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ActionSA Chairperson and former DUP leader reflects on progress since merger

SEKHUKHUNE

Tonic Manchidi, former President of the Democratic United Party (DUP) and current ActionSA Party Chairperson in Sekhukhune Region, has reflected on the significant progress and positive impact achieved since the DUP merger with ActionSA in February 2025.

According to Manchidi, the strategic alliance has invigorated collective efforts, resulting in tangible improvements in communities and a surge in political momentum throughout Limpopo.

Manchidi said since the merger, the DUP, now an integral part of ActionSA, has experienced unprecedented growth and effectiveness.

“The combined strength has allowed the party to amplify its voices and deliver promises to the people,” he said.

Manchidi highlighted the remarkable increase in community engagement and renewed sense of hope among residents who were previously disenfranchised.

“This synergy has been instrumental in driving the agenda for good governance and service delivery,” he said.

One notable example of the party's impact is the recent construction of a new bridge at Mogorwane Village in Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM) Ward 10.

The project, led by dedicated ActionSA members, forced the Makhuduthamaga Municipality to address a critical infrastructure need that affected schoolchildren.

“This initiative does not only symbolise our commitment to practical solutions but also highlights the power of community mobilisation when supported by a strong political will,” Manchidi said.

The community has expressed a strong desire to name the bridge after Manchidi, symbolizing the party's commitment to practical solutions and community mobilization.

“A key focus of our recent work has been to attract new members and expand our grassroots presence,” Manchidi said.

ActionSA has successfully launched new branches in Fetakgomo and Makhuduthamaga, strengthening its organizational structure and local representation.

“Through targeted outreach programmes, community dialogues, and successful public activations, we have seen a significant influx of new members who are eager in forming branches to contribute to our vision for a better South Africa,” he said.

Manchidi said these branches are actively engaging with residents, identifying local challenges, and working towards sustainable solutions.

“These efforts have been particularly successful in areas where residents feel that their voices have been ignored by the traditional political structures. Our commitment to addressing local issues resonated deeply with potential members, demonstrating that ActionSA, with the DUP’s strong local roots, was a party of action,” explained Manchdi.

Regarding speculation about his potential mayoral candidacy for Makhuduthamaga Municipality, Manchidi clarified that he remains committed to adhering to ActionSA's internal processes for mayoral candidate selection.

However, he is ready to serve his community and work tirelessly towards improving the lives of Makhuduthamaga residents.

His recent work, particularly his instrumental role in the MLM Ward 10 Bridge project and successful branch launches and issues driving in Sekhukhune forward, have significantly bolstered his standing and demonstrated his unwavering dedication to public services.

"Our commitment to addressing local issues resonated deeply with potential members, demonstrating that ActionSA, with the DUP's strong local roots, is a party of action," he said.

EPMLM MPAC Public Hearing outlines transparency and accountability

MARBLE HALL - The Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality (EPMLM) has on Monday 29 September 2025 held a Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) Public Hearing on its fourth-quarter performance for the 2024/2025 financial year.

The event, chaired by EPMLM Portfolio Chairperson Cllr Thabiso Mabaso, took place at the Municipal Town Hall in Marble Hall and highlighting the municipality's dedication to transparency and accountability.

MPAC plays a crucial role in ensuring that the municipality is managed efficiently and effectively.

Addressing the gathering, Cllr Mabaso outlined the MPAC's primary objectives, saying that the hearing was set to ensure transparency, accountability, and value for money in the use of municipal resources while also undertaking investigations and make recommendations to the council on areas of responsibility.

The public hearing also reviewed and evaluated the content of the Auditor General's report and on a later stage, make recommendations to the council.

EPMLM Mayor, Cllr Given Moimana, led the EXCO in responding to questions raised by MPAC on the performance report, supported by senior managers, including Municipal Manager Mogobadi Moropa.

The Mayor emphasized the municipality's commitment to efficient resource management, accountability, and transparency.

During the public hearing, the Ephraim Mogale Municipality's MPAC was praised for being a role model in report writing, drawing interest for benchmarking from other municipalities across the province.

The public hearing revealed that the municipality achieved an overall institutional performance of 87% for the 2024/2025 financial year, with 111 out of 128 key performance indicators (KPIs) assessed attaining set targets.

Some notable achievements include completion of Uitvlugt Internal Road in EPMLM Ward 2, the ongoing Matlelerekeng Sports Complex with progress at 16% and the Mamphogo Sports Complex with physical progress standing at 42.78%.

