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Re Roka Dieta Project” brings smiles to Dennilton school children

DENNILTON - In a heart-warming community support initiative, a local youth group has launched a shoe repair project to benefit children in need.

The "Re Roka Dieta" project, which translates to "Let's Repair Shoes," was born out of a desire to help children who attend school wearing worn-out shoes. The project aims to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local children and create a better future for the community.

Lucky Malunga, YouthLife Programme Chairperson, said the idea was first conceived in December 2024 while assisting the community and schools through the YouthLife Programme in Dennilton and other neighbouring villages.

 YouthLife Programme is another brainchild of Malunga, which is set to uplift young people in Elias Motsoaledi Villages.

"I noticed that there are children who go to school wearing worn-out shoes. That broke my heart because I knew that there's nothing I could do to help," Malunga said.

However, things took a turn for the better when Adam Madimetja Shiane, also known as Kora, a skilled shoe repairer, approached Malunga with an offer to repair the children's shoes for free. "You're a Godsend," Malunga said, recalling the moment Kora offered his services.

With Kora's expertise and the assistance of other young people, Kgaugelo Malaka and Malebo Alice Phora, the project has already repaired over 100 shoes since its launch on 15 September 2025. The project has brought immense joy to the children, who can now attend school with confidence and comfort.

Malunga appealed to the community for support, stating: "We ask for assistance from the community. Any form of donation will be appreciated, even if it's not money, it can be in shoe repairing materials."

The "Re Roka Dieta" project is a shining example of the impact that can be made when community members come together to support a common cause.

"Together we can make a meaningful difference and create a better future for a community," Malunga said.

Elias Motsoaledi Municipality facing heat from SAMWU picket

GROBLERSDAL

Members of the South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) at Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM) in Groblersdal, have taken to the streets to raise concerns about workplace conditions, fairness, safety, and professional development.

The ongoing picketing, which commenced on Tuesday 14 October 2025, sees demonstrating municipality employees gathering at the EMLM Office in Groblersdal every day at lunchtime, from 13:00 to 13:30 to raise their concerns.

They say they feel neglected by elected SAMWU leadership in the sub-region, specifically the Chairperson Steve Magaga, and the Secretary Puti Tau, who are allegedly perceived to be siding with management rather than representing workers’ interests.

The workers' concerns include unfair labour practices, lack of tools of trade, unfair allocation of allowances, and safety concerns.

Specifically, they are demanding an open-led forum with elected SAMWU leaders and workers to review grievances and a clear, time-bound plan for addressing concerns raised by members.

They also want immediate provision of adequate PPE and work attire, including replacements at regular intervals, and a stock-and-service policy ensuring timely repairs and replacements.

They are aggrieved about transparent, criteria-based policy for all allowances, independent oversight of the allocation process, and regular communication on how decisions are made and who is eligible.

They say they need an urgent safety action plan, including enhanced security measures, incident reporting, and crisis response protocols, particularly for operators of yellow machinery who have faced multiple hijackings and criminal abuse incidents.

The workers are also demanding fair treatment and recognition for Traffic Officers and clear plans for integrating Traffic Wardens into the municipality's system.

According to Kenneth Maphopha, SAMWU Shopsteward in EMLM, workers are demanding immediate attention to their grievances.

SAMWU members are calling for immediate intervention from regional and national leadership to address these concerns and restore proper leadership.

"Workers are angry and if there is no intervention, then they will have no option but lead themselves and confront management on their own," warned Maphopha.

The union has given management two weeks to convene a joint stakeholders’ forum to discuss these grievances and provide a detailed action plan with timelines and responsible parties.

"We urge management, the elected SAMWU leadership, and relevant stakeholders to convene a joint stakeholders' forum within the next two weeks to discuss these grievances," Maphopha emphasized.

Simon Makua, EMLM Spokesperson, said the municipality has not received any formal grievances or official correspondence from SAMWU outlining their concerns.

"However, we are aware of a video circulating showing a few individuals affiliated with SAMWU picketing during their lunch time . While we respect the right of employees to express themselves, we encourage that all concerns be raised through the proper and recognised channels to ensure constructive engagement," he said.

Makua indicated that the municipality remains committed to fair labour practices, workplace safety, and professional development.

"We encourage organised labour and all employees to utilise the Local Labour Forum (LLF) for raising and resolving workplace-related matters. Regarding the request for a joint stakeholders’ forum, the municipality has not received a formal proposal to this effect. Nonetheless, we remain open to dialogue and engagement, provided proper protocols are followed," he stated.

Makua conclude by saying that the municipality values the contribution of all its employees and are committed to fostering a safe, fair, and productive working environment.

