Latest news with #Musolwa
The Citizen
07-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Hlokomela celebrates 20 years of community care
HOEDSPRUIT – It was a proud and emotional moment for Hlokomela as the local health NGO celebrated its 20th anniversary on Saturday, June 27, at the Radisson Hotel in Hoedspruit. Reflecting on two decades of challenges and triumphs, including the recent loss of USAID funding, founder and director Christine du Preez expressed deep gratitude to those who have supported the organisation's mission. 'This is a wonderful day for me and my team,' said Du Preez. 'If it weren't for funders like Discovery, we wouldn't be here tonight. To the Hlokomela staff, the coordinators, the NGOs we work with, friends, and family, thank you. It's never been about me alone. This celebration belongs to everyone who helped carry Hlokomela through the years.' Founded in 2005, Hlokomela provides vital healthcare services to farmworkers and vulnerable communities. The organisation supports over 60 000 people annually, including more than 20 000 farmworkers and their families. Each month, approximately 1 700 people receive HIV testing, and 2 000 living with HIV are supported with antiretroviral treatment. Maruleng Local Municipality Mayor Tsheko Musolwa praised Hlokomela's lasting impact, calling it a 'cornerstone of community wellbeing' in a region built on agriculture and tourism. 'Tonight is more than a celebration of time, it's a celebration of resilience, humanity, and service,' said Musolwa. 'The name Hlokomela means 'to take care,' and that is exactly what this organisation has done for 20 years. We must protect it at all costs.' He acknowledged the severe impact of USAID's funding cut and stressed the importance of continued support. 'We cannot afford to lose what took years of compassion and commitment to build.' Musolwa also paid tribute to Hlokomela's healthcare workers, calling them the organisation's 'unsung heroes.' 'Your empathy, your dedication, and your tireless work do not go unnoticed. We see you, we appreciate you, and we honour you.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
08-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Hoedspruit hosts first Wildlife Haven Half Marathon
LIMPOPO – Marathons are a great way to challenge yourself, push your limits and raise money for great causes. This is according to Maruleng Local Municipality (MLM) Mayor Tsheko Musolwa after the municipality, together with Maruleng Athletics Club, hosted the very first Hoedspruit Wildlife Haven Half Marathon on, May 31. Runners from over 30 clubs, including Foskor, Maruleng, Mzanzi, Polokwane, PMC, SAPS Limpopo, Dwarsrivier Mine, Bush and University of Limpopo athletics clubs took on the 21.1km, 10 km and 5km distances. Tebogo Pulusa won the men's half marathon with a time of 01:05:48. Abednico Mashaba came in second with a time of 01:07:50, followed by Ribson Mothopi, who was first in last year's marathon with 01:08:00 on the clock. Rosaline Isaiah won the women's race with a time of 01:30:06. Elizabeth Hlutamo, who was first last year, came in second with 01:36:30.6 on the clock, followed by Thembi Mthetho in third with a time of 01:39:54.6. Musa Thuketana, who was second last year, won the men's 10km race with 0:32:32.9 on the clock, second was Prince Ndlovu with 0:35:05.7 and third was Sibonginkosi Maseko with a time of 0:33:59.9. In the women's 10km race, Sina Morongwa Malatji came in first with a time of 00:48:16.3, Phillipain Kalane was second with 0:50:36.1, and in third was Benny Nghulele with a time of 0:51:13.6. Musolwa ran the half marathon and hit the finish line with a time of 01:49:41.4, which he said is an improvement as he finished last year's with 02:32:12.8. Other participants included MLM Speaker Blantina Rakganya, and MLM Cllr Christine du Preez, among other Maruleng officials. Musolwa and the Maruleng Athletics Club thanked all athletes who participated in the event. 'We hope that this is the start of a long journey towards a healthy and socially integrated society,' he said. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
