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Mathabatha hands over land for new Limpopo Academic Hospital

Mathabatha hands over land for new Limpopo Academic Hospital

Premier of Limpopo Stanley Mathabatha on Monday handed over the 25 hectares of land donated for the construction of the Limpopo Central Academic Hospital. The land, donated by the Polokwane Municipality, was handed to the contractor, ENZA Construction, at a small ceremony.

It is situated on Webster Street, Polokwane, adjacent to EDUPARK. Bordering similar land donated to the University of Limpopo for the construction of the School of Medicine that will link to the academic hospital.

Also read: Two Limpopo contestants make it into Miss SA top 30

A DREAM COME TRUE FOR PREMIER STANLEY MATHABATHA

The technical handover follows years of planning and pronouncements during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) by the Premier.

“Since I became Premier I made it known to the former President Zuma and the sitting President, Mr Matamela Ramaphosa, that Limpopo needs an academic hospital,” said Mathabatha.

Premier Stanley Mathabatha hands over land for the construction of Limpopo Central Academic Hospital
Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha hands over land

“It is indeed a dream for the province. The SADC region based on our strategic location that today we are here to signal the beginning of this great work.

NEW CENTRAL ACADEMIC HOSPITAL

It is said the project is expected to generate 1,220 part-time jobs during the construction phase. 2,461 full-time equivalent jobs in Polokwane and surrounding areas, once the hospital is fully operational.

“After this process of handover, we shall, together with the Minister of Health, make a determination on when to officially hold a more elaborate sod-turning ceremony.

“This decision is typically made once site establishment has been achieved. We are glad to report that the schedule agreed upon will see this site established by the end of June 2023.

Premier Stanley Mathabatha hands over land for the construction of Limpopo Central Academic Hospital
Limpopo MEC for Health Phophi Ramathuba

The hospital will be built in phases. This will allow the provincial government to monitor progress to ensure that it is completed on time.

The multi-billion rand project will include solar usage addressing the current rolling blackouts. The first phase of the construction will commence in the first week of June 2023/

It will see the hospital operating with 488 beds. They will be increased to 688 bed capacity once the project is completed.

The province currently sends patients to Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria for other medical procedures.

The hospital will render services such as oncology, gynaecology, neonatal, paediatric and cardiac, among others.

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Man sentenced to life imprisonment for rape of mentally challenged Woman

Man sentenced to life imprisonment for rape of mentally challenged Woman

A Limpopo man was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment Malamulele Regional Court got the rape of a mentally challenged Man. A 38-year-old whose name is being concealed to protect the victim, raped a 19-year-old.

During the trial, the accused pleaded not guilty. The court heard that on 01 July 2017 in Mudavula village, Collins Chabane Municipality, the accused was in the homestead of the victim with her uncle drinking alcohol in the evening. He saw the victim going to the pit toilet behind the house and followed her. He forcefully undressed her in the toilet and raped her.

Also read: Uncle gets life imprisonment for rape of his niece

After the ordeal, he left the victim and continued drinking with her uncle. The victim came out of the toilet crying and reported the matter to her aunt. They called the police, and the accused was arrested the same day.

A Limpopo Man sentenced to life imprisonment for rape of mentally challenged Woman

The state advocate Norman Makhubele relied on DNA evidence to link the accused and the victim impact statement from Giyani Court Preparation Officer, Carol Tshikhudo. He also relied on clinical psychologist, Lungile Malatji for evidence to prove that the victim is severely mentally retarded.

In aggravation of the sentence, the advocate submitted that the crime statistics of rape of mentally challenged persons are high. The fact that this person was severely mentally retarded was one of the huge aggravating factors that the state relied on.

VULNERABLE MENTALLY CHALLENGED WOMAN SUFFER IN LIMPOPO

He further said that in 2011 the victim was raped and conceived a child. However, she could not tell who the perpetrator is. She is a vulnerable victim who cannot identify the father of her child, she can’t even bath or carry out any household duties. Her aunt is taking care of her. Therefore, the court should not deviate from the minimum sentence.

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Minister Kubayi hands rural housing units to Giyani residents

Minister Kubayi hands rural housing units to Giyani residents

Qualifying beneficiaries from Nkomo A village, Giyani in Limpopo were officially handed rural housing units by Minister of Human Settlements Mmamoloko Kubayi on Thursday.

