Streets closure in Polokwane due to State of the City address

Streets closure in Polokwane due to State of the City address

The Polokwane municipality has announced road closure of streets due to the state of the City address [SOCA] on Wednesday, 14 June. Executive Mayor, Mr. John Mpe will deliver the SOCA at Jack Botes Hall on Wednesday morning.

This has also resulted in some of the streets in the Limpopo capital City being affected from 06:00am.

ALSO READ: Polokwane Municipality struggling with cable theft

“Road users are hereby notified of the closure of streets in Polokwane due to the State of the City Address by His Worship the Executive Mayor of Polokwane, Cllr Mosema Makoro John Mpe,” the Municipality announced.

STREETS CLOSURE IN THE CAPITAL CITY

Bodenstein Street will be closed from Landros Mare to Church.
Corner of Rabe and Market Streets
Corner of Bodenstein and Market Streets
There will be periodical closure of Landros Mare intersections from Hospital to Bodenstein from 08h30. This is to allow for a parade by law enforcement and emergency services personnel.

Streets closure in Polokwane due to State of the City address
Thabo Mbeki Street, Polokwane

“Both parking areas next to the New Council Chamber and Department of Transport and Community Safety will also be barricaded and inaccessible to the public for the duration of the State of the City Address.”

The Municipality has also urged motorists to use alternative routes and avoid the affected streets. “Polokwane Municipality apologises for the inconvenience caused.”

Six-hour water shutdown in Polokwane

Six-hour water shutdown in Polokwane

The Polokwane municipality has announced a six-hour water shutdown that will affect most areas scheduled for Thursday. The emergency shutdown is due to the replacement of a worn-out valve at Sand River North Pump Station, Capricorn District.

AREAS TO BE AFFECTED BY WATER SHUTDOWN  

Areas that will be affected include Ladanna, Emdo Mahlako-a-phahla, Mahlasedi, Lesedi, Luthuli, the industrial area of Polokwane X8 and Annadale (including the army base).

Also read: Polokwane Municipality suspends top executives for fraud

Six-hour water shutdown in Polokwane Municipality scheduled for Thursday

Municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala said consumers in areas receiving water are also urged to use it sparingly.

“The shutdown will take place on Thursday, 18 May 2023 from 07h00 to 13h00,” announced the municipality. 

“Consumers in areas receiving water are also urged to use water sparingly. The municipality apologizes for the inconvenience caused. Municipal Call Centre: 015 290 2000/2458/ 015 023 5000 Dedicate Water and Sanitation Helpline: 015 290 2376 WhatsApp: 068 290 8736 .”

Meanwhile, the Municipality has also announced a water supply stoppage from Dap Naude line. It affected the residents and businesses in the City on Wednesday. 

This is due to leakage on a pump line to Dalmada Water Treatment Plant affecting the Krugersburg reservoir.

It took four hours for the Municipality to repair and restore the water supply.  

Larger parts of Polokwane without electricity

Larger parts of Polokwane without electricity

The Polokwane Municipality have announced that they are experiencing a power outage from Alpha Substation leaving parts of the City without electricity. The Alpha Substation feeds Gamma, Delta and Iota Substations.

The outrage is due to an Earth wire that broke on the high voltage supply line. It has affected the water supply in the Annadale area. As a result, areas that are supplied from these substations including the Water Purification Plant in Ladanna are off.

AREAS WITHOUT ELECTRICTY

Those areas include the Industrial area, Ladanna, Eduan Park, Bendor, Sterpark, Serala View. Fauna Park, parts of Flora Park, Mall of the North, Savanna Mall, and also Thornhill.

Larger parts of Polokwane Municipality without electricity
Larger parts of Polokwane Municipality without electricity

“The municipality’s maintenance team is busy assessing the damage. Regular updates shall be provided once the team has established the extent of damage and the estimated time of power restoration,” they said in a statement.

Also read: Polokwane Municipality suspends top executives for fraud

“All affected areas are advised to treat all electrical wiring as live and to switch off all appliances as live. To also avoid injury and damage when the power supply is restored.

“Polokwane Municipality apologizes for the inconvenience caused by the outage. Municipal Call Centre: 015 290 2000 / 2458 / 015 023 5000 | Electrical Helpline: 015 290 2490 / WhatsApp: 083 824 9886,”

Polokwane Municipality suspends top executives for fraud

Polokwane Municipality suspends top executives for fraud

The Polokwane Municipality in Capricorn District has placed two of its top executive management on suspension for fraud following a probe into irregularities and maladministration.

The two Polokwane Municipality officials are suspected to have been involved in fraud and corruption. This relates to water project management contracts. As well as buses the municipality acquired on the Leeto la Polokwane programme.

Also read: Polokwane Municipality switches off government departments

A forensic report was commissioned by the council on recommendations by both the Public Protector and the Auditor-General. An amount of R2.9m was paid to an independent investigator to compile a report after an extensive investigation. 17 other employees are also implicated by the report. This includes section managers and directors at the municipality.

