2017
R1-20/FREE
Read the full story on page 3
Best pictures from year under review. Page 6
Headlines and deadlines. Page 7
Watch out for snakes and spiders, too. Page 2
Sporting highlights, lowlights. Page 8 These lovely ladies were recent visitors to Bela-Bela’s Forever Resorts and touched base with the township’s recent cookout event. Like thousands of other tourists, they were expected to return over the forthcoming ‘Yuletide’. Photo: TK Mashaba
NEWS
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15 December, 2017 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
A mixed bag of crime and breakthroughs Justin Steyn On the crime front, the year 2017 was a mixed bag of police successes and failures. At Bela-Bela during the month of May a young woman was killed, allegedly by her partner. A man in his mid-20s was arrested on Tuesday, 23 May, in connection with the death and investigations were still ongoing. The month of July was characterised by the gruesome killing of lions by poachers.
Three lions were found decapitated at Kareefontein, a farm outside Modimolle on Monday, 3 July. In September The BEAT reported on the escape of five awaiting trial suspects from the police cells at Bela-Bela. SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, said the suspects escaped from the cells on the evening of Sunday, 10 September, just before 10 pm. He said one of the fugitives, Clifford Mutonhori (29), was re-arrested shortly after the escape, while four others were still at large Round-the-clock detective work by
members of the Bela-Bela police led to the dramatic arrest of three of four suspects involved in the farm attack on Cecil and Pattie Peterson. The tragedy occurred on Wednesday, 13 September. The BEAT also reported on the increase in armed robberies as a month or so earlier, downtown Bela-Bela resembled a war zone, with armed police and traffic authorities having their hands full, sealing off Chris Hani Street. This happened following the discovery of a getaway vehicle in the CBD. At the time it was reported suspects from
an alleged armed robbery had sped their way into Bela-Bela, during what appeared to be a high-speed car chase by the police. A number of the suspects were nabbed in connection with the alleged armed robbery, which happened back at Thabazimbi. November’s most popular story reported on how Bela-Bela businessman, Jonas “Jeepers” Mthombeni’s arrest, following a pre-dawn raid on his house wherein investigators found a military uniform, blue lights, gun-holsters and binoculars. Police sources confirmed the military vest was stolen from the SANDF offices in Pretoria.
Hey dude, what’s under that shrub? Justin Steyn As much as holidaymakers were welcome to enjoy the flora and fauna of the Waterberg, experts have warned of incidents whereby one might stumble into a venomous snake or spider. The BEAT sought the advice of wildlife experts as to what to do in the event of an encounter with, say, a puff adder. As far as creepy crawlies were concerned, Twanet van der Linde of Jedtwa Wildlife at Bela-Bela, warned against the Transvaal fat-tailed scorpion, which could grow to a length of about 110 milimeters. “It is a black or brown scorpion, with small pincers but a rather fat tail. This scorpion can be found under rocks during the day,” she said. And, wait a minute, this type of scorpion could also be found in the townships, because sandy ground was part of its habitat. Van der Linde said this particular scorpion was considered very dangerous, which could both sting and discharge venom. Signs and symptoms of being stung only developed after about 30 minutes, and is prone to increase in severity over the following 24 hours. She advised sting victims to tie a piece of string tightly between the wound and the broader body, to reduce blood flow, and see a medical doctor immediately. Van der Linde also urged caution where the six-eyed sand spider was concerned. According to her, this spider buries itself in sand and ambushes its prey. “The spider’s venom is extremely potent and antivenom does not exist,” she said. Snake expert, Cor Viljoen, warned particularly against the Mozambican spitting cobra and puff adder, which were commonly found in parts of the region. “The Mozambique spitting cobra is the most
Mozambique spitting cobra. Photo supplied
Six-eyed sand spider. Photo supplied
The venomous puff adder. Photo supplied
A fat-tailed scorpion. Photo supplied common snake found around at this time of the year. They normally go hunting at dusk or dawn,” he said. Viljoen said that these snakes tend to move inside homes where they may have been alerted to a rat or frog which serves as their prey. Viljoen said that the venom of this particular cobra is toxic and medical assistance should be reached within six hours, upon being bitten. He also urged avid hikers to watch out for the elusive puff adder. According to Viljoen, this slow moving snake tends to hide under leaves and rubble, where it waits to ambush prey. He said that although not aggressive by
nature, these highly venomous snakes will strike if accidently stepped on, or provoked. Viljoen advises a distance of at least five meters when those unfamiliar are in close proximity. “Do not try to remove a snake yourself if you have not undergone proper training. Always call in a professional to assist in such a situation,” he said. For snake
Maparangwa to appear in January Justin Steyn Alleged drug dealer Daniel Maparangwa was expected reappear before the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 26 January. The 28–year old Zimbabwean national faces several drugrelated charges, emanating from cases which took place between June and September,
during the year 2016. Maparangwa is on bail of R5000, and was expected to reappear before the court on Friday, 26 January pending a probation report compiled by his social worker who will be monitoring his progress. Meanwhile, alleged drug smuggler, Evy Ezeagbai, has been granted bail and was expected to go on trial, also on Friday, 26 January.