DA calls for public support on Bill to enforce accountability in Limpopo

LIMPOPO

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo is urging the public to support its Private Members Bill, the draft Limpopo Petitions Amendment Bill, aimed at strengthening the obligation of the Limpopo Provincial Government and its municipalities to account and be responsive to the needs of Limpopo's communities.

The party said the draft Limpopo Petitions Amendment Bill proposes to empower the Standing Committee, request updated reports where initial responses are deemed insufficient.

It is also set to hold government officials accountable to ensure that petitioners' concerns are addressed effectively by holding officials accountable for non-compliance with the Act.

According to Advocate Franco Marx, DA Limpopo Spokesperson on Standing Committee on Public Participation and Petitions, the party urges the public to participate in the initiative as the right to petition is a cornerstone of participatory democracy.

“Enshrined in the Constitution, the petition allows individuals and groups to formally express concerns, lodge grievances, or submit proposals to government and other public authorities,” he said.

Marx stressed that for many impoverished, rural and socially excluded communities, it is often the only avenue in which they can engage government and seek meaningful redress or action.  

“Unfortunately, this right is often undermined when members of the Limpopo Executive Council and officials fail to respect and act upon petitions,” he said.

Marx emphasized that the adoption of this Bill would mark a significant step toward strengthening public participation and ensuring that the petition process serves as an effective mechanism for citizens to engage government and obtain redress.

“The Bill has been published, and a call for representations has been issued, with copies available from the DA office or via email request,” he said.

Marx furthered called on members of the public to support the Bill and exercise their right to have their say. The closing date for comments is Friday 31 October 2025.

Zebediela serial rapist sentenced to five life terms

ZEBEDIELA

A 42-year-old serial rapist, William Ramoadi Minyuku, has on Friday 19 September 2025 been sentenced to five life terms and an additional 165 years imprisonment for terrorizing residents of Sehlabeng, Hlakano, and Mshongo Villages in Zebediela area.

The Limpopo High Court in Polokwane convicted Minyuku on 23 charges, including rape, housebreaking, kidnapping, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

According to Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Spokesperson in Limpopo, Minyuku's reign of terror spanned six years, from March 2011 to April 2017, during which he broke into homes and attacked women and children on the streets, threatening them with a knife before raping and robbing them of their belongings.

“The court heard that Minyuku's actions had a profound impact on his victims, causing psychological, emotional, and physical trauma that left some forced to relocate to other villages due to loss of security and dignity,” she said.

Malabi-Dzhangi added that despite pleading not guilty, evidence revealed that between March 2011 and April 2017, Minyuku terrorised residents of Sehlabeng, Hlakano, and Mshongo Villages.

Malabi-Dzhangi further explained that the prosecution argued that Minyuku deliberately targeted society's most vulnerable members, and harsh sentences were the only appropriate response.

“The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, resulting in an effective life sentence. Minyuku was also declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000,” she said.

Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Advocate Ivy Thenga, welcomed the court outcomes, commending State Advocate Muneiwa Ratshibvumo and Sergeant Mokgaetsi Sema of the Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation Unit for their dedication and professionalism in bringing Minyuku to justice.

"Each successful prosecution is the culmination of months and even years of painstaking investigative and prosecutorial work and reflects the many similar cases successfully prosecuted daily," said Thenga.

Sekhukhune District breathes a sigh of relief as neighbours reel in drunk driving crackdown

SEKHUKHUNE

In a weekend blitz that saw 17 motorists across Limpopo arrested for drunk driving, Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) stood out as a beacon of responsibility, with zero incidents reported.

The Phuza Weekend Operation, conducted by the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety from Wednesday 17 and Friday 19 September 2025, aimed to intensify the fight against drunk driving and promote road safety.

According to the department's spokesperson, Ms Tidimalo Chuene, the operation resulted in a significant number of arrests, with Vhembe District recording the highest number of offenders, at eight drivers taken off the road.

“In the Capricorn District, three motorists were arrested, with the highest alcohol reading recorded at 0.93mg/1000ml. Mopani District accounted for two arrests, the highest reading being 0.30mg/1000ml. Vhembe District registered the highest number of arrests, with eight drivers taken off the road. The most severe case recorded was 0.60mg/1000ml. Waterberg District recorded four arrests, with the highest reading at 0.88mg/1000ml. Sekhukhune District reported no incidents of drunk driving during this period,” explained Chuene.

She added that the department's zero-tolerance stance on drunk driving is clear, and these arrests serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence.

"The decisions you make behind the wheel determine whether lives are saved or lost,” she said.

In related news, road safety experts have praised the department's efforts, citing statistics that show drunk driving is a leading cause of road accidents in South Africa.