Polokwane Municipality Mayor John Mpe

“Council, during a special meeting on Monday (May 8) took a decision to suspend two of its executive management officials in order to make way for them to undergo a disciplinary process,” executive Mayor John Mpe made the announcement during a media briefing on Thursday.

OFFICIALS SUSPENDED FOR FRAUD

“It is also important to note that, as the allegations are made and recommendations arise from the investigations. This does not mean that the officials are guilty of wrongdoing. But only that they have a case to answer to as the principle of innocence until proven guilty applies,” he said.

“The culture of accountability and performance needs to be our way of life in our endeavour to provide quality services for the people of Polokwane.”

Cable theft suspects arrested in Polokwane

Cable theft suspects arrested in Polokwane

The Polokwane Municipality’s Community Services on Monday arrested suspects for alleged cable theft. This was in collaboration with the Westenburg police following a tip-off from the community.

The suspects, who were operating from a property along Dendron Rd behind a fuel station between Emdo and Ladanna, were caught with a bulk of skinned cables.

CABLE THEFT RIFE IN POLOKWANE MUNICIPALITY

Most areas in Limpopo‘s capital City and Seshego Clusters of Polokwane Municipality are suffering from power supply due to cable theft.

Cable theft suspects arrested in Polokwane
Suspects arrested in Westenburg


“Polokwane Municipality appreciates cooperation by community members in the fight,” the municipality said in a statement.

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“Polokwane Municipality’s By-Law Enforcement officers have detained yet another suspect from traffic lights. At the corner of Polokwane Dr and Dendron Rd between Ladanna and Emdo in Polokwane last night.
“A case of theft has been opened at Westenburg police station. The suspect has been handed over to police for arrest.”

Polokwane residents without water after pump breakdown

Polokwane residents without water after pump breakdown

The Polokwane Municipality have announced the breakdown of pump station 2 which has subsequently affected water supply within its residents.

The supply of water to the Municipality from Olifantspoort line has been affected by breakdown at pump station 2. It is currently not pumping to the maximum. Parts of Seshego and Limpopo‘s capital City and their residents have been affected.

Also read: Polokwane Municipality switches off government departments

“Lepelle Northern Water is, however, working on to resolve the challenge and restore supply to Polokwane Municipality residents,” they said in a statement on Saturday.

“In the meantime, the municipality will activate temporary relief to all affected areas through water tankers until water supply is restored.

Polokwane residents without water
Polokwane residents without water

RESIDENTS WITHOUT WATER

“Polokwane Municipality apologizes for the inconvenience caused. We further urges all to report water related challenges promptly to the dedicated Water and Sanitation Call Centre so that the municipality can come to their aid,” they said.

Residents can contact Municipal Call Centre: 015 290 2000 / 2458 / 015 023 5000. Dedicated Water and Sanitation Helpline: 015 290 2376 / WhatsApp: 068 290 8736

Polokwane Municipality struggling with cable theft

Polokwane Municipality struggling with cable theft

The Polokwane Municipality in the Capricorn District has issued a notice to their residents that they are struggling with cable theft. In the process, the municipality struggles with the manpower and materials required to restore power on time.

The latest incidents left several customers without supply for an extended period in the City and the Seshego. The Seshego area also has more cases reported on a daily basis. Particular, Zone 4, Zone 8, Zone 5, Luthuli Park and Extension 75.

CABLE THEFT CRISIS

“This is to notify the community that Polokwane Municipality is experiencing unprecedentedly high cases of cable theft on a daily basis and is not coping with the situation resulting in delayed restoration of power to affected areas,” said the municipality.

“Whilst the municipality is attending to these cases, the affected customers are urged to exercise patience. There are more households that need to be restored. Cable theft affects residents and businesses negatively as it results in them having no electricity supply for days and even weeks.

“The municipality is, therefore, urging all to be vigilant over their service infrastructure by reporting suspicious activities. The municipality’s community services are busy with patrols in the hot spots. But cannot be everywhere at the same time,” they said.

“In the meantime, all electrical wiring in the affected areas should be considered to be live to avoid injury. All electrical appliances be switched off to avoid damage when the electricity supply is restored.

Also read: Polokwane Municipality switches off government departments

“Residents are urged to report cable theft to theft to the municipality at 015 290 2458. Also Police’s 24-hour Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or to Eskom crime lime at 0800 11 27 22,”

“The municipality apologises for the inconvenience caused. We will do everything possible to ensure electricity is restored to all affected customers. Also Municipal Call Centre: 015 290 2000 / 2458 / 015 023 5000 | Electrical Helpline: 015 290 2490 / WhatsApp: 083 824 9886.”

BOOK LAUNCH: Culture and Liberation struggle in South Africa 

BOOK LAUNCH: Culture and Liberation struggle in South Africa 

The long-awaited book launch of the Culture and Liberation struggle in South Africa: from colonialism and post-apartheid took place at the Unisa Library, Polokwane Campus on Tuesday 21 March. 

The 33-chapter book is authored by more than 20 activists from different spheres of life. It is edited by Dr Lebogang Lance Nawa with also over 600 pages. The launch was attended by some senior government officials including Limpopo provincial government  Director-General, Nape Nchabeleng, Unisa students and also members of various book clubs. 

