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DA hails best-ever elections results in Limpopo

LIMPOPO

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo has recorded best-ever electoral performance in the province, nearly doubling their voter support and significantly increasing their council representation.

The party has thanked voters after the 2026 Local Government Elections, held on Wednesday 4 November, describing the results as a historic breakthrough ahead of the 2029 National and Provincial Elections.

According to DA Limpopo Provincial Leader, Jacques Smalle, the party’s combined ward and proportional representation (PR) votes surged by almost 91%, from 122,583 in the 2021 municipal elections to 234,012 in 2026.

In terms of seats, the party grew its representation across Limpopo's 22 local municipalities from 65 councillors in 2021 to 95 in 2026. This is made up of 23 directly elected ward councillors and 72 PR councillors.

In addition, the DA secured nine directly elected district council seats, up from six in 2021. This brings its combined local and directly elected district representation to 104 seats, compared with 71 in 202, an increase of 33 seats, or 46.5%.

Smalle said further district representation may still follow through the indirect election of councillors from constituent local municipalities. Smalle said the 2026 elections have fundamentally changed Limpopo politics.

"The political landscape in Limpopo has changed dramatically, with ten hung local municipal councils, compared with just two in 2021, and indications that Capricorn and Waterberg District Municipalities may also be without outright majorities," Smalle said.

The ten hung councils include high-profile municipalities like Elias Motsoaledi, Modimolle-Mookgophong, and others where the ANC lost the outright majority.

"The message from our communities is clear, residents want responsible municipal governance, reliable service delivery and municipalities that attract investment, stimulate economic growth and facilitate job creation. They want municipalities that work, public money spent responsibly, infrastructure maintained and public representatives who are accountable to the communities they serve," said Smalle.

He extended appreciation to every DA candidates, activists, volunteers, public representatives and election agents who worked during the campaign.

He reaffirmed the party's commitment, stating: "Our commitment to the people of Limpopo remains unchanged. We will continue to champion reliable water and electricity, functioning infrastructure, responsible financial management, clean and accountable local government, and an environment in which businesses can grow and create jobs."

Smalle furthered thanked Limpopo residents who exercised their democratic right to vote, regardless of political affiliation.

“To those who voted for the DA, thank you for your trust and support. We do not take it for granted and remain committed to honouring that trust through hard work, public service and accountability," he said.

The DA is now expected to be a key player in coalition negotiations across the ten hung municipalities in the province.

Makgata hits FTLM with R47.2 Million law suit

BURGERSFORT  

Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality is facing a potential financial collapse after the Municipal Manager, Mogaramedi Joel Makgata, served the municipality with a legal notice demanding R47.25 million in damages, not only from the municipality but from 77 councillors and officials in their personal capacities.

Makgatha’s legal team served the statutory notice on Monday 9 November 2026, on intention to sue not only the municipality as an institution, but also the involved councillors.

Makgata, who was appointed on a five-year fixed-term contract from 1 November 2022 per Council Resolution OC48/2022, is claiming his precautionary suspension on 18 October 2024 was unlawful.

According to the notice, his suspension lapsed automatically on 18 January 2025 in terms of Regulation 6(6)(a) of the Local Government: Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers, 2010, because the Municipality failed to commence disciplinary proceedings within the prescribed period.

Despite the lapse, the municipality allegedly kept him on suspension and continued with a disciplinary hearing on 13 January 2025 in Polokwane, outside its area of jurisdiction.

On 3 June 2025, the High Court Limpopo Division, declared that his precautionary suspension had lapsed and ordered the municipality to allow him to resume duties.

Two weeks later, on 17 June 2025, the municipal council, through a resolution, summarily terminated his employment with immediate effect without any hearing and stopped his salary.

On 8 July 2025, the High Court again ruled in Makgata's favour, declaring the termination unlawful and invalid.

The municipality attempted to appeal both judgments, and also the enforcement order granted under section 18(3) of the Superior Courts Act 10 of 2013, which allowed Makgata to return despite the appeal. All attempts failed, including a petition to the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Makgata now argues that the entire council, officials and agents acted unlawfully, maliciously and in breach of contract and persisted in litigation without cause.

The amount is broken down as follows. For emotional and psychological distress, loss of amenities of life and degeneration of his marriage, he claims R5,000,000. For incidental benefits accruing from his contract, he claims R2,600,000. For defamation and injury to his good name, he claims R2,000,000. For damage to his career and loss of future opportunities, he claims R18,000,000. For legal fees incurred in defending himself, he claims R9,500,000. For security costs, he claims R650,000. And for past and future medical costs, he claims R9,500,000.