The Nigerian national was granted bail of R30 000 by the Modimolle Regional Court on Thursday, 9 November. The 49-year-old suspect was held in custody at the Kgosi Mampuru II Prison in Pretoria for allegedly being in posession of 4.6Kg of CAT in July. The street value of the drugs was estimated at R1.3 million, Mojapelo had said.
encounters, Viljoen can be contacted on 081 438 5040
15 December, 2017 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
NEWS
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Let us raise our glasses to a fabulous holiday TK Mashaba By the time you read this – if you still read stuff by now – the length and breadth of the Waterberg would be like a riot of colour, with holidaymakers partying the night away. Towns like Bela-Bela, with its abundance of lodges and other attractions, had over the years been a strategic tourist destination comparable to say, the coastline. In townships like Modimolle’s Phagameng, locals should be welcoming hundreds of workers from Gauteng and elsewhere, arriving to spend the holidays with loved ones. Tourists in swimsuits and bare feet, others behind the wheels of land cruisers, are once again a familiar sight, with car-park attendants, among other unemployed individuals, doing roaring business. The recreation parks dotted around the township, and indeed at Modimolle, Pienaarsrivier, Mookgophong and Vaalwater, are already home to revellers dressed in their bright-coloured summerwear, and sunglasses of different shades. Like all Christmases past, this is a time to let one’s hair loose, relax and welcome visitors to this neck of the woods, be they relatives or tourists. Bela-Bela’s Chesanyama, home to the young and streetwise, was scheduled to host a party on Saturday, 16 December, with deejays drawn from Pretoria and locally. Chesanyama’s Menzi Ngubane said the party was the curtainraiser for a season of fun, culminating in a nightlong party on 31 December. At Phagameng township at Modimolle all roads lead to Molalatladi Recreational Park, with families expected to be entertained by means of deejays, also on Saturday, 16 December. Programmes for forthcoming days would be unveiled in due course. Rising stars TRV live band has a line-up
Both young and old, locals and visitors, had great fun in the region during Christmases past. Photos: TK Mashaba of performances, including venues at the township in Bela-Bela. Bela-Bela’s Motopodi Beer Garden CEO, Lucas “Man Luke” Mogashoa, said the Modimolle-based band would perform at the venue on Saturday, 16 December, from 9pm. The TRV roadshow was also billed to include Mookgophong on Staurday, 23
December, and also on Wednesday, 27 December. Club Paradise owner, Selby Moima, told The BEAT the venue would host the same music ensemble the next day, Sunday, 17 December. New kid on the block, Lerato’s liquor restaurant also planned to bring the best of live performances and deejays, according to
brand manager Lerato Masemola. Mabaleng Lounge next door, was also expected to feature holiday games featuring golden oldies and younger sport types. Spa Park’s Dampie Live tavern owner, Ronnie Raseala, said he was talking to a number of live bands, earmarked to entertain revellers and tourists on the evening of Christmas Eve.
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GOVERNMENT / POLITICAL
15 December, 2017 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Bela-Bela mayor commits to delivery
Clean-up amidst strike action
Residents in attendance at the recent IDP. Photo: Lizzy Bapela Lizzy Bapela Bela-Bela Mayor Jeremiah Ngobeni promised residents the authorities would wind down as much of the community’s issues as possible, ahead of the Christmas recess. High on the agenda, he said, was the appointment of permanent divisional managers. Ngobeni was speaking on the occasion of the recent 2018/2019 IDP meeting held at the Multipurpose Centre. During the meeting, community members complained about the municipality not attending to issues related to, among others, small business, the disabled and the youth. Other burning issues on the day were the
backlog of the provision of residential land. Some residents encouraged the municipality to prioritize plans and projects that contribute to the municipality’s economic growth. Many stressed the problem of foreign nationals benefiting from running their businesses locally but not empowering locals or growing the economy. In his response, Ngobeni promised the implementation of many of the outstanding programmes. He said as far as the provision of stands was concerned, officialdom shall see to it the municipality visited all wards to assess the situation. Bela-Bela Local Council Speaker, Zakes Moeletsi, said officials from the municipality had a responsibility to attend IDP meetings.
