Latest news with #Limpopo-based
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
‘This is a catastrophic disaster': Ramaphosa visits devastated families after deadly EC floods
President Ramaphosa calls the Eastern Cape floods a 'catastrophic disaster' and pledges urgent relief for affected communities. President Cyril Ramaphosa labelled the deadly Eastern Cape floods a 'catastrophic disaster' as he visited devastated families and pledged urgent government support for affected communities. The president visited areas in the Eastern Cape affected by floods, following a rise in casualties and significant damage to infrastructure due to this week's severe weather conditions, which have resulted in nearly 80 fatalities. 'This is a catastrophic disaster for us, which is caused by climate change because we are not used to floods during winter,' Ramaphosa told the Mthatha community. Ramaphosa on climate change and EC floods catastrophic disaster 'During winter, we expect the cold here in the Eastern Cape, but now we are confronting floods. This goes to show the severity of the issue of climate change.' Ramaphosa visited eFeta Bridge in Mthatha, where floods swept away a scholar transport bus after heavy rains caused the bridge to collapse on Tuesday. Rising water swept away six of the 10 pupils on board. The driver and his assistant were also declared dead. Four children are still missing. ALSO READ: Eastern Cape floods: Death toll rises as residents recount grim tragedy He was accompanied by Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa, Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube, District Mayor of O.R. Tambo Municipality Mesuli Ngqondwana and Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder and chair of the Gift of the Givers Foundation. An Eastern Cape Emergency Medical Services (EMS) official told Ramaphosa that when the rescue team responded to the early-morning call, they arrived to find floodwaters surging higher than the nearby houses. Hlabisa told Ramaphosa that the driver initially crossed the bridge to collect the schoolchildren, and because he had already crossed, he thought he could safely cross again. Scholar transport accident: 'He tried' 'He tried, but when he was in the middle, the engine switched off. When he tried to start it, it couldn't start, and then it got swept away,' the minister told the president. President @CyrilRamaphosa started his visit eFata Bridge in Mthatha where a scholar transport bus was swept away by floods after bridge collapsed following heavy rains on Tuesday. — The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 13, 2025 Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi also informed the president of the tragic experience of a Limpopo-based woman, Ongezwa Ntlabathi, who lost her mother and two little children in the floods, and her eldest child is still missing. 'We are sorry because it is very painful to lose your child or your parent. I am here because it's not usual for so many people to die at the same time,' Ramaphosa said. ALSO READ: State of disaster in four provinces as floods claim 67 lives in Eastern Cape The government has declared a state of disaster in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Free State. The classification makes it possible for the government to support the impacted provinces with an integrated response. Ramaphosa called for a national day of mourning to honour those who lost their lives. Meanwhile, the provincial governments continue to lead coordinated and intensive response and recovery efforts following the devastating weather conditions. President calls for day of mourning He pledged that the government would act swiftly to support affected families and said officials would assess the kind of help required. He also urged the affected families to be patient as the government works to provide assistance. The president also warned citizens about building homes in riverplains, which puts them in danger. However, he noted that the government would first prioritise laying the deceased to rest before proceeding with recovery plans. 'We want you to know that just as the government has responded as quickly as possible, we will continue to give you the support and the assistance that is required so that your sorrow must not be deepened beyond what you are experiencing now,' he said. NOW READ: Eastern Cape disaster: Sassa steps in
