Lepelle Review

10/08/2026

UAT gets a new voice in the Limpopo Legislature as Justice takes oath

By Sipho Mmammetlwa

The United Africans Transformation (UAT) has moved swiftly to fill its vacant seat in the Limpopo Provincial Legislature, with Ntshavheni Magadzi Justice officially sworn in as a new Member of the Provincial Legislature on Sunday, August 10.

The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by Limpopo Provincial Legislature Speaker Makoma Grace Makhurupetje at the Parliamentary Village in Polokwane.

Justice took the oath of office during a ceremony held at the Parliamentary Village in Polokwane, formally beginning his tenure as a provincial legislator.

His arrival follows the resignation of former UAT MPL Dzanwuthoma Mathobani-Mzam, whose departure created a vacancy in the provincial legislature.

The process to fill the seat was conducted in accordance with electoral legislation. UAT submitted an updated list of candidates, which was subsequently published in the Government Gazette on August 3, 2026, under the Electoral Laws Amendment Act.

During the swearing-in ceremony, Justice pledged to uphold the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and to discharge his responsibilities to the best of his ability while serving the people of Limpopo.

His entry into the legislature restores UAT's representation in the provincial parliament and gives the party a new voice in provincial legislative affairs.

As an MPL, Justice will be expected to participate in legislative debates, committee proceedings, and oversight activities aimed at holding the provincial executive accountable.

He will also have a responsibility to represent the interests and concerns of communities in Limpopo and contribute to the work of the legislature in developing and scrutinising provincial laws and policies.

The swearing-in, therefore, marks more than the filling of a vacant seat — it signals the beginning of a new chapter for Justice and UAT in the Limpopo Provincial Legislature.

09/08/2026

https://www.lepellereview.com/pirates-sundowns-sekhukhune-and-arrows-book-mtn8-semi-final-places/

The 2026 MTN8 semi-final line-up is complete, with defending champions Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Sekhukhune United and Lamontville Golden Arrows all booking their places in the last four after a dramatic weekend of quarter-final action. Pirates and Sundowns survived extra-time battles on S...

09/08/2026

https://africadaily.co.za/banyana-banyana-down-but-the-world-cup-dream-in-brazil-lives/

BANYANA Banyana’s participation in the WAFCON is over — but their dream of playing at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil is still alive! The 2022 African champions were knocked out of th…

07/08/2026

Young Woman Launches Yoga Club to Build Healthier, Stronger Community in Zebediela

By Nakampe Lekwadu

A 24-year-old Zebediela woman is inspiring local women to prioritise their physical and mental well-being through the launch of a new community-based yoga club aimed at promoting health, confidence and sisterhood.

Adina Aphane, the founder of SheRise Yoga Club, has introduced the initiative to provide women with a safe and welcoming environment where they can focus on self-care while building meaningful connections with one another.

According to Aphane, the programme goes beyond exercise and is designed to empower women to become healthier, happier and more confident.

"We created this space so women can invest in their physical and mental well-being while building a stronger, more supportive community," she said.

She explained that the club seeks to encourage women to connect, share their experiences and draw strength from one another.

"More than just a fitness activity, the initiative aims to empower women by promoting self-care, confidence and personal growth," Aphane added.

She noted that many women silently carry emotional burdens, often battling stress, low self-esteem and body image challenges.

"We want to create a space where women can encourage one another, share their experiences and realise that positive change starts with themselves," she said.

Aphane chose yoga because of its proven physical and mental health benefits. She said the practice improves flexibility, strength and balance while helping participants reduce stress and anxiety.

"Yoga also promotes relaxation, improves sleep quality and encourages mindfulness, making it an effective way to support both physical and emotional well-being," she said.

The SheRise Yoga Club is expected to host its first community event soon, with women from Zebediela and surrounding areas invited to take part. Organisers hope the initiative will inspire more women to embrace healthier lifestyles while creating lasting bonds through wellness and sisterhood.

Residents are encouraged to consult the event poster for details about the club's inaugural

07/08/2026

Big project coming to Zebediela's Groothoek Hospital

https://web.facebook.com/share/p/19B6rkexuG/

For decades, Groothoek Hospital stood proudly on the hills of Zebediela as a beacon of hope, healing and life. Long before modern hospitals spread across Limpopo, the once-renowned hospital was th…

07/08/2026

Tsamayas, football and entertainment to light up Zebediela at ZB Diski Fun Day

By Nakampe Lekwadu

Football lovers, music fans and socialites are expected to descend on Mehlareng Village's Dlondlo Sports Grounds in Zebediela on Sunday, August 9, when the much-anticipated ZB Diski Fun Day, popularly known as the Amagroovist Tournament, returns for its second edition.

The annual one-day football extravaganza has quickly established itself as one of the most entertaining community sporting events in the area, combining competitive football with music, dance and a vibrant social atmosphere.

Organisers are promising a day filled with "tsamayas" and plenty of "show me your number" celebrations as supporters cheer on their favourite teams while enjoying live entertainment throughout the tournament.

Four local clubs will battle for top honours in this edition's Top 4 competition. Defending champions Andy Pub FC will begin the defence of their crown against fellow contenders Colour Run FC, Dammers FC and Storms FC in what promises to be an action-packed day of football.

Andy Pub FC will be under pressure to prove that the previous edition's triumph was no fluke as the other three teams aim to dethrone the champions and walk away with the bragging rights.

Now celebrating its third year since being launched in 2024, the tournament which is normally played more than once per year, more so during the long weekends on the South African calendar has become more than just a football competition. It has evolved into a community celebration that brings together young and old through sport, music and entertainment while promoting unity within the Zebediela area.

