Limpopo Mirror 23 December 2022

Merry Christmas

Tragedy at Madimbo

Two social workers die in domestic violence incident

By Elmon Tshikhudo

The community of Madimbo, in the northern parts of Vhembe, has been engulfed by a dark cloud. This follows a shocking incident where a man is alleged to have killed his wife before dousing the house they were sleeping in with petrol and setting it alight.

The incident happened on Sunday morning (18th) at around 07:00. The smoke coming from the house attracted the attention of neighbours, who rushed to the scene to find the house on fire.

The couple, who were both social workers, have been identified as Mr Christopher Mudau (38) and his wife, Ms Tovhowani Masakona (35). Christopher recently relocated to Madimbo after taking up a position at the local Thusong Service Centre. His wife worked at the Musina Hospital.

Circumstances surrounding their deaths are still sketchy, but domestic violence could not be ruled out as neighbours confirmed that the two had quarrelled the previous day. Mr Vhutshilo Ndou, who is a neighbour of the family, said he had been alerted by another neighbour, who was screaming that their neighbour’s house was on fire.

“I rushed there, wearing only my underpants, and managed to break a garage door to gain entry to the house. I managed

to rescue the man from the flames. The woman was already dead. She had a big wound to the head and a bloodied piece of iron was lying next to her. The man was rushed to the nearby clinic, but unfortunately he succumbed to his injuries,” he said.

Ndou added that he had not been able to sleep since the incident, saying it kept on rewinding in his mind. “I have never seen something like this in my life. I am still in shock as I was used to the family. I wonder what will become of the children as they had three children. Our hearts are torn apart,” Ndou said.

The local traditional leader, Vhamusanda Vho-Thiwelimulambo Rammbuda, expressed his sadness about the incident. “We are devastated as a community. Social workers are the ones we rely on when we have problems, and we do not know where to run to when they kill each other. We urge our people not to go to the extremes of taking their lives when faced with problems. We still have faith in social workers and other experts, and let us make use of them,” he said.

Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the incident. “Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the partners, a 38-year-old man, had sent his son to buy petrol at the local filling station for the generator that morning. Upon his return, the man sent him again to the shop to buy some food

at the local market stalls. When the boy came back, he was apparently surprised to see his family house on fire, surrounded by people,” said Col Ledwaba.

He added that the motive for the incident would be determined by the unfolding investigations, but domestic violence could not be ruled out as the couple allegedly had differences the previous night. “We have since opened inquest dockets and investigations are continuing,” Ledwaba said.

The late Tovhowani Masakona who was found in a pool of blood. Photo supplied

In happier times, Mr Christopher Mudau and his wife, Ms Tovhowani Masakona. Photo supplied

Heavy rains flood houses in the Sinthumule area

By Kaizer Nengovhela

The heavy rains that drenched the Sinthumule area last Thursday night (15th) left many residents stranded at home, mopping up their houses.

While many residents were rejoicing over the much-needed rain, for others it meant an

endless struggle to clean up flooded houses. The rain caused huge damage in the lower-lying areas, such as parts of Madombidzha.

On 16 December, many villagers were still drying out mattresses, blankets, clothes, and furniture. According to one of the victims of the storm, Ms Mavis Luvha, the downpour

left everyone taking cover. “All my furniture, blankets and groceries were damaged, and I do not have money to replace or repair them,” she added. “No one sustained any major injuries, but I am extremely shocked,” she said.

Ms Luvha said that they experienced this situation whenever it rained. “As a community, we look towards the municipality for a way forward, since we are losing our belongings. I didn’t go to work because the entrance at my gate was swept away. The water caused erosion and must be filled up again,” she added.

Another victim of the downpour, Mr Samuel Muedi, said that the local municipality should send officials to the area to assess the damage and see how the community members were affected.

Mr Matodzi Ralushai, spokesperson for the Vhembe District Municipality, said that they were aware of the havoc caused by the heavy rains. He said the municipality had already sent officials to go and assess the damage.

New “convenient” Tops liquor store opens inside the Matsindo Mall

By Elmon Tshikhudo

On Wednesday, 7 December, Spar Thohoyandou opened its second Tops liquor outlet, which is situated right inside the store at the Mutsindo Mall.

The official opening ceremony was attended by the Spar Group’s managers, Mr Steven Jansen Van Vuuren and Mr Gerald Taute, as well as departmental heads. The store was also filled with

customers who were eager to take advantage of the opening specials.

Store manager Mr Captain Mashudu Mutangwa was excited about opening this new outlet. He said it was in line with the store’s motto of putting their customers and the community first. “This will create jobs as more than 20 will be employed here. As a temporary measure, we will be rotating staff from the main shop until the recruitment of new staff is completed,” he

said.

Mutangwa said that the new outlet would benefit their customers immensely, with enough parking, security and the convenience of buying everything under one roof. He said that the opening of the new outlet did not mean the closure of the old one. “Our old Tops outlet is still operational, and our customers now have the choice to utilise the old one or the new one,” he said.

One

By Monday (19th) several residents said that not the ward councillor or the mayor or any other municipal official had visited the area.

Western Vhukovhela case postponed

The five members linked to the Western Vhukovhela Protection Unit will spend Christmas in jail. They appeared in the Tshilwavhusiku

Magistrate’s Court on 14 December, but bail was denied. The case was postponed once again to 4 January, when a bail application is expected to be entertained.

The suspects, Dakalo Makhavhu, Sam Makananise, Duncan Madzaga, Mbilaelo Bakali and Rendani Makhavhu, aged between 28 and 38, were arrested during a multidisciplinary, intelligence-driven operation by the Vhembe Trio Task team, the Makhado CI and the Beitbridge Task Team between 26 and 28 October. They were charged with kidnapping, assault and attempted murder.

Members of the Western Vhukovhela unit are accused of first starting to conduct their own “law-enforcement” raids. They confronted several “crime suspects” in the area and allegedly beat

Officially opening the new liquor outlet is Spar Mutsindo manager Mr Captain Mutangwa (left) with the Spar Group managers Mr Gerald Taute (second from left behind Mutangwa) and Mr Steven Jansen Van Vuuren (fourth from left back row), who were joined by supervisors. Photo: Elmon Tshikhudo.

The 22-year-old Nakisani Munarini of Hamasia Tshiphuseni won the Miss Entrepreneurship 2022 category during the Miss Makhado Royal beauty contest that was held at Kone Village Lodge on 10 December. She was very appreciative of the win and said that the competition had afforded her the opportunity to market her own brand of beauty products. “Although I did not manage to win the Miss Makhado Royal Queen title, I managed to get to the top five out of 10. My aim is to take part in other beauty competitions. This was just a stepping stone, and I am excited that it opened up a new world to me,” she said. Photo supplied.

of the houses surrounded by floodwater. Photo supplied.

News Correspondent

Grieving family members not expelled from Tshino village

By Elmon Tshikhudo

The grieving Mtileni Masuvekele family of Tshino, whose three-year-old boy went missing last week and was found dead in a pit toilet, have expressed outrage and shock about the rumour that they were implicated in his death and that they were expelled from the village.

The boy, Bonginkosi Modike, went missing under mysterious circumstances on Monday, 5 December. He suddenly disappeared from his home at Ndiitwani. The boy’s grandmother had quickly gone out to the local spaza shop, leaving the boy in the care of his uncle, when the incident happened.

Soon after news of his disappearance became known, the police, assisted by members of the community, began an intensive search for the boy, but the search did not yield a positive outcome. Only on the second day was the boy was found in a pit toilet in the family’s yard. The boy was allegedly found

with his lower lip missing, and this raised suspicions that he was ritually murdered and his body dumped in the toilet.

Soon thereafter, angry community members started accusing the family of being complicit in the incident.

Following the rumours, a community meeting was held at the village on Wednesday, 7 December, where a decision was allegedly taken that the family should be expelled from the village.

Limpopo Mirror visited the family on Thursday, 15 December, but the family did not seem to know that they were no longer wanted in the village. They were carrying on with their daily lives, seemingly oblivious to the aggressive behaviour of some residents in the area.

When asked to comment, the family requested to be given space to mourn their loved one. They referred all questions to their legal representative, Advocate Enos Tshimangadzo Muthobi of Muthobi Legal Services.

Muthobi said the rumour

that the family members had been expelled from the village was news to him. “The family members know nothing about this and are at home and still in mourning, following the death of their loved one. It is also shocking that the family members are being accused of the incident. It seems as if there are members of the community who have an agenda against the family,” he said.

Adv Muthobi said that the result of the post mortem was not yet back and the police had not completed their investigation. “Why not give the police space to do their investigations and the law to take its course?” said Muthobi.

Community leader Mr Gideon Mukhovha said the community had since taken a compromising stance on the incident. “We met over the weekend and we have decided to give [the] police space to investigate the case. We urge the police to speed up the investigations and ensure that the culprits are brought to book,” he said.

he wasn’t forced to use the bush as a toilet, he would still be alive”

By Bernard Chiguvare

Bereaved family members from Matswale in Musina, who lost their eight-year-old boy, believe that the accident that had claimed his life could have been avoided if running water were available in the area.

The boy, Lesedi Ndou, was run over by a motorist on Sunday, 11 December, when he tried to cross the nearby road. The boy was a Grade 2 learner at St Martin De Porres Primary School.

“Our child would not have been run over by the motorist if he did not have to use the nearby bushes as a toilet,” said a close family relative who did not want to be identified.

According to Musina residents, their taps had been dry for five days. They could not make use of their flushing toilets, so most of them resorted to using the bushes for toilets. The Ndou family stay in Matswale, in Musina-Nance-

field.

The Vhembe District Municipality (VDM) responded by saying it supplied water to Matswale on a day-to-day basis, but due to loadshedding, the municipality sometimes supplied water on a rotational basis and augmented the supply with water trucks.

The Ndou family finds it difficult to buy water as none of them is employed. “For those five days we had no water. We called the municipality, asking them to send water tanks, but we were told the trucks are broken,” said the close relative.

The VDM acknowledged that two water trucks that were supposed to deliver water to Musina residents were unavailable, but said that another tanker had been deployed to assist.

Limpopo Mirror got in touch with the Musina branch of the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO). “We are calling on the VDM to do the honourable thing and surrender the [status of] water

authority to Musina Municipality. The Musina community has suffered enough under the VDM’s administration,” said Reekson Matamela, the chairperson of the Musina SANCO branch.

Councillor Nkhanedzeni Godfrey Mawela, mayor of Musina, sent a message of condolence to the bereaved family on Sunday.

The toilet where the body of three-year-old Bonginkosi Modike was found. The family members say they know nothing about rumours that they were expelled from the village. Photo supplied.

The eight-year-old Lesedi Ndou boy who was run over by a motorist. Photo: Facebook.

