Limpopo Mirror 8 May 2020

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Another state-ofthe-art mall for Vhembe?

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Wear your mask! weeks, I am afraid we will have a health crisis.

The MEC for Health, Dr “From my own analysis, Phophi Ramathuba, said if 1% of our [provincial] she was worried about the population is infected with crisis that the province the virus, we will manage to might face if the public cope. If, next, things continue continued to ignore the the way they are now, we will lockdown regulations. find ourselves having 5% of Ramathuba indicated her our 5.6 million population concern about long queues being infected. Once the all over the town of Thoinfection comes to that stage hoyandou, where people and above, we will struggle as are not even adhering to that will mean that we will be social-distancing require- having about 300 000 people ments. infected.”

According to the She said that their assumpsocial-distancing tion was that 80% these regulations, people 300 000 people would not are expected to stay at need immediate admission. home unless for a valid “But 15% of these people reason. Everybody who can be admitted in our goes out of their home must hospitals and private hospialways wear a mask while tals as we have agreed that keeping a social distance of at we will fight this disease least two meters away from together. each other.

“About 5% of these people Ramathuba said she was will need to be admitted in happy about how people ICU wards while they are had been coping with the on ventilators. At least we lockdown regulations in the can cope with that demand, previous weeks. “However, but once the number goes since last week Friday, I saw up over 5% of people who photographs of people in need to be admitted in long queues in Thohoyandou, ICU, we will not cope,” said overcrowded in shops while Ramathuba. ignoring social-distancing Ramathuba said the comregulations. If what I saw last munities should be mindful week continues in the next that South Africa was not as

By Ndivhuwo Musetha

Hundreds of pensioners and people with disabilities were left stranded and had to spend two days without getting their social grant payments. They waited at the Tshilwavhusiku Post office on Monday and Tuesday but were told that funds were not available.

Makwarela Ralinwatha is one of the pensioners who had to wait for hours on end. She said that she had arrived at the post office at 03:00 but could not get assistance. (See story on page 2)

rich as first-world counties such as America, who had good resources but were still struggling with coronavirus patients.

She said the only way to deal with the coronavirus was to prevent it by adhering to the lockdown rules while always washing hands with soap for 20 seconds, staying at home, covering the mouth with an elbow when coughing or sneezing and keeping a social distance. Ramathuba said the department had also made an agreement with private doctors that they

would help in dealing with coronavirus patients as and when they were needed.

Since 1 May, concern has grown about overcrowded people seen in retail shops, especially those who were collecting their government grants while ignoring social-distancing regulations.

Many of the public have also expressed the fear that the coronavirus would spread rapidly because of this behaviour, where other people were seen roaming the streets and shopping complexes with no face masks.

Wearing masks but maintaining no social distancing at the back of this bakkie in the region of Tshipise on Monday morning.

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LIMPOPO MIRROR

2 8 May 2020

Free-roaming lions at Niani are causing panic among local villagers

By Kaizer Nengovhela The residents of Niani and surrounding areas are living in fear after three lions were seen roaming in the area since last week.

Thulamela Mayor Avhashoni Tshifhango (second from left) receives a pack of masks from Gen Abel Nelwamondo, while Thulamela Municipal Manager Mr HE Maluleke and Mr Yi Xing Weng, Nelwamondo’s partner, look on.

Another state-of-the-art mall for Vhembe district? the handing over of 10 000 masks to Thulamela Mayor The number of unemployed Avhashoni Tshifhango on people in Vhembe will soon Tuesday morning at the main decrease, thanks to a stateentrance of the municipal of-the-art mall to be built at offices, Nelwamondo said the Lwamondo village outside mall would be built as soon as Thohoyandou. the lockdown period was over.

The mall will be built on a He said the mall would seven-hectare piece of land cover 30 000 square meters situated between 15 SAI and and use local companies in the Zwikwengani, Lwamondo construction.

Mvelaphanda, just after the About 3 000 local people bridge on the right-hand side. will also get job opportunities The mall will be built by during the first phase and the Lim Investment, a company second phase of the project. led by a well-known local busi- “In the first phase, we will nessman, Gen Abel Nelwahave 60 shops. After that, we mondo, and his two Chinese will build another 40 shops, partners, Yi Xing Weng and which will be the final phase Qi Gui Zhuang. of the project that will also In his exclusive interview include enough parking,” said with Limpopo Mirror during Nelwamondo.

By Ndivhuwo Musetha

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He added that they had decided to build the complex after realizing that Thohoyandou was struggling to cope with the high volume of people who shopped there. The new complex, which is still to be given a name, will have all banks, cellular companies, supermarkets and almost all shops that are in Thohoyandou and will cater for people from Vuwani, Tshakhuma, Tshisaulu and other areas.

The former SANDF member, who was Defence Attaché representing South Africa in China before he retired, said they decided to donate 10 000 masks as another way of helping the government to fight against the spread of the coronavirus.

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He said the animals passing through the village was a reminder of how humans and animals once shared resources before people started infringing on the animals’ space. “It’s essential that all security and safety standards be put in place to ensure that human/wildlife conflict doesn’t take place.”

Mr Zaid Kalla from the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism said a team of rangers was tracing the lions. “The law allows us to take them down if they prove to be dangerous to the communities,” said Kalla. He said that the department had urged residents to report to or alert local rangers if they spotted the roaming lions.

Vho-Mazwiovhela turns 100 in style

By Tshifhiwa Mukwevho The 100th birthday celebration for Mr Frans Mpandali Nthangeni that was scheduled for 25 April this year had to be postponed indefinitely because of Covid-19, which has seen the country undergoing a prolonged period of lockdown.

However, the 100-year-old Nthangeni, who is popularly known as ‘Vho-Mazwiovhela’, is excited about his journey in the 100th year of his life here on earth.

A resident at Sigonde village in Niani, Vho-Mazwiovhela said: “I had wished to make 100, and I am thankful to God to have brought me this far, because I know that if it had not been for his love, protection and guidance, then I would not have made it,” he said. “In my life, I had enjoyed the privilege of God’s blessings and I thank God for that.”

Vho-Mazwiovhela was born on 13 April 1920 at Matanda Tshamulungwi. He later moved to Thononda village in the Nzhelele area and stayed there for a while. In 1975, he moved to Sigonde village. “When I reached Sigonde village, I realised that it was the very place that was shown to me in a dream in 1942,” he said. “It was a great and an exciting moment of deja vu – it

felt as if I was reliving all those moments. I love this land and her people.”

Vho-Mazwiovhela had started working at the age of 16 years as a general worker in one of the shops in Louis Trichardt in 1936; he remembers that he used to earn 50c a week back then. He also worked at a bakery in Louis Trichardt. “I also worked at different shops in this very town,” he said. “I was a hard worker and many people loved me because of that,” he said.

In 1948, he decided to go to Johannesburg to look for greener pastures. He worked as a general worker for the municipality in Denver in Germiston. He was retrenched and found another job at a bakery in Johannesburg.

He values his family, relatives, and the community. His home today is a place filled with love and respect, where relatives, friends and the community members love to visit because of the hospitality and love they receive.

His take on Covid-19 is that, back in the years, other diseases had come around but not like the Covid-19. “I remember of a certain outbreak in 1962 when people got vaccinated while I was working in Johannesburg,” he said. “It is important that we comply with laws and regulations of the government regarding the current coronavirus pandemic, or else we will live to regret it.”

Kutama post office gets robbed

By Kaizer Nengovhela The SAPS at Tshilwavhusiku are investigating an armed robbery that happened at the Kutama Post Office on Monday morning.

According to a report received from the police, three men robbed the workers at the post office of an undisclosed amount of cash. One of the

residents, who was outside the post office and wants to remain anonymous, said that the officials were busy preparing to assist the elderly and disabled who were queuing for their pensions.

The three men entered the post office, fired two shots in the air and ordered the workers to hand them money. She said the incident had affected the elderly who were supposed to

get their grants and left some stranded without help.

The police spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, confirmed that the police had opened a case of armed robbery. He said that the robbers had then fled the scene in a Nissan bakkie without number plates. He appealed to anyone with relevant information to contact the nearest police station.

Mr Frans Mpandali Nthangeni.

Pensioners left without payment at Tshilwavhusiku

same boat. She said she had been Magadagela, apologised to all sioners to flock in large numbers to waiting in the queue to receive her beneficiaries for the inconvenience the Tshilwavhusiku Post Office. He Hundreds of pensioners and payment from as early as 05:30 on caused by the delays in payment. explained that when a post office repeople with disabilities were left Monday and Tuesday. The officials He said that the cause of the probquested money, they made a request stranded and had to spend two working at the post office told them lem was the robbery at the Kutama based on the previous number of days without getting their social that no money was available at the Post Office, which had caused pen- pensioners. grant payments. They waited at post office. “We are hungry, the Tshilwavhusiku Post office on and we don’t know what to Monday and Tuesday but were eat,” she said. told that funds were not available.

