Mopani News

24/08/2024

Limpopo Premier, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba has during her opening remarks during the launch of the 2024 , indicated that Tourism is not a responsibility of LEDET alone, tourism sector belongs to all those who live in Limpopo.

"I'm very passionate about the Tourism Sector, therefore, moving forward every Thursday will be dedicated to the tourism sector, and I expect every MEC and every Mayor to play their part and showcase our various tourism attractions every Thursday." Premier Phophi Ramathuba

Premier Ramathuba will every Thursday join MEC Tsh*tereke Matibe as they explore various Gems and attractions within the Tourism Sector.

Premier will between September and December visit all Limpopo Wildlife Resorts as part of .

Ramathuba is adamant that the sector has great potential to attract investment and unlock job opportunities.

24/08/2024

Sassa old age grant recipients can no longer participate in CWP jobs initiative

'It is important to note that CWP is a temporary employment safety net,' says the DCoG.

The Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG) has announced its decision to end the participation of workers who receive government’s old age grants in the Community Work Programme (CWP).

The recently announced decision comes after a thorough verification exercise conducted in collaboration with the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa).

It stated that it had engaged with the affected participants and issued formal letters notifying them of the decision.

“Moreover, exiting beneficiaries of old age grants will also enable the programme to maximise imparting tech-based and artisanal skills, particularly among the unemployed women and youth”.

The department actively works to eradicate poverty and empower economically vulnerable communities through targeted community development initiatives.

Additionally, the reimagined CWP aims to recruit youth as part of addressing unemployment and skills shortage amongst this cohort,” said the department.

23/08/2024

Mopani Technical Vocational Education and Training College has an opportunity for External invigilators at Sir Val Duncan and Phalaborwa Campuses.

Applications from interested candidates are invited for appointment as invigilators for the 2024 October, November, and December examinations.

REQUIREMENTS

• An appropriate National Diploma.
• Previous invigilation experience will be an added advantage.
• Applicants currently registered with the college full-time or part-time will be disqualified.
• Applicants with a criminal record will not be considered.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

• Application letter
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Original certified copies of qualifications and ID.

Closing Date: 27 September 2024 at 12:00

SUBMISSION: All applications must be submitted to Corporate Center Main Gate at Cnr Combretum and Haarlem Street, Phalaborwa 1390, marked for the attention of Mr. Nkgapele S.R. Enquiries: Mr. Mhlongo FA at 015 781 5721.

N.B: Applicants must indicate the Campus they are applying for.

23/08/2024

The MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Nakedi Kekana is at Maseke Crushpen Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality. The main aim of the visit is to vaccinate cattle against lumpy skin disease and also vaccinate dogs against rabies. Rabies is a fatal disease caused by wild animals such as jackals, wild dogs etc.

23/08/2024

THURSDAYS FOR TOURISM AS LIMPOPO PREMIER LAUNCHES TOURISM MONTH

Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has launched the province’s aggressive Tourism Month Campaign in Waterberg, Modimolle-Mookgophong on Thursday, 22 August 2024.

Premier Dr Ramathuba began the campaign with a strapping drive towards creating tourism ambassadors of every Limpopo resident and public servants. This is as a means of driving socio-economic growth whilst retaining and reinforcing the province’s position as the country’s leading domestic tourism destination of choice.

During her address at the media launch, the Premier together with the MEC for Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Mr Tsh*tereke Matibe, took an aggressive multi-stakeholder posture towards marketing the province’s tourism products to the world.

“For September, we want every MEC and Mayor to participate in tourism marketing programmes within their municipalities and regions. This province’s rich tapestry of tourism products has great potential to attract greater investment opportunities. With this drive, we want to secure jobs and increase the number of tourism establishments even in rural areas to cater for those who are visiting friends and relatives,” said Premier Dr Ramathuba.

True to the theme for the national tourism month campaign “Tourism and Peace – 30 years of connecting people, places and culture”, Limpopo’s most vibrant tourism month campaign yet has compiled a list of exciting activities to be held throughout the month, all of which weave together community participation, centered around cultural tourism.

