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Department of Education concludes sustainability workshop 

Department of Education concludes sustainability workshop 

The Limpopo Department of Education recently concluded a two-day Education Performance Improvement and Sustainability workshop in Polokwane. The workshop was aimed at strategizing new ways on how to improve learner performance in the province.

Experts from different institutions in the country joined MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, district directors and senior department officials. They plotted ways to enhance collaboration and collective learning and reflected on the challenges and success.

ALSO READ: Minister Nxesi launches Labour activation programmes in Limpopo

In 2023, matric results improved from 72,1 in 2022 to 79,54% pass rate. An impressive 7.4 per cent improvement the province has ever achieved.

In 2023, the department practised the following strategies to better matric results: Enrichment Classes- Autom, winter, and spring classes. Rapid Response Intervention-focused on learners at risk, performing at levels 1 and 2 from their Mid-Year Examinations. HOD’s curriculum reflection sessions with District Directors, Circuit Managers and Principals of Secondary schools throughout the province. Accountability Sessions with underperforming Districts, Circuits, and Schools and Interventions by the schools and Circuits.

Limpopo Office of the Premier emphasised that this capacity needs to be built from ECD level to Matric. By 2030 Limpopo must have an education system with better high literacy and numeracy. Improvement of access to school infrastructure, computers, libraries, and provision of sanitary towels to girls especially in rural schools must be implemented from now onwards.

The Limpopo Department of Education recently concluded a two-day Education Performance Improvement and Sustainability workshop
Delegates at the two-day Education Performance Improvement and Sustainability workshop

MEC MAVHUNGU LERULE-RAMAKHANYA PLEASED WITH THE LIMPOPO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOP 

“I want to plead with you that this workshop is about us on how to improve our results, it is not up to how many years of experience you have in the Department. Give us what is best in you because I believe in each one of you that we can make it better,” said MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya.

“Teaching is a painful profession because if we don’t transform generation through education, our areas will be breeding grounds for criminals. Wbecomes an expensive exercise to repair the damage,” she adds.

“If we don’t deliver the best education, Team Education was grateful to have learned a few strategies and the importance of how to improve Performance improvement sustainability from various University professors during the workshop. The department seeks to carry the vision forward in all ways of working rooted in the communities. Including partnership with diverse education stakeholders.”

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Search launched for a male stabber in Mankweng

Search launched for a male stabber in Mankweng

A manhunt for a male suspect has been launched by the South African Police Services (SAPS) in Mankweng, Limpopo. This comes after he brutally murdered a 21-year-old male at a tavern in Ga Maboi on Sunday, 28 April 2024 at around 18:35.

The police received a complaint about a murder incident in the village and quickly rushed to the place of the occurrence. Upon their arrival, the police found a group of people surrounding the 21-year-old male victim; who was lying unconscious on the ground, next to a white bakkie. 

ALSO READ: Manhunt for Limpopo boyfriend following brutal murder of his girlfriend

The victim was heavily bleeding and sustained an open wound on the neck. The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel were summoned to the scene but unfortunately certified the male victim dead upon their arrival.

Furthermore, the owner of the tavern informed the police that the murder suspect was his niece, who resides in Makotopong village.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased and suspect were fighting. However, that fight resulted in the victim’s untimely death through a stabbing in the neck. The suspect allegedly fled the scene on foot to avoid getting arrested. The deceased’s mother positively identified the body as that of her son. The victim was Abathabe Remember Baloy. He resided in a village called Thakgalang in Nobody.

Manhunt for a suspect who stabbed and killed a 21-year old in Ga Maboi

A manhunt for the known male suspect is currently underway. The police pleading to anyone with information that can assist with investigations to urgently come forward. They may contact the Investigating Officer Sergeant Solomon Malemela on 0767498403 . Alternatively, they can contact the crime stop number 0860010111 or report to the nearest police station or MySAPSApp.

Police investigations regarding this matter are continuing.

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Minister Nxesi launches Labour activation programmes in Limpopo

Minister Nxesi launches Labour activation programmes in Limpopo

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi on Tuesday launched the 8th edition of the Labour Activation Programme Project at Xilumani Hotel in Giyani. 

