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Residents shut down foreign-owned shops in Dihlabaneng

DIHLABANENG

Tension has gripped Dihlabaneng Village outside Jane Furse this week, as residents staged a series of coordinated actions to force the closure of shops owned by alleged undocumented foreign nationals, citing concerns over legality, product safety, and compliance with South African small business regulations.

The demonstrations, now in their third week, are being coordinated under the banner of the March and March anti-illegal migration organization.

During the demonstrations, community members marched through the village’s main trading strip, demanding that municipal officials and police inspect trading permits, health certificates, and stock on the shelves of more than a dozen tuck shops and spaza stores. They are also demanding foreign nationals who own spaza shops to vacate the village.

Protest leader, Tshegofatso Letageng, says they are demonstrating because the municipality fails to enforce government by-laws to regulate businesses owned by foreign nationals.

“We are not against business, we are against lawlessness. Our people are buying expired bread, fake cool drinks, and goods with no labels. At the same time, the owners of these shops cannot show us papers that say they are allowed to trade here. South Africans must also eat, and South African law must be respected in Dihlabaneng,” he said. Letageng said the Dihlabaneng action was planned over several weeks after residents submitted complaints to the group.

“We gave the municipality a list in July,” Letageng said. “We asked for joint inspections with Home Affairs, Health, and SAPS. Nothing happened. So the community decided to act, peacefully, to protect itself. We are telling shop owners: if your papers are in order, open tomorrow. If not, go and fix them first. We will be back every day until there is clarity.”

When asked about accusations that the campaign targets foreign nationals, Letageng said the focus is on compliance, not nationality.

“If a South African is selling expired goods, we will close that shop too. But right now, the complaints we are getting are about these specific stores. Our job is to make sure the law applies to everyone equally,” he said.

Residents list three main complaints. First, they allege that several shop owners are in the country illegally and therefore cannot legally register businesses. Second, they claim that some stores are selling counterfeit goods and products past their expiry dates, including canned foods, cosmetics, and household items. Third, they argue that the shops are not meeting municipal by-laws for small businesses, such as waste management, zoning, and health inspections.

“We went to the clinic last month with a child who had a stomach problem after eating chips from one of these shops,” said Meisie Mampuru, a resident who joined the march with other women from her village.

“When we asked to see where the stock comes from, they chased us away. We are tired,” she said.

Other residents said they have watched local youth struggle to open their own businesses while competing with shops that pay lower rent and do not employ local people.

During the demonstrations, the angry protesters moved from shop to shop, asking owners to produce documentation while also forcing them to close and allow locals to operate the small businesses.

Where owners could not, residents instructs landlords to immediately shut-down the business and urge that the shops should remain closed until inspected.

By Monday afternoon, at least three shops had pulled down their shutters. Private security companies that protect the businesses were present but did not intervene beyond monitoring the crowd. No injuries were reported during the protests.

March and March has become increasingly visible in Sekhukhune District over the past few months, organizing community meetings about unemployment, service delivery, and informal trade. The group says it works within the law and coordinates with ward councilors, municipalities, law enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders before any public action.

Limpopo’s traffic officer crisis, 1, 188 short as province battles road safety challenges

LIMPOPO

Limpopo roads are being policed by barely half the officers needed, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the province has warned.

Recently, the party had submitted follow-up questions to the Limpopo Legislature, following written responses on the alarming serious shortage of traffic officers and operational resources in the province.

In a written response tabled in the Legislature, Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, confirmed that Limpopo requires 2, 452 traffic officers to optimally carry out its law-enforcement mandate. The province currently has 1, 264 officers on duty, a shortfall of 1, 188, or nearly 50%.

DA Provincial Spokesperson on Transport and Community Safety, Adv Franco Marx, said the figures expose a critical gap at a time when visible policing is urgently needed across Limpopo’s vast road network.

“Against the newly disclosed shortage of 1, 188 traffic officers, every available officer and operational vehicle should be deployed where it can contribute to the safety of Limpopo’s road users,” Marx said.

Premier Ramathuba’s response also detailed the state of the provincial traffic fleet, 400 vehicles are currently available, with a further 200 at the state garage. Those 200 include vehicles that must be written off.