“If

Awards for Elim’s “unsung heroes”

By Thembi Siaga

Nduna Nelson Mabobo is one of Elim’s unsung heroes, but at last he has received recognition for his efforts to create a better environment for all. Mabobo received the trophy for Citizen of the Year 2022 during an award ceremony held at Waterval Community Hall on Saturday, 17 December.

The ceremony was organised by the

Elim Community Award initiative, and 144 residents from Elim and the surrounding areas were nominated in the various categories.

Mabobo is one of the community leaders whose devotion to service was recognised with a gold trophy and a certificate. “I feel very blessed as it is my first time to be recognised for my work which I’ve been doing since I was elected to be the headman in 2001. My efforts to make this happen would not

have been effective without the support from the entire community,” he said.

Among the projects that Mabobo initiated, was the Mabobo Village Development programme. This was launched a few years ago to provide villages with many indigent residents with funeral, wedding, and celebration equipment.

“I came up with the idea to request residents to pay a monthly fee of R100 to buy equipment such as tents, chairs, pots and so on. This was after I saw them struggling during hard times such as funerals,” he said.

Nduna Maboho was chosen from 32 nominees in his category. In total, 32 categories - such as for the best community builder, the best catering events, the best educational initiative and many more – received nominations. The awards ceremony was sponsored by Limpopo Home Cinema, Elimites Brotherhood Funkyrich and many more.

The Elim Community Award project was established three months ago by Tlangelani Hlongwane, with the goal of acknowledging exceptional community members and recognising their efforts to create a better society.

“It shows approval and gratitude for each person’s good job, and it makes people aware that good work will be rewarded. Moreover, it shows others, such as the general public and other staff members, that you’re aware of outstanding accomplishments,” she said.

Bale villagers raise service delivery concerns

Mr Watson Mudzugu was one of several residents from Bale village, outside Musina, who raised service-delivery concerns with their elected political leaders during the visit of Musina’s mayor, Cllr Nkhanedzeni Godfrey Mawela, to the village on Sunday, 4 December. Mudzugu and fellow villagers pleaded for job-cre-

Mawela was accompanied by the Musina council’s Chief Whip, Cllr Fistos Mafela, the portfolio head of technical services, Cllr Victor Manavhela, and local ward councillor Caroline Makhani.

The chairperson of Bale village’s traditional council, Mr Mpho Phaladi,

explained why the visit was important: “When we held our traditional council meetings, people raised various service-delivery challenges that we could not respond to. We felt it would be better to invite the municipality to interact directly with our people to give them first-hand information.”

During the meeting, villagers also raised issues relating to the shortage of low-cost houses in their village, improved farmer support, and the challenges around stock theft. They further pleaded for their local primary school to be upgraded.

In response, Mayor Mawela thanked the villagers for creating a peaceful engagement platform with the municipality. “Upon receipt of your invitation, we had to make sure that we come to you despite our busy schedules. Sometimes it is best for us to level with the people and listen to you, rather than to wait for written reports that come through our offices. We have noted all your concerns and we will work with your ward councillor to address them. Issues that are not the competency of the local municipality will be referred to the responsible stakeholders, and we will make timeous follow-ups to ensure that they are given attention,” said Mawela.

More women should look at becoming farmers

planted okra, spinach and watermelons, which she sold to local retailers.

The success of her small farming venture prompted Edith to buy a 25-hectare piece of land near Musina. The land still needs to be developed, and she will need to fence it off and sink a borehole.

According to Edith, the idea of farming came to her during the Covid-19 period when movement was restricted. “When I was still a teen, we used to visit my grandmother in the rural areas. My grandmother would take us to the fields where she practised farming,” she said.

The 27-year-old Edith said that she realised she could use the farming skills her grandmother had taught her. She started on a small scale on the piece of land made available to her by the school. She

Edith is very realistic about the fact that for a woman to succeed in this industry where men dominate is not easy. “As someone who is still new in this business, I usually go out sourcing equipment, and some men take advantage of that. Some men try to abuse me. This is not good at all,” she said.

Edith sees no difference between a male and a female farmer. “As long as women put in maximum effort, they will reap their reward,” she said. She encouraged more women to become farmers, especially those who struggle to secure formal employment.

Makhado Mayor Samuel Munyai donated food parcels to the senior citizens working at the Mukondeni Pottery on Wednesday (15 December). Photo supplied.

By Bernard Chiguvare

Following in the footsteps of her grandmother, Edith Magwira decided to venture into crop farming on a small piece of land that she was offered by a local school in Musina. This despite her studying for financial management at a local TVET college.

Edith Magwira started farming on a small piece of land, but she has already bought 25 hectares of land, so that she can be a full-time farmer. Photo supplied.

Musina News

ation projects, improved roads and a reliable water supply, among other concerns.

Musina Mayor Nkhanedzeni Godfrey Mawela stresses a point as he addresses Bale villagers on Sunday, 4 December.

Mr Nduna Nelson Mabobo is one of the community leaders whose passion to serve was acknowledged with a gold trophy and a diploma during the ceremony held at Waterval Community Hall on Saturday 17 December. Photo: Thembi Siaga.

Mr Matodzi Matshaya is a traditional healer who is based on the outskirts of the Gadabi River, between Makonde and Khubvi village. He believes that people should never underestimate the value of traditional herbs and natural remedies for all sorts of ailments. The 57-year-old traditional healer said he was taught how to mix the various potions by his late mother. “My mother used to send me into the mountains to look for herbs and showed me how to mix different concoctions,” he said.

Photo: Victor Mukwevho.

The current

she is ready to compete with the best in the Miss

contest to be held at the Living Water Christian Church on 26 December. The lanky beauty queen, who was born and bred in the village, says she has won many beauty contests in the past, but she would like to win the local one as she comes from the village. “I think it is time for me to participate and become the face of my village. I also want to encourage young girls to participate in beauty competitions,” she said. One of the organisers of the beauty competition, Mr Vhulenda Neluonde, said the entrance fee for the competition is R200. Those who would like to participate can contact him at 072 807 2399.

Parents of murdered woman find it hard to believe that suspect was acting alone

By Victor Mukwevho

The parents of a 38-yearold woman whose body was found on the banks of Mudaswali River last Tuesday say they refuse to believe that their daughter was beaten to death by the suspect that the police have arrested.

According to the statement from the police, they arrested a man in connection with the death of Livhuwani Rananga. The suspect allegedly beat Rananga to death, using his fists. The suspect then allegedly carried the body from the murder scene and hid it on the banks of Mudaswali River. In a statement, the police say that the suspect led them to the place where the body was found.

But her parents, Mr Calvin Rananga and his wife Francina, said Livhuwani Rananga had been a street fighter and there was no way that the arrested suspect could have beaten her with his fists, let alone carried her body.

During an interview with Limpopo Mirror at their house at Matangari village on Saturday afternoon (17th), Ms Francina Ranan-

suspect would not have been able to overpower her daughter.

“Very few men in our village could beat her in a fistfight. She was a street fighter. She feared no one. I know the suspect very well. He is one of the weakling boys in the village. I have no doubt in my mind that he was not alone when killing my daughter,” she said. She added that her daughter’s body had been found more than five kilometres from their home.

“That boy cannot even carry my late daughter’s body for ten metres. He must tell us what happened to my daughter. I also want to know what he was doing with my daughter before the incident because he is also too young to be her boyfriend. I am heartbroken,” she said.

Her twin sister, Lufuno Rananga, concurred with the mother, saying more questions existed to be asked than answers in the killing of her sister. “My sister was not even close to the suspect. What is hurting me most is that

Woman (22) from Tshikonela village arrested after death of her husband

By Victor Mukwevho

happened after 22:00 that night. According to acting communications

a stand with steel protrusions.

He was found with an open wound under his left armpit and had presumably died instantly.

“The suspect was arrested on the scene and will appear before a local magistrate’s court soon,” said Dathi.

Miss Mavhoi Technical College’s beauty queen, Miss Thendo Tshivhase, says

Khubvi Beauty

police are not even updating us on the case. We don’t even know when the suspect is going to appear in court. It is like the suspect killed

an animal,” she said. Meanwhile, the SAPS’s acting communication spokesperson for the Vhembe District, Sergeant

Vuledzani Dathi, said that the suspect, Titus Munyai, had appeared in court in connection with the murder last week.

The late Livhuwani Rananga’s parents and her twin sister, Lufuno Rananga, at home on Saturday. From left are Ms Francina Rananga, Mr Calvin Rananga and Lufuno.

A 22-year-old woman from Tshikonelo village was arrested on Saturday night (17th) for allegedly killing her 35-year-old husband.

The incident allegedly

spokesperson for the police in Vhembe Sergeant Vuledzani Dathi, the couple were arguing when the woman allegedly pushed the husband, who fell onto

Well-known newspaper vendor in the Mutale area Amon Mbedzi wishes all his customers a happy Christmas and a prosperous new year. Mbedzi started selling newspapers in 2004, but he says that he has never had the chance to thank his customers for their support and wish them a safe and productive festive season, so he wants to make use of the opportunity to do so now. “I also wish all the Mirror staff a good rest and hope they come back firing on all cylinders next year. I am also appealing to them to cover more stories from Mutale next. It makes my job easier to sell the newspaper if there is news from this area,” he said.

A royal nod for dedicated women of the Muswodi Dipeni Drop-In Centre

By Elmon Tshikhudo

Muswodi

community. We say thank you for the wonderful job they are doing,” Rammbuda said.

Rammbuda called on businesses and the government to give the women the financial support they need to continue this good job.

The leader of the organisation, Ms Irene Nefolovhodwe,

said they were working under difficult circumstances, having to look after 86 children with no budget at all. “We are really struggling as an organisation. We have to do piece jobs in order to finance the running of this facility. We have a site ready but no money to erect a structure there,” she said.

stipends.

Their good deeds, however, have not gone unnoticed and talk of these woman’s selfless acts soon attracted the attention of the local traditional leader, Vhamusanda Vho-Thiwelimulambo Rammbuda, who decided to give them a pat on the back in recognition of the good work they are doing for the community.

On Monday, 12 December, they received a surprise visit from the chief, who praised them and handed them a letter that allows them to seek donations for the organisation. “Our area is one of the least developed in the country, where unemployment and poverty have become a way of life. We have child-headed families with no breadwinners who need our help, and these women have taken up that role of caring for them. They give support to the vulnerable children and orphans who have no one to take care of them, and this is what we want in this

Farmers should see to it that cattle don’t cause accidents along roads

By Silas Nduvheni

Yet another bloody weekend on the region’s roads as the death toll rises

By Andries van Zyl

Mr

Azwinndini

Tshillo from the Department of Transport and Community Safety once again advised livestock farmers from the Ha-Makuya communities to watch their cattle along busy roads, especially over the holidays, to avoid unnecessary accidents. He also warned motorists against drinking and driving, saying that the department would have no tolerance for defaulters on the roads.

