Latest news with #Limpopo
Zawya
5 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Committee on Agriculture Commends Improved Performance of Agricultural Research Council (ARC), National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) and Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) in the Fourth Quarter of 2024/25
The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture welcomed the briefings it received yesterday from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), and the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) on their performance in the fourth quarter of the 2024/25 financial year and commended their notable performance. In welcoming the briefings from the three entities of the Department of Agriculture, the Chairperson of the Committee, Ms Dina Pule, said the committee was happy about the progress that the entities reported to the committee. She said the committee notes the hard work the entities have demonstrated and called for more improvement in all the areas of work that included implementation of the Auditor General's recommendations on their last audit outcomes. The ARC reported that funding for building of the new Foot-and-mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine Facility is still a challenge and that, efforts to obtain the required funding for the new facility remains a priority. The entity reported that field assessment of the FMD vaccine in Mpumalanga and Limpopo is ongoing and the study on vaccine safety in pregnant cows and young calves has been initiated. In appreciating the performance of the NAMC, the committee called on the entity to do more on finding market access for the small-scale farmers as markets are alfa and omega for their growth, survival and meaningful contribution to the South African economy and for national food security. The Chairperson told the Deputy Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Ms Zoleka Capa, who led the departmental delegation, that the committee notes with appreciation the accountability of both the Minister and his Deputy that they demonstrate to the committee. The Chairperson also said that accountability is a critical starting point for the success of the department. 'We deeply appreciate your availability to our meetings with the department. Your presence solidifies the accountability of the department to the committee and the oversight responsibility of the committee over the department,' emphasised the Chairperson. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Zawya
6 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Hands-on support to boost 4 digital skills development programmes
As part of a revitalisation strategy with a focus on bridging the digital skills gap and creating sustainable opportunities for underserved communities, the Sage Foundation has pledged to support four training and development programmes. Yvette Chochoe, Sage Foundation Regional Manager, AME Sage Foundation's efforts over the next three years will be anchored by: - WeThinkCode: Tackling South Africa's ICT skills shortage by training Neet (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) youth to become software developers. More than just coding, this programme provides a pathway to a fulfilling career. Over the next three years, 75 students will undergo rigorous training, preparing them for greater opportunities and improved earning potential upon graduation. - Tomorrow Trust: Equipping 1,517 learners from Gauteng and Limpopo with critical digital and problem-solving skills through the Shift (skills, holism, and innovation for tomorrow) programme. Activities include robotics, coding, e-learning platforms, and exposure to virtual reality applications. - GirlCode: Empowering 2,000 Grade 8 and 9 girls in and around Soweto and Tembisa, introducing them to the exciting world of coding and fostering a supportive community. A 'train-the-trainer' model will empower unemployed youth to lead future cohorts, creating a ripple effect of positive change. - LeadChange Development: Focusing on empowering 350 individuals with disabilities through accredited ICT training and job placement. This programme is about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for everyone to participate in the digital economy. "Our focus isn't just on short-term fixes, we're committed to driving long-term, sustainable change," says Yvette Chochoe, Sage Foundation regional manager, AME. "Through our four flagship initiatives, WeThinkCode, Tomorrow Trust, Girl Code, and Lead Change Development, we've seen first-hand how skills development can transform lives. By continuing to invest in entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, and education, we're not only helping individuals secure employment, but we're also empowering a generation to reshape South Africa's economic future. We're proud to have already made a meaningful impact to the lives of over 3,900 people." Across the four partnerships, Sage employees will play a vital role in supporting the programmes by sharing their expertise and time. Sage volunteers will engage in robotics and coding mentorship, as well as CV writing and mock interviews, and financial literacy workshops – empowering participants with practical skills and insights, based on three core principles: - Fostering employability and entrepreneurship – helping individuals not only achieve financial independence but also actively contribute to their local economies. It's about building meaningful careers, not just securing jobs. - Harnessing organisational expertise and strengths in AI and digital transformation to bridge the digital divide and prepare participants for the future of work – sparking curiosity, innovation and a lasting passion for technology. - Sharpening focus and impact: streamlining and strengthening strategic partnerships and delivering targeted initiatives to maximise impact and ensure tangible, lasting change in the communities we serve.
The Herald
a day ago
- The Herald
Nine correctional officers accused of inmate's murder granted bail
Nine correctional services officials accused of the murder of an inmate at the Polokwane Correctional Centre have been released on R1,500 bail each. Victor Ramoroka, 52, Victor Seakamela, 59, Lutendo Vele, 41, Christopher Mafela, 33, Michael Ramabu, 42, Anna Shai, 41, Josephine Mphela, 49, Obed Selolo, 53, and Lucas Phihlela, 54, appeared in the Polokwane magistrate's court on Tuesday facing a charge of murder. The group is accused of assaulting a male inmate in July 2024 who later succumbed to his injuries while in custody. Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the incident. 'Subsequent to police investigations, it is alleged that during July 2024, the Correctional Services members assaulted a male inmate and he later died,' said Ledwaba.