Premier took the opportunity to introduce a first for the province, the “Tourism Thursdays” campaign. The campaign will run throughout the month of September at all five districts of Limpopo with the aim of integrating every resident in the multiple programmes.
The Limpopo tourism month calendar is available of

Welcome to Limpopo Tourism Agency The Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA), established under the Limpopo Tourism Act 2 of 2009, operates with a dual-fold mission. Firstly, it endeavors to promote, foster, and cultivate tourism to and within the Limpopo Province. This encompasses robust marketing and promot...

22/08/2024

LIMPOPO PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER COMMENDS THE POLICE FOR THE SWIFT ARREST OF TWO SUSPECTS INVOLVED IN THE BRUTAL MURDER OF WOMEN ON A FARM IN SEBAYENG

Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commends the swift arrest of two suspects following the discovery of two decomposed bodies of two women on a farm in Sebayeng policing area, outside Mankweng on Tuesday, 20 August 2024.

The Provincial Tracking Team and Murder and Robbery Unit made a breakthrough, arresting a 60-year-old farm owner and a 19-year-old employee on Wednesday after a thorough investigation. This followed a missing person's report of a 45-year-old woman who disappeared after visiting the farm on Saturday. A search revealed the missing woman's body and another body of a 35-year-old foreign woman, both with gunshot wounds. A 47-year-old foreign man, who was with the victims, was also shot and hospitalized.

The motive is still under investigation.

"This is one of the most disturbing and inhumane acts in our province, and we will ensure those responsible face the full might of the law," stressed Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.

The suspects will appear before Mankweng Magistrate's Court on Friday, 23 August 2024, facing two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.

22/08/2024

LIMPOPO PREMIER DR PHOPHI RAMATHUBA CONDEMS THE SHOOTING OF TWO WOMEN AND A MAN AT A FARM IN SEBAYENG

Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba strongly condemns the tragic shooting incident that claimed the lives of two women and left a man critically injured at a farm near Sebayeng in the Capricorn District.

According to police reports, the grim discovery was made on Tuesday, 20 August 2024, after law enforcement agencies were alerted about the disappearance of a 45-year-old South African woman who was last seen visiting the farm on Saturday, 17 August. The search led to the tragic finding of her lifeless body, alongside the body of a 35-year-old woman, whose remains were found in an advanced stage of decomposition.

Both women had sustained gunshot wounds, and further investigation revealed that a 47-year-old man who had accompanied them to the farm was also shot. He is currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.

"We are outraged about these heinous acts of violence against two women and the wounding of a man within our province. Such brutal and senseless acts have no place in our society, especially during Women’s Month," said Premier Dr Ramathuba.

Premier Dr Ramathuba further said in the past weeks, we have learned of several cases of women being killed in the gender-based violence incidence. These kinds of incidents serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to continue our collective efforts to combat gender-based violence and protect the rights and dignity of all individuals in our communities.

"We call on the authorities to ensure that those responsible for this horrific crimes are swiftly brought to justice. As a society, we must unite to protect the most vulnerable among us and ensure that women, children can live without fear," echoed Premier Dr Ramathuba.

20/08/2024

Load Reduction, Mopani District

Date: 19 - 23 August 2024
Time: 05:00 - 07:00 and 17:00 - 19:00

20/08/2024

35-YEAR-OLD MAN APPREHENDED FOR FATALLY SHOOTING PARTNER IN MOKWAKWAILA

As we commemorate Women's Month, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, strongly condemns all forms of violence against humanity, particularly against women and children. This follows a recent incident in Ramotshinyadi village, Mokwakwaila policing area, Mopani district, where a 35-year-old man allegedly fatally shot his partner(35) in an apparent domestic dispute

It is alleged that on Monday, 19 August 2024, at approximately 19:00, the suspect went to the victim's parental residence, found her at a neighbor's house, and shot her several times, killing her instantly. The suspect fled but was promptly arrested by police, who found him in possession of an unlicensed firearm.

"The recent incidents of gender-based violence in our province are shocking and unacceptable. We cannot tolerate a society where the vulnerable are preyed upon and harmed. I urge all members of our communities to join us in condemning these acts of violence," reiterated Lieutenant General Hadebe.

