Premier Mathabatha hands over new vehicles to Limpopo Traditional leaders

Premier Mathabatha hands over new vehicles to Limpopo Traditional leaders

Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha is today handing over 57 vehicles to Senior Traditional leaders. This is part of the government’s provision of tools for trade to deserving traditional leaders.

During his 2023/24 Departmental Budget Vote, MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Mr Basikopo Makamu announced that a total of 102 vehicles would be procured for Senior Traditional Leaders by the end of the current financial year.

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The South African Legislation directs that the Department of CoGHSTA provides enabling resources to ensure that traditional leaders can effectively deliver on the responsibilities tied to their positions.

While all 102 vehicles have been purchased, only 57 will be handed over. The department said they would be ready to deliver the balance to traditional leaders. As soon as the vehicles have been delivered.

Limpopo Premier Mathabatha hands over new vehicles to Limpopo Traditional leaders
Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha arrives in Seshego

NEW VEHICLES FOR LIMPOPO TRADITIONAL LEADERS FROM PREMIER STANLEY MATHABATHA

The event is taking place at Ngoako Ramathlodi Sports Complex, Seshego within the Polokwane Local Municipality.

Executive Mayor of Capricorn District Municipality, Mamedupi Teffo and the executive leaders of the Limpopo House of Traditional and Khoi San Leaders – led by Hosi Ngove have also honoured the event.

Limpopo investment conference gets underway 

Limpopo investment conference gets underway 

The 3rd Limpopo Investment Conference has just commenced at the Ranch Hotel, outside Polokwane. The Conference is part of the Limpopo government’s investment drive to attract foreign and local direct investment into the Province.

The two-day event is also aimed at showcasing the province’s economic potential. Some of the issues on the table will be the attraction of the province’s natural resources and other investment opportunities offered by the province.

ALSO READ: Who is Limpopo business tycoon Morgan Mohlala?

Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha gave a keynote address at the opening of the conference. 

“This third instalment of the Limpopo Investment Conference focuses on both the extractive industry and beneficiation of the primary resources,” said Mathabatha. 

“We have a vision of Limpopo that has total employment, with a strong economy that focuses beyond the extractive industry and graduates into manufacturing and services.

“We are honoured by your presence, distinguished guests and business leaders, our friends from China, Russian Federation, Zimbabwe, Namibia and across the globe,” he said. 

Limpopo investment conference gets underway 
Premier Stanley Mathabatha giving a keynote address at the Investment Conference

“Limpopo is blessed with natural resources such as climatic conditions for agricultural produce, minerals, flora, fauna, and wildlife.

It is also strategically located as an access gate to the SADC market with over 300 million citizens. Over the next two days, this province will lay bare the investment opportunities to the world through various panel discussions. 

“It is in this context that our topics are well-researched and well-aligned. We hope to attract investment inflows into those latent untapped sectors of our economy. Similarly, the conference is also a networking opportunity to establish and build solid and long-lasting relationships across various industries,” he added. 

Ambassador Chen Xiaodong from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in South Africa also offered a message of support. 

PRESENTATIONS AT THE LIMPOPO INVESTMENT CONFERENCE 

Some of the presentations at the conference will also include;

  1. Agriculture, Agro-processing and Trade Challenges, Opportunities and Lessons Learnt to Accelerate Transformation. 
  2. Connecting South Africa to Africa: Limpopo the Gateway to Africa.
  3. Opportunities in the Automotive Component Manufacturing Sector.
  4. Limpopo’s mineral wealth: The untapped mineral resources and Limpopo‘s future.
  5. Integration of Renewable Energy Sources in South Africa’s Energy mix” – Hydrogen Energy.
  6. Leveraging the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to grow the Limpopo Tourism Investment.

Limpopo Premier donates 300 books to Groblersdal Library

Limpopo Premier donates 300 books to Groblersdal Library

Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha on Tuesday donated more than 300 literature books to Groblersdal Library. Mathabatha says the initiative is to promote reading and literacy in schools. The government is investing lots of resources in the Early Childhood Development Centres.

The Premier has also revealed that some of the books are his collection while he was still in exile, and when he came out of exile, he continued to read more about struggle and liberation.

ALSO READ: Limpopo travelers urged to make use of Sho’t Left Travel Week

“These are history, mathematics, economics, social and developmental books I acquired since 1976 when I became actively involved in the struggle for the liberation of our country,” he said.

Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha on Tuesday donated more than 300 literature books to Groblersdal Library.
Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha

LIMPOPO PREMIER STANLEY MATHABATHA

“My sincere wish is to positively influence the character of our youth towards development-oriented in any field. Economically, broader social transformation and culture of reading.

