More Than 80 to a Class at Elim High
The school has over 2,000 learners and has been asking for additional classrooms since 2007
Limpopo
Limpopo Megaproject Sued Over “Stolen” Rocks
Subcontractor removed R12-million worth of white rock from private land
Pensioners on the Move for Mandela Day
“We are ageing, yes. But we’re not done living.”
Limpopo Villagers Block Road
Mopani District Municipality says it is using tankers for Ga-Sekgopo while it awaits approval for a water infrastructure grant
Limpopo Villagers Say Bokoni Mine Has Disrupted Their Lives
Monametse residents blame the mine for cutting them off from access to river water, grazing land and plants essential for traditional ceremonies.
R400-Million and Eight Years Later…
New contractor has been appointed but work has stalled again
Celebrating Grassroots Champions At The CSA Awards
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA), in partnership with KFC, is proud to spotlight the unsung heroes of grassroots cricket as part...
Mystery Surrounds R3-Million in Lottery Funds Paid to ASA
ASA says it was unaware of the payment
Blind Children Study in Crumbling Classrooms as New School Project Stalls
R168-million project in Limpopo was supposed to be completed in June 2024
How Lottery Looters Hijacked a GBV Organisation
R18-million, awarded to the Make Me Movement, was stolen
Giyani’s Rotting Market Stalls Still Empty After 14 Years
More than 800 hawkers continue trading without toilets or water
Lottery Licence Evaluators Had No Lottery Experience
Audit firms refused to get involved because of “reputational risk”
How Many Sex Offenders Are There in Our Schools?
In spite of government promises, only one teacher in 10 has been screened
Sentences Handed down in the Nicci Jansen Van Rensburg Murder Case
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) welcomes the sentences handed down today by the Polokwane High Court to the three accused in the Nicci Jansen van Rensburg murder case. Nicci was murdered on his farm in Roedtan, Limpopo, on 7 October 2022. All three accused received life sentences along with additional sentences for conspiracy to […]
The post Sentences handed down in the Nicci Jansen van Rensburg murder case welcomed appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Multi-Billion Limpopo Mega-Project Has Ground to a Halt
Makhado Special Economic Zone, announced in 2018, was intended to attract investments of R40-billion
Verdict in Nicci Jansen Van Rensburg Murder Case Welcomed
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) welcomes the guilty verdict handed down to the three accused of the murder of Nicci Jansen van Rensburg on 7 October 2022 at his farm in Roedtan, Limpopo. The party attended today’s court proceedings in support of the family. Nicci’s fiancée, Veronica Grobler, and a friend’s son were assaulted, […]
The post Verdict in Nicci Jansen van Rensburg murder case welcomed appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Limpopo: Torching of Farmer’s House and Belongings Condemned
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) strongly condemns the torching of the house and belongings of a Limpopo farmer, Mr Karel Potgieter. The farm is located in Munnik in the Sekgopa Modjadjieskloof District, approximately 50 km outside Polokwane/Pietersburg. Mr. On 4 June, Mr Potgieter returned from the shops to find his farmhouse engulfed in flames. […]
The post Limpopo: Freedom Front Plus condemns torching of farmer’s house and belongings appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Probe into illegal blockages of Middle Letaba Dam tributaries complete
Probe into illegal blockages of Middle Letaba Dam tributaries complete
The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, is currently studying the final report of an independent investigation into the alleged illegal blockages of tributaries feeding the Middle Letaba Dam in Limpopo.
Commissioned by former Minister Senzo Mchunu, the investigation was prompted by mounting complaints from local farmers and community members about unlawful obstructions and diversions of watercourses flowing into the dam.
These alleged illegal activities are believed to have significantly contributed to the dam's alarmingly low levels, currently at an approximate 8%.
“The Middle Letaba Dam, which depends on inflows from the Middle Letaba, Koedoes, and Brandboontjies rivers within the Olifant Catchment Area, is a vital water source for households, agriculture, and industry across the region.
“It’s diminished capacity has had far-reaching implications, severely limiting the supply of water via the 60 km canal to the Middle Letaba, Mapuve, and Giyani Water Treatment Works,” the Department of Water and Sanitation said on Saturday.
The report was compiled by a panel led by retired Judge Bernard Ngoepe and was handed over to the Minister on Friday, 16 May 2025.