Taking advantage of visiting tourists Lizzy Bapela The Bela-Bela Business Agency and Community Organization expected its members to take advantage of the arrival of scores of tourists over the Christmas holidays. Spokesperson Lucas Phala said the organisation would hold the final meeting on Tuesday, 12 December at Extension 8. He told The BEAT the organisation would be meeting to discuss the way forward, with regards to challenges facing small business owners, as well as a programme for next year.
Phala said the organization offered to help new members with relevant information on how to get their businesses registered, and also how to access institutions which provide funding to the small busiess sector. Meanwhile, Nico Malete of Bela Delivery said the company would try to have a footprint with regards to new money being brought in by the several hundred tourists, who were expected to arrive over the holidays. He said the company was working on building a brand that was attractive to locals, and hopefully rub off on the visitors arriving from Gauteng and beyond.
Residents cleaning up downtown Mookgophong. Photo supplied Justin Steyn AfriForum in Mookgophong embarked on a two-day clean-up operation on Wednesday, 6 December.
The initiative was in collaboration with Solidarity Helping Hand, and was aimed at cleaning up the town, while municipal workers were on a wage strike. “The workers embarked on a strike which lasted more than two weeks, and the town was covered in (uncollected) garbage. If the municipality doesn’t deliver services, the community will roll up their sleeves and do it themselves,” said Phillip van Staden, AfriForum Mookgophong branch chairperson. According to AfriForum’s District Coordinator for Limpopo, Jaco Grobbelaar, the initiative was a perfect example of how a community could make a difference. “This is a community that will not stand by while the town goes into decline, but we will rather make a positive difference where the municipality fails to perform its duties,” he said. Grobbelaar said the local AfriForum leadership received threats, apparently from some of the striking workers. “We received threats that the truck used to remove the garbage will be burnt down, but we won’t allow violent threats to deter us from doing the right thing. The community of Mookgophong is entitled to clean surroundings,” he said. Meanwhile a decision is yet to be made on the town’s landfill site In a statement issued previously, Grobbelaar said all landfill sites in the province which scored less than 80% would have to be brought up to standard, and that municipalities should take responsibility for waste management.
LIM 368 LOCAL MUNICIP ALITY MUNICIPALITY
ERRATUM LIM 368 Local Municipality would like to inform the public of changes made on the tenders recently advertised. The changes are as per table below.
OP SEBOLA Municipal manager LIM368 Local Municipality
15 December, 2017 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
NEWS
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Leshilo JK Awareness and Fundraising Walk Andries van der Heyde
Three men set out last week on a campaign to promote awareness for disabled people. On the photo are (from left) Samuel Moela, John Leshilo (organiser) and Thato Mohubedu. Photo: supplied
There is a stigma where people believe that disabled persons cannot take care of themselves, and will always be taken care of, but the opposite is the truth if such people are granted the necessary skills. A group of men slowed down traffic last week when they attempted to walk from Polokwane to Pretoria in order to place focus on the needs of disabled people. They arrived at Bela-Bela on Friday, 8 December, on foot, with traffic officers escorting them. John Leshilo, the organiser of the Leshilo JK Awareness and Fundraising Walk, Samuel Moela and Thato Mohubedu, set out on Monday, 4 December, from Polokwane. “We are walking for the education of disabled and underprivileged people so that they can also study further at tertiary level. We hope our walk will inspire members of
the community and government to assist us in providing facilities and opportunities, so that we can take care of our own future,� said Leshilo. He said the threesome had received various kinds of support from many people, but hoped more people would assist them. The trio reached Pretoria on Sunday, 10 December. They joined up with the Nelson Mandela Remembrance Walk, and made their way to the Union Buildings to continue promoting their cause. Since the start of the walk the three men braved all kinds of weather conditions and struggled with accommodation, but their cause was something they believed in and hoped for the necessary support. People who want to know more about the Leshilo JK Awareness and Fundraising Walk, can phone Leshilo on tel. 072 801 2406 or send an email to leshilojk@gmail.com(.)
