Latest news with #DieketsengMashego
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Limpopo sees 7 000 circumcised in HIV prevention drive
LIMPOPO – The MEC for Health, Dieketseng Mashego, has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing progress of the Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) programme, which continues to demonstrate strong uptake across various districts. Since the MEC launched the programme on Friday, June 20, to date, over 7 000 males have undergone safe medical circumcision through the programme, reflecting encouraging momentum in the province's efforts to strengthen HIV prevention and promote men's health. Notably, more than 700 of those circumcised are aged 15 years and above, signalling increased participation from adolescents and young adults. District-level data shows that Vhembe continues to lead with 1 608 procedures conducted, followed closely by Waterberg with 1 220. Read more: Limpopo Health launches male circumcision drive to fight HIV Mopani and Sekhukhune follow with just above a thousand while Capricorn is just below 1 000. Institutionally, the top three performing sites are Dilokong District Hospital in Sekhukhune, Tshilidzini Regional Hospital in Vhembe as well as Thabaleshoba Community Health Centre in Waterburg. The MEC commended the commitment of healthcare workers and community mobilisers who are driving awareness and access to VMMC services in these regions. Over a hundred sites are open across the province, and interested members of the public are still encouraged to register. 'We are pleased with the progress made so far. The number of men coming forward for circumcision demonstrates growing awareness and acceptance of the health benefits associated with this important programme. We urge parents, guardians, and male adults who wish to take part in the programme to enquire and register at the facility closest to them,' said Mashego. The department reiterates that the VMMC programme is voluntary, safe, and free of charge, and all procedures are performed by trained medical professionals in line with national health guidelines. The programme is open to males aged 10 years and older, and ongoing community outreach efforts aim to ensure that even more eligible individuals can access these essential services. For more information, members of the public are encouraged to enquire at their nearest clinic or facility. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
30-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Limpopo Health launches male circumcision drive to fight HIV
LIMPOPO – The Limpopo Department of Health is urging males aged 10 and older to participate in its voluntary male circumcision campaign, launched as part of a province-wide effort to reduce the risk of HIV transmission and promote better overall male health. Limpopo Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego officially launched the campaign on Friday, June 20, at the Evelyn Lekganyane Clinic in Boyne, just outside Polokwane. The campaign will be rolled out across the province, with various hospitals and clinics offering free circumcision services. Hospitals such as Letaba and Van Velden are now accepting bookings through their respective clinics and health centres. These include the Dan Clinic, Nkowankowa Health Centre, Letaba Gateway Clinic, Letsitele Clinic, and Ooghoek Clinic, among others. Letaba Hospital will officially launch its leg of the campaign on June 30 at the Nkowankowa Health Centre. Circumcisions at the hospital will continue to be available throughout the year. For more information or to book a procedure, contact the acting communication officer at Letaba Hospital, Inno Mokgolobotho, at 015 303 8210. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
20-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Initiation season 2025: Limpopo approves 530 schools
Quick read Acting Premier Basikopo Makamu and Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego confirmed Limpopo's readiness for the 2025 initiation school season. The season will run from June 23 to July 21 under the theme 'They must go alive and come back alive.' A total of 569 applications were received; 530 were approved – 322 for males and 208 for females. Rejected applications came from Mopani (20), Capricorn (6), Sekhukhune (7), and Waterberg (1), mostly due to land and documentation issues. Only recognised Makgoshi may host initiation schools, and all schools must comply with the Limpopo Initiation School Act. The Act sets the minimum age at 12, sparking debate among attendees who argued for younger initiates. Full story below. Full story POLOKWANE – Acting Premier Basikopo Makamu, alongside Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego and the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) executive, held a media briefing last Wednesday to announce Limpopo's readiness for the 2025 Initiation School Season. This year's season will run from June 23 to 21 July under the guiding theme, 'A ba ye ba phela, ba boye ba phela', which translates to 'They must go alive and come back alive'. Later in the day, the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) hosted a pre-initiation school workshop at the Jack Botes Hall. The workshop aimed to clarify the responsibilities of permit holders, senior traditional leaders, traditional surgeons, and caregivers during the 2025 season. PICC chairperson Hosi Chauke and deputy chairperson Kgosi Rammupudu reported that 569 applications were received for both winter and summer initiation schools. Of these, 