November 2022

News
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2 min read

Father who raped his biological daughter gets 18 years

A 35-year-old male father has been sentenced to an effective 18 year imprisonment for raping his 10 year-old biological daughter. The unfortunate incident took place at Makgaung village in Ga-Sekororo.

The Naphuno Magistrate Court under Maake Policing area today, Wednesday 30 November 2022 handed the sentence.

According to the police report, on 02 December 2019 at about 05:00. The mother of the victim left her in company of her father at home to go wash the clothes at a nearby house.

FATHER RAPES BIOLOGICAL DAUGHTER

When she returned to fetch the other clothes at home. The mother found both her daughter and father naked inside a one roomed house.

The mother enquired what was going on but the father denied having sexual intercourse with his biological daughter.

She immediately rushed her 10 year-old daughter to Sekororo Hospital for medical examination and it was later discovered that the child was raped by her father.

Father rapes biological daughter in Ga-Sekororo

A rape case was opened at Maake Police Station the next day on 03 December 2019. The father was immediately arrested on the said day.

The case was transferred to the Tzaneen Family Violence and Child Protection Unit (FCS) for further investigations. He was later granted bail after numerous court appearances.

On 22 November 2022, the accused was convicted for rape of a minor girl and handed an 18 years imprisonment imposed by the Naphuno Magistrate on Wednesday 30 November 2022.

The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the members for meticulous investigations that ensured this lengthy sentence.

News
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2 min read

Panel finds President Cyril Ramaphosa may have a case to answer

The independent panel established by Parliament says there maybe prima facie evidence that President Cyril Ramaphosa breached anti-corruption laws.

The findings which were made by the panel led by former Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, found that:

“In light of all the information placed before the Panel, we conclude that this information discloses, prima facie, that the President may have committed:

264.1. A serious violation of sections 96(2)(a).

264.2. A serious violation of section 34(1) of PRECCA.

264.3. A serious misconduct in that the President violated section 96(2)(b) by acting in a way that is inconsistent with his office.

264.4. A serious misconduct in that the President violated section 96(2)(b) by exposing himself to a situation involving a conflict between his official responsibilities and his private business.”

In a statement released on Wednesday, president Cyril Ramaphosa says he is giving consideration to the report and an announcement will be made in due course.

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA RESPONSE

“The Presidency has noted the report submitted to the Speaker of the National Assembly by the independent panel established in terms of Section 89 of the Constitution.

The Presidency also appreciates that according to the rules of the National Assembly. The NA also needs to consider the report and determine the most appropriate way forward.

Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula receives Phala Phala report

The s89 process has presented an unprecedented and extraordinary moment for South Africa’s constitutional democracy. The conclusions of the panel require careful reading and appropriate consideration in the interest of the stability of government and that of the country.

President Ramaphosa reiterates the statement he made in his submission to the independent panel. “I have endeavoured, throughout my tenure as President. Not only to abide by my oath but to set an example of respect for the Constitution, for its institutions. For due process and the law. I categorically deny that I have violated this oath in any way. I similarly deny that I am guilty of any of the allegations made against me.”

The President is also giving consideration to the report and an announcement will be made in due course.”

News
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2 min read

MEC Radzilani officially launches festive season road safety campaign

Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Florence Radzilani on Wednesday launched the 2022/23 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign.

The event took place in Mankweng Unit F, Kaizer Sports Ground along road R71 under the Polokwane Municipality.

The Festive Season Road Safety Campaign is a multi disciplinary undertaking geared towards heightening awareness of road safety issues. Also, for reduction of crashes, fatalities and serious injuries throughout the festive period.

**MEC Radzilani inspect roadblock on R71 Road**

It was attended by amongst others, representatives of various Tribal Authorities, South African Council of Churches. The delegation from the Zion Christian Church representing the Right Reverend Bishop Dr Barnabas Lekganyane and the Leadership of various Taxi Associations.

MEC FESTIVE SEASON CAMPAIGN

“We have decided to bring this Event here in Mankweng, because our records indicate that there is a great number of fatalities that are taking place on this part of the R 71 road. More than anywhere else in this Province,” said MEC Radzilani.

“Research shows that the R 71 road is the second most dangerous road, nationally, when it comes to pedestrians who are killed by motor vehicles. So, our launch of this programme targeting the people of Mankweng, Nobody, Mentz, Ga Makanye, Ga Mothapo, Ga Mothiba. Ga Molepo, Ga Mamabolo, Moremadi, Mamadimo and many other villages, is based on this research.

“The Limpopo Province is amongst the top 5 Provinces in the Country, with the highest number of fatalities. Together with KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and the Western Cape. I know most of you might think that Road Safety Campaigns must be targeted towards Motorists. Because they are the ones who are always on the road,” she said.

“We have invited Pastors and Priests to this occasion, because we are well aware that this problem also requires divine intervention, in addition to our own wisdom. We therefore call upon members of the clergy and church leaders, to make Road Safety, a prayer item, in their churches.”

Entertainment
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1 min read

Munghana Lonene launches pop-up studio at Masingita Mall in Giyani

SABC Radio Munghana Lonene FM have announced a historic moment in the station’s evolution after the launch of its new Pop-up studio at Masingita Mall in Giyani, Mopani District.

The inaugural broadcast marked the official launch of the new pop-up Munghana Lonene studio in the heart of the mall. The studio will also serve as the station’s second broadcast facility. It will bring the Munghana Lonene brand and experience closer to its core listeners.

POP-UP STUDIO AT MASINGITA MALL

“We also have been working tirelessly on the studio project with the assistance of the Masingita Group of companies. Who are also the owners of Masinga Mall,” said Madikana Matjila Business Manager of the Limpopo combo.

The combo comprises of Munghana Lonene FM, Phalaphala FM and Thobela FM.

“Our aim is to ensure that we also take the MLFM brand into the community. So that our listeners can have a more personal experience with the brand and their favourite DJ’s.”

**Munghana Lonene presenters with Papa Penny**

NEW MUNGHANA LONENE HOME

Select weekdays and weekends shows will be broadcast live from the studio going forward. The SABC will be occupying the space indefinitely.

The launch event was also supported by key stakeholders including government officials, traditional, faith and business leaders.

News
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2 min read

Parliament receives president Cyril Ramaphosa report on Phala Phala

Parliament’s Section 89 committee that has been tasked with deciding whether President Cyril Ramaphosa has committed a serious offence regarding the Phala Phala scandal, has handed its report to the speaker of the National Assembly Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula on Wednesday.

The panel is chaired by former chief justice Sandile Ngcobo. It was also set up to establish whether there was evidence of wrongdoing on Ramaphosa’s part in the Phala Phala saga.

The report which is also in three parts will be made available to MPs on Wednesday evening.

The report would also be debated by parliament on 6 December. At which point the house would vote on whether to take further action by a single majority.

President Cyril Ramaphosa also told the panel that he never drew a salary. Also that he had declared his financial interests at all times.

CYRIL RAMAPHOSA RESPONSE

Ramaphosa divested from his business interests in 2012 after he became deputy president.

“I am entitled to retain assets or financial interests where no conflict of interest would arise, if these are declared,” Ramaphosa said in a document responding to the panel.

“The ATM and EFF’s proposition that I have misconstrued my obligations in this regard is entirely without merit. I do not perform paid work for Ntaba Nyoni. Nothing I said has ever suggested as much. Nor do I receive remuneration for work or service other than my functions as President in the service of the people of South Africa,” his submission read.

SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS ON PHALA-PHALA

The allegations against Cyril Ramaphosa were first made public by former State Security Agency director-general Arthur Fraser in an affidavit to police in June.

He alleged that Ramaphosa and his head of security, Major General Wally Rhoode, had engaged in a cover-up. Committed other offences in the process after the theft of $580 000 at Phala Phala in 2020.

News
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1 min read

Janusz Waluś rushed to Hospital after being stabbed by inmate

Chris Hani killer Janusz Waluś has just been stabbed at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Facility on Tuesday.

The department of Correctional Services confirmed Walus was stabbed and taken to Hospital.

The extent of his injuries are unclear at this stage.

JANUSZ WALUS STABBLE

Department Spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo says Walus is stable and receiving medical attention.

“The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is able to confirm an unfortunate stabbing incident involving inmate Janusz Walus,” said Nxumalo.

“A detailed incident report is to be provided at a later stage. But what can be stated at this point is that inmate Walus is stable and DCS healthcare officials are providing the necessary care.

“It is alleged that Janusz Walus was stabbed by another inmate from the same housing unit. Stabbing and other forms of disturbances are offences not warranted in a correctional environment and this case will be investigated.”

More to follow…

News
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3 min read

Educator caught with pants down with a matric learner suspended

The Limpopo Department of Education have suspended an educator who is also a deputy principal caught having sex with a matric learner in Seleteng, Ga-Mphahlele.

It is reported the deputy principal (52) of Kgaga-Tlou secondary school was caught red-handed having sexual intercourse with a pupil (18).

The community of Seleteng in Ga-Mphahlele also gave the educator heavy beating for his mischievous actions.

MATRIC LEARNER DISAPPEARANCE

It is believed that the principal of the school became aware situation after the learner went missing for four days. She was part of a group that was in a camp preparing for the Matric exams. The Principal allegedly contacted the parents of the girl who also didn’t know of her whereabouts.

It was later discovered that the learner was at the private premises of the deputy principal.

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT RESPONSE TO CAUGHT EDUCATOR

“The Limpopo Department of Education is aware of the video clip. The clip of the Deputy Principal of Kgagatlou Secondary School that is making rounds on social media,” the department said in a statement.

“The educator after was allegedly assaulted is accused of having a sexual relationship with a learner at the school where he works.

The deputy principal of kgagatlou secondary caught having sex with a pupil at school, the community of seleteng moered him badly. Sizwe
Istore Alostro Samke pic.twitter.com/3DWcT7E8Rk
— Nadine (@CarolMphahlele) November 29, 2022

“The matter is receiving urgent attention and the Department is taking the allegations very seriously. We are currently following on the matter to establish facts,” they said.

“We are also following allegations that he was in a sexual relationship with a matric learner at the school where he works,” department spokesperson Mile Maringa told SA FM later on the day.

“I must also indicate outright that we have taken a decision to suspend the teacher. Precautionary suspension pending the investigation with regard to this matter.

The incident is believed to have happened on Sunday.

“It looked like she disappeared on the days where she was not writing. If I must also indicate that she was at s school camp, so her staff was left there.

The Department says they are awaiting a report from the District level on Wednesday, 29 November.

Tourism
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4 min read

LTA announces the appointment of Moses Ngobeni as the new CEO

The Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) Board have announced Moses Ngobeni as its new CEO for the next five years starting from the 24th November 2022. The announcement was made on behalf of the LTA Board by the Chairperson Andrew Dipela on Monday.

Dipela emphasized that the Agency has ended the acting capacity of various positions affected by the lack of the CEO in the Agency, which has been its worry for some time.

LTA BOARD DELIGHTED

“We have been with Mr. Ngobeni for twelve (12) months as our Acting CEO and we felt he should be given time to complete what he has started,” he said.

“We are excited to work with him again and optimistic he will take the Agency to greater heights. By ensuring that Limpopo reclaims its highest spot as the most visited destination in the country. It is this extensive experience that Mr. Ngobeni possesses that made us conclude he is the relevant candidate.”

WHO IS MOSES NGOBENI?

Moss Ngobeni is not a newcomer in the tourism circles. He was the first Head of Marketing of the former Northern Province’s Tourism and Parks Board in 1994. He later became Limpopo Tourism and Parks in the advent of democracy until 2004. In the same year, he returned to the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET). This time as a Senior Manager in the tourism wing.

Mr. Ngobeni will be known for several programmes in the department such as managing, Limpopo Marula Festival. One of the major flagship events of the province. He continues to lead major programmes even amidst the outbreak of Covid-19 such as a recovery plan to assist the tourism sector to be back on its feet again.

“Ngobeni brings with him impeccable experience from various portfolios including his previous position as Director Tourism Planning and Development. His former acting capacity as Interim Chief Executive Officer at the former Northern Province Tourism Board as a marketer and Interim CEO.”

HIGHLY QUALIFIED

Ngobeni as a new CEO holds a variety of qualifications such as BA Degree with the University of Limpopo (Formerly University of the North). Higher Education Diploma from UNISA, Diploma in Economic Development Management, from Galillee College (Israel). Course in Introduction to Marketing Management, from UNISA and Executive Management Programme from Turfloop School of Leadership.

“I am excited to be back here again and wish to thank the LTA Board for believing in me. I will not disappoint, as I know the obligation ahead of me is huge. But I will be with this hard-working team of executives to take this organization to another level. I am also excited that I joined the entity at a better time after the negative impact of COVID-19, which was not only our country’s challenge but a worldwide scourge. With the festive season upon us, and so many massive events taking place in the province. I am confident destination Limpopo can surge through to grab its top spot in the country again,” said Ngobeni.

Tourism
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2 min read

Yellow arum lily festival celebrated in Roossenekal

Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) collaborated with several stakeholders in Sekhukhune to stage the 2022 edition of the annual Yellow arum lily festival. The festival took place on the 26th of November 2022 in the small town of Roossenekal.

Stakeholders included Elias Motswaledi Municipality, Sekhukhune District Municipality, and the Small Economic Development Agency (SEDA). Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA), Sekhukhune Development Agency, and Sekhukhune District Tourism Association.

**Ms Modjadji Makoela: LTA Chief Marketing Officer**

YELLOW ARUM LILY FESTIVAL

The Yellow Arum Lily festival is a celebration of the unique flower that grows only in the Sekhukhune region in the Leolo Mountain ranges and also the rocky areas of Roossenekal.

Bapedi Ancestral Flower bears much history on the Bapedi interface with fauna and flora in their heritage and appreciation of the geography of their development. This is also evident in the praise poetry of the Bapedi nation about Mohlake. This is where the Bapedi nation settled around 1651 on the summit of Leolo Mountains, where this flower is found in abundance. The botanical name of this lily also found in the Leolo Mountains is Zantedeschia Jucunda.

The festival is also part of the Summer Campaign that the Agency launched on the 10th of November 2022.

There were markets selling a variety of local products in the form of an exhibition displaying a variety of offerings. Such as indigenous food, arts/crafts, tourism offerings etc. There were also several activities during the event, such as tours, cultural dances, music and many more.

These yellow arum lilies are protected species from the endangered Red Data list. Nobody is allowed to pick these beautiful flowers or dig them up in the veld. The other family of this lily is Zantedeschia pentlandite found around Roossenekal in the same district. The difference between the two is that the Zantedeschia Jucunda has deep green leaves with white sparkles while its cousin, Zantedeschia Pentlandii is shiny plain green.

MISSING PERSONS
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1 min read

Search for a 7-year-old missing boy from Tzaneen

Police in Mokwakwaila outside Tzaneen have launched a massive search operation for a 7-year-old missing boy.

Gift Mathibela has been reported missing over the weekend.

It is alleged that Mathibela left home on Saturday 26 November 2022 at about 13:00. He also never returned back home after playing with other children at Mokgwathi village.

He was last seen wearing a pink t-shirt with black shorts and red cap without shoes during his disappearance.

A search team composed of the police, members of the family and the community was formed to locate the missing boy. He was tracked down and traced from the other children’s homes with no success.

7-YEAR-OLD MISSING BOY BELONGINGS

It is alleged that on the search processes some clothes including a cap, a pair of trousers and a t-shirt were found in the river which were ultimately being identified by the family of the missing boy as his own.

The SAPS Search and Rescue team has also been deployed in the search operation and investigations are continuing.

Police ask for anyone with information that can assist to reunite Gift with his family to come forward. Or they may also call the Investigating Officer Sergeant Moses Ntimbane at 060 996 0062.

They can also report to the nearest police station or call crime stop number 0860010111 and alternatively report to MySAPSApp.

Archive of: November 2022