Kubayi led a delegation that included Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete, Limpopo MEC for COGHSTA Basikopo Makamu and Traditional Leader Hosi Mahumani. The department handed over 164 units.

MINISTER MMAMOLOKO KUBAYI VISITS LIMPOPO

During her visit, Kubayi undertook to support Limpopo with technical and project management capacities. The support has since assisted the province to improve on their housing delivery targets. The visit was also followed by a Community Imbizo focusing on service delivery.

Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi hands rural housing units to Giyani residents in Limpopo
Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi with Limpopo MEC for COGHSTA Basikopo Makamu

“It is heart-warming to witness work that has been done to improve the lives of the people,” said Kubayi

“We are here to showcase what we continue to do to better the lives of the people. Both in urban and rural areas”, said Minister Kubayi.

Also read: Church member drowns during baptism in Giyani 

Kubayi has also commended the Limpopo Province for continuously ensuring that women construction companies play an active role in accelerating housing delivery.

“Women-led projects are hardly abandoned. They are of good quality, done on time, and within budget”, said Kubayi.

The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to Hosi Mahumani in Nkomo A village. Kubayi said he (Ndabezitha) understands his responsibility and is committed to ensuring that all spheres of government are working together to deliver services to the indigent and to uplift in his community.  

Giyani family seek assistance to locate missing daughter

Giyani family seek assistance to locate missing daughter

Police and a family in Giyani, Limpopo appeal to the community to assist in locating a missing 17-year-old daughter.

Lulama Mabunda, from Sikhunyani Village, was last seen on Monday,15 May 2023. She was allegedly tasked to clean her aunt’s house in the same neighbourhood. Mabunda apparently went to the house as instructed and later left but failed to return home. She has since disappeared.

Giyani family seek assistance to locate missing daughter
Lulama Mabunda

Also read: Church member drowns during baptism in Giyani 

Mabunda is a grade 12 learner at Gija Ngove high school in Ngove Village. A search operation was conducted by the relatives and friends without success.

There is no information about the type of clothes the Giyani missing daughter was wearing at the time of her disappearance.

HOW TO HELP FAMILY FIND MISSING DAUGHTER

Anyone with information on her whereabouts should contact the investigating officer Warrant Officer Maurice Maswanganyi at 0825656491. Crime Stop on 0860010111. The nearest police station. Alternatively, they may use MySAPS App to share any information on the Giyani missing daughter.

Given Ngobeni: The Nkowa-Nkowa unsung hero

Given Ngobeni: The Nkowa-Nkowa unsung hero

Given Ngobeni wakes up every single day to go and make sure Nkowa-Nkowa motorists do not have a bumpy road when they drive to and from their respective workplaces.

The road which is under the Limpopo Public Works has been in bad condition for a long time. It is between the Bindzulani Crossing and the Nkowa-Nkowa entrance/exit.

Given Ngobeni: The Nkowa-Nkowa unsung hero
Given Ngobeni

GIVEN NGOBENI DEVOTED TO HIS COMMUNITY

The 38-year-old father of three dropped out of school in grade 10 due to the difficulties at home. Just like many black people. On a lucky day, Ngobeni makes up to R 700, but on a slow day, he is able to take home R 300 to support his family. This is from tips from the motorists who show gratitude for his efforts.

Also read: Grannies International tournament gets underway in Nkowa-Nkowa

He uses his own tools to patch up the potholes which prevent amongst other things avoidable accidents and traffic. MB has been doing this since 2013 whether it’s raining or not.

Given Ngobeni at work

“So I call the road users my bosses because they help me and I also help them,” he tells Limpopo Chronicle.

“To find myself doing this is because I am unemployed, So this is my job. But if I get a part-time job from the Expanded Public Works Programme [EPWP] I will find someone to come and assist. I do want a Job but I also love doing what I am doing.

“People do appreciate my efforts a lot and give me whatever they can afford.”

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Limpopo celebrates Africa Day in Thohoyandou 

Limpopo celebrates Africa Day in Thohoyandou 

The Limpopo Provincial Government, the University of Venda (UNIVEN) and the University of Limpopo (UL) commemorated Africa Day in Thohoyandou on Thursday. The theme for the 60th year is “Deepening the AU Vision for Unity for Africa Through Prosperity, Peace and Modernity for a Better Africa and Better World”. 

 The Limpopo government and the two universities collaborated in hosting a series of events starting on 25 to 27 May. 