The total is R47,250,000.00, plus interest at the prescribed rate. The notice further states that additional damages for further legal costs, forced withdrawal of investments and withdrawals from his mortgage bond account are still to be quantified.

What makes this notice unusual is that it does not only cite the municipality. They include the Acting Municipal Manager Ms Mavis Magooa, the Mayor Cllr Dorah Mphethi, who took over in September 2026 after former Mayor Eddie Maila resigned to become Limpopo MEC for Health, the Speaker Cllr Vincent Shoba, and all members of the Executive Committee and Council.

The notice has sent shockwaves through the council. When contacted on Tuesday morning, several councillors disputed the move and vowed to contact their legal representatives, especially those from opposition parties.

Opposition councillors argue that they never voted in favour of the unlawful resolutions. The Democratic Alliance in Fetakgomo Tubatse has been vocal about the matter. On 4 August 2025, the party issued a statement warning the ANC caucus to adhere to the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, the Municipal Systems Act and the Standing Rules of Order.

The DA stated that on 3 June 2025 the High Court ruled that Makgata’s suspension had lapsed, yet the ANC caucus convened an irregular council meeting to appeal the judgment and later terminated his contract. The DA said it would write to the Speaker to request that all councillors who voted for these unlawful resolutions be referred to the Ethics Committee for investigation and possible sanction, in terms of the Code of Conduct for Councillors.

One opposition councillor, who asked not to be named because he had not yet consulted his lawyer, said, “We warned them in council that this would cost the municipality. We are now being dragged personally for ANC decisions. We will consult our lawyers.”

The legal threat comes at a time when FTLM is already under financial pressure. In July 2026, National Treasury temporarily withheld the municipality’s Local Government Equitable Share allocation after the municipality failed to comply with financial management legislation. FTLM was the only municipality in Sekhukhune and one of five in Limpopo to be affected.

If Makgata succeeds in his claim, the R47.25 million could have to be paid from public funds, unless the court pierces the corporate veil and holds councillors personally liable, as his lawyers intend to argue.

The municipality had not responded to media enquiries at the time of going to press.

Elias Motsoaledi’s R2.8 Million project washed away in two weeks

SEPHAKU

It has been barely two weeks after the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM) celebrated the practical completion of a R2.85 million storm-water channel at Sephaku Village. Today, that channel is gone, washed away by the first heavy rains, raising questions about the quality of workmanship.

The 500-metre channel in EMLM Ward 23 was officially unveiled on 30 October 2026, with the municipality announcing that it had reached practical completion after six months of construction from May to October 2026.

The municipality said the project, funded through the Municipal Disaster Recovery Grant (MDRG), was aimed at combating soil erosion and protecting road infrastructure. The scope included clearing and grubbing, filling the eroded donga with G5 material, constructing wing walls, installing culverts and casting a concrete lining.

EMLM Mayor, Cllr David Tladi, hailed the project at the time, stating: “Our commitment as the ANC-led Municipality is to deliver infrastructure that transforms lives, protects communities and restores dignity. The completion of the Sephaku Donga stormwater channel demonstrates our resolve to overcome infrastructure challenges, create jobs, empower local SMMEs and bring meaningful development to the people of Elias Motsoaledi.”

The municipality also stated that the project created 10 local jobs and benefited six local SMMEs.

However, visual material and information received by Sekhukhune Dispatch from community members this week shows the concrete lining completely broken up, the wing walls collapsed and the channel filled with mud and debris, with the road once again covered in sand.

Residents who spoke to this publication on condition of anonymity say they had warned that the construction was substandard.

“We are not surprised. We told them during construction that the concrete was too thin and there was no proper steel reinforcement. Now R2.8 million has just gone down the drain like the rainwater,” said one concerned resident from Sephaku.

Another resident added: “This donga has been here for years and it is very dangerous when it rains. We were happy when they finally fixed it, but now it is worse than before. The municipality must come back and explain to us who will pay for this. It cannot be taxpayers again.”

“The Mayor said it restores our dignity, but now our dignity has been washed away with the channel. Children use this road to go to school and now it is not safe,” said a third community member.

Sekhukhune Dispatch sent a detailed media enquiry to the Elias Motsoaledi Communications Unit, requesting confirmation of the damage. However, at the time of going to press, the municipality had not responded.