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15 December, 2017 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
FEATURES
Good pictures tell it in a thousand words The BEAT Team The overused catchphrase – dating back to London’s Fleet Street tabloid journalism – in the print media, goes like “a picture tells the story in a thousand words”. Having said that, one is humbled by the tireless efforts of The BEAT team in capturing the unfolding Waterberg narrative, indeed in a thousand words.
Exhaust Fitter needed at Mmamodise Fitment Centre URGENTLY The person must know how to do welding and Co2 and also know front suspension well. Send CV's to the office Tel: 014 736 6288 / 072 240 0986
GOLDEN CHARM SA CAPIT AL CAPITAL INVESTMENT INVESTMENT.. International Export Company based in Hong Kong. Office in South-Africa is in Modimolle. 2 Vacant job opportunities. X1 LOGISTICS & EXPORT MANAGER, experience in Logistics & Exports required. X1 LOGISTICS & EXPOR T CLERK EXPORT CLERK,, Grade 12 required.
The first set of pictures which caught the eye was published on Friday 10 February, chronicling the unrest in the township at BelaBela. On 24 February we published a shocking picture of the Bela-Bela mayor’s private vehicle engulfed in flames, taken by TK Mashaba. On the front page of the same edition we ran with a lively picture of toyi-toying ANC members taken by our man in Modimolle, Mzamane Ringane. Another picture which fired the imagination was the one taken in the township at Bela-Bela,
Please send CV’s to: amelia.goldencharm@outlook.com Closing date: 06/01/2018
by TK Mashaba, of men battling to recapture a pig which broke free from a truck. The 26 May catchy headline read “The great pig run” which was brilliant, indeed. On 15 June The BEAT had an in-your-face kind of picture by Justin Steyn, with angry municipal workers marching on the city fathers. The headline “Worker Power” was one of our best-selling in a long time. We also published a couple of other brilliant pictures provided by outsiders, with the one on 23 June of a kid handling a juvenile rock python.
LIM 368 LOCAL MUNICIP ALITY MUNICIPALITY PUBLIC NOTICE
CL OSING OF MUNICIP AL OFFICES CLOSING MUNICIPAL DECEMBER 2017 The Modimolle-Mookgophong Local Municipality Offices will be closed from 22 December 2017 – 1 January 2018, and will re-open on 2 January 2018. The festive season is traditionally a period of reduced economic activity. As a result, the public and officials usually take their annual leave during this time. The Municipality also experience a substantial decline of workforce and decline in the demand for service provision. Emergency Services and essential services, like refuse removal will, however, be operational during this time. Furthermore, the following services will operate as usual. MODIMOLLE: • Prepaid electricity will be available at Engen Garage • Vaalwater, Mabatlane Offices MOOKGOPHONG: • OK Foods Mookgophong • MBT Garage Mookgophong Please remember that all pre-paid electricity can be recharged via your cell phone banking app. FOR EMERGENCY CONTACT THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS: MODIMOLLE/PHAGAMENG Electricity
060 583 5339
Dolf Liebenberg/Renier Prinsloo/
Water and Sewer
082 807 8150
Frans Matjie/Billy Nengudza
Traffic
083 554 3230
Arrie Claassens
Fire Brigade
082 807 8152
Waterberg District
Charlie Theledi/Dan Sithole
MOOKGOPHONG Water and Sewer
Tel: (011) 447-1264/5/6
COPYRIGHT
The reproduction or broadcast without written permission of any material published in The Beat and its supplements is forbidden and expressly reserved to Upfront Events Two CC, under section 12(7) of the Copyright Act, 1978 and any amendment thereof. The Beat is typographically prepared, published and distributed by Upfront Events Two CC. The Beat: 7 Minnaar Street, Tel: (014) 736-2723, Fax: (014) 736-3428, PO Box 16, Bela-Bela. E-mail: tbeat3@gmail.com. The Beat is typographically prepared, published and distributed by Upfront Events Two CC and is printed by Paarl Coldset, 83 Heidelberg Rd, City Deep Production Park, City Deep.