Also read: Two Limpopo contestants make it into Miss SA top 30

 The celebrations are aimed at social cohesion and nation-building among African nations. To also promote cultural tolerance and integration; to increase appreciation and demand for arts and cultural goods and services. To also stimulate competitive markets for trade among African countries. 

Limpopo celebrates Africa Day in Thohoyandou 
Limpopo Provincial Treasury Mr Seaparo Sekoati

MEC for the Limpopo Provincial Treasury Mr Seaparo Sekoati gave a keynote address. 

“Through our beautiful blend of colour, dance, music, diverse cultural heritage and collaborations. We are here to say Africa our motherland shall rise. We will leverage all the opportunities presented to us by Limpopo’s cultural and artistic riches to achieve our goal of a united continent. From Cape to Cairo, from Madagascar to Morocco, Africa is one,” said Sekoati. 

“Today, we draw our inspiration from the aspirations that Africa is pursuing the African Continental Free Trade Area. Thereby eliminating all trade barriers in the continent, resulting in boosting intra-Africa trade. 

Limpopo celebrates Africa Day in Thohoyandou 

AFRICA DAY HOSTED IN THOHOYANDOU 

“As we celebrate Africa month, our Province has aligned itself with the vision of the African Continent Free Trade Area. To boost the provincial economy through the advancement of promoting trade in the creative industry across the SADC region,” he said. 

“We do this in recognition of the fact that as Limpopo, we are also the gateway to the South African Development Community.”

The celebrations also seek to create awareness of the two Universities brands in the SADC region and the continent. 

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Limpopo couple arrested for murder of their 8-year-old daughter

Limpopo couple arrested for murder of their 8-year-old daughter

A Limpopo couple in Hlogotlou were arrested a murder of their 8-year-old daughter at Mogaung village in Sekhukhune District on Wednesday, 24 May. The Mozambican nationals couple are aged 31 female and 35 male suspects.

According to the information available at this stage, it is alleged that the deceased was staying with her stepmother and her biological father in an abusive situation.

Also read: Hawks raid unregistered Limpopo Mashonisa in Elim

It is reported that the community members around the area of the couple’s household became aware of the situation that the victim was living under. She was also being physically being abused by her parents.

Limpopo couple arrested for murder of their 8-year-old daughter
Limpopo couple arrested for murder of their 8-year-old daughter

On Wednesday, a good Samaritan approached the family following the suspicions of a serious incident occurring to the victim. Through intelligence gathered it was found that the victim was seriously injured from being physically assaulted.

It is also reported that members of the community sought medical assistance. The victim was rushed by an ambulance to the nearest hospital. She succumbed to her injuries.

COUPLE ARRESTED FOR MURDER OF THEIR DAUGHTER

Police are investigating a case of murder with two counts of the contravention of immigration act against the couple.

The suspects are due to appear before Nebo Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 26 May.

Two Limpopo contestants make it into Miss SA top 30

Two Limpopo contestants make it into Miss SA top 30

Limpopo has two contestants in this year’s Miss SA top 30 list released by the organisers on Wednesday. The province is home to three previous winners in Shudufhadzo Musida, Bokang Montjane, and reigning Queen Ndavi Nokeri.

The two contestants are Naledi Mara (23), from Seshego outside Polokwane and Oreabetse “Rea” Molefe (23) from Northam.

Mara (23) holds a BA degree [criminology and psychology] from the University of Limpopo.

She strongly believes in the power of practising true citizenship in the ever-evolving South Africa and aims to model this concept through the implementation of affirmative actions towards young women affected by high unemployment rates and lack of job creation.

Two Limpopo contestants make it into Miss SA top 30
Naledi Mara

Molefe is an International Relations student at UNISA and in 2022 completed a Climate Change and Health Certification at Yale University. Rea is an environmentalist, and believes that we can all make a positive impact on the environment, no matter how small our actions may seem. If she could watch one movie for the rest of her life, it would be The Lion King.

Also Read: Limpopo backs Miss South Africa on her Miss Universe venture 

The top 30 also comprises nine contestants from Gauteng, five from the Western Cape. Four from KwaZulu-Natal as well as three from the Eastern Cape and North West. Northern Cape has registered two contestants while Mpumalanga and Free State respectively recorded one.