According to Arrive Alive, a road safety initiative, drunk driving is a major contributor to fatal crashes, with many accidents involving drivers who have exceeded the legal blood alcohol limit.

As the festive season approaches, road safety authorities are expected to intensify their efforts to prevent accidents and promote responsible driving.

The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety's Phuza Weekend Operation is a step in the right direction, and Sekhukhune District's exemplary record serves as a model for other districts to follow.

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.

Elandskraal Sports Facility in shambles

ELANDSKRAAL

The Elandskraal Sports Facility in Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality (EPMLM), is on the brink of collapse.

Despite millions of rands being spent on the multipurpose sports centre, the facility is plagued by lack of maintenance and repairs, leaving it in a state of despair.

The neglect has sparked fears that the facility will end up being a “White Elephant”, a symbol of poor planning and bad service delivery.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in EPMLM has raised concerns about the state of the sporting facility.

DA Councillor in the municipality, Flip Jacobs, has been vocal about the municipality's failure to maintain the facility, citing poor planning and bad service delivery as the main contributors to its neglect.

"Our residents deserve better services," Jacobs emphasized, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency in municipal governance.

Jacobs indicated that it is more concerning that the Elandskraal Sports Facility, which was intended to be a hub for sports and community activities, is now at risk of becoming a rundown and potentially being repurposed as an animal shelter.

A resident, Khutso Malatji, said they are worried that lack of maintenance and repairs has resulted in the facility's deterioration, making it difficult for athletes and community members to use.

“The facility's state is a far cry from its intended purpose, and its neglect has significant implications for the community,” he said.

Malatji indicated that they are concerned that millions of rands spent on the facility have yielded little return, with the facility's condition worsening over time.

“The lack of maintenance and repairs has resulted in a significant waste of public funds, and the community is left to suffer the consequences. The municipality's failure to prioritize maintenance and repairs has led to a situation where the facility's future is uncertain,” he said.

Malatji reiterated that the community is fed up and will embark in a call to action for the municipality to prioritize maintenance and repairs of the facility.

“The community deserves better services, and it is the municipality's responsibility to ensure that public facilities are well-maintained and functional. The fate of the Elandskraal Sports Facility hangs in the balance, and we want the municipality to commit and take the necessary steps to restore the facility to its intended glory,” he said.

At the time of going to press, EPMLM Spokesperson, Life Nape, could not respond to enquiries sent by the paper.

EFF members attacked during Makhuduthamag Municipality Council Sitting

JANE FURSE

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Limpopo say they strongly condemn actions of Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM), after the party’s councillor suffered a hand fracture, and about ten other EFF councillors pepper-sprayed by the bouncers during a council sitting convened at the municipality offices in Jane Furse on Wednesday 30 July 2025.

According to the party, the tension started when EFF councillors were questioning the municipality's political authorities about pertinent matters that were deferred to the next meeting but never scheduled on the agenda.

The party alleges that during the questioning, the municipality unleashed bouncers on EFF councillors for holding them accountable as part of their constitutional mandate.

The municipality's alleged behaviour was described as "thuggish" and "abuse of power" by the EFF.

EFF Provincial Chairperson in Limpopo, Lawrence Mapoulo, said part of the party’s questioning during the meeting, was the alarming issues of infrastructure projects that would be discussed in committee but committee members are not allowed to conduct oversight.

The EFF also alleged that the municipality is favouring ANC-aligned individuals and relatives in the issuance of permits for taxi operators.

"Only taxis owned by the ANC-aligned persons are allowed to operate within and around Jane Furse," Mapoulo stated.

Recently, a dispute ensued between the Mashadi Local Taxi Association and the MLM over operating permits. The municipality has allegedly denied permits to the Mashadi Local Taxi Association unless they join the Jane Furse 6+1 Mini Taxi Association.

The association's chairman, Christopher Makua, has expressed concerns about the impact on their livelihoods, stating that they will not join the Jane Furse 6+1 Mini Taxi Association due to the expensive joining fee of R15,000.

The EFF has expressed support for the Mashadi Local Taxi Association, citing their constitutional right to choose their own association.

Mapoulo furthered called on the municipality to give the Mashadi Local Taxi Association a permit and not only give permits to their friends in the ANC.

“We condemn the coward municipality for refusing to be held accountable. People of Makhuduthamaga deserve better and they need services as in yesterday,” he said.

Mapoulo said the party also demanded that MLM Mayor, Cllr Merah Mahlase, be held accountable for her actions and that the municipality stops abusing its power.

At the time of going to press, MLM Spokesperson, Thomas Mashabela, could not respond to enquiries sent by the publication.