“I really need this grant The pensioners started queuing because I want to buy food as early as 03:00 on Monday. They for my family. We hope the returned on Tuesday but had to officials can resolve this return home disappointed. Many matter speedily,” said Gogo of them complained bitterly while Makwarela Ralinwatha from waiting in line, saying that standing Ravele. She said that she had for so long was very painful for arrived on Monday at the post them. office at 03:00, with the hope When Limpopo Mirror visited of getting payment. She comthe post office, we found groups of plained that the queue at the pensioners relaxing in the shade but Tshilwavhusiku Post Office without any water to drink. Gogo was very long, and she could Emily Khathu of Kutama said that not get assisted for two days. she had not received her grant and The district manager of Pensioners sitting in the shade, not maintaining proper social distancing. was sure other people were in the SASSA, Mr Azwihangwisi

By Kaizer Nengovhela

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The lions are suspected to have come from Zimbabwe, and they could pose a threat to the communities of villages such as Tshivaloni, Mukununde, Domboni, Manenzhe and surrounding areas. Mr Mahadana Mudzweda of Ha-Gumbu said that the situation was “very terrible.

Residents are living in fear as the lions are still around.”

Mudzweda said that the residents had urged the Lim-

popo Department of Economic Development, Environment Affairs and Tourism to intervene before the animals started killing people. He said wild animals often escaped from neighbouring Zimbabwe, adding that this was not the first time the community had seen lions or elephants at their villages.

“We need some sort of intervention from the department because we are afraid that, one day, these animals might kill a person,” he said.

Vhamusanda Vho-Gilbert Mukununde of Mukununde village said he had received several complaints from villagers about the animals. People were even afraid to move around or to go to the shops because of the lions in the villages, he said.

LIMPOPO MIRROR

8 May 2020 3

Councillor’s “party” friend also deserves some spotlight

By Anton van Zyl Last month, a member of the Makhado Municipality’s executive committee, Cllr Tebogo Mamorobela, was arrested for allegedly violating the Covid-19 lockdown regulations. She is accused of celebrating her birthday at a friend’s house, in defiance of the regulations. The friend, who was also arrested, is a director of several companies, some of which have received tenders or conducted business with the local municipality.

Mamorobela made the national headlines early last month when a video started circulating on social media, showing her singing and dancing at a house party, apparently to celebrate her 39th birthday. In the video, the people present can be heard mocking the national police commissioner, Bheki Cele.

The councillor and two of the people present, Harold Muswobi (50) and Khathutshelo Matshusa (33), appeared in court on 17 April and were charged with violating the lockdown regulations. They were released after paying bail of R1 000 and the case is scheduled to appear again in court on 5 June.

Mamorobela holds a very senior position in the council and, on occasion, performed duties as acting mayor of the Makhado Municipality. She is part of the executive committee, where she is Head of Corporate Services. She serves on the Standing Committee: Women Caucus and forms part of the Governance and Financial Viability Committee.

The alleged conduct of the councillor did not go unnoticed and later that week she was suspended by the regional ANC structures.

She was also instructed to forfeit one month’s salary to the Covid-19 Solidarity fund. The ANC’s provincial structures then decided to terminate her membership of the party, pending the outcome of a disciplinary process.

Mamorobela was also a Brand SA ambassador, but even this title has been taken away for the time being.

The Minister in the Presidency, Mr Jackson Mthembu, announced the suspension of Mamorobela from Brand SA, pending the outcome of an inquiry into her conduct.

But who is the friend?

repaired. “I am not allowed to discuss anything with anybody about that because, according to my Mamorobela’s friend, Harold Muswobi, is no stranger to council- knowledge, the pool was done and finished at that time,” he responded, lors and officials at the municipalreferring all further questions to the ity. He is listed as being a member municipality. or director of 25 active companies.

Another company where MuswoSome of these companies have bi is a director, Nilatouch, bought a received tenders to do work for the municipality, while others have en- piece of land from the municipality gaged in business transactions with in 2017. The 24-hectare piece of land adjacent to the N1 was mired Makhado Municipality.

One of the contracts awarded to a in controversy at the time, with encompany where Muswobi is a mem- vironmental activists complaining that development would seriously ber made the news headlines a few endanger the town’s sensitive greenyears ago. A tender was awarded belt. Objections were also received to Harold Muswobi Construction because the council had done away to repair the municipal swimming pool in Louis Trichardt in 2014. The with the open-tender process, selling it directly after receiving an value of the tender was R500 000 but was later reported to have esca- uninvited bid.

The price paid for the property, lated to close to R700 000.

R1,368 million, was also considered The project turned into a fiasco to be far below market value. At the and an embarrassment for the time, the developers pointed out council, with allegations of shoddy that a lot of conditions had been workmanship and delays. The attached to the sale, which had drarefurbished pool would have been matically increased the cost. These opened by 30 June 2014, but this included that the developers would was extended because of the probbe responsible for the cost of inlems. After the Limpopo Mirror frastructure, such as electrical and reported on the problems with the project, a statement was made that other connections. Such costs could the pool would definitely reopen in effectively add several millions to the price of the property.

September 2015.

The project was criticised in a report of the municipal oversight As transparent as a committee in 2017. The committee toilet window discussed the auditor-general’s report and the swimming-pool projIn a set of questions sent to the ect was highlighted as one example municipality last week, they were where taxpayers’ money had been asked about the tenders awarded to wasted. Council’s acting municipal any of the other companies where manager at the time, Johannes Muswobi is a director or member.

Kanwendo, assured the committee Previous reports received indicatthat the contractor would be called ed that contracts to reseal streets back to repair the leaking pool, at had been awarded to Muswobi’s no extra cost. Five years later, the pool is still not open to the public.

Questions about the fate of the pool were sent to the Makhado Municipality last week but went unanswered. When a follow-up was made on whether an answer was forthcoming later in the week, municipal spokesperson Louis Bobodi requested that questions rather be sent via WhatsApp. On Tuesday, he promised that the municipality would answer by the end of day, but, sadly, no reply on the swimming-pool issue was received.

Muswobi was contacted and asked about the reasons why the pool had never been properly

The refurbishment of the public swimming pool in Louis Trichardt was officially launched in 2014. The mayor of the Makhado Municipality, Cllr David Mutavhatsindi (right), hammer-tapped the tiles inside the swimming pool to announce the project worth nearly R500 000.

Photo: Linda van der Westhuizen.

companies.

“We are unable to furnish you with any information that can assist your good self with the research you are conducting on Muswobi. Kindly obtain a consent letter from him allowing us to furnish you with any information,” replied Mr Bobodi, the council’s spokesperson.

Pointing out to Bobodi that the council is obliged to follow transparent and accountable procurement processes did not help. He was also asked about the legal basis for his insistence that tenderers be asked for permission before details be made available. He did not reply.

Bobodi did respond to a question as to whether Cllr Mamorobela, as a senior member of council, had any influence over the tender-adjudication processes. He pointed out that the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) prohibited municipal councillors from being members of any committee that approves tenders, quotations, contracts, or bids and from being an observer on such committees.

The Makhado Municipality, however, is not very transparent about tender processes and the manner in which contracts are being awarded.

One such example is about to be debated in a court case scheduled to be heard as soon as the Covid-19 lockdown regulations are partly lifted.

The case stems from a transaction in 2019 when the council sold the park opposite the Spar complex in Louis Trichardt, next to the N1, to two bidders. In a strange decision, the tender adjudication committee decided that only one tenderer qualified for one of the two erven. This was, incidentally, also

the lowest tender. The second site was not sold to the highest bidder either.

Questions about the transactions were put to the municipality but were not answered. After several unsuccessful attempts to get clarity, the newspaper resorted to filing an application in accordance with the Public Access to Information Act (PAIA). The application was completely ignored.

The newspaper then filed an appeal to the Speaker of the Council, requesting that the deemed refusal to provide information be rescinded. The appeal was also ignored, effectively showing scant regard for the laws of the country.

Court documents were filed and served on the municipality in February this year. The court was asked to make a ruling and force the municipality to comply with legislation. The municipality had until 6 April 2020 to oppose the application. This was not done, and a provisional date was set on the uncontested roll. Unfortunately, this date was within the lockdown period and the hearing could not continue. A date for a hearing will now have to be set once the lockdown restrictions have been lifted.

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LIMPOPO MIRROR

4 8 May 2020

“We did not mean to offend” Musina News The South African Human Rights Commission is investigating an incident in which a frozen-food business from Musina circulated an advertisement perceived to be offending the rights and dignity of domestic workers.

The way the last part of the advert is penned depicts domestic workers as individuals who should feed on chicken

necks, gizzards, heads, and feet.

The advert from CY Frozen Foods, which was circulated on various social media platforms last week read in full as follows: “We are still open and ready to serve you. In order to make thing (sic) easy and convenient, we will be doing deliveries on orders R300 and above. Payments – strictly cash. For all your braaivleis needs we have Rump, Fillet

The advert from CY Frozen Foods that is perceived to be offending domestic workers. Photo: Facebook.

and T-bone. Chicken products like Drumstick and wings.

Mince and Ouma Boerewors.

For your domestic worker, we have chicken necks, gizzards, head, and feed (sic), etc. For more information please feel free to contact us.”

