Latest news with #Bapedi
IOL News
03-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
TUT vice-chancellor faces legal action from Bapedi Kingdom if campus issue remains unresolved
TUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Tinyiko Maluleke faces legal action over TUT Sekhukhune campus "backtracking". Image: Thobile Mathonsi / Independent Newspapers The Bapedi Kingdom has given Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Vice-Chancellor Professor Tinyiko Maluleke 14 days to respond to their letter regarding the establishment of a campus in Sekhukhune, or face a legal challenge. The legal letter, dated Friday, May 23, 2025, now has less than a week for Maluleke to respond to. The kingdom claims that TUT has failed to honour its commitment to establish a campus in Sekhukhune, despite a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2021. The dispute between the Bapedi Kingdom and TUT centres around the university's decision to establish a campus in Giyani, which the kingdom views as a violation of the duty of good faith. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The kingdom argues that the idea of establishing a campus was conceived by the late King Thulare III for Sekhukhune, and that TUT cannot appropriate this idea for a different area and community. It further claims that Maluleke hijacked the project and shifted it to Giyani despite the 2021 MoU between the two bodies. Last month, the Kingdom, through the founder of the establishment project, William Maphutha, submitted a formal complaint to Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka, concerning allegations of TUT sabotaging the Sekhukhune university project. The four-year delay has continued to dominate headlines and sparked outrage among the Bapedi nation, who feel betrayed, especially after President Cyril Ramaphosa endorsed the project in his visit during the burial of the late King Thulare III, also in 2021. In a legal letter written to Maluleke on May 23 by the Bapedi Kingdom's legal representative, Rudolph Baloyi, the kingdom wished to have this matter resolved amicably and in line with the wishes of the late King of the Bapedi, King Thulare III, and in honour of his legacy. Baloyi further stated that the kingdom has sought to engage amicably with Professor Maluleke and has also solicited the intervention of the State through the Minister of Higher Education and the highest office of the land. 'The university approached the Department of Higher Education and Training to obtain the necessary permission and approval as per the provisions of the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997. 'In response thereto, on February 26, 2020, the department requested the university to conduct a market feasibility study before it could endorse the request… It was in this context that the market study was conducted. 'In pursuance of this decision, on May 20, 2021, the MOU was concluded between the parties to give effect to the decision taken by the university to establish the University Campus in Sekhukhune subject to compliance with the requirements specified by the department,' Baloyi wrote in the letter. Baloyi has warned that if a satisfactory response is not forthcoming from Maluleke within 14 days (now less than a week), they will approach a court of law for appropriate relief. 'The Bapedi Kingdom hopes to resolve the matter amicably, but is prepared to take legal action if necessary,' Baloyi wrote. TUT spokesperson Phaphama Tshisikhawe had not yet confirmed if Maluleke had received the letter or if they were going to respond by the due date. However, in a leaked letter, Maluleke had written to the Bapedi Kingdom on May 16, appreciating the hospitality they received while visiting the kingdom during a meeting the day before. 'It was an honour and a privilege for our delegation to connect with the Bapedi Kingdom and to discuss opportunities for mutual growth… TUT is eager to continue this journey with the Bapedi Kingdom. We look forward to future engagements,' Maluleke wrote. Although it was not clear what was discussed in that meeting, a source close to the kingdom said that the meeting did not bear any fruit.
