Latest news with #Ramathuba
TimesLIVE
a day 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 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
01-05-2025
- The Citizen
Limpopo Easter road safety praised by Premier
LIMPOPO – Provincial Government has extended its appreciation to all visitors, returning residents, and pilgrims who made their way to the province over the Easter weekend, for observing road safety protocols and contributing to safer roads during the busy travel period. The Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba praised the collective efforts, noting a significant reduction in road fatalities – especially along the heavily trafficked N1 highway. 'We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all visitors who travelled to our beautiful province during the Easter long weekend. We are pleased to report that our collaborative efforts to ensure road safety yielded encouraging results,' she said. Acknowledging the role of various stakeholders, Ramathuba commended members of the executive council, provincial legislature, mayors and councillors for actively participating in road safety campaigns. She also thanked law enforcement officers, emergency services, and support staff for their tireless work, which included enforcing traffic laws and taking action against speeding and drunk driving. 'Their dedication sends a strong message of zero tolerance for reckless behaviour,' she added. She also applauded the public's positive response to safety appeals, saying that their responsible behaviour was a key contributor to a safer Easter weekend. She did, however, caution that pedestrian safety remains a concern, and urged pedestrians to avoid consuming alcohol and to wear visible clothing when walking near roads. With additional public holidays this week, she again called on all road users to maintain this sense of vigilance and commitment to safety. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
30-04-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Urgent medical repatriation: South African entrepreneur rescued from Zimbabwe
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and Limpopo Department of Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego, and other officials, look on as a South African man who fell ill in Zimbabwe was airlifted to a Limpopo hospital after logistical challenges hindered his medical care. Image: Screenshot A South African man who fell ill in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, is receiving medical care in a Limpopo hospital after the provincial Department of Health repatriated him when he could not receive sufficient medical care due to logistical reasons. The patient,who is believed to be an entrepreneur, was in Zimbabwe legally, attending an exhibition. Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and Limpopo Department of Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego received the man after he was airlifted from Beitbridge border near Musina from the Zimbabwean side Ramathuba said Sunday night executive learnt that a South African citizen fell ill in the neighbouring country which was an emergency, but was swiftly rushed to the hospital. 'We received a communique from that side, requesting us to make an intervention and that's what we did as a provincial government,' Ramathuba said. She said they had to get the patient repatriated from Bulawayo. 'Logistics were difficult, firstly because we needed to get an emergency medical services vehicle (a private ambulance, funded by the Limpopo Department of Health) to transport him to Beitbridge, where it was easier to airlift him here, back to Polokwane (Pietersburg) Provincial Hospital,' Ramathuba said. She said they tried to get an ambulance into Zimbabwe, but they were not allowed to. They asked if they could meet halfway to Beitbridge. They even tried to get the army, but the private ambulance was the quicker option. 'What we also want to indicate is that we want to appreciate all the medical personnel, the physician attending to him was willing to assist but they have written in their letter of transfer to say due to logistical challenges, which anyone can interpret, they are not able to assist him because, among others, he might need a blood transfusion; he might also need dialysis. 'So, because of those logistics, they really needed us to make an intervention.' Ramathuba expressed her gratitude to the Department of Health staff who came on board, even those who were off-duty. 'I was conveying the message, together with the MEC, we really appreciate our team that has done a wonderful job,' Ramathuba said. The Premier said indicated that she was able to talk to the patient and his family. She urged the team to continue to do good work for every human being because it is about serving humanity. 'Health can affect anyone, it doesn't matter who you are, you can fall ill as an emergency, but what is important it's how those who are given the responsibility to assist health in that particular sector and respond urgently and assist,' Ramathuba said. Ramathuba added: 'He's alive, he has arrived in Polokwane, he's in safe hands.' Earlier, while waiting for the patient to deboard, Ramathuba can be heard spaeking to MEC Mashego: 'The person who called me started by saying 'Premier, let me start by apologising, I was one of those who were saying you are Xenophobic, but I am here with our colleague, he collapsed, if he doesn't get emergency care, he will die. Can you arrange that, they're saying we must bring him back'. 'They even wrote me a letter, the physician, saying please attend to your own, they don't have…. It was painful.' Although inaudible at times, during an interaction with the patient, Ramathuba asked if he had medical insurance… but they still said their resources were limited for their own? The patient replied yes.
