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Sekhukhune solar breakthrough stuns Minister Tau

STEELPOORT

The Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) has showcased its groundbreaking renewable energy skills development initiative to Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, during the Ministerial Engagement on the Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone (FT-SEZ) in Steelpoort on Tuesday 20 October 2026.

Addressing the Minister, SDM MMC for Economic Development, Cllr Makaeya Alfred Matlala, highlighted the strategic partnership between the Sekhukhune Development Agency (SDA) and Hulisani Education Resource Centre (HERC), as a practical intervention to prepare local communities for emerging industrial opportunities.

Reflecting on Sekhukhune's historical skills deprivation, Matlala recalled former President Thabo Mbeki's 2001 visit, when the District reportedly had fewer than one percent of its population possessing tertiary qualifications.

“Today, we are determined to reverse that historical disadvantage through deliberate investments in education, technical skills and economic empowerment,” Matlala emphasised.

The breakthrough followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on 29 October 2025 between SDA, represented by Acting CEO Patric Mathale, and Hulisani, led by industrial scientist Bongani Thabethe.

From January 2026, district-wide recruitment campaigns attracted an extraordinary 10, 426 applications from young people seeking renewable energy skills development opportunities.

Training commenced on 9 February 2026, followed by the official Solar Skills Programme launch at Sekhukhune Skills Centre on 18 March. External Solar PV assessments conducted during April and May produced 40 successful candidates, marking a significant milestone in developing local technical capacity.

Matlala further highlighted Hulisani's membership of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), strengthening its connection to national renewable energy industry networks.

The intervention resonated with Minister Tau's emphasis on skills development, local recruitment, entrepreneurship and community participation in the FT-SEZ industrial value chain.

“Our ambition extends beyond producing qualified solar installers. We are cultivating entrepreneurs, future employers and technically capable communities prepared to participate in the FT-SEZ industrial ecosystem,” Matlala declared.

The initiative positions Sekhukhune youth to benefit from renewable energy investments while promoting locally owned enterprises and sustainable employment.

The central message was unmistakable: “Sekhukhune intends to enter the green industrial economy not merely as a supplier of labour, but as a producer of skills, enterprises and future employers”.

Mahlakwane reflects on 5-Year High IDP Rating, ahead of 4 November polls

ELIAS MOTSOALEDI

Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM) has sustained a High Integrated Development Plan (IDP) rating for five consecutive years from 2021/2022 to 2025/2026, while improving its overall institutional performance from 75% to 84% in the 2024/2025 financial year.

In a detailed response to Sekhukhune Media ahead of the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026, Elias Motsoaledi Municipal Manager, Ms Reginah Mahlakwane, reflected on transformation, governance and service delivery commitments under her leadership.

Mahlakwane, a professionally registered engineer leading an ANC-led municipality, said her leadership philosophy is anchored on accountability, teamwork, strategic planning and measurable results.

“My engineering background has equipped me with a systematic approach to problem-solving, risk management, resource allocation, project implementation and compliance,” she said.

That approach, she explained, is translated into municipal administration through rigorous planning, performance monitoring and alignment of departmental programmes with the IDP and available resources, including the critical shift from an unfunded budget to a funded budget.

“Performance targets are cascaded to lower levels to strengthen accountability. All officials have signed performance agreements to facilitate the monitoring of their daily work and performance,” she said.

She said as an ANC-led municipality, development priorities remain improving living conditions, expanding basic services and creating economic participation, shaped through IDP consultations and outreach programmes of the Mayor, Speaker and Mpac.

In 2024/2025, EMLM achieved 81 of 97 targets, reflecting an 84% institutional performance rate. Local Economic Development achieved 100% while Basic Service Delivery achieved 89%.

Mahlakwane attributed the consistent improvement to planning, departmental accountability and performance monitoring.

On the sustained high IDP rating, she said: “Our consistent high IDP rating is attributed to our commitment to implementing the findings and recommendations arising from the MEC’s assessment. We use these recommendations to improve the credibility, accuracy and completeness of our planning documents.”

Roads and stormwater remain the number one community priority. Despite challenges such as wetlands, hard rock and drainage complications, Mahlakwane said the municipality recorded significant progress.

She confirmed that delayed projects are receiving attention. The Tafelkop Stadium Access Road is at approximately 90% completion, with base stabilisation completed and kerbing underway before surfacing.

“Infrastructure projects can encounter technical challenges. These conditions require appropriate engineering assessments and construction solutions to ensure that the completed infrastructure meets the required standards,” she said.

