Zoutpansberger 9 October 2020

Z

outpansberger

9 Oktober 2020

News with an independent soul

PRYS: R5,00 BTW Ing.

www.zoutpansberger.co.za Joubertstraat 16B Louis Trichardt TEL: 516 4996/7/8

We are not using wrong tariffs, says municipality - page 3

Jaargang 36 Vol.40

Is the justice system failing our furry friends? - page 5

ISSN 2409-2835

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40

9 772409 283001

Key evidence disappears

By Andries van Zyl The Makhado Municipality’s “partying” councillor, Cllr Tebogo Mamorobela, was in the news again the past week after it had come to light that key evidence in her drunk-driving case had gone missing.

Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed on Tuesday that a criminal case of theft and defeating the ends of justice has been opened after Mamorobela’s blood kit (to test her blood/alcohol level) had gone missing from the Makhado Police

Station where it was stored. “The docket has been taken over by the provincial detectives,” said Mojapelo.

Mamorobela’s blood kit was taken after a vehicle accident on Sunday, 20 September. She was allegedly driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol at about 04:30 when she was involved in a collision with another motor vehicle at the corner of Jeppe and Anderson Street in Louis Trichardt.

“The scene was duly visited by the local police and both drivers were charged and taken to hospital for taking blood samples. Both were scheduled to appear

Mamorobela is escorted to the police station shortly after the accident on 20 September. Photo supplied.

in court on Monday, 21 September, but the case was not enrolled as the prosecutor gave further instructions that had to be followed up by the investigating officer, which included the results of the blood tests,” said Mojapelo.

The circumstances surrounding the accident and Mamorobela’s arrest raised questions, especially regarding the Makhado police’s handling of the case.

From the start, allegations were rife that some members of the local police had deliberately tried to botch the investigation to protect Mamorobela. Apart from the case’s not being put on the court roll because of the outstanding results of the blood test, the police docket contained several other serious shortcomings.

Among the critical pieces of information allegedly omitted from the police docket were an accident sketch plan, witness statements, and a police account of the state of the driver’s sobriety. Ms Mashudu Malabi, liaison officer for the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Polokwane, later confirmed that this was the reason why Mamorobela’s case was not put on the court roll. She said that the elements of the offense [that had prompted the police to arrest Mamorobela for drunk driving] had not been contained in the police docket. These are needed to link Mamorobela to the offense she has been charged with. The docket was therefore referred back to the police to complete correctly.

Mamorobela’s blood kit’s going missing from the Makhado Police Station now further fuels belief that certain members of the local police are trying to cover for this high-profile member of the ANC. But the provincial office of the SAPS is not impressed. “As the police

management in the province, we view this incident in a serious light and already internal investigations, in addition to the criminal investigations, are underway to determine exactly what happened. Any member who might have conducted himself or herself inappropriately will be dealt with in accordance with our internal processes,” said Mojapelo. At the time of our going to press, no arrest had been made in connection with the missing blood kit.

Mamorobela first made national news headlines in April this year, when she and two of her friends were arrested after a video of her partying with friends on her birthday started circulating on social

media. This was amidst the Level 5 lockdown period, which prohibited all alcohol sales and gatherings such as birthday parties.

Following the damning video, Mamorobela and her two friends were arrested on charges of contravening the lockdown regulations.

After their court appearance, they were released on R1 000 bail each.

A resolution by the ANC of the Vhembe region was subsequently taken that Mamorobela should recuse herself from all activities of the municipality with immediate effect, until the matter was finalised by the court. She was also scheduled to appear in front of the Makhado Municipality’s ethics committee.

(Contd on P2)

Cllr Tebogo Mamorobela’s luxury Ford Ranger bakkie after she had crashed through a resident’s prefab fence. Photo supplied.

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2

Ek is ... die Weg, die Waarheid en die lewe Hoe verhoor God ons gebede? Lukas 11:1-13

I

n watter gesindheid vra ons wanneer ons bid, en wat moet ons verwagtinge wees wanneer ons vra? Ons teksgedeelte leer ons dat ons altyd in afhanklikheid en geloof moet bid.

Om in afhanklikheid te bid, beteken dat ons sal besef dat alles wat ons het, van God af kom.

Alles in die lewe word deur Hom beskik. Ons kan niks voortbring of hê as God dit nie aan ons gee nie. Hy gee aan ons wat Hy wil, volgens sy eie wil en besluit. ‘n Afhanklike gesindheid in gebed beteken ook dat ons besef dat ons God nie kan dwing om vir ons te gee wat ons wil hê nie. Ons is God se onderdane, en sy wil geskied oor wat ons vra.

Wat moet ons van Hom smeek? Alles wat ons nodig het in ons daaglikse lewens. Dit geld vir ons daaglikse lewensonderhoud, en die tye wanneer ons in besondere nood is. Ons moet dit deurlopend en aanhoudend doen. Hierdeur gee ons erkenning aan die almag van God, dat Hy alles in ons lewens beskik, en dit leer ons om ons behoeftes ten opsigte van die lewe so te hou dat ons met vrymoedigheid vir God daarvoor kan vra, en onsself nie daarvoor hoef te skaam nie.

Om in geloof te bid, beteken dat ons die feit dat ons kinders van God is in gedagte sal hou wanneer ons bid. Die besondere verhouding wat ons met God het, waarin Hy ons gestel het, bepaal dat Hy ons gebed op ‘n sekere manier aanhoor. Ons is vir ewig sy kinders deur die verlossingswerk van ons Here Jesus Christus.

Alle woede wat ons Hemelse Vader gehad het oor die sonde van sy kinders, wat vir ons ewige ellende sou beteken het, is deur Christus weggeneem toe Hy aan die kruis gesterf het. Daarom word ons met reg beskou as God se huisgesin, en Hy hanteer ons op dieselfde manier as wat liefdevolle aardse ouers hul kinders sal hanteer.

Eintlik behandel Hy ons selfs beter, want daar is geen gebreke of foute by Hom soos daar by alle aardse ouers is nie. Hy sal ons alles gee wat ons nodig het.

Hoe bepaal ons wat ons nodig het in die lewe? Ons dink baie keer ons weet wat ons alles in die lewe moet hê, en dit sal dan ook die dinge wees waarvoor ons in gebed vra. Soms eis ons dan ook dat God presies sal gee wat ons vra. Dit is egter nie hoe dit werk nie. Die een wat bepaal wat ons nodig het, is die Here. Hy, wat alles van ons weet en die fynste besonderhede van ons lewens ken, weet ook die heel beste wat ons ten alle tye moet hê. Hy weet wat goed is vir ons om te hê, en ook wanneer ons dit nodig het.

Volgens hierdie maatstawwe gee die Here dan aan sy kinders.

Al hierdie dinge sien ons duidelik in die twee mini-gelykenisse in ons teks. Die eerste een, van vers 5-8, vertel ons van die persoon wat sy vriend in die middel van die nag opklop vir drie brode. Hierdie man het volle vrymoedigheid om dit van hom te vra. Hy is in nood, en volkome afhanklik van sy vriend. Op sy versoek gee die vriend hom dan alles wat hy nodig het. Daar word nie gesê dat sy vriend hom spesifiek die drie brode gegee het wat hy gevra het nie. Hy het hom gegee wat hy benodig. Dit kon minder wees, of meer. Maar dit was in elk geval genoeg om voldoende in sy behoeftes te voorsien.

Die tweede gelykenis, in vers 11-12, gaan verder in op die saak van hoe God gebede verhoor. Hier word twee voorbeelde genoem van seuns wat kos vra. In die een geval vra die seun ‘n vis, en in die ander geval ‘n eier.

Al twee hier­die dinge is goeie, normale dinge.

Hierteenoor word dinge genoem wat gevaarlik en potensieel dodelik is, naamlik ‘n slang en ‘n skerpioen. Die beginsel wat Christus hier stel is dat die vaders van die seuns, wanneer hulle goeie dinge vra, nooit aan hulle slegte dinge sal gee nie. Net so ook sal die Hemelse Vader sy kinders nooit slegte dinge gee nie.

Vers 9 en 10 vat die saak baie mooi saam: “Ek sê vir julle: Vra, en vir julle sal gegee word.

Soek, en julle sal kry. Klop, en vir julle sal oopgemaak word. Elkeen wat vra, ontvang, en elkeen wat soek, kry; en vir elkeen wat klop, sal oopgemaak word.”

God gee ons die opdrag om te vra wat ons nodig het. Ons moet nie skaam wees voor Hom nie. Ons moet in afhanklikheid en geloof aanhou vra. Sonder ophou, in tye van voorspoed, en tye van nood. Ons mag nooit twyfel daarin dat God met ons is, en dink Hy het ons verlaat nie.

Hy is altyd met ons, en sorg vir ons op die heel beste manier, elke oomblik van elke dag.

- Ds. Hannes Lee (Gereformeerde Kerk Messina)

ZOUTPANSBERGER, 9 OCTOBER 2020

Seven years jailtime for first VBS looter other co-accused in the VBS case. The other accused are former VBS chairperson Tshifhiwa The first set of orange overalls for the VBS Calvin Matodzi, CEO Andile Ramavhunga, forMutual Bank looters was handed out on mer treasurer Phophi Mukhodobwane, former Wednesday, when the bank’s former chief non-executive board members Ernest Nesane financial officer, Philip Truter, was sentenced and Paul Magula, the former CFO of the SA to an effective seven years in prison. His Police Service, Phalaphala Avhashoni Ramikosi, sentence should cause a fair amount of panic and former KPMG engagement partner Sipho among the other accused, as well as Limpopo Malaba. politicians who are in the crosshairs of the When the Reserve Bank stepped in and VBS prosecuting authorities. was eventually liquidated, some R2,5 billion in Truter painted a fairly lonely figure on deposits from the government and community Wednesday morning when he appeared in the schemes (which included stokvels of poor penSpecialised Commercial Crimes Court in Palm sioners) had already been looted.

Ridge. As expected, he pleaded guilty to the Philip Truter was seemingly never regarded charges against him and will turn State witness. as a “mastermind” or big influencer in the VBS He was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, of looting. Seemingly, his lack of financial disciwhich seven are direct imprisonment and three pline eventually caused his downfall. years have been suspended for five years.

Truter clearly tried his best to negotiate a faTruter pleaded guilty to accounting fraud, ad- vourable deal with the prosecutors. The charges mitting that he had falsely inflated assets owned he pleaded guilty to normally carry a minimum

by VBS Bank. He admitted that he had accepted sentence of 15 years. Truter originally faced 22 R5 million, which was nothing less than a bribe. different charges, and if his testimony is judged He was also found guilty of money laundering, not to be genuine, some or all of these charges in that he assisted in paying money to companies may be reinstated. as part of proceeds from the money stolen from Part of the negotiated deal means that Truter the bank. will be held in a single cell “for safety reasons”.

Truter previously appeared alongside seven The other accused were expected to appear in

By Anton van Zyl

Key evidence goes missing at station (Contd from P1) Apart from being an Makhado Exco member as Head of Corporate Services, Mamorobela has also performed duties as acting mayor of the Makhado Municipality in the past. Her political career started at the South African Youth Council and the South African Students Congress.

