The MEC for the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism [LEDET] Rodgers Monama says he has received complaints about Loud Music emerging from Liquor stores during Matric exam hours.
The Matric class of 2023 began their exams on Monday, 30 October, and will conclude on 5 December 2023.
Limpopo has over 94,000 full-time candidates registered to write Grade 12 examinations this year. But the department says they have been attending to all formal complaints received about the noises at different establishments.
The MEC has made a plea to all liquor license holders operating near institutions of learning to drastically reduce their music.
Matric Pupils
LIQUOR STORES WARNED OVER LOUD MUSIC DURING MATRIC EXAM HOURS
“The Department will not negotiate on any solution presented by license holders, which does not favour or respect our learners or examination hours. Limpopo Liquor Board has received the complaints with fury, as they expect cooperation from all licensed liquor outlets. Especially those operating adjacent to schools.
“All license holders are hereby notified that complaints from Schools or Community members will be taken seriously. Should the license holder be found guilty, the Board will revoke the license or alternatively. Conditions of such license will be drastically amended,” they said in a statement.
“License holders are also reminded that they have a responsibility to control their patrons/customers. No customer is entitled to purchase alcohol from a liquor restaurant and consume it outside the establishment or in their cars while playing loud music and causing a nuisance.”
From 01 June 2023 to date, the Law Enforcement Unit of the LGB in partnership with SAPS members, managed to confiscate 337 illegal gambling machines [Chinese Roulettes] which were disposed of on Tuesday.
Waterberg District tops the list with 119 illegal machines, Sekhukhune 73, Mopani 55, Capricorn 48 and Vhembe 42.
The Limpopo Gambling Board has licensed 366 gambling facilities within the Province. 316 of those are operational across our various Districts.
Illegal gambling machines
ILLEGAL GAMBLING MACHINES DESTROYED IN LIMPOPO
MEC Monama says it is worrying that over 71% of gamblers are unemployed and 81% are grant recipients. Monama further indicated that; the single, the widowed and the married are categories found to be highly active within our gambling sector.
“We must therefore at all given times remain resolute. Always be combat-ready to show those operating these machines an exit door. Force them out of our province bleeding, limping, bruised and crying,” he said in his speech.
“This is the only way that we can send a strong message that Limpopo is not a happy hunting ground for their illegal activities. We are saying this because we have in the past shown mercy by imposing fines in the form of money.
“Unfortunately this has proven to not be working to curb this scourge. Which seems to have found a comfort zone in our province,” he said.
MEC RODGERS MONAMA ALSO LAUNCHES RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING MONTH
Prior to the confiscation of the illegal machines, there had been a number of arrests in the province. Ten suspects were arrested in Capricorn district, eight in Seshego and two in Matlala Policing areas. Ten suspects were also arrested in Mopani district, six in Ritavi, three in Letsitele and one in Namakgale policing areas.
In Vhembe 10 suspects were arrested, four in Makhado, four in Hlanganani and two in Tshitale policing areas. One suspect was arrested in the Waterberg district in the Gilead policing area.
Meanwhile, November is declared responsible gambling month with an aim to educate the public about the negative effects of excessive gambling.
The Limpopo High Court in Polokwane on Monday handed down judgment on the controversial Liquor Act.
This was in response to the Sekhukhune Liquor Traders Association [SLTA] and EFF Capricorn region’s interdict for the implementation of the Limpopo Liquor Act. It came into effect on 1 August 2023. SLTA and EEF had stated that the new Act was a recipe for revenue loss which has resulted in loss of employment in some cases.
On the other hand, the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism [Ledet] MEC, Rodgers Monama said the consumption of liquor has proved to be a causative factor in terms of community instability, and violence and abuse in homes across the province.
LIMPOPO LIQUOR ACT RULING
But the court has directed LEDET to gazette the convention of old liquor licenses to new licenses and also gazette it for comment. This also means that liquor outlets may still trade until 02:00 under the repealed Liquor Act 27 of 1989.
But the 02:00 curfew will only apply to old license holders and those applying for licenses after the change is made will have to cease sales at midnight.
PLK Shisa Nyama [Waterland]
Deputy Chairperson of Sekhukhune Liquor Traders Association, Sello Mokwana has welcomed the ruling. He says that even though the court did not grant them an interdict which they were seeking against the implementation of the new Liquor Act, they are happy that the department cannot stop them from selling alcohol after midnight.
Deputy Chairperson of Sekhukhune Liquor Traders Association, Sello Mokwana told Capricorn FM News that even though the court did not grant them an interdict which they were seeking against the implementation of the new Liquor Act, they are happy that the department cannot stop them from selling alcohol after midnight.