The DA’s follow-up questions are seeking district-by-district allocations of officers and vehicles, the number of vacant funded posts, the condition of the fleet, average repair turnaround times at the state garage, and the department’s timeframe to close the gap.

Marx noted the department’s recent recruitment of learner traffic officers is welcomed, but said the scale of the shortage demands a far more comprehensive staffing and fleet-management strategy.

The DA previously raised concerns in January 2026 about the diversion of traffic resources to the Premier’s protection detail, questioning reports that 12 officers and two vehicles were being used for that purpose.

Despite a 10% decline in festive season fatalities in 2025/2026, from 190 to 171 deaths, Limpopo is still among the five provinces that account for 70% of national crashes. During the December 2025 to 15 January 2026 period, the province recorded 125 fatal crashes, down from 145 the previous year.

The N1 corridor emerged as the deadliest route, claiming 25 lives in that period. Driver behaviour remains the leading cause, with unsafe overtaking blamed for 115 fatalities, while 48 pedestrians were killed, many in hit-and-runs.

Nationally, road deaths fell to a five-year low in 2025 with 700 fewer fatalities, but Transport Minister Barbara Creecy cautioned the toll of more than 9,400 was still much too high. Human error causes almost 90% of crashes, and pedestrians account for over half of all road deaths.

Enforcement agencies have intensified operations. In the first half of December 2025 alone, 1.8-million vehicles were stopped at 1, 632 roadblocks and 450, 000 fines were issued nationally. In Limpopo, Mopani traffic officers impounded 33 vehicles in September 2025 for offences including overloading and operating without valid licenses.

An additional 800 National Traffic Police officers were deployed to reinforce provincial forces in the four highest-risk provinces ahead of the 2025/2026 festive campaign, with 24-hour patrols and alcohol testing focused on corridors including the N1 from Naboomspruit.

Premier Ramathuba credited committed road safety interventions for the festive season improvement, but said more work is needed.

“The numbers we have reported are not just numbers. These are family members, parents, children left as orphans. We can do better,” she said.

The DA says it will continue using its oversight role to press the provincial government for a credible plan. “Limpopo cannot achieve safer roads without sufficient officers on the ground and reliable vehicles to deploy them,” Marx said.

GNT faces collapse, despite nearly R1 Billion in taxpayer support

LIMPOPO

According to the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo, the Great North Transport (GNT) is on the brink of collapse less than two weeks before a Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) deadline, despite the Limpopo government pouring nearly R1 billion into the state-owned bus company over the past decade.

The CIPC has given GNT until 31 August 2026 to present a convincing plan or risk a directive to cease operations or be placed under business rescue, according to documents tabled to the Limpopo Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA).

GNT itself described the CIPC intervention as its biggest immediate threat. The DA says it will not support another bailout without full transparency.

DA Provincial Spokesperson for Limpopo Economic Development, the Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Jacques Smalle, said the party could not back the R198.8 million bridge financing now being requested, nor the ongoing section 189 retrenchment process, unless both form part of an independently verified turnaround plan.

"The Democratic Alliance in Limpopo cannot support another blank-cheque bailout of Great North Transport on top of the almost R1 billion already provided over the past decade, unless the R198.8 million now sought and the recently initiated section 189 retrenchment consultation process form part of a credible, open and transparent turnaround plan that is independently verified, fully scrutinized and capable of placing GNT on a sustainable footing," Smalle said.

He added: "As the DA, we are adamant. No more blank cheques. Saving GNT cannot mean endlessly saving the failed model."

According to Smalle, the Limpopo Provincial Government has allocated almost R1 billion to GNT since 2016/17 for buses, repairs and maintenance, employee costs, severance packages, statutory obligations and historical payables.

“GNT told SCOPA that the funding did not solve the problem. In its own assessment, the entity cited technical deficiencies, a deficit in operational competence, weak internal controls, possible theft of spares and diesel, a negative working culture and difficulty recruiting critical skills as causes of failure,” Smalle explained.

Smalle argued the problems go beyond money. "These are not simply funding problems. They are governance, management and operational failures," he said.

Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) and GNT told SCOPA that a turnaround was progressing and asked for further funding to achieve permanent financial sustainability. The DA says that claim must now be tested against the facts, pointing to the shocking state of the Phalaborwa and Namakgale depots observed during recent SCOPA oversight visits.

