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Dispatch Sekhukhune, 18 marble Street, Groblersdal (2026)

11/06/2026

Dispatch issue 439 this week.

1. Mhlanga denounces fake poster, says he won’t stand for MK Party in EMLM Ward
2. 30-Day ultimatum issued over Ga-Motodi water crisis
3. Over eight hundred arrested across Limpopo in week-long Operation Shanela

10/06/2026

Sterkfontein residents demand clarity after Ga-Maguduza Road Phase 2 vanishes from IDP
STERKFONTEIN - Confusion and disappointment are growing at Stekfontein Village in Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM) Ward 29, after the municipality had allegedly removed the second phase of a promised paved road construction project from its 2025/2026 Integrated Development Plan (IDP), despite calling it a multi-year project just months earlier.
According to residents, the road development promise was made during EMLM Mayor Cllr David Tladi’s IDP and budget presentation at Ramogwerane Community Hall in 2024.
During the consultation, Tladi told residents the municipality had budgeted for a two-phase road construction project in Sterkfontein.
He informed that Phase 1 would run from Mokumong to Seroka Bus Stop. Phase 2 was earmarked from Good Hope to Ga-Maguduza Section in Sterkfontein Village. He stressed the project was multi-year and would span the 2024/2025 financial year.
However, when the draft IDP 2025/2026 was tabled, Phase 2 had disappeared. Residents of Newstand Ga-Maguduza say there is now no mention of the Good Hope to Ga-Maguduza stretch, and the next reference to Phase 2 only appears in 2031 projections.
“It is like planning a journey without telling passengers where the bus is going,” said Herbert Radingwana, Bolsheviks Party of South Africa (BPSA) Councillor in Elias Motsoaledi Municipality.
Speaking during a recent Municipal Council sitting, Radingwana said he directly questioned Mayor Tladi on why Phase 2 was being listed without a clear destination.
“I want the Mayor to clearly indicate that Phase 2 of the road construction is going to Ga-Maguduza, not just ‘Phase 2’,” Radingwana told council.
He added that when council approved the 2024/2025 IDP budget, the document did not specify that Phase 2 was headed to Ga-Maguduza. Now in the 2025/2026 draft, that phase has been removed entirely with no new timeline until 2031.
“Residents are now disappointed because they were hoping Phase 2 of the road was planned for Ga-Maguduza and now it was removed from the IDP,” he said.
As the 2025/2026 budget cycle continues, Sterkfontein G-Maguduza residents are demanding that council reinstate Phase 2 with a clear endpoint.
Elias Motsoaledi Municipality has faced repeated criticism over poor road conditions. A DA oversight visit to Sepaku Village in Ward 23 found roads so neglected that residents could physically stand inside what was once a street, with entire sections collapsed into trenches. The DA called on Premier Ramathuba to intervene, saying roads had not been maintained for more than a decade.
The municipality itself lists “Performance on Roads” under service delivery in its 2024/2025 Draft Annual Report, and recent tenders include repairs and maintenance of intersections in Groblersdal. However, large rural road upgrades remain a sore point for villages like Sterkfontein.
EMLM Spokesperson, Simon Makua, highlighted the gap between what Ward 29 residents asked for and what was finally approved in the IDP.
According to Makua, residents made their priorities clear during the public participation process.
He added that the community requested paving of the road from Mokumong to Maguduza via Mashabela Road to Seroko Taxi Rank. That submission reflected the Ward 29 community’s main infrastructure needs and was recorded as part of the planning inputs.
“However, the project adopted by Council is different. Chapter 6, page 288 of the approved 2024/2025 IDP lists the formally registered project as ‘Upgrading of Mokumong Access Road to Marateng Taxi Rank 5.2 km. That is the description used for budgeting and implementation. The approved allocation stands at R10,989,800 for 2024/2025 and R16,710,200 for 2025/26,” Makua said.
Makua stated that Cllr Radingwana, who serves on the Section 79 Infrastructure Services Committee, is noted as having oversight access to municipal reports and project information through that role.
On the specific question of any planned upgrades to Ga-Maguduza Road, Makua said there is currently no upgrade underway.
“The municipality is currently re-gravelling the road as a temporary measure because there is insufficient budget for full upgrading,” Makua explained.

