LEDET WARNS OF FISHING HAZARDS AS TECH GENIUS FISHERMAN NCHABELENG IS LAID TO REST
By Montsho Matlala
Ga-Masemola: As holiday makers already make their ways to tourism sites including rivers and dams, Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) has advised on hazards associated with fishing and swimming.
“We encourage those who love fishing for leisure to do so in groups. Fish at safe and designated dams, especially within our various Limpopo Wildlife Resorts,” LEDET spokesperson Zaid Kalla told Timeless News.
And to those fond of swimming, Kalla says, “We will not restrict anyone from swimming within the province, but make sure that the facility, or dam is safe for swimming and that someone is watching you at all times.”
The warning came as the community is still mourning the tragic death of avid fisher man, information technology (IT) specialist Mr Pitšadi Kenneth Nchabeleng who drowned at Flag Boshielo Dam outside Marble Hall on December 10.
Nchabeleng was buried on a rainy Saturday December 16 at his home village, Tswaing in Ga-Masemola under Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality.
Despite Saturday’s rainy weather, hundreds of mourners flocked to the funeral service to pay their last respect to a selfless adventurous man who traveled the country’s dams and river pools to fill his passion for fishing.
Having worked for government before switching to private sector in pursuant of his passion for IT, Nchabeleng’s untimely death shocked many people.
The mayor of Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality Cllr Merah Mahlase delivered a eulogy on behalf of local government, “What happened this past week traumatised everyone, and one can never imagine the pain experienced by Nchabeleng family.
“The worse painful reality is that Pitšadi passed away accidentally, while fishing – something he loved with his whole heart. As hurtful as it is, let us use this pain of lose and unite for greater course of the community.”
Nchabeleng studied and obtained several qualifications including a Bachelor of Science and Information Technology (Vista University) and an Honours Bachelor of Science (University of Limpopo). His educational credentials made him excel in different ICT disciplines.
As a tech specialist he had worked at the Siemens Telecommunications, Vodacom, ABSA Bank, Department of Agriculture, Limpopo Economic Development Agency (Limpopo Connexion).
At the time of his death, he was working for the Germany based international company ArangoDB.
Despite enthusiasm for technology and appetite for fishing, Nchabeleng was also remembered by friends and community leaders for his involvement in various community projects such as Thetiane Heritage and Bapedi Cultural Music Group and others.
According to police, he fell into the crocodile infested Flag Boshielo dam and drowned while his son watched helplessly on the banks.
His body was later removed from the water with the assistance of Limpopo Water Rescue Team.
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