Latest news with #Ramathuba
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Premier Ramathuba fast-tracks prosthetic legs for gospel artist
POLOKWANE – In the spirit of International Mandela Day, Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, joined by the MEC for Health Dieketseng Mashego, handed over prosthetic legs to gospel artist Malefetsane 'Hennie' Mbuli at the Pietersburg Provincial Hospital. Hennie, who was born with a clubfoot condition, received the life-changing gift with song and tears of joy. The premier first encountered Hennie in May during the Cosatu May Day celebrations at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. Despite having no prosthetic legs, he delivered a powerful performance. Afterwards, he approached the premier with a heartfelt request. 'He told me he didn't want a grant, he just wanted limbs so he could perform better. That courage moved us. We knew we had to prioritise him,' Ramathuba recalled. Ordinarily, the waiting period for prosthetics ranges from three to 12 months. Under Ramathuba's intervention, the process was however fast-tracked and completed in just over a month. At an estimated cost of R200 000 for both legs, provided through a private institution, Hennie's dream was realised far sooner than expected. The handover ceremony was quite emotional. Hennie walked on his new legs for the first time and burst into song: 'Ke tsamaya bjale ka bohle, ke thabile ke fodile, ke bona ka mahlo,' meaning 'I now walk like everyone, I am happy and healed, I see it with my own eyes'. He expressed deep gratitude. 'This gift will help me care for my siblings and child. I also hope to be booked for performances.' Mashego praised the premier's leadership. 'We're led by a powerful woman. We're honoured to witness your dream come true.' Ramathuba thanked the hospital team and CEO Phillip Kruger, calling on government departments to support Hennie by inviting him to perform. 'He doesn't want handouts. He wants to work. Let's support that.' She added that while there is a backlog for prosthetic limbs in the province, efforts are underway to improve capacity through the rollout of Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics units and necessary equipment. 'We're working on speeding things up. We ask the public to be patient.'
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Only 24 buses running as Great North Transport nears collapse
POLOKWANE – The Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, stressed the urgent need for intervention at the financially struggling Great North Transport (GNT) during an oversight visit to their depot in Seshego on Tuesday. The state-owned bus service has been forced to cut down its fleet due to a worsening financial situation, with many of its buses out of service due to a lack of proper maintenance. You might also want to read: R15m in road unworthiness fines for Great North Transport Only 24 out of more than 120 buses are currently running while over 100 buses sit idle due to mechanical failures. Ramathuba highlighted the need for more mechanical engineers to be hired as there are only four available to ensure maintenance for the fleet. 'The condition is disheartening. There's much work to be done. Workers must remain hopeful,' said Ramathuba. She emphasised that GNT plays a crucial role in providing affordable transport for workers from disadvantaged communities and allowing its collapse would severely affect transportation across Limpopo. You might also want to read: President orders SIU to investigate Great North Transport Ramathuba announced that the entire management team has been suspended following their failure to address GNT's long-standing operational and financial issues. In May, CEO Dr Matata Mokoele, CFO Nazeem Essa and COO Mahlaku Mogoashane were suspended with full pay amid ongoing worker protests and financial scrutiny. Among the concerns were overdue pension contributions and unpaid medical aid for more than 1,000 employees, despite salary deductions. GNT has shut down over 200 routes across Limpopo and reported a loss of over R300m in the last five years. You might also want to read: Unpaid provident fund sparks protest by Great North Transport employees In February, hundreds of commuters were left stranded when buses servicing Seshego, Mokopane, Giyani, Tzaneen, Motetema, Makhado and others were pulled from operation. At the time, Mokoele said the company was in the process of procuring a new fleet but was forced to contract buses to maintain services. 'We have been struggling to service several routes across the province due to a shortage of buses. Most of the buses are old and are experiencing breakdowns daily as a result. When the buses break down, we are already depleted in terms of the fleet it creates that problem for us. As a result, we end up using the existing buses to do multiple routes,' Mokoele said.
TimesLIVE
22-07-2025
- 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!