“According to the Department of Education, illiteracy levels are higher in females (10.7%) than men (9.3%). Females continue to miss out on opportunities to participate fully in society,” Premier Mathabatha said in Sekhukhune.

The Premier also revealed that he read the bible from the book of Genesis up to the book of Revelation during his struggle time while he was in jail.

Books donated by Premier Stanley Mathabatha

WHY THE GROBLERSDAL LIBRARY

Mathabatha also explained why he chose the Groblersdal Library specifically.

“Spontaneously, I just took a decision after visiting this library yesterday. I told myself that I didn’t see what I wanted to see in this library but I got what I wanted to see in my back room. I also believe there are so many people who would also want to see that in a library.

“Then I met the manager and we discussed. She was so friendly and open to me. We discussed and agreed that I am going to donate books here. The kind of books that I am donating are what you call heritage books of our struggle for liberation,” explained Mathabatha.

PICTURES: Limpopo First Lady, Maggie Mathabatha laid to rest

PICTURES: Limpopo First Lady, Maggie Mathabatha laid to rest

The funeral for the Late First Lady of Limpopo and wife of Premier Stanley Mathabatha, Mrs. Matlotlo Maggie, took place on Friday in Polokwane. Families, friends, and Politicians paid tribute to the First Lady and described her as a kind, humble and selfless person.

Mathabatha passed away on Wednesday, 28 June following a short illness.

ALSO READ: Limpopo First Lady remembered as loving and caring

Mourners included acting President Paul Mashatile, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, various MECS and Mayors, and community members.

The funeral proceedings began at the Uniting reformed church of Southern Africa, Serala View. Tributes came from Family representatives, Friends, beneficiaries of the First Lady trust, her Husband [Premier Stanley Mathabatha] and her Children.

The funeral for the Late First Lady of Limpopo and wife of Premier Stanley Mathabatha, Maggie, took place on Friday
Funeral proceedings at the Uniting reformed church of Southern Africa, Serala View

Mrs Mathabatha became the patron of the First Lady Trust in 2013 when her husband Stan Mathabatha assumed the premier position.

Mathabatha’s daughter Refentse Mathabatha paid tribute on behalf of the children.

“If there is a gift that my mother left us and I trust that my brothers would say the same, it would be knowing that she loved us,” she said.

PREMIER STANELY MATHABATHA PAYS TRIBUTE TO HIS LATE WIFE MAGGIE AT HER FUNERAL

Premier Mathabatha described his late wife as a real paragon of human perfection. The Premier delivered his tribute through a family representative Calvin Makhene.

The funeral for the Late First Lady of Limpopo and wife of Premier Stanley Mathabatha, Maggie, took place on Friday
Premier Mathabatha and his children at the cemetery 

He said he knew the first time he met his wife that he was going to marry her, and his friends did not believe him when he told them that he was indeed going to marry her. Mathabatha says his wife was his pillar of strength and that he gave him unmatched joy. He says they went through many difficult circumstances as a couple and that his wife was the stronger one.

The funeral for the Late First Lady of Limpopo and wife of Premier Stanley Mathabatha, Maggie, took place on Friday
Premier Stanley Mathabatha paying his past respects


Mathabatha says Mme Maggie left him too soon, further adding that they still had ambitions together. “You left us astonished but what can we say? What happened is so sad but it is well, it is well with my soul.”

Acting President Paul Mashatile delivered the Eulogy.

MAGGIE MATHABATHA FUNERAL IN PICTURES:

The funeral for the Late First Lady of Limpopo and wife of Premier Stanley Mathabatha, Maggie, took place on Friday
The funeral for the Late First Lady of Limpopo and wife of Premier Stanley Mathabatha, Maggie, took place on Friday
The funeral for the Late First Lady of Limpopo and wife of Premier Stanley Mathabatha, Maggie, took place on Friday
The funeral for the Late First Lady of Limpopo and wife of Premier Stanley Mathabatha, Maggie, took place on Friday
The funeral for the Late First Lady of Limpopo and wife of Premier Stanley Mathabatha, Maggie, took place on Friday
The funeral for the Late First Lady of Limpopo and wife of Premier Stanley Mathabatha, Maggie, took place on Friday
The funeral for the Late First Lady of Limpopo and wife of Premier Stanley Mathabatha, Maggie, took place on Friday
The funeral for the Late First Lady of Limpopo and wife of Premier Stanley Mathabatha, Maggie, took place on Friday
The funeral for the Late First Lady of Limpopo and wife of Premier Stanley Mathabatha, Maggie, took place on Friday
The funeral for the Late First Lady of Limpopo and wife of Premier Stanley Mathabatha, Maggie, took place on Friday
The funeral for the Late First Lady of Limpopo and wife of Premier Stanley Mathabatha, Maggie, took place on Friday
The funeral for the Late First Lady of Limpopo and wife of Premier Stanley Mathabatha, Maggie, took place on Friday
The funeral for the Late First Lady of Limpopo and wife of Premier Stanley Mathabatha, Maggie, took place on Friday
The funeral for the Late First Lady of Limpopo and wife of Premier Stanley Mathabatha, Maggie, took place on Friday
The funeral for the Late First Lady of Limpopo and wife of Premier Stanley Mathabatha, Maggie, took place on Friday