The DA is demanding that GNT full financial and operational position be tabled in the Legislature, including details on its fleet, bus leases, revenue and fuel controls, creditor exposure, organizational structure and the assumptions behind the R198.8 million request.

"The R198.8 million request cannot be separated from GNT’s ongoing section 189 process. Before workers are identified as surplus, GNT must demonstrate what the sustainable entity of the future will look like. It would be indefensible for workers to bear the consequences of years of governance and management failure while taxpayers finance another rescue, only for weak controls, revenue leakages and questionable leasing arrangements to remain unresolved," Smalle said.

However, the DA acknowledged that GNT provides an essential public transport service and that its collapse would have serious consequences for commuters and employees.

"But protecting that service cannot become an excuse for repeatedly funding a failed operating model," Smalle said.

MEC Makamu returns to Mohlaletse to address traditional council matters

MOHLALETSE

Recently, MEC for Limpopo Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) in Limpopo, Basikopo Makamu, was back at the Bapedi Kingdom headquarters in Maebe Tjate Royal Palace, Mohlaletse Village, for high-level talks aimed at resolving administrative challenges within the Marota Mohlaletse Traditional Council.

The meeting formed part of the department’s ongoing intervention to support good governance and stability in traditional communities across Sekhukhune District.

MEC Makamu met with Her Majesty Queen Leganabatho II Thulare. Key items on the agenda included the status quo on the appointment of headmen and headwomen, and a review of how the 2026 Initiation Schools’ Season which were conducted under the council’s jurisdiction.

Speaking at the engagement, MEC Makamu stressed the importance of partnership between government and traditional leadership.

“Our engagement with traditional leadership is essential to ensuring stability, good governance and effective service delivery in our communities. We remain committed to working together to resolve outstanding matters and strengthen traditional institutions for the benefit of our people,” said Makamu.

The department said it remains committed to collaborating with traditional authorities to develop and deliver services to communities, particularly around land administration, cultural practices, and the recognition of traditional leadership structures.

CoGHSTA indicated that follow-up engagements will be held to monitor progress on the appointment processes and to ensure that future initiation seasons are carried out in line with provincial policy and customary law.

EPMLM silent on electrical skills shortage

MARBLE HALL

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality (EPMLM) is calling for urgent answers from the municipal manager and the mayor over what they describes as a looming electrical skills crisis that could leave residents facing longer power outages.

DA Caucus Leader in EPMLM, Cllr Flip Jacobs, said the party submitted comprehensive written questions to the Council since 8 April 2026, seeking clarity on the municipality’s preparedness for the retirement of senior electrical personnel who operate and maintain the 11kV high-voltage electricity network.

A formal follow-up was sent on 8 June 2026, requesting answers within a stipulated period. According to Jacobs, the municipality has still not responded.

"The retirement of experienced technical personnel is not an unforeseen event but a foreseeable management challenge that requires proper planning, skills transfer and succession management. The municipality's continued silence suggests that adequate succession planning is not in place and that there is insufficient internal 11kV operational capacity," Jacobs said.

The DA questions covered seven key areas, the municipality’s succession planning and skills audit, remaining internal capacity to maintain 11kV infrastructure, skills transfer and mentorship programmes, operational and financial risks, contingency plans for electricity failures, compliance with safety regulations, and accountability for workforce planning.

Jacobs warned that the lack of skilled staff poses a direct threat to service delivery.

"Electricity infrastructure is one of the municipality's most critical services. Council and residents deserve answers. Reliable electricity services depend not only on infrastructure but also on the availability of competent technical staff to operate, maintain and repair that infrastructure safely and efficiently," said Jacobs.

He added that the current situation exacerbates the risk of longer power outages due to a shortage of skilled personnel and is a foreseeable crisis that can be prevented.

As of Monday 3 August 2026, the DA is demanding a response within seven days. Failing that, Jacobs said the party will pursue available oversight mechanisms to hold the municipality accountable and ensure a stable grid.

At the time of go to press, the Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality could not respond to the publication’s enquiries.

