a sense of identity and belonging,according to the municipality. They alsoindicated that heritage opens opportunitiesin jobs and skills providing platforms forperformers, crafters and subsidiary indus-tries.“Our rich liberation heritage must be used

to draw visitors to South Africa, especiallyin Waterberg. It will also serve to ensurethat we protect our common heritage andadvance a national heritage, which isinclusive of cultural diversity,” saidMogotlane. The Department of Arts andCulture has identified more than 28 heritageand related projects, which it is attending toin this 2013/14 financial year. The districtmunicipality is also contributing R100 000towards making Makapan Valley WorldHeritage Site one of the best attractions inthe country. Malete said that these projectswill contribute towards social cohesion,nation building and reconciliation. Themunicipality encouraged all South Africansto talk openly about all the places thatmake South Africa a unique and proudcountry adding that “working together wecan do more to contribute towards nationbuilding and social cohesion”

Homemademosquito repellent Justin Steyn

This week’s springtime insert will showyou how to protect yourself and yourfamily from mosquito bites. Spring in allits glory also sees the return of theseunwanted house guests that eitherleave us wide awake at night or itchingand scratching the next morning.Mosquito bites are responsible fordiseases such as malaria, whichcauses a million deaths each year.Mosquito repellents, especially thosecontaining the chemical Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), are also associatedwith respiratory problems and in somecases hazardous to your skin. It is forthis reason that The BEAT brings you amosquito repellent recipe that is notonly easy to make but also natural andsafe to use.

For the first repellent you will need:Essential oils (citronella is preferred.)Vegetable oil (such as sunflower oil or

olive oil – medicinal olive oil is quitereasonably priced) Aloe Vera gel (this isoptional but highly recommendable)

Step 1: add 10 to 25 drops of essentialoil into a glass jar.

Step 2: add 2 tablespoons of vegeta-ble oil

Step 3: add 1 tablespoon of the aloevera

Step 4: These ingredients should nowbe placed in the jar and must be stirredto blend

A few drops from the concoction canbe dabbed on your skin and clothing to

Restaurants’ wage increase demands continue Lizzy Bapela

The Care Centre, Catering, Retail andAllied Workers Union of South Africa(CCRAWUSA) announced on themorning of Monday, 2 September thatno agreements have been made withregards to wage increment for restau-rant workers. The union leadershipmet with the Bargaining Council tofurther discuss workers’ demands onMonday 26 August.The union’s general secretary IsaacMosoeu told The BEAT that theywould be picketing at the offices of theCCMA in Pretoria on Friday, 6 Sep-tember. Mosoeu said that memberswere to be reminded how to conductthemselves during strikes, as thereare rules which need to be followed.He added that they will be announcinga date for the next strike soon.It has been a month now since

affiliating members of the union includ-ing shop stewards and other workersin the hospitality industry countrywidestaged a wage protest, demanding afair increment in what they were paidas wages.The protestors submitted a memoran-

dum of their grievances to the coun-cil’s headquarters in Pretoria onFriday 2 August.Mosoeu signed the memorandum,

which stated that the workers demanda decent salary, bonuses, meal andtransport allowances, permanentemployment for all independent con-tract workers including a fixed basic

salary and a provident fund. Spokes-man for the Tshwane Metro PoliceIsaac Mahamba reportedly said thatno incidents were reported during orafter the march.Mosoeu had previously said that the

restaurant sector paid their workersfar less than all other sectors andeven farm workers earn better.He indicated that according to the

Government Gazette, cooks earnR549 a week, waiters R520, whilequalified chefs earn R950.The union had previously notified

general managers of restaurants thatthe council had reached a deadlock onwages and other substantial issues.This resulted in the union declaring a

dispute against the employers or theirorganization. The council then issueda certificate, indicating that workerscould go on a protected strike actionpursuant of their wage increasedemand.In a recent interview with The BEAT,

Mosoeu confirmed that several restau-rants had come to an agreement ofsettling the matter to avoid the strikeaction.The workers demanded a 12% and

Tacoma Spur in Bela Bela had agreedto 9%, with Wimpy offering theirworkers a 7% increase. Mosoeu hadsaid that other stores were still ada-mant and that the union will not restuntil the workers’ demands are met.

BEAT Page 7beateditor@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za 27 September, 2013

Modimolle matrics looking glamorous at their farewell

TK Mashaba

Phagameng High School’s matricstudents looked like film stars duringtheir farewell parade at EphraimMogale Stadium on Friday, 20 Septem-ber.