The suspect is scheduled to appear before Bolobedu Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, 21 August, to face charges of murder and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Investigations are ongoing.

20/08/2024

19/08/2024

MEET SERGEANT BB BALOYI, THE PHENOMENAL FEMALE MEMBER OF THE SAPS MOUNTED UNIT IN LIMPOPO

Sergeant Basani Benevolence Baloyi, a 46-year-old pioneering figure in the South African Police Service (SAPS) Mounted Unit in Limpopo, serves as the unit's only female member. With a passion for horses and a commitment to serving her community, she has carved out a remarkable career in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Growing up in Xitlhelani Village, Malamulele, Sergeant Baloyi developed a strong affinity for horses and the outdoors. She was drawn to the SAPS Mounted Unit because of its unique blend of police work and horsemanship. Despite facing initial skepticism and discouragement, she persevered and proved herself to be a skilled and dedicated officer.

Highlights of her career include making history as the first female member of the SAPS Mounted Unit in Limpopo, developing exceptional horsemanship skills, and earning recognition within the unit and beyond. She also managed to build relationships between police and local communities, promote trust and co-operation, demonstrate remarkable bravery and dedication in challenging situations and earn respect from colleagues and the public

Sergeant Baloyi is blessed with six children, including triplets born on August 13, 2011. She received support from colleagues, including Major General Molatjana, who assisted her with basic needs and helped her secure a safe place to stay with her triplets.

"I am proud to be a trendsetter for women in the SAPS Mounted Unit. I hope my journey inspires others to pursue their passions, even if they seem unconventional. I am committed to serving my community and making a difference in the lives of those around me."

19/08/2024

19/08/2024

Lephalale TVET College 2024 TVET Month Program!

As part of the TVET Month activities, the college, along with six other Limpopo TVET Colleges and public-private stakeholders, will visit two schools in the Abbaspport area tomorrow, August 19, 2024. The schools are Majadibodu Secondary School and Mokonenkwenoko Secondary School, respectively.

On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the College will visit Nakonkwetlou Senior Secondary School and Nthuba Secondary School respectively.

This TVET Month program aims to provide high school learners with information on programme offerings in artisanal programs, funding opportunities, and minimum requirements for admission at TVET Colleges.

16/08/2024

TWO SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH ILLEGAL SALE OF STANDS IN KGAPANE VILLAGE

The SAPS Limpopo Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit, through an intelligence-driven operation, apprehended two suspects aged 40 and 55 on Thursday, 15 August 2024, in the Bolobedu policing area.

The suspects were arrested for illegally selling stands at Kgapane Village, next to Mooiplaas, claiming the land belonged to a certain political party and charging victims a minimum of R700.00 per stand in cash. Over 100 people fell victim to the scam, building houses and corrugated iron structures without receiving receipts.

The operation was initiated after a complaint was received about the illegal sale of stands on a plot at Mooiplaas Farm. The land is privately owned and valued at millions of rands.

The suspects will appear in Bolobedu Magistrate's Court on August 19, 2024.

Police investigations are still continuing.

16/08/2024

POLICE ARREST THIRTEEN (13) ILLEGAL MINERS AND CONFISCATES ILLEGAL MINING EQUIPMENT DURING OPERATION VALA UMGODI IN MOPANI DISTRICT

The multidisciplinary forces under operation Vala Umgodi arrested thirteen (13) suspects aged between 18 and 63 for illegal mining on Thursday, 15 August 2024, near Lekgalametse Game Reserve in Masoma village, in Maake policing area under Mopani District.

The operation was conducted by the Mopani District Illicit Mining Task Team, joined by other SAPS components, Airwing, and the SANDF members.

A group of suspects was spotted busy with their illegal mining activities at the illegal mining site Seemingly the suspects noticed the law enforcement officers and started to run in different directions. The operational members managed to corner them, and the suspects failed to produce an authentic permit to operate at the mine. They were immediately apprehended.

During the arrest, the following items, including cellphones of the suspects, were seized :
04 x picks
03 x spades
03 x shovels
01 x hammer
01 x DHN generator
01 x water pipe
01 x head lamp
01 x scale

The thirteen (13)suspects will appear before the local Magistrate's Magistrate court soon.