CREDIT: Pictures courtesy of the Limpopo Office of the Premier.

Funeral details of late Limpopo first lady revealed

Funeral details of late Limpopo first lady revealed

The Limpopo provincial government have released the memorial and funeral details of the late First Lady Maggie Mathabatha.

Maggie, who is the wife of Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha passed away last week Wednesday following a short illness.

ALSO READ: BREAKING NEWS: Limpopo first lady Maggie Mathabatha has passed on

The office of the Premier have now announced that the Memorial Service will take place on Wednesday, 05 July 2023 at Jack Botes Hall, Polokwane at 12:00pm.

FUNERAL DETAILS

The funeral service proceedings will start at Uniting Reformed Church of Southern Africa, Serala View, Polokwane on Friday, 07 July 2023 at 07:00.

“The Mathabatha family extends its appreciation to relatives, friends and the public for their continued support during this time of bereavement,” said the office of the Premier.

Funeral details of late Limpopo first lady Maggie Mathabatha revealed
Late Limpopo first lady Maggie Mathabatha

PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA SEND CONDOLENCES

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has also sent his condolences to Premier Mathabatha and his family.

“My thoughts and those of the National Executive as well as the nation are with Premier Mathabatha, his family, and the administration of Limpopo in this moment of loss.

“As a community-focused leader, Maggie Mathabatha dedicated herself to the development and dignity of the people of Limpopo through housing opportunities, food security and support for people with disabilities.

“Her involvement with communities was a valued and exemplary complement to the work of Government led by the Premier and the Provincial Executive.

“We join the people of Limpopo in this hour of mourning and in our shared prayer that the soul of Maggie Mathabatha will rest in peace.”

MEC Sekoati appointed Acting Premier 

MEC Sekoati appointed Acting Premier 

MEC for Limpopo Provincial Treasury, Seaparo Sekoati has been sworn in as Limpopo’s acting Premier.

Sekoati will be acting Premier from 29 June to 13 July 2023. This is whilst Premier Stanley Mathabatha is away on bereavement following the death of his wife Maggie Mathabatha. He was sworn in by Judge President George Phatudi in Polokwane on Thursday.

SEAPARO SEKOATI APPOINTED ACTING PREMIER 

The Province’s First Lady, Maggie Mathabatha passed away on Wednesday following a short illness. 

MEC Seaparo Sekoati appointed Limpopo acting Premier
The late First Lady Maggie Mathabatha

ALSO READ: BREAKING NEWS: Limpopo first lady Maggie Mathabatha has passed on

Details regarding funeral arrangements will be announced once the family has finalised them.

Meanwhile, the DA has joined thousands of people who have sent their condolences to the Mathabatha family. The DA sent a message of condolences on Thursday.

“The DA in Limpopo expresses our heartfelt condolences to Premier Stanly Mathabatha and his family following the death of his wife, Maggie Mathabatha.

“Mrs Mathabatha was the First Lady of Limpopo since 2013 and will be remembered for her philanthropy and generous spirit towards disadvantaged communities,” the Party said in a statement. 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mathabatha family, their friends and colleagues during this sad time.”

BREAKING NEWS: Limpopo first lady Maggie Mathabatha has passed on

BREAKING NEWS: Limpopo first lady Maggie Mathabatha has passed on

The first lady of Limpopo and wife of Premier Stanley Mathabatha, Maggie Mathabatha has passed on. The Premier’s office confirmed on Wednesday.

Mrs. Mathabatha was the patron of Limpopo the First Lady Trust since 2013. She passed away on Wednesday morning following a short illness.

ALSO READ: Limpopo Premier pays courtesy visit to comrades record breaker Mosehla

The Limpopo Provincial Government hereby notifies family, relatives, friends and the people of Limpopo about the passing on of Mrs Maggie Mathabatha,” read the statement from the premier’s office.