She served in the ANC Youth League’s provincial executive committee for Limpopo from 2012 to 2014. She has served as the deputy chairperson of the ANC Makhado sub-region since 2018 and is the convener of the ANC Women’s League’s Young Woman Desk of Limpopo.

Mamorobela successfully cleared her first legal hurdle when the charge of contravening the lockdown regulations against her was provisionally withdrawn in the Louis Trichardt Magistrate’s Court. The prosecuting authority explained that this was done to “allow the investigating officers to finish their investigation”.

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In the meantime, Makhado Municipality’s spokesperson, Mr Louis Bobodi, stated on Tuesday that Mamorobela had since appeared before the municipality’s “ethics” committee.

“Yes, she has already appeared, and the decision has already been taken by Council, which has been referred to the MEC for COGHSTA for implementation,” said Bobodi. Asked what the decision was, Bobodi responded by saying: “Protocol dictates that we wait for the approval or disapproval of the MEC.” The newspaper was, however, able to determine that the report (and decision) on Mamorobela’s conduct had in fact served before the council during the 155th special council meeting on 29 September and a copy of the agenda was obtained. Mamorobela will apparently also dodge the proverbial bullet in this regard. The worst that is going to happen to her is that she will be reprimanded and asked to apologise to the municipality for her conduct. The agenda also indicates that she has asked to resume her duties at the municipality. At the time of our going to press, Bobodi had yet to confirm whether Mamorobela was still suspended from her council duties.

court on Thursday (8th). More names will presumably be added soon to the list of the accused.

Philip Truter, former CFO of VBS Mutual Bank, is now in jail. Photo supplied.

MAKHADO CARE GROUP IS A NON PROFIT ORGANISATION WHICH ASSISTS WITH THE CARE OF CANCER PATIENTS IN THE MAKHADO AREA CONTACT DETAILS: Dr Casper Venter: 082 857 0022 Dr Emil Gaigher: 082 892 8862 Jernay Mcleod: 086 403 5752 Angela Brennan: 082 902 6271

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ASSISTENT PLAASBESTUURDER BENODIG SUBTROPIESE GEWASSE ‘n Gevestigde Makadamia en Avokado Boerdery in Louis Trichardt omgewing het n pos beskikbaar vir ‘n jong dinamiese en kundige persoon wat ‘n passie vir boerdery het en wat take doelgerig en sistemies kan uitvoer en suksesvol kan afhandel.

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Verantwoordelikhede sluit in: • Optimale en effektiewe bestuur, benutting en aanwending van alle hulp bronne vir ‘n medium groote Makadamia en Avokado Boerdery.

• Optimalisering van produksie prosesse, opbrengs en produktiwiteit.

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Minimum vereistes sluit in: • Toepaslike en bewese ervaring ten opsigte van verbouing en produksie van Makadamia’s en Avokado’s.

• Kandidate met ‘n toepaslike tersiêre opleiding en Globalgap ervaring sal voorkeur geniet.

DIRECTORS: J McLeod, E Gaigher, Dr C Venter, Z Omar, P Schoeman • Onafhanklike probleem oplossings enDR besluitnemingsvaardighede.

DIRECTORS: • Moet goeie menseverhoudings kan handhaaf.

J McLeod, DR E Gaigher, Dr C Venter, Z Omar DIRECTORS: • Rekenaar vaardigheid.

J McLeod, DR E Gaigher, Dr C Venter, Z Omar, P Schoeman Markverwante salaris gebaseer op ondervinding. Behuising word voorsien.

Epos volledige CV na: neuhof@mweb.co.za Indien u geen terugvoer ontvang voor of op 16 Oktober 2020 nie, aanvaar u aansoek was onsuksesvol.

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ZOUTPANSBERGER, 9 OKTOBER 2020

We are not using wrong tariffs, says municipality

By Andries van Zyl Is the Makhado Municipality deliberately ripping off consumers by forcing them to pay inflated monthly electricity bills? This was the

Mienke Burger (Graad 5) van Laerskool Louis Trichardt het haar skool se naam hoog gehou toe sy tydens die nasionale finaal van die Oppie Tong Af-kompetisie op 2 Oktober ‘n algehele tweede plek ingepalm het met haar praatjie met die tema: Die ooievaar moet reguit in sy voetspore omdraai. Oppie Tong Af is die grootste aanlyn kompetisie in die land en bestaan uit 20 rondes wat in al nege provinsies beslis word.

3

Campbell calculated that he paid R555 too much question asked by the newspaper last week. end up with a combined electricity bill of 2 700 the last couple of months for a family of two.

According to the municipality, they are not. kWh. If no adjustments are made to allow for Another Louis Trichardt resident, Johann HamThe newspaper reported last week on how average use in the different tariff “blocks”, the mann, declared a dispute with the municipality the municipality seemingly frequently neglects consumer could end up paying R52,98 for the after calculating that he had been overcharged to take monthly electricity readings at homes first 50 kWh (Block 1), R411 for the next 300

by R1 500 over two months. and businesses, sometimes for up to 90 days. kWh (Block 2), R484,30 for the next 250 units According to Bobodi, adjustments were made They then take a reading again for the entire in Block 3 and a massive R4 853,10 for the on accounts that were affected by incorrect period and charge remaining 2 100 units, the consumer for the “The municipality is aware of bringing the total bill to billing. “The municipality has already embarked on a program of replacing conventional meters combined reading.

R5 801,38. If monthly concerns regarding meter read- readings were taken, with prepaid ones, at no costs to the consumers, This results in elecwhich will eventually result in the reduction tricity consumption’s the consumer (with an ings. We, however, dispute that average of 900 kWh) of the number of queries or complaints about being grossly inflated, the municipality neglects taking would pay exactly the meter readings,” said Bobodi. with consumers being In cases where a meter cannot be read, Bocharged on a higher for the first three readings because meter readings same bodi said, an estimation based on the average kWh (kilowatt-hour) tariff blocks, but only consumption of the previous three months rate. are taken on a monthly basis” R693,30 in Block 4 would be used to determine the billing for the “The municipality for a total monthly acmonth. “However, efforts are made to ensure is aware of concerns regarding meter readings. count of R1 641,58. If you multiply this average that actual readings are taken in order to correct We, however, dispute that the municipality monthly account by three months, the total is neglects taking readings because meter readings R4 924,74. This is R876,64 less than the account the estimated average readings,” said Bobodi. He are taken on a monthly basis,” said municipal where no readings were taken for three months. added that only consumers who were overbilled and had made payments based on the overbilling spokesperson Mr Louis Bobodi on Tuesday in At least two residents took the time to meticwould be refunded if they had a credit on their response to the article. “Furthermore, we dispute ulously calculate their “losses” due to “wrong” account. the use of incorrect tariffs. The tariffs that the calculations. Louis Trichardt resident Duncan municipality are using are in line with those recommended by NERSA,” added Bobodi.

Bobodi was referring to the different tariffs for the different “blocks” of consumption. At this stage we must point out that the newspaper never stated that the municipality uses incorrect tariffs. The article suggests that the municipality is calculating monthly consumption incorrectly.

At present, consumers are paying R1,0596 (Block 1) per kWh for the first 50 kWh of monthly use. Between 51 and 350 kWh, consumers are paying R1,37 (Block 2) per kWh, and WHY CHOSE RIDGEWAY? for consumption between 351 and 600 kWh the • Small, independent, English medium family of schools cost is R1,9372 (Block 3) per kWh. For every kWh over 601 kWh per month, consumers will • Affordable, quality educa�on for boys and girls from Grade RR - Grade 12 have to fork out R2,311 (Block 4) per kWh. • Disciplined yet warm, pupil-orientated environment.

This is where residents’ concerns come in.

• Focus on academics Many argue that if the municipality skips a • Building self-confident, produc�ve, capable and responsible members of society. meter reading for a month or two, the consumer • We know our pupils and we believe in them with an average residential electricity consumption of (for example) 900 kWh per month, could

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ZOUTPANSBERGER, 9 OCTOBER 2020

4

Dirk het beslis diep spore in die Soutpansberg getrap Deur Pétria de Vaal

Afgeneem tydens die VLU Noord se besoek aan die Pilarius skool buite Vivo. Van links na regs is me. Leanda Le Cornu (VLU Noord president), me. Ronelle Linde (VLU Noord sekretaresse en geldsakevoorsitter), me. Sanet Meyer (VLU Alldays vise-voorsitter Kring Noord), me. Eunice Fick (Pilarius), me. Klarissa Powell (Pilarius assistent), me. Melanie Smit (Pilarius assistent) en me. Juanita Venter (VLU Alldays en Koraalsteek skakelbeampte). Agter is Janica Bothma (Pilarius hoof en eienaar). Foto verskaf.

VLU Noord help twee spesiale skole Lede van die VLU Noord het onlangs besoek afgelê by twee baie spesiale skole in Limpopo om skenkings aan hulle te maak uit die organisasie se welwillendheidfonds.

Besoek is onder meer afgelê

by Club 21 in Mokopane (Potgietersrus) en by die Pilarius skool in die hartjie

van die bosveld buite Vivo.

Club 21, wat deur die Potgietersrus VLU genomineer is vir die skenking, is ‘n skool vir Downsindroom leerders en is ‘n satellietskool van ‘n skool in Pretoria. Pilarius, genomineer deur die Alldays VLU, bied opvoedkundige onderrig aan vir kinders met struikelblokke wat nie in ‘n gewone skool kan regkom nie. Die kinders het elkeen uiteenlopende prob-

Afgeneem tydens die VLU Noord se besoek aan Club 21 in Mokopane is (van links na regs) me. Charlotte Steel (skoolhoof ), me. Lilian Weber (Soetdoringstreekvoorsitter) en Leanda Le Cornu (VLU Noord president). Foto verskaf.

leme soos outisme, Downsindroom, ADHD en disleksie.

Die skool se fokus is om elke kind op te voed tot die beste van sy/haar vermoë; hierdie kinders word met waardigheid behandel en hulle word ondersteun in hulle agterstande. Die fokus is op hulle sterktpunte om hulle te help met ontwikkeling.

Beide Club 21 en Pilarius het ‘n donasie van kontant ontvang om apparaat aan te koop.

Alhoewel al twee die skole min leerders het, verteenwoordig elke leerder uiteindelik vier leerders, gemeet aan die tyd en aandag wat elke leerder benodig. Club 21 ondersteun Pilarius deur inligting en studiemateriaal te deel. Wat beide hierdie skole egter spesiaal maak, is dat hulle aan leerders die geleentheid bied om te ontwikkel en te groei vanuit die veiligheid van ‘n geliefde ouerhuis.

Hierdie week, 25 jaar gelede in die

Zoutpansberger

Het Louis Trichardt sy eie hondeslagter met ‘n wrok teen die mens se beste vriend? So lees die inleidingsparagraaf van die hoofberig op die voorblad van die Zoutpansberger van 13 Oktober 1995.