“The Minister will announce the department’s course of action in due course. Nonetheless, there is a clear and urgent need to uphold the recommendations of the report to restore accountability, reinforce lawful water governance, and protect the integrity of South Africa’s water resources,” the department said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 05/18/2025 - 12:25
297 views
COGTA Committee Commends CRL Rights Commission for Efforts to Safeguard Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights
The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on Friday reaffirmed its support for the Cultural, Religious and Linguistics (CRL) Rights Commission's efforts to safeguard these rights.
The committee received briefings from the CRL Rights Commission and the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) on their strategic and annual performance plans. The MDB's mandate includes, among other things, the delimitation of municipal wards after consulting the Independent Electoral Commission.
Committee Chairperson Dr Zweli Mkhize acknowledged the commission's role in addressing harmful practices performed under the guise of religion. He also encouraged the commission in its ongoing efforts to confront psychological, physical and sexual abuse linked to such cases. “While we respect religious freedom in South Africa, these rights must be exercised in line with constitutional protections and human dignity,” he said.
The commission's briefing follows the recent Eastern Cape High Court judgement, which cleared Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso of all charges, including sexual assault and human trafficking.
Welcoming the commission's presentation, the Chairperson reaffirmed the importance of the commission's work in protecting the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic communities and the crucial role this plays in nation-building and social cohesion.
The committee noted the challenges impacting the commission's work, particularly budget constraints. It was encouraged by ongoing efforts to recognise and develop historically marginalised languages, such as SePulana (a language spoken by the Mapulana people in Limpopo and Mpumalanga) and isiMpondo (spoken by the AmaMphondo people in the Eastern Cape).
The committee also welcomed the continued focus on customary initiation practices and ensuring they conform to constitutional principles. The Chairperson stressed that there should be zero tolerance for illegal schools, mutilation, or loss of life in exercising this traditional custom. “There can be no acceptable number when it comes to mutilations or fatalities. Our goal must be zero in all respects. There is no acceptable threshold for such harms,” he said, stressing the need for stronger oversight, awareness and community education.
The committee also welcomed the shift in focus of the commission's referral and oversight systems that now ensure matters brought before it are addressed, even when other departments are involved. Previously, the commission would refer matters to relevant departments.
Meanwhile, while welcoming the MDB's presentation, the committee expressed concerns about the practicalities and impact municipal boundary determinations may have on communities. Highlighting that communities are often built on relationships and shared access to services, the Chairperson cautioned the Board against only relying on legal frameworks when making boundary determinations that may split communities and social networks. “The MDB must be sensitive to avoid dividing a settled cohesive community into different wards, municipalities, districts, and sometimes provinces as this practice may disrupt social stability and access to social amenities and centres for service delivery.”
Moreover, the committee sought concrete evidence of public consultation during demarcation. Members also called on the MDB to be more responsive to dissatisfaction in affected communities and asked for evidence that public education initiatives helped build public trust in the demarcation process.
Noting the budget constraints, the committee urged the MDB to build its institutional capacity and not solely rely on municipalities to do its work at the local level.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
AI Powers Innovation, Efficiency and Growth in African Mining
African mining projects are increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations and meet ambitious production targets set by governments across the continent. As the mining industry undergoes a digital transformation, the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) will highlight the pivotal role of AI and other digital tools in optimizing exploration and production processes, with a view to unlocking new mineral reserves, reducing costs and enhancing worker safety.
Botswana Diversifies Mineral Portfolio
In Botswana, Botswana Diamonds is expanding its mineral portfolio beyond diamonds with an AI-based nationwide exploration campaign launched in August 2024. By March 2025, the company identified potential deposits of besshi, greenstone, Mississippi Valley-type lead and zinc, SEDEX and platinum group metals (PGMs). To capitalize on these discoveries, Botswana Diamonds has applied for 11 new prospecting licenses. John Teeling, Chairman of Botswana Diamonds, stated: “During the initial analysis of the big database, it became clear that the AI technology could be used to identify other unknown minerals opportunities… Our analysis so far has identified a series of targets in copper cobalt, zinc and gold.”
KoBold Advances Zambia's Critical Mineral Market
U.S.-based startup KoBold Metals is applying AI to enhance critical mineral exploration and mine development in Zambia. In January 2025, KoBold raised $537 million in new capital, bringing its total funding to $1 billion. The company is developing one of the world's largest untapped copper basins in Zambia, with plans to produce 300,000 tons annually by 2030 from its $2 billion Mingomba Project. Additionally, KoBold Metals is exploring the Dumbwa Mine and Konkola West Project, contributing to Zambia's goal of reaching 3 million tons of annual copper production by 2031.