Court application dismissed, DUP vows to appeal

SEKHUKHUNE

The North Gauteng High Court has on Thursday 16 October 2025, dismissed the Democratic Union Party's (DUP) application to declare the 2024 National and Provincial elections unconstitutional.

The party had cited concerns regarding the constitutionality of the Electoral Act and the perceived irregularities surrounding the electoral process.

Before falling under ActionSA political organization's Green Umrella in a merger that occurred in September 2025, DUP boycotted the 2024 general elections, citing the unconstitutionality of the Electoral Act.

The party argued that the Act failed to provide adequate mechanisms for ensuring accountability, responsiveness, and openness by public representatives to voters.

Additionally, the Act does not provide procedures for voters to cancel the contractual relationship with elected public representatives through recall.

The DUP requested the court to allow South Africans to elect the President and Premiers directly through a separate ballot box.

The party asked the court to order the legislature to set limits on the size of the cabinet as part of its oversight exercise over the executive.

During the proceedings, Acting Judge De Vos dismissed the application, citing concerns that the relief sought by the DUP was too abstract and not based on specific facts.

The judge questioned why political parties were not cited as respondents, to which the DUP's legal representative explained that it would be impractical to do so given the widespread nature of political parties across the country.

Tonic Manchidi, former DUP President and current ActionSA Limpopo Provincial Treasurer deployed in Sekhukhune, indicated his intention to appeal the judgment.

"We believe that the orders we sought are in line with the Constitution and necessary to ensure accountability and responsiveness in public representation," Manchidi said.

Manchidi stressed that DUP's application challenged various aspects of the Electoral Act, including the constituency-based electoral system, the right to recall elected representatives, and the IEC's failure to conduct adequate voter education.

"We believe that the orders we sought are in line with the Constitution and necessary for the country. The Constitution of the country is based on the values of human dignity, equality, and freedom, which are currently missing in South African public life," he said.

Call for action against MLM Speaker over brutal assault on Kgoshi Mampuru

SCHOONOORD

A Ward Delimitation Outreach meeting turned violent on Wednesday 8 October 2025, at Peter Nchabeleng Community Hall in Schoonoord.

The meeting, chaired by Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM) Speaker Judy Mphelane-Nkgadima, was intended to facilitate community participation in the consultation on Voting Districts (VDs).

It is alleged that tension arose when Boikie Rantho, the PR Councillor representing the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in MLM, was chosen to ask questions on the presented VDs.

Rantho queried why Jane Furse Comprehensive School VD appeared in both MLM Ward 19 and Ward 20. However, MLM Mayor Merah Mahlase and MLM Ward 21 Councillor Makanyoge Morwamakoti immediately stopped Rantho from participating, citing that he is a councillor and not allowed to participate in the community's platform.

The situation escalated into a physical altercation between Kgoshi Malekutu Mampuru, a traditional leader of Bapedi Ba Maroteng in Mamone and the chairperson of the meeting, Mphelane-Nkgadima, after Mampuru stood up to support Rantho's right to participate.

Allegedly, Mampuru was physically attacked and fell to the ground before being separated by community members.

The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with many demanding harsh action against Mphelane-Nkgadima.

The EFF in MLM has also condemned the incident, saying they will discuss the matter with the EFF Limpopo Provincial Command Team for further steps be taken against MLM Council Speaker.

"We will not let this kind of behaviour go unpunished. We will take action against Mphelane-Nkgadima and Mayor Mahlase for their role in this incident.,” said Cllr Rantho.

Speakers at the gathering stressed the importance of ensuring the safety and security of traditional leaders and community members.

They called for a thorough investigation into the incident and urged the authorities to take swift action to prevent similar incidents in the future.

MLM Spokesperson, Thomas Mashabela, could not respond to the publication’s enquiries at the time of going to press.

Premier Ramathuba discusses energy future with Eskom

SEKHUKHUNE - Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has on Tuesday 14  2025 met with ESKOM representatives, led by Mr Khutso Sekgota, General Manager of Renewables Business Development, to discuss a new project aimed at sustaining renewable energy in the region.

The meeting was aiming to update on developments of the Tubatse Pumped Storage Scheme, which is a mega installation that will have a power generation capacity of 1.5GW and a storage capacity of 21GWh.

The project, located in the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM), is expected to begin in 2028 and be completed by 2038.

Once finished, it will add to the available energy mix in the region, supporting the country's renewable energy goals.

The project will be developed as a public-private partnership (PPP), with Eskom partnering with private developers to implement the scheme.

The Tubatse Pumped Storage Scheme is designed to support the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, into the grid.

Through providing large-scale energy storage, the project will help to stabilize the power system and ensure a reliable energy supply.

The project is expected to have numerous economic benefits for the Sekhukhune Region, including the creation of jobs and stimulation of local economic growth.