Tshillo addressed guests on Batho Pele Day, which was celebrated on Friday, 25

November. The event was held at the Makuya Domboni Sports Grounds. Other sector departments such as Home Affairs, Education, SASSA, Government Communication and Information Systems, and the IEC also had a turn to present their services and how to access them to the communities.

Batho Pele is a Sesotho word that means “People First” and is all about transferring service delivery to the people.

The executive mayor of the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), Dowelani Nenguda, said the people should

be consulted on services rendered by municipalities and government departments and asked about their needs and concerns. “Our objective is to interact with the citizens in order to address their concerns and promote access to government services.” Nenguda said he was glad that some of the concerns the Ha-Makuya community had could be answered by the relevant departments.

The communities were also informed that the Makuya Thusong Centre, which had been closed for refurbishment, would soon be ready to serve communities from the area.

The traditional leader of Makuya-Domboni, Vhamusanda Mulindathavha Nephawe, said he was grateful for the VDM and other government departments’ visit. He pointed out certain concerns they had, such as the growing problem of stock theft in the area, saying that rural communities depended greatly on stock farming to earn a living. They were also unhappy with the state of the roads in the villages around Ha-Makuya.

Motorists in the Soutpansberg are urged to be extra vigilant when traveling, following a spate of serious and fatal accidents on the region’s roads the past week since the official start of the December holidays.

As traffic volumes increased, severe traffic congestion started taking place along the N1 north from the Baobab Tollgate to the Beitbridge Border Post on Saturday. The situation caused provincial traffic and road traffic management corporation officers to be deployed in the area to monitor and manage the situation to ensure the free flow of traffic.

Although motorists in the area were advised to exercise patience, a fatal vehicle accident in the Soutpansberg mountain pass early Saturday morning caused traffic in both directions to pile up for kilometres, forcing motorists to take a more than 50km detour via the Witvlag Road through Nzhelele to get back on the N1 again.

The carnage on the region’s roads continued that same day, with news that a horrific crash along the R37 in the Capricorn District had caused the death of seven women. The women were all traveling in a minibus taxi that collided with a truck. Law-enforcement officers at the scene cited reckless driving as a possible cause of the crash.

Following this accident, the

Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Florence Radzilani, sent condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a speedy recovery. “To receive such news during festive holidays is heart breaking. I can’t begin to imagine what the families of the deceased have to endure. May they find strength to get through this difficult time,” said Radzilani. She also continued by pleading with motorists to obey the rules of the road, so that everyone can arrive alive at their respective destinations.

Sadly, the bad news was to continue with another fatal accident claiming the lives of six people near the Lalapanzi Hotel along the N1 just south of Louis Trichardt at about 21:00 on Sunday, 18 December.

A light motor vehicle collided head-on with a light delivery

vehicle after allegedly overtaking across a barrier line. Four women and two men were declared dead at the scene. Four other people who sustained injuries were transported to nearby health facilities for medical attention. Again, law-enforcement officers at the scene cited reckless driving as possible cause of the crash.

Radzilani again sent her condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased. “This has been a bloody weekend on our roads. Our hearts are heavy. People have lost lives in different kinds of vehicles and others while walking,” said Radzilani. She again called on road users to never get tired of heeding the call to always obey the rules of the road. “Let us be mindful of the decisions we take on the road and their impact on others before we act,” said Radzilani.

Photo: Victor Mukwevho.

The Hayani hospital near Sibasa held a Christmas party for the patients on Wednesday, 14 December. The patients were treated to some Christmas gifts and a donor gave them a cake. In the picture, officials and the donors pose for a photo. Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

A group of women from rural Muswodi in Mutale are rendering an exceptional service to their community by taking care of vulnerable and orphaned children in the area. At the

Dipeni Drop-In Centre, these women continue to offer their services for free on a daily basis, without expecting or receiving any

The big-hearted women from Muswodi who have taken it upon themselves to take care of the vulnerable children and orphans are, from left to right, Ms Thikhathali Nefolovhodwe, Ms Mmboneni Khangale, Ms Takalani Tseisi, and Ms Kanakana Netshimbupfe. With them is Mr Edward Rammbuda.

Photo supplied.

The scene of the fatal vehicle accident near the Lalapanzi Hotel along the N1 just south of Louis Trichardt on Sunday evening that left six people dead. Photo supplied.

From left to right: Speaker of the Vhembe District Municipality Freda Nkondo, Cllr Nndavheleseni Lieba, Mr Nelson Makuya, Hosi Given Bungeni, Executive Mayor of the VDM Dowelani Nenguda and Vhamusanda Mulindathavha Nephawe, photographed after the Batho Pele event that was held at Makuya Domboni on Friday, 25 November.

Photo: Silas Nduvheni.

By Elmon Tshikhudo

In celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Tshivenda Traditional Music Organi-

poetry auditions held for artists with disabilities

sation ploughed back into the community by hosting a music and poetry audition specifically for the disabled.

The event that took place on 3 December at the Thavhani

Mall’s parking area in Thohoyandou.

Event coordinator and veteran musician Mr Ishy Malala, who is also an executive member of the Tshivenda Traditional Music Organisation, said the organisation had been assisting artists over time to realise their potential by recording and distributing their music free of charge, but that they had not been able to assist disabled artists.

“We formed the organisation to promote and revive Tshivenda traditional music after noticing that the pure Tshivenda music genre was going extinct. We could not sit down and relax when our heritage was fading away.

We are all out on the path of reviving this genre and we want to take it back where it belongs.

Tshivenda music should be distinct, and a listener should be able to tell it is Tshivenda by hearing the instruments, just like in Zulu and Xitsonga music,” he said.

Malala said their plan was

to identify male and female artists, but they were very disappointed when men did not pitch up for the event. He said that they were happy that they could manage to identify a woman, Ms Tshifularo Mutobvu, who had won herself a chance to record her music.

“As an organisation, we have

taken it upon ourselves to empower artists, and we are going to record her and assist her in promoting her music. This is our humble contribution to the arts, and we will continue searching for talented artists and nurturing their talents,” Malala said.

Another book for Pastor Rufus

author but a multi-skilled person.

His road to fame started way back in 1995 when he published his first book, Muswa a re na vhuyo (a youth with destiny). The book was a huge success and that prompted Maphula to go back to the publishers the following year. His second book, Muswa a re na vhuyo Volume 2, was published in 1996.

gift in the form of a book. His new book, A vision- and passion-driven youth, is dedicated to all the young people who have the desire to succeed in their endeavours. The book is 159 pages long, with 14 chapters.

By Thembi Siaga

Everyone has a favourite pastime, and for Dr Hontse Hlaole, a qualified dental surgeon at Elim Hospital, this means getting in touch with her creative side. The good doctor loves spending her leisure time painting canvases, and they are exceptionally good.

Hlaole (36), who hails from Louis Trichardt, graduated from the University of Pretoria (UP) in 2012 with a degree in dentistry. When asked why she had studied to become a dentist instead of a professional artist, she said she had been motivated by the lack of African female representation in this profession in her community.

Her passion for art, however, dates way back to her early childhood, when she would devote nearly all her free time to honing her sketching skills. When she was in the tenth

grade at the Holy Trinity High School, she became aware of her colour sensitivity in biology class, which required detailed sketching. “That was when I realised I had a special gift. I enjoyed sketching and I was good at it, so I took that through university,” she said.

Hlaole works with oil paint, acrylic, watercolours, gouache, oil pastels, soft pastels, pencils, and charcoal to produce her beautiful art. Her latest project is a series of big African cats - but only females.

“It is an expression of female power and prowess. It illustrates how we exist as we are, and that we are not defined by what we do or offer to

other people. I believe that art should provoke some type of emotion, thinking, or change in behaviour, and the energy I express in my artwork gets me a lot of positive feedback from art lovers,” she said.

For more information about her artwork, call Hlaole on 063 686 9734 or follow her on Facebook (Hontse Hlaole

For unknown reasons, the 48-yearold author vanished from the publishing industry for almost two decades. He resurfaced early last year and published two books within the space of six months.

Although all four his first books are still in demand, Maphula felt that the need to give the youth a Christmas

Some of the chapters that will make the book a musthave for every youth include Financial freedom, a choice that requires discipline, sacrifice, determination and patience and How to survive the spirit of jealousy. Maphula believes that after reading the book, young people will have a better understanding and knowledge when addressing issues such as how to regain confidence after rape or how to overcome the pain caused by sibling rivalry in the family.

In the book, Maphula describes spending time with one’s family as a necessity and not an option and shows the youth the various ways that can help them to maximise their performance in the classroom.

Rodzula Lyborn Ravhura makes music for the pure love of it

By Victor Mukwevho

At times, some things must be seen to be believed, while others must be believed to be seen. Most music lovers could not believe it when local reggae icon Colbert Mukwevho introduced his younger brother, Mulalo Mukwevho, as one of the best bass guitarists in the country at the age of 11.

In 1992, the young musician had seasoned international journalists perusing dictionaries to find better words to describe his guitar-playing skills when he performed at the Somhlolo Stadium in Swaziland.

On Sunday morning, another young guitar-playing wizard had music fans and God-fearing local communities eating out of his hand when he played his beloved instrument at the Wells of Revivals Christian International Church at Makonde village. He displayed skills only seen locally in great bass guitarists in the mould of Mulalo Mukwevho himself, Bakhithi Khumalo (formerly with Lucky Dube's band) and Jabu Sibumbe of Stimela.

After his performance, guitarist Ruddzula Lyborn Ravhura, who looks as if he is in his early 20s, said he had

learnt how to play the guitar when he was studying at the University of KwaZulu/Natal in 2012. He said after graduating, he had come back to his village of Makonde, where he started teaching people to play the guitar. “I currently teach local kids how to play different musical instruments.

Some of the kids are now very good and can form their own musical bands,” he said.

When asked why he was not starting his own band, he said he was a Christian who had dedicated his life to serving the mighty Lord. “I prefer to play for a church band and share my musical expertise with local kids and fellow Christians,” he said.

He is calling on all residents of Makonde and the surrounding villages to contact him if they want to learn to play the guitar and other instruments. He can be contacted at 081 706 5813.

Bass-guitar maestro Rodzula Lyborn Ravhura playing his bass guitar at Makonde on Sunday morning.

By Frank Mavhungu

Pastor Rufus Maphula’s writing skills are improving with time. After he published his third book, titled Principles for Youth Success, towards the end of last year, what became clear was that this man of God is no ordinary

Pastor Rufus Maphula. Photo supplied.

Dr Hontse Hlaole. Photo supplied.

Some of the disabled artists and Tshivenda Traditional Music Organisation executives during the auditions at Thavhani Mall.

Photo: Elmon Tshikhudo.