News24
27-05-2025
- General
- News24
After 44 years together, Limpopo elderly couple finally say ‘I Do' in church ceremony
They were patient and after decades of waiting they finally walked down the aisle and celebrated their union. A traditional Limpopo church leader, Bishop Isaac Tumishi Tebele (74), formalised his marriage in a church ceremony on May 18, 2025, celebrating 44 years of an unbroken relationship with his wife. The ceremony marked the final step in their traditional Sepedi marriage process, which began decades ago with the payment of Lobola. The Praktiseer community witnessed a unique celebration as the couple walked down the aisle with the Bishop wearing his church liturgical garments. While this might seem unusual to outsiders, it represents a well-established tradition in Sepedi cultural practice, particularly in the Sekhukhune area of Limpopo, home to the Bapedi nation descended from King Sekhukhune. Supplied The wedding took place at the couple's home in Praktiseer, outside the mining town of Burgersfort in Fetakgomo Tubatse municipality. Bishop Tebele explained, 'Like any other man, I realised my wish of getting married and fulfilled my desire.' Though he had paid Lobola for his wife many years ago as a young man, completing the formal wedding ceremony was important to fully honor their cultural traditions. Read more | Dilokong Hospital leaves mom traumatised after baby falls head first during birth One of their children noted that he always knew this day would come, saying, 'I am happy for them. We are proud of them.' The couple exchanged vows at their church, the Church of Lord Jesus Christ Son of God (CLJC), with the theme 'Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate' (Mark 10:9). A pastor officiated the ceremony, blessing their wedding rings as they made their vows. Both the Tebele and Magabane families enthusiastically supported the ceremony. Earlier this year, the couple sent wedding invitations to friends and relatives, though many guests only discovered on the day of the wedding that this was the completion of a marriage journey that began decades ago with the payment of Lobola. Hundreds of community members attended the lavish reception on Sunday afternoon. A cow was slaughtered for the occasion to feed the guests who came to witness this historic event. Women ululated, men danced, and motorists honked their horns in celebration. Read more | Bullied teen tells mom if perpetrators are not arrested she'll kill herself The couple's four sons—Madala, Mmoledi, Mamose, and Petrus—and their daughter Mahlatse were overjoyed about their parents' wedding. Petrus expressed, 'We are very glad and satisfied they fulfilled their heart's wish.' Neighbor Abram Moloto commented, 'I would do the same if I were in their position. It is the only way to practice our culture. For many years, I did not hear any complaint or quarrel about the two lovers.' The celebration honored both cultural practices and religious traditions, featuring traditional meals and beverages. The community agrees that Bishop Tebele is a respected family man who deserves happiness after finally completing the full marriage process with his partner of over four decades.
IOL News
30-04-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Bapedi Royal Kingdom submits complaint to Public Protector over TUT's alleged sabotage of university project
Students at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). Image: Phill Magakoe / Independent Newspapers The Bapedi Royal Kingdom in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, has submitted a formal complaint to Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka, concerning allegations of Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) sabotaging the Sekhukhune university project. The kingdom, through the founder of the establishment project, William Maphutha, claims that the current TUT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, hijacked the project despite a 2021 memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two bodies. Maphutha has lodged a formal complaint with the Public Protector of South Africa, alleging that the Tshwane TUT hijacked and misappropriated the proposed establishment of a University of Mining and Agriculture in Sekhukhune. According to Maphutha, his company, Batsumi Pty Ltd, pioneered the concept of establishing a university in Sekhukhune with a focus on mining and agriculture in collaboration with TUT and the Bapedi Kingdom. However, despite the initial interest and support from TUT, the project has been redirected to Giyani, Limpopo, without any formal consultation or acknowledgment given to the original project initiators or the Bapedi Kingdom. Maphutha has requested Gcaleka to investigate the circumstances surrounding the relocation of the project to Giyani, establish whether there was any procedural misconduct or abuse of power by TUT management, recognise and protect the intellectual contribution of Batsumi Pty Ltd and the Bapedi Kingdom, and facilitate a resolution that is fair, transparent, and restores confidence and peace between the affected communities. Maphutha further claims that despite numerous written requests for updates, particularly directed to Maluleke, TUT has remained silent. 'Since 2021, however, communication from TUT ceased without explanation. 