According to Eskom CEO Dan Marokane, the project will also contribute to the country's economic development by providing a reliable and sustainable energy supply.

Eskom has already secured funding for the project, with the Agence Française de Dévelopment (AFD) providing a R125-million grant to support the development of the project.

The grant will be used to procure the services of a transaction advisor to conduct a feasibility study and finalize a business case for the project.

The Tubatse Pumped Storage Scheme is a significant project that will contribute to Limpopo's economic development and support the country's transition to a low-carbon economy.

Affiliation issues halts Sekhukhune Regional Football League kick-off

SAFA Sekhukhune has delayed the resumption of the Hollywoodbets Sekhukhune Regional Football League due to lack of affiliation from participating football teams.

Elandskraal Sports Facility in shambles

ELANDSKRAAL

The Elandskraal Sports Facility in Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality (EPMLM), is on the brink of collapse.

Despite millions of rands being spent on the multipurpose sports centre, the facility is plagued by lack of maintenance and repairs, leaving it in a state of despair.

The neglect has sparked fears that the facility will end up being a “White Elephant”, a symbol of poor planning and bad service delivery.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in EPMLM has raised concerns about the state of the sporting facility.

DA Councillor in the municipality, Flip Jacobs, has been vocal about the municipality's failure to maintain the facility, citing poor planning and bad service delivery as the main contributors to its neglect.

"Our residents deserve better services," Jacobs emphasized, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency in municipal governance.

Jacobs indicated that it is more concerning that the Elandskraal Sports Facility, which was intended to be a hub for sports and community activities, is now at risk of becoming a rundown and potentially being repurposed as an animal shelter.

A resident, Khutso Malatji, said they are worried that lack of maintenance and repairs has resulted in the facility's deterioration, making it difficult for athletes and community members to use.

“The facility's state is a far cry from its intended purpose, and its neglect has significant implications for the community,” he said.

Malatji indicated that they are concerned that millions of rands spent on the facility have yielded little return, with the facility's condition worsening over time.

“The lack of maintenance and repairs has resulted in a significant waste of public funds, and the community is left to suffer the consequences. The municipality's failure to prioritize maintenance and repairs has led to a situation where the facility's future is uncertain,” he said.

Malatji reiterated that the community is fed up and will embark in a call to action for the municipality to prioritize maintenance and repairs of the facility.

“The community deserves better services, and it is the municipality's responsibility to ensure that public facilities are well-maintained and functional. The fate of the Elandskraal Sports Facility hangs in the balance, and we want the municipality to commit and take the necessary steps to restore the facility to its intended glory,” he said.

At the time of going to press, EPMLM Spokesperson, Life Nape, could not respond to enquiries sent by the paper.

EFF members attacked during Makhuduthamag Municipality Council Sitting

JANE FURSE

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Limpopo say they strongly condemn actions of Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM), after the party’s councillor suffered a hand fracture, and about ten other EFF councillors pepper-sprayed by the bouncers during a council sitting convened at the municipality offices in Jane Furse on Wednesday 30 July 2025.

According to the party, the tension started when EFF councillors were questioning the municipality's political authorities about pertinent matters that were deferred to the next meeting but never scheduled on the agenda.

The party alleges that during the questioning, the municipality unleashed bouncers on EFF councillors for holding them accountable as part of their constitutional mandate.

The municipality's alleged behaviour was described as "thuggish" and "abuse of power" by the EFF.

EFF Provincial Chairperson in Limpopo, Lawrence Mapoulo, said part of the party’s questioning during the meeting, was the alarming issues of infrastructure projects that would be discussed in committee but committee members are not allowed to conduct oversight.

The EFF also alleged that the municipality is favouring ANC-aligned individuals and relatives in the issuance of permits for taxi operators.

"Only taxis owned by the ANC-aligned persons are allowed to operate within and around Jane Furse," Mapoulo stated.

Recently, a dispute ensued between the Mashadi Local Taxi Association and the MLM over operating permits. The municipality has allegedly denied permits to the Mashadi Local Taxi Association unless they join the Jane Furse 6+1 Mini Taxi Association.

The association's chairman, Christopher Makua, has expressed concerns about the impact on their livelihoods, stating that they will not join the Jane Furse 6+1 Mini Taxi Association due to the expensive joining fee of R15,000.

The EFF has expressed support for the Mashadi Local Taxi Association, citing their constitutional right to choose their own association.

Mapoulo furthered called on the municipality to give the Mashadi Local Taxi Association a permit and not only give permits to their friends in the ANC.

“We condemn the coward municipality for refusing to be held accountable. People of Makhuduthamaga deserve better and they need services as in yesterday,” he said.

Mapoulo said the party also demanded that MLM Mayor, Cllr Merah Mahlase, be held accountable for her actions and that the municipality stops abusing its power.

