The fragrance of new books permeated the air inside the Giyani Multipurpose Hall during the launch of two Xitsonga books, Ntsena Loko Mpfula A Yo Sewula and Mpimavayeni a fortnight ago.
 

STUBBS STREET - In this week’s edition we focus on a “gem” of a street. Delving into the history of Ernest Stubbs was quite an enjoyable adventure. The information used came from a variety of sources and included material provided by the Wits University’s Historical Papers library and the Stubbs family members. The research was partly done by Pétria de Vaal-Senekal.

Residents of Sibasa and the surrounding areas hailed the opening of the new R44 million rand bus and taxi rank as a step in the right direction as it will improve the lives of residents in the municipality.

Thirsty residents of Muhuyu outside Thohoyandou who have been hard hit by the drought and with no water in their area are heaving a sigh of relief.

DE VAAL STREET - This week we take a look at one of the “newer” streets in town, albeit that these were already laid out and named round about 1977. De Vaal Street is situated in the more affluent part of Louis Trichardt, more officially known as Ext 7. The streets were named after prominent councillors of the period, such as Piet de Vaal, Boy Schimper and Mannetjie Bergh.

When Mercy Masakona Madzivhandila vanished from the music scene after releasing her fourth album, Dzina lawe, in 2009, many critics concluded that it was the end of the road for her.

JOUBERT STREET - This street was named after the famous Boer general, Piet Joubert. Our story starts with a mystery. Perhaps one should even say a conspiracy theory. Was this Boer leader, who served as president of the Transvaal Republic at one stage, an American by birth?

John Mutheiwana Secondary School might sound like an ordinary school in deep rural Vuwani, but when the history books of top performing schools in Limpopo are opened, the name will feature prominently.

After a steamy recording session with world-acclaimed Cuban jazz sensation Omar Sosa in Pretoria last Wednesday, Ntshengedzeni Mamphodo was sure that the doors to perform his mbila music internationally were open. Shortly after the session, the disabled Mamphodo collapsed in his hotel room and was certified dead a few minutes later.

Brief oor geskiedenis van die straatname

SONGOZWI STREET - Songozwi Street used to be called Trichardt Street and it was one of the first streets to be renamed following the 1994 elections. Songozwi can refer both to the mountain (towards Hanglip as it is nowadays called) or the adjacent Songozwi village (Luatame) on top of the mountain.

Mphaphuli Day, which marks the birthday of Thovhele Vho-Gole Mphaphuli, was celebrated in style a fortnight ago at Makuvha Stadium. The activities to celebrate the event included cultural dances, choirs and musical groups.