Mahlakwane reported that 62,522 households, representing 94%, have access to electricity, with a backlog of 3,837 households (6%). During 2024/2025, 743 households were electrified.

To improve safety and visibility, high-mast lights were installed at Matsitsi, Stompo, Tafelkop Rammupudu T-junction, Tafelkop Dipakapaken Bluemoon, Tafelkop Dikgalaopeng, Waalkraal Clinic, Legolaneng, Lusaka, Magakadimeng, Makgopheng, Matlala Lehwelere and Sephaku Four-Ways.

On waste management, the municipality provides weekly kerbside collection in Motetema, Hlogotleu, Groblersdal, Roossenekal, Elandsdoring and Walter Sisulu, with business refuse collected twice weekly or daily, plus skip-bin services.

“Village litter picking is supported through EPWP, while illegal dumping sites are cleaned as required,” she said, adding that the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment supports 60 participants for litter picking. Groblersdal town receives daily street cleaning seven days a week. The upgrading of the Groblersdal Landfill Site remains critical.

Financially, as a Grade 3 Municipality, EMLM achieved 91% on Financial Viability KPIs, with a 91% revenue collection rate in 2025/2026 through its Credit Control Policy and debt collectors.

“The municipality has a good track record of paying suppliers within 30 days. Cost-containment measures introduced by National Treasury receive particular attention, and material savings have been realised,” Mahlakwane said.

Since 2020/2021, the municipality has consistently received unqualified audit opinions, except for 2023/2024 when it regressed to qualified.

“Unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure has been reduced substantially. Based on our internal assessment, the municipality is technically solvent,” she said.

Mahlakwane credited institutional stability to dialogue and respect for roles, despite a politically diverse Council. “Political differences should not prevent the municipality from implementing approved plans. Traditional leadership is also an important partner,” she said.

Ahead of the elections, she called for peaceful, credible polls, urging rejection of intimidation and violence. Post-elections, she committed to continued road upgrades, electrification, waste management, cemetery improvements and LED opportunities.

“I want to assure residents, businesses and stakeholders that our commitment to improving the lives of the people of Elias Motsoaledi remains firm,” she concluded.

Parents shut-down Hlabi Secondary over sexual abuse allegations against teacher

MOGAUNG

Learning was brought to a standstill at Hlabi Secondary School in Mogaung Village, after parents staged a shut-down demanding the removal of a teacher accused of sexually abusing learners.

The demonstration, which taken place on Tuesday 6 October 2026, was joined by around 60 parents and concerned community members who blockaded the school entrance, preventing access to the premises until officials from the Limpopo Department of Education intervened.

The protest was ignited by serious allegations levelled against a male teacher known to the publication, who is accused of molesting boy learners since March 2026.

According to a community leader who did not want to be named, seven learners, aged between 13 and 15, have come forward as alleged victims since March 2026.

It is alleged that the educator, who resides in neighbouring Luckau Village, lured learners with promises of money and expensive gifts and invited them to his rented room.

“We were shocked to learn that the male teacher lured learners with promises of money and expensive gifts, invited them to his rented room in Luckau Village and sexually abuse them. He would send explicit videos of himself to the targeted learners,” he said.

He said the matter was reported to the school principal, but parents allege that she sided with the teacher. He said the SGB had reportedly raised the matter with the same principal on several occasions during meetings without resolution.

It is further alleged that a case was opened at Hlogotlou Police Station in April 2026, but has not been attended to. Around June 2026, it is alleged that the controversial teacher announced his intention to resign, but the resignation was reportedly not accepted by the principal, a move that has raised further questions among parents.

During the shutdown, angry parents submitted a memorandum demanding the permanent removal of the teacher and suspension of the school principal, calling on police to finalise the investigation.

Parents had vowed that the school would remain closed if both are not removed immediately.

After hours of protest, a resolution was reached on site. It was resolved that both the principal and the teacher will remain at home until the police investigation is finalised. The SGB will also engage with circuit management to try and resolve the matter.

The Limpopo Department of Education and the SAPS had not yet commented on the matter at the time of publishing.

SAPS members promoted as Limpopo Provincial Police strengthen leadership

LIMPOPO

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo has strengthened their leadership with the promotion of 167 members during a rank-conferring ceremony, held at Capricorn High School in Polokwane on Saturday 03 October 2026.

The ceremony was presided over by the Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers, alongside Deputy Provincial Commissioners Major General Fredinah Sebola, Major General Lesiba Mashilo and Major General Willy Mashava, as well as District Commissioners.

