As the misty rain sifted down over parts of the region on Saturday, most people stayed indoors, hiding from the cold weather. At Vari village, however, Johannes Nethononda was outside, busy preparing several containers to catch and store the rainwater.

The problem of stray cattle “crazing” the streets of Louis Trichardt is becoming a frequent problem.

A cloud of sadness still hovers over Muraleni Village in the Sinthumule area, following the death of one of the region’s most influential leaders, Muthakhi Mphaphuli (56), who passed away on 3 August at MediClinic in Polokwane after a short illness.

“Tot wanneer toe gaan hierdie gemors nog aanhou? Hoeveel mense wil hy nog vat!?” So het ‘n hartseer Amanda Cronjé van Louis Trichardt gesê nadat haar man, bekende plaaslike sakeman Pieter Cronjé (45), die afgelope week deel geword het van die jongste Covid-19 sterfgevalle.

“No one can confidently say that he will still be living tomorrow,” said the ancient Greek tragedian and scholar, Euripides. Although he said these words many centuries ago, the statement is still relevant today as the world keeps on losing valuable community members daily. The death of a prolific former ANC PR councillor and political activist in Musina early last week after a short illness has sent shockwaves through the people of Musina.

“Sjoe, dit is nou nog nie vir my werklik nie,” was ‘n hartseer Elise Bonnema se reaksie op haar man, die bekende Jan Bonnema van Levubu, se dood op 12 Augustus vanweë Covid-19 komplikasies in die MediKliniek in Tzaneen.

Popular comedian and self-proclaimed philanthropist SABC Livhu suffered several setbacks the past week. Last week, his wife accused him on social media of abusing her. His sponsors were quick to react and distance themselves from his online shows.

The tight-knit Soutpansberg community was deeply saddened by the death of one of the region’s few remaining gentlemen, Mukesh Radia, on 11 August after losing his 11-year battle with cancer. He was 65 years old.

Die dorp neem met groot hartseer afskeid van nog een van ons geliefde aptekers, wat op 19 Augustus sou verjaar. 

Millions of rands in Lottery grants were paid to a small centre for destitute children in a Vuwani village in 2018 and 2019, but the money was never used for any children. Instead, it was apparently channelled to a borehole project.

Yet another well-known community leader, the 58-year-old Mr Velly “Mkhondo” Mtileni, passed away last Friday (13^th) due to Covid-related problems.

Die Covid-19 virus ontsien niemand nie en saai steeds hartseer en verwoesting in die lewens van baie. Die afgelope week het talle hulle stryd teen die virus verloor, onder hulle ook die 51-jarige Pierre van den Heever.

The fatal shooting of a man at the Tshakhuma Tshitavhadulu tavern on Saturday afternoon has sent shock waves through the area.

A young female farmer, Ms Thinawanga Makungo, described farming as one of the most sustainable jobs in the world, because no day passes without people needing a meal. Makungo is the farm manager of Mathuba Genetic at Ha- Ravele.

The case of race-baiting against local EFF councillor Anthony Matumba was postponed on Monday because the councillor seemingly did not feel well. Matumba is being charged by the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) for stirring up racial hatred and then trying to profit from his activity on social media.