The book Culture and Liberation struggle in South Africa: from colonialism and post-apartheid
The book Culture and Liberation struggle in South Africa: from colonialism and post-apartheid

Also read: Ntombhi Ya Mutsonga shares her journey through a new book

“The concept of the book took almost 20 years to work around. Do your research on the depth that you see in academia and so on,” said Nawa.

“It also took two years to assemble the chapters from the authors. It became a resounding success to the point where we had to do volume two. 

People came in numbers for theCulture and Liberation struggle in South Africa: from colonialism and post-apartheid book launch
People came in numbers for the Culture and Liberation struggle in South Africa: from colonialism and post-apartheid book launch

“It’s a whole inter generation of writers. The book says Culture and Liberation struggle so from colonialism to post-apartheid in the words of Mama Leta Mbulu it’s not yet Uhuru.”

CULTURE AND LIBERATION STRUGGLE IN SOUTH AFRICA: FROM COLONIALISM AND POST-APARTHEID AUTHORS

 Those who contributed to different chapters include Aubrey Sekhabi, Moses Lechuti, Thabang Chiloane, Sandile Memela. Wally Serote, Judy Seidman, Gita Pather, Vusi Mahlasela, Styles Lucas Ledwaba, Akhona Ndzuta, Ismail Mahomed, Vukile Pokwana, Obakeng Kgwasi.

Kenny Mathivha, Vonani Bila, Prof Ndwamato Mugovhani and Dr Thabang Chiloane

Ali Hlongwane, Robert Pearce, Sam Mathe, Vonanai Bila, Nakedi Ribane, Fatima Dike, Jabulani Mkhize. Kenneth Fhumulani Mathivha, Seshia Mahlabe, Cornelia Fick, Ndwamato George Mugovhani, Sandile Memela, Obbet Motaung, Motsumi Makhene.

The book is available from Nwa at R 595 and he can be contacted on 064 615 7918. Also by email: Nawaz.lance@gmail.com. 

Municipality warns of discounted electricity token scam

Municipality warns of discounted electricity token scam

The Polokwane Municipality warns its residents about a scam doing the rounds on social media. Fraudulent and discounted prepaid electricity units are being offered to residents of Limpopo‘s capital city on social media by scammers.

The scammers allegedly promise that customers would get more units at a rate that is low if they buy from them.

Also read: Polokwane Municipality switches off government departments

“Polokwane Municipality warns all residents to be aware of a lower prepaid electricity scam doing the rounds on social media,” they said in a statement on Wednesday.

“We are aware of fraudulent and discounted prepaid electricity units being offered on social media by scammers. All customers are warned that only units purchased through approved vendors would be accepted by municipal prepaid meters.

“It is also worth noting that electricity tariffs are determined by Nersa. Any units bought outside the municipal supply group code (SGC) will not work on municipal meters. As a result, customers will lose their money. Approved electricity tariffs can be bought from the municipal website.

Also read: Polokwane announce 8 hour electricity supply interruption

Customers are urged to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies. They can also report to the Polokwane Municipality’s By-Law Enforcement office at 015 290 2484. Capricorn District anti-fraud hotline at 0800 20 50 53.

Health department raises concerns over switching off electricity supply

Health department raises concerns over switching off electricity supply

The Limpopo Department of Health have raised concerns over the decision by the Polokwane Municipality to switching off electricity supply at the department.  

On Monday, the Polokwane Municipality embarked on an operation to switch off the electricity supply. The operation affected more than 10 government departments in the province. 

Also read: Polokwane Municipality switches off government departments

This comes after their respective departments’ failure to pay their electricity bills. It amounts to a total of R253 032 389.54 in basic service. The health department was also affected. 

Department of health raises concern 

But in a statement late on Monday, the department insists the R 53 million owed is alagdeley misdirected. 

“The Limpopo Department of Health is worried that the provision of healthcare will be significantly disrupted unnecessarily at some of its facilities around the Polokwane municipal area,” read the statement. 

“The department has become aware of an R53 million rates and taxes bill for Mankweng Hospital. That the municipality has once again wrongly directed to the department. By law, rates and taxes are the responsibility of the property owner. While the occupying departments take care of utility costs such as water and electricity. 

Also read: Polokwane announce 8 hour electricity supply interruption

“The ownership of government property in this instance is in the hands of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Land Reform. The department can confirm that its utility cost account with the municipality is current.  

The department has in the past engaged the Polokwane Local Municipality about the need to send the bill for rates and taxes to the relevant department,” they explained.

“We will once again initiate the engagements. To ensure that the municipality directs this bill to the correct department and not switch off at the hospital.”

Dire consequences for switching off electricity supply

“The switching off of electricity at the hospital will, unfortunately, have dire consequences that will be felt by the LDOH. The innocent poor and vulnerable. Yet the Limpopo Department of Health does not have control over the payment of rates and taxes and/ or this particular debt,” concluded a statement from the department.