The programme was hosted by the Unemployment Insurance Fund [UIF], an entity of the Department of Employment and Labour. It was led by Minister Nxesi, his Deputy Minister Boitumelo Moloi,  as well as the MEC Provincial Treasury Seaparo Sekoati, MEC Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Rodgers Monama and MEC for Sport Nakedi Kekana.

ALSO READ: 45 Botswana nationals’ human remains repatriated 

Teboho Maruping, who is the Commissioner of the UIF, kick-started the launch. He gave by a brief background about the purpose of these Labour Activation Programs. Also the role the UIF plays in them. He mentioned that it is a self-funded structure with paid benefits that preserves jobs. Enhances employability, enables entrepreneurship, and promotes economic growth.

MEC Sekoati also reflected on how the Province has created over 180 000 jobs. “We acknowledge the contribution that this will bring to the already growing fight against unemployment that we are making. Last year alone we created 180 000 jobs, making us the second growing province in South Africa,” said Sekoati. 

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi on Tuesday launched the 8th edition of the Labour Activation Programme.
Minister Thulas Nxesi and dignitaries at the 8th edition of the Labour Activation Programme launch

There are over 44 700 who will benefit from the 11 sectors that’s includes agriculture, ICT, construction, tourism and others. Lesiba Obed Molokomme, one of the beneficiaries of the program, amongst many others, expressed gratitude to all the stakeholders who made it possible for him to receive this opportunity of nurturing his skills and becoming employable.

“Now I know what I’m capable of and have the knowledge I need to succeed,” he said.

The Minister of Employment & Labour in his keynote address emphasised the efficiency and practicality of these programs.

“With the statistics of unemployment rapidly increasing in South Africa, only substantial economic recovery and development will rescue the country’s unemployment woes,” entailed Minister Nxesi. 

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi on Tuesday launched the 8th edition of the Labour Activation Programme
Guests at the Labour Activation Programme launch

LABOUR ACTIVATION PROGRAMME OFFICIALLY LAUCHED IN GIYANI, LIMPOPO 

The Minister further added that these Labour Activation Programs are not a silver bullet that can be used to end unemployment. But can be used to bridge the gap between job seekers and empowerment through skills development. To ensure and monitor the efficiency of these programmes, the Department of Employment & Labour has appointed a Labour Activation Manager to oversee everything.

“The ultimate target for now is to create two million employment opportunities for young people in South Africa,” concluded Nxesi. 

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45 Botswana nationals’ human remains repatriated 

45 Botswana nationals’ human remains repatriated 

Limpopo Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba on Tuesday led the repatriation process of the remains of 45 Botswana citizens at Polokwane International Airport. 

The human remains belong to individuals who lost their lives in a tragic bus accident on 28 March. The accident occurred at the Mamatlakala bridge on the R518 road. There was only one survivor from the accident. 

ALSO READ: Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba beef-up forensic pathology tools

“It has been a long, tiring, and equally traumatizing journey for the team,” said MEC Ramathuba. “However, we are comforted by the fact that the families will finally find closure.”

Limpopo Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba on Tuesday led the repatriation process
The delegation at the Polokwane International Airport

DR PHOPHI RAMATHUBA LEAD REPATRIATION PROCESS OF THE BOTSWANA NATIONALS 

Dr Ramathuba was joined by Botswana High Commissioner, Her Excellency Sanji Monageng. MEC for Social Development, Nandi Ndalane, Capricorn District Executive Mayor Mamedupi Teffo, as well as Mogalakwena Local Municipality Ngoako Taueatsoala also graced the ceremony. 

A dedicated multidisciplinary team, including the SAPS victim identification unit, Biology Section of the Forensic Science Laboratory Unit, Forensic Pathology Services, and their Botswana counterparts, has been tirelessly working since the day of the accident to recover and positively identify the human remains through the DNA process. The meticulous process ensures that the human remains are repatriated to their respective families.

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Dingaan Thobela found dead at his place of residence 

Dingaan Thobela found dead at his place of residence 

South African Boxing Icon Dingaan “Rose of Soweto” Thobela was found dead at his place of residence on Monday evening. The 57-year-old was reportedly battling with an undisclosed illness. He was found dead in his flat in Mayfair, Johannesburg by family members. 