The South African
04-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
18 G\A Kaizer Chiefs transfer target says goodbye to teammates!
Kaizer Chiefs have prioritised the revitalisation of their attack in the coming transfer window, I order to improve their fortunes. Chiefs woes in front of goals lasts season were well documented, with coach Nasreddine Nabi not shying away from them. This, however, has not been a problem unique to just last season. Even during the tenure of former coach Arthur Zwane, they have been trying to find a solution. Since then, they have acquired players like Christian Saile, Caleb Bimenyimana, Ranga Chivaviro , Tashreeq Morris and Glody Lilepo. Yet there has been no solution to Chiefs ' struggles in the box. What had improved last season under Nabi, however, has been their chances created. That hasn't, however, seen them stop their pursuit of another player that can both score and produce assists. According to FARPost , Chiefs are interested in signing Sekhukhune United's Keletso Makgalwa. Furthermore, they believed the player has already said goodbye to his teammates at Babina Noko. 'Sekhukhune United have taken a firm stance on the future of their star winger, Keletso Makgalwa, amidst interest from Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi. According to a Sekhukhune player, the former Mamelodi Sundowns attacker bid farewell to his Babina Noko teammates, sparking speculation about an imminent departure. However, sources within the Limpopo-based club have clarified that they intend to build their team around Makgalwa for the upcoming season. The 28-year-old player joined Sekhukhune on a three-year deal from Upington City FC after mutually parting ways with Sundowns.' Wrote the publication. Before last season, it was rumoured that Chiefs had signed Makgalwa, on an pre-contract from Upington FC. In the end, that proved not to be true, with the speedy winger going to register 11 goals and seven assists in the topflight. Chiefs fans, is a player like Makgalwa the type that is needed to boost the Amakhosi attack? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Ncikazi aims for strong send-off as Orlando Pirates host resurgent Magesi in season finale
Rising star Simphiwe Selepe celebrated his first goal for Orlando Pirates this past weekend after earning a fourth consecutive start, showcasing his growing influence in the midfield. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix The curtain is set to fall on Mandla Ncikazi's brief but impactful tenure as interim coach of Orlando Pirates, as the team prepare to face Magesi in a Betway Premiership clash on Wednesday evening (kick-off 7.30pm). Since taking charge following the departure of José Riveiro, Ncikazi has maintained an impressive unbeaten record in three matches. The team's form suggests they could end their league campaign on a high with another win. Ncikazi will be fully aware of the threat posed by Magesi, who, under seasoned mentor Owen da Gama, have shown significant improvement during the second half of the Premiership season. For much of the campaign, Magesi were embroiled in a relegation battle, but a strong run — suffering just one defeat in their last five outings — has ensured their safety. The Limpopo-based outfit managed only one win in their first nine matches and found themselves rooted to the foot of the table at the start of January, when Da Gama was appointed as Clinton Larsen's successor. At that stage, relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship seemed inevitable. However, Da Gama orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, winning seven of his first 19 games in charge to secure the club's top-flight status. Magesi could still finish as high as ninth, provided they pull off another upset in Soweto — the same ground where they defeated Pirates 3-2 in the Carling Knockout. To reach the Top 8, however, they would need to win by at least five goals. Pirates are currently in the process of appointing a new head coach, and Ncikazi's future at the club remains uncertain. He has acknowledged that the incoming coach may choose to bring in a new technical team. Nevertheless, Ncikazi has affirmed his commitment to the Soweto giants for as long as he is wanted. 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 ✕ Orlando Pirates interim coach Mandla Ncikazi, Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media "I'm just proud of the contribution that I'm making at the club and being appreciated by the club. And as long as it's still like that, I'll always be the servant of this club until I'm told otherwise," said Ncikazi. "I'm a smaller puzzle in a bigger picture, and how I'm wired, this has nothing to do with me — it's a mission. When you are at Pirates, you are sent. You must fulfil the mission." With second place already secured, Ncikazi may be tempted to give more game time to the club's younger players against Magesi. He handed Simphiwe Selepe his fourth consecutive start against AmaZulu at the weekend, and the midfielder repaid the coach's faith by scoring the equaliser — his first goal for the club. Selepe is the latest exciting prospect at Mayfair, seemingly set to follow in the footsteps of Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota. For Magesi, Mcedi Vandala has proved to be an astute January signing from Sekhukhune United. The 30-year-old winger has contributed four goals and two assists since joining the club and showcased his composure by converting a penalty against Gallants — his third successful spot-kick.