Successful poetry and literary calabash event

By Elmon Tshikhudo

At first the event seemed doomed, and some had crafted its obituary.

But, as the saying goes, “every dark cloud has a silver lining”, and the poetry and literary calabash went on to be a roaring success.

Held at the Khoroni Hotel’s Moo Bar on Thursday, 15 December, the event drew the Who is Who in the poetry space. The guests included big names such as the legendary Afro Soul musician and poet Mr Burning Saul Nephawe, the evergreen Mr Matalane Mokgatla from Sekhukhune, Nwa Jika, Ntsako

The Poet, Papa Thile and the popular Masimbe.

At the same event, the legendary poet-cum-musician Mr Burning Saul Nephawe was honoured for being a torch bearer, and his contribution in poetry and the arts in general was lauded.

Event host the award-winning poet and musician Mr Lutendo Mugagadeli, better known as Vendaboy Poet, said the event had gone beyond expectations and brought poets from all over Limpopo under one roof. “Poets are sometimes forgotten during events, and some do not seem to exist. We are creating a platform where

these poets can showcase their talents that they shine and be seen. Who knows - some might be attracted and seek their services at events. Poets went all out to show what they are made of and we are excited and very impressed by the high standard displayed during the performances,” he said.

Vendaboy further indicated that the event had also served the purpose of promoting social cohesion. “We had poets from all over the province and they had the chance to network and share experiences. This will go a long way in empowering and uniting our poets, and as we plan it to be

an annual event, we will rotate it to different parts of the province. The event would not have succeeded had it not been the financial assistance we got from the National Arts Council and other support from our other sponsors. To them we lack words suitable enough to say thank you. To our artists and poets we say a big thank you for the energy and stellar performance you brought on stage. There is no event without any inconvenience; if there had been, we sincerely apologise and promise to strive to always do better,” said Vendaboy.

Adziambei Band releases yet another album

By Elmon Tshikhudo

The legendary Tshivenda music group Adziambei Band have done it yet again. They released a new album, titled Gwengwelele Volume 18, which is sure to be yet another hit.

Their new album was released on Friday, 16 December. The album contains 10 tracks, among them Gwengwelele, MaAfurika, Mbulungoni and Tshimbevha

The band’s Mr Maele Elias Sirwali said the album tackled topical issues, with the title track being not the usual gravy but rather addressing the corruption that has overwhelmed the nation. He makes it clear that while no measures are taken against those who steal from the poor, South Africa is under attack by these corrupt government officials.

“People in positions of authority and responsibility steal the meat and leave the gravy for the public while they are expecting services to be provided. Rhetorically, we mean that the people will have to wait forever for services to be provided while the government

commits theft,” he added.

Sirwali said that communities were in dire need of services as they lacked access to clean water, with roads in a bad state and difficult to navigate. Loadshedding is becoming a way of life and nothing is being done to address these thorny issues.

“To our fans, this is your Christmas present. Please accept it with open hands and listen to it as there is a lot that it carries besides addressing the issue of corruption. On this album, we also touch on the importance of education for the current young generation,” he said. Sirwali said that, through their music, they tried to restore dignity to those Africans who felt ashamed of what God had given them.

“I would like to wholeheartedly express my sincere gratitude to all our supporters and urge them to continue to give us their generous support by purchasing our original music,” he said.

Adziambei Band was formed in 1982 in the rural mountainous village of Tshaanda by Mr Elias Sirwali. He was later joined by

his brother, Mr Tshivhangwaho Raedani, and their first release, Midzimu ya Madimoni, set the Tshivenda music scene ablaze. The album was followed by a string of other albums containing hit songs. The band currently consist of three members. Mr Elias Sirwali is the group's leader and found-

er and he is supported by Mr Samuel Mabuda and Mr Johannes Kwinda.

For bookings and those who wish to purchase Adziambei Band’s music can contact Mr Samuel Mabuda on 072 219 0041, Owen Sirwali on 072 102 5214 or WhatsApp them at 073 952 7636.

May the festive season be blessed, but do take care, says Phalaphala FM

“May we all enjoy the festive season with warm hearts and humanity. Even though we had some challenges this year, we must never give up holding on to the future,” said Phalaphala FM’s programme manager, Ms Sharon Ravele.

“People from far and near will be travelling back home for Christmas. Let’s all arrive alive.

Long-distance drivers should take a break. Don’t drink and drive. Let’s all be responsible. Drivers must obey and observe the rules of the road to reach their destinations safely,” she said.

Ravele urged parents and guardians to not spend all the money on Christmas and forget about expenses such as school fees, which will be payable next year. “Just put that small amount underneath your bed and forget about it. Remember it when the back-to-school campaign approaches,” she added.

On behalf of the radio station, Ms Ravele wished all the readers a joyful Christmas. “May it be filled with happiness, joy and peace. I wish you all a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year!”

Young fans inspire Sho Madjozi’s chidlren’s book

By Thembi Siaga

Internationally acclaimed singer and performer Sho Madjozi showed the depth of her artistic ability by writing a children’s book. The beautifully illustrated

book, Shoma and The Stars, was released early in December.

The popular rapper, with hits songs such as Huku, Wakanda Forever and John Cena, was born in Shirley village near Elim. She goes by the stage name of Sho Madjozi, but her real name is Maya Wegerif, the daughter of Rosemary Phaweni and Marc Wegerif.

She travelled widely with her father and finished her school career in Tanzania.

Madjozi then studied creative writing and African studies at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. While in the United States, she started writing poems under the pen name of MayaThePoet. The poems were about politics, identity and race.

When Madjozi returned to South Africa, she took up a fellowship in studying at the University of South Africa in Johannesburg.

She began rapping and composing music under her stage name, “Sho Madjozi”. She rose to fame after her collaboration with rapper Okmalumkoolkat.

Madjozi’s newly published book contains 32 pages with stunning illustrations by well-known artist Katlego Keokgale. She said that she was encouraged by her young fans to write a book. However, the book is more than just a children’s story.

“The book is about a girl called Shoma living in a magical village in Limpopo. I was actually a writer before I was a musician, and for me it’s all the same. It’s either I’m writing lyrics and poetry or stories,” she said.

Sho Madjozi explained that after she had lost her younger sister, Makhanani ‘Nyeleti’ Maganye, in a terrible accident in 2019, she was inspired to write a book by her young admirers who became her

little sisters. Thousands of girls donned vibrant Sho Madjozi braids a few days after she had lost her sister, and she refers them as “The Sho Madjozi Stars”, her youthful devotees.

“They gave me so much hope and light because they were like bright little stars when my life felt so dark. I admire how they were not scared to wear bright colours and be bright and creative,” she said.

She said that she wanted Shoma and The Stars to be a household name in children’s entertainment.

“I am also passionate about giving young kids high-quality local entertainment that they love,” she said She said that the book took her a few months to complete and is packed with vital messages. The touching story is published by Ethnikids Publishers.

Shoma and The Stars can be ordered from Ethnikids’ online store and is also available from stores such as Bargain Books, Mall of Africa and many more.

Phalaphala FM’s programme manager, Ms Sharon Ravele. Photo supplied.

Maya Wegerif, widely known as Sho Madjozi, was inspired by her young fans to write a book titled Shoma and The Stars, which was released early in December. Photo supplied.

The legendary Adziambei Band that gave the fans a Christmas gift by releasing a new album, Gwengwelele. The members are, from left to right, Mr Maele Elias Sirwali (founder), Mr Ratshivhadelo Johannes Kwinda (Mufunzi) and Mr Thivhonali Samuel Mabuda. Photo supplied.

Legendary poet and musician Mr Burning Saul Nephawe (left) holds a certificate awarded to him by the host of the event, Vendaboy Poet. Photo supplied.

Festive greetings from the people behind all the news in Limpopo Mirror

Thembi Siaga resides

and around the Elim area. He has been writing for Limpopo Mirror since 2021. He covers various stories, ranging from human-interest stories such as service delivery issues, to court cases and crime and he particularly enjoys writing about the arts and entertainment sector.

“May God bless you this Christmas as always, and may his presence in your life bring you comfort. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful year to come,” says Thembi.

area and has been writing for Mirror 2006.

Andries van Zyl Andries van Zyl is the editor of the Limpopo Mirror’s sister paper, the Zoutpansberger. His articles often get published in the Mirror He is more focused on news in the Louis Trichardt area. He has been part of the “family” since 1993 and, throughout the years, has won numerous accolades for his journalism, being the Forum for Community Journalists (FCJ)’s Journalist of the Year in 2014.

“Wishing you an awesome summer Christmas in the Bushveld! Do try and keep cool amidst the Eskom load shedding and try to get some rest - 2023 is around the corner! A Merry Christmas to all our loyal readers and advertisers,” he says.

Frank Mavhungu has become

section. He stays

Tsianda village in the Thohoyandou area. He is one of the newspaper’s “oldest” correspondents, having started writing for the paper in 1990, shortly after it first appeared. Although he covers crime and entertainment stories at times, his field of specialisation is sports. “May the happiness and the charm of Christmas stay with you forever and ever. Wishing you and your families a season full of light and laughter,” says Frank to the readers of Limpo-

Bernard Chiguvare

Bernard Chiguvare has been a resident in Louis Trichardt town for several years. He is also known for the human-interest articles he writes for online publication GroundUp.

Maanda Bele lives in Siloam in the Nzhelele valley. He mostly covers stories from that beautiful part of Vhembe. He enjoys human-interest stories, but has also done some investigative reporting. This year he ended third in the Hard

Bernard arrived at Limpopo Mirror’s offices in 2019 and since then he has been part of the family. His area of focus is social issues, such as water outages, inaccessible bridges and roads, education and in general issues that affect vulnerable communities in the Vhembe District.

News category of the Forum of Community Journalists’ annual competition.

“My Christmas wish is for our readers to take care and be safe. Remember that the festive season is only a few days, so spend it wisely and safely. We still want you to be part of our paper next year. Please keep on supporting local journalism,” says Maanda.

Victor Mukwevho was born and raised in Khubvi village. He first started writing for the then Venda Mirror in October 1990, only two months after the paper was started. He later joined the SABC, and after working there for a couple of years, returned to the newspaper world where he freelanced for several national publications.

In June this year, Victor “returned to his roots” and joined the Lim- po po Mirror “family” once again as a correspondent. He enjoys writing columns and feels at home when reporting sports. “Please, when enjoying yourself during this festive season, don’t drink and drive. I wish you a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year,” he says.

Silas Nduvheni

Silas Nduvheni was born and raised in the rural village of Ngalavhani near Matavhela. He developed a love of writing in 2000, and later enrolled for a national diploma in public relations from the University of South Africa (Unisa). He worked for the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)’s online news publication called SA News and later also for Daily Sun. He started writing articles for Limpopo Mirror in 2008, where he reports on a wide array of subjects, including crime, service-delivery issues and court reporting. He enjoys writing about developmental issues and challenges affecting communities.