The department has yet to officially comment on the ruling.
The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism [LEDET] have announced Environmental awareness activities to address amongst others plastic pollution. The department led by MEC Rodgers Monama have taken a stance on the war against littering or pollution.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the department believes their efforts will drastically reduce the worrying rate.
The planned awareness campaign follows findings by the Department during their previously held Clean-Up campaigns. This also includes the Good Green Deeds programme which helped unearth plastic mishandling as a major pollution factor. They say it has an impact on neighborhoods, the environment and most importantly within river streams.
“Plastic pollution does not make a distinction between urban, township or rural setups,” they said in a statement.
“However, in areas where garbage collection is nonexistent, plastic pollution is then exacerbated by individual inefficient thinking capacity. Combined efforts, especially community participation whereby clear.
MEC for LEDET Rodgers Monama
“Limpopo Province’s passion for supporting waste pickers and recycling efforts has led to the existence of over 130 recyclers or buy-back centers who are responsible for collecting and baling plastic recyclables.”
THE PLASTIC POLLUTION FACTOR
“The Province further prides itself on having 5 plastic processors/recycling companies and distributors who produce plastic bags, HDPE and LDPE water pipes as well as plastic bricks.
“Adopting the Separation at Source method, which requires that households, companies, malls, and all other various establishments should separate recyclable waste from other waste that cannot be recycled, can reduce plastic pollution.”
Limpopo MEC for economic development, environment, and tourism Rodgers Monama on Thursday officially launched the 17th edition of the Marula Festival at Meropa Casino in Polokwane.
One of the most popular events in Limpopo, the Marula Festival will take place on Saturday, 22 April at Impala Park Stadium. This year’s edition will see the addition of a soul session that will take place on Sunday after the main event. As usual, there will be many activities prior to the main event. The event will cost the department R 11.5 million to organise.
MECs Rodgers Monama and Nakedi Kekana at the Marula Festival launch
Monama was joined by MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture Nakedi Kekana, Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality Mayor Merriam Malatji, Limpopo Tourism Agency Chairperson Andrew Dipela and many dignitaries.
“The 17th edition of the Marula Festival will only be over one weekend. The project comprises several activities that cover the municipal area of Mopani,” said MEC Monama during the launch.
“To us as the Department, we value Marula Festival as one of our key building blocks in our economic development initiative. It is our incredible and often undervalued driver of economic development of our artists, whom to us we value as SMME’s in their own right.
“It is through this festival that we provide a platform for our artists to connect with their fans so that they take advantage of the opportunity to observe what their fans like and don’t like. Marula also provides artists with a platform for networking and exposure, where artists can have a chance to get their music heard or loved by a whole lot of new audiences,” he said.
Gallery:
Limpopo Tourism Agency Chairperson Andrew Dipela.Motlanalo MEC Rodgers Monama and Acting HOD of LEDET Matodzi RathumbuMiss Limpopo Mary-Grace WhiteheadBa-Phalaborwa Municipality Mayor Merriam MalatjiMotlanalo
Marula Festival activities schedule
12-23 April 2023 | Fun Fair at Impala Park Stadium, Phalaborwa
14 April 2023 | Marula Cultural Parade at Wildevye Park to Impala Park Stadium
14 April 2023 | Mayor’s Marula Welcome Dinner *Venue TBC
15 22 April 2023 | Family Marathon at Kruger National Park & Bollanoto Information Centre
15 April 2023 | Marula 2023 Youth Dance Movement Impala Park Stadium
17-23 April 2023| Marula Festival Flea Market at Wildevye Park
21 April 2023 | Marula Golf Day at Tzaneen Country Club
21 April 2023 | Marula 2023 MEC Dinner at Borwa Lifestyle Centre
April 21 2023 | Marula Festival Comedy Night at Lulekani Community Hall
22 April 2023 | Marula Festival Open Air Concert at Impala Park Stadium
23 April 2023 | Marula 2023 Sunday Soul Session at Wildevye Park
In terms of the line-up, MEC Monama has confirmed that the department will release the details in due course. This is as they are still finalising contracts with some of the artists.
Limpopo Department of Economic Development and Tourism MEC Rodgers Monama and Maruleng Municipality Mayor Tsheko Musolwa paid a courtesy visit to the Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit on Wednesday.
The visit follows the announcement by Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha to assign his executives to work together with ACSA on a workable strategy for repurposing the airport.
The Eastgate Airport, situated 68 kilometers away from Kruger National Park’s Orpen Gate, is one of the busiest airports and a major competitor in the country.