Affiliation issues halts Sekhukhune Regional Football League kick-off

SAFA Sekhukhune has delayed the resumption of the Hollywoodbets Sekhukhune Regional Football League due to lack of affiliation from participating football teams.

Scheepers appointed new Limpopo SAPS commissioner

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has officially announced the appointment of Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers as the Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo with effect from 01 August 2026, following his successful tenure as Acting Provincial Commissioner.

The announcement was made by Acting National Commissioner, Lt. Gen. Puleng Dimpane at the Premier’s Office in Polokwane.

Scheepers assumes the highest policing office in Limpopo after an illustrious 38-year policing career, bringing with him decades of operational experience, strategic leadership and an unwavering commitment to professional policing and public service.

His public service journey began in the South African National Defence Force before joining the South African Police Service in 1988 after completing his police training at the Tshwane Police Academy. During the next 28 years, he served in Gauteng Province, where he developed extensive operational expertise in community policing, visible policing and specialised policing disciplines.

He holds a National Diploma in Police Administration and has received specialised training from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a Hostage and Suicide Negotiator, further strengthening his operational and crisis management expertise.

His appointment comes at a critical time as SAPS advances its Reset Agenda, which seeks to strengthen accountability, rebuild public confidence and create safer communities through ethical leadership, decisive policing and meaningful partnerships with communities.

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba welcomed the appointment of Lieutenant General Scheepers, describing the position of Provincial Commissioner as "not a soft seat, but a suit of armour in the fight against crime."

MEC for Department of Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye said her department stands ready to work with Scheepers to intensify prevention, response and support for victims of GBV. No province can progress if our homes are not safe.

“Communities expect visible policing, swift response, integrity and partnership. The #SAPSResetAgenda calls for professional, ethical and effective policing. As provincial government, we commit to walk with you — strengthening Community Safety Forums, supporting operations in crime hotspots, and integrating road safety, crime prevention and victim support.”

Ramathuba targets industrial growth at China energy conference

POLOKWANE

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and MEC for the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Dr Tshitereke Matibe, attended the South Africa-China Electricity and Energy Investment Conference in Beijing, China.
The conference was held on August 3 and 4.
The South African delegation was led by the minister of electricity and energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.
Speaking at the conference, Ramathuba highlighted that the difference between the mining and manufacturing contributions to the provincial economy presents a unique opportunity for major job creation for its residents.
The mining contribution stands at 19.1%, while manufacturing contributes 3.6%. She said this sizeable gap presents an opportunity to drive industrialisation and retain more value from the province’s abundant mineral resources.
Ramathuba explained that, rather than exporting raw minerals, Limpopo is positioning itself to beneficiate and manufacture locally through its Special Economic Zones, using energy infrastructure as a catalyst for industrial development.
She said this approach will strengthen value chains, grow local industries, expand skills development and create sustainable employment. “Limpopo’s future lies not only in extracting minerals, but in transforming them into products that create jobs and build industries right here at home.”
She said that, through co-ordinated government support and investor facilitation, the province is laying the foundation for a manufacturing-led economy that will unlock inclusive growth and transform the face of Limpopo.
Ramathuba said the China visit strengthened bilateral co-operation between South Africa and China while mobilising investment in electricity and energy infrastructure, including transmission expansion, grid modernisation, renewable energy, energy storage, industrial localisation and skills development.
Limpopo’s participation in the conference underscores the province’s strategic position as a mining, industrial and energy hub with significant investment potential.

COGHSTA hosts Readiness Engagement ahead of 6th Term Local Government transition

GROBLERSDAL

The Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) in Limpopo, has moved to tighten coordination across municipalities, as the province prepares for the transition to the 6th Term of Office for Local Government Councils.

In partnership with key local government stakeholders, COGHSTA recently convened a Secretariat Support Team Readiness Engagement, held at the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM) Council Chamber in Groblersdal.

The session was aimed at assessing preparedness and aligning processes ahead of the dissolution of current councils and the inauguration of new ones.

The engagement focused on four critical areas, the formal conclusion of the current municipal councils, the establishment of new councils, the induction of incoming councillors, and the formation of council committees.

Opening the programme, Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) Municipal Manager, Meshack Kgwale, stressed the need for unity and forward planning. 