After the parade, they went to a guesthouse outside Mookgophong for a galadinner, where they were briefly ad-dressed by William Matshoge.“The educators have done their part,

and now it is time for you to show thatyou have learned their lessons well,”

he said. He urged the students toexceed everyone’s expectations, andadded that it was time to change theexpectation of Phagameng studentsthat there will be few distinctions in theclass.“I know at this stage there is more

pressure coming from parents, educa-tors and those who have alreadypassed, but remember that it’s been along road for you and you need to befocused and do the best you can,” saidVictoria Letwaba, an educator at theschool and one of the event organisers.

Dineo Mokae and Milliam Maluleka. Photo: TK Mashaba Frans Minnar and Lethabo Minaar. Photo: TK Mashaba

Johanna Motsegoa and Tebogo Mbalangane. Photo: TK Mashaba Keneilwe Kolobe and Johannes Maphaka. Photo: TK Mashaba

Kgaogelo Monene and Raki Molefe. Photo: TK Mashaba Patrick Morudu and Queen Mookamedi. Photo: TK Mashaba

‘I know at this stage there is more pressure coming from parents, educators and those who have already passed,but remember that it’s been a long road for you and you need to be focused and do the best you can,’

beateditor@gmail.com, Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.zaPage 8 BEAT 27 September, 2013

TK Mashaba

The sudden cold snap didn’t dent thespirits of the young men who arrived atMoloto Stadium on Saturday, 21 Septem-ber, to show Total Surrender coachZwakala Mokoma their moves.Moloto said that he was satisfied by the

level of dedication the young men showed.“These boys really showed that they

needed this so much and displayed thekind of skills we are looking for,” he said.Mokoma said that in the under 13 trials

they recruited 19 new players, while theunder 15s delivered 15 new players. Theunder 17 trials were less successful, andMokoma said that the team may have toschedule another date for that age group’stry-outs.“There weren’t that many under 17s and

we agreed to hold try-outs on a differentday for them,” he said.“Our plan with this is the development of

these boys from under 15 to under 17 toboost the teams. Some of the playerswe’re using on our A teams are from thesedevelopment teams that we had yearsago,” Mokoma said, adding that he islooking forward to the new season.

Total Surrender trials atMoloto Stadium a success

One of Gauteng’s most influential socialteams are scheduled to hit Bela Bela townthis Friday, the 28th of September in whatis dubbed the biggest social games everhosted by locals.The popular Johannesburg-based team will

compete with Bela Bela municipality in theopening of the just-for-fun games known asthe Finest Tournament that will also seeRoad Accident Fund soccer team playingagainst Majantja FC, another fashionableJoburg outfit. Thegames, organisedby Bela Bela FinestUnited (BBFU)which is made up bya social network ofentrepreneurs,working profession-als and sportfanatics from BelaBela, will feature 16competing teamsplaying not onlysoccer but netball,volleyball and basketball. The games willinclude well-liked township card game“Casino” and a table pool completionotherwise known as Snooker, with enter-tainment by local Dj’s. The games, expected to draw thousands

in and outside Waterberg, will be played atMoloto street sport field, MmamakwaPrimary School, Bela Bela CommunityHall. According to the BBFU SecretaryGeneral Thabang Sephai, the games aredesigned to mobilise the community,particularly the youth, to pursue positive,healthy lifestyle The objective of the FinestGames is to offer the Bela Bela communityan “innovative stage for social interaction,positive role modelling and networkingbetween the employed and the unem-ployed”“Through these games we also seek to

develop and support local economy throughsport tourism, because most of our visiting

Zwakala Mokoma in the blue shirt,giving coaching advice during a game.Photo: TK Mashaba

Gauteng’s Fat Cats hit Bela Belateams in all codes, are coming from outsideBela Bela, particular, Johannesburg,Pretoria and Polokwane”In netball, more than six teams are going

head to head in what is expected to be atense battle for supremacy in the sport ofthe fairer gender. Bela Bela will be repre-sented by local Devine Divas, Old Crookes,Letlhabile girls against Fat Queens,Majantja and Road Accident Fund netballteam from Pretoria.