10/06/2026

DA rejects Ephraim Mogale’s R68 Million deficit budget
MARBLE HALL - The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality (EPMLM) has formally objected to the municipality’s proposed 2026/2027 budget, citing a projected operating deficit of more than R68 million alongside over R110 million in own-funded capital projects.
DA Councillor in EPMLM Ward 7, Flip Jacobs, said the numbers raise “serious questions about the credibility, affordability and sustainability of the budget.
“A municipality cannot present a deficit budget while committing to large own-funded capital expenditure unless it can clearly demonstrate that the budget is properly funded, cash-backed, and capable of being implemented without further weakening service delivery,” Jacobs stated.
He indicated that the party is demanding urgent answers on the R14.8 million Municipal Disaster Recovery Grant allocated to Ephraim Mogale Municipality by National Treasury and published in Government Gazette No. 54100.
According to Jacobs, residents deserve to know whether the money was received, which disaster-recovery projects were funded, how much has been spent or committed, whether any funds remain unspent and why there is no clear disclosure in the budget presentation.
“At a time when residents face deteriorating roads, infrastructure failures and ongoing service-delivery challenges, every rand must be transparently accounted for,” Jacobs said.
He stressed that the party argues that municipal budgets must be funded, credible and transparent, as required by law.
“Budgets are not political wish lists. They are financial commitments to residents and must be backed by realistic revenue, proper planning and clear implementation,” Jacobs said.
Jacobs said the DA will continue to fight for clean governance, transparent finances and better services for all residents of Ephraim Mogale.
At the time of going to press, the Ephraim Mogale Municipality could not respond the publication’s enquiry.

08/06/2026

Sekhukhune Minerals Beneficiation Academy gains momentum
SEKHUKHUNE - A bold plan to transform Limpopo from a raw mineral exporter into a beneficiation powerhouse, moved a step closer on Tuesday 2 June 2026 as government, mining houses, TVET colleges and regulators converged at the Park Inn Hotel in Polokwane for the stakeholders workshop on the proposed Limpopo Mining and Sekhukhune Minerals Beneficiation Academy (MBA).
The workshop, convened by Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), brought together mining companies operating across the province to engage on the proposed academy to be established in the Sekhukhune District.
Sekhukhune sits on the eastern limb of the Bushveld Complex, home to vast Platinum Group Metals, chrome and other mineral deposits, and is already a hub for operations like Bokoni Platinum Mines and Samancor Chrome.
LEDET MEC, Dr Tsh*tereke Matibe, told delegates that the success of the academy hinges on strong partnerships between government, mining companies, tertiary institutions and regulatory bodies.
Matibe stressed that collaboration among these critical stakeholders is non-negotiable if the province is to drive skills development and add value to its mineral wealth locally.
Matibe emphasized that government is moving fast to meet its own deadline and it must put the necessary processes in place to ensure that the first intake of students is realized as early as January 2027, aligning with Limpopo’s broader rollout of mining skills development initiatives.
LEDET Head of Department (HOD) Dr Matodzi Rathumbu, said the academy will enable Limpopo to beneficiate its own raw materials instead of exporting them unprocessed.
That shift, he argued, will create thousands of job opportunities, contributing to the province’s economic growth and development.
The beneficiation push mirrors a wider inter-provincial strategy. Limpopo and North West recently announced a joint Beneficiation Task Team to reposition both provinces as regional beneficiation hubs for minerals like PGMs, chrome, ferrochrome and manganese used in catalytic converters, stainless steel and green technologies.
MECs from both provinces committed to examining policies and infrastructure that support beneficiation, including preferential procurement for locally beneficiated products and co-funding models with industry for pilot projects and training hubs.
In Sekhukhune, companies like Bokoni Platinum Mines are already in rapid recruitment phase as they revive operations at Atok in Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality, with preference given to well-qualified local community applicants.
The academy aims to close a long-standing gap, while South Africa holds several of the world’s biggest raw mineral deposits, very little beneficiation happens locally and most metals are exported raw.
TVET colleges will be central to delivery. Sekhukhune TVET College already runs 36-month apprenticeships in trades like Electrician in partnership with the Mining Qualification Authority. The new academy is expected to expand those pathways into specialised mining and mineral processing fields, from ore receiving and crushing to smelting and refining.

04/06/2026

Dispatch issue 438 inside this week.

1. SDM distance itself from alleged planned march against illegal immigrants
2. Youth outreach in Roossenekal links young people to services
3. Injuries reported after police van collides with tractor near Groblersdal