'Despite numerous written requests for updates – particularly directed to the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke – we received no response,' Maphutha said. The redirection of the project has sparked tensions between the community in Sekhukhune, with local stakeholders feeling betrayed and excluded from a project that they not only conceptualised but helped formalise. 'This redirection has sparked tensions between communities in Sekhukhune and Giyani, as local stakeholders in Sekhukhune feel betrayed and excluded from a project that they not only conceptualised but helped formalise,' Maphutha said. The Bapedi people of Sekhukhune say they feel betrayed at the non-communication, especially from Vice-Chancellor Professor Tinyiko Maluleke. Image: Thobile Mathonsi / Independent Newspapers Maphutha claimed that despite a fully-funded feasibility study being completed, there has been inexplicable silence from Maluleke's office. He also alleged that Maluleke has covertly worked to divert the project from Sekhukhune to Giyani, alleged to be his hometown. The Public Protector's office has confirmed receipt of the complaint and will investigate the matter. The MOU was signed in May 2021 and aimed to establish a campus in Sekhukhune, accommodating students interested in mining-related studies, given the area's location in the platinum belt. The old Sekhukhune Teachers Training College was identified as the site for the campus. However, months later, TUT announced plans to construct a campus in Giyani instead. TUT, in a statement this week, acknowledged the MoU and commissioned the visibility study. 'Concluding a thorough process of consultation and due diligence, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Royal Bapedi Kingdom on 20 May 2021. 'TUT is determined to continue conducting this historic partnership – aimed at building a knowledge-sharing platform – with dignity and respect for the Royal Bapedi Kingdom, and in line with the MoU,' the statement read. [email protected]
Daily Maverick
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Empower land-buying syndicate communities to transform the rural economy
Since the late 19th century African people in South Africa have employed various strategies to reclaim the land they lost during the colonial period. These strategies have primarily involved the imposition of community-wide levies to buy land and the coming together of individuals to collectively buy land, commonly referred to as land-buying syndicates. These syndicates were made up mostly of small groups of between three and 15 people and often large groups of between 50 and 100 or more. The Bafokeng people were one of the earliest communities to embrace reclaiming land they lost by buying it back. In their book, People of the Dew, Bernard Mbenga and Andrew Manson noted that between 1866 and 1931 the Bafokeng purchased 33 farms, 22 of which were bought before 1905. In contrast, the Bapedi people, having been defeated by an army of British, Boer and Swazi forces in 1879, were unwilling to buy back their land until the 1920s. The Bapedi argued for popular repossession of land from the colonial regime and believed the purchase of land was against their custom. It was only in 1922 that they made the decision to institute tribal levies to buy back their land, and by the early 1950s they had purchased 29 farms. Because of their early and aggressive campaign to purchase land, the Bafokeng bought their land with the mineral rights mostly intact. The Bapedi bought back their land without mineral ownership owing to the 1924 discovery of platinum on the Mooihoek farm, which was historically part of Sekhukhuneland. After the discovery, landowners in the region were willing to sell the surface rights but not the mineral rights. The retention of mineral rights, not land ownership, led to the economic prosperity of the Bafokeng Nation today. What started in the late 19th century, with communities purchasing land mostly by the imposition of community-wide levies, led to individuals forming themselves into groups to buy land. The desire for tenure security and the scarcity of land in the native reserves drove the purchase of land by African communities and individuals. The scale of the land purchases was meaningful. In his book, Our Land, Our Life, Our Future, Harvey Feinberg estimated that between 1905 and 19 June 1913, Africans in the Transvaal bought about 430 farms. Between 1913 and 1936, the then governor-general approved 3,295 purchases of farms and plots by Africans throughout the country. Of those, about 45% of the transactions were in the Transvaal. Besides certain parts of Natal, the drive for land acquisition in Transvaal was unparalleled anywhere else in South Africa. The number of farms and plots bought between 1905 and 1936 is substantial, given that African people bought and registered only 63 farms between 1877 and 1904 in the Transvaal. While land-buying syndicates have land, limited investments over the past century have been made into these communities to increase the productivity of their land or develop business enterprises. Regrettably, very few of the communities that purchased their land in the early 20th century are now better off because of land ownership. What went wrong? Why haven't