530 were approved – 322 for male initiates and 208 for female initiates. Makamu stressed that only officially recognised Makgoshi from Limpopo districts would be permitted to host initiation schools. Rejected applications included Mopani (20), Capricorn (6), Sekhukhune (7) and Waterberg (1) and the reasons for rejection ranged from land jurisdiction issues to missing required documentation. According to the Limpopo Initiation School Act, no child under the age of 12 is allowed to be admitted for initiation. This regulation sparked lively debate among those present. Some caregivers advocated for younger initiates, citing faster healing, while others questioned the age restriction in traditional circumcision when no such requirement exists in western medical circumcision. In response, Rammupudu urged attendees to respect the law, despite differing opinions. 'We hear your concerns. But we must remember, we did not create this law, the government did. We promise to engage with government on potential age amendments, but for now, let us abide by the law to avoid imprisonment.' Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego confirmed that her department would collaborate closely with the police and traditional surgeons to prevent complications. 'We will deploy doctors and nurses to safeguard the initiates. Importantly, we'll send medical personnel who have previously undergone initiation, to respect cultural protocols.' The PICC, in partnership with the police, Education, Health, and the National Prosecuting Authority committed to ongoing monitoring of all legal initiation schools to ensure strict compliance and the safety of all initiates. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
![Shocking rape allegation against Limpopo doctor [video]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesouthafrican.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F04%2FUntitled_design_1_1_optimized_100_1_optimized_50.png&w=3840&q=100)
![Shocking rape allegation against Limpopo doctor [video]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fthesouthafrican.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
The South African
30-04-2025
- Health
- The South African
Shocking rape allegation against Limpopo doctor [video]
Watch the full version of the ' Limpopo doctor investigated for alleged rape of pregnant patient' article – in a minute. The Limpopo Department of Health has launched an internal investigation after a doctor allegedly attempted to rape a 22-year-old pregnant patient at George Masebe Hospital. According to SowetanLive , the incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning in the sonar room during an abdominal ultrasound. Which was part of the patient's regular monitoring. Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego expressed deep concern over the incident. Assuring the public that the department is taking the matter seriously. For the latest political news, bookmark The South African website's dedicated section for free-to-read content The Citizen reported that the acting Limpopo police provincial commissioner, Major General Samuel Manala, has ordered a full investigation into the reported rape. That occurred in the Tinmyne policing area, just outside Mokopane in the Waterberg District. Police have opened a rape case, but they have not yet arrested the suspect. Looking for quick updates? Watch News in a Minute videos on The South African's YouTube page for all the key stories you need to know! Catch all the latest videos on news, lifestyle, travel, sports and more – there's always something to watch! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky to stay connected and get your news on the go!
The South African
30-04-2025
- Health
- The South African
Limpopo doctor investigated for alleged rape of pregnant patient
The Limpopo Department of Health has launched an internal investigation after a doctor allegedly attempted to rape a 22-year-old pregnant patient at George Masebe Hospital. According to SowetanLive , the incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning in the sonar room during an abdominal ultrasound. Which was part of the patient's regular monitoring. Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego expressed deep concern over the incident. Assuring the public that the department is taking the matter seriously. 'In addition to supporting the police inquiry. We have launched our own internal investigation to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding this incident,' Mashego said. She added that hospitals should be 'havens for the weak and vulnerable,' and that healthcare professionals must uphold the highest ethical standards. Mashego confirmed that the department is cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies. 'This matter has been reported to the police for further investigation,' she said. The Citizen reported that the acting Limpopo police provincial commissioner, Major General Samuel Manala, has ordered a full investigation into the reported rape. That occurred in the Tinmyne policing area, just outside Mokopane in the Waterberg District. Police have opened a rape case, but they have not yet arrested the suspect. 'Crimes of this nature are extremely serious and particularly disturbing when committed by individuals entrusted with the care of vulnerable members of our community,' said Manala. 'We are treating this case with the urgency and sensitivity it deserves. We urge anyone who may have additional information to come forward.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
