profile: bojanala platinum district

PROFILE: BOJANALA PLATINUM DISTRICT

2

PROFILE: BOJANALA PLATINUM DISTRICT 3

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

1. INTRODUCTION: BRIEF OVERVIEW .......................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 1.1. Location ................................................................................................................................. 8 1.2. Historical Perspective .......................................................................................................... 8 1.3. Spatial Status ........................................................................................................................ 9

2. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROFILE ........................................................................ 9 2.1. Key Social Demographics ................................................................................................... 9 2.1.1. Population .............................................................................................................................. 9 2.1.2. Race, Gender & Age .......................................................................................................... 10 2.1.3. Households .......................................................................................................................... 10 2.1.4. Child Headed Households ................................................................................................. 11 2.1.5. Women headed Households ............................................................................................. 12 2.2. District Health Profile .......................................................................................................... 12

2.3. Covid-19 ............................................................................................................................... 13 2.3.1. Number of cases ................................................................................................................. 13 2.3.2. Quarantine Facilities Available and Assessed ............................................................... 14 2.3.3. Infrastructure (responding to COVID 19) ......................................................................... 15 2.3.4. Social Support (responding to Covid 19)......................................................................... 15 2.3.5. Economic Support ............................................................................................................... 16 2.4 Poverty Dimensions ............................................................................................................ 16 2.4.1 Distribution ........................................................................................................................... 16 2.4.2 Inequality .............................................................................................................................. 17 2.4.3 Employment/Unemployment ............................................................................................. 18 2.4.4 Crime ..................................................................................................................................... 18

3 DRIVERS OF THE ECONOMY ...................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.1 Structure of the Economy ................................................................................................. 21 3.2 Primary sector ..................................................................................................................... 25 3.3 Secondary sector ............................................................................................................... 26

4 SERVICE DELIVERY ...................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 4.1 Water & Sanitation ............................................................................................................. 26 4.2 Human Settlements ........................................................................................................... 27 4.3 Waste Management ........................................................................................................... 27 4.4 Roads & Transport ............................................................................................................. 28 4.5 Electricity ............................................................................................................................. 28

5 GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT ......................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 5.1 Municipality Performance .................................................................................................. 29 5.1.1 Audit Outcomes .................................................................................................................. 29 5.2 Municipal Capacity ............................................................................................................. 29 5.3 Traditional Affairs Governance ......................................................................................... 30

6 PROJECTS TO DIVERSIFY AND GROW PEOPLE AND THE ECONOMY Error! Bookmark not defined.

6.1 Social Development Projects............................................................................................ 30 6.2 Spatial Development .......................................................................................................... 32 6.3 Infrastructure Projects ....................................................................................................... 33 6.4 Economic Projects ............................................................................................................. 33 6.5 Environmental forecast ...................................................................................................... 34

7 KEY RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.1 Prioritise Integrated Development Plan .......................................................................... 36 7.2. Investor and Sponsorship opportunities ......................................................................... 36


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Executive Summary

The Mopani District Municipality is located within the north-eastern

quadrant of the Limpopo Province. It is bordered in the north by

Zimbabwe and Vhembe District Municipality, in the south by the

Mpumalanga Province through Ehlanzeni District Municipality, in the

south-west by Sekhukhune District Municipality, in the east by

Mozambique, and in the west by the Capricorn and Vhembe District

Municipalities. There are 16 urban areas (towns and townships), 354

villages (rural settlements) and a total of 129 Wards.

The District has a land size of 20 011km² and includes a portion of Kruger National

Park from Olifants to Shingwedzi camps or Lepelle to Shingwedzi rivers. The Mopani

District Municipality is one of the five district municipalities in the Limpopo Province

and consists of five local municipalities, namely; Ba-Phalaborwa (7 489km²), Greater

Giyani (4 172km²), Maruleng (3 563km²), Greater Tzaneen (2 897km²) and Greater

Letaba (1 891km²). The Council seat of Mopani DM is in Giyani, and the district is part

of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.

Mopani District has a total population of 1 150 722 people which is about 20% of the

province’s population. The district has a total number of 338 425 households, which is

about one-fifth of the number in the province and less than 10% of the total number of

households in the country. In 2016, 2.2% of the households in the districts lived in

informal dwellings (shacks), which is about half the rate in the province (4.8%) and

about one-fifth of the rate in South Africa (12.96%). About 86% of the households in

the district lived in a formal house.

In 2019, there were 628 941 people living in poverty, using the upper poverty line

definition, across Mopani District Municipality - this is higher than the 674 588 in 2009.

The district has median age of 23, with 477 120 children calling it home. 7 166

households are headed by children. This has devastating impact to social upbringing

of the society. A majority of the population in the district is black African, accounting to

98% of the total population, followed by whites representing 2% of the total population.

Within Mopani District Municipality, the number of people without any schooling

decreased from 179 855 (2009) to 95 112 (2019), while in the same period the number

of people within the 'matric only' category, increased from 64 714 to 179 874. The

number of people with 'matric and a certificate/diploma' increased from 20 417 to

44 066 in the same period, while number of people with a 'matric and a Bachelor's'

degree increasing from 1 512 to 16 030.


On the economic front, in 2019, the mining sector was the largest within Mopani

District Municipality accounting for 35% of the total GVA in the district municipality's

economy. Mining is concentrated in the Ba-Phalaborwa region. The mining industry

here is dominated by copper and phosphates. The sector that contributes the second

most to the GVA of the Mopani District Municipality is the community services sector

at 20%, followed by the finance and trade sectors with 13%. The sector that

contributes the least to the economy of Mopani District Municipality is the

manufacturing sector with a contribution of 3% of the total GVA.