Limpopo first lady Maggie Mathabatha has passed on
Maggie Mathabatha

LIMPOPO FIRST LADY MAGGIE MATHABATHA HAS PASSED ON

“Mma Mathabatha will be remembered by the family, relatives, friends and the people of Limpopo for her immense contribution towards socio-economic development of the disadvantaged people. Through the Limpopo First Lady Trust, Mrs Mathabatha managed to mobilise resources which resulted in the successful building of houses for disadvantaged families. The distribution of food parcels and wheelchairs.”

Details regarding funeral arrangements will be announced once the family has finalised them.

CONDOLENCES POUR IN

The Matahbatha family have received condolences from various parties including the ANC and the PAC.

ANC Limpopo spokesperson Jimmy Machaka says as the patron of the Limpopo First Lady Trust since 2013. Mathabatha exemplified compassion and leadership and has left an indelible mark on the socio-economic landscape of the province.

He says Mathabatha’s tireless efforts in championing the rights and well-being of disadvantaged individuals will be forever remembered by her family, friends, and the people of Limpopo.

“The PAC would like to extend condolences to Premier Mathabatha and his family, to the African National Congress, and the entire residents of Limpopo.

“We extend condolences to the citizens of our province cautious of the work Premier’s wife did regarding domestic violence. The campaign which PAC has identified with and waged to end domestic violence particularly violence against women and children,” said the PAC.

Limpopo Premier pays courtesy visit to comrades record breaker Mosehla

Limpopo Premier pays courtesy visit to comrades record breaker Mosehla

Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha on Thursday, 22 June paid a courtesy visit to Comrades Marathon’s oldest runner Johannes Mosehla.

Mosehla, who is from Ga-Mogashoa Village, Sekhukhune District broke a 34-year-old Comrades Marathon record. At the age of 81, Mosehla became the oldest Comrades Marathon runner, beating a record previously held by Comrades Great Wally Hayward in 1989.

ALSO READ: 81-year-old Limpopo runner makes comrades Marathon history

Mathabatha congratulated Mosehla on the huge milestone and confirmed that the government would be organising an official event in his honour.

“As the Provincial Government we are happy and proud of Mr Mosehla’s deeds. He has put the province on a map, today we are not here to reward him but to know who is Johannes Mosehla who has done this excellent work. The provincial government will organise for the day where he will be awarded and celebrated properly.” said Mathabatha.

Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha pays courtesy visit to comrades Marathon record breaker Johannes Mosehla
Premier Stanley Mathabatha with Johannes Mosehla

PREMIER STANLEY MATHABATHA PAYS A COURTESY VISIT TO JOHANNES MOSEHLA

Mosehla also expressed gratitude to the Premier, family, friends, and everyone for supporting him. He also shared his journey as a runner, the challenges he had as an athlete and the successes he had as a runner.

He further encouraged everyone young and old to engage in sports activities to stay healthy and strong, age should not be a barrier or an excuse to not engage in sports.

The old man became the oldest Comrades Marathon finisher at 9:26:10. He broke the record of 10:58:03 set in 1989. 

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.

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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.

Premier Lesufi and Mathabatha meet over Limpopo-to-Gauteng railway

Premier Lesufi and Mathabatha meet over Limpopo-to-Gauteng railway

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, on Wednesday, 26 April 2023, met with Limpopo Premier Stanley Mathabatha to discuss the construction of Limpopo-to-Gauteng railway. The discussions are aimed at linking the two provinces through a new, faster, and more efficient rail network.

The meeting follows the commitment made by Premier Lesufi in his maiden State of the Province Address in February, to start the process of linking the two provinces.

LIMPOPO-TO-GAUTENG RAILWAY TO KICKSTART

“Once fully operational, the Limpopo-to-Gauteng rail link will alleviate the traffic congestion between the two provinces. Especially during Easter and Festive holidays. The project will also stimulate economic growth,” said Premier Lesufi.

Gauteng and Limpopo Premier’s meet over Limpopo-to-Gauteng railway
Gauteng and Limpopo Premier’s meet over Limpopo-to-Gauteng railway

The rail network will transport commodities for regional and domestic markets as well as people. A joint technical team comprising senior officials from the two provincial governments, and the Gautrain Management Agency will meet regularly to discuss the modalities of the project. Financial institutions have already shown interest in funding the project.

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“I wish to thank the Premier of Gauteng for this initiative. As Limpopo, we have been trying to implement this project since 2014 and unfortunately, we were met with financial challenges. I think with the kind of enthusiasm that the Premier is bringing into the project. Finally, it will kick off the ground”, said Premier Mathabatha.