After an uproar on social media, the business immediately issued a public apology, which reads: “To the community of Musina. CY Frozen Foods would like to sincerely and unreservedly apologise to the community of Musina for the insult caused by our recent advertisement. We the management of CY Frozen Foods take full responsibility for the regrettable advertisement which does not constitute our values and respect for our customers, whom we have always valued.”

Contacted for comment, Mr Dawie van der Merwe of CY Frozen Foods said he was aware of the advertisement and confirmed that it was from their shop. However, he indicated that they had never intended to offend anyone in the advertisement. “It came to our knowledge that there were people who were not satisfied with the advertisement and we immediately removed

CY Frozen Foods in Musina. it from all our communication platforms. We are very sorry about what happened because we don’t have any intention of hurting our customers. Our customers are the pillar of our business and we need their support to survive.”

He added that after learning of the concerns, CY Frozen Foods had issued a public apology that was circulated on various social media platforms.

“We are deeply sorry, and we ask for forgiveness on what happened. We are apologising from deep within our hearts and we have committed to

assist needy families with food parcels as part of our social development contributions to the people of Musina.”

The provincial head of the South African Human Rights Commission, Mr Victor Mavhidula, confirmed that they were investigating the matter. “We have already handed over the matter to our investigator, who will be contacting them shortly to get more information. We noted their apology to the public, but we are continuing with our investigations. If we find that there was an intention

to offend or harm anyone in the advertisement, we will recommend that appropriate measures be taken against the shop owners.”

Musina Mayor Mihloti Muhlope said she was pleased that the South African Human Rights Commission had taken up the matter for investigation.

“Though we are not judging, we are totally against any form of mistreatment for our people.

We will wait for the outcome of the investigation and trust that the South African Human Rights Commission will bring this matter to a close.”

Univen to help DoE in fight against the coronavirus

By Ndivhuwo Musetha 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

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The University of Venda has pledged to help the Department of Education in Vhembe in fighting against the coronavirus. This was revealed by Dr John Mudau, CEO of Univen Innovative Growth Company (UIGC).

UIGC was established to help Univen generate income through mining, cleaning, gardening, security, training, construction and tendering.

In his interview with Limpopo Mirror during the handing over of 96 bags of butternuts to the Vhembe Command Council at their food bank in Tshiulungoma on Tuesday afternoon, Mudau said that Univen had met with the Department of Education in Vhembe in the morning, where they had pledged to help in fighting coronavirus.

“During our meeting, we pledged to disinfect all the schools and train teachers, so that they can understand Covid-19 better. We will also train them, so that they can handle pupils better in relation to this deadly virus.

“Our vice chancellor, Dr Bernard Nthambeleni, made a commitment that Univen will work hand in hand with our municipalities, so that we

can help each other in building our community. Through our department of chemistry, our academic staff and students are busy manufacturing chemicals that help to disinfect. When it comes to the cost of disinfecting and trading, we have agreed that we will meet each other halfway if there is a need,” said Mudau.

Mudau said Univen had decided to embrace all the towns in Vhembe during its new strategic planning.

“It is called university towns. You will see us supporting Thohoyandou, Malamulele, Louis Trichardt and Musina. The opening of a Univen branch in Louis Trichardt is part of that plan.

“We are still going to do more in Musina and other towns in Vhembe as we took it upon ourselves to help in developing Vhembe with the help of our executive mayor, Cllr Dowelani Nenguda,” said Mudau.

The spokesperson for the Univen, Dr Takalani Dzaga, revealed that the university has a good working relationship with the Construction Seta and Agri-Seta. So far, the Construction Seta has spent more than R30 million in helping Univen to train students who are studying in construction-related fields.

Dzaga also revealed that the

meal from Vice Grip Security and another 40 bags of mealie mealie, 168 packs of sanitary towels and baths soap from Hope of Life Foundation.

Dr John Mudau (middle) hands a bag of butternuts to the Vhembe executive mayor, Cllr Dowelani Nenguda, while Thulamela Mayor Avhashoni Tshifhango, left, looks on.

Hope Diamond Transport buys food for 20 residents

By Bernard Chiguvare “We remain Hope and we shall

restore Hope. We are not only reaching out to the Musina community during the lockdown

Limpopo Mirror publication subscribes to the South African Press Code that prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced. If we don’t live up to the standards set in the Code, please feel free to contact the editor at the numbers provided above.

Complaints about advertisements are handled by the Advertising Standards Authority of South Africa (ASA). Complaints must be directed to the ASA at Willowview, Burnside Island Office Park, 410 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall Park, Johannesburg or PO Box 41555, Craighall, 2024. Fax: (011) 781 1616 E-mail: complaint@asasa.org.za © All rights of reproduction of all articles, advertisements and all other material published in this newspaper are hereby distinctly reserved in compliance with Article 12(7) of the Copyright Act. Alle regte van reproduksie van alle berigte, foto’s, advertensies en alle ander materiaal wat in hierdie koerant gepubliseer word, word hiermee uitdruklik voorbehou ingevolge die bepalings van Artikel 12(7) van die Wet op Outeursregte en wysigings daarvan.

building that UGIC was using had been funded by Construction Seta.

On the same day, the Vhembe District Command Council also received 120 bags of 12.5kg mealie

Needy Musina residents received food parcels from Hope Diamond Transport.

period, but we have been part of the people through employing some members of this community,” said Mr Jerry Tshilande, general manager of Hope Diamond Transport last week when the company handed food parcels to 20 needy Musina residents.

The needy are from Matswale, Mushongo, Nancefield and Skombe townships. Musina residents identified the needy group and then approached Hope Diamond Transport for food parcels.

The food parcels included maize meal, tinned fish, tinned beans, and bathing soap.

Tshilande promised to continue assisting the community “Hope will always be for the

people, because the people have always been part of Hope Diamond Transport, and without the people, there is no hope,” says Tshilande.

Speaking to Limpopo Mirror, Mr Johannes Maimela, one of the recipients of the food parcels, said, “I am happy to receive the food. It was going to be hard for me to feed all five children during this lockdown period.” According Maimela, no one is employed in the whole family.

Mr Donald Sebola from Hope Diamond Transport urged the Musina community to help one another in times of difficulty. “Let us look after each other and protect one another as a community. I urge you to continue working as a community in such times,” said Sebola.

LIMPOPO MIRROR

8 May 2020 5

Mayor Tshifhango hands out food parcels at Muledane and Maniini families at Maniini on the same day. However, she said, The mayor of Thulamela some families could not collect Local Municipality, Cllr their food parcels on Saturday.

Avhashoni Tshifhango, “Since the notice issued handed 76 food parcels to by the South African Police needy families in Muledane, Services on Sunday, that we outside Thohoyandou. should stop handing out food The handover was made on parcels to groups of people Friday morning at Muledane gathered in one place, we are Block J Clinic and a local now going to distribute them crèche. food parcels - to the benefiTshifhango, who was ciaries at their homes,” said accompanied by Ms Mulalo Raliphaswa.

Raliphaswa, a team leader at Tshifhango said he was just Sassa, handed over the food observing that the process of parcels that included mealie distributing food parcels was meal, powdered milk, cans done in a fair manner. of fish, raw beans, sanitary He said he was happy that towels, samp, soft porridge, the government was doing its best to help the poor during this time of need.

“I appeal to all stakeholders to help in whatever way they can by donating for the poor during this lockdown, which has brought the whole world to a standstill. Some of our people are self-employed, but because of this lockdown, they do not have a means to support themselves as they are not working,” said Tshifhango while adding that the community should continue Mayor Avhashoni Tshifhango and Cllr Tshitereke Nelushi were adhering to the measures photographed with some of the food parcels that were handed in place under level 4 of over to the community members at Muledane and Maniini last the lockdown.

Friday.

By Ndivhuwo Musetha

sugar, toothpaste, baking flour, tea, bath soap, soya beans and cooking oil.

Raliphaswa said the food parcels, which came from Sassa, were given to families that had two children who were receiving child support grants from the government and needy families who were not receiving a grant at all. She said disabled people who were receiving disability grants and those who received old-age grants of R1 860, to which another R250 was now added, did not qualify to receive food parcels.

Raliphaswa further handed 66 more food parcels to needy

Chief Makwarela Makhuvha Mphaphuli (left) and Tshifhiwa Malelelo (fourth from right) hand a food package to the old lady, Vho-Munzhedzi Munyai.

Edzani reaches out to Makhuvha

Chief Makwarela Makhuvha Mphaphuli expressed appreciation for the caring gesture of The national lockdown has left many people support from Edzani. “We are really happy for without the means to earn a living and this the food parcels, without which many of our elcomes with debilitating consequences that derly and orphans would have been going to bed affect the livelihoods of those on the receiving on empty stomachs,” he said. “This institution end – the orphans and the elderly who might has been helping us for years now, and it shows not only be relying of social grants but the that they appreciate the fact that we are housing benevolence of those who love and care for their school on our land.” them.

Edzani Community Development and ConsulIn Makhuvha village along the Punda Maria tancy’s manager, Tshifhiwa Malelelo, said that road, at least 150 households of orphans and eltheir relationship with the Makhuvha communiderly people were lucky enough to get help in the ty dated to some years ago when the school had form of food parcels from Edzani Community first started building and establishing its offices Development and Consultancy on Saturday. in the village.