Police investigations are continuing.

15/08/2024

Floyd Shivambu leaves EFF to join MK Party

12/08/2024

INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY INTO FATAL SHOOTING INCIDENT IN MAAKE

Maake Police are investigating a case of murder and inquest following a shooting incident that occurred on Saturday night, August 10, 2024, at Thabine, Ga-Mmaphala Village.

Upon arrival, reaction officers found paramedics providing medical care to a 29-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, both with gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, the victims were certified dead at the scene.

Preliminary investigation suggests that a domestic altercation may have led to the incident. The Police are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has urged anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help immediately.

The investigation is ongoing.

12/08/2024

POLICE ARREST 39-YEAR-OLD SUSPECT FOR POSSESSION OF AN UNLICENSED FIREARM AND AMMUNITION IN MALAMULELE

The police have arrested a 39-year-old suspect for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition following an operation conducted along R81 road at Xigalo village on Saturday, 10 August 2024.

The Members of Malamulele and Giyani Crime Prevention respectively followed on information gathered and positively led to the arrest of the suspect aged 39 after found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and 15 live ammunition at Malamulele section C. He was immediately arrested.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has commended the members for the swift arrest of the suspect and ridding illegal fi****ms within communities.

The suspect is expected to appear before Malamulele Magistrate's Court.

Police investigations continue.

12/08/2024

Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule dies. She was recently diagnosed with lung cancer.💔💔

12/08/2024

Health Minister to engage Limpopo stakeholders on NHI

Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi will on Monday, 12 August engage stakeholders in Limpopo Province on the National Health Insurance Act as part of an ongoing countrywide stakeholder engagement programme to understand the concerns and recommendations from various sectors of society on how this health sector reform can be effectively implemented for the benefit of all citizens in South Africa.

The signing of the National Health Insurance Bill into law on 15 May 2024 marked an important milestone on the journey by the country to realise the Universal Health Coverage.

The aim is to ensure universal access to quality and affordable health care for all South Africans, without anyone incurring financial hardships as enshrined in the Constitution.

The stakeholder engagement programme will include communities who stand to benefit most from the NHI.

12/08/2024

MEC MAVHUNGU LERULE-RAMAKHANYA TO VISIT MAGALE SECONDARY SCHOOL IN THE SEKHUKHUNE SOUTH EDUCATION DISTRICT FOLLOWING SEVERE FIRE DAMAGE EXPRIENCED BY THE SCHOOL

The Limpopo Department of Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya will be visiting the Magale Secondary School in the Sekhukhune South District following incidents of fire that occurred in the early morning of 9th August 2024.

The fire has damaged the entire admin block and the kitchen unit, which has unfortunately led to the destruction of some educational essentials. The motive behind the fire is unknown at this current stage, whilst investigations are ongoing.

The members of the media are invited to the inspection as follows:

Venue: Magale Secondary School,Maserumule Park,Sekhukhune South District

Date: 12 August 2024

Time: 10h30


Issued by Communication Services, Limpopo Department of Education.

11/08/2024

THREE MALE SUSPECTS NABBED IN CONNECTION WITH THE MURDER OF A 31-YEAR-OLD IN BOLOBEDU

Three male suspects aged between 32 and 38 were nabbed in different locations, on Saturday, 10 August 2024 at Bolobedu policing area outside Tzaneen,Mopani District in connection with the murder of a 31-year-old male victim, that happened on Friday , 09 August 2024 at about 19:00.

According to police report, the deceased was found with stab wounds lying outside the yard of a tavern at Mohlakamosoma village. Emergency Medical Services were summoned and they certified him dead at the scene. His brother identified him as Given Thako, aged 31.

The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to the attack and subsequent killing is currently unclear but further Police investigations will determine.

The trio are expected to appear before the Bolobedu Magistrate court on Monday, 12 August 2024 facing a charge of murder.

Police investigations are continuing.

11/08/2024

ASSIST HLANGANANI POLICE TO LOCATE A 40 YEAR-OLD MISSING WOMAN

The South African Police in Hlanganani under Mopani District require assistance from the members of the community to locate a 40 year-old missing woman, Eunice Shirindza who went missing on 08 July 2024.