Die artikel is geskryf ná die dood van verskeie honde in Reitzstraat in die voorafgaande maande. Die honde is geskiet of vergiftig. ‘n Inwoner, sersant Ben van Biljon, wat sedert die begin van daardie jaar in die straat woonagtig is, het vertel dat hy sedert sy intrek in die buurt reeds vyf honde verloor het. Die mees onlangse was ‘n jong Labrador wat hy slegs ‘n week voor die hond se dood aangekoop het. Die ander honde was ‘n Boerboel, ‘n Rottweiler, ‘n Alsatian en ‘n Maltese Poedel. Die Labrador is na Onderstepoort gestuur, wat bevestig het dat die hond weens arseenvergiftiging dood is. Verskeie ander inwoners van die straat het soortgelyke stories vertel van hul lieflinghonde wat skielik net gevrek het of geskiet is.

Ook op die voorblad van 25 jaar gelede was die storie van die jong Eben Möller, wat byna deur ‘n stuk vislyn onthoof is. Die vislyn is blykbaar deur iemand wat motorfietsryers se aktiwiteite beperk wou beperk oor die pad in die ou Kommandant Piet Möllerstraat (Tshirululunistraat) gespan. Die jong Eben het saam met sy suster, Jeanne-Mari, agter op hul pa se bakkie gestaan. Sy pa, Pieter, en ma Rietjie, was onderweg na die familieplaas. Volgens Pieter het hy skielik ‘n klapgeluid op die windskerm van sy bakkie gehoor en oomblikke later het Jeanne-Mari vir hom geskreeu om te stop.

Klein Eben het ‘n wit brandmerk feitlik reg rondom sy nek gehad soos die vislyn

Wyle Dirk Coetzee (66). Foto verskaf.

DEPRESSIEF MOEDELOOS DESPERAAT Ons kan help

Plaaslike beraders: 072 262 8646 of 082 256 6423 òf SADAG (Suid-Afrikaanse Depressie en Angs Groep) 0800 205 026 / 011 262 6396 0800 21 22 23 of SMS 31393 www.sadag.org

Laerskool Louis Trichardt

hom gesny het. Gelukkig het die vislyn egter gebreek, anders sou sy beserings veel erger gewees het.

Wat raadsnuus betref, het die streek sy eerste voorsmakie gekry van afgedankte mense wazt oorgaan tot vandalisme en saakbeskadiging as hulle nie kry wat hulle wil hê nie. Die voorafgaande week is in die Zoutpansberger berig van die Groter Louis Trichardt Oorgangsraad se besluit om van hul werkers af te dank omdat hulle besig was met ‘n onwettige staking. Die werkers, almal lede van die Suid-Afrikaanse Munisipale Werkersunie, het blykbaar tot begin om raadseiendom te beskadig en die raad was verplig om klagte van vandalisme en saakbeskadiging by die polisie in te dien.

TR I EG I ES

Gr. 1 Inligtingsdag

Saterdag, 10 Oktober 2020 Erasmusstraat (kantooringang)

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VLU Nuus

Oorlede Dirk Coetzee, oor wie die Zoutpansberger verlede week berig het, was geliefd en het diep spore in die plaaslike gemeenskap getrap.

Dirk is op 15 Desember 1954 te Rustenburg gebore. Hy het sy skoolloopbaan in die klein Vrystaatse dorpie, Reddersburg, net suid van Bloemfontein, voltooi. Hier het hy van kindsbeen af ‘n groot belangstelling in stoei gehad en het hy hierdie sport begin beoefen.

Vanaf 1972 was Dirk in die weermag en het hy die rang van luitenant met trots gedra. Later was hy ook lid van die kommando in Louis Trichardt en was hy bekend as “Dirk Waterkar”. Dirk se weduwee, Carien, vertel dat hy hierdie naam by mede-kommandolede gekry het, omdat hy altyd die water aangery het na kampe toe.

Dirk het ‘n vol lewe gehad. Sy eerste betrekking was by die Spoorweë vanaf 1974 tot 1978.

Daarna het hy vir drie jaar by die Paaiedepartement gewerk. Van 1982 tot 1987 was hy ‘n Sanlam-verteenwoordiger en hierna was hy in diens van Ou Mutual tot 2002. Vanaf 2003 was hy ‘n onafhanklike makelaar.

Dirk en Carien het mekaar op ‘n interessante manier ontmoet. Menige leser sal Bosveldhotel, die televisiereeks wat destyds in Alldays verfilm is, onthou. Hy was op soek na iemand wat saam met hom na hierdie uitsendings kon kyk. “Gemeenskaplike vriende het ons aan mekaar voorgestel,” onthou Carien. “Ek wou eers niks weet nie, maar toe Dirk met ‘n pak Whispers by my werk aankom, moes ek maar net instem. Dit was die begin van ons verhaal!” sê sy. Die egpaar is op 26 Junie 1982 getroud en drie pragtige seuns is uit die huwelik gebore.

Dirk het sy liefde vir stoei in Louis Trichardt uitgeleef. Hy het vanaf 1993 as afrigter betrokke geraak en was stoeibeampte van 1994 tot 2019.

Vir ‘n tydperk van 10 jaar (2004-2014) was Dirk die president van Limpopo Stoei. In 2019 het Dirk weens gesondheidsredes van die stoei onttrek, maar hy was die provinsie se ere-president tot en met sy afsterwe.

Dirk was ‘n sportman in murg en been. Benewens stoei, was hy ‘n groot rugby-aanhanger.

“Vandat die seuns (Dirk junior, Stiaan en LJ) kon loop, het hulle rugby gespeel en Dirk was hulle grootste ondersteuner,” sê Carien.

Dirk was ook vir ‘n tyd lank tesourier van die Louis Trichardt Rugbyklub en die grootste kantlyn-ondersteuner. Tong in die kies vertel

Carien dat hy ook soms die grootste kantlyn-skeidsregter was!

Vir hierdie gesinsman was tyd saam met familie sy grootste vreugde en kosbaarste besitting.

Sy lojaliteit en hulpvaardigheid het hom ‘n ware man, pa, oupa en vriend gemaak, bemin deur oud en jonk.

Carien en ander naasbestaandes bedank die gemeenskap van Louis Trichardt vir almal se liefde en ondersteuning. “Elke oproep, WhatsApp, Facebook boodskap en inloer by ons gesin word opreg waardeer,” sê Carien. Sy sal steeds in Louis Trichardt aanbly.

Screening: 07:40-08:00 Program/Programme: 08:00-09:00 Uitstallings/ Exhibitions: 09:00 tot 09:30

Gr. 1 Information Day Saturday, 10 October 2020

Erasmus Street (office entrance)

ZOUTPANSBERGER, 9 OKTOBER 2020

Is the justice system failing our furry friends?

By Andries van Zyl Mahatma Gandhi once said that the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. Judging by the number of recent acts of extreme animal cruelty in the Soutpansberg it would, however, seem that some of our nation’s citizens have no moral compass.

In yet another shocking display of extreme cruelty, a local dog owner decided to get rid of his (or her) dog by strapping its front and hind legs together with cable ties and dumping the dog in the bush in the Komatiland forest just outside Louis Trichardt. Fortunately for the dog, she was found by cyclists out mountain biking on Sunday, who alerted the Louis Trichardt SPCA. “It would seem that the dog was not there for long before being found and we were able to free her in time,” said local SPCA inspector Lawrence Khodobo. Khodobo was left outraged that a person would do something so cruel. “If she had not been found, she would surely have

The approximately eight-month-old Boerboel/Pitbull puppy who had almost half of both its ears cut off with scissors to make it “aesthetically more pleasing”. Photo: Louis Trichardt SPCA.

starved to death. What an inhumane way to die!” said Khodobo.

Last month, Khodobo was also called to Musina after a woman spotted three young boys walking in the street with three young puppies.

One of the puppies was crying continuously and, upon closer inspection, the woman saw that both the crying puppy’s ears were bleeding profusely.

When the woman asked what had happened to the puppy’s ears, the young boy told her they had cut them off with scissors. Apparently, this practice is called “cropping” and is done to make dogs, in this case a crossbreed between a Boerboel and Pitbull, “aesthetically more pleasing”.

“People need to understand that the removal of a dog’s tail (docking) or the cropping of ears is illegal. The worst part is they [the boys] did not even administer an anaesthetic when cutting off the puppy’s ears,” said Khodobo.

The woman then urged the boys to bring the puppy to her home for medical attention. On 12 September, they returned, and the approximately eight-month-old puppy was taken to Savuti Veterinary Services. There they found that almost half of both the puppy’s pinnae (outside part of the ear) had been cut off. The wounds were inflamed and covered in dirt and blood.

Khodobo said that he was left with no option but the lay a criminal charge of animal cruelty against the young dog owner from Matswale Extension 9, Musina. The SPCA also confiscated the puppy after this young owner surrendered it to the SPCA. What will become of the case remains to be seen. Khodobo said he was left frustrated as the justice department did not seem to be taking cases of animal cruelty very seriously. To demonstrate his point, he referred to Nugget’s case earlier this year, which many readers will remember. Two young residents were charged with animal cruelty in term of the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962 after they had fed Nugget, an adult Jack Russel, alcohol on 4 March. The severely intoxicated Nugget started suffering seizures, which prompted a member of the public to notify the local SPCA, who in turn went out and confiscated Nugget.

One of the young men opted to turn “state witness” against his friend and the case proceeded without him. Despite compiling a comprehensive docket for court, Khodobo was shocked to find out that the Louis Trichardt Magistrate’s Court had withdrawn the case without his even knowing it. “I went to the public prosecutor to find out why they just withdrew the case and was told that, because the accused is a young offender (18 years old), they decided to rather subject him to an adult diversion programme,” said Khodobo. Such programmes entail meetings with a social worker to try and rehabilitate an offender’s behaviour. “How can they just refer it for diversion? For me it was like he got away with it.

There was no punishment,” said Khodobo.

Another example of how the justice system is failing them, said Khodobo, was the case involving a 42-year-old woman from Manavhela village who was also charged in term of the Animal Protection Act. Mushayathamba Doris Nkhumeleni was charged with animal cruelty in February this year after hacking a donkey belonging to a fellow resident of the village with a sharp object. The donkey’s injuries were so severe that the SPCA had to destroy the animal.

Nkhumeleni pleaded guilty to the charge on 24 July this year in the Tshilwavhusiku Magistrate’s Court. She was sentenced to a mere R400 fine or two months’ imprisonment, which was wholly suspended for two years on condition that she does not contravene the Animal Protection Act again in that period. “Again, this was not punishment. That donkey helped to provide its owner with his daily bread. The donkey itself was worth about R2 000,” said Khodobo.

Khodobo urged members of the public to report all forms of animal abuse. “If you have got a dog which you don’t want anymore, just notify us or bring it to the SPCA. Don’t just go and throw it in the bush,” said Khodobo. He assured members of the public who report animal abuse that the information will be treated confidentially. He also reitereated the fact that surrendering an animal that one cannot look after anymore is free of charge, so people need not be concerned that doing so will put them out of pocket.

5

On a positive note, the young puppy whose ears were cut off has found a new and loving home. His new owners named him Brave.