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“We are based here and operating from this village, so now is just another time for us to plough back into the community,” he said. “We value the people for who they are, and we understand that our donation will go a long way since we have just noticed that the people appreciate our help.”

Vho-Munzhedzi Munyai (80) smiled with joy when the chief and the institution handed her a food parcel. “I am without proper words to express my joy and happiness,” she said. “The good Lord bless you for the good things that you are doing for his people.”

Vhembe Executive Mayor Dowelani Nenguda receives a 12.5kg bag of mealie meal from Dr Takalani Dzaga during the handing over of 50 food parcels from the University of Venda at Tshiulungoma on Saturday morning.

Univen brings relief to 50 families

By Ndivhuwo Musetha Fifty families who are struggling to make ends meet are now smiling, thanks to the University of Venda, who has donated 50 food parcels to them.

The food parcels were handed by the Univen spokesperson, Dr Takalani Dzaga, to Vhembe District Executive Mayor Cllr Dowelani Nenguda, Thulamela Local Municipality’s Mayor, Cllr Avhashoni Tshifhango, Azwihangwisi Magadela (Sassa district manager) and Nkhumeleni Lalumbe, the district director of social development.

The official handing over of the food parcels to the district command council was made at the food bank located at Tshiulungoma, Thulamela Local Municipality’s store room, behind the Thohoyandou Traffic Department, on Saturday morning.

Dr Dzaga, who handed over the food parcels on behalf of the university’s vice-rector, Bernard Nthambeleni, said the university decided to donate the food parcels as another way of helping the government to ease the burden of helping the needy during this lockdown.

Dzaga said the university had a good working relationship with the community, together with Thulamela Local Municipality and Vhembe. “With the help from other service providers, we managed to contribute the little we can, so that we can help to put food on the table to some of our needy families,”

said Dzaga.

Cllr Nenguda said the Vhembe District command centre, which he is chairing, was happy that the 50 more needy families would not go to sleep on empty stomach. Nenguda assured Dr Dzaga that the food parcels would be distributed to deserving needy families.

He said the district command council had a duty to make sure that the process of distributing the food was done in a fair and honest way. “The

food parcels will not be used to bribe or corrupt the minds of our people. They will be solemnly distributed in a fair and open way to the needy families from all over the district,” said Nenguda.

Nenguda said councillors and politicians were not involved in the process of distributing the food.

The food parcels include 12,5 kg of mealie meal, tinned fish, cooking oil, sugar, tea, bath soap and other items.

Chief Lihalimane Ralinala donated 33 food parcels to 11 villages in the Dopeni area on Sunday. He said that the majority of his people were not working and they could not afford to feed themselves. That was why he decided to assist where he could. During the hand-over, Chief Lihalimane was accompanid by his 11 Musanda and Vhakoma.

In our photograph, Chief Lihalimane Ralinala is handing a bag of maize meal to Ms Sarah Mathivha.

Mr Azaz-Maniyar, the manager of Malamulele Hardware (left), donated food parcels for about 80 households in three villages of Malamulele last Wednesday. In the photograph, the mayor of Collins Chabane Municipality, Cllr Moses Maluleke (right), receives the parcels.

LIMPOPO MIRROR

6 8 May 2020

Majestic Frank is chasing his jackpot

Vh0-Musenwa keeps traditional music alive

Paila Chauke are his inspiration.

For the 23-year-old Frank MajesFor one to tic, to be in the media industry has succeed in this always been a dream. industry, he Born Innocent Malebagata and said, one has to hailing from Tshipuseni in Ha-Masia, be committed Frank Majestic is living the dream and dedicated. at Choice FM. He is the Lunchbox "It's a cut-throat presenter, which airs from Monday to industry. You Choice FM's Lunchbox presenter, Friday from 10:00 to 14:00. should not Frank Majestic. Photo:Frank Majestic.

Before joining Choice FM in August pass up on any 2019, he spent four years at Univen opportunity you must be able to inspire, educate and FM. are afforded He fell in love with radio in 2012. because it just might be your jackpot. entertain your audience," he said. He "During that time, I started to listen Be humble and willing to learn every studied for a BA in Media Studies at the University of Venda. to Capricorn FM and every time I lis- day."

His wish is to be known as one of tened, I used to imitate the presentIn his view, to be a good radio prethe best presenters this province has ers," he said. senter one must be professional and ever produced.

Radio presenters DJ Shandu and prepared before going on air. "You

he came to work on and release eight robust albums through the Moses Musenwa, who goes by decades. the stage name of Vho-Musenwa He earned popularity with his in the music fraternity, is one of stand-out full-length albums, Hu the finest local artists who are Na Maanda Kha Malofha A Yesu keeping traditional music alive. and Vhabebi Funani Vhana.

For Vho-Musenwa, music is not In 2017, he was nominated for just a hobby but an occupation the South African Traditional that generates income to supMusic Awards (SATMA) and port his family.

Tshivenda Music Awards (TshiBorn in Ravele village in the ma) for Best Tshivenda Album.

Sinthumule area, he grew up In 2017, Musenwa secured a herding cattle in the village. While record deal with Biyeko Music in the fields, he would keep his Company and worked with Bongears tuned to the different sounds inkosiYeko, better known as DJ that nature produced around him, Mzola. In 2018, Musenwa recordand that was when he developed ed a Tshivenda traditional album. focussed listening skills.

The album had put Musenwa on “I had all along dreamed of the map as he shared the stage becoming a great musician, and I with some of the best musicians knew that this dream would one in Africa. day become a reality,” he said.

Musenwa is an artist whose His desire to develop his music talent, coupled with hard work, is talent became a reality when yet to open more doors for him. he was granted an opportunity “I am continuing to speak words to join the local church choir in of wisdom and life through my 1992. He managed to hone his music,” he said. “So, just watch singing skills to the extent that this space!”

By Mbulaheni Ridovhona

Vhugala Gogome sings beautiful songs Furthermore, Vhugala's brothers (Dzhavhelo and Kharikhode) inspired A resident of Mandala village in the him as he grew up as he looked up Nzhelele area, Vhugala Gogome to them when they sang in (28), is an excellent artist whose church and revival crusades. vocal talent speaks for itself.

This young artist is the He started singing at his father's mentee of the reputable church, Mandala Christ Centred Faith, Apostle AM Masakona, who in 2011 after his brother Kharikhode, recognised his singing talent who was a lead singer in the church’s and believes in his gift. “Dr worship team, had left for JohannesMasakona encourages me to burg and he had to step in. pursue my dreams against all “Singing gospel music is a way of odds,” he said. “I have just redelivering the message of Christ to leased a single, Ha Tutsheli. people – his grace, peace, love and On this single, I am exalting hope,” he said. the Lord Jesus Christ and The last-born son of the late Pastor showing that He never NA Gogome and Mrs MM Gogome, forsakes those who believe Vhugala said that his music fought in Him.” crime in that, when people were drawn Ha Tutsheli was profrom the kingdom of darkness to duced by NM Productions the kingdom of Light, their lives and in Johannesburg and was actions gradually changed from acts of released on 24 April. criminality to acts of charity and peace.

“My prayer is for my music “I am inspired by Dumi Mkokstad to help in reconciling people in that Dumi started singing at a very to God, especially young peoyoung age while he was still at primary ple,” he said. “People should school,” he said. “Today he's a family expect the full album in or man who still continues with his music before end November 2020.” career.”

His single is available

at most online stores, and he can be reached on 081 751 4981 or khari. gogome@gmail.com.

By Tshifhiwa Mukwevho

Moses Musenwa.

Photo supplied.

Vhugala Gogome. Photo supplied.

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Gospel star spreads message of hope Entertainment Corona i do fhola (We will be healed of corona). This is the message of seasoned local gospel artist Ndivhuwo Nemakonde of Folovhodwe village outside Musina. He is spreading the message through his single, entitled Corona i do fhola, which was released last week.

Asked how he managed to record the song during the lockdown period when everyone was required to stay at home, Nemakonde said he and his producer, DJ Godzilla Molea of G Records in Musina, used a system that allowed the artist to do so remotely.

“With the advancement of technology, it is possible to record a song without going to the studio. I sent a voice note melody to my producer, who then produced instrumental beats in his home studio. He then sent me the instruments via email, and I rehearsed the vocals. After enough rehearsal, I recorded my vocals

at home and sent them back to the producer, who then worked on refining the vocals through some software and mixed them with the original instruments. He then arranged and mastered the music in my absence and sent everything through to me for final approval.”

Born into a Christian family, Nemakonde started doing music at a very young age. “I used to sing in a church choir at the local United African Apostolic Church (UAAC) and took a lead during the music periods at school. Every time when I sang at church or school, everyone would comment that I had a good voice. My teachers and church elders encouraged me to take music seriously and since then, I have never looked back.”

Nemakonde, who has worked with well-known gospel artists such as Rofhiwa Manyaga and Gospel Joe, said he believed the corona

Gospel sensation Ndivhuwo Nemakonde has released a single, entitled Corona i do fhola (We will be healed of Corona).