“I take this opportunity to wish all Limpopo Mirror’s readers a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. Stay safe, till we meet next year,” he says.

“My wish for the new year is to see a change in how municipalities work towards achieving a better living standard in the communities. Through my reporting, I hope I can enkindle change in society. By exploring and writing about the root causes of service-delivery issues, I hope to make a change,” he says.

ploring and writing about the root

2000. Prior to that, he had a five-year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. Throughout the years, he has won numerous awards for his sports reporting and photography. In 2019 and 2020, he was named Photographer of the Year by the Limpopo Sport, Arts and Culture Department.

“Our readers need to be responsible during these days. Do not spend more than you have and be in debt in January. As we are approaching the festive season, I would like to wish you a happy and safe festive season. As we prepare to unwind, relax and celebrate, it is important to pause for a moment and remind ourselves of the value of life and families that depend on it. Let us not drink and drive. If you are tired, please stop and rest. Enjoy ourselves responsibly and welcome 2023 with shared enthusiasm.”

Ndivhuwo

“I

readers and ev-

eryone a

Please

Thembi Siaga

various

Maanda Bele

Frank Mavhungu

synonymous with Limpopo Mirror’s sport

at

po Mirror.

Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo stays in the Thohoyandou

vice-delivery matters, court cases and has a vested interest in issues of traditional leadership among

children, overwhelmed and shocked

“Be that as it may, my festive wish let us put all the negatives aside and and relatives. Let us be positive and

He reports on crime, ser-

Victor Mukwevho

Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela is from Tshiozwi in the Sinthumule area. He started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in

Ndivhuwo Musetha

Musetha is a freelance journalist who started his career with Mirror back in 1991.

wish our loyal sources,

safe Christmas & Happy New Year.

don’t drink & drive. Enjoy the festive season in a responsible way,” he says.

Thembi Siaga.

Elmon Tshikhudo.

Frank Mavhungu.

Andries van Zyl.

Victor Mukwevho.

Silas Nduvheni.

Maanda Bele.

Barnard Chiguvare.

Kaizer Nengovhela.

Ndivhuwo Musetha.

Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence ... and to all of our readers

My good friend and fellow publisher from the East Rand, Zaid Khumalo, has a favourite movie line, namely “Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence!” It comes from the title of a 1983 film, based on the book of South African author Sir Lawrence van der Post. The film plays out during the early stages of World War II and tells the story of British soldiers who are captured by Japanese forces and held in a prison camp.

The main character, Lt Col John Lawrence, serves as the translator who tries to find common ground between British and Japanese beliefs. At one stage, Lawrence and another British soldier learn that they are to be executed. The night before the execution they get released by a drunk Japanese officer, Sgt Gengo Hara. As he lets them go, he calls out “Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence!”

Towards the end of the film, the two men meet again, but this time under completely different circumstances. After reminiscing about the past, the two men conclude that the war had had no winners. Morally “we are all wrong,” they say. As Hara leaves, he calls out: “Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence!”

In this beautiful region of ours, we are preparing for Christmas. This is supposed to be a wonderful time of the year, but it certainly does not feel that way. This past year was a difficult one, and the ailing economy has taken its toll on each of us. We have now realised that the vast majority of

our leaders, whether at national, provincial or local level, are rotten to the core. Crime has affected all of us and it seems as if evil forces are getting the upper hand.

Still, we have hope. We live in a country with an amazing diversity of people. They may look different, speak different languages and even have different religions, but the vast majority of the people around us are good people. They are people who will reach out to you when you are hungry, they will give you a blanket when you are cold and they will share your laughter. We may harbour evil people in our midst, but South Africans are not evilthey are good people.

Perhaps all we need is to simply reach out, break the barriers and say to those around us: “Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence!” Sgt Hara, in the film, could not speak English fluently and he did not celebrate Christmas. He realised that good was not limited to the Japanese forces. He felt the need to reach out, to find common ground.

For more than two years, I have been acting as editor of the Limpopo Mirror. After the death of Wikus Lee in 2020, filling the position has been difficult, and I had to take on this task as well. But this task gave me an opportunity to work closely with a dedicated team of journalists and interact more frequently with our readers.

This may have been a difficult year in the publish-

ing industry, but it was also a year in which we saw the most amazing things happen. Limpopo Mirror, along with online publication GroundUp, exposed the corruption within the National Lotteries Commission for the past few years. Most of the looters are from the Vhembe area. At times, this process was a depressing and demoralising one. As a journalist, you witness what is happening and how thugs steal hundreds of millions meant to uplift poor communities, and nothing happens to them. Instead of backing off, the looters simply become greedier. But the gears have started turning, and this year the noose tightened around the necks of those responsible for some of the looting. The Special Investigation Unit confiscated properties and the top structure at the NLC either resigned or were suspended. Now we are just waiting for the first orange overall to be handed out.

Closer to home, our newspapers also had numerous “victories”, albeit considered small. We won the court battle against the Makhado Municipality, forcing them to release documents about a dodgy tender transaction. The documents proved how corruption is endemic to the way local munici-

palities conduct their business. Will this be stopped? Perhaps; who knows? All we can do is shine a light on these nefarious activities.

What we realised again, however, is that ordinary people do not condone what is happening in our society. Once the crime syndicates active within the NLC had been busted, the dozens and dozens of honest, hardworking staff members could breathe again. Suddenly, they no longer had to dread going to work where an atmosphere of

fear prevailed. They could just do their jobs.

The same goes for local government and even the private sector. Ordinary people are too afraid to speak out against the evil in their midst. Often only one person brave enough to confront the rotten core is needed. Once that is done, the inherent good in all the others will come out and the evil people will back off.

We are very proud of what we have been able to achieve the past few years with our

reporting. The effects may seem minimal, but we will keep on shining our little torches.

My wish is that, in the new year, we all reach out to the good people around us. “Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence” is more than a festive greeting but also a recognition of the good in others and the wish that a better future awaits all of us.

Merry Christmas to our readers.

Anton van Zyl – Editor: Limpopo Mirror

Anton van Zyl – Editor: Limpopo Mirror

Is this the end of the road for the commercial subjects stream in our schools in the Vhembe District?

This letter is necessitated by what I have been observing over time in schools in the Vhembe District. Albeit not unique to the district, the commerce stream is gradually being done away with by many schools.

Accounting, business studies, economics and mathematics complete the makeup of this stream in most of the schools. The stream equips leaners with knowledge in the operations of the economy, financial literacy and also entrepreneurship in the lower grades. I conducted an informal survey to try and find contributing factors as to why, instead of the stream growing because of its relevance in the economic growth of the country, it is going down.

The reason the stream was introduced in our schools to begin with, was its importance in the economic development

of the country. If this trend is not stopped soonest, we will find ourselves with no auditors, for example, coming from the Vhembe District.

In the district, where do we now point our fingers? Is it the Vhembe basic education district office, together with its circuit offices, that is lacking strategies to energise the growth of this stream, or is it school principals together with their SMTs and SGBs failing to recognise ways to maintain and keep this important stream in their schools? Is it the subject teachers who are failing to market the importance of commercial subjects to the learners and also struggling to teach them, or is it the lack of career guidance in general? Can it be that parents are failing to help their children with career choices?

All these questions need to be answered honestly as the losers are our learners in the end.

Most of the secondary school teachers who find themselves in the rationalisation and redeployment (R&R) process are from this commerce stream.

This means that not only learners are affected but teachers

too, including curriculum and subject advisors.

Learners make their subjects choices in Grade 10. The question is: how are these processes being conducted in our schools? Are learners being given enough information to choose commerce as a career choice? The lack of career guidance should never be undermined. Currently, these subjects form what is called the economic and management sciences (EMS), including entrepreneurship. Ideally, two to three teachers should take this stream in a grade because of subjects combinations, but you find in our schools only one teacher having to teach all three these subjects with little knowledge or training in one or two. Can this be one of the contributing reasons why learners struggle in the subjects and end up not choosing them in Grade 10? An honest conversation needs to be undertaken.

The writer is a former high school teacher in commercial subjects and is raising all these concerns as a concerned citizen of the Vhembe District.

Local NGO wants to address the problem of Vhembe’s teen suicides

By Elmon Tshikhudo

The

The township has been burying young people for some time, and in many cases, depression and the use of drugs have been identified as contributing factors.

In trying to address the scourge, a recently formed non-governmental organisation, Harmony Legends Exit Cemetery, hosted an event to create awareness of mental disorders. The event was held at the Efesa Apostolic Church in Zion on Friday, 16 December.

The central theme of the day was “Let’s Tackle Depression”, and a number of speakers were lined up to discuss the effects and dangers of depression.

Ms Khumbelo Desiree Mammburu, the organisation’s CEO, explained that suicides have become more and more common in the area. “Here at Shayandima, we have buried quite a number [of young people] and this is also prevalent in some other Vhembe areas. The country is losing future leaders, and we cannot keep quiet,” she said.

Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Programme’s assessor, Reverend Jabulane Monegi, said that depression was very prevalent in commu-

nities around Thohoyandou and that young people were affected the worst.

“We are dealing with many cases each month, and we urge parents to be on the lookout for signs like withdrawal, where youths isolate themselves, neglecting themselves, are no longer interested in their schoolwork and are feeling rejected. Help is readily available as there are psychologists and other experts who can assist,” he said.

Those wishing to invite the organisation to speak to them or to assist them in coping with problems can call Ms Desiree Mammburu at 071 200 7397 or Mr Peter Tshivhase at 079 193 4374.

Thanks to all who joined us on the road to a better future, says mayor

Cllr Samuel Munyai, mayor of the Makhado Municipality, writes:

That time of the year has arrived where families come together to celebrate the festive season. It is a season to show love, giving to the needy, showing compassion and most of all to forgive.

Our gratitude goes to you all, who have walked with us into becoming a better municipality and, all of you who put their

hands together to help move Makhado forward. You remain our strategic partners and together we can build a much better Makhado .

Let us break the circle of violence. Let us act against gender-based violence ( GBV) and any other form of violence. It is our responsibility to reduce the high rate of HIV/AIDS which is prevalent in our communities. Those who are engaging in sexual activities, please practice safe sex and condomise at all times.

We have also observed high levels of criminal activities. We call upon each one of you to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police.

If you will be traveling, obey the rules of the road. Do not drink and drive, respect other road users, and make sure your vehicle is roadworthy.

On behalf of the Makhado Municipal Council, I would like to wish you a blessed Christmas and a blistering prosperous 2023.

Ludwiq Mugwena, Learning & Development Consultant and Lead Facilitator, writes

“As commercial subjects are fast disappearing, so will opportunities”

recent spate of suicides by youths at Shayandima Township has become a source for concern.

