Latest news with #PhophiRamathuba
The Citizen
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Venda-born Murena Netshitangani makes history at Cannes
LIMPOPO – The Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has extended heartfelt congratulations to filmmaker Murena Emmanuel Netshitangani for making history by winning the Best African Film award at the 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival in France. His acclaimed Tshivenda film, Lubunyu, captivated the international jury and brought global recognition to the rural roots of Venda. Hailing from Makuleni village, Ha-Khakhu, near the mystical Lake Fundudzi in the Vhembe district, Netshitangani's victory stands as a proud moment not only for Limpopo but for the entire South African film industry. Competing against major film-producing nations, including Nigeria, his triumph marks a shift in the representation of African stories on the world stage. The premier praised the achievement: 'This is a defining moment for the creative sector of Limpopo and South Africa. Murena Emmanuel Netshitangani has demonstrated that dreams nurtured in the quiet villages of Venda can echo across the world's grandest stages. We are immensely proud of him for carrying the heart of Venda, and indeed the spirit of Limpopo, to the world'. Set against the backdrop of a village gripped by fear, Lubunyu – taglined 'A Village Under Terror'- aligned with the 2025 Cannes theme of confronting gender-based violence and femicide. Its cultural authenticity and bold narrative were credited for its standout success. The premier also acknowledged the ongoing support of the Department of Arts and Culture and the Limpopo Arts and Culture Council for their efforts in nurturing talent across the province. She added that the soon-to-be-completed Limpopo Provincial Theatre would provide local artists a platform to develop and showcase their work without leaving their communities. Murena and his team are expected to return to South Africa later this week, bringing home not only the prestigious award but also renewed hope for rural creatives across the nation. Provincial Government celebrates this landmark achievement and commends Murena Netshitangani and his production team for uplifting the province and the country through the power of film, the premier concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
01-05-2025
- The Citizen
Limpopo Easter road safety praised by Premier
LIMPOPO – Provincial Government has extended its appreciation to all visitors, returning residents, and pilgrims who made their way to the province over the Easter weekend, for observing road safety protocols and contributing to safer roads during the busy travel period. The Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba praised the collective efforts, noting a significant reduction in road fatalities – especially along the heavily trafficked N1 highway. 'We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all visitors who travelled to our beautiful province during the Easter long weekend. We are pleased to report that our collaborative efforts to ensure road safety yielded encouraging results,' she said. Acknowledging the role of various stakeholders, Ramathuba commended members of the executive council, provincial legislature, mayors and councillors for actively participating in road safety campaigns. She also thanked law enforcement officers, emergency services, and support staff for their tireless work, which included enforcing traffic laws and taking action against speeding and drunk driving. 'Their dedication sends a strong message of zero tolerance for reckless behaviour,' she added. She also applauded the public's positive response to safety appeals, saying that their responsible behaviour was a key contributor to a safer Easter weekend. She did, however, caution that pedestrian safety remains a concern, and urged pedestrians to avoid consuming alcohol and to wear visible clothing when walking near roads. With additional public holidays this week, she again called on all road users to maintain this sense of vigilance and commitment to safety. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
30-04-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Urgent medical repatriation: South African entrepreneur rescued from Zimbabwe
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and Limpopo Department of Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego, and other officials, look on as a South African man who fell ill in Zimbabwe was airlifted to a Limpopo hospital after logistical challenges hindered his medical care. Image: Screenshot A South African man who fell ill in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, is receiving medical care in a Limpopo hospital after the provincial Department of Health repatriated him when he could not receive sufficient medical care due to logistical reasons. The patient,who is believed to be an entrepreneur, was in Zimbabwe legally, attending an exhibition. Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and Limpopo Department of Health MEC Dieketseng Mashego received the man after he was airlifted from Beitbridge border near Musina from the Zimbabwean side Ramathuba said Sunday night executive learnt that a South African citizen fell ill in the neighbouring country which was an emergency, but was swiftly rushed to the hospital. 'We received a communique from that side, requesting us to make an intervention and that's what we did as a provincial government,' Ramathuba said. She said they had to get the patient repatriated from Bulawayo. 'Logistics were difficult, firstly because we needed to get an emergency medical services vehicle (a private ambulance, funded by the Limpopo Department of Health) to transport him to Beitbridge, where it was easier to airlift him here, back to Polokwane (Pietersburg) Provincial Hospital,' Ramathuba said. She said they tried to get an ambulance into Zimbabwe, but they were not allowed to. They asked if they could meet halfway to Beitbridge. They even tried to get the army, but the private ambulance was the quicker option. 'What we also want to indicate is that we want to appreciate all the medical personnel, the physician attending to him was willing to assist but they have written in their letter of transfer to say due to logistical challenges, which anyone can interpret, they are not able to assist him because, among others, he might need a blood transfusion; he might also need dialysis. 'So, because of those logistics, they really needed us to make an intervention.' Ramathuba expressed her gratitude to the Department of Health staff who came on board, even those who were off-duty. 'I was conveying the message, together with the MEC, we really appreciate our team that has done a wonderful job,' Ramathuba said. The Premier said indicated that she was able to talk to the patient and his family. She urged the team to continue to do good work for every human being because it is about serving humanity. 'Health can affect anyone, it doesn't matter who you are, you can fall ill as an emergency, but what is important it's how those who are given the responsibility to assist health in that particular sector and respond urgently and assist,' Ramathuba said. Ramathuba added: 'He's alive, he has arrived in Polokwane, he's in safe hands.' Earlier, while waiting for the patient to deboard, Ramathuba can be heard spaeking to MEC Mashego: 'The person who called me started by saying 'Premier, let me start by apologising, I was one of those who were saying you are Xenophobic, but I am here with our colleague, he collapsed, if he doesn't get emergency care, he will die. Can you arrange that, they're saying we must bring him back'. 'They even wrote me a letter, the physician, saying please attend to your own, they don't have…. It was painful.' Although inaudible at times, during an interaction with the patient, Ramathuba asked if he had medical insurance… but they still said their resources were limited for their own? The patient replied yes.
The South African
29-04-2025
- Health
- The South African
South African patient airlifted after 'healthcare failure' in Zimbabwe
A South African patient, who became seriously ill while working in Bulawayo, allegedly struggled to get the critical medical attention he needed while in Zimbabwe. As the patient's life hung in the balance, his only viable option was not within Zimbabwe's borders. As a result, South African authorities dispatched a helicopter to retrieve him. According to reports, an ambulance transported the patient from Bulawayo to Beitbridge, where a helicopter airlifted him to South Africa. The situation appeared so serious that Limpopo's Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, and Health MEC, Dieketseng Mashego, were personally there when he arrived. The Limpopo Provincial government confirmed the incident on X. They emphasised that the patient could not receive necessary medical treatment when he fell ill in Bulawayo. The incident has since painted a grim picture of Zimbabwe's healthcare system. Some netizens took to social media to react to the incident. 'When I write about Zimbabwe being a failed state, some of you think that I am exaggerating,' said Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin'ono. '…but this is our daily reality in Zimbabwe. Corruption has destroyed healthcare in Zimbabwe, and the few stories that I share on this page are only the tip of the iceberg.' Here is how others reacted on X: @Ish_Nzimande: 'In Zimbabwe, they don't allow other African countries to use their health care facilities.' @Faridaa50635225: 'Well, well, so we have to treat them but they are unable to treat us Where is Simba now' @smmongo:'How did the Premier and the MEC know about this? Did the person who fell ill speed dial them? Was this person working for government?' 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.