BBFU head ofsponsor TshidiMolebatsi said theorganisers werehappy with supportthey were gettingfrom local busi-nesses but stillappealing to more tomeaningful contribu-tions to theupliftment of thecommunity, espe-cially the youth. “We

believe this is an opportune moment forbusiness to build a solid relationship withthe black diamonds and in particular themiddle class in black communities, bypromoting their products and services. Thisis a great opportunityBBFU Chairman Matome Sebelebele

indicated that all visiting teams togetherwith local participants will be conducting aSocial Responsibility Investment pro-gramme and donations at ThusanangSpecial School for the Physical and MentalImpaired. “We believe these wonderfulgames will trigger not only interest in BelaBela as a tourist hub of choice in Limpopo,but will also inspire the community to startcaring about each other in a such way thateach resident and community member is akeeper of the other,” he said.The games will start at 08:30 and end

with the battle of DJ’s on the 28th Sep-tember.

“We believe these wonderfulgames will trigger not only

interest in Bela Bela as a touristhub of choice in Limpopo, butwill also inspire the communityto start caring about each otherin a such way that each resident

and community member is akeeper of the other...

Vaalwater hosts School AIDS Day

Lizzy Bapela

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)is expected to put together a team offacilitators to assist the horse-racingindustry to transform. This was an an-nouncement made by the department’sminister, Dr Rob Davies. He made thiscommitment during the hearings on thestatus of transformation in the horse-racingindustry held by the Portfolio Committee onTrade and Industry in Parliament. Variousstakeholders including grooms, trainers,owners and industry associations partici-pated in the hearings.The minister indicated that it was clear

during the presentation and inputs ofvarious stakeholders that the industry is notclose to achieving transformation but thedepartment is committed to assist. He saidthat in order to achieve this, the departmentwill appoint a team of facilitators, who willconsult with everyone involved and producerecommendations, which will enable allstakeholders to move forward.Horse-racing industry analyst Robin Bruss

has reportedly requested Minister Davies toinstitute a commission of enquiry intohorse-racing in the country, in order toinform an appropriate and equitable dispen-

The CareWorks netballteam took partin the sportduring theSchool AIDSDay event heldin Alma re-cently.

Sports and Culture day. Local artistsand sports teams participated in theSchool AIDS Day event and thewinning teams received cups andstationeries.The Care Works netball team,

Nature Boys and Mighty Greensoccer teams and Thusanang Sup-port Group volleyball team from Almawere among the participating teamsfor the day. Learners from the localMoshia High School presenteddrama, poetry, music and otherentertainment activities on the day.Maluleka said that the HIV aware-

ness campaign is still continuing andthis time the organizations aretargeting the Vaalwater communityand other nearby rural areas.A team of local youth peer educa-

tors in Alma and Vaalwater arereceiving help from Care Works andWWS in organizing the events andmobilizing community members toattend. The organisations work withthe local clinics for references andother stakeholders in the communi-ties to bring balance and unity inreducing the spread of HIV.

Minister to transform horse-racing industry

sation leading to a sustainable growth pathfor all who participate in the industry.He added that the unique structure of the

horse-racing industry was a barrier totransformation.“R9 million per annum is bet on horse-

racing and yet all the components are indecline because the industry is under-funded. Most of the decline is evident inemployment, which has gone down from100 000 in 1995 to 15 000 in 2009,” saidBruss.Although the Chief Executive of the

National Horse-racing Authority DenzilPillay said that the industry was in thethroes of transforming itself, the presenta-tion made by the Chairman of the SouthAfrican Grooms Association ChopelikayaSimoto indicated that the two stakeholdersare diametrically opposed. The departmen-tal spokesperson Sidwell Medupe said thatthis prompted Minister Davies to offer toappoint facilitators. Medupe said that theaim is to help bring all the stakeholderscloser in order to agree on the way forwardbefore he could make present recommen-dations and proposal to the gamblingcouncil.

‘The minister indicated that it was clear during the presentation andinputs of various stakeholders that the industry is not close to achieving

transformation but the department is committed to assist.’

Lizzy Bapela

Community members of Alma,Mabaleng flocked to the MabalengSports Field to attend the SchoolAIDS Day event and HIV awarenesscampaign event organized for themon Saturday, 21 September. Theevent was an initiative by the CareWorks HIV management organisa-tion, in partnership with theWaterberg Welfare Society (WWS). Itis held annually, with different areastargeted according to their needs.Julius Maluleka of WWS said that

the main aim of the event was toencourage the community of Alma toget tested and know their HIV status.After an address by representativesfrom both the organisations, 61people took part in the Voluntary HIVCounselling and Testing (VCT) andreceived their result on the spot.Both the organizations previously

hosted two-day awareness cam-paigns in Vaalwater, where 168people were tested. The initiative tookplace during a time where the organi-zations were also celebrating anevent they hosted called Mandela