Seated from left to right are Harmony executives Ms Edzisani Nemakonde, Mr Peter Vhutshilo Tshivhase, Ms Tshifhiwa Masakona and Ms Khumbelo Desiree Mamburu. With them in the picture are some of the guests, including speakers of the day. Photo: Elmon Tshikhudo.

The Mulovhedzi children of Mangilasi Hanesengani organised a special function to appreciate and honour their father, Mr Freddy Mulovhedzi. Mulovhedzi is a pensioner and a senior member of the Assemblies of God church in Tshivhazwaulu. The function took place at the local Hayani Lodge on 9 December and was attended by church members, relatives and friends. Mulovhedzi’s eldest daughter, Mashudu, said they felt indebted to their father who took the position of father and mother after the passing away of their mother years ago. In the photo are the children, assisting their father to cut the cake. Photo: Elmon Tshikhudo.

Learners from schools around the Sinthumule/Kutama area who make use of Mathavha Transport received T-shirts for their loyal support. The official hand-over of the T-shirts was done at Muduluni on Friday, 30 November. Photo: Kaizer Nengovhela.

The effective leadership provided by the first woman bishop of the New African Apostolic Church, Bishop Tendani Nangammbi Tshifularo Gogome, has not gone unnoticed. On 4 December, the church members held a colourful event in her honour. The function, which also served as her birthday celebration, took place at the church’s headquarters at Malavuwe and was attended by members of branches from Mpumalanga, Musina, Gauteng and all over Limpopo. Among the esteemed guests who attended were UAAC Archbishop Phillemon Mureri, Bishop Bless Netshirioni and Tshifhe David Thidiela. In the picture, the bishop and other senior members of the church sit next to her giant birthday cake. Photo supplied.

Local runners struggling to make a professional career out of sports because of the lack of financial support

By Thembi Siaga

For most athletes, competing in events such as the Olympics is the pinnacle of success, yet many, especially those from rural areas, suffer from the financial burden of getting there. Acclaimed Olympic athletes such as Lutendo Mapoto, Peter Muthubi, and Lucas Nonyana say that, without competitions to help them along financially, they feel the squeeze of getting by, and competing in competitions requires funding.

Mapoto, Muthubi and Nonyana are professional gold medallist ultra-marathon runners from the Muwaweni area. They lament that they are facing serious financial pressure as they train for the various competitions such as the Cape Peninsula Marathon (42.2km) and the Two Oceans Marathon (56km), and do not know where to find support.

Mapoto, who won a gold medal after finishing in the 10th place in the Comrades ultra-marathon three months ago, says he is losing hope. “As we are coming from Covid-19, training gear such as running shoes is more expensive and for a full-time runner it is even worse as our shoes have to be replaced more often,” he said.

Mapoto claims that all three of them have approached the Makhado Municipality, as well as the Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, but that they have never received any support from them – even with the potential they showed to put Vhembe on the map.

“I tried my level best to request for sponsorship from our municipality and sports department, but with no success,” Mapoto said.

These athletes say they do not even feel that they can be an inspiration to aspiring runners.

Another top Vhembe runner, Bethuel Netshifhefhe from Dididi, said that pursuing sport as a full-time athlete left them in dire financial straits.

“As full-time runners who don’t earn other salaries, we are not getting any support in the form of sponsorships, so we use money from our pockets for transport and accommodation when we compete,” he said.

Mr Kenny Mathivha, the spokesperson of the Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, said the reason why so many local athletes were facing these challenges was because of a lack of knowledge regarding the getting of sponsorships.

“These athletes must know whom to approach to get sponsorships. I would firstly like to urge them to join organised athletics bodies and approach the Limpopo Sports Confederation for assistance,” he said.

MIRROR CLASSIFIED

of late SIKHETO ROBERT SIKHALELA, ID No: 460607 5117 085, DATE OF DEATH: 04 OCTOBER 2022, ESTATE NO: 002352/2022, Last Address: House 528D, Giyani Township, Mopani District, Limpopo Province

All persons having complaints and claims against the above estate are called upon to contact the appointed Executrix within thirty (30) days of the publica�on of this no�ce.

The name of the Executor/ Executrix is as follow: VONANI ROYNAH SIKHALELA, IDENTITY NUMBER 730915 1040 084 and the name of the agent is as follows: BENJAMIN MLOCHE ATTORNEYS. Office 02, Vahlave Complex, Sec�on A Giyani Township, PO Box 6395, Giyani 0826, Limpopo Province. TEL: 015 812 0189 CELL: 071 630 1831 REF: 11/2022EST/S

whichever may be the later, and at the offices of the Masters and Magistrates as stated. Should no objec�on thereto be lodged with the Masters concerned during the specified period, the executors will proceed to make payments in accordance with the account.

Name and Address of Executor / Administrators of the Estate: MRS. LOUISE DEKKER C/O KERN, DEKKER & MUTHEVHULI INC. 105 Krogh Street, P.O Box 25, Louis Trichardt, 0920 REF: L DEKKER/IR/A16594

KERN & DEKKER INC

No�ce to Creditors in terms of Sec�on 29 (1) of the Administra�on of Estates Act 66 of 1965 in the estate late: SEKUILI SOLOMON PHOKOBYE MASTER REF NR: 006416/2017 ID No: 360606 6031 080

Date of Death: 6 July 2008

From: House 70, Tlamatlama, Limpopo All persons having claims against the abovemen�oned estate must lodge it with the Executor concerned within 30 days (or as indicated) from date of publica�on hereof.

Name and Address of Executor / Administrators of the Estate: MRS. LOUISE DEKKER C/O KERN, DEKKER & MUTHEVHULI INC. 105 Krogh Street, P.O Box 25, Louis Trichardt, 0920 REF: L DEKKER/IR/A10925

MADHLOPA & THENGA INC ATTORNEYS

IN THE HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA (LIMPOPO DIVISION, POLOKWANE)

Case No: 5100/2019

In the ma�er between: NATIONAL EMPOWERMENT FUND Plain�ff/Execu�on Creditor and MOHALE POULTRY AND VEGETABLES

Defendant/Execu�on Debtor (Registra�on No. 2012/058529/07)

NOTICE OF SALE

In Execu�on of a judgment of the High Court of South Africa (Limpopo Division, Polokwane), the abovemen�oned suit, a sale Without Reserve will be held at the office of the SHERIFF LOUIS TRICHARDT/ SOUTPANSBERG, 21 FLAMBOYANT STREET, LOUIS TRICHARDT on THURSDAY, 26 JANUARY 2023 and at 11h00 of the under-men�oned property of the Defendant, on the Condi�ons to be read out by the Auc�oneer at the office of the SHERIFF LOUIS TRICHARDT/ SOUTPANSBERG, 21 FLAMBOYANT STREET, LOUIS TRICHARDT, and which under-men�oned property may be inspected at the office of the SHERIFF LOUIS TRICHARDT/ SOUTPANSBERG, 21 FLAMBOYANT STREET, LOUIS TRICHARDT prior to the sale:

CERTAIN: REMAINING EXTENT OF THE FARM DROOGELOOP, 516 REGISTRATION DIVISION L.T LIMPOPO PROVINCE MEASURING 496.5275 (FOUR HUNDRED AND NINETY – SIX COMMA FIVE SEVEN FIVE)

HELD UNDER DEED OF TRANSFER NO. 75815/2012 PTA SUBJECT TO ALL THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS CONTAINED THEREIN.

SITUATE AT: R614 WARTBURG (HEREINAFTER CALLED “THE PROPERTY”) IMPROVEMENTS REPORTED: (which are not warranted to be correct and are not guaranteed) 1 X 2 ROOM HOUSE 1 X 2 SHED 1 X 5 CHICKEN COOPS DATED AT JOHANNESBURG THIS THE 6th DAY OF DECEMBER 2022 MADHLOPA & THENGA INC ATTORNEYS ATTORNEYS FOR THE PLAINTIFF/

EXECUTION CREDITOR

54 Seventh Avenue Parktown North PO Box 2719, Parklands, 2121 Docex 543, JHB Tel: 011 442 9045 Fax: 011 788 0131 E-MAIL: sameerah@ madhlopathenga.co.za C/O MAHUMANI INCORPORATED 17 Isimini Avenue, Hillary Drive, Bendor POLOKWANE, 0699 TEL: (015) 297 1030 Ref: SB/ra/N0100274/18

VICTOR

MASIYA ATTORNEYS.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN TERMS OF SECTION 29 OF THE DECEASED ESTATE OF LATE GOLELE MARUMO STANLEY

ID NO: 550121 5165 087 Date of death: 26th July 2022

ESTATE NO: 008871/2022 last address: House No. 2038, Sec�on A, Giyani, Mopani District

All persons having complaints and claims against the above estate are called upon to contact the appointed Executrix within thirty (30) days of the publica�on of this no�ce.

The name of the Executrix is as follow: MARIA RHULANI GOLELE and the name of the agent is as follows: VICTOR MASIYA ATTORNEYS INC.,Office No: 1955, Sec�on A,Giyani, PO Box 2866, Giyani 0826 TELFAX: 083 540 2251 REF: VM0716/22/EST

VICTOR MASIYA ATTORNEYS.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN TERMS OF SECTION 29 OF THE DECEASED ESTATE OF LATE BVUMA NODIYA ELSON

ID NO. 570413 5628 081, Date of death: 06th June 2022,

ESTATE NO: 005508/2022 Last Address: Stand No.

35, Matsotsosela Village, Giyani, Mopani District

All persons having complaints and claims against the above estate are called upon to contact the appointed Executrix within thirty (30) days of the publica�on of this no�ce.

The name of the Executrix is as follow: RHULANI IRIS BVUMA and the name of the agent is as follows: VICTOR MASIYA ATTORNEYS INC.,Office No: 1955, Sec�on A,Giyani, PO Box 2866, Giyani 0826 REF: VM0680/22/EST

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LEGAL NOTICE

In terms of Regula�on 56 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 as amended. You are hereby kindly requested to publish the following details in your publica�on: The Department of Social development, Limpopo Province, Vhembe District, Makhado sub-district is reques�ng anyone with informa�on with regards to the parents / family of the child Makhode Tshinakaho Alexia born on 2005-06-10 at Madombidzha to contact Social Worker Makgotla D.C. on 015 516 1524 during office hours and/or 082 725 1554 a�er hours. To our knowledge the reported family of the child is/are: Makhode Khathutshelo Alexia

You are hereby kindly requested to publish the following details in your publica�on: The Department of Social development, Limpopo Province, Vhembe District, Makhado sub-district is reques�ng anyone with informa�on with regards to the parents / family of the child

Mlangeni Fanelukubongwa Maduvha born on 2012-10-30 at Magau to contact Social Worker Ramuthivheli R.W. on 015 516 1524 during office hours and/or 076 471 1855 a�er hours.