082 466 4607
Jerry Kgabo
082 466 4602
Ben Steyn
Electricity
081 005 8146
Merriam Masetla/Mike Maruma
Traffic
082 414 7721
Arrie Opperman
Fire Brigade
082 807 8152
Waterberg Districtt
Electricity
082 807 8151
Matoon Tselane/Thabo Kubuzie
Water and Sewer
079 300 0555
Joseph Chauke
Traffic
083 554 3230
Arrie Claassens
Fire Brigade
082 807 8152
Waterberg District
VAALWATER/MABATLANE
Modimolle-Mookgophong Municipality wishes you and your family a happy festive season. May the joy of this time of year fill your heart. Thank you for your support OR Tambo Building OR Tambo Square Harry Gwala Street MODIMOLLE 0510
(Notice No: 48/11/2017 – 21/11/2017)
O P SEBOLA MUNICIPAL MANAGER
Another striking picture, by Mzamane Ringane, which wowed our readers was taken when Modimolle-Mookgophong Mayor Marlene van Staden tilted a watering can into the palms of Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, washing his hands, after both politicians planted vegetables on Mandela Day. This one was on the front page of the 21 July edition. The BEAT family friend Neil Swart cut off his sleep one fateful morning to capture stunned SuperSpar workers watching the building at Bela-Bela engulfed in flames. The picture was published on 29 September.
Dear Mr Editor, herewith my letter The idea of the letter from the editor originated from the era of the previous editor of The BEAT, Bernice Mills. Three of her most recent letters were popular with readers, especially those with access to the internet. The letter at the time was issue-driven, rather than personality-driven, as would be the case with columnists at tabloid newspapers such Daily Sun. The popularity of issue-driven journalism comparable to personality-based narrative, means different readers have their own preferences. Having said that, when the new editor took over during the month of August, we changed the letter to talk to the workings of our newsrooms, and also relations with readers. The objective here was to identify a niche market (emergent middle class) and talk to these readers about the behind-the-scenes operations. We can proudly say this was not a bad idea, as we and the readers continue to empower each other with regards to issues such as politics, and how newspapers work. Not surprisingly, the most popular of the letters was the one titled “At the coalface of the breaking story”, meaning there is a crying need out there for readers to understand how reporters go about their work. The second most popular was the one titled “Overshadowed by TK and Ray Phiri”, which had nothing to do with the workings of a newspaper. We suspect the late Phiri – and TK is a regional celebrity in his own right – raised eyebrows with many of the readers. Another popular one was “Hello Private Number, and how are you?” This one was aimed at pleading with especially newsmakers not to ignore our landline calls, but still there remain problems here and there.
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15 December, 2017 Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
CHARITY / ENTERTAINMENT / SCHOOL
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TRV Live Band for Motopodi and Club Paradise Mzamane Ringane Following a sterling performance at Limpopo’s Mapungubwe Arts Festival, cabaret engagements are steadily rolling in for Modimolle-based live band, TRV. Now the Phagameng township ensemble has been enlisted to present their repertoire at the upmarket Motopodi Beer Garden at Bela-Bela township. Lucas “Man Luke” Mogashoa, the Motopodi Beer Garden CEO, said the performance was scheduled to start from 9pm on Saturday, 16 December. Club Paradise owner, Selby Moima, said TRV was also billed to play at the venue on Sunday, 17 December. TRV’s single, “Gae Limpopo” (Limpopo Our Home), has been in high demand following the ensemble’s performance at arguably the biggest multi-artform
TRV lead singer John Mabusha (left) was working round the clock this past weekend, delivering CD’s to local supporters including Councillor Rufus Magoro. Photo supplied
spectacle in the province. People from various parts of the province stumbled over each other for copies of the new single, which was sold
at the festival and even back home in Modimolle. The CEO of TRV, Neo Mokhonoana, said there will be no time to rest during
the holidays, as the band will be doing performances and promoting the newlyreleased single at the same time. Mokhonoana also thanked hundreds of supporters from Modimolle and the surrounding areas, who came all out to support the band during their performance at Mapungubwe Arts Festival. “It was very emotional. We were performing away from home, but the presence of so many people from back home was delightful,” he said. He said they also had an opportunity to meet and establish contact with artists from across the country. “As tourists start pouring into the Waterberg during the holidays, we will be promoting our CD, which was inspired by various idiomatic expressions in celebration of the abundance of artistic talent across the home province,” Mokhonoana added.
The women of the Waterberg did it for themselves The BEAT Team Farmstead domestic worker Katrina Motshabane should feature prominently as newsmaker of the year, after taking on two of the most dangerous reptiles this side of the Amazon in South America. “Granny kills mamba” was the screaming front page headline for The BEAT’s 1 December edition, informed by Motshabane killing a black mamba, and
earlier on a Mozambican spitting cobra, with a pellet gun. Travelling down memory lane, on February 3 we reported on the incredible Hoërskool Potgietersrus learner Mashadi Naliana, who obtained six distinctions and a 90% matric mark. On February 24 we published the disturbing story of Modimolle granny, Rebecca Mashishi’s shack which had attracted rats in their numbers. The 10 March edition proudly reported
on Bela-Bela’s Kholofelo Tsoloane, who reached the top 100 of the Mrs SA pageant. Fast-forward to 18 August, The BEAT carried the story about Bela-Bela township women, metaphorically “hurling handbags at poverty.” In early September physiotherapists, Lerato Radebe, Ziphora Mashishi, Lebogang Mokau and Reshoketswe Masemola spearheaded a Physiotherapy Day.