Photo supplied. crisis would soon come to an end. “I am a child of God who believes in prayer. I have no doubt that God will soon heal our land and that is why I’m also adding my prayer through music. We will definitely recover from this crisis, but the most important thing is to keep on praying.”

The gospel sensation, who draws inspiration from seasoned artists such as Lufuno Dagada, Thili Maumela, Rofhiwa Manyaga and Takie Ndou, urged young artists not to give up on their musical dreams.

LIMPOPO MIRROR

8 May 2020 7

Art & Entertainment Rasta Mac-Donaldson prepares a fourth album Entertainment He did not know that playing with his father’s guitar would end up instilling a love of music in his life. But years later, he is now regarded as one of the top local reggae artists in Vhembe.

To date, he has released three successful albums, making him one of the undisputed reggae music ambassadors locally. He is now working on his fourth album, which will be released after the lockdown.

This is the inspiring story of Ndivhuwo MacDonald Muofhe of Nzhelele Shanzha village, who is famously known by his stage name, Rasta Mac-Donaldson.

Even though he was only born in 1994, no one can doubt that Muofhe’s music is more mature than his tender age.

Because of his love for reggae music and Rastafarianism, he was

always at loggerheads with his teachers at Shavhani Primary and Tshilogoni Secondary School. They wanted him to cut his dreadlocks, resulting in a tough battle that he ultimately won. He was once in the newspaper headlines when he was nearly expelled from school for refusing to cut his treasured dreadlocks.

After his father bought him a guitar, he developed more interest in music and started playing guitar and keyboards at a local church.

The music bug continued to bite him hard and he ended up going to the studio to record his first album, entitled Shango lo vhilingana, in 2014.

He said about his road to stardom: “Shango lo vhilingana did very well, and I couldn’t believe that people were so interested in my work because it was my first album. This encouraged me to put more effort into my music

because I was sure that I had a large following of loyal fans. I then returned to the studio in 2018 to record my second, One Love Africa, which was also well received by my fans. Last year (2019), I released my third album, Musadzi wa vhukuma, which is penetrating well in the music industry.

My fourth album, Mutsinda ndi khwine, will be released immediately after the lockdown.”

Muofhe said his musical maturity was the result of working and sharing the stage with heavyweights in the music industry.

“I realized that music is broad, and you need the guidance and collaboration of fellow artists to grow. Although I grew up listening to the music of Eric Donaldson and Yellowman, I have learnt a lot from great local artists like Black Jahman, Empress Asataluli Manngo, Shufflers Ragimana, The Receptors Band , Unwary

Man, Rash Man Carlos, Ras Lion Munyai, Given Harmonic Madzunye, Summerboy Poet, to name but a few.”

Ndivhuwo Rasta Mac-Donaldson Muofhe is making a name for himself in the local reggae music fraternity. Photo supplied.

Mizo Phyll is an inspiration to many Tupac, Colbert Mukwevho, Jay-Z, Mase, and Bob Marley.

Born and bred in Shayandima, The name Mizo Phyll, he said, Mizo Phyll has become a house- was inspired by chlorophyll which hold name across South Africa is a substance found in trees and and an inspiration to young plants to give them their green artists. colour. Throughout his sterling Waving the Venda flag high, career, he has released hit songs and truly embracing his culture, such as Vimba, Tshikandeledzi, Mizo Phyll has made a solid name Zwo naka hani, Khotsi ashu, for himself in the music industry Muthu wangu and Venda's anand he has no intention of stopthem. His albums are The Mizo ping anytime soon.

Phyll Album, My African Dream, The 33-year-old Mizo Phyll said and Mapubungwe. he started listening to hip-hop His famous single Tshikanmusic during his early childdeledzi was nominated for the hood. He got his influence from best Tshivenda hip-hop single well-known musicians such Nas, at the SATMA awards in 2009.

By Mbulaheni Ridovhona

He won the best Tshivenda hip-hop album award with his album My African Dream at the Tshivenda Music Awards in 2012.

In 2012, he established the University of Swag with Zwivhuya Nemaungani, which aims to unearth young talent in Limpopo.

He also won the best collaboration award at the I am hip-hop awards in December 2014. In 2015, he won the best hip-hop artist award at the FAME SA Awards.

The latest album, The Mizo Phyll Album is available at all

Mizo Phyll.

Photo: Zwivhuya Nemaungani. digital stores.

He is busy preparing an EP and a new album. For bookings, he can be reached at 072 041 6041 or vhuyiuniswa93@gmail.com

Percy creates amazing art pieces inspired me to paint.”

He specialises in pencil drawA resident of Mavambe village ings (portraits), paintings (on near Malamulele, Percy Marule, canvas, boards, and walls), digital is on the right track as artist and art (Photoshop illustrator), graffiti his talent has not only earned (street art) and cartoons. him a name, but bread as well.

“At the moment, I have never He discovered art when he was been on any national art market, at primary school many years but I have plenty of successful ago. After producing some earlier commissioned artworks that works that earned him respect have been bought,” he said with among those who saw his work, a chuckle. “Maybe I am on the Marule is currently based in national level because there are Vuwani where he is continuing people who commission me from to mesmerise hundreds of people different parts of the country. I am with his art. open to new art commissions.”

He emphasised that his love of For Marule, art is expression art largely developed at home. “I and creation, and the two cannot loved art from a young age,” he be separated. “Anything created is said. “My father always drew house art, yet my type of art is creative plans that inspired me. Even in art,” he said. “It is a fusion of imagthe house where I grew up, we had ination, media, time and exprespaintings on the walls; these also sion that results in a creation.”

By Tshifhiwa Mukwevho

His artworks carry distinctive human identities and celebrate humanity. In his words, speaking philosophically, he said: “The message could be ‘love yourself ’ or ‘one love’.

“My greatest highlights are making a ‘song cover’ for Percy Mukwevho, painting the Percy Marule hands commissioned artschool emblem of E.P.P work to Penny Penny. Photo supplied.

Mhinga High School at the entrance of the partake in this creative, imagischool, painting four artworks for Papa Penny and shooting with him nary journey must be willing and prepared for great frustrations and on his reality TV show and also disappointments. “After all, never painting and commissioning with give up,” he said. “Artistic dreams international soccer player Dino do come true.”

Ndlovu,” he said.

Percy Marule can be reached on He said that art was a mystery 078 356 6395. and that anyone who wished to

Art, Culture, Literature, Entertainment news?

Send an e-mail to: wikus@zoutnet.co.za

Mpho Rathando continues to inform listeners Mpho Rathando, better known as “MG” by his listeners, made a comeback to Phalaphala FM after six years’ absence behind the microphone. - Mpho Rathando, better known as “MG” by his listeners, continues to present Tshiko between 12h00 – 13h00.

He started his primary school education at Matondoni and Mathoma before he went to Luphai High School, where he passed matric.

Rathando sharpened his academic sword at various institutions in South Africa, including Wits University, Stellenbosch, and Cape Peninsula University of Technology. His highest qualification to date is a master’s degree in journalism.

He started his career in broadcasting by producing and presenting current affairs (Ndevhetsini). Currently, he presents Tshiko tsha ndivho from Monday to Friday between 12:00 and 15:00.

Rathando is not new to the media industry.

He started off as a student journalist and radio presenter on the Wits campus radio station, Voice of Wits. He also hosted a talk show on the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) radio link-up, based in Cape Town, where he got an opportunity to interview high-profile figures, including cabinet ministers under the former president, Jacob Zuma. He also presented various shows on Musina FM. In 2010, Rathando decided to take break from the mainstream media industry and became a Hansard reporter at the national parliament in Cape Town, responsible for content development. He worked in parliament for three-and-ahalf years. Before returning to Phalaphala FM, he spent two years at Musina Local Municipality as a communication officer.

After he resigned, he joined the Department of Correctional Services for roughly six months as communication manager.

“I have experienced both worlds as journalist, probing almost everything newsworthy, as part of administrator, legislature, and as a communicator in various spheres of government. My passion of broadcasting, especially talk shows and current affairs, is largely influenced by the desire to change the lives of others for the better,” says Rathando.

“This world is open for possibilities that the youth can take advantage (of) to succeed and contribute positively in our lives. Education is one potential in everything; the youth should draw their plans while studying hard and the rest will follow. Keep away from alcohol and any other things that will eventually derail you from focusing on your future.”

Mpho Rathando. Photo supplied.

POLOKWANE: STUDIOS: (015) 297 1709 / 297 4306; THOHOYANDOU: STUDIOS: (015) 962 5101/5 / FAX: (015) 962 2998

LIMPOPO MIRROR

8 8 May 2020

Thieves steal 24 laptops from school

By Kaizer Nengovhela More than 70 schools around Limpopo have been broken into or vandalised during the lockdown period, said the spokesperson for the Limpopo Police, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo

SASSA beneficiaries queue to get their money from the Louis Trichardt Post Office.

SASSA beneficiaries still have to wait for long hours to get grants

By Bernard Chiguvare Despite changes in the payment dates for SASSA recipients, long queues were spotted in Louis Trichardt on Monday.

At the Louis Trichardt Post Office, social distancing was observed at the beginning of the queue while members of the SAPS tried to enforce the distancing throughout the long queue.