"Collaboration, effective planning, and coordinated support among all stakeholders are essential to enable a smooth transition while ensuring continuity and stability in municipal governance," Kgwale said.

Stakeholders then tabled detailed presentations on their respective mandates. 

Wilson Mohlala from Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality (FTLM) outlined the administrative and legislative steps required to conclude the current term of councils. 

Masebati Bilankulu from COGHSTA followed with a briefing on the processes for establishing new councils for the incoming term, including compliance requirements and timelines.

Dr Dan Raseluma from South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Limpopo addressed transition management and councillor welfare. He emphasised that supporting newly elected councillors was key to effective governance and improved service delivery in communities.

The discussions ended with a joint resolution from all participants to work together to ensure a seamless handover and to strengthen effective local government administration across Sekhukhune District Municipality and the broader Limpopo Province.

The readiness engagement forms part of COGHSTA’s provincial programme to support municipalities during election and transition periods.

Mayor officially hands-over Maepa Access road project

MAEPA

Gone are the days when Maepa residents will travel on dusty and undriveable roads  in the village.

The community led by the traditional authority representatives and the local councilor  were the recipients of the 4.5 kilometres Maepa Access road  on Wednesday February 11.

 Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality’s mayor Eddie Maila officially handed the road project to more than 200 delighted community members.

Handing over the completed project, Maila thanked the community of Maepa for their support during the erecting of the road.

"We are gathered here today to officially hand over the Maepa road project to the community. This is an honour and privilege for this council to fulfil the promise made to change the lives of our communities. The community of Maepa has been starved off service delivery for many years and here we are today to hand over this well constructed road project," said the mayor.

He thanked the community leaders and the tribal council for working with government to make this project a success. 

"We are also happy that during the implementation of the project, many people benefitted in terms of employment and business opportunities. This project is going to change the lives of many people in different ways. The face of this village has completely changed as access has been improved and even the travel distance from the main road into the village. Many economic activities will take place due to accessibility and turn around time. ."

Maila made an appeal for the community to take care of this project and increase its lifespan. "We must desist from damaging infrastructure when we are confronted by challenges. The doors of the Office of the Mayor are always opened for any engagement at any given time. We cannot afford to damage our legacy, but our main objective is to guard against any vandalism especially on infrastructural projects."

He commended the Maepa people for playing an important role in ensuring that the project is not delayed during the implementation. He said this has assisted the FTLM to spend 100% on both MIG and INEP projects.

Representing the communities, resident, Paulinah Coetzer, thanked the FTLM for  promising them a road, and delivering on their promise.

“As a community, we are excited about this milestone, we will easily manoeuvre around the village. We are also satisfied with the quality of the road made by the contractor.

“We are relieved that FTLM has finally heeded our pleas for  a proper road. ”

The Maepa road project started on 2 September 2024, it  was erected by Tseamiso Trading Contractor.

The contractor thanked the community for supporting them in orchestrating the successful project.  

Bothashoek’s Illegal water connections a major safety concern

BOTHASHOEK

Some residents in Bothashoek, Ward 20 of the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality are still struggling to access clean water.

 According to residents, illegal water connections in the area have left many villages with dry taps.

Residents have been without running water for quite some time now because of these actions. Not only is illegal connections depriving residents of water, they also pose danger to communities, especially children.

One of the affected residents, explained that the problems started when locals and business people connected to the main pipeline on the Bothashoek road, which links to the R37.

"Illegal connections were made, but because the Sekhukhune District Municipality is failing to provide clean water to the residents, none of the municipal workers intervened, they folded their arms and ignored these illegal deeds," alleged one of the residents in Mahubahuba.


Another local resident complained that the illegal connections leads to water spillage all over the ground because pipes were inserted illegally and directed to people’s households.

“We are all deeply affected by this, because when people start taking matters into their own hands, they ruin the water infrastructure. We need the SDM to take accountability and ensure they bring water to the people” added the community members.

On 18 November 2025, this publication forwarded queries to the spokesperson for the SDM, Lemson Moropjane, part of the questions included reasons for the shortage of water in Bothashoek, as well as the SDM's failure to intervene in the illegal connections.

Unfortunately, the SDM was yet to respond on these matters, the Sekhukhune Times will run a follow-up when they respond.