04/06/2026

Commissioner Hadebe leads Operation Shanela, 307 arrests made
LIMPOPO - A week-long, Provincial Commissioner-led Operation Shanela, has delivered major results across Limpopo, with police arresting 307 suspects and shutting down 23 unlicensed liquor outlets between Sunday 24 and Sunday 31 May 2026.
According to the police, the intensified operations were rolled out in all five districts of the province. Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, and her deputies, personally joined high-density operations in Sekhukhune on Thursday 28 May, and in Mopani on Friday 29 May 2026.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo Provincial Police Spokesperson, said the operations focused on tackling serious and violent crimes, tracing wanted suspects, combating illicit trade, enforcing liquor legislation, and enhancing police visibility in identified crime hotspots.
“Among the arrests recorded were four counts of murder, four cases of robbery with aggravating circumstances, and one robbery at residential premises. Police also arrested five suspects for r**e, 41 for assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, 18 for common assault, and 26 for malicious damage to property,” informed Ledwaba.
In terms of fi****ms and weapons, Ledwaba informed that five suspects were arrested for illegal possession of fi****ms and 10 for possession of dangerous weapons.
“6 suspects were arrested for possession of drugs and seven for dealing in drugs. Police arrested 15 suspects for illegal dealing in liquor, four for possession of illegal ci******es, and four for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” he said.
Ledwaba indicated that the operation also yielded arrests for five business burglaries and eight residential burglaries, with a total of 61 illegal migrants arrested during the week, and 197 suspects arrested for other offences.
“Police confiscated various items linked to criminal activities during the operations. These included two fi****ms, 38 rounds of ammunition, 18 dangerous weapons, six cellphones, and R1 738 in cash. Officers also seized 154.34 litres of alcoholic beverages, 33 packets of to***co products, 0.1 grams of crystal m**h, and 5 254.79 kilograms of dagga,” he said.
To boost compliance, police inspected 1 443 liquor premises, 193 secondhand dealers, and 31 scrapyards.
“A total of 6 084 informal businesses, such as spaza shops, were inspected to ensure labour law compliance. During the week-long operations, 7 701 people were searched and 4 951 vehicles were searched. Police also closed 23 unlicensed liquor premises,” said Ledwaba.
He said some of the arrested suspects have already appeared before various magistrates’ courts across the province, while others are expected to appear soon.
Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the dedication displayed by police members and all law enforcement stakeholders who participated in the operations.
She said the successes recorded during Operation Shanela are commendable as community safety remains a priority at all times.
Having joined members on the ground in Sekhukhune and Mopani, she said she witnessed firsthand their commitment, resilience and determination to serve the people of Limpopo. Hadebe encouraged all law enforcement officers to remain steadfast in their mission to protect communities. She said criminals must know that police will continue to intensify operations, maintain a strong presence in crime hotspots and relentlessly pursue those who choose to violate the law.

03/06/2026

SDM distance itself from alleged planned march against illegal immigrants
SEKHUKHUNE
The Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) distanced itself from the widely circulated poster allegedly calling on residents to participate in the planned march against illegal immigrants.
“The Municipality did not sanction, endorse, or associate itself with the poster including the unauthorised use of the "supposed Municipality’s logo", said SDM spokesperson Lemson Moropjane.

He said, the national government has consistently cautioned against such protests, as they often lead to violence, vigilantism, and criminality.
SDM Mayor Minah Bahula said, “As part of the government collective, the Sekhukhune District Municipality remains committed to the principles of constitutional democracy and operates within the confines of the law.”

The Municipality further encouraged all residents to respect the rule of law and promote social cohesion and peaceful coexistence within communities.

03/06/2026

Limpopo government neglects roads in the FTLM and Sekhukhune

NGWAABE

The Road Agency Limpopo (RAL) continues to turn a blind eye on the suffering endured by the Ngwaabe residents.

This publication received several complaints from residents about the bad state of the D4239 to Maepa Village.

In trying to intervene, the Dispatch visited Maepa Village, captured pictures of the pothole ridden road and forwarded them to the RAL.

Once again, RAL did not comment about the conditions of the road, and kept mum about plans to improve this problematic road.

The D4239 is a vital road to the communities as it links Maepa, Mphana, Ga-Maphopha and Ratau Villages, but at this juncture, it is undrivable.

According to community member Evans Mabowa, it’s not long since the road was upgraded from gravel to tar. Mabowa blamed shoddy and amateurish workmanship for the bad conditions of the road.

“It was shoddy work from day one. They used cheap material; the quality is bad. The road is bad and inaccessible for communities. A sick child cannot get to clinic on time. A scholar transport cannot reach our children. We were promised development, we got dust and damage,” said the concerned Mabowa.

He added that every time it rains, the tar lifts like old paint. “The contractor is gone, but our problems remain. If this is what they call upgraded infrastructure, then Ward 29 deserves better than leftovers.”

Residents said they were saddened by RAL and Limpopo government’s lack of intervention.
“Can they spare a thought for us? Our cars, and tires are always damaged by these bad roads. We plead with them to intervene.”

D4239 is not the only problematic route for the people of Fetakgomo Tubatse.

In the past months, Dispatch inquired about the D2277 to Mukutung in Ohrigstad, D4140 from Sehunyane to Mabocha (Morulaneng), D1450 from Praktiseer to Taung, as well as D4285 from Leeukraal to Thoto in the Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality.

In the paper’s inquiries to RAL, the publication wanted to know one thing, “When are these routes going to be upgraded?