“I had to leave Nzhelele early and arrived in town by 05:30, but look, I am very far from the entrance. I do not see any meaningful change in the system. When we used

to get money by the end of the month, we used to queue like this,” said the 79-year-old Andrie Mwira.

David Mbaduga from the Sinthumule area felt that those responsible for SASSA grants have no clue on how to shorten the queues for the beneficiaries. “I have been here since 07:00, but there is not much movement. I am not sure when I will be served.

The responsible authorities just announced the change of dates on the radio without consulting us, the beneficiaries. We could give suggestions on how to improve the system,” said Mbaduga (70)

while also complaining that he would not be able to stand for a long time.

Ms Livhuwani Mavhandu, who had accompanied her mother, said the system introduced was good for her mother. “Before this new system was introduced, it used to be a big problem for my mother … I am happy even though there are a lot of people waiting for the grants.

They are being well organised,” said Mavhandu.

The MEC for Social Development, Nkakareng Rakgoale, urged beneficiaries earlier this week to practise social distancing.

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In the latest incident, thieves broke into Jonathan Thifhulufhelwi High at Madombidzha over the weekend and stole 24 laptops. According to the police, the thieves cut the electricity cables and disconnect the alarm before they broke into the computer laboratory.

The chairperson of the SGB at the school, Mr Nathaniel Sandani, said that he was shocked after heard that the school had suffered a burglary.

“We as the SGB members, educators, pupils and community are still shocked by this theft that denies our children access to proper learning facilities.”

He said that last week the

community had been left in darkness for three days after a transformer had burst.

“How do we explain theft of this kind where people steal from a school? Those hooligans do not have mercy.” He added that the information on the laptops was valuable and, in some instances, irreplaceable.

He said the school belonged to the community and they must respect their property, because vandalising and stealing at the school would hinder progress

in the area.

“We need our children to enjoy education in a good classroom atmosphere,” added one of the parents, Ms Mavis Dambale. She said that thieves were taking advantage of a lack of security during the lockdown period.

Mojapelo said the police appealed to anyone with information about the suspects to contact the nearest police station or phone the crime-stop number at 0860 010 111.

Eskom workers busy fixing the electricity, which was cut by thieves during the burglary.

An educator photographed in the computer lab that was left empty when thieves stole 24 laptops.

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Lucky “Shasha” Nethavhani sits in front the kiosk where he stores his few belongings. He is one of several people who made a living from piece jobs in Louis Trichardt. The Covid-19 lockdown meant that he was left without an income and no way to fend for himself. (Read the story on page 3). On Tuesday the Makhado Municipality set up a temporary shelter for homeless people at the show grounds and, from what we were told, Mr Nethavani was accommodated there.

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LIMPOPO MIRROR

8 May 2020 9

DA wants more up-to-date info Covid-19 The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo has submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application to the Limpopo Health Department to compel them to release regular detailed Covid-19 statistics.

According to a press release issued on Tuesday, the application was submitted because “currently the provincial department has been inconsistent in their sharing of information regarding Covid-19”.

“Yesterday [Monday] the DA and all other parties represented in the Limpopo legislature had an informative meeting with Premier Chupu Mathabatha and certain MECs with regard to matters relating to the province’s response to Covid-19. The Premier and his team committed to such detailed information on a fortnightly basis. Despite this positive engagement we believe the Limpopo Department of Health should be releasing the statistics daily or at least every other day that are broken down into cases per district, fatalities per district, recoveries, the number of screenings and the number of tests conducted,” said the DA. The DA explained that the frequent provision of this information was important, so that they could understand how many tests were conducted in Limpopo, what proportion they were contributing to the national testing figures and how effective the provincial response to Covid-19 was.

The DA pointed out that Limpopo has only managed to conduct 69 tests per 100 000 people, which is the second lowest in SA. “This figure provided by the NICD indicates a low number of testing being conducted and raises questions as to whether we are getting a complete picture ... For an accurate reflection of the spread of the virus, we need a much higher number of tests to be conducted,” said the DA.

Pardoning prisoners may reduce the risk of contracting coronavirus Muzhou Akson, Executive Director of Fastforward Community Development Centre, Ha-Mashau, sent in the following open letter to the President of SA:

O

ur prisons are a ticking time bomb. It will be very difficult for the state to stop the coronavirus from entering the correctional facilities, to the detriment of both detainees/ prisoners and officers.

My suggestion is that you give amnesty to the following prisoners: 1. Those arrested for petty crimes be pardoned or if they are not yet sentenced, let them be given free bail.

2. Sentencing some of them to community service would be an effective way of balancing the pain between the complainant and the accused as well as saving the state the high costs related to keeping prisoners in doors.

3. Political prisoners and de-

tainees too should be released if their crimes carry a maximum sentence of less than two years.

4. Those who are left with less than one year to complete their sentences should also the pardoned.

5. The option of paying instalment-based fines may also help.

6. Foreigners who are in prison should be pardoned to reduce the food costs.

As many organisations, including the state, move to level 4 of the lockdown regulations in an effort to try and apply effective measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus, prisons remain ignored and that is where the high risk is.

Correctional officers are not prisoners but are always in constant contact with society outside, from where they can easily transmit the virus into the prison and once that happens, that would be all over.

The security of the state would be in serious danger as

the state would have no choice but to release even highly dangerous prisoners if early screening and releasing were not done.

The best way as of now is to make hay while the sun shines.

Preventing relatives from visiting those in prison is not enough to curb the spread of the virus since there are so many high-risk stages where a prisoner may spread the disease, e.g. in the dock at courts.

Visiting relatives is not for social love alone, but for the provision of food, so it would be difficult to prevent relatives from seeing their loved ones in prisons.

Some inmates might be arrested and taken to prison before they show any signs of the disease of which, when it would be realised, it would be too late.

Save lives and keep the nation safe.

(Letter shortened – Ed)

Standing in queues add to the risk “Concerned Reader” from Elim, writes:

M

aking people stand in long queues won’t assist in curbing the coronavirus; instead, it contributes to the risk of people becoming infected.

You can tell me about “social distance”, but the fact is people

don’t adhere to social distancing rules when they get close to the shops. If there are traces left of the virus, people are bound to catch it in the queues, because they touch each other.

When you allow people to shop they will never touch each other, as they focus on buying different things. Now imagine a mall with 50 shops, but you tell

people they have to queue in one line to get into the different shops. This simply increases the risks of catching the virus.

It would have been better if they opened the doors and allowed people to take care of themselves.

Government needs to re-evaluate this strategy.

MIRROR CLASSIFIEDS LEGALS ADVOCATE M J MUSHASHA NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN TERMS OF SECTION 29(1) OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES ACT 66 OF 1965 In the estate of the late NKHUMELENI RACHEL MADZHIE. ID NO: 5407210794089. Date of death: 2020/02/15, of Tshavhalovhedzi Village, Limpopo Province. Master Reference: 565/2020, Thohoyandou. All persons having claims against the abovementioned estate must lodge it with the Executor concerned within thirty (30) days (or as indicated) from date of publication hereof.

Signed at Thohoyandou on this the 23rd day of March 2020.

Executor: ADV. M J MUSHASHA, 2010 centre, Office 11, P O Box 1652 THOHOYANDOU 0950 TEL: 015 962 5852 CELL: 083 290 8585 REF: Est 565/2020

MADALA PHILLIP ATTORNEYS NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN TERMS OF SECTION 29 (1) OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES ACT 66 OF 1965 In the estate of the late

SIDIDZHA ALUGUMI GEORGE ID NO: 580116 5187 085 Date of death: 2020/04/17 of House no 610, Block F, Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province. Master Reference: 622/2020 All persons having claims against the abovementioned estate are requested to lodge their claims within thirty (30) days of publication hereof to Madala Phillip Attorneys, Office House no 801 A, P-East Pfunzo Street, THOHOYANDOU 0950 TEL: 0732599917 REF: Mad/Sididzha/ Est622/2020

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LIMPOPO MIRROR

10 8 May 2020

A sigh of relief at Ha-Magidi as wanted suspect gets re-arrested

By Silas Nduvheni The communities around Ha-Magidi and surrounding villages and towns such as Makwarela near Thohoyandou heaved the sigh of relief after a wanted fugitive, who used to terrorise the people for a long time, was nabbed for 19 serious and violent crimes and escaping from lawful custody.

A community leader in Ha-Magidi village, Mr Thifhelimbilu Liphadzi, told Limpopo Mirror that the mother of the accused had called him last Friday and said that her child Tsireledzo Makhadi (40), better known as “Tsire” and wanted for serious crimes, was back at home and was terrorising the family, threatening to kill them

This firearm was found in possession of the accused during his arrest. Photo SAPS.

with a gun.

According to Liphadzi, the traumatized mother said the accused used to go around during the day and life was a nightmare when he came back home at night.

“We then informed the police, who arrived on Sunday morning, in a joint tactical and intelligence-driven operation that was conducted in the village. We are happy that the police have finally arrested him because we were worried about the lives of members of the family and communities, who could be in danger because of his behaviour,” said Liphadzi.

Liphadzi further said the mother had been hospitalised after the traumatic situation when her troubling son came back to her home.