The inaugural tournament last year attracted a lively crowd from Mehlareng and neighbouring villages, with supporters creating a carnival atmosphere from the opening whistle until the trophy presentation. Andy Pub FC emerged as the first-ever champions after producing an impressive performance throughout the competition, setting the benchmark for future editions of the event.

The success of the inaugural tournament encouraged organisers to make the event an annual fixture on the local sporting calendar, with expectations that this year's edition will draw an even bigger attendance.

Apart from the football action, spectators can look forward to a festive atmosphere featuring music with the likes of popular DJs such as Dj Sleek T, Mpho JazzyFizza Makhafola on the deck, dancing and social entertainment, making the ZB Diski Fun Day one of the standout community events during the Women's Day weekend.

Bad news however is that Andy's Pub supporters are likely to miss their favourite star player, Thabang "Tuchee" Kekana who has confirmed his unavailability in this edition as he is still nursing an injury which he sustained during the previous competition, however fans will still enjoy watching a flair football on the day displayed by other talented players such as Thole TC, Karabo "Fish" Kekana, Tshepo "Bones-Mathambo" Mapiano and Baggio Khwinana, and Tumelo just to mention few.

With local pride at stake and the championship trophy on the line, football fans can expect fierce competition on the field and unforgettable entertainment off it as the Amagroovist Tournament returns to Dlondlo Sports Grounds for another memorable edition.

06/08/2026

Suspect to appear in court for Zebediela wheelchair-bound girl's brutal murder

By Nakampe Lekwadu

Nearly three months after the nation was left horrified by the brutal kidnapping and murder of wheelchair-bound teenager Anna Ramollo, police have finally arrested a suspect believed to be linked to the gruesome crime that shattered her family and shocked the Ga-Rakgoatha community.

The 24-year-old suspect, who had allegedly been on the run since the horrific killing of the 18-year-old, was arrested in Polokwane on Wednesday afternoon following an intelligence-driven operation by the Limpopo Provincial Tracking Team and the Provincial Investigation Unit.
He is expected to appear before the Zebediela Periodical Court on Friday, August 7, on charges of kidnapping and murder.

Anna's disappearance in May sparked widespread concern after she left her home in Ga-Rakgoatha Extension with her 24-year-old brother. Witnesses reportedly saw him pushing her wheelchair near Bergeneck village outside Zebediela before the pair vanished.

Days of desperate searching ended in heartbreak when police discovered Anna's mutilated body buried in a shallow grave near Bergeneck Road. The discovery sent shockwaves across Limpopo, with residents demanding swift justice for the defenceless teenager.
Her brother has still not been found, and police continue to investigate his disappearance as part of the ongoing case.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, welcomed the arrest, describing it as a major breakthrough in a case that has deeply affected both the family and the community.

Scheepers praised members of the Provincial Tracking Team and the Provincial Investigation Unit for their relentless efforts in tracking down the suspect.

"This arrest demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that those responsible for violent crimes are traced, arrested and brought before the courts. We will continue with the investigation until every question surrounding this case has been answered," he said.
Police investigations are continuing, while Anna's grieving family hopes the court proceedings will finally bring answers and justice for a young woman whose life was cut short in a cruel and senseless act of violence.

04/08/2026

Four men sentenced to life imprisonment for Lebowakgomo tavern murder

By Nakampe Lekwadu

Newly appointed Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, has welcomed the life imprisonment sentences handed down to four men convicted of the brutal murder of a 50-year-old man at a tavern in Mamaolo Village, outside Lebowakgomo.

The Polokwane High Court on Monday, August 3, sentenced Bongani Nkuna (34), Bright Ncube (23), Brian Ncube (23) and Tumelo Maloma (32) for the murder of Matome Molema, who was gunned down at a local tavern on Sunday, July 7, 2024.

Evidence presented in court revealed that the four accused, armed with two pistols, stormed the tavern and fatally shot Molema before fleeing the scene in a white Volkswagen Jetta.

An off-duty police officer attached to the Provincial Flying Squad, who lives near the crime scene, heard the gunshots and immediately went to investigate. After receiving information about the shooting, the officer officially booked himself on duty and pursued the suspects' vehicle while simultaneously calling for backup.

The chase was joined by another off-duty police officer and supported by members of the Mookgophong Farm Watch. Their coordinated efforts led to the arrest of all four suspects and the recovery of two unlicensed fi****ms believed to have been used in the attack.

Police opened cases of murder, possession of unlicensed fi****ms and possession of ammunition. The investigation was later transferred to the Provincial Investigation Unit, where Warrant Officer Mokhepo Gafane led the case.

Through detailed and meticulous investigations, Gafane successfully opposed the accused's bail applications, paving the way for the matter to proceed to the Polokwane High Court.

The four men were convicted of murder, two counts of possession of unlicensed fi****ms and possession of ammunition. Bright and Brian Ncube, who are Zimbabwean nationals, were also convicted of contravening the Immigration Act.

All the sentences will run concurrently, and the court also declared the four men unfit to possess fi****ms.
The State's case was prosecuted by Advocate Sehlako in the Polokwane High Court.
Welcoming the sentence, Lieutenant General Scheepers praised the dedication of the police officers and investigators whose swift response ensured the successful prosecution of the case.
"This sentence sends a strong message that criminals who use illegal fi****ms to terrorise and murder innocent people have no place in our society. I commend the swift actions of all the role players as well as the outstanding investigation by the detectives," said Scheepers.

04/08/2026

https://africadaily.co.za/banyana-face-do-or-die-battle-against-burkina-faso/

Banyana Banyana’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) rest squarely on the outcome of their final Group B clash against B…