With regards to health, according to the Health Barometer 2017/18, the most common

cause of deaths for the age group 15-24 years for males are injuries at 49% compared

with females at 15% respectively. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) continue to be

the major cause of death in the 50+ age group at 64% for females and 57% for males.

HIV and TB are the commonest cause of death for females 15-24 at 32% as compared

to males at 13%. This is also noted at the age ranging between 25-49 years at 43%

for females and 35% for males respectively. Whilst at the age above 50 years an

increase is noted for males at 15% in comparison to females at 9% respectively

The district is confronted by service delivery challenges recording lower averages than

the national averages with regards to the provision of basic services, with the

exception of electricity.

“ON THE ECONOMIC FRONT, IN 2019, THE MINING SECTOR WAS THE LARGEST WITHIN MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY ACCOUNTING FOR 35% OF THE TOTAL GVA IN THE DISTRICT

MUNICIPALITY'S ECONOMY.”


8

1. Introduction: Brief Overview

1.1. Location

The Mopani District Municipality is located within the north-eastern

quadrant of the Limpopo Province. It is bordered in the north by

Zimbabwe and Vhembe District Municipality, in the south by the

Mpumalanga Province through Ehlanzeni District Municipality, in the

south-west by Sekhukhune District Municipality, in the east by

Mozambique, and in the west by the Capricorn and Vhembe District

Municipalities.

1.2. Historical Perspective

The region is renowned for its abundance of wildlife (including the 'Big Five'), craggy

mountains, huge man-made and indigenous forests, trout streams and cascading

waterfalls. The Mopani region provides easy access to the northern section of the

Kruger Park and boasts a plethora of historical, cultural and ethnic attractions. The

contrasts in climate, scenery and landscape within this region are striking and

dramatic. The district is home to the legendary Rain Queen of the Balobedu people.

Modjadji meaning “ruler of the Day”.


1.3. Spatial Status

The District has a land size of 20 011km² and is made-up of 16 urban areas (towns

and townships), 354 villages (rural settlements) and a total of 129 Wards. As reflected

in the map below, there are four (4) main towns in the district, namely; Tzaneen,

Modjadjiskloof, Phalaborwa, Giyani and Hoedspruit.

2. Social Development Profile

2.1. Key Social Demographics

2.1.1. Population

The district is home to almost 20% of the province’s population with

a population of 1 150 722 people. The district has a median population

age of 23, with about 76% of the population falling between the ages

of 0 to 39.


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2.1.2. Race, Gender & Age

In terms of the age pyramid below the female population is substantially larger than

male population. The segment of the population with the highest number of people is

between the ages of 0 to 14, followed by 15 to 34. A majority of the population in the

district is black African, accounting to 98% of the total population, followed by whites

representing 2% of the total population.

2.1.3. Households

The district has a total number of 338 425 households, which is about one-fifth of the

number in the province and less than 10% of the total number of households in the

country. In 2016, 2.2% of the households in the districts lived in informal dwellings

(shacks), which is about half the rate in the province (4.8%) and about one-fifth of the

8,0% 6,0% 4,0% 2,0% 0,0% 2,0% 4,0% 6,0% 8,0%

00-04

10-14

20-24

30-34

40-44

50-54

60-64

70-74

Population structure, Total, 2019DC33 Mopani vs. National

DC33 MopaniSouth Africa

Male Female

Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946


rate in South Africa (12.96%). About 86% of the households in the district lived in a

formal house.

“THE SEGMENT OF THE POPULATION WITH THE

HIGHEST NUMBER OF PEOPLE IS BETWEEN THE AGES

OF 0 TO 14, FOLLOWED BY 15 TO 34.”

2.1.4. Child Headed Households

The district is also home to 7 166 child headed households, which is about one-quarter

of the figure in the province and less than 10% of the figure in the country. About 2.3%

of child headed households in the district live in informal dwellings and 86% live in

formal houses. In 2016, there were 34.8% of child headed household in Mopani with

women as their head.


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2.1.5. Women headed Households

In 2016, 49% of the households were headed by women, which is comparable with

that of the province (48.5%) and about 20% higher than the rate in the country.

2.2. District Health Profile

According to the District Health Barometer 2017/18, the most common cause of deaths

for the age group 15-24 years for males are injuries at 49% compared with females at

15% respectively. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) continue to be the major

cause of death in the 50+ age group at 64% for females and 57% for males.

HIV and TB are the commonest cause of death for females 15-24 at 32% as compared

to males at 13%. This is also noted at the age ranging between 25-49 years at 43%

for females and 35% for males respectively. Whilst at the age above 50 years an

increase is noted for males at 15% in comparison to females at 9% respectively.

District Hospital Services are provided in six district hospitals, namely; Maphutha LM

Malatjie hospital in Ba-Phalaborwa, Sekororo hospital in Maruleng, Kgapane Hospital

in Greater Letaba, Nkhensani Hospital in Greater Giyani, Van Velden and Dr CN

Phatudi hospitals in Greater Tzaneen Sub district. The district also has 96 clinics, of

which 26 are in Greater Giyani, 20 in Greater Letaba, 31 in Greater Tzaneen, 9 in Ba-

Phalaborwa and 11 in Maruleng.


2.3. Covid-19

2.3.1. Number of cases

The table below shows the number of COVID-19 cases recorded in the district, as of

07 June 2020:

MO

PA

NI

DM

Local Municipality Cumulative Active Recoveries Deaths

Ba-Phalaborwa 4 2 2 0

Greater Giyani 2 0 2 0

Greater Letaba 0 0 0 0

Greater Tzaneen 7 4 3 0

Maruleng 0 0 0 0

TOTAL 13 6 7 0 Source: Department of Health, 2020

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with Albert

Luthuli Centre for Responsible leadership have developed a set of COVID-19

Vulnerability