Nugget is also enjoying a new life with a loving family. At the time of our going to press, the dog found in the Komatiland forest on Sunday was still receiving attention at the SPCA’s kennels.

Kennel staff have named her Adira, a name of Hebrew origin meaning “strong”. An anonymous donor has also offered a R1 000 reward for anyone supplying information that can lead to the successful prosecution of the person responsible for dumping Adira in the bush with her feet tied together with cable ties.

Persons who can assist with such information can phone inspector Khodobo at Tel 082 965 515. He can also be contacted for all other SPCA-related issues, including reporting cases of animal abuse.

Cyclists found this female dog in the Komatiland forest just outside Louis Trichardt on Sunday with her front and hind legs tied together with cable ties. Photo: Louis Trichardt SPCA.

CAPRICORN F1

ZOUTPANSBERGER, 9 OCTOBER 2020

6

Zoutie ZoutieWeather

Thursday, 8 October Clearing, a couple of showers.

Louis Trichardt

(Source: http://www.accuweather.com)

KERKE/CHURCHES • Afrikaanse Protestantse Kerk (LTT) Tshirululunistraat 28, Sondag 09:00, Tel: 015 516 2272 • Afrikaanse Protestantse Kerk (Musina) Cass Straat 16, Sondag 09:00, Tel: 015 534 2126 • Agapé Gemeente (LTT) Sondae: Afrikaanse diens om 08:30 insluitend Peuter-, Kinder- en Tienerbedieninge. Sundays: English service at 10:30 including Toddler-, Children- and Teen Ministries, Past. Sampie van Niekerk, Tel: 015 516 3725 or 082 926 9538 • AGS Charisma (LTT) Munnikstraat 70, Sondag 09:00 & 18:00, Past. Leonie Meyfarth (084 219 4406), Tel 015 516 0486 (kerkkantoor) • AGS El-Shaddai (Musina) Watsonlaan 17, Sondag 10:00 en 18:00, Past. Boetie Visser, Tel: 015 534 3361 / 084 456 6959 • AGS Levubu Enkeldoring E21, Sondag 09:00, Past Bennie en Annemarie Malan, Tel 084 277 2081 of 074 625 9942.

• All Nations for Jesus Christian Centre (LTT) 93 Burger Street (Maranatha Centre), Sunday 09:30 & Wednesday 18:00, Past Benjamin Sithole, Tel 083 532 9492/ 015 516 2275 • Anglican Church / St Marks (LTT) 128 Munnik Street, Sunday 10:30, Rev Robbie Novella, Tel: 015 516 5165 • Baptist Church (Musina) Corner of Whyte & Limpopo Street, Sunday 09:30, Rev Paul Richardson, Tel: 015 534 0479 or 082 446 1728 • Baptist Church / Baptiste Kerk (LTT) 1st Sunday of the month combined morning service (English/Afrikaans) 10:00. Rest of the month English morning service 08:30. Afrikaans morning service 10:00. Evening services combined 18:00. Prayer meeting/Bible study Wednesday 18:00. Ds. Johan Marais 015 516 2714.

• Catholic Church (LTT) Corner Burger & Jeppe Street, Mass times: 1st Sunday 10:00 - 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sunday 17:00, Father Frank Gallagher, Tel: 015 516 0566 / 082 664 1393 (Catholic Church Musina, Tel: 015 534 2085) • Chapel of Grace Church Sunday 09:00 - 11:00 at Forestry 165 in Louis Trichardt (temporary)/ Siloam/Nzhelele Past Oke Tel 083 461 6455.

• Corpus Christi Christian Church Corner Tarentaal and Tuva Street (Makhado Park, Extension 8), Sunday service 09:30, School of Ministry at 13:30 on Sundays. Pastor Peter Thovhakale Tel 082 691 9943.

• St Peters Church (LTT) 33 Breda Street, Sunday 09:00, Tel: 083 377 0984 (Iain Purdon), 084 404 0050 (Soekie Bierman) • Emmanuel Christelike Kerk (LTT) Koraalboomstraat 3, Sondae 09:00 & 18:00, Jeug Vrydae 19:00, Past.

Andries van Heerden, Tel: 015 516 4282 / 083 357 1658 • Evangelies-Gereformeerde Kerk (LTT) LTT Lodge-saal (Hlangananistraat), Sondagoggend erediens 08:00, kontak ds. Herbie Lyon Tel: 082 906 0288 • Gereformeerde Kerk (LTT) H/v Anderson & Songozwistraat, Sondag 09:00 en 10:45, leraar ds. Innes Nagel, Tel. 082 701 5602 • Gereformeerde Kerk (Musina) Wilsonlaan 1, Sondag 09:30, Ds. Hannes Lee, Tel 081 043 0910 of 015 534 2253.

• Hervormde Gemeente Louis Trichardt (Musina & Alldays) H/v Stubbs & Forestryweg, Louis Trichardt, Sondag 08:30, Alldays (09:30 elke tweede Sondag). Kontak ds. Susan Oosthuizen by tel. 082 629 9851 vir meer inligting.

• Hervormde Gemeente Zoutpansberg (LTT) H/v Stubb & Forestry, Elke tweede Sondag om 08:30, Dr. B.J. van Wyk, Tel: 082 828 5711 • Hervormde Kerk Zoutpansberg: Geloofsbond van Hervormde Gemeentes (LTT) H/v Stubb & Forestry, Sondag 10:15, Ds. Ronel Eckard, Tel 072 122 7956 • Hervormde Kerk (Geloofsbond Musina) H/v Van Zyl & Celliersstraat, Sondag om 09:00, ds. Eddie Eckard, Tel: 015 534 2519 of 082 958 9095, Kerkkantoor 015 534 2756.

• Lede in Christus Kerk (LTT) Joubertstraat 29, Sondag oggenddiens 09:30, evangeliediens om 18:00.

Past. Louis Schoeman, Tel: 015 516 0521 / 082 465 8774 • Lewende Woord Louis Trichardt Sondag erediens 10:00 te 49 Rissikstraat. Senior past. Andrew Bezuidenhout (071 078 1631) en past. Jan Wilkins (071 161 9254).

• Levubu Christelike Gemeente (Hatfield) Sondag 09:00 & 18:00, Past. Craig Whitcomb, Tel 015 583 0134 of 084 400 8937 • Lewende Hoop Bedieninge (Louis Trichardt) Plaasgemeente, Sondagdiens 09:30, skakel Susan (076 812 4013) vir meer inligting.

• Methodist Church (LTT) 79 Munnik Street, Sunday 09:00 (English service) 10:00 (Multilingual service), Past. Alan Molyneux, Tel. 082 428 7980.

• NG Kerk (Levubu) Perseel 316, Sondag 08:30 en 10:15 (LTT - Rondebosch Lapa), Ds. Petrus Kriel Tel: 015 583 002 / 082 898 2081 • NG Kerk (LTT) Erasmusstraat 23, Sondae: 09:00 oggenddiens & kinder- en kleuterkerk; 10:15 kategese; 08:30 Braambos; 10:30 Soekmekaar; 11:00 Waterpoort en Bandelierkop(1x pm); en 14:00 Kutama Sinthumule Gevangenis; ds. Jan Pretorius (079 881 9673), ds. Corné Burger (073 759 0451), Kerkkantoor 015 516 3902.

• NG Kerk Soutpansberg (LTT) H/v Stubbs & Andersonstraat, Sondag 09:00, ds. Etienne van Staden (083 274 3227), Kerkkantoor 079 116 1700.

• NG Kerk (Musina) Ds. Henricostraat, Sondag 09:00, ds. André van Rooyen, Tel: 082 468 7640 / E-pos: ngkmsa@lantic.net of alvanrooyen@gmail.com • New Covenant Kerk/Church (LTT) 115 Krogh Street, Sondag 09:00 en 18:30, Louis Trichardt, André van Niekerk, Tel 015 516 5305 or 082 926 7313 • Ou Apostoliese Kerk van SA (LTT) Kroghstraat, Sondagdienste 09:00 tot 10:00 en aanddiens 17:00 tot 18:00, Priester JJ Janse van Rensburg, Tel. 072 544 7505.

• Reformed Church Songozwi Corner of Songozwi and Anderson Street, Louis Trichardt, Sunday 11:00, Rev Paul Mushayabasa (076 860 0669) • Shammah Bedieninge / Ministries - PPK (LTT) Rissikstraat 50. Sondag: 09:00 Hoofdiens & Kinderkerk, 17:00 Connect Groups. Vrydae 19:00 Jeug. Past Anthony Hees 060 577 5217 / Kerkkantoor 015 516 4018 • Sewendedag-adventiste (LTT) Groblerstraat, Saterdag 09:00 en 11:00, leraar Johan Steyn, Tel 082 372 7362 • Sewendedag-adventiste (Musina) H/v Turner & Whytestraat, Saterdag 11:00, Marguerite Sindon & Marietjie Diener, Tel: 015 534 3240 / 082 358 2526 • Volle Evangelie Kerk (LTT) H/v Rissik & Burgersraat, Sondae 09:00 & 17:00, Past. Philip de Jager, Tel: 015 516 0758 / 071 674 7205 • Volle Evangelie Kerk Ebenhaeser (Musina) H/v Turner & Watsonstraat, Sondag 09:00 & 18:00, Past. Jimmy Venter, Tel: 082 920 4493 • Veritas Gemeenskapskerk (LTT) Groblerstraat 80, Sondae 09:00, dr. Philip Venter, Tel. 083 444 7672

Partly sunny and warmer.

High: 23 C Low: 13 C o

Saturday, 10 October

Friday, 9 October

A little morning rain.

High: 23oC Low: 11oC

High: 29 C Low: 16 C

o

o

o

WHAT IS HAPPENING? DEURLOPEND

SPB KOFUKAN KARATEKLUB Die Soutpansberg Kofukan Karateklub oefen elke Woensdag vanaf 18:00 tot 20:00 by die Emmanuel Christian School net buite Louis Trichardt. Vir meer inligting, skakel Tommy by tel. 083 346 6600.

LTT SHUKOKAI KARATEKLUB Die Louis Trichardt Shukokai Karateklub oefen elke Maandag en Donderdag vanaf 17:30 tot 19:15 by die stoeisaal in Louis Trichardt. Vir meer inligting, skakel sensei De Wet van Wyk by tel. 083 654 8869.

JINGLE BELL TOY RIDE The time

is almost here again for local cyclists to get out the Christmas lights and to start decorating their bicycles as part of the annual Jingle Bell Toy Ride in Louis Trichardt.

Although a final date for the event must still be finalised, residents are invited to start gathering soft toys as gifts. The toy ride is hosted in support of less fortunate children. More information will be made available at a later date.

In the meantime, enquiries can be directed to Chanel at chaneladl@gmail.com

OPKOMEND GRUISGAT 4X4 Die

streek se 4x4-entoesiaste word uitgenooi om hul vernuf te kom verwys tydens die gewilde jaarlikse Gruisgat 4x4-kompetisie op 17 Oktober buite Louis Trichardt.

