LIMPOPO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (BOPHELONG)

06/02/2026

Malaria is curable

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

The recent heavy rains have resulted in a surge in Malaria cases in Limpopo. We urge communities to remain vigilant.

05/02/2026

Thursday, 5 February 2026

[Mopani and Vhembe Districts]The Parliament Portfolio Committee on Health together with the Limpopo Legislature Portfolio Committee on Health conducted a two-day oversight visit to the Limpopo Department of Health, covering key healthcare facilities in both Vhembe and Mopani Districts.

The visit included Tshilidzini Hospital and Davhana Clinic in Vhembe, as well as Basani Clinic and Nkhensani Hospital in Mopani.

The oversight programme aimed to strengthen healthcare service delivery through direct engagement with management, healthcare workers and patients, while also assessing operational challenges affecting service provision within the facilities.

The oversight visit was led by the respective Chairpersons, Hon. A.F. Muthambi and Hon. Dr C.W.D. Malebana, with MEC for Health in Limpopo, Ms Dieketseng Mashego, leading the Departmental delegation. During robust engagements, committee members raised critical questions which were comprehensively addressed by the MEC and her team.

MEC Mashego expressed appreciation for the oversight visit, emphasising that such engagements reinforce accountability and inspire the Department to intensify efforts in improving healthcare services.

The Parliamentary Chairperson further urged the MEC to decisively address outstanding medico-legal matters and implement consequence management in line with SIU recommendations.

The visit concluded with a constructive debriefing session where MEC Mashego reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to resolving challenges that may hinder quality healthcare service delivery to the people of Limpopo.

04/02/2026

MEC for LIMPOPO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (BOPHELONG) Ms Dieketseng Mashego alongside honourable Members of Provincial Portfolio Committee of Health and Department Executive Management arrived at Tshilidzini hospital in Thohoyandou for the high level oversight briefing with the honourable Members of the National Portfolio Committee on Health.

04/02/2026

Today, our Primary Health Care outreach team visited Nyiko Primary School in Mbaula Village, in Greater Giyani Municipality to provide Human Papillomavirus vaccination which protects young girl learners from cervical cancer.

This initiative forms part of the national HPV vaccination campaign, running from 2 February to 27 March 2026. This outreach campaign comes at the right time as the people of Mbaula village continue to rebuild their lives following recent devastating floods in January 2026.

as children of Mbaula Village are left behind.

04/02/2026

Media Statement

To All Media

04 February 2026

INCREASED RISK OF MALARIA DUE TO RECENT HEAVY RAINS AND FLOODS IN LIMPOPO

Recent heavy rains and flooding across Limpopo Province have significantly increased the risk of malaria transmission by creating favourable conditions for mosquito breeding and disrupting key prevention efforts. Communities in malaria-affected areas are urged to remain alert, take preventive measures, and seek early treatment should symptoms arise, as malaria remains a serious but preventable and treatable disease.

Limpopo Province is currently facing an elevated risk of malaria outbreaks as persistent rains and flooding continue to affect control interventions. Since the start of the 2025/26 financial year on 1 April 2025, the province has recorded 838 malaria cases and 12 deaths, highlighting the ongoing public health threat.

Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS), a cornerstone of malaria prevention, began in November 2025 and is scheduled to conclude in March 2026, targeting 1.1 million households. However, continuous rainfall and flooding have severely disrupted spraying operations. To date, IRS coverage stands at 48%, significantly below the expected 70% coverage at this stage of the programme. Approximately 30% of planned spraying days were lost due to rainfall. Although weekly malaria cases after the rains and floods have remained stable, ranging between 17 and 36 cases per week (below outbreak thresholds), an increase in cases is anticipated towards late February as floodwaters recede and stagnant pools suitable for mosquito breeding form.

Tragically, two malaria-related deaths have been reported since the rains subsided. Communities are urged to seek urgent medical care at their nearest health facility if they experience malaria symptoms, including fever, headache, nausea, diarrhoea and flu-like symptoms. Malaria is fully treatable if detected early, and prompt treatment can prevent severe illness and death.

The recent floods have also created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of transmission. In response, the Department of Health is intensifying its preventative effort such as the resumption of the indoor residual spraying, and larviciding and breeding site reduction, to reduce mosquito populations and prevent outbreaks. Communities are encouraged to cooperate with spraying teams by allowing access to their homes, as IRS remains one of the most effective malaria prevention measures.

Residents in malaria-prone areas are urged to remain vigilant, protect themselves from mosquito bites, recognise early symptoms of malaria, and seek treatment promptly at the nearest health facility to prevent severe illness and loss of life.

End

Neil Shikwambana
Department Spokesperson
0664799887

Kapudi Moagi
MEC Sookesperson
0822577856

03/02/2026

MEC Mashego embarks on Unannounce visit in Sekhukhune District

Tuesday, 3 February 2026

[ Mooihoek village] MEC for Health in Limpopo, Ms Dieketseng Mashego, conducted an unannounced visit to Matlala Hospital in Ephraim Mogale Municipality as part of her ongoing commitment to strengthen healthcare service delivery across the province.

The visit aimed to provide support to healthcare workers while also allowing the MEC to obtain first-hand information on the quality, efficiency, and challenges affecting service delivery at the facility.

Through direct engagement with management, staff, and patients, the MEC reaffirmed government’s dedication to improving healthcare standards and ensuring that communities receive dignified, accessible, and quality medical services.

03/02/2026

MEC for LIMPOPO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (BOPHELONG) Ms Dieketseng Mashego is on an unannounced visit at Matlala hospital in Mooihoek village of Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality, Sekhukhine District.
The visit aimed to provide support to healthcare workers while also allowing the MEC to obtain first hand information on the ground.

03/02/2026

Malaria can be prevented.

03/02/2026

Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and the MEC, Ms Dieketseng Mashego, visited Mankweng Hospital to express their support to the hospital management, clinical staff, and a 29-year-old mother who recently gave birth to conjoined twins.

The mother was transferred from Maphutha Malatjie Hospital to Mankweng Hospital for specialised care and management of the pregnancy and delivery.

She delivered male conjoined twins, joined at the trunk and abdomen. Following delivery, the babies were admitted to the Neonatal High Care Unit, where they continue to receive close monitoring and specialised care. At present, the twins are reported to be clinically stable and progressing well.

A multidisciplinary medical team, comprising specialists from various disciplines, has been established to manage the case. The team will meet on a weekly basis to conduct thorough assessments, plan ongoing care, and prepare for a possible surgical separation when clinically appropriate.