To our knowledge the reported family of the child is/are: Mlangeni Thulile Mary-Jane.

family of the child Munyai Muongi born on 200508-23 at Madombidzha to contact Social Worker Makgotla D.C. on 015 516 1524 during office hours and/or 082 725 1554 a�er hours.

To our knowledge the reported family of the child is/are: Munyai Takalani Marcia.

LEGAL NOTICE

In terms of Regula�on 56 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 as amended.

LEGAL NOTICE

In terms of Regula�on 56 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 as amended.

LEGAL NOTICE

In terms of Regula�on 56 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 as amended.

You are hereby kindly requested to publish the following details in your publica�on: The Department of Social development, Limpopo Province, Vhembe District, Makhado sub-district is reques�ng anyone with informa�on with regards to the parents /

You are hereby kindly requested to publish the following details in your publica�on: The Department of Social development, Limpopo Province, Vhembe District, Makhado sub-district is reques�ng anyone with informa�on with regards to the parents / family of the child Mashula Fhulu�elo Ashley born on 2008-01-20 at Magau Village to contact Social Worker Ramuthivheli R.W. on 015 516 1524 during office hours and/or 076 471 1855 a�er hours.

To our knowledge the reported family of the child is/are: Lisaga Takalani Sharlot.

Published by Zoutnet CC, trading as Limpopo Mirror of 16B Joubert Street, Louis Trichardt. Typographically prepared by the proprietors and printed by D Brits, 1 Jeppe Street, Louis Trichardt Audited

Local full-time runners say they are struggling to make a professional career out of athletics because of a lack of support. In the photo is Lutendo Mapoto, who won a gold medal after finishing in the 10th place at the Comrades ultra-marathon three months ago. Photo supplied.

Boxing tournament in Thohoyandou promises to be ultimate humdinger

By Victor Mukwevho

Sparks are expected to fly when the hard-hitting Rofhiwa Maphupha meets the sensational Jansen Mudzanani

in the ring for the Boxing Extravaganza Tournament to be held at the Thohoyandou Town Hall on Monday, 26 December.

The two boxers are sworn enemies, having fought each other twice before. In the first fight, Rofhiwa, who is from Ha-Raliphaswa in the Nzhelele area, won on points, while Jansen, who is from Tshitavha village, won the second fight.

They will now fight for the provincial championship belt on Boxing Day (26 December). The two boxers are also representing their respective municipalities, guaranteeing a fierce match in the ring.

This will be the very first boxing tournament to be promoted by a woman - local female boxing promoter Ms Thifhelimbilu Emily Shiruma. Shiru-

ma is a former professional boxing referee and founder and manager of Mulondoli LC Boxing Promotions. She is also the owner of Mulondoli Lifestyle Centre, situated at the Eastgate Centre in Thohoyandou.

Shiruma promised that the tournament will be a humdinger, with only the cream of local boxers invited to participate. Two provincial title fights will take place. The main supporting fight is also for the provincial junior lightweight championship, where Pfariseni Khorommbi will slug it out with Ndiafhi Mbubana.

“They are both from Mulenzhe village in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality. They fought once before, and Khorommbi won the fight. Even though it is not a village fight, residents of Mulenzhe village want to witness the one to bring the belt home,” said Shiruma.

Entrance fee is R200 for the general public, R500 for VIPs and R1 000 for VVIPs. Kids under 12 years can enter for free.

Fun walk and soccer matches at Mudimeli on eve of Christmas

By Kaizer Nengovhela

The seventh edition of the Mupo Washu Soccer tournament and 10 km fun walk will be held at Mudimeli on 24 December. The fun walk will start at 07:00.

One of the organisers of the tournament, Mr Goldrick Radamba, described the sponsor, Mr Radebe, as a “selfless and caring community developer”. He said that seeing that many businesspeople did not plough anything back into the community was painful. He said most of the soccer stars of yesterday were now penniless and some were even taking ordinary jobs after a life of glory. “I have come to realise that a soccer career is very short and that many have hit hard times after being in the limelight and leading a life of glamour,” he said.

He also encouraged youngsters to take education seriously and not to rush to make “a quick buck” before securing their future. He emphasised that education is the key that can open closed doors for a sportsman.

According to the manager of the Mupo Washu Group,

Mr Rudzani “RR Nemupo” Radebe, sport has the power to create a good climate between a business and the community in which it operates. “This is the company’s way of making sure that it touches the lives of those in the Mudimeli area,” he said.

He added that their sponsorship would increase from one season to the next, depending on the financial position of the business.

He also stated that sponsorships played a vital role in sports development, especially in rural areas.

The winners of the tournament will go home with a new kit, gold medals, a floating trophy and R5 000.The runners-up will pocket R2 000 and silver medals.

The soccer teams that will participate are: Sokotenda FC,

Bombers FC, Vhamami FC, Rirothe FC, Parma FC and Tshinakela Pitco Pirates.

The tournament and fun walk are sponsored by the Mupo Washu Group, Smart Toilet and Trailer Rentals and WTP Cleaning Services.

Two match officials get suspended

By Kaizer Nengovhela

Two soccer referees who officiated in Safa Vhembe matches in Stream A, Dion Mphuma and Oddies Moyana, were found guilty and suspended on charges of match fixing. Their cases appeared before a disciplinary committee on Saturday at Safa’s Thohoyandou office.

The two were among nine referees who were suspended in October on match-fixing charges. Nzunzukani Ngwenya, an assistant referee in the ABC Motsepe league and a referee in Stream E (Sinthumule/Kutama), was found not guilty. The other six suspended referees who were found not guilty are from the Nzhelele area’s stream G, and they are: Tshianeo Ratshilumela, Rollet Mulaudzi, Aifheli Mudau, Khuliso Ramulumbi, Stephen Sinthumule and Livhuwani Makhomisane.

Mphuma was fined R2 000 and suspended for six months. Moyana was found quilt on two charges. He is said to have received a bribe from Muchipis when they played against Mapapila Blue Eagles. For this he was fined R5 000 and suspended for 12 months. He was also told to pay a R2 000 fine and was suspended for six months relating to an incident where he was assistant referee when Phylimark played against Maravi FC.

The case against Tshikhwani Stone Breakers was withdrawn because of

The

a lack of evidence. Magau United accused Breakers of trying to bribe a referee.

Phylimark FC were fined R2 000 for paying the referee fees by EFT and not paying their traveling cost in cash. Tshipuseni All Stars were fined R2 000 for failing to mark the ground properly and the teams also forfeited the points to Valdezia FC.

The secretary of Safa Vhembe, Mr Sam Matodzi, said that Safa Vhembe stood for integrity in football and that fans should have confidence in the way the

leagues were run. “We appeal to all our teams to report any signs of attempted match fixing and unethical conduct by our referees immediately. We therefore discourage any club official and referee from involving themselves in corrupt activities during our games,” he said.

The manager of Tshikhwani Stone Breakers, Vhamusanda Vho-Mbulaheni Ramabulana, said that he was happy about the withdrawal of the case of bribery against his team. He said that the suspension had demoralised the players.

Teams prepare for Vhako’s Soccer Challenge

By Frank Mavhungu

The annual Vhako’s Soccer Challenge Tournament will be staged at the Gumbu Sports Grounds from next Tuesday until Thursday (27 to 29 December). According to one of the organisers of the tournament, Mr Richard Rambiyana, eight teams from the Niani area will take part in this year’s event. Teams that will partake in the tournament are Gumbu FC, Masisi Young Stars, Bale FC, Maramanzhi FC, Tshenzhelani Diiteleni, Makavhini FC, Sigonde FC and Mutele FC.

This year’s champions will receive R3 500. The runners-up will be

presented with R2 000, while teams booted out of the tournament in the semi-final stage will each go home with R500.

Mr Rambiyana said that six tshigombela traditional dancing groups will compete at the same venue for the duration of the soccer tournament.

The traditional-dancing groups that will compete for the top spot are Gumbu, Sigonde, Manenzhe, Makavhini, Dovho and Duluthulu. The champions in the traditional dances will receive R2 000, while the second- and third-placed sides will be presented with R1 000 and R500 respectively.

Makonde United Brothers’ U/16 side played to a 1-all draw against Mafagini FC at the Makonde Grounds on Saturday, 10 December. United Brothers scored in the first half through their lethal striker Funanani Mafelatshuma (right), while Mafagini FC equalised in the second half through Rolivhuwa Tshanda (left).

The Soutpansberg Junior Squash Training group, which forms part of the Limpopo Junior Squash Development, had their final training session on Wednesday, 14 December, at the Soutpansberg Squash Club. The training kit is sponsored by Limpopo for the junior programme. Being part of this group allows you to play in Limpopo events, get a Limpopo shirt and also makes you eligible to be elected for the Limpopo team. There are coaching days, development days and tours to other clubs that will greatly benefit you if you become a member. For more information, contact Erik Welman 063 168 9851. Photo supplied

One of the tournament organisers, Mr Richard Rambiyana. Photo supplied.

Local boxer Rofhiwa Maphupha will be in the ring with long-time boxing foe Jansen Mudzanani on Boxing Day.

Mr Rudzani “RR Nemupo” Radebe (sponsor). Photo supplied.

KFC U/13 Cup and Hollywoodbets Women’s Soccer Cup, organised by Mamu Community Development, could not take place the past weekend because of the heavy rains. The various teams arrived at the grounds, filled with enthusiasm, but quickly realised that no matches could be played. According to Mr Jafter Mamugudubi, general secretary of Mamu, they decided that the mini-tournament would now take place from 25 to 27 December, again at the Mabaleng Sports Grounds. In the photo are some of the captains of the teams that arrived, ready to participate. Photo supplied.

Clean audit for Safa Vhembe

By Frank Mavhungu

The Safa Vhembe Regional Football Association has managed to get another clean audit, this time for the soccer season that ended on 30 June 2022.

When presenting the financial report during the association’s annual general meeting, which was held at the Porche Villa Hotel in Thohoyandou last Saturday, the treasurer of the association, Mr James Maluleke, said that his association was proud to have received an unqualified audit opinion in the last five soccer seasons.

The president of the association, Mr Philbert Ndobe, said that his association had lost its main sponsor, MMK

Administrators. He stated that the association had managed to give the clubs their league prizes for the 2021/22 soccer season, despite the fact that they had parted ways with the sponsor two seasons ago.

Mr Ndove said that his association had managed to promote two clubs, Vondwe XI Bullets and United Artists, to the ABC Motsepe League in the last two soccer seasons, despite all the odds. He reported back that the association’s disciplinary committee had dealt with seventy cases last season.

The cases ranged from abandonment of games to assault on match officials and the fielding of improperly registered players.