ALSO READ: Runners gearing up for the Polokwane City Marathon 

His childhood friend Eddie Mutungutungu confirmed to Sowetan that the former world champion was found dead after several attempts to contact him drew a blank. 

South African Boxing Icon Dingaan "Rose of Soweto" Thobela was found dead at his place of residence on Monday evening.
Dingaan Thobela

BOXING ICON DINGAAN THOBELA SHOCKINGLY FOUND DEAD AT HIS HOME ON MONDAY 

“He was strangely unavailable on his mobile,” Mutungutungu told Sowetan.

“His family, accompanied by police, managed to gain access to his place of residence and found he had passed on.” 

More to follow… 

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Lephalale business burglary suspects wanted   

Lephalale business burglary suspects wanted   

 The police in Lephalale are searching for suspects involved in a business burglary at a local lodge in Stockpoort, Limpopo on Saturday, 27 April 2024. 

The victim allegedly left the lodge and went home, only to receive a call from one of his employees later to alert him of the business burglary that had occurred at the lodge. 

ALSO READ: Manhunt for a wanted fugitive in Sekhukhune 

When the lodge owner arrived at the scene, he discovered that the kitchen door was slightly opened and tempered.  He also discovered that some of his business belongings;

including four bar fridges, five kettles, one sandwich toaster, one 40 litre Microwave and a 55″ Samsung TV. An Inverter battery, a bread toaster, two large cooler boxes. Eight camping chairs, a Sony sound system, groceries, cutlery, and three solar panels were also missing. All these to the value of R84000.

The suspects also used a sharp object to cut and damage the tents. The police were notified of this incident, a case of business burglary was opened and the suspects are sought.

A SEARCH FOR LEPHALALE BUSINESS BURGLARY SUSPECTS LAUNCHED

The Limpopo police have noted that business burglary is on the rise and they are appealing to anyone who might have information that can assist with the arrest of the suspects to come forward. They should contact Lephalale Detective-Commander Lieutenant Colonel Johannes Hlongwane on 082 565 7968. Crime stop number 0860010111, go to the nearest police station or share the information on MySAPSApp.  Police investigations are ongoing regarding this case.   

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RAL issue update on the Steelpoort bridge construction 

RAL issue update on the Steelpoort bridge construction 

Roads Agency Limpopo [RAL] have issued an update on the construction of the Steelpoort Bridge in the Sekhukhune District. The construction of the new bridge commenced in 2023. 

This follows the successful signing of a Memorandum of Agreement by RAL in partnership with eight mining companies operating within the Sekhukhune District Municipality.

ALSO READ: Accident victims laid to rest in Sekhukhune

The agreement also signalled the rehabilitation of the existing single-lane one on road D2219. Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha spearheaded the sod-turning of the construction of the bridge over the Steelpoort River at Ga-Malekana on 21 February 2023. 

He was joined by MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure Nkakareng Rakgoale. MEC Treasury Seaparo Sekoati, Road Agency Limpopo Board Chairperson Matome Ralebipi and the eight mining companies. 

RAL issue update on the Steelpoort bridge construction
Steelpoort bridge construction site

OFFICIAL UPDATE ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE STEELPOORT BRIDGE

RAL have since announced that the bridge has reached a commendable 45% completion stage.

“Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL) is making significant progress with the Steel Bridge project,” they said. 

“This collaborative effort with eight mining companies in the Sekhukhune District has reached a commendable 45% completion stage.

“Accelerated construction is expected now that the team onsite has successfully navigated past the water from the river flowing beneath the bridge. The pace of construction of the bridge is impressive.”

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Man stabs his girlfriend to death at Madodonga Village 

Man stabs his girlfriend to death at Madodonga Village 

Police in Limpopo have activated a massive manhunt for a Man who fatally stabbed his Girlfriend to death at Madodonga village on Saturday at about 08:05.

 The police responded to a complaint of murder at Madodonga. Upon arrival, where the 30-year-old victim was staying with his boyfriend, they found the victim in the bedroom lying in a pool of blood. She had sustained several stab wounds on the upper body. 

ALSO READ: Rape accused sentenced to two lives imprisonment in Groblersdal

Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was stabbed with a sharp object repeatedly. She was hit with a hard object, allegedly by her boyfriend who fled the scene. 