Tussen 07:00 en 09:00 op die dag van die kompetisie kan ingeskryf word, met die bestuurdersinligtingsessie wat om 09:30 plaasvind.

Deelname kos R200 per deelnemer en R20 per volwasse toeskouer (R10 vir kinders).

Vir meer inligting, skakel CW Burger by tel.

082 378 3151.

OKTOBER

17

OCTOBER

31

Rozanna on 081 746 4319. “Come one, come all. By supporting the stallholders, you will also be supporting the animals of the SPCA. See you there,” said the SPCA team.

NOVEMBER

7

LAAT LENTE / HERFSAKKER BASAAR Inwoners van

Louis Trichardt en omstreke word nou reeds herinner om ‘n aantekening in hulle dagboeke te maak van Laat Lente en Herfsakker se volgende basaar. Heerlike eetgoed sal weer beskikbaar wees op Saterdag, 7 November. Meer inligting sal nader aan die tyd beskikbaar gemaak word.

NOVEMBER

13

TRIEGIES GHOLFDAG Hoër- en Laerskool

Louis Trichardt se jaarlikse gholfdag vind vanjaar op 13 November plaas.

Die formaat van die kompetisie is ‘n vierbal-alliansie en persone word ook uitgenooi om pryse vir die dag te borg.

Vir meer inligting, skakel Madeleine Nel by tel. 083 388 7933.

DEPRESSIEF MOEDELOOS DESPERAAT

SOUTPANSBERG DORPSWAG AJV

NOVEMBER

13

Die Soutpansberg Dorpswag nooi inwoners van Louis Trichardt uit na hulle algemene jaarvergadering op Woensdag, 25 November.

Die vergadering begin om 18:00 by die Louis Trichardt Rugbyklub se losie.

Vir meer inligting, skakel Patricia Gerber by tel. 084 604 0724.

Afvalle te koop Kerkverkoping Die feit dat die NG Kerk Soutpansberg nie hul gewilde jaarlikse afvalaand kan aanbied weens die Covid-19 inperking nie, beteken nie dat liefhebbers van dié dis dit nie kan geniet nie.

Die gemeente verkoop tans skaapafvalle teen R200 per afval. Dit is baie mooi skoongemaak. Diegene wat egter ‘n gaar produk verkies, kan gaar afval teen R60 per bakkie koop.

Vir bestellings, skakel Hermari weeksdae by die kerkkantoor by tel. 079 116 1700.

Plaaslike beraders: 072 262 8646 of 082 256 6423 òf SADAG (Suid-Afrikaanse Depressie en Angs Groep) 0800 205 026 / 011 262 6396 / 0800 21 22 23 of SMS 31393 www.sadag.org

SPCA FARMERS’ MARKET Join the

Louis Trichardt SPCA at the kennels on 31 October and celebrate the fact that they have survived the lockdown.

Goods on offer will be clothes, handbags, jewellery, toys, ragdolls, Tupperware, cement plant pots, woodwork, artwork, needlework and knitwear. There will also be bonsai trees, Bao Care oils and books for sale. For the hungry, there are rusks, baked goods, pancakes, boerewors rolls, stokworsies, samoosas, spring rolls and biryani as well as bottled sauces and jams.

For a small donation you can book a stall by phoning Grietjie on 072 516 6895 or

NOODNOMMERS

EMERGENCY NUMBERS LOUIS TRICHARDT • SAPS/SAPD

- 10111/ 015 519 4300 / 083 206 5594 • Ambulance/Ambulans - 015 516 4378 015 516 2395 • Electricity (after hours) - 087 350 2764 • Water (after hours) - 087 350 2764 • Fire Brigade/Brandweer - 015 516 0551 015 516 0554 • Munisipaliteit/Municipality - 015 519 3000 • Hospital (Government) - 015 516 0148 / 9 • Hospital (Private) - 015 516 0720 015 516 6980 • SPB Dorpswag - 082 251 0827

MUSINA • SAPS/SAPD • Ambulance/Ambulans • Fire Brigade/Brandweer • Hospital (Government) • Municipality • Electricity/Water

- 10111 / 015 534 7601 - 10177 / 015 534 0061 - 015 534 0061 - 015 534 0446 / 7 - 015 534 6000 - 083 457 2183

LEVUBU • SAPS/SAPD

- 015 583 7400 015 583 7418 • Municipal and other services (see Louis Trichardt)

WEEKLY DAM LEVELS According to latest available information from the Department WEEKLIKSE of Water Affairs and Forestry as on Monday, 5 October.

DAMVLAKKE Dams/damme:

05/10/2020 28/09/2020

Albasini Dam Ebenezer Dam Flag Boshielo Dam Glen Alpine Dam Luphephe Dam Middel Letaba Dam Nandoni Dam Nsami Dam Nwanedzi Dam Nzhelele Dam Tzaneen Dam Vondo Dam

71.1% 12.4% 88.7% 8.9% 78.6% 1% 98.6% 39.6% 75.6% 74.3% 9.2% 89.5%

# Means latest available data

71.1% 12.1% 89.6% 9.1% 79.7% 1.1% 98.5% 39.8% 77.1% 75.3% 9.6% 89.6%

SHOWTIMES FRI 9 OCT - THU 15 OCT SHOWS, PRICES & TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. (*) NO COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS FOR NEW RELEASES FOR ONE WEEK FROM RELEASE DATE UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

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ZOUTPANSBERGER, 9 OKTOBER 2020

Sunday, 11 October

Monday, 12 October

Tuesday, 13 October

Wednesday, 14 October

Cooler with some sun.

Cloudy with occasional rain.

Low clouds may break, warmer.

Plenty of sunshine.

High: 20oC Low: 9oC

High: 19oC Low: 11oC

High: 25oC Low: 13oC

High: 29oC Low: 14oC

Laerskool Louis Trichardt se Graad 7 hoofleiers het vanjaar saamgespan en op verskeie virtuele platforms deelgeneem en uitstekend presteer. Jannes van der Goot, Liné Schlesinger, Bennita Rheeder en Derrick Barnard het as wenners van die nasionale finaal van die Radikale Redenaarskompetisie uit die stryd getree. Hy tema was “Skoolwerwing”.

Hulle het ook aan die ATKV-DigiSpanpraat deelgeneem en ‘n A++ verwerf. Van links na regs is Jannes, Liné, Bennita en Derrick.

Help om hul jaar spesiaal te maak Skenkings gevra Lynique Krüger, ‘n Graad 12-leerling en voormalige hoofmeisie van Hoërskool Louis Trichardt, het haar erekleure in skryfkuns verwerf. Twee van haar gedigte en een kortverhaal is ook onlangs in die Poort gepubliseer, ‘n nasionale publikasie wat uitgegee word deur die Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns en wat veral gewild is onder onderwysers en leerders. Foto: Hoërskool Louis Trichardt.

Soos almal weet het 2020 se matriekleerlinge as gevolg van die Covid-19 pandemie nie veel van ‘n matriekjaar gehad nie – ‘n jaar wat veronderstel is om die hoogtepunt van hulle skoolloopbaan te wees.

In ‘n poging om Hoërskool Louis Trichardt se matriekleerlinge se jaar darem bietjie meer spesiaal te probeer maak, het die Realty 1 Eiendomsagentskap in Louis Trichardt besluit om die gemeenskap te betrek by ‘n projek om die matrieks sterkte toe te

wens met die komende eindeksamen deur vir hulle geskenkpakkies te pak.

Skenkings vir die pakkies word egter benodig.

Die lys van opsies vir items vir die pakkie sluit in Hug in a Mug sakkies of Cappuccino sakkies, biltong- of droëworspakkies, ‘n sakboekie, skryfbehoeftes en liniaal, ‘n Energade of Powerade energiedrankie, waterbottels, pakkies tjips, lekkergoed, kaartjies van bemoediging of selfs lipsalf.

“Enige voorstelle of skenkings sal egter waardeer word,” het die span by Realty 1 gesê. Persone wat belangstel

om die projek te ondersteun is welkom om promosie-artikels te gee wat hul besighede adverteer. “Daar is 125 matrieks en daarom vra ons dat elke besigheid net ten minste 25 items van hul keuse skenk vir die leerlinge. Deur dit so op te deel, is dit nie so ‘n groot uitgawe per borg nie, aangesien ons verstaan dat fondse skraps is in hierdie tyd,” het die Realty 1 span gesê.

Vir meer inligting, skakel Realty 1 op Louis Trichardt by tel. 015 516 3160.

Enige een van die personeellede sal behulpsaam kan wees. Die sluitingsdatum vir skenkings is 16 Oktober.

Luandi van Zyl, ‘n Graad 10-leerling van Hoërskool Louis Trichardt, het die afgelope paar weke virtueel deelgeneem aan die Radikale -, Podiumpret- en Oppie Tong Af-redenaarskompetisies. Sy het uitstekend gevaar en deurgedring na die nasionale rondes van al drie hierdie kompetisies. Luandi het deelgeneem aan redenaars (Afrikaans en Engels), asook lees (gedigte Afrikaans en Engels) en drie eerste plekke en een tweede plek by die Podiumpret-kompetisie verwerf en ‘n agtste en sesde plek by Radikale Redenaars behaal.

Op 30 September het sy aan die Nasionale Oppie Tong Af-kompetisie deelgeneem en ‘n skitterende tweede plekverwerf. “Welgedaan Luandi - ons is sommer baie trots op jou en jou mooi prestasies!” het die skool gesê. Foto: Hoërskool Louis Trichardt.

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ZOUTPANSBERGER, 9 OCTOBER 2020

8

CHAPTER TWELVE Tracing the origins of the first Indian traders in the Soutpansberg

T

By Anton van Zyl

he literary definition for the word “orient” states: “situated in or belonging to the east; oriental”. For many readers it simply means people who originate from India, and when we talk about an oriental plaza, it means the place with the Indian shops. We think of generations of traders who established small stores in remote areas, selling anything from bread to bicycle spares. In the Soutpansberg district these traders were the true pioneers of business, opening up markets in the most remote areas and establishing Louis Trichardt as a major trading town.

To find out exactly who the first Indian trader in the area was, is no easy task. According to the Indian Who was Who of 1937, it was Ebrahim Cassim Suliman, commonly known as Cassim Suliman. He is described as the “premier Indian of the district” around the early 1900s. He also donated an erf in Kruger Street for the building of the first mosque. He bought up a number of properties in the district and at one stage his company, Cassim Suliman & Sons, owned most of the erven in Trichardt (now Songozwi) Street. His wife was Hajiani Hoorbai Suliman.

It is, however, unlikely that Cassim Suliman was the first Indian trader to set foot in the Soutpansberg. According to Prof Johann Tempelhoff ’s book, Townspeople of the Sout-

Adam Vally Moham ed (1879 1962)

pansberg, the history of Indian traders in the Soutpansberg dates back to the late 1880s when Karsan Lakha arrived in what was called the Groot Spelonken. He came from Lourenco Marques and first settled in the then Pietersburg, where there was an active Indian community. The Indian community in the Zoutpansberg were of a group commonly referred to as the “passenger Indians”, not to be confused with the “indentured Indians”, the latter arriving in southern Africa from 1860 onwards.