Mr Ndobe expressed his concern about the number of as-

saults on match officials, which were increasing every season. The former treasurer of the association said that they had suspended four match officials last season, following allegations of misconduct. He added that they were in the process of recruiting more young match officials as most of the referees were ageing.

He said that the association had produced eight referees and six assistant referees who were now officiating in the ABC Motsepe League. The association has once again promoted one referee and two assistant referees to officiate in the Premier Soccer League.

The association’s offices have already closed for the festive season and will reopen on Monday, 9 January.

Who will lift the Vhanasi trophy?

By Frank Mavhungu

The opening matches of the much-awaited Vhanasi Soccer Tournament will be played at the Sambandou United Professionals Grounds next Tuesday, 27 December. The annual event was officially launched during a ceremony held at the DOCC Church building in Sambandou three weeks ago.

The first of the four matches that will be played on the opening day will be between Makuya Try Again and Thengwe Flying Peace and is scheduled to start at 09:00. Gondeni Big Cat will

meet Musasenda Big Five in the next fixture, which is scheduled to start at 11:00.

SMSA FC and Ngwenani Young Chiefs will follow suit shortly after midday. The day’s programme is to be wrapped up by the match between Phaphama FC and Dipeni FC.

The same number of matches will be played the following day. Matangari High Aims and Tswera Hot Chilies will open the day’s programme at 09:00. The other fixtures scheduled for next Wednesday are Mavunde Hungry Vultures vs Madridtas FC, Anel Real Vikings vs Mashamba Soccer Academy and Sambandou United Professionals vs Berea FC.

Rams Soccer Academy rewards the year’s top performers and learners

last Saturday evening.

By Frank Mavhungu

Sambandou United Professionals and Madridtas FC are the hot favourites to lift the trophy. This year’s champions will take home R30 000, a floating trophy, gold medals, two soccer balls and a soccer kit. The runners-up will be presented with R15 000, silver medals, two soccer balls and a soccer kit. The team that will finish in the third position will receive R7 000, bronze medals and two soccer balls. Cash amounting to R3 000 and two soccer balls are awaiting the team that will obtain the fourth position.

Mashamba Soccer Academy are the defending champions. They beat Madridtas FC 1-0 in the final last year.

Learners

Rams Soccer Academy whose performances were outstanding in the classroom and on the field of play this year were rewarded during a ceremony held at the academy’s premises in Tshisaulu outside Thohoyandou

Andani Mudalahothe was the recipient of the U/13 top goal scorer award. He received a trophy and certificate during the ceremony. Lucky Mavhungu was also presented with a trophy and certificate after he was named the best midfielder

in the same category. The U/13 best defender award went to Oritonda Budeli. The recipients of the U/15 awards were Ntsieni Muleya (top goal scorer), Thembi Nyamane (best defender) and Mpho Netshiavha (best midfielder). The learners who received the U/17 awards were Mabetoa Molemo (top goal scorer), Junior Lutanyani (best midfielder) and Takalani Tshiyedzi (best defender).

The learners whose performance in the classroom was above average throughout the year were Dakalo Mareda, Junior Mampa, Junior Muthelo, Vhuthu Mbodi, Arehone Makhari, Lucky Mavhungu, Wavhudi Govhola and Ampfaho Nkanyane.

According to the founder of the academy, Mr Tshifhiwa Ramukosi, the school had obtained a 97% pass rate this year.

Mr Ramukosi said that the academy had been founded in February last year. The school had a total enrolment of only seven learners last year. The number has risen to 45 this year. The academy was recently crowned the champions of the Rams Soccer Tournament that was staged at the Saselamani Stadium.

38 Teams prepare for the biggest ever Masawe Soccer Tournament

By Frank Mavhungu

This year’s edition of the Masawe Soccer Tournament will be the biggest ever in terms of the number of the participating teams and the sponsorship amount. The tournament was officially launched during a ceremony held at the Masawe Car Wash in Vondwe village last Friday.

Unlike last year, where only eight teams took part in the tournament, 38 teams from all over the Vhembe District will do battle for the championship in this year’s event.

In his keynote address the

sponsor, Mr Masala Ramaphosa, said that the tournament had been founded in 2017, with a cash prize of R3 000 for the winners. This year’s champions will become R12 000 richer, apart from the floating trophy, gold medals, 15 pairs of soccer boots and soccer kit they will again be presented with.

The runners-up will receive R8 000, a soccer kit, silver medals and a soccer ball. The third- and fourth-placed teams will be presented with R4 000 and R2 000 respectively. They will again each receive a soccer kit. Teams booted out of the tournament in the quarter-final stage will each go home with R1

000 and a soccer ball.

The draws for the opening matches were conducted during the ceremony. The opening matches will be played at the Makhuvha SK New Look Grounds, while the final will be played on Monday, 26 December.

During the ceremony, the deputy president of the Safa Vhembe Regional League, Mr Ephraim Singo, appealed to the representatives from the clubs to behave well throughout the tournament. He reiterated the fact that acts of misconduct had the potential to bring the organisers and the sponsors into disrepute.

One of the favourites to lift the trophy, Sambandou United Professionals FC. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

The sponsor, Mr Masala Ramaphosa (second from right), hands over the floating trophy at stake to the chairman of the organising committee, Mr Nnditsheni Mathule (second from left), while the assistant coach of Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC, Mr Lucky Nelukau (right) and Mr Thulani Malusela (left) look on. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Members of the executive committee pose for a photo after the meeting. Seated from left to right are Messrs Ephraim Singo, Philbert Ndobe, Samuel Matodzi and Ms Norah Mudzielwana. Standing in the back row, from left to right, are James Maluleke, Alice Mhangwani, Richard Mammbeda, Joseph Tshikosi and Frank Phathela. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

from

One of the top performers in the classroom, Dakalo Mareda, displays his trophy and certificates. He is flanked by Mr Joel Masutha and Ms Wisani Nemuremelane. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Muziafera’s Blue Eagles fly over Tshivhazwaulu

By Frank Mavhungu

In their Safa Vhembe Regional League match that was played at the Ratshikwekwete School Grounds in Tshitungulwane on Sunday, Muziafera Blue Eagles used their home-ground advantage to good effect and beat Tshivhazwaulu Cosmos 2-0.

Cosmos had themselves to blame for the defeat. They could have at least held the home side to a draw when considering the number of clear chances they had squandered in the game.

The game was characterised by yellow cards and the referee, Mr Fhulufhelo Masindi, flashed no fewer than five yellow cards in the game.

Cosmos realised that Sunday was not their day when they missed a fortune in the 20th minute. What could have been their opening goal was turned into

nightmare when Ollas Mudau miskicked the ball next to the goal line.

Blue Eagles claimed the lead towards the end of the first half. Moses Makungo tapped in the ball after a scramble within the box. Makungo was reprimanded with a card, following an ugly tackle on Vuwani Masakona seven minutes into the last stanza.

Ndivhuwo Mbewe of Cosmos was lucky not to see red in the 59th minute. He obstructed the striker of Blue Eagles just outside the box, denying him what could have been a goal. Tsireledzo Muthivhi of Cosmos handled the ball intentionally soon afterwards. The referee was again lenient enough not to give him his marching orders.

Blue Eagles increased the lead later in the game. Hakundi Mudau, who came on as a substitute, was on target with a ground cutter to seal the game.

TTM part ways with four players

By Frank Mavhungu

weight, something which he had failed to do.

Jampies was the first player

to Vhadau Vha

. Before his release, Jampies had gone public, accusing the club of poor management and non-payment of the players’ salaries.

He went further to say that his car had been repossessed by the bank after he had failed to pay an instalment for several months because of non-payment of his salary by the club.

When responding to the allegations made by Jampies, Phasha said that the player was ill-disciplined. He said that Jampies had not played a full game during his stay at TTM because he was lazy at training. According to Phasha, Jampies had been advised on countless occasions to work on his body

Some of the clubs that Jampies had played for over the past years include Sekhukhune United, Baroka FC, Bloemfontein Celtic, Jomo Cosmos, Richards Bay FC and Steenberg United.

Phasha further revealed that Makha, Gopane and Alabi were not regular players and the club had no reason to keep them on their payroll. Asked whether they were intending to replace the four players, Phasha said that they were happy with their current squad. He reckoned that the management believed that their current squad had the potential to go places.

Phasha said that TTM would continue to fight for the league championship when the league activities restarted early next month. TTM are currently lying in the ninth position on the log standings with 16 points, nine behind the pace setters, Polokwane City. Vhadau Vha Damani’s first match in the new year will be against Cape Town All Stars at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday, 14 January.

Ramakuela tastes her own medicine

By Victor Mukwevho

Mashudu “KO Girl” Ramakuela tasted her own medicine when she was knocked out in the second round by the South African Female Lightweight Champion Nozipho Bell at Gqeberha on Sunday afternoon.

Before the fight, Ramakuela had knocked out five of her previous opponents. She had a good report card with five knockouts, one draw and two losses.

The challenger had the champion in big trouble in the first round on Sunday. Bell was saved by the bell after suffering some painful blows.

Sensing an opportunity to finish the match early, Ramakuela went for a knockout, leaving herself open to left hooks and right uppercuts. She was caught with a deadly right punch that sent her wobbling down to the canvas.

Her trainer, John “Smoking Joe” Nemakonde, said his boxer had been leading on points when the incident happened. “She was doing very well until she was hit

by a lucky punch and it was all over. But we are going back to the gym to rectify our mistakes. We will be better prepared next time,” he said.

Shortly after arriving in Thohoyandou on Monday morning, Ramakuela said her opponent had just been lucky to win. “But the defeat did not make any dent in my boxing career. I will go back to the ring and do what I love most, which is boxing,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ramakuela’s sta-

blemate, Ntshidzeni Mashila, made his debut in the professional ranks with a victory. He knocked out Lineman Bono in the second round. Mashila said he had caught his opponent with his lethal right hand and he had known that the fight was over. “His mistake was trying to go toe to toe with me. When I jabbed him with my left, I knew that he would open his right jaw and the moment I connected, I knew he would fall,” he said.

Khaidzo Mphephu of Blue Eagles hinders Gundo Kgaabi of Cosmos from reaching the ball. Photo: Frank Mavhungu.

Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC (TTM) will continue without four of their players when the league programme resumes in the new year. According to the team manager, Mr

Azwihangwisi Phasha, the club has recently parted ways with Cheslyn Jampies, Tumelo Makha, Mothusi Gopane, and Afeez Alabi.

to say goodbye

Damani

One of the players whose relationship with TTM is part of history, Cheslyn Jampies. Photo supplied.

Local boxing trainer John “Smoking Joe” Nemakonde is flanked by boxers Ntshidzeni Mashila and Mashudu “KO” Ramakuela shortly after arriving in Thohoyandou from Gqeberha on Monday morning. Photo supplied.