The victim was also certified dead on the scene by emergency medical personnel. The deceased was identified as Rinah Malange [30. Police have since opened a case of murder. 

MANHUNT FOR A MAN WHO STABBED HIS GIRLFRIEND TO DEATH AT MADODONGA VILLAGE 

The motive behind this horrific act is unknown at this stage; a police investigation will determine that. 

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has strongly condemned the incident. She instructed the Police to hunt down and arrest the suspect in order to face the full might of the law. 

Anyone with information that can assist with the investigations can contact the investigating officer. Sergeant Mahuwa Goodwill on 082 3199 597, crime stop number 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or also share information on MySAPSApp. 

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Rape accused sentenced to two lives imprisonment in Groblersdal

Rape accused sentenced to two lives imprisonment in Groblersdal

A 32-year-old rape accused was sentenced to two life imprisonment by the Groblersdal Regional Court, Limpopo on Friday, 26 April 2024.

The man is accused of raping his two neighbours who were minors in 2017 and 2020 at Morarela village. 

ALSO READ: Manhunt for a wanted fugitive in Sekhukhune 

During the trial, Groblersdal Court heard that in April 2017, the accused raped his neighbour aged 12. The victim went to the neighbour’s house to play with another girl who was in her age group. She found her not home and the accused was alone, he threatened the victim with a knife, dragged her into his room and raped her. While he was busy with the ordeal, her friend and her aunt came back and caught the accused raping the victim.

The victim’s mother was notified about the incident and a case of rape was opened against the accused. The docket was transferred to Mokopane Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit for further investigations. The accused was traced and arrested but the case was provisionally withdrawn pending the DNA results. 

TWO LIVE SENTENCES FOR A RAPE ACCUSED IN GROBLERSDAL 

While waiting for results, he raped another neighbour aged 15, in February 2020. The victim was sleeping at her residence with her cousin when he broke into their home. The victim’s cousin managed to escape through the window but the victim was caught, he grabbed her, threatened and raped her. While he was busy as she screamed for help, one of the community members heard her. She then came and rescued her.

The matter was reported to the Police and a rape case was registered. The suspect was traced and arrested for rape.

Both cases were assigned to Sergeant Nancy Mokonyana attached at Mokopane FCS.

Following investigations, the accused aged 32, was positively linked with cases. Thus convicted and sentenced to two life imprisonment for 02 counts of rape.

Commissioner of Limpopo SAPS, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the sentence. 

“We welcome the court ‘s final decision of putting the accused in custody for two life imprisonment sentences. We also commend the investigating officer and the arresting team for ensuring that the accused was removed from the society,” Concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.

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Manhunt for a wanted fugitive in Sekhukhune 

Manhunt for a wanted fugitive in Sekhukhune 

Police in Sekhukhune District have intensified a massive manhunt against Zimbabwean national, Lovemore Musoyi who escaped from Police custody in January 2023. The 35-year-old escaped from a Police van at Moutse Mall in the Dennilton Policing area, on 01 January 2023, at around 10:00.

He was being transported to Witbank Correctional Services with two other suspects, who were later re-arrested.

ALSO READ: Beitbridge border post officials sent to jail for fraud and corruption 

The suspect is being sought for nine cases which include murder, attempted murder, and also armed robbery. House robbery, business robbery, kidnapping, stock theft, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The cases were committed in Elandskraal, Motetema, Dennilton and Rakgoadi.

In the recent incident that occurred on 02 February 2024 at around 11:00. He went to his ex-girlfriend’s residence and found his ex-girlfriend’s brother. They fought and in the process, the suspect shot the victim inside the mouth. Thereafter, stole a television set and fled the scene. He had since been on the run.

POLICE LAUNCH A MANHUNT FOR LOVEMORE MUSOYI WHO SHOT HIS BROTHER IN LAW

Commissioner of Limpopo SAPS Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has ordered the Investigation team to intensify the investigation to track down and apprehend him to face the full might of the law.

Anyone with information about the wanted suspect Lovemore Musoyi should contact the investigating officer Sergeant Raymond Phago at 082 414 6464. Sergeant Suzan Mashiloane at 060 996 0066 or the crime stop number on 08600 10111. Also the nearest police station or MySAPS App.