The story of the indentured Indians is fascinating, but for the first few decades it centres on the labour practices in the sugar plantations of the then British colony of Natal. For our story, we will focus on the second group of Indian immigrants who were traders and mostly of Muslim religion.

It was part of these “passenger Indians” that Karsan Lakha met when arriving in Pietersburg. Most of them knew Lakha, as they also came from the Ranavav block in the Katihar district of Gujarat, India.

Karsan Lakha soon moved to the vicinity of Soekmekaar, where he started a store. In 1896 his brother, Kana Lakha, and his sons arrived in South Africa and joined him in business. When the town of Louis Trichardt was established in 1902, the brothers Lakha opened their shops in Kruger Street. When Karsan Lakha died in 1916, his brother closed down Karsan Lakha & Co in Kruger Street and returned to India. He only returned to South Africa, with the sons, in 1930.

In July 1903, Major WN Bolton visited Louis Trichardt, along with the district surgeon, Dr GG Hay. The purpose of the visit was to select a site for a “Coolie Bazaar about 1 000 yards west of the town.”

The government, however, decided that there was no need for such a survey and the matter was left there. Over the next decade the Indian population kept on growing, much to the concern of the local powersthat-be. In 1913, Mr OC Bowker, secretary of the Louis Trichardt Health Committee, complained in a letter to the provincial administration about the fact that the Indians and white “men of straw” were permitted to “run up tin shanties.” The reality was, however, that the Indian traders of that era brought essential supplies and services to the areas and were an indispensable part of the economy. Farming was still a major source of income and most of the white farmers relied on Indian traders to supply them with goods, often making use of the informal credit facil-

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The street under discussion this week truly has a love-hate character. It is situated in the Eltivillas CBD, leading into the busy taxi and bus terminus.

Orient Street is not a long street, but it reminds one of a 150-year history of traders who were victimized and often treated with contempt, but still loved by consumers for the contribution that they had made to a new African economy.

The story of the Indian traders in the Soutpansberg borrows much from an article that appeared in the Zoutpansberger in 2010, titled “Collecting the treasures of a 100-year-old history of Indian traders”. Seeing that it’s from the same author, a bit of plagiarism may be in order.

This series first appeared in 2016, but is republished because of reader requests.

Please send contributions, questions and even criticism (if you must) to anton@zoutnet. co.za.

ities offered.

We do, however, need to return to the first Indian traders who arrived in the Soutpansberg. Cassim Suliman’s name has already been mentioned, but he did not arrive here alone. Around the same period, in early 1901, he was followed by four other Indian businessmen who would become quite famous in later years. Ayob Abba and three of his younger nephews, Adam Vally (AV) Mohammed, Hajee Aboo and Aboo Dada also arrived in Louis Trichardt in 1901. From what could be established, they had all arrived in South Africa in 1892 and first started trading in Pretoria. Most of them later moved to Pietersburg and, shortly after the end of the Anglo Boer War, settled in Louis Trichardt to start Ayob Abba & Company. The head office was on the corner of Trichardt and Kruger Street. Ayob Abba & Co also had a subsidiary in the property market, trading as Abba Pty Ltd, which was established in 1903.

This partnership lasted for almost 30 years and personified the close-knit character of the early Indian pioneers. These families co-existed and supported each other. The Indian traders tended to have Louis Trichardt as trading headquarters where their wholesale operations were conducted. The company dissolved in 1932 and the partners each started their own businesses.

In an article that appeared in the Voice of the North in June 1977, Ismail Ayob, the son of Mr Ayob Abba, recollects the early years: “Traders had to go by mule or donkey cart to Pietersburg to do their banking and buy goods. The journey there and back took many days. One of the hazards to be faced was the rivers which could come down periodically in flood, and the unfortunate trader would have to camp out on the river bank until the waters had subsided.”

When Ismail Ayob joined his dad in business in 1917, the train line to Messina had already been built, passing three miles away from Louis Trichardt at the Madombidzha siding from where everything destined for town was off-loaded. “There were three trains weekly,” recalled Mr Ayob. He also mentions in the article that the first taps in town were only installed in 1917-18 and there were no tarred roads. People had to travel to Elim hospital when they were sick. There was only one bank (Barclays) and one hotel, built by a Mr Lewis. In 1918, there were two motorcars in town.

Ismail Ayob was a very important person in the Indian community and led the Muslim congregation in prayer for more than two

t St

Orien

Orient Street decades, serving as an acting Imam. He died in 1986.

According to Tempelhoff ’s book, the Indian population in 1920 in town stood at 78 people, of which 27 were children, 36 were men and 15 were women. These figures are, however, probably understated and a few dozen more Indian businessman traded in the area.

Another Indian pioneer businessman worth mentioning is Dungarshi Morarjee Hindocha. It is uncertain when he first arrived in the region, but it may have been before 1900. At one stage he had around 25 shops throughout the region. Many of the people who later became established traders started off working for Mr Morarjee. He was one of the biggest suppliers of mineral water in the area.

Over the next few decades several other Indian business pioneers settled in the area. The first ones were the Mehta family, the Gokal family, the Sundarjee family and the Ghelani family. Many of these still have children and grandchildren living in the Soutpansberg region and the names live on in stores such as V.M. Ghelani & Sons.

According to Tempelhoff ’s book, Mr Mohanlal Ghelani and his wife Manekbaie (19011996) came from India and started a store at Ratombo, near Levubu, in 1920. Their son, B.M. Ghelani, later bought over Khojas Modern Store. Another son, R.M. Ghelani, later stood at the helm of the firm of V.M. Ghelani & Sons.

The “travelling” nature of some of these Indian businessman is also reflected in the history. The Khojas family arrived in the district in the early 1900s and built up their businesses. They left the country in the late 1960s to settle in East Africa and Canada.

Another Indian family, the Rasools from A. Adam & Co, also set up shop at the turn of the 18th century, but left the country for Canada in the 1970s.

In the 1930s and 1940s, more Indian families settled in the Soutpansberg area and became dominant figures in the local business community. These include the Premjee, Patel and Desai families. They were followed by families such as the Noor family, who arrived in the late 1940s. Most of them were extremely successful and, through hard work over several decades, built up small empires.

Their stories each warrant separate articles and will take up much more space than available in one newspaper. Unfortunately, no streets were named after them, so we will have to try and incorporate their stories in

ZOUTPANSBERGER, 9 OKTOBER 2020

9

Indian traders fought some of the other streets. For now, we need hard to keep their to return to the first Indian traders. businesses in town, Being of Indian origin was no easy thing in South Africa, especially in the mid-1900s. but in 1978 these were also expropriated.

Even before the 1900s, anti-Indian legislaGovernment went tion was passed, making it impossible for ahead and spent R2,7 Indian traders to own businesses in the Free million on building a State Republic, among other things, or to new shopping complex move freely between provinces without a adjacent to their permit. The 1899 Regulations for Towns in houses for the Indian South Africa even stated that it was prohibtraders and the mesited for a person of colour to walk on the sage was clear: they sidewalks (pavements) of streets in the then had to go. In 1978, Transvaal. Indians had not been allowed the PRP’s spokesto own fixed property, except in designated man on Community areas, since 1885.

Development, Mr Alex The turn of the century also marked the Boraine, described the entry of a very remarkable Indian citizen, forceful movement of one Mohandas Karamchand (Mahatma) Indian communities as Gandhi. He arrived in Pretoria in 1893 as a “ideology gone mad.” young lawyer, tasked with handling a case In a strange twist against the merchant firm Dada Abdullah of fate, the planning & Company. Gandhi was asked to stay on of the various governafter the trial and, for the next 20 years, ment departments was became the undisputed leader of the Indian not co-ordinated and community in South Africa. He founded the These historic buildings were demolished in the late 1970s and the Indian traders had to move to Eltivillas. On the left is the Transvaal British Indian Association in 1903 the roads department store of Hajee Aboo & Sons and on the right that of AV Mahomed & Sons. started building the and spent most of his time fighting against new bypass adjacent discriminatory laws. He also introduced to the newly developed Indian residential the world to the concept of satyagraha, or R25 000 and R108 000. These same proper- decided to “indefinitely postpone the matter”. area. The main road north to Zimbabwe non-violent defiance.

The Indian business community’s hopes to ties were later sold for prices as high as R210 passed within a hundred metres of the An interesting bit of history is that the be able to return to town were dealt a serious 000 and R411 000, with massive losses to Indian shopping complex and a number of well-known Indian trader from Louis blow in 1987 when the Conservative Party their original owners and massive profits to businessmen in town raised their concerns.

Trichardt, Mr Morarjee (or Morarji), in all won the election in the Soutpansberg district. the State, and this prevailed right through.”

Ironically, this gave impetus to a combined probability made use of the young Ghandi He also points out that when the Indian com- It was clear that the status quo would be resistance from both white and Indian when he was practicing law in South Africa. maintained. They had to wait until the 1990s munity was moved, not a single plot was altraders against the proposed move out of the located to allow for further expansion. “…the when the political dispensation changed, the On the GhandiServe Foundation’s website (www.gandhiserve.org), reference is made of CBD. The local chamber of commerce conANC was unbanned and the Group Areas Act future lies in cooperation and free choice as ducted a census and joined forces with the four letters written by Ghandi to Morarjee. was repealed. propagated by all prophets and all religions Indian Association to oppose the move to El- and not by sectionalisation and segregating These all had to do with promissory notes Today the town still has many remnants of tivillas. “...91% of the 6 500 Whites and probably the settling of an estate. the traders who operated in the region a cenpeople on colour,” he wrote. and 98% of the Indians wanted The government of the day’s tury ago. A number of them have moved back A number of years later, during an interthe businesses to remain in obsession with control ininto the centre of town and centres such as view with the Zoutpansberger in 1997, the the town,” Mr Mannetjie creased in the 1920s and the Fatima Noor centre testify to the changes legendary businessman, Joe Aboo, recalled areas all over the country Wolmarans, chairman the sad part of their history. The early Indian that have occurred in the past 25 years. The of the Louis Trichardt were reserved for certain mosque in Kruger Street is still there, albeit families owned most of the properties in the Chamber of Commerce, centre of town in the 1940s. “We sold the race groups. The then hidden behind buildings. Eltivillas is still an told the reporter of the Minister of the Interior, active trading centre and the names such as site where the OK Bazaars (now Shoprite) Sunday Express during currently stands for R13 000. Ten years later Khojas, Kharbai and VM Ghelani live on.

Dr Malan, introduced an interview in June several new Bills proAs far as the pioneer company, Karsan the site sold for R415 000.”

