Latest news with #PhophiRamathuba
The Herald
6 days ago
- The Herald
‘No life should be lost': Limpopo premier applauds safe rites for thousands and mourns two lost initiates
Limpopo premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has commended the province's traditional leadership and stakeholders for the smooth running of the 2025 initiation season, which officially concluded this week. The department said more than 25,000 boys and girls successfully underwent initiation rites at over 500 registered schools across the province. Ramathuba expressed gratitude to the provincial initiation co-ordinating committee, senior traditional leaders and all relevant stakeholders. 'This year, under the guidance of the Customary Initiation Act, 2021 (Act No. 2 of 2021), the Limpopo provincial government, working hand-in-hand with traditional leadership structures, successfully facilitated the safe initiation of more than 25,000 initiates across the province,' said Ramathuba. According to the premier, the 2025 season saw the operation of 500 registered initiation schools with 350 male and 150 female, which adhered to strict regulations and safety measures. While a few illegal schools were identified, Ramathuba said swift interventions by law enforcement agencies and traditional authorities prevented further harm. Ramathuba also acknowledged that the season was marred by the deaths of two initiates. 'We mourn the loss of two young lives and extend our deepest condolences to their families. One death is one too many. As government, together with our traditional leaders, we remain resolute in our mission to ensure that no life is lost during initiation,' said Ramathuba. The first incident involved a 19-year-old initiate from Sekhukhune who died after experiencing severe complications and being admitted to hospital. In the second, a 12-year-old boy from Maake village outside Tzaneen, succumbed to injuries sustained during a fire that broke out at an initiation camp in the Mopani district. He was one of seven victims affected by the blaze.
TimesLIVE
7 days ago
- TimesLIVE
‘No life should be lost': Limpopo premier applauds safe rites for thousands and mourns two lost initiates
Limpopo premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has commended the province's traditional leadership and stakeholders for the smooth running of the 2025 initiation season, which officially concluded this week. The department said more than 25,000 boys and girls successfully underwent initiation rites at over 500 registered schools across the province. Ramathuba expressed gratitude to the provincial initiation co-ordinating committee, senior traditional leaders and all relevant stakeholders. 'This year, under the guidance of the Customary Initiation Act, 2021 (Act No. 2 of 2021), the Limpopo provincial government, working hand-in-hand with traditional leadership structures, successfully facilitated the safe initiation of more than 25,000 initiates across the province,' said Ramathuba. According to the premier, the 2025 season saw the operation of 500 registered initiation schools with 350 male and 150 female, which adhered to strict regulations and safety measures. While a few illegal schools were identified, Ramathuba said swift interventions by law enforcement agencies and traditional authorities prevented further harm. Ramathuba also acknowledged that the season was marred by the deaths of two initiates. 'We mourn the loss of two young lives and extend our deepest condolences to their families. One death is one too many. As government, together with our traditional leaders, we remain resolute in our mission to ensure that no life is lost during initiation,' said Ramathuba. The first incident involved a 19-year-old initiate from Sekhukhune who died after experiencing severe complications and being admitted to hospital. In the second, a 12-year-old boy from Maake village outside Tzaneen, succumbed to injuries sustained during a fire that broke out at an initiation camp in the Mopani district. He was one of seven victims affected by the blaze.