The victim is a resident at Olifantshoek village and was studying at FET College at Belleview village at the time of her disappearance. Eunice allegedly wrote her final examination at the College and departed to Giyani Town but she never returned home and has since disappeared.

Efforts to locate the victim at relatives, friends and surrounding areas were not successful. There is no clear description of the type of clothes she was wearing at the time of her disappearance.

Anyone with information that can help to reunite the missing woman with her family should the Investigation Officer Sergeant Kate Mahani on 0823199686 or crime stop number 0860010111 or nearest police station or MySAPSApp.

Police investigations are continuing.

For Media Enquiries: Warrant Officer Marobo Seabela @ 0716728604.

11/08/2024

GIYANI POLICE LAUNCH A SEARCH OPERATION FOR A MISSING PERSON

The Police in Giyani have launched a search operation for a missing man, Nkateko Jones Mkharhi, aged 29, residing at Tarental Street in Kremetart under Giyani policing area.

Allegedly, the victim went missing on Friday, 19 July 2024. The victim's aunt alleged that she went to the victim's residence and found that the gate was locked.

The following day, on Saturday, 20 July 2024, she returned, and the gate was still locked. She then decided to force open the gate and the door of the house and found that the victim was not in the house.

She reported a case of missing person at the local police station. They tried to call him telephonically, but he did not answer until to date.

The type of clothes he was wearing the day he left are unknown.

Anyone with information about the victim whereabouts can contact Lieutenant Colonel Jan Mbhalati on 0827290351, or crime stop number on 0860010111 or nearest police station or use MySAPS App.

The Police investigations are still ongoing.

Enquiries: Sergeant Mienkie Ramakgoakgoa @0764816828

10/08/2024

TRAFFIC ALERT| PEDESTRIAN KILLED IN HIT AND RUN ON R71 MONDZWENI ROAD IN PHALABORWA

A tragic hit-and-run incident claimed the life of a pedestrian on the R71 Mondzweni road in Phalaborwa on Friday night.

According to eyewitnesses and emergency medical services (EMS), the accident occurred at approximately 9 PM. The victim, who remains unidentified at this time, was struck by a motor vehicle that fled the scene immediately after the collision.

EMS personnel who responded to the scene confirmed that the pedestrian had suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead upon their arrival.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are urging anyone with information to come forward to help identify the vehicle and driver involved.

07/08/2024

ADDITIONAL SUSPECT NABBED IN CONNECTION WITH SEKGOSESE MURDER, APPEARED BEFORE TIYANI MAGISTRATE'S COURT

A 35-year-old male suspect, Matome Trinity Moleya, appeared before Tiyani Magistrate's court on Tuesday, 06 August 2024, facing charges of murder and failure to appear before court. He was remanded in custody until Thursday, 08 August 2024, for formal bail application.

His arrest comes after he handed himself to the Police, in the afternoon of Monday, 05 August 2024, subsequent to a warrant of arrest issued against him in another case of assault common whereby he is the complainant.

He was also linked into a murder in which a 36 lost his life in a case that occurred on 22 June 2024 at Itereleng Village, following a violent feud that ensued between initiation educators and a certain group of community members.

Seven suspects were swiftly arrested in connection with the incident and charged with murder and assault GBH.

Four of the suspects Joseph Male (45), Mapeya Albert Selopyana (45), Mpho Present Ramashiya (37), and Motlatso Ernest Masiya (35) were charged with murder and were each granted R10,000-00 bail by Sekgosese Periodical Court.They will return to court on August 15.

Meanwhile, the other three suspects, Tumelo Masiya (34), Mpho Malaka (42) and the 38-year-old initiation school educator, Kenny Raphahlele, charged with assault GBH were each granted R1500,00 bail and will also appear on the 15th.

Detectives are, once more seeking the public's help in identifying and locating Mohale Mampye to come forward and assist police in their investigation.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Mzamani Thomas Ndhambi at 082 681 7838 or the Detective Branch Commander Captain Eric Mashigo at 082 468 8684. Alternatively, use Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or MySAPSApp. All information will be treated as confidential.

06/08/2024