Also in attendance were provincial heads, families of recipients, representatives of Organised Labour and other key stakeholders.

According to the police statement, the promotions are aimed at strengthening leadership within the service, enhancing service delivery and ensuring members are better positioned to contribute towards the fight against crime in the province.

A total of 167 members received new ranks, comprising 20 Colonels, 52 Lieutenant Colonels, 66 Captains and 29 Warrant Officers. The promotions provide opportunities for both men and women to advance professionally and make a greater contribution to the mandate of the service.

In his welcoming remarks, Major General Mashilo congratulated the newly promoted members, commending them for responding positively to the call of duty and demonstrating commitment towards improving service delivery within their respective environments.

During the ceremony, Major General Sebola highlighted that the occasion was not only about celebrating the growth and development of SAPS members but also about recognizing their dedication as they assume greater responsibilities.

Delivering the keynote address, Lieutenant General Scheepers emphasized that the conferment of ranks is about far more than recognition and celebration. He said it represents an opportunity to build trust, accept responsibility and strengthen leadership within the SAPS.

He reminded the newly promoted members that rank is an advancement towards greater responsibility, adding that the true meaning of rank lies not in the insignia itself, but in the responsibilities, discipline and accountability that accompany it.

Scheepers further described the SAPS Reset Agenda as an invitation to rediscover the purpose of policing and to return to the reason members wear the uniform. He said this requires restoring discipline, strengthening command and control and improving operational effectiveness to ensure that communities receive a professional and effective policing service.

The Provincial Commissioner also cautioned the newly promoted members against allowing their positions to create barriers between themselves, their colleagues and the communities they serve. He urged them to remain approachable, grounded and committed to building relationships based on mutual respect and trust.

“Colleagues, do not measure your success only by what you achieve personally. Measure it by the people you develop. Mentor younger members. Correct them without crushing their confidence. Recognize excellence. Deal decisively with misconduct. Create an environment where an honest member does not feel foolish for doing the right thing,” concluded Scheepers.

Hundreds shut-down Groblersdal in anti-illegal immigration march

GROBLERSDAL

Hundreds of community members from across Sekhukhune District, brought the Groblersdal CBD to a standstill on Thursday 20 August 2026, during a mass demonstration organized by the March and March anti-illegal immigration structure.

Protesters from Elias Motsoaledi, Ephraim Mogale and Makhuduthamaga Local Municipalities, marched peacefully from the Groblersdal Fire Station to the Department of Home Affairs offices, where they handed-over a memorandum of demands.

The demonstrators raised concerns about illegal immigration, particularly on farms in Groblersdal and Marble Hall. They alleged that undocumented foreign nationals are taking jobs meant for locals while communities continue to face high unemployment.

They further complained that some illegal immigrants are involved in serious crimes. They cited drug dealing, hijacking of buildings, human trafficking and murder. They also accused some migrants of disguising themselves as Pan Africanists who label South Africans as xenophobes when they are challenged to go and fix their broken countries.

March Convener, Seithati Moroka Matlou, addressed the crowd before the hand-over of the memorandum. Matlou said the march was a message that South Africans are tired and want their country back.

"We are not xenophobic, we are protecting our sovereignty. South Africa cannot be a haven for every undocumented person while South Africans suffer without jobs, without houses and without safety," Matlou said.

Matlou added that calling South Africans xenophobic has become a weapon to silence them. He said every citizen has a responsibility to fix their own country and not run away to South Africa.

In their memorandum, the residents demanded that Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba must declare a state of emergency on what they called a sovereign invasion. They said this declaration will fast track a countrywide national crackdown on illegal immigration.

They demanded that government must deploy military personnel, surveillance drones and motion detectors at every kilometre along the border fence. They also demanded the establishment of a multidisciplinary security cluster that will prioritize mass arrests, prosecution and deportation of undocumented immigrants.

The memorandum further calls on Parliament to kick-start the process of rewording the constitutional preamble. The protesters want the Department of Home Affairs to audit companies to identify companies employing undocumented foreign nationals and to slap them with hefty fines.

They also want the Department of Social Development to audit the welfare system to identify fraudulent grant beneficiaries. Another demand is for the Department of Education to remove all undocumented children from South African schools and to prioritize South Africans.

"The jobs on our farms belong to our people. The grants belong to our gogos. The classrooms belong to South African learners," Matlou said.

Officials from the Department of Home Affairs in Groblersdal received the memorandum and signed it. They promised to escalate it to the relevant authorities. The march was monitored by police and ended peacefully.

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.