Sephaku Donga Storm-water Channel Project completed

SEPHAKU

The Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM) has announced the practical completion of the reconstruction of a 500-metre storm-water channel at Sephaku Donga in Ward 23.

The project, which was completed on 30 October 2026, is aimed at combating soil erosion and protecting road infrastructure in the area, which had been severely affected by a deep donga.

Valued at R2.85 million, the project was funded through the Municipal Disaster Recovery Grant (MDRG) and was implemented over a six-month period from May to October 2026.

According to the municipality, the project created 10 job opportunities for local community members and benefited six local Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), contributing directly to local economic development.

The municipality said the scope of work included clearing and grubbing, removing sand from the road, filling the eroded donga with G5 material, setting out the storm-water channel, constructing wing walls, installing culverts to facilitate crossings, and casting a concrete lining for the channel.

EMLM Mayor, Cllr David Tladi, welcomed the completion of the project, stating that it demonstrates the municipality's commitment to service delivery.

"Our commitment as the ANC-led Municipality is to deliver infrastructure that transforms lives, protects communities and restores dignity. The completion of the Sephaku Donga storm-water channel demonstrates our resolve to overcome infrastructure challenges, create jobs, empower local SMMEs and bring meaningful development to the people of Elias Motsoaledi," Tladi said.

The municipality said general cleaning and housekeeping of the site was also undertaken as part of the project close-out.

The municipality said the project forms part of the municipality's ongoing efforts to address infrastructure damage caused by natural disasters and to improve resilience in vulnerable wards.

Seven malaria cases confirmed in Marble Hall and Moganyaka

MARBLE HALL/MOGANYAKA

The Limpopo Department of Health has intensified malaria surveillance and control measures in Sekhukhune District, following an unusual cluster of seven confirmed cases in the Marble Hall and Moganyaka areas during October 2026.

While Limpopo is one of three malaria-endemic provinces in South Africa, along with Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, Sekhukhune District is historically outside the areas traditionally associated with high malaria transmission, which are concentrated in Vhembe and Mopani districts.

Department Spokesperson, Neil Shikwambana, said the detection of cases in areas not normally associated with transmission has raised concern.

"Initial investigations established that none of the seven patients had travelled outside Limpopo, raising concern about possible local transmission," said Shikwambana.

He confirmed that all seven patients have received antimalarial treatment and are recovering.

"The Department is investigating the cases and implementing targeted interventions to assess and contain the potential risk of further transmission," Shikwambana said.

According to Shikwambana, health teams have screened contacts and high-risk construction workers for malaria, all of whom tested negative. He said indoor residual spraying was also conducted at 16 residential structures in the immediate area of concern.

Shikwambana said initial assessments of nearby water bodies did not detect mosquito larvae or adult mosquitoes, but stressed that these preliminary findings do not conclude the investigation.

He said a multidisciplinary scientific task team has been deployed to conduct detailed environmental assessments, mosquito sampling and expanded targeted indoor residual spraying in identified high-risk areas, including mining compounds, farmworker accommodation and surrounding settlements.

“Further vector-control measures will be guided by the team's findings. The department is maintaining heightened diagnostic vigilance at Matlala Hospital, Philadelphia Hospital, Marulaneng Clinic and nearby primary healthcare facilities,” Shikwambana said.

Residents of Marble Hall and Moganyaka have raised concerns over the increase, calling for intensified awareness campaigns. The matter was briefly discussed during Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality council meeting at Manapjane Community Hall, where residents were advised to monitor symptoms.

In response, the department's Malaria Control Programme launched a two-day Epidemiological Blitz in Moganyaka Village, Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality.

On day one, 39 people were tested for malaria and all tested negative, while over 70 people were reached through health education at Marulaneng Clinic. The blitz continued with community education and screening at Rahlagane Tribal Authority Offices in Moganyaka.

The activities include reactive indoor residual spraying, community health education and screening, entomological surveys to assess mosquito populations and identify breeding sites, and larviciding to prevent larvae from developing.

Shikwambana urged communities to remain calm but vigilant, warning that malaria is preventable and treatable but delayed diagnosis can lead to severe illness and death.

He advised residents to use mosquito repellent especially in the evening and at night, wear long-sleeved clothing and long trousers when outdoors after dark, reduce exposure during nighttime activities including fishing and outdoor work, and seek medical attention promptly if they develop fever, chills, headache or body aches, and to inform healthcare workers that they live or work in an affected area.

Shikwambana said further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.

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.