Limpopo police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo commended the community in Ha-Magidi for their assistance and tip-off to the police.

The accused was allegedly in possession of an unlicensed firearm when the police arrested him.

Mojapelo said the accused was facing 19 charges of serious and violent crimes, including

housebreaking, stealing and theft, rape, possession of unlicensed firearm and escaping from lawful custody.

According to Brig Mojapelo, when the accused was ordered to surrender, he started shooting at the police, who retaliated and, in the process, the accused was wounded. He was taken to hospital for medical treatment.

During his arrest, one firearm, one magazine with two live rounds of ammunition and two knives were recovered.

“The police’s preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was linked to a series of crimes that he had allegedly committed in Thohoyandou and Acornhoek, in the Mpumalanga policing area,” he added.

He appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Monday in absentia (as he is being treated in hospital) and his case was postponed to 15 June for further police investigation, Mojapelo said.

The provincial commissioner of the South African Police Services in Limpopo, Lt-Gen Nneke Ledwaba, applauded the team’s members for the sterling job in arresting this highly wanted suspected.

The traditional leader of Vhufuli village, Chief Nyelisani Mphigalale, fourth from left, phographed with Tshifhe David Thidiela officials and some beneficiaries of the food parcels.

Leopards boss donates food parcels

ships people are facing without an income,” said Thidiela.

Having been born and raised According to Thidiela, 10 in a poor background has poor and vulnerable families prompted the Black Leopards from the six villages around FC boss, Mr David Thidiela, had been identified by tradito think of assisting poor and tional and community leaders vulnerable people during the in their communities. time of the Covid-19 lockHe said he wanted to remind down. the people that they must stay at home during this time of the Through the Tshifhe David lockdown, and at this time of Thidiela Foundation, some level 4, they must wear their poor and vulnerable people masks, hoping that if their adfrom villages such as Tshiterhere to the regulations, things eke, Gondeni la Ha-Mabilu, will be good one day.

Ngwenani ya Ha-Themeli and The chairperson of the TshifHa-Makhuvha near Vhufuli he David Thidiela Foundation, benefited from the food parcels Awelani Makongoza, said the during this time of lockdown. foundation was established “I was born and raised in in February this year, after its Vhufuli village, and I used to go founder, Tshifhe Thidiela, was to school barefoot and without thinking of helping poor young a proper uniform. I know how people. to sleep on an empty stomach Makongoza said the founduring my hard time, and I now dation had also helped with have to think about the hardfood parcels to young people of

the United African Apostolic Church (UAAC) when they staged a young conference early this year.

One of the traditional leaders whose poor and vulnerable community members benefited, Chief Nyelisani Mphigalale of Vhufuli village, said he was thankful for the kindness.

“Tshifhe David Thidiela has shown he is prepared to help needy people during the difficult time of the lockdown, and I wish him to prosper in his businesses, so that he will do more the next time.”

Mr Humbulani Mapholi, of Ngwenani ya Ha-Mapholi, said he was unemployed and depended on odd jobs, and Covid-19 had added a burden because he could not go out and work. He said the food parcels he received were like God had answered his daily prayer of getting something to eat.

Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court again on Thursday.

Cllr Thivhulawi Jeffery They are accused of allegedly Gundula (61) of Ward 10, a selling South African Nationcouncillor in the Thulamela al Defence Force job applicaMunicipality, and two accom- tion forms. plices, Mr Fhumulani NethaDuring their first appearance the (34) and Ms Khwathelani in court in March, Gundula was Nethathe (57) appeared in the released on R 2 000 bail and

the other two accused on bail of R 1 000 each.

Limpopo police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo said the case was postponed to 27 August for further police investigations.

The accused are still out on bail.

By Silas Nduvheni

Councillor’s fraud case postponed

By Silas Nduvheni

Premier Stan Mathabatha (left) leads MECs, Executive Mayor Dowelani Nenguda and the mayor of Collins Chababe Municipality, Cllr Moses Maluleke, during the walk of the Command Council to various stores around Malamulele, to check compliance and shops not complying with the regulations to combat COVID-19.

Lim not ready for school re-opening Grade 7 and 12 teachers may not get adequate protection Premier Chupu Mathabatha from the virus and therefore said the province was could open the province to a ready for switching over to disaster, he added. level 4 of the coronavirus He was speaking on Thurslockdown, which came into day during the provincial effect from 1 May, and urged command council’s meeting the people in Limpopo to that was held in Malamulele, abide by all the rules. He after which the council briefed called on the law-enforcemembers of the media. ment agencies to do their Mathabatha said the work and spare nobody. meeting had been called to monitor compliance and adHowever, the premier said: herence to the lockdown rules “We have made a thorough as contained in the Disaster assessment, and as province Management Act around we agree that the re-opening town and the adjoining of schools as scheduled on the villages. “We strongly appre6th of May will not matericiate the work being done alise, and we are not ready for by the Department of Social the schools to re-open. The Development in terms of food province has concluded that parcels, although the council a phased-in return-to-school raised concerns on reports of programme of Grade 7 and councillors who continued 12 will not materialize in the to dominate the news. The province, with the challenge of command council instructed funding, hygiene and other lo- that no councillor should be gistics,” said Mathabatha. The involved in the distribution

By Silas Nduvheni

of food parcels in whatsoever manner,” he added.

The council has, however, urged those who want to assist with food donation to send them to the provincial food bank or the district food bank depot. He expressed the hope it would assist in regulating the many incidents of the storming of food-distribution centres and duplication of beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, the South African Democratic Teachers Union had earlier issued a statement on the re-opening of schools and said it stood firm on its position that no school should open until the Department of Education had complied with the minimum requirements. These include, among others, the fumigation and disinfection of schools, proper school infrastructure in the form of proper toilet facilities and observance of social distancing.

Dressmaker now makes face masks for the vulnerable in community

By Charity Mulaudzi

able people or groups who are most impacted by the pandemic,” she said.

Mudau believes everyone has the right to protect their health. Her biggest challenge at this stage is to find oil for her sewing machines. “The places where they sell oil for

sewing machines are still closed because of this pandemic,” she explained.

Anyone who can assist with sewing machine oil or even those who wish to donate cloth that can be used to make masks can contact Ms Mudau at 072 2061740 or 072 0353991.

While many small business enterprises are battling to come to grips with the effects of the Covid-19 lockdown, some are using the time to try and make a difference to their communities. One such case is at Ravele Village, where a local seamstress is producing face masks that she distributes free of charge to the elderly and vulnerable people.

Ms Dorin Mashudu Mudau decided to use her talent as a dressmaker to help people who cannot afford to buy face masks.

She said she started making dresses about six years ago, mainly catering for special functions and school uniforms. With the lockdown period in place, she decided to use her talent and skills on other projects.

“I have seen on social media that people are selling protective masks for personal gain,” she said. She realised that noone seemed to care for the vulnerable in the communities. Mudau then started making face masks, which she distributed among the elderly people in the Sinthumule and Kutama areas. “I am prioritizing the homeless people, the Ms Dorin Mashudu Mudau on the right and her partner, Sophy elderly and other vulnerMawela. Both are from Ravele village.

LIMPOPO MIRROR

8 May 2020 11

SAFA Vhembe still not certain about league programme league programme after the state president’s pronouncement of the Just like all the other regionnational lockdown about seven al football associations that weeks ago. fall under the auspices of the During an interview with Mr South African Football AssociEric Muneri, the general secretary ation (SAFA), the Safa Vhembe of the association, he stated that Regional Association is eagerthe outcome of the PSL board of ly awaiting the decision the governors’ meeting would deterPremier Soccer League board of mine their way forward regarding governors will take regarding the the current season. He revealed fate of the current soccer season. that a decision that would not suit The PSL’s board of governors them as a regional association held a special meeting yesterday would be for the PSL teams to play (Thursday) to deliberate on the their remaining league matches way forward regarding the current behind closed doors. soccer season. Safa Vhembe According to him, that decision was compelled to pause their would affect them negatively as

By Frank Mavhungu

playing behind closed doors was not possible because no proper facilities existed in the region. He stated that the decision would imply that they would not promote teams to the higher division this season. He further indicated that the only decision that would suit them would be for the PSL teams to play their remaining league matches at the earliest convenient time, even if it meant in three months’ time.

Muneri also said that, should the PSL teams play their remaining matches behind closed doors, that decision would be as good as declaring the season null and void

Girls expelled from Sasol League all Sasol Women’s League ed for 12 months. Chippas clubs about the sanction forfeited the league points for One of the Vhembe-based imposed on the Raliphaswa the league matches to Botlokaffiliates of the Sasol village-based club. wa Ladies.