Kilken Platinum Drives Mine Expansion
In South Africa, Kilken Platinum is utilizing AI to optimize operations at its Thabazimbi processing plant in Limpopo as part of an expansion plan to double PGM production to 83kgs per month. The project has already increased output to 40kgs in its initial phase. Dondo Mogajane, CEO of Kilken Platinum's parent company Moti Group, emphasized that AI enables real-time tracking of production metrics and ensures strict adherence to safety protocols.
Beyond these projects, Rio Tinto subsidiary Richards Bay Minerals is employing AI for ore body modeling, equipment dispatch management and blast control at its mines in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Glencore is leveraging digital technology to streamline critical mineral exploration as part of its Phase 2 expansion at the KTO copper and cobalt project. AMW 2025 will feature high-level discussions focused on AI's impact on industry growth, investment opportunities for technology providers and the broader economic benefits of digital transformation in mining.
African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
President Ramaphosa to undertake an oversight visit to the Eastern Cape
President Ramaphosa to undertake an oversight visit to the Eastern Cape
President Cyril Ramaphosa will this week undertake an oversight visit to the Eastern Cape province where he will engage with the Provincial Executive Committee and receive a briefing on the Port of Ngqura.
The President’s programme will commence on Tuesday with a briefing by the Transnet leadership on the port which is one of South Africa’s newest deep-water ports, designed for high-efficiency container handling and large vessels.
It is also strategically aligned with the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and positioned as a key transshipment hub for Southern Africa.
“During the visit, the President will receive an update on plans to improve operational efficiencies at the port and projects currently underway,” the Presidency said in a statement.
On Wednesday, the President and Cabinet will meet with Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and his executive council to discuss conditions and opportunities in the province as part of strengthening intergovernmental cooperation, collaboration and consultation.
“The national and provincial executives will discuss various approaches to improving service delivery at local government level,” the Presidency said.
The President’s visit will seek to tighten alignment between provincial priorities and those of the 7th Administration, in line with the joined-up development approach adopted by government in the District Development Model.
This visit will be the fifth engagement between the national executive and provincial governments following recent interactions between the President and the provincial governments of Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Gauteng.
President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Ministers and Deputy Ministers. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 04/14/2025 - 10:01
234 views
Concern over Limpopo justice vacancy rate
Concern over Limpopo justice vacancy rate
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has identified the high number of vacancies at the Limpopo justice department as a critical issue to resolve.
Kubayi conducted an oversight visit to the Polokwane High Court and the Master’s Office on Thursday.
“The Minister noted that these capacity challenges are severely affecting service delivery. She clarified that this is not a failure on the part of the provincial team but rather an issue that requires urgent attention at the national level.
“Misinterpretations of public service regulations that delay appointments and result in prolonged acting roles must be resolved,” the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD) said in a statement.
The Minister conducted the visit to “engage directly with staff without disrupting court operations”.
“During her walkabout, the Minister assessed compliance with departmental norms and standards, with particular attention to the management of court files. Proper filing was emphasised as fundamental to the delivery of justice, as even a single missing page can derail an entire case. The importance of getting the basics right was underlined.
“The Minister also raised concern about the inadequate infrastructure available for child witnesses, noting that the existing facilities fall short of providing the necessary safeguards for minors who testify in court. She stated that the current situation is unacceptable and assured that it will be addressed,” the department said.
Staff engagement
To conclude the visit, Kubayi conducted a meeting with staff to address public complaints, service consistency, performance management and physical infrastructure.
“The Minister emphasised that performance management tools must not be used to victimise employees, but rather to support their growth and accountability. She stressed the importance of cordial working relationships among colleagues and encouraged teamwork across all levels.
“Managers were called upon to lead effectively by ensuring staff are motivated and that court users are treated with the dignity and speed they deserve. She further highlighted the responsibility of managers to guarantee that persons with disabilities have equal access to services, and that facilities catering to their needs must be prioritised.
“She reaffirmed her commitment to restoring public trust in the justice system by promoting accountability, professionalism, and respect for all who depend on the department’s services,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 04/11/2025 - 11:10
111 views
Technology to aid SA’s border management efforts
Technology to aid SA’s border management efforts
Four advanced unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones and 40 body-worn cameras will be deployed for the first time at the country’s ports of entry over the coming Easter long weekend.