Passengers getting off from an SA Airlink at Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit
An average of 150 flights and 7,000 passengers through the airport a week and 90 percent of them are European tourists. The facility is therefore seen as one of the key role players in the tourism industry in the province. Limpopo recorded 1,62 million trips by province of destination in Quarter 3 of 2022. This means Limpopo is back to the top three performing provinces in domestic trips.
Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit refurbished
In mid-2020, When South Africa and the rest of the world were under lockdown due to covid-19, flights were suspended and the airport began an R20 million refurbishment. It has since been completed.
Eastgate Airport official, MEC Rodgers Monama, Maruleng Municipality Mayor Tsheko Musolwa and Acting HOD of LEDET Matodzi Rathumbu
Flights from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit take just 55 minutes while a flight from Cape Town takes just two-and-a-half-hour.
MEC Rodgers Monama and Mayor Tsheko Musolwa Impressed with economic activities
Both the MEC and the Mayor witnessed international flights land at the airport on Tuesday accompanied by officials and the media.
“We have just decided to make an inspection with the local Mayor Maruleng his worship Tsheko Musolwa just to check how the airport is working,” MEC Rodgers Monama told the media.
“More especially that during the State of the Province address the Premier of our Province Chupu Stan Mathabatha has pronounced that we have to take this airport to an international status. It is within that context that we decided to commission an inspection to check firstly, the number of flights that are coming, the capacity and so forth.
Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport
“At an airport of this magnitude, we run the risk of losing the international tourists, more especially those ones who are visiting Kruger national park and it was in that context that we said we have to come here and we kind of overwhelmed and humbled by the level of activities in the Airport and the economic spinoff that is bringing in the local economy,” he said.
Mayor Musolwa has hailed the facility’s contribution to the local economy. Musolwa was speaking as more tourists flocked in through the refurbished arrival terminals. There were two flights from Cape Town and one from Johannesburg during the MEC and Mayor’s visits.
“It’s one of the key issues we have been rallying around as the local Municipality,” said Mayor Musolwa.
“But also remember we have a lot to benefit ourselves from the provincial announcement by the Premier.
MEC Rodgers Monama and Mayor Tsheko Musolwa
“So we welcome the Limpopo executive council decision and the MEC’S visit on such an important investment in the local economy here in the municipality,” he said.
A complete overhaul of the entrance gate Installation of additional check-in counters to assist with the high volume of passengers Increase in the size of the departure lounge to allow for ample seating The curio shop and refreshment kiosk received a major revamp The size of the baggage claim area was increased
MEC Rodgers Monama and Mayor Tsheko Musolwa outside the Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit.
Another significant change was to the boarding gates. Previously the limited seating meant passengers had to wait in the hot sun until boarding. The facilities now offer a comfortable, sheltered waiting area where guests can relax before boarding.
The Limpopo Tourism Agency concluded its two-day routes development convention held in Hoedspruit under the Maruleng Local Municipality.
The event was for different stakeholders in the torsion industry to have robust discussions on opportunities and concerns affecting the industry. The main focus is on routes that are utilized by the tourism sector.
Tsheko Musolwa, Rodgers Monama, Andrew Dipela and Moses Ngobeni at Limpopo routes development convention concludes in Hoedspruit
It was attended by amongst others the MEC for LEDET, Rodgers Monama, Mayor of Maruleng Municipality, Cllr. Tsheko Musolwa. Chairperson of LTA Board Andrew Dipela, and members of the Board. Acting HOD of LEDET Matodzi Rathumbu, CEO of LTA Moses Ngobeni drivers of the tourism industry.
MEC Rodgers Monama addresses Limpopo routes development convention concludes
“Since my appointment as the MEC for Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), I emphasized the importance of resuscitating the routes we have in the province. But also to develop new ones in other parts of the province for purposes of balancing the geographic spread of tourists in the province,” said MEC for LEDET Rodgers Monama during the opening speech.
“Limpopo has distinguished itself as an investment destination for many and we, therefore, invite others to explore and take full advantage of what Limpopo province has in store. It is an exercise worth undertaking by any investor to take advantage of this massive opportunity.”
A speaker during the Limpopo routes development convention concludes in Hoedspruit
“We welcome the announcement by the Premier of our province Ntate Chupu Stanley Mathabatha that he has instructed the MEC for Transport to initiate negotiations with the parties in the flight industry for the granting of the international airport licence to Hoedspruit Airport. Just a stone throw away from where we are here now.
“This is music to our ears as the Department because this airport receives a high number of flights per day. From both O R Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. The positive spin-offs from the international status of this airport outweigh the risks.