1978. hibiting the influx of Lakha & Co, is concerned, even this store has The irony was that the Indian families “Indians have been Indian people and also left behind traces in the town. When Kana from Louis Trichardt were known throughcitizens of Louis Trich- out the country for their business skills. offered incentives to Lakha returned with his sons in 1930, they ardt since 1896 and Indian families to leave started working for Mr Morarjee. His son, The Aboo family branched out and in 1958 colour has never been the country. These were Harjee Kanjee, then started an own “general established the firm Omar Bazaars, which an issue in our town,” eventually abolished in assumed the name of Louis Trichardt Whole- merchant” store. He was joined by another Charlie Ayob is quoted in salers (Pty) Ltd in 1960. At one stage, the 1953 when it became apbrother, Mavji Kana. an article that appeared in parent that only the elderly, One by one the Kana family left the counfamily owned roughly 200 small shops which Abba The Star in September 1978. intending to retire in India, try, moving to countries such as Australia operated in and around the Soutpansberg, Ayob ) 32 6-19 Charlie was the son of Mariwere making use of it. employing close to 6 000 people. In 1987, the or settling in the United Kingdom. The (185 am Mohammed, the daughter In Louis Trichardt, business family business was listed for a period of two- only ones left are Mavji Kana’s son, Vrajkal of AV Mohammed. His words were went on as usual, although sever(known as Bullet). Together with his wife, and-a-half years on the Johannesburg Stock backed by Mr Wolmarans, who replied that Exchange under the group name, Abhold. al Bills passed in the 1930s made it very Asha, they still operate the Harjee Kanjee “We do not have those kind of troubles in difficult for Indian traders to do business. store in Eltivillas. Sadly, it seems as even this During much of this time the owners were Louis Trichardt.”

Indian businesspeople were prohibited by last bloodline is getting thinner and thinner not allowed to stay in areas where they opTheir combined pleas to maintain the law from employing white labourers. The in the Soutpansberg. The couple have two erated and were also not allowed to employ status quo fell on deaf ears and the town Asiatic Land Tenure Act with all its amendsons, Mitesh and Hamal, but both have prowhite workers.

Council was adamant that the Indian traders ments also posed a continuous threat as it fessional careers in the cities. Like so many The year 1986 marked the last salvos should move out of town. Letters written was clear that the Indian shops and houses of the other Indian pioneer families, they will in this political battle in Louis Trichardt. were in the government’s sights. In 1946, the to various government officials and visits to have moved on and left others to benefit from In February 1986, the local Council had Ministers made no difference. “It was too Indian Representation Act (the Ghetto Act) an economy that they had helped shape. to decide whether or not to apply for a late,” the then town clerk, Mr Corrie van came into force and the government of the free-trading area in the CBD in terms of the Rooyen, said. “I told them if they had come day pursued its political ideals of forcefully Sources: Group Areas Act. This campaign was driven sooner, when the bypass was not under removing people and setting them up in by, among others, councillor Johan Gilfillan, construction and the tenders for the Indian designated areas. * Tempelhoff, Johann W.N., Townspeople who tried in vain to convince the Council to complex not already allocated, maybe we National politics were mostly in stark of the Soutpansberg – A centenary history of open up the centre of town for Indian busicontrast with the harmony that existed in the could have done something.” nesses. Council was divided on the issue and Louis Trichardt (1899-1999), 1999.

The move to the new centre rural areas. The Voice of the North newspatook place two years later, and per conducted an interview in June 1977 with two businessmen from Louis Trichardt, in July 1980, the Eltivillas shopping centre opened. It immediMessrs BU Mehta and RM Ghelani. At the ately attracted a large number end of the interview, Mr Ghelani remarked of customers who did not mind that his uncle, Mr M Ghelani (sr) had consupporting the Indian traders at tributed to the building of the hospital in all. The Indian traders, however, Louis Trichardt, but was never allowed to found it difficult to leave their enter it for treatment. “But times are changing,” said Mr Ghelani, and he looked forward stores in the CBD behind. In to a future where there would be much better some cases, the municipality had to use force to remove the understanding between all race groups. belongings of the Indian traders It took several more decades for this to happen and things started to get much worse out of the buildings before the in the northernmost part of the country. The bulldozers arrived. “The Indians had no choice but to move out.

1970s were especially tough, as this marked The people are bitter,” Charthe struggle against the national government’s efforts to have the Indian community lie Ayob told a reporter of the moved out of the centre of town into an area Tribune newspaper a few weeks later. designated for them in a piece of open veldt.

In a letter written to the The process started in 1970 when 53 housZoutpansberger in 1986, Charlie es were built at a cost of R1,87 million in an area later known as Eltivillas. Two years later, Ayob writes: “(Our properties) were expropriated by the State all the Indian residents had to move into A photo taken on the corner of Krogh and Trichardt (now Songozwi) street probably in the 1950s. On the left Hotel at ridiculously low prices, e.g. these houses and had to be out of town. The Louis can still be seen.

ZOUTPANSBERGER, 9 OCTOBER 2020

10

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LEGALS ERWEE INC. ATTORNEYS NOTICE IN TERMS OF SECTION 35 (5) OF ACT 66 OF 1965 Kindly be informed that the First and Final Liquida�on and Distribu�on Account of the ESTATE LATE YVONNE LANGUAGE IDENTITY NO: 420405 0064 082, LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 2 WOODBURN AVENUE, EXTENSION 5, MUSINA. ESTATE NO: 2389/2013 will be open for inspec�on for a period of 21 (twenty one) days from the date of this

HACK STUPEL & ROSS ATTORNEYS IN THE HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA (LIMPOPO DIVISION, POLOKWANE) CASE NO: 2764/2017 In the ma�er between: NEDBANK LIMITED PLAINTIFF and TSHIMANGADZO ROBERT MULAUDZI DEFENDANT Iden�ty Number: 520125 5875 08 9 “AUCTION” NOTICE OF SALE IN EXECUTION. IMMOVABLE PROPERTY This sale in execu�on conducted in accordance with the Consumer Protec�on Act 68 of 2008 (as amended) pursuant to a Judgment obtained in the High Court Under case number 2764/2017 dated the 1 March 2018 & 6 November 2018 and writ of A�achment issued therea�er, the immovable property listed hereunder will be sold to the highest bidder with a reserve of R475 000.00 at the OFFICES OF THE SHERIFF OF THE HIGH COURT, LOUIS TRICHARDT, 21 FLAMBOYANT STREET, NEWTOWN, LOUIS TRICHARDT on 29 October 2020 at 11:30.

Full Condi�ons of Sale can be inspected at the OFFICES OF THE SHERIFF OF THE HIGH COURT, LOUIS TRICHARDT at the abovemen�oned address and will also be read out by the Sheriff prior to the sale in execu�on.

The Execu�on Creditor, Sheriff and/or Plain�ff ’s A�orneys do not give any warran�es with regard to the descrip�on and/or improvements.

SECTION 51 IN THE SCHEME KNOWN AS BERGVIEW ESTATE, SITUATED AT ERF 1 IN THE TOWN BERGVIEW ESTATE, MEASURING: 128 (ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHT) SQUARE METRES AN EXCLUSIVE USE AREA DESCRIBED AS DROOGWEG W51, MEASURING 6 (SIX) SQUARE METRES, SITUATED AT ERF 1 IN THE TOWN BERGVIEW ESTATE KNOWN AS: UNIT 51 BERGVIEW ESTATE, SITUATED AT ERF 1 IN THE TOWN BERGVIEW ESTATE, MAKHADO IMPROVEMENTS: 2 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHROOMS, GUEST TOILET, SINGLE GARAGE, OPEN PLAN INCLUDES (KITCHEN, DINING ROOM & LIVING ROOM), DOUBLE STOREY THE PROPERTY IS ZONED Residen�al (the accuracy hereof not guaranteed) 1. The rules of this auc�on are available 24 hours before the auc�on

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at the offices of the Sheriff of the High Court, OFFICES OF THE SHERIFF OF THE HIGH COURT, LOUIS TRICHARDT, 21 FLAMBOYANT STREET, NEWTOWN, LOUIS TRICHARDT during office hours.

Adver�sing cost at current publica�on rates and sale costs according to Court Rules apply.

Registra�on a buyer is a pre-requisite subject to condi�on, inter alia (a) Direc�ve of the Consumer Protec�on Act 68 of 2008 (URL h�p:// www.info.gov.za/view/ Download Files Ac�on?id=99961) (b) Fica-legisla�on: Requirement proof of ID and residen�al address (c) Payment of a Registra-

�on fee of R15 000,00 (refundable)in cash or bank guaranteed cheque (d) Registra�on condi�on (e) The Sheriff or his deputy will conduct the auc�on HACK STUPEL & ROSS, A�orneys for Plain�ff, P O BOX 2000, PRETORIA TEL: 012-325 4185 REF: MAJOTHI/IDB/GT12563

VAN HEERDEN & RUDOLPH ATTORNEYS NOTICE IN TERMS OF SECTION 35 (5) OF ACT 66 OF 1965 No�ce is hereby given that copies of the Liquida�on and Distribu�on account (first and final, unless otherwise stated) in the estate below will be open

for the inspec�on of all persons with an interest therein for a period of 21 (Twenty one) days from the date specified or from the date of publica�on hereof, whichever may be the later, at the Magistrates office, Louis Trichardt Estate number: 1110/2019 Surname: Van der Merwe First Name: Pieter Johannes ID Number: 560718 5070 00 75.

Last address: Plot 50, Rondebosch, Louis Trichardt Magistrate office: Louis Trichardt Master’s Office: Thohoyandou Adver�ser: VAN HEERDEN EN RUDOLPH ATTORNEYS, GSB Building, 24 Devenish Street, Louis Trichardt, 0920, PO Box 246

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Louis Trichardt Tel: 015 516 0164/5/6 Fax: 015 516 1091 Docex 1, Louis Trichardt, AND Shop 4, Office GO1, Metropolitan Centre Thohoyandou, 0950 Tel: 015 962 6157 Fax: 015 962 6060 Ref.: DR S RUDOLPH/ Lure�e/30939

LET YOUR BUSINESS BE SEEN

THE

SERVICES

publica�on at the office of the Master and Magistrate as stated below.

Should no objec�on thereto be lodged with the Master concerned during the specified period, the executor will proceed to make payments in accordance with the accounts.