ANC Sekhukhune hands over new church

MAKHUTJO

The African National Congress (ANC) in Sekhukhune Region, leaded by Regional Secretary Tala Mathope and PEC Convenor of Deployees Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, officially handed over a new church to the congregation of New Jerusalem Church at Makhutjo Village in Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality (MLM) Ward 31.

The new church building initiative is a result of the ANC's intervention in response to the congregation's struggles to build a proper structure.

In 2024, the ANC visited the church and discovered that services were being conducted under a tree.

During that time, the ANC promised to intervene and build a proper structure, and true to their word, they have delivered a beautiful new church building.

The newly handed over church building includes an office and storage space, proper toilets for both males and females, a fence and gate, paved yard, and electricity installation.

During the hand over, the political party also donated 200 chairs to the congregation. Addressing the hand over, Mathope highlighted the importance of making a difference and touching lives.

"We are proud to have been able to make a positive impact on the lives of the congregation and the community. We believe that everyone deserves a safe and comfortable place to worship, and we are happy to have been able to provide that for the New Jerusalem Church congregation," he said.

The congregation and church leadership appreciated the ANC's work and vowed to take care of the infrastructure and continue praying for the people.

"We are grateful for the ANC's intervention and promise to take good care of the new church building," said a member of the congregation.

Dennilton man gets life imprisonment for raping 8-year-old minor

DENILTON - The South African Division of the High Court, sitting in Polokwane, has on Friday 25 July 2025 sentenced a 45-year-old man to direct life imprisonment for raping an 8-year-old girl in Dennilton.

According to the police, the accused, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the minor, was found guilty of rape after a thorough trial.

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo Provincial Police Spokesperson, said the rape incident occurred on 23 December 2023, at around 11pm, when the victim was sleeping with her family members at her aunt's house in Taereng Section, Dennilton.

“The accused, who had offered the family a room to sleep, sneaked into the room and lured the child to another room where he raped her. The victim's family discovered her missing when they heard her screaming, and upon inspecting the house, they found her naked and raped in one of the rooms,” explained Ledwaba.

He said following the ordeal, the victim was taken to the hospital, and the matter was reported to the Dennilton Police Station, where it was later transferred to the Groblersdal Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses Unit (FCS), which investigated the case, and the accused was initially arrested on 27 December 2023.

“Although the case was withdrawn at the Moutse Magistrate’s Court in Dennilton, the investigating officer continued to work diligently, and a warrant of arrest was issued after DNA results positively linked the accused to the crime. He was re-arrested at his workplace in Witbank, Mpumalanga Province,” explained Ledwaba.

He said the police investigation was led by Sergeant Tsheola Lethuba of the Groblersdal FCS, who worked tirelessly to ensure that justice was served.

Ledwaba added that the court proceedings continued until 24 July 2025, when the accused was found guilty of rape and sentenced to direct life imprisonment.

“The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm and unfit to work with children. His details will be registered in the National Register for Sexual Offenders and Part B of the National Protectional Register,” Ledwaba said.

Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the court decision, stating: "The Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit will continue with their good work to prevent crime and bring perpetrators thereof to justice."

SARTHO pleads for leniency with initiation schools

SEKHUKHUNE

The South African Religious and Traditional Healers Organization (SARTHO) has pleaded with the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) to be lenient with initiation schools that failed to meet the set date in line with their permit.

Some schools were forced to close on Sunday 20 July to avoid penalties and losing their permit due to challenges faced by parents who were unable to pay the balance of the initiation fee.

According to Mamokwa Hlabirwa Walker, SARTHO's Secretary General, most initiation schools failed to honour the set date due to challenges beyond their control.

"We would like to plead with PICC and COGHSTA to deal with such cases in consideration with the fact that parents are stakeholders," he said.

Walker added that they learned that some of the parents were forced to turn to loan sharks to pay for initiation fees, and they are expecting to pay the balance after receiving their salaries on 25 July 2025.

Dr Shimanki Lion Bapela, Principal of Ditau Tsa Mariri Koma Association, shared his experience, saying: "I was forced to release some of the children whose parents were not ready to receive them, some parents pleaded with me to bear with them until the 25 July 2025 to get their salaries."

SARTHO believes that the authority concerned, especially PICC, should consider all factors that led to some schools breaching the terms of their permits.

Dr Ratholo Phahlane, Chairperson of SARTHO, emphasized the importance of involving all stakeholders, especially parents or guardians who are financially responsible for the tuition and other things needed during the initiation period.

“The organization hopes that the PICC will handle each case separately and consider the challenges faced by schools in the province. SARTHO believes that monitors will be of assistance in assessing the situation and finding a solution that works for all parties involved,” he said.