Women’s League, Samba “Be notified that the disciThe managing director of Girls, was dismissed from plinary committee has found Chippas Ladies, Mr Robson the league, following acts of Samba Girls guilty on three Magoro, said that the sancmisconduct. counts of misconduct. The tion was too harsh for an amAccording to the league’s club pleaded guilty as charged ateur club. He revealed that provincial coordinator, Mr to all charges and therethey were not going to file an Patrick Seema, Samba Girls fore Samba Girls have been appeal although, for them, were expected to answer to expelled from participating in the sanction was a bitter pill three charges of misconduct the league,” reads an extract to swallow. when they appeared before from the statement. the league’s disciplinary Meanwhile, ancommittee. other Vhembe-based He revealed that they were side, Chippas United charged with tampering with Ladies, were also the players’ registration cards, found guilty of fieldfielding improperly registered ing an improperly players and bringing the registered player. The league and the sponsors into committee found disrepute. According to Seethat Chippas had ma, the incidents took place fielded an improperly during Samba Girls’ league registered player in matches last season. their home and away He said that the only Sasol matches against Women’s League club from Botlokwa Ladies. the Nzhelele Valley had Although Chippas fielded improperly regispleaded not guilty tered players in three league to the two charges, matches. He further said that the committee Samba Girls had pleaded found them guilty guilty to all the charges. as charged. Chippas Following the league decision were ordered to pay a to expel Samba Girls, Seema R20 000 fine, half of The managing director of Chippas United Ladies, Mr Robson Magoro. issued a statement informing which was suspendBy Frank Mavhungu

Spider has to absorb virus punches

By Kaizer Nengovhela The bout of the South African lightweight champion, Tshifhiwa "Spider" Munyai, has been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. He was supposed to fight against Ayanda Nkosi at the Randburg Recreation Centre in a WBF world-title bout later this month.

He said that in this period of lockdown, he did not have any income. He is appealing to good Samaritans or businesspeople to help him to pay his rent and provide food for him. “As much as boxing is a livelihood for many boxers, they'll have to maintain their fitness levels,” Munyai said.

"We had no choice but to do as the State President ordered and postpone all the activities, because we must make sure everybody is safe and must stand together."

He urged the youth to be serious with their education, so that they can make a significant contribution to the community in which they live. “The youth must stay away from drugs and criminal activities and prepare

themselves for careers that will benefit them in life.”

“I wish to express continued support for the measures announced by the State President to combat the spread of

the coronavirus. I call on all our societies to adhere to the lockdown regulations, stay at home, get tested, the washing of hands and keeping the recommended social distance.”

Tshifhi "Spider" Munyai. Photo supplied.

to them as a regional association.

Muneri stated that the decision to nullify the current season would have far-reaching consequences and was likely to spark a huge outcry because of the significant financial implications.

He said their league was currently enjoying sponsorships from two companies, MMK Administrators and the South African Breweries (SAB), and nullifying the season would entail serious negotiations with their sponsors.

Most of the SAFA Vhembe teams were left with 10 league matches when the lockdown came into effect.

SAFA Vhembe’s general secretary, Mr Eric Muneri.

Masungulo soccer tournament called off due to national lockdown

By Kaizer Nengovhela The annual Masungulo soccer challenge was called off because of the national lockdown.

The top-16 soccer tournament, which was scheduled to be played at the Mashamba grounds, will again take place in 2021. More than R70 000 was budgeted for this year’s tournament. The defending champions are Mashamba Soccer Academy, who beat Mulima in the seventh edition of the tournament last year.

The organiser of the tournament, Ms Mercy Rambau, said that several tournaments and league activities that were scheduled to take place were cancelled, following the ban on public gatherings. This will be bad for rural teams who rely on the prize money to finance their activities for the coming season.

"We are in a difficult situation, so let us stay home this time because the infection rate of the virus is growing faster daily." She appealed to the soccer players to use their time fruitfully and The organiser of the tournament, Ms Mercy train indoors.

Rambau.

Joseph Mhlongo’s contract expires, but he is still part of Leopards’ plans

By Frank Mavhungu The relationship between Black Leopards and their midfielder, Joseph Mhlongo, is most likely to remain intact after the expiry of the player’s current contract with the club. Mhlongo’s contract with Lidoda Duvha will expire at the end of next month.

According to the player’s agent, Mr Ratshibvumo Mulovhedzi of Rush Hour Sports Management, negotiations with Leopards are at an advanced stage.

Mr Mulovhedzi revealed that he had held several meetings with the management of Leopards during the past months. He further stated that they could have sealed the deal with the club already, had it not been for the national lockdown from the coronavirus.

According to him, the two parties had difficulty holding follow-up meetings after the pronouncement of the lockdown towards the end of March. He also said that Black Leopards had come with an offer about three weeks ago. Mulovhedzi indicated that after they had looked at the offer, they could see that Black Leopards were serious about retaining the player.

The ecstatic Mulovhedzi reiterated that he would make time to travel to Thohoyandou in the coming weeks to meet the management of the club. He stated

that he was confident that both parties would append their signatures on the dotted line during the meeting.

Mulovhedzi also revealed that several PSL clubs had shown interest in the player. He stated that he had not signed a pre-season contract with any club, saying he wanted to give Black Leopards the first preference. Mulovhedzi further said that both the player and his

company had enjoyed their relationship with Black Leopards over the past three years.

“Black Jesus”, as he is affectionately called, joined the Thohoyandou side on 1 July 2017 on a three-year contract. The chairman of Black Leopards, Mr David Thidiela, said that they had done their part as a club and that they were waiting to hear from the player and his agent.

Joseph Mhlongo.

LIMPOPO MIRROR

12 8 May 2020

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PSL’s current league programme under discussion that was mandated by the chairman to look into the various possibilities Following the decision taken in their on how the league programme could monthly meeting that was held last be completed had submitted its report Thursday, the Premier Soccer League during the meeting.

(PSL) board of governors held a speThe source revealed that the report cial meeting at the league’s offices yes- was exhaustive, and the board members terday (Thursday). According to the felt that members needed to go through chairman of the league, Dr Irvin Kho- the report in their own time. They za, the only agenda item of yesterday’s therefore set aside a date to deliberate meeting was to deliberate on the next on the matter. The fact that President step for domestic football after the Cyril Ramaphosa had announced two league activities were suspended back weeks ago that the country would be in March because of the outbreak of moving from level 5 to level 4 of the the coronavirus worldwide. lockdown, with effect from last Friday, The outcome of the meeting was not 1 May, meant that the board would be known at the time of our going to press. compelled to take radical decisions.

According to a reliable source, the matWhen announcing the changes, the ter should have been deliberated fully state president stated that activities in their monthly meeting last Thursday that remained prohibited under level 4 but had to be postponed after the team included the playing of soccer matches

By Frank Mavhungu

The pace setters, Kaizer Chiefs FC.

at all levels.

The decision will undoubtedly affect the PSL’s league programme negatively since the league has already lost seven weeks to date.

Some of the decisions that the board is likely to take include playing the six remaining league matches at the earliest convenient time, even if that means three months from now. This decision will have far-reaching implications as it will affect the league’s future soccer seasons. The other route that the board could take is to nullify the current season.

This decision will benefit the teams that are currently lying in the relegation zone, Black Leopards, Amazulu FC, Baroka FC, Polokwane City and Chippa United, as no team will be relegated.

Should the board opt for this scenario, they will be forced to find ways to promote two teams from the GladAfrica Championship division and maintain 18 teams in the Absa Premiership division.

Although that decision could prove too expensive for the PSL, it will benefit the whole football hierarchy in the country as it gives all lower divisions an opportunity to promote their qualifying teams to the higher leagues. Kaizer Chiefs were leading the pack with 48 points when the league activities came to a halt.

Mamelodi Sundowns are four points behind, while Chiefs have a match in hand.

Relegation candidates Black Leopards FC.

Fighting for survival: Baroka FC.

Relegation candidates Polokwane City FC.

TTM striker, Wonderboy Makhubu, targeted by PSL clubs

By Frank Mavhungu Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) are likely to lose one of their key players, Wonderboy Makhubu, to an Absa Premiership side.

A reliable source close to the player revealed that Maritzburg United and Cape Town City are targeting the young man when his contract with the Tshakhuma side expires at the end of next month.

According to the source, Maritzburg United have shown the most interest in the player since last year, while Cape Town City started to enquire about the player’s availability about two months ago.

The source further revealed that United started to monitor the player

since last year’s promotional playoff matches. United took part in the playoffs after finishing their league programme in the second-last position on the log standings.

The KwaZulu Natal side managed to retain their Absa Premiership franchise after winning all their matches in the promotional playoffs.

The 23-year-old killer striker joined TTM from Magesi FC on 1 August 2018. “Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila is an ambitious club that believes in making stars. We produced the likes of Lesedi Kapinga, Lifa Hlongwane, Themba Ndlovu, Mpambaniso Monde and Nhlanhla Mgaga, just to mention a few. There are PSL clubs that have shown interest in some of our key players, but we cannot give more details at

this stage.

All we can say is that the boy (Wonderboy Makhubu) is one of the players who are being monitored by big clubs” reads an extract from the statement issued by TTM’s communications and marketing manager, Mr Tshidino Ndou, after Limpopo Mirror contacted him for comments.

Lesedi Kapinga, Lifa Hlongwane and Themba Ndlovu are all playing for Black Leopards, while Mpambaniso Monde and Nhlanhla Mgaga are playing for Polokwane City and Baroka FC respectively.

Kapinga’s contract with Leopards will expire at the end of next month.

Mgaga joined Baroka four months ago, while Monde migrated to City two years ago.