“We are happy that in terms of visitors to the province, Limpopo is doing well. The ball is now in the court of the Limpopo Tourism Agency to make sure that this positive growth is kept on the upward spiral so that it benefits and improve the socio economic conditions of our people, who happen to be Black and poor.”
Limpopo routes development convention concludes in Hoedspruit Small Gallery:
Limpopo MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Rodgers Monama on Monday donated school shoes at Mokgeretli High School, Phokwane under the Sekhukhune District Municipality.
This is part of MEC Monama’s back-to-school drive. It is the third school to benefit from Monama’s back to school activities within the past two months.
Underprivileged kids receive school shoes from LEDET MEC
In partnership with Thaba Moshate Casino, MEC Rodgers Monama donated 100 shoes to needy learners. In his message MEC Monama encouraged the learners to study hard and become better persons in the future. He added that they must take advantage of the competitive advantage that the province has in mining, tourism, and agriculture.
MEC Rodgers Monama addressing learners at the handing over of school shoes
MEC Rogers Monama advocates for active and educated citizenry
Monama says in an effort to industrialize the Province and attract investments, it is important to have an active and educated citizenry.
Also in attendance were the Chairperson of Limpopo Gambling Board Elijah Tjiane. Acting Mayor of Makhuduthamaga Cllr Rankwe Tabane. Thaba Moshate Casino General Manager, Ms Philisiwe Gumede, Circuit Manager for Phokwane Ms Maureen Matlala. CEO for Limpopo Gambling Board Gregory Makoko.
Limpopo Department of Economic Development and Tourism MEC Rodgers Monama intends to visit and monitor Spaza Shops/Tuck Shops around the Province.
This is in collaboration with Limpopo local municipalities aimed at verifying documentation, ownership, products, operating hours, suppliers. Also many other areas which will assist our entrepreneurs in running lucrative businesses.
CORE BUSINESSES IN RURAL AREAS AND TOWNSHIPS
Monama admits that Spaza Shops are a core business within our township and rural setups. It is therefore crucial that they should be compliant with specific laws and regulations.
RODGERS MONAMA CONCERNED ABOUT LOSSES BY SPAZA SHOPS DURING COVID-19
‘Our local Municipalities have during the past years effectively played a vital part in issuing licenses or permits in order to assist interested citizens on their entrepreneur endeavors.
Millions of Rands previously set aside by our government aimed at assisting Spaza Shops as part of Covid-19 Relief funds have not benefitted our spaza shops due to low number of applicants and non- compliant applications. This has since been a cause for concern hence the Department intents to unearth, assess and enforce the sector to abide to laws and regulations,” the Department said in a statement.
Monama is unbending on creating a healthy, fair trade and citizen centered township and rural business sector in line with the approved Limpopo Township and Rural Economy Strategy.
Hundreds of fans ascended to the Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane on Thursday evening for the annual Mapungubwe Comedy Night.
The Mapungubwe Comedy Night forms part of the week long Mapungubwe Arts festival festivities. It ends with a massive Music Festival on Saturday.
The Mapungubwe Comedy Night has featured comedian spectacles such as Thabang ER, Salesman, Noko Mosoete, Just JB, Leisa la maisa, Mr Majo, Magezi, and Stiza The Comedian.
Salesman at Mapungubwe Comedy Night
It was hosted by legendary comedian David Kau.
MAPUNGUBWE COMEDY NIGHT A SUCCESS
Kau said talent works in two ways, local comedians need support locally for anyone to know who they are.
“Whether they started as MCing, weddings, parties or school plays, and people thought you are funny, that’s the first step,” he said.
“The second step is we are living in a big country, with different people and different languages. Once you have done your homework in your province, then people need to know about you. The love was amazing, all the comedians brought the A-game performances,” he said.
Thabo-Mabotja, Ofhani Munyai and Ramudzuli Raphalalani attending the Mapungubwe comedy night
The event was also attended by amongst others MEC for Sport Nakedi Sibanda-Kekana and MEC FOR LEDET Rodgers Monama.
THABANH ER THRILLED
Comedian Thabang Eugene Ramasenya said it feels so good to perform at home using vernacular languages.
“It was an honor to have the legendary comedian David Kau, who started this stand-up comedy a long time ago. Seeing a legendary like him automatically puts us on a map and it adds more value to the show as well.
“We also need the international act to be part of the Mapungubwe Comedy Night. So that it will boost the morale of the Comedy night and boost local comedians. I always try to push myself to take on new challenges because I know I was born to be on stage,” said Ramasenya.
“We have always loved making people laugh, even finding humor in serious topics. I had to fight my way through and make a mark on the industry while trying to make a career out of my talent.”
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
