Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba delivering the State of the Province Address in Polokwane, outlining plans to rebuild flood-damaged roads and bridges in Vhembe and Mopani following devastating floods earlier this year. Picture Credit: Supplied
By Ndivhuwo Mukwevho
Polokwane – Flood-damaged roads and bridges in Vhembe and Mopani took centre stage when Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba delivered her State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Thursday. In January this year, many parts of Vhembe and Mopani were severely affected by floods, resulting in loss of life and widespread destruction.
“Today we count loss measured not only in infrastructure damages, but also in human pain. Twenty-seven lives were lost; others are still missing or unaccounted for. The damage amounts to billions of rand. Over 450 roads have been damaged,” said Ramathuba.
She described the recent floods as the most devastating Limpopo has faced in more than 25 years, with over 3,500 homes damaged. Ramathuba stated that her government’s main task now is to use limited resources to begin rebuilding.
“In accordance with applicable legislation, 1.2% of the provincial budget was made available for that purpose. We did this knowing that the response from the National Disaster Management Committee takes time before funds are disbursed. For example, the province and municipalities only received R500 million in February 2026 to cover the 2024/2025 floods,” she explained.
The premier assured the people of Limpopo that every rand earmarked for reconstruction will be used to rebuild the province. She also announced that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be deployed to speed up the construction of critical low bridges.
“We have put in place a reporting framework as well as a work schedule that we shall monitor on a 30-60-90 day basis. In addition, the office of the premier will be receiving progress reports fortnightly,” said Ramathuba.
On unemployment, Ramathuba emphasised the urgent need for agricultural schools, vocational schools, and schools of technology—robotics and coding. “Not every learner will be a lawyer, a doctor, a teacher, nurse or engineer. We require more artisans, and learners with vocational skills to match the demand of our growing economy,” she said.
Regarding health, Ramathuba noted that as the population grows, the burden of diseases is increasing, and the number of facilities is failing to cope. “The MEC of health is directed to develop a plan on how clinics will be built in this province. We are also monitoring progress for the construction of the Siloam District Hospital, which is 76% complete and earmarked for completion in June 2026,” she added.
However, Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson in Limpopo, Lindy Wilson, described Ramathuba’s SOPA speech as a “shotgun” approach. “Fixing local government, ensuring reliable water supply, rebuilding provincial capacity, and maintaining infrastructure must come first. We must get the basics right. We are concerned that in the ‘shotgun’ approach adopted by Ramathuba, the need to get the basics that underpin development right will be lost. More than 60 new lofty initiatives were announced,” said Wilson.
The DA also expressed concern that nearly half of Limpopo’s working-age population is excluded from meaningful economic participation. “This crisis is not accidental. It is the result of decades of failed ANC governance. Collapsing infrastructure, failing service delivery, and the poor performance of the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environmental and Tourism (LEDET) and its agency LEDA have steadily eroded the province’s ability to attract investment and create jobs.”