The Herald
11-07-2025
- Health
- The Herald
Mother of boy who died in initiation school fire didn't know he was there
Matsebatlela said her son was initially admitted to Letaba hospital, but due to the severity of his wounds, he was taken to a private facility in Tzaneen. He was later transferred to Barberton hospital where he died on Tuesday. 'While I was doing all the runaround alone, seeking medical attention for my son, the department [of co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta)] was nowhere to be found. Even after the incident, there is still no communication from relevant authorities, let alone psychosocial support,' she said. Matsebatlela said 'the principal of the initiation school never bothered to contact me, and to this day, he never said anything'. Limpopo Cogta spokesperson Amos Phago said: 'The initiation school was legal. If that was not the case, the department wouldn't be running around trying to intervene.' Another initiate, Raymond Sekele, 19, died at Philadelphia hospital in the Sekhukhune district on Sunday. It is understood that Sekele was receiving medical treatment for epilepsy during his admission at an initiation school in Dennilton, outside Groblersdal. Limpopo premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba said it was heartbreaking that such promising young lives had been cut short. 'It is our collective responsibility to ensure that all initiates attending these schools are protected and safe. We call upon all individuals entrusted with the oversight of these young men to exercise utmost vigilance,' she said. Meanwhile, Cogta MEC Basikopo Makamu said the department has urged all traditional leaders and school operators to enforce safety regulations diligently to prevent similar tragedies. SowetanLIVE
The Citizen
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Ramathuba pleased with business relations established with China
Limpopo premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba has shared the outcomes of her recent visit to China, expressing satisfaction with the investment ties formed during the 116th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (IIICF) and Exhibition, held in Macao from June 8 to 15. Ramathuba was accompanied by MEC for economic development, environment and tourism, Tshitereke Matibe; the MEC for public works, roads and infrastructure, Ernest Rachoene; and the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality mayor, Cllr Edwin Maila. The IIICF is a globally recognised platform aimed at promoting international co-operation in infrastructure development, facilitating cross-border investment, and showcasing innovations in the construction and infrastructure sectors. This year's forum attracted senior government officials, business leaders, development financiers and global investors from more than 70 countries. 'Limpopo used the opportunity to position itself as a key investment destination in South Africa, with a particular focus on the Musina-Makhado and Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zones (SEZs),' Ramathuba said. 'These SEZs are strategically located and rich in mineral and agricultural resources, offering strong potential for infrastructure development, beneficiation and sustainable industrialisation.' She said Limpopo's participation in the forum marked a significant milestone, adding that she was encouraged by the level of interest shown in the province's development plans. ALSO READ: Premier leads sod-turning for construction of solar plant project in Steelpoort 'Attending the IIICF has been a pivotal step forward. We held meaningful engagements with global investors who expressed keen interest in our infrastructure and tourism potential. Our SEZs are catalytic projects, and the partnerships established in Macao will fast-track economic growth and create sustainable jobs. We've returned energised and optimistic. This marks the beginning of a new investment wave into Limpopo,' she said. Ramathuba added that the province looks forward to deepening relationships with the investors and institutions met in China. 'Follow-up engagements are being scheduled to further explore opportunities in infrastructure, tourism, energy, the digital economy and skills development – all geared towards driving Limpopo's economic transformation and job creation agenda.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Venda-born Murena Netshitangani makes history at Cannes
LIMPOPO – The Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has extended heartfelt congratulations to filmmaker Murena Emmanuel Netshitangani for making history by winning the Best African Film award at the 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival in France. His acclaimed Tshivenda film, Lubunyu, captivated the international jury and brought global recognition to the rural roots of Venda. Hailing from Makuleni village, Ha-Khakhu, near the mystical Lake Fundudzi in the Vhembe district, Netshitangani's victory stands as a proud moment not only for Limpopo but for the entire South African film industry. Competing against major film-producing nations, including Nigeria, his triumph marks a shift in the representation of African stories on the world stage. The premier praised the achievement: 'This is a defining moment for the creative sector of Limpopo and South Africa. Murena Emmanuel Netshitangani has demonstrated that dreams nurtured in the quiet villages of Venda can echo across the world's grandest stages. We are immensely proud of him for carrying the heart of Venda, and indeed the spirit of Limpopo, to the world'. Set against the backdrop of a village gripped by fear, Lubunyu – taglined 'A Village Under Terror'- aligned with the 2025 Cannes theme of confronting gender-based violence and femicide. Its cultural authenticity and bold narrative were credited for its standout success. The premier also acknowledged the ongoing support of the Department of Arts and Culture and the Limpopo Arts and Culture Council for their efforts in nurturing talent across the province. She added that the soon-to-be-completed Limpopo Provincial Theatre would provide local artists a platform to develop and showcase their work without leaving their communities. Murena and his team are expected to return to South Africa later this week, bringing home not only the prestigious award but also renewed hope for rural creatives across the nation. Provincial Government celebrates this landmark achievement and commends Murena Netshitangani and his production team for uplifting the province and the country through the power of film, the premier concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