At the time of going to press, MLM Spokesperson, Thomas Mashabela, could not respond to enquiries sent by the publication.

ANC Sekhukhune hands over new church

MAKHUTJO

The African National Congress (ANC) in Sekhukhune Region, leaded by Regional Secretary Tala Mathope and PEC Convenor of Deployees Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, officially handed over a new church to the congregation of New Jerusalem Church at Makhutjo Village in Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM) Ward 31.

The new church building initiative is a result of the ANC's intervention in response to the congregation's struggles to build a proper structure.

In 2024, the ANC visited the church and discovered that services were being conducted under a tree.

During that time, the ANC promised to intervene and build a proper structure, and true to their word, they have delivered a beautiful new church building.

The newly handed over church building includes an office and storage space, proper toilets for both males and females, a fence and gate, paved yard, and electricity installation.

During the hand over, the political party also donated 200 chairs to the congregation. Addressing the hand over, Mathope highlighted the importance of making a difference and touching lives.

"We are proud to have been able to make a positive impact on the lives of the congregation and the community. We believe that everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to worship, and we are happy to have been able to provide that for the New Jerusalem Church congregation," he said.

The congregation and church leadership appreciated the ANC's work and vowed to take care of the infrastructure and continue praying for the people.

"We are grateful for the ANC's intervention and promise to take good care of the new church building," said a member of the congregation.

Dennilton man gets life imprisonment for raping 8-year-old minor

DENILTON - The South African Division of the High Court, sitting in Polokwane, has on Friday 25 July 2025 sentenced a 45-year-old man to direct life imprisonment for raping an 8-year-old girl in Dennilton.

According to the police, the accused, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the minor, was found guilty of rape after a thorough trial.

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo Provincial Police Spokesperson, said the rape incident occurred on 23 December 2023, at around 11pm, when the victim was sleeping with her family members at her aunt's house in Taereng Section, Dennilton.

“The accused, who had offered the family a room to sleep, sneaked into the room and lured the child to another room where he raped her. The victim's family discovered her missing when they heard her screaming, and upon inspecting the house, they found her naked and raped in one of the rooms,” explained Ledwaba.

He said following the ordeal, the victim was taken to the hospital, and the matter was reported to the Dennilton Police Station, where it was later transferred to the Groblersdal Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses Unit (FCS), which investigated the case, and the accused was initially arrested on 27 December 2023.

“Although the case was withdrawn at the Moutse Magistrate’s Court in Dennilton, the investigating officer continued to work diligently, and a warrant of arrest was issued after DNA results positively linked the accused to the crime. He was re-arrested at his workplace in Witbank, Mpumalanga Province,” explained Ledwaba.

He said the police investigation was led by Sergeant Tsheola Lethuba of the Groblersdal FCS, who worked tirelessly to ensure that justice was served.

Ledwaba added that the court proceedings continued until 24 July 2025, when the accused was found guilty of rape and sentenced to direct life imprisonment.

“The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm and unfit to work with children. His details will be registered in the National Register for Sexual Offenders and Part B of the National Protectional Register,” Ledwaba said.

Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the court decision, stating: "The Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit will continue with their good work to prevent crime and bring perpetrators thereof to justice."

SARTHO pleads for leniency with initiation schools

SEKHUKHUNE

The South African Religious and Traditional Healers Organization (SARTHO) has pleaded with the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) to be lenient with initiation schools that failed to meet the set date in line with their permit.

Some schools were forced to close on Sunday 20 July to avoid penalties and losing their permit due to challenges faced by parents who were unable to pay the balance of the initiation fee.

According to Mamokwa Hlabirwa Walker, SARTHO's Secretary General, most initiation schools failed to honour the set date due to challenges beyond their control.

"We would like to plead with PICC and COGHSTA to deal with such cases in consideration with the fact that parents are stakeholders," he said.

Walker added that they learned that some of the parents were forced to turn to loan sharks to pay for initiation fees, and they are expecting to pay the balance after receiving their salaries on 25 July 2025.

Dr Shimanki Lion Bapela, Principal of Ditau Tsa Mariri Koma Association, shared his experience, saying: "I was forced to release some of the children whose parents were not ready to receive them, some parents pleaded with me to bear with them until the 25 July 2025 to get their salaries."

SARTHO believes that the authority concerned, especially PICC, should consider all factors that led to some schools breaching the terms of their permits.

Dr Ratholo Phahlane, Chairperson of SARTHO, emphasized the importance of involving all stakeholders, especially parents or guardians who are financially responsible for the tuition and other things needed during the initiation period.

“The organization hopes that the PICC will handle each case separately and consider the challenges faced by schools in the province. SARTHO believes that monitors will be of assistance in assessing the situation and finding a solution that works for all parties involved,” he said.