The drones are equipped with some of the most advanced night vision cameras in the world, including thermal detection technology.
Powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), the devices are able to recognise and lock onto heat sources, moving people, or vehicles. They can also travel at speeds up to 43 kilometres per hour and are capable of operating in remote rural areas without access to GPS and even underground.
Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said the launch of technology marks the biggest step forward for enhancing border security and management.
“Data shows that when we first trialled the use of drones over the festive season, the number of attempted illegal crossings that were successfully prevented, increased by 215%,” said the Minister.
WATCH |
He added that the Border Management Authority (BMA) will now permanently deploy this cutting-edge technology on a fulltime basis.
“Our message to would-be illegal immigrants and smugglers is clear. We are now watching the borderline during the day, we are watching at night, we can see your body heat wherever you try to hide, and we will catch you.
“As we roll out more and more cutting-edge technology, there are fewer and fewer places to hide for criminals who undermine our national security,” he said.
Schreiber explained that the cameras will be fitted to officials working in the port environment to detect and punish acts of corruption, while also monitoring the efficiency of officials.
“Importantly, the cameras are linked to a dedicated Digital Evidence Management System which ensures that all footage is admissible in court to ensure successful convictions.”
BMA Commissioner Dr Micheal Masiapato said the 2025 Easter Operation follows the successfully implemented 2024/25 Festive Season Plan which saw a steady increase of 5 084 251 travellers processed across 71 ports of entry.
“This plan builds on the successes and lessons learned from our previous operations, ensuring the advancement of robust mechanisms for safe and secure travel,” Masiapato said.
Heightened operations
Speaking at the media briefing in Pretoria, the Commissioner said that through the assistance of drone technology, previous deployments in the December-January operations were responsive and reactional to illegal movements.
“The increase in festive season movements prompted the BMA to officially begin with the Easter Planning Phase on the 1st of February 2025 through to the 14th of April 2025.
“The Execution phase of the BMA’s Easter Operational Plan will run for a period of 10 days starting from the 15th to the 24th of April 2025, during which period deployments and intensified border operations will be heightened.
“We are here to serve the citizens of the country to deter any illegality at our ports of entry and border law enforcement area without fear or favour,” he said.
Masiapato said the Easter period is traditionally characterised by a significant spike in the movement of people and goods across the country’s ports, placing increased demand on the BMA to maintain optimal operational readiness.
“During this period, families travel for religious observances, holidays, and cultural gatherings, while traders and transporters increase activity in preparation for the long Easter weekend.
“With the expected increase in attendance from the Zion Christian Church in Limpopo, more travellers are expected to move from our neighbouring countries into South Africa. These heightened activities bring both opportunities and risks, requiring a concerted and integrated operational response,” he said.
The BMA is undertaking training to equip eight officers to become expert drone pilots. They will operate the devices on a shift basis and will move around different ports in the country. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 04/10/2025 - 12:39
252 views
Seven to appear in court for illegal mining
Seven to appear in court for illegal mining
Seven suspects are expected to appear in court soon after they were nabbed following police operations in Limpopo.
“Vala Umgodi Operations conducted in the Sekhukhune District in Limpopo led to the arrest of seven suspects for illegal mining of sand and possession of suspected precious minerals (raw Chrome), on Sunday, 06 April 2025, at [the] Nebo and Burgersfort Policing areas,” the South African Police Service (SAPS).
In its statement on Tuesday, the SAPS said a 36-year-old man was arrested for the possession of suspected stolen precious minerals (raw chrome) at Spitzkop Farm in the Burgesfort policing area.
“The suspect was found loading chrome in a yellow dumbbell truck. Another suspect aged 18 was arrested for contravention of immigration act in the area,” said the police.
Additionally, five suspects aged between 28 and 51, were nabbed for illegal mining of sand on Sunday, 06 April 2025, at Ga-Marishane Village in the Nebo policing area.
Members of Vala Umgodi Operation conducted a disruptive operation at the area when a group of people were noticed loading sand into a white leyman truck. Police confiscated three shovels and the truck that was loaded with sand.
“The suspects will appear before the local magistrate’s court soon. Police investigations are ongoing,” said the SAPS. -SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 04/09/2025 - 09:20
337 views