The scourge of illegal sand mining is leaving a path of destruction in the Vhembe area. Not only the environment gets destroyed by the illegal miners, but also the hopes and dreams of subsistence farmers in remote rural areas.

July 2022 marks the 106^th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, one of the bloodiest battles in human history. Between 1 July and 18 November 1916, more than one million men were wounded or killed on the banks of the river Somme in France. Among the soldiers killed and injured were more than 2 400 South Africans, who fought for control over a small piece of land in the northeast of France, called Delville Wood.

A Zimbabwean citizen known as Never was allegedly hacked to death with a panga by his former girlfriend after a quarrel. The incident took place last Friday (27 May) at Makhitha village.

Ladies Circle 4 and Agora Amarula Club 1 from Louis Trichardt played host to Ladies Circle South Africa (LCSA) and Agora Club South Africa’s (ACSA) national annual general meetings (AGMs) the past weekend and history was made when, for the first time ever, four service organisations were represented.

After saving Black Leopards from the jaws of relegation in the Glad Africa Champions League, Black Leopards coach Joel “Muporofita” Masutha says credit should be given to the players for giving it their all in their last 12 games.

Veteran reggae icon Colbert Mukwevho’s son, Junior Mukwevho, aka Kode La Mayor, is fast becoming a renowned musician in his own right. He is a raw Trap rapper, channelling his experiences into his music that lends a uniqueness to his sound.

With World Book and Copyright Day celebrated across the globe on 23 April, South African poet, educator, mother and activist Miss Barbara Masekela (81) launched her first book, titled Poli Poli.

Vhamusanda Vho-Livhuwani Matsila joined in the festivities after the Mukula tshikona dance group’s victory in winning the Radzambo Cultural Foundation and SABC Limpopo Combo’s traditional-dance competition last month. The celebrations were held at Matsila’s kraal on Saturday, 16 April.

The appointment of Mavhungu David Mphephu (better known as Vho-Japan) as acting king of the Vhavenda may not proceed as smoothly as some might wish. One of the main contenders for the kingship position, princess Masindi Mphephu, has written to the premier of the province and objected against this appointment. One of the reasons put forward is that David Mphephu is not a “suitable” candidate because he has, among other things, lied under oath.

The morning of Saturday, 9 April, started with the sweet sounds of traditional horns (tshikona) as the remains of the late Vestor Esther Lagane were delivered to her home before she was formally laid to rest. An emotional funeral service was held for her at the Assemblies of God Fellowship Church in Musina on Saturday.

The fallen and surviving heroes of the “Battle of Mutale” were honoured during a special first commemoration function that was held at Mutale River last week.

Hundreds of members of the Lemba Cultural Association (LCA), coming from all corners of the country, gathered at Sweetwaters Farm near Elim on Saturday for the historic opening of the association’s new conference hall.