The 13 October edition of your favourite read carried a heart-warming story about Mampatile Primary School educator, Daphney Matshidiso, who represented the Waterberg/Mogalakwena regions at the provincial leg of the National Teachers Awards. Modimolle fashion designer Lulu Tholwana and model Thuli Kativa, occupied pride of place in the 20 October edition, after dazzling audiences at The Carousel Casino.
The year 2017 headlines (and deadlines!) through the editorial value chain ‘The Editor Johnny Masilela and reporters take this opportunity to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year .’ The BEAT Team When the value chain of editors and graphic design artists work on a front page week in and week out, certain strategic considerations have to fall into place. These include, among others, that the most critical face of the newspaper draw the attention of most readers, comparable to, say, Daily Sun or even the all-powerful Sunday Times, for argument’s sake. Browsing through the various front
pages of The BEAT for the past year was indeed a revelation. In January the team ran with the headline “First day of school”, with the type face borrowing from a school-going kid’s colouring book, which I found beautiful. The last edition for the month of January went like “Modimolle landgrab”, with the words “land” and “grab” printed in the red colours of you-knowwho. Brilliant! ”Beer run at Bela-Bela”, for the 3 February edition, most probably had the same intended effect as the “Forbidden
Fruit” one published much later during the year. The front page pictures were respectively based on people helping themselves to beer and oranges rolling from overturned cargo carriers. Much later during the year in review colleagues were convinced to switch to shorter, but still in-your-face headlines, such as the one with a picture of marching municipal workers, with the headline “Worker Power”. Readers in their thousands lapped up this newspaper. On 28 July we observed a surge in the
sales of the newspaper with the front page headline, “Flames of Fury”, which nudged us to try and give more coverage to the brothers and sisters in Spa Park/ Mountain View and Koppewaai. “Choking from gun smoke” on 22 September, was the undisputed highlight of the year 2017, with readers from across classes snapping up The BEAT like it was getting out of fashion. The Editor takes this opportunity to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year.
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SPORT
15 December, 2017 beateditor@gmail.com | Website: thebeat.linmedia.co.za
Sporting highlights and lowlights galore
Young and old were kept active in various sporting codes, such as soccer and netball, during the year in review. The Mabaleng Beer Lounge was expected to host the ever popular holiday games in the next few weeks. Photos: TK Mashaba
The BEAT Sports Team The most prominent highlight for the sporting calendar, perhaps, was when BelaBela’s Michael Makhubela was named the Limpopo Sports Administrator of the Year. Ploughing back to his underlings at Kamplits Volleyball Club, Makhubela the team coach donated his R20 000 prizemoney to the team ahead of an international tournament. On a sad note, the lowlight for the sporting calendar year was the untimely passing of young soccer player, Khensani Msimango, who featured prominently during the Mabaleng Games at Bela-Bela. The Mabaleng Games were one of the most prominent highlights for the year 2017, with logistical and other support by Dr Oupakie Masemola. The BEAT’s foot soldier, TK Mashaba, returned from the games with some stunning pictures. In these games
young and old showcased their skills ranging from soccer to netball. In all fairness soccer – supposedly the most prominent sporting code in the Waterberg – disappointed in many ways. The first downfall was when Rapotokwane village wonder-boys, Qualitho FC, failed to make headway during the SAB Region League promotional play-offs. In recent weeks the Waterberg’s last hope
in the lucrative Nedbank Cup, Palala FC of Lephalale, failed to proceed to the provincial showdown, again leaving the regional soccer family with egg in the face. On a positive note though, during the month of March, the Addicted to Life Athletics Club of Modimolle did the home region proud by doing well during a marathon in Secunda, Mpumalanga. Back to soccer, while the previous season
was dominated by Rapotokwane Qualitho FC, the current SAB Region League season looked different, with a three-way tussle for top honours between Boys 2 Men FC, BelaBela Pirates FC and Diesel ‘n Dust FC, also from Bela-Bela. Interestingly, new Diesel ‘n Dust team manager, Gilbert Gyampong, has been ringing in the changes in the technical department.