IOL News
21-05-2025
- IOL News
Prominent Limpopo DJ behind bars for sexually assaulting his six-year-old relative
Police said a DJ at a radio station based in Thohoyandou, was apprehended on Monday, for sexually assaulting his six-year-old relative. Image: File A 34-year-old "prominent" radio personality from the Vhembe District, Limpopo, has been arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a six-year-old relative. Provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the incident happened at the little girl's residence, in Mpheni. 'The suspect, who works as a DJ at a radio station based in Thohoyandou, was apprehended on Monday, 19 May 2025, following a thorough investigation by Waterval SAPS detectives,' said Mashaba. The accused man made his initial appearance before the Waterval Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, where proceedings were postponed to 27 May for formal bail application. The name of the accused media personality is withheld to protect the abused child. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. 'Police reports indicate that the incident allegedly occurred on 12 May 2025 at approximately 3.30 pm. The girl's mother, who was in Pretoria at the time, was notified by the child's grandmother that the minor was unwell,' said Mashaba. 'Upon returning home immediately, she learned that the child had already been taken to hospital, where medical examination confirmed sexual assault. During subsequent interviews, the child disclosed that the suspect had shown her inappropriate material before committing the alleged assault.' Meanwhile, provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has expressed serious concerns regarding the incident. "It is deeply disturbing when those who should be protecting our children become the very perpetrators who harm them. The suspect's position as a public figure and family member makes this case particularly troubling, as it represents a profound betrayal of trust," said Hadebe. "I want to assure the community that the SAPS takes crimes against children extremely seriously, regardless of who the suspect is.' Earlier this year, IOL reported that Limpopo-based comedian Livhuwani Madadzhe, popularly known as "SABC Livhu", appeared before the Thohoyandou Magistrates' Court on charges of theft of a motor vehicle and fraud. [email protected] IOL News
IOL News
14-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Durban City on the brink of promotion as relegation battle heats up
Farook Kadodia, chairman of Durban City, could soon enjoy the emotions of his club being promoted to the Betway Premiership. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Durban City's persistence throughout the 2024/25 NFD Motsepe Foundation Championship season is on the verge of paying off, with promotion to the Betway Premiership now firmly within their grasp — unless a dramatic twist unfolds on the final day. Orbit College are the only team still mathematically capable of overtaking the KwaZulu-Natal side, but they face a daunting task in their final match against already relegated Leruma United. To leapfrog City, Orbit would need to score at least six goals. City have been impressive across the campaign, losing just six of their 29 matches and boasting the league's highest goal tally (43), giving them a comfortable cushion heading into what promises to be a tense final round. With Orbit having already secured a play-off spot after all four teams beneath them dropped points over the weekend, the spotlight could soon shift to the scrap for survival at the foot of the table. Leruma United have officially been relegated, but the real drama lies ahead as the relegation picture becomes clearer in the closing round. 12th I Hungry Lions P29 W8 D9 L12 GD1 Pts33 Remaining fixture: Casric Stars Both sides will be coming off draws when they clash in the final round of the season, and the same result could be enough for Lions to avoid any final-day disappointment. Their goal difference, however, gives them the edge over their competitors. 13th I Upington City P29 W7 D11 L11 GD-3 Pts32 Remaining fixture: Highbury FC Before their 2-0 victory over the University of Pretoria, Upington City had endured a rough stretch, managing just one win in their last ten outings — a 2-1 victory over Pretoria Callies back in February. Despite the slump, the Northern Cape side still has a chance to end their season on a stronger note and add to their seven wins. Their final fixture against Highbury FC will be a must-win clash if they aim to keep their fate in their hands. 14th I Venda FC P29 W7 D9 L13 GD-4 Pts30 Remaining fixture: Kruger United Teetering in 14th place only by virtue of goal difference, Venda FC face a daunting end to their Motsepe Foundation Championship campaign, with their final fixture against fifth-placed Kruger United. The Limpopo-based club has managed just one win in their last five outings — a slump that now dangerously flirts with relegation. With the margin for error narrowing, they'll need to find form fast against a United side that will want to finish their season on a high after missing out on the promotion playoff battle. 15th I Cape Town Spurs P29 W6 D12 L11 GD-5 Pts30 Remaining fixture: Durban City The Cape side is facing two consecutive relegations in two seasons following their relegation in the Premier Soccer League last season. Currently 15th on the log, Spurs have to navigate a tricky final fixture against a Hungry Lions side they beat 2-1 in the first leg in what could be a winner-takes-all affair. They will rue their missed opportunity to gain some points after their 1-1 draw with Hungry Lions last weekend as they get ready to face high-flying Durban City in their final fixture.