land-buying syndicates achieved economic prosperity? First, land-buying syndicates continue to use land in limited ways, primarily for subsistence farming, grazing for their livestock and residential purposes. This is a legacy of our agro-pastoralism heritage. Rural residents still associate farming with providing for subsistence, and this has disincentivised young people from pursuing opportunities in the agricultural sector. A mindset shift and concerted effort are vital to build the next pipeline of agricultural entrepreneurs among land-buying syndicate communities. The transition to commercial farming or entrepreneurship is crucial since subsistence farming is declining in areas controlled by land-buying syndicates. Second, while these syndicate communities have effective control over their land, formal ownership often rests with the state. The lack of formal ownership is the result of the Six Native Rule, which prohibited more than six Africans from purchasing or holding land in their own names. From the 1880s, if more than six Africans wanted to buy land, they had to register it in the name of a public official or agency to be held in trust on their behalf. Alternatively, they could also buy land by affiliating with a neighbouring tribal community. The land would be registered in the name of the tribal community and not the land purchasers. The Six Native Rule was formalised in the Natives Trust and Land Act of 1936. Some land-buying syndicates circumvented this rule by choosing to register only six people among themselves even though those who contributed to the purchase price were more. Some chose to find sympathetic missionaries and register the land in their name. Section 25(6) of the South African Constitution requires the state to remedy the complex and insecure legal arrangements that land-buying syndicates find themselves in because of the Six Native Rule. But alas, the government continues to fail to pass the necessary legislation. The failure of the state has constrained the ability of land-buying syndicates to leverage their land to access capital for development purposes. Third, rural residents are perceived as lacking the funding to develop entrepreneurial ventures. However, there are considerable funds in rural communities in South Africa, as demonstrated by stokvels (informal savings groups for various purposes); the National Stokvel Association of South Africa reported that there are more than 800,000 stokvels in the country that collectively save about R50-billion annually. In addition, many rural communities impose levies on residents for various purposes, including burial costs, maintenance of basic community infrastructure and the provision of some basic services in failing municipalities. However, we haven't seen the pulling of these and other resources to provide risk capital for community members who are entrepreneurially inclined. Addressing the barriers to rural entrepreneurs' access to capital could lead to meaningful local economic growth. Last, the state has provided limited support to help transition communities from subsistence-based farming to small-scale commercial agriculture. However, no support has been provided to transition syndicate communities into other business opportunities. Supporting viable and competitive businesses and developing human capital among land-buying syndicates would result in transformative outcomes for these communities. To transform the rural economy, the state needs to address the legally insecure tenure of land for land-buying syndicate communities. Moreover, incentives, market access and support need to be provided to help transition from a legacy of agro-pastoralism to the development of sustainable enterprises that address the needs of rural communities. DM
The Citizen
29-04-2025
- Science
- The Citizen
UniLim graduate excels in animal production
POLOKWANE – The University of Limpopo recently celebrated its autumn graduation ceremony, marking a milestone for graduates who have worked tirelessly to reach their academic goals. One of the standout graduates was Lebogang Emily Mokubedi, a determined and ambitious young woman from Ngwalemong-B (Makgatle), a rural village in Sekhukhune. Growing up in a community that relied heavily on livestock production, Mokubedi developed a passion for agriculture and animal production from an early age. 'The importance of agriculture and animal production in our area inspired me to pursue studies in this field,' she said. Her academic journey was highlighted by her research on the population structure and inbreeding depression in birth weight and reproductive traits of the endangered Bapedi sheep. 'It was a challenging but enriching experience, diving into genetics and breeding. The success of this project has reinforced my desire to pursue a career that combines research, extension and community development,' she said. As she steps into her professional career in agricultural development, Mokubedi is eager to put her newfound skills into practice. 'I am excited to begin my career, focusing on animal production and extension services. My degree has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve livestock production systems, support farmers, and contribute to policy development,' she said. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