News24
a day ago
- General
- News24
Limpopo woman Dineo Twala turns parents' home into disabled children's centre
A Limpopo woman has transformed her parents' house into a centre for children born with disabilities. Deep compassion and love for children motivated her to make a difference in their lives. Thirty-year-old Dineo Thwala, from the rural village of Bothashoek, provides comfort to children who are permanently disabled and paralysed. Her journey began with the challenge of caring for her sister's child, who was born with cerebral palsy and couldn't walk, talk, or sit. This experience led her to establish the Tshepo Foundation, 'Tshepo' being a Sepedi name meaning 'Hope.' In 2019, Dineo's love for children blossomed into a fully-fledged centre. She started with a support group for parents of children born with disabilities. 'I encourage and teach other parents to train and exercise their children. I help them learn how to care for their children living with disabilities, using an app that outlines step-by-step methods to improve a disabled child's living conditions,' she explains. Eight-year-old Dimakatso Nkadimeng is one of the children who received a special mobility device called a Madiba Buggy during the 67 minutes of Mandela Day celebration. The device helps restore mobility and dignity for children who can't sit properly, providing essential body and head support. Unemployed young mothers Dikeledi Nkadimeng, 21, and Virginia Matlakala, 25, from Ga-Manoke village near Burgersfort, survive on their children's disability social grants. They stay at home and have struggled to find employment. Matlakala told Drum magazine that seeing her child play with other children and finally attempt to speak has brought her joy after countless years of trying to get a wheelchair for her child. 'My child used to watch with envy as other children played together,' Matlakala said. Dineo shared a success story: 'When Matlakala's daughter, Comfort, was first brought to the Tshepo Foundation, she was unable to do anything. Now she can speak, move around, and eat solid food without being selective about what she eats.' Caring for people living with disabilities has always been challenging, but for unemployed Thwala, it has become a passion that has developed into a centre for those born with disabilities. The centre operates from a house in her parents' backyard and cares for children with cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, osteogenesis imperfecta, and other disabilities. 'We face challenges such as lack of cleaning materials, transport, toiletries, and wheelchairs,' Dineo explains. She continues to approach potential donors and funders, and her efforts are beginning to bear fruit. She also plans to secure land where she can build a proper centre for children living with disabilities. Read more | Limpopo man appeals for help to remove life-altering keloid growth Many children depend on her centre for social contact with other kids living with similar conditions. Thwala's advice to parents with disabled children is important: 'They often find themselves isolated at home because they literally have no one to communicate with. Here, they have a sense of belonging because we show them love and care.' Most of these children come from disadvantaged families, and the centre provides them with two meals a day. Thwala pleads for support from multidisciplinary professionals, including physiotherapists and occupational therapists, to volunteer their therapeutic expertise. This training would help improve the lives of those living with disabilities.
News24
a day ago
- News24
South African woman arrested for child support scam? Unrelated arrest photo shared in hoax
Viral posts shared this month falsely claim a woman was arrested in South Africa for receiving financial support from eight men for one child. This is false; the claim is a recycled hoax from 2023. The woman in the photo was arrested in a 2024 drug bust, and police say no child support scam as described in the post took place. 'A 35 year old woman was arrested for collecting child support money from Eight (different men for one child (sic),' reads a Facebook post published on July 12, 2025. The post adds: 'Ms Nancy Mudau from Nzhelele Biaba, Limpopo has been collecting money for 12 years from these Eight (different men who thought they are the father of her child.' The post, shared more than 4 500 times, further claims that by the time the woman was arrested, the money had been used to pay school fees, build a home and start construction on a tavern. The photo included in the post shows a woman facing a South African Police Service (SAPS) van, while being flanked by uniformed officers. Similar claims were shared tens of thousands of times across media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok and X. But the claims are false. No case A reverse image search of the arrest photo revealed that it was posted on the SAPS website on 5 April 2024 in connection with a drug bust in Kimberley, a city in South Africa's Northern Cape province (archived here). 'Three adult male persons, two South Africans and one Nigerian, were arrested in Pampierstad for possession of crystal meth and one female was arrested in Hartswater for being in possession of suspected mandrax tablets,' reads the police statement. The false posts claim that the woman was arrested in Limpopo, approximately 1 000 kilometres from the Northern Cape, where the photo of the woman was taken (archived here). Limpopo police also told AFP Fact Check on 17 July 2025 that they had no arrests matching the claim's description. 'We do not have such a case in Limpopo,' spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba said in a WhatsApp message. 2023 hoax A keyword search for 'Woman from Nzhelele, Limpopo Nancy Mudau' on Google links to unverified articles from 2023, including on West African blog sites, including here, here and here. The hoax was reignited this year by a Facebook account called 'Koos de Klerk', which was created in June 2025 and often shares similar fake stories as clickbait with more than 197 000 followers. Most of the posts from this account also link to a job-seeker's website or promote a WhatsApp group ostensibly with the same mission. AFP Fact Check has previously investigated how these job scam adverts are designed to extract cash or steal personal data, taking advantage of unemployed people. To verify advertised job opportunities, always check the company or organisation's official website or LinkedIn page.