No comment was received from RAL about the above-mentioned roads.

02/06/2026

Ga-Marishane residents decry R200-00 fee for community sports ground
GA-MARISHANE - What was meant to be an upgrade has turned into a barrier for Ga-Marishane residents, who say the Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality’s (MLM) new R200-00 usage fee is locking young people out of the very facility the community helped build.
Before MLM upgraded the sports ground, residents pooled money from their own pockets to construct a tennis court and netball facility. For years, the multi-sporting facility served as a free hub for soccer training, school sports, and weekend community games.
Residents claim that changed after the municipality took over management and introduced a R200 charge for anyone using the facility. Residents say the fee applies even to practice and training sessions, not just tournaments.
The impact is already visible. A local coach who used the ground to train young boys has stopped the program entirely. “He cannot afford to pay the municipality. Now those boys have nowhere to go after school,” one resident who did not want to be named explained.
Community members warn the consequences go beyond sport. “We are worried that young people have been denied access and they end up engaging in immoral activities doing drugs and crime because they have nothing to do and roam the streets,” the resident said.
Coaches and volunteers who ran free soccer and netball training can’t cover R200-00 per session. Several grassroots programs have collapsed.
The community is concerned that with the ground off-limits, teenagers spend more time on the streets after school instead of on the field. Residents link this to a rise in loitering and petty crime.
Many feel betrayed after contributing labour and money to build the tennis and netball courts, only to now be charged to use them.
Local schools that relied on the facility for inter-school practice now struggle to find affordable alternatives.
The fee has created tension between residents who can pay and those who can’t, eroding the sense of a shared community space.
“The community is disappointed with the payment. We were using the facility for free and it kept our children busy. Now we’re paying for it with crime and drugs,” a concerned resident said.
Even as the municipality claims to have developed the facility, residents say the upgrade is not compliant with basic standards.
They complain that the soccer pitch has been shortened to about 80 meters instead of the regulation 100 meters, making it unsuitable for proper matches.
Toilets at the facility are not working, and high-mast lights are failing, leaving the ground unsafe after dark. The pitch lawn is also patchy and eroded, with large bare and uneven sections that residents describe as worn-out and badly degraded turf.
There is also no water at the facility because boreholes constructed by Makhuduthamaga Municipality are dilapidated and no longer functional.
According to residents, the ward councillor claims the municipality announced the fee to collect revenue. “How can they collect revenue on the facility that does not actually belong to the municipality?” asked one concerned resident.
MLM has not yet responded to the publication’s requests for comment.

02/06/2026

SDM Council approves budget, focused on service delivery acceleration
GROBLERSDAL - Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) committed to push ahead with bulk water projects and infrastructure upgrades. This was revealed when municipality council approves its 2026/2027 budget at a special council meeting, held on Wednesday 27 May 2026 at SDM headquarters in Groblersdal.
The municipality said the budget approval formed the financial backbone for expanded service delivery, infrastructure development, water provision, and local economic growth programmes across the district.
During the engagement, among the major resolutions adopted was the approval of the Final Budget and Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF)-related policies for the 2026/2027 to 2028/2029 financial years.
The municipality said the approved budget is expected to enhance service delivery programmes, infrastructure development, water provision, and economic growth initiatives that will directly benefit communities throughout the district.
The council also noted the report on the 2026/2027 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) Review Public Participation Programme. Different stakeholders, including Magoši, people with disabilities, ratepayers, and community members actively participated in the process, demonstrating the municipality’s commitment to participatory democracy and inclusive governance.
In strengthening institutional governance, the council further approved the assessment report relating to Section 57 senior managers reporting directly to the Municipal Manager, Meshack Kgwale, thereby, enabling them to fully execute their responsibilities in advancing municipal programmes and service delivery objectives.
During her presentation, SDM Executive Mayor, Cllr Minah Bahula, emphasized the importance of strengthening the municipality’s financial sustainability.
“The municipality should move swiftly to enhance its revenue and amplify its economic viability while reducing overdependence on grants,” said Bahula.
She furthered reaffirmed that bulk water supply projects remain among the municipality’s highest priorities.
“Bulk water supply remains one of the most prioritized projects of the municipality as it bridges the gap relating to water shortages in our communities,” she said.
In a milestone achievement that received applause from the council, Bahula announced the successful categorization of Sekhukhune District Municipality to Grade 5 status. The Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) has directed the municipality to implement the Grade 5 categorization.
The categorization to Grade 5 relates solely to the remuneration packages of municipal managers and managers directly accountable to municipal managers.
This development signifies institutional growth and increased capacity for the municipality, positioning the district municipality to improve service delivery, strengthen administration, attract critical skills, and better respond to the developmental needs of communities.

Dispatch Sekhukhune

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