By Nkhensani Chauke
Several municipalities in Limpopo, including Polokwane, Blouberg, Greater Letaba, Greater Tzaneen, and Makhado, received R44.74 million from the Municipal Disaster Recovery Grant to repair infrastructure damaged during storms between September 2024 and February 2025.
This allocation was disclosed at the Limpopo Executive Council Meeting held last week in Polokwane, which also covered discussions on the Provincial Personnel Management Committee Framework for filling posts in the 2025/26 financial year, the approval of the Limpopo Development Plan, an assessment of expenditure for the 2024/25 financial year, and the calendar of provincial events for 2025/26.
Ndavhe Ramakuela, spokesperson for the Provincial Government, announced that these funds are scheduled to be fully utilised by September 2025, adhering to the disaster grant guidelines.
“To date, Polokwane, Blouberg, Greater Letaba, Greater Tzaneen, and Makhado municipalities have expended R18.5 million of the allocated funds and are on track to complete their projects within the designated timelines,” Ramakuela said.
Additionally, an amount of R87.335 million was allocated to Modimolle-Mookgophong, Elias Motsoaledi, Lephalale, and Bela-Bela municipalities.
These funds are earmarked for expenditure between March 2025 and March 2026.
In January 2025, the Provincial Disaster Response Grant allocated R36 million to the Departments of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Education, and Health.
This funding aims to rehabilitate provincial infrastructure, with expenditure planned from March to August 2025.
Ramakuela also highlighted the fiscal responsibility of the 2024/2025 financial year, reporting an expenditure of R82.7 billion, representing 98.2% of the adjusted R84.2 billion budget, indicating effective resource management.
The Provincial Personnel Management Committee (PPMC), established in 2016, recommended filling positions costing R2.140 billion annually in the 2025/2026 financial year.
In efforts to enhance infrastructure service delivery, EXCO directed the Infrastructure Cluster to organise the Provincial Infrastructure Workshop, focusing on integrated infrastructure program implementation for the 7th administration.
The Limpopo Development Plan for 2025-2030 was also approved by EXCO to align national and provincial departmental Strategic Plans, Annual Performance Plans, municipal Integrated Development Plans, and Sector Plans with the LPD 2025-2030.
Ramakuela emphasised the utilisation of inter-governmental relations to drive LPD implementation, urging partnerships with the private sector for effective budgetary frameworks.
Additionally, the Limpopo Spatial Development Framework for 2025 was also approved by EXCO for implementation to guide the LPD.
EXCO endorsed the dates and venues for National and International Commemorative Events scheduled during the 2025/2026 financial year, including Freedom Day, Youth Day, Women’s Day, and Heritage Day.
The framework for the Provincial Freedom Day Commemoration on 27 April 2025 at Northam Stadium in Thabazimbi Local Municipality was approved.
EXCO also endorsed the Africa Day Commemoration on 25 May 2025 at the University of Venda in Thulamela Municipality.
EXCO’s next visit is scheduled for 9 May 2025 in Musina Municipality, focusing on Musina-Makhado SEZ, water provision, and border management.
Meanwhile, Munyai Fhulufelo Elisah was appointed Acting Senior Traditional Leader of Tshikonelo Traditional Community following approval by EXCO.
“The Executive Council approved the recognition of Munyai Fhulufhelo Elisah as Acting Senior Traditional Leader of Tshikonelo Traditional Community in terms of Section 13 of the Traditional Leadership and Khoisan Leadership Act No. 3 of 2019, and the Executive Council approved that the recognition of Munyai Fhulufhelo Elisah be reviewed every two calendar years,” said Ramakuela.
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