MASTER’S OFFICE: THOHOYANDOU MAGISTRATE’S OFFICE: MUSINA ERWEE INC. ATTORNEYS, 9 IRWIN STREET, MUSINA, 0900 TEL: (015) 534 3394

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Cash payment schedule for October 2020 Vhembe District PAY POINT NAME

SASSA DISTRICT

LOCAL OFFICE

AFTON STRAIGHTHARDT XIGAMANI MPHAMBO BENET GUMELA TSHOKOTSHOKO SHAKADZA TSHILUNGWI TSHIDZIVHE MAKWARANI TSHIPAKO SANE TSHITWI BOTSOLENI MPHAKATI MUTSHENZHENI MARAXWE SAAMBANDOU MAVUNDE VHURIVHURI KHAVHAMBE MUDIMELI GARSIDE A NTLHAVENI I NTHLAVENI C NTHLAVENI B NHOMBELANI MUDABULA A HASANI

VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE

DZANANI DZANANI MALAMULELE MALAMULELE MALAMULELE MUTALE MUTALE MUTALE MAKWARELA MAKWARELA MAKWARELA MAKWARELA DZANANI DZANANI MALAMULELE MALAMULELE MAKWARELA MAKWARELA TSHAULU TSHAULU MAKWARELA TSHAULU DZANANI DZANANI MALAMULELE MALAMULELE MALAMULELE MALAMULELE MALAMULELE MALAMULELE

ACTUAL PAYMENT DATE 08-Oct-20 08-Oct-20 08-Oct-20 08-Oct-20 08-Oct-20 08-Oct-20 08-Oct-20 08-Oct-20 08-Oct-20 08-Oct-20 08-Oct-20 08-Oct-20 08-Oct-20 08-Oct-20 08-Oct-20 09-Oct-20 09-Oct-20 09-Oct-20 09-Oct-20 09-Oct-20 09-Oct-20 09-Oct-20 12-Oct-20 12-Oct-20 12-Oct-20 12-Oct-20 12-Oct-20 12-Oct-20 12-Oct-20 12-Oct-20

XIHOSANA TSHANZHE DRIFT TSHITAMBE TSHIKUNDAMALEMA MAHOLONI LAMVI NWIINI MATSHAVHAWE TSHIKUYU MASISI SIGONDE GUNDA LAMBANI TRD TSHAMULAVHU MUSHIRU MUBVUMONI MULENZHE THONDONI STERKSTROOM MUKOMA ASINA NNDU

VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE

MALAMULELE MUTALE MUTALE MUTALE TSHAULU TSHAULU TSHAULU DZANANI MUSINA MUSINA MUSINA TSHAULU TSHAULU TSHAULU TSHAULU TSHAULU

12-Oct-20 12-Oct-20 12-Oct-20 12-Oct-20 12-Oct-20 12-Oct-20 12-Oct-20 12-Oct-20 13-Oct-20 13-Oct-20 13-Oct-20 13-Oct-20 13-Oct-20 13-Oct-20 13-Oct-20 13-Oct-20

VHEMBE

MAKWARELA

VHEMBE

MAKWARELA

VHEMBE

MAKWARELA

13-Oct-20 13-Oct-20 13-Oct-20

PAY POINT NAME VHUDIMBILU FEFE DZAMBA TSHIXWADZA GOGOGO TSHAPINDA FOLOVHODWE MUSWODI T MUSWODI D MUKOVHA WA BALE MUKOMAWABANI SANARI MADATSHITSHI GUNGANI MBODI MATATANI NWATATANI FRANK MANGENA ( MAJOSI ) BUNGENI MTITITI JILONGO A LOMBARD SKOPOZA NWAXINYAMANI (MAVANI ) WAYENI HETTIE FARM BEND MUTALE MUUMONI B THOTHOLOLO THEMBISA DONKERHOEK MASETHE LAMBANI MUWAWENI MALUMBETE STORE MASAKONA BOKISI SHESHE TSHIENDEULU MARUBINI/MANENZHE TSHIVHANGANI TSHINO LUVHENGO TSHAMULUNGWI MAVHODE TSHAANDA MAKHASA SUNDANI BALANGANANI MABIDI

SASSA DISTRICT

LOCAL OFFICE

VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE

MAKWARELA MUTALE MUTALE MUTALE MUTALE MUSINA MUSINA MUSINA MUSINA MUSINA MUTALE MUTALE MUTALE MUTALE MUTALE MUTALE HLANGANANI HLANGANANI HLANGANANI MALAMULELE MALAMULELE MALAMULELE HLANGANANI

VHEMBE

HLANGANANI

VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE VHEMBE

HLANGANANI MUTALE MUTALE TSHITALE TSHITALE TSHITALE TSHITALE TSHITALE TSHITALE TSHITALE HLANGANANI HLANGANANI HLANGANANI DZANANI DZANANI VUWANI VUWANI VUWANI HA-MUTSHA MUTALE MUTALE MUTALE VUWANI VUWANI VUWANI VUWANI

ACTUAL PAYMENT DATE 13-Oct-20 14-Oct-20 14-Oct-20 14-Oct-20 14-Oct-20 14-Oct-20 14-Oct-20 14-Oct-20 14-Oct-20 14-Oct-20 14-Oct-20 14-Oct-20 14-Oct-20 14-Oct-20 15-Oct-20 15-Oct-20 15-Oct-20 15-Oct-20 15-Oct-20 15-Oct-20 15-Oct-20 15-Oct-20 15-Oct-20 15-Oct-20 09-Oct-20 13-Oct-20 13-Oct-20 16-Oct-20 16-Oct-20 16-Oct-20 16-Oct-20 16-Oct-20 16-Oct-20 16-Oct-20 09-Oct-20 09-Oct-20 15-Oct-20 15-Oct-20 15-Oct-20 16-Oct-20 16-Oct-20 16-Oct-20 16-Oct-20 14-Oct-20 14-Oct-20 14-Oct-20 13-Oct-20 13-Oct-20 13-Oct-20 13-Oct-20

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Clubs’ future still unclear

Believing that the sports hall would be demolished, clubs such as the gymnastic club moved out of the property. This allowed people to start vandalising the unoccupied property. Photo supplied.

The squash club and sports hall suffered cracks as a result of the bulk-earthworks-compaction process of the new shopping mall. Photo’s supplied.

The area adjacent to the remaining sport clubs resembled a rubbish dump for months. Photo supplied.

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resolved to set the wheels in motion to cancel these contracts. In total, all 11 amateurs sport clubs leasing land from the municipality will be affected, including, among others, the Louis Trichardt Rugby Club, Soutpansberg Squash Club, Soutpansberg Golf Club, Soutpansberg Athletics and Cycling Clubs, Louis Trichardt Tennis Club, Louis Trichardt Bowls Club, Soutpan Jukskei Club, Louis Trichardt Gymnastics Club (including wrestling club) and Louis Trichardt Cricket Club.

Many might wonder about the reason for this move. The Makhado Municipality best answered this question.

“The whites-only predecessor of the Makhado Municipality, Louis Trichardt Local Authority, has during the period 1993, 1994 and 1995, just at the dawn of the new constitutional dispensation, concluded 99-year lease agreements with the whites-only sporting clubs.

Ever since the establishment of the Makhado Local Municipality, Council has questioned these dubious decisions by the former Louis Trichardt Council as it smells [of ] racial discrimination.

Council has previously commissioned two legal opinions which both of them confirmed, that if the lease agreements can be concluded on a breach of the material provision of the lease agreement, that it be expropriated by the municipality for public interest,” states the municipality in its minutes under the above item.

The initial council resolution (ITEM A.25.28.03.19) stipulated under paragraph 2 that the issue of terminating the agreements must “be referred to the Section 79 Committee: Disaster, Moral Regeneration, Sports, Arts and Culture to advice on valid reasons that can be implemented to terminate the 99 year lease contracts of the eleven (11) respective local amateur sport clubs.”

The matter was on the agenda once more during the 94th Council Meeting of the municipality, held on 12 August 2020. The municipality’s plans to have the 99-year lease agreements terminated had apparently hit a snag.

Feedback is given on the issue under ITEM A.92.12.08.20. “When this matter was considered Cllr A Matumba remarked that the recommendation of the Section 79 Portfolio Committee for Sport did not address the matter at hand as per Council Resolution A25.28.03.19, paragraph 2,” the minutes of the meeting state. In the absence of “valid reasons” for the termination of the agreements, the matter was referred back to the relevant portfolio committees to go and find “valid reasons”.

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year, indicating that they were willing to donate the land back to the municSeveral Louis Trichardt sport clubs ipality. “Italite Investment (Pty) Ltd are going nowhere slowly, i.e. those has no future intentions to cause any that were earmarked for relocation developments on the part of the land in as part of a deal struck between question. As long as the Makhado Muthe Makhado Municipality and the nicipality agrees to receive the proposed Masingita Group of Companies for donation offer back to the municipality the expansion of the Makhado Cross- then the issue of relocation will be ing Mall into a regional shopping attended to. Currently, the land belongs centre. to the Italite Investment (Pty) Ltd and News that the Makhado Municithey are the ones who are responsible pality is in the process of selling the for the infrastructure upkeep,” said stretch of land accommodating most Bobodi. As Masingita obviously has no of the town’s sporting facilities east of further plans to develop the area, this by Makhado Crossing first broke in 2015. implication also meant that they have At that stage, the area earmarked for no further intention of relocating the the sale housed the town’s rugby fields, remaining clubs. This has once again the squash, gymnastics, jukskei and left the remaining clubs in the dark as wrestling club buildings, the sports to their future and highlighted the issue hall and netball fields. The deal with of maintenance. the Masingita Group of Companies, in Regarding the issue of maintenance, partnership with Investec Properties Ms Landi van Deventer, head of marand with Italite as the holding company, keting at Masingita, said they would entailed relocating the above clubs at ensure that the buildings were brought the developer’s cost. up to standard for use, with immediate By the time the Makhado Crossing effect. “We will also be carrying out the regional mall finally opened in Novem- maintenance on the buildings until such ber 2019, only the rugby, soccer and time of transfer to council. We would jukskei clubs were successfully relocated like to confirm that we have already faby Masingita, while the future of the cilitated the replacement and repairs of squash club and the clubs making use the roof due to weather-related damages of the sports hall, namely the gymnason the gymnastics hall at a cost borne by tics, badminton and wrestling clubs, the developer,” said Van Deventer. “We remained uncertain. are incredibly dedicated to the MakhaUncertainty grows worse do community and have shown this in the past with the redevelopment of the These clubs’ uncertainty grew worse dilapidated and non-compliant outdoor over the last couple of months as their sporting facilities with an investment facilities started to fall into serious of multi-million rand into the projdisrepair. This includes damage to the ect, transforming them into safer and sports halls’ roof after a violent storm world-class facilities along with various and cracks in the walls of the squash other services, upgrades which benefit club and sports hall, caused during the the communities, town and public safebulk earthworks compaction process of ty,” said Van Deventer. the new shopping mall. Frustration levAsked whether the municipality had els peaked for members of the gymnas- accepted Masingita’s offer, Bobodi said tics club after they suffered severe water last week that they had not yet responddamage to their equipment and opted to ed. rather move out and find new premises Not the only uncertainty to practise. “We were instructed to move out of the hall anyway as we were told This has been a difficult time for all that it was going to be demolished,” said sport clubs making use of municipal Ms Elzabé Stewart of the Louis Trichfacilities. Apart from the uncertainty the ardt Gymnastics Club. past couple of months about being reloThe past few weeks, rumours started cated (or not), the Makhado Municipalto surface that Masingita no longer has ity has embarked on a process of trying any intention of developing the area to revoke their 99-year lease agreements still housing the squash, badminton, with all these clubs. and wrestling clubs. The newspaper This intention was made very clear in then asked the Makhado Municipality if the minutes of the 143rd Special Council there was any truth to these rumours.

Meeting held on 28 March 2019 under Municipal spokesperson Mr Louis the item Council Land: Legal opinion Bobodi responded by saying that Italite on whether 99-year lease contracts can (the holding company) had written be terminated (Item A.25.28.03.19). them a letter on 22 September this The council approved this item and

By Andries van Zyl