THE FULL LIST OF MISS SA TOP 30 LIST

Ané Oosthuysen, Anelisa Nxele, Angie Mkwanazi, Anke Rothmann, Barbara Moagi, Carmen Barnard, Hestie Jooste, Homba Mazaleni, Karla Pienaar, Khanya Desi, Lebohang Raputsoe, Lerato Maponya, Levern “Donnatella” José, Lungo Katete, Malandi Marais, Mbali Mbalu, Michelle Kruger, Naledi Mara, Nande Mabala, Ndyebo Lurayi, Oreabetse “Rea” Molefe, Sibusisiwe Zwane and Thandolwenkosi Hadebe.

Voting lines to vote for favourites to advance to the next round opened last night and closes on May 28. The finalists will then be announced in June.

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Hawks raid unregistered Limpopo Mashonisa in Elim

Hawks raid unregistered Limpopo Mashonisa in Elim

The Hawks in collaboration with the National Credit Regulator conducted a search and seizure operation at an unregistered Mashonisa in Limpopo on Wednesday. The Mbhazima Cash Loans in Elim outside Makhado was raided on 23 May 2023.

After receiving several complaints about an unregistered micro cash loan business operating in Elim. A search and seizure warrant was applied and granted.

Also read: Limpopo Men sentenced to 18 years imprisonment for Mob Attack

The Hawks conducted its investigations and it was revealed that the business was operating without a license. They were also charging exorbitant interest. Furthermore, it was discovered that when the clients come to borrow money, their documents would be confiscated. This includes South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) cards, bank cards and identity documents in order to secure repayment.

Hawks raid unregistered Limpopo Mashonisa in Elim
Hawks raid unregistered Limpopo Mashonisa

ITEMS FOUND BY HAWKS AT UNREGISTERED MASHONISA

When the team arrived at the business offices, they found workers busy lending money to the people and confiscating their documents. During the raid, the team seized the following items:

47 SASSA cards, 8 Easypay green cards, 7 Classic Sure cards, 72 miscellaneous bank cards, 389 identity documents, 5 disability agreement files, 21 old age files, 18 child support grant agreement files, 33 workers agreement files, 1 cash loan register and 1 NuPay speed point.

No one was arrested during the operation as the owner of the business was not found. However, she is being traced.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major General Gopz Govender has expressed his gratitude to the team for the job well done.

“As the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, we are determined to deal with all lawbreakers. Including those who are stealing from the poorest of the poor,” said Major General Govender.

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Limpopo Job scammers target Polokwane Municipality

Limpopo Job scammers target Polokwane Municipality

Polokwane Municipality in Limpopo has warned members of the public against yet another job scam that some job seekers are receiving from individuals pretending to be officials working in the municipal Human Resource division.

The latest Job scam invites job seekers to an interview at Polokwane Municipality, Capricorn District. The recipients are asked to call a certain MR MOTAU at 0761777742. But the Municipality has come out quickly come out to warn job seekers to be alert of the scam.

“The municipality confirms that there are currently no interviews scheduled for ADMIN CLERK positions. The municipality does have a job title of HR Co-ordinator in the Human Resources Unit. The matter is receiving urgent attention from the municipality and other law enforcement agencies,” they said.

Also read: Polokwane Municipality suspends top executives for fraud

“It should be noted that posts at Polokwane Municipality are advertised on local newspapers, municipal Facebook, notice boards and websites (www.polokwane.gov.za) and that applications are hand delivered.”

Polokwane Job scam target Municipality in Limpopo
Limpopo Job scam target Polokwane Municipality

IT’S A JOB SCAM WHEN;

You receive an interview invite via SMS. The municipality does not use SMSs to invite candidates for interviews;

You are requested to call the sender back on their cell phone number. The municipality does not request to be called back by candidates, and for that case on a sender’s cellphone. A potential victim is required to make a payment fee in advance. The municipality does not request interview candidates to pay any monies to any individual in any way whatsoever in exchange for job placement;

When you are invited to an interview for a job that you did not apply for. We also urge the public to be vigilant. Do not accept any job offer they did not apply for or never conducted an interview for.

Also read: Five Limpopo hospitals face water shortage

The Polokwane Municipality has urged the public and all applicants to be vigilant of the Job scam. To not accept any job interview invite they did not apply for or Job offer that they have never interviewed for.

The community is further urged to ignore such messages and to alert the authorities including the police about any suspicious activities related to municipal vacancies. The HR department of Polokwane Municipality can be contacted at 015 290 2116 to verify the authenticity of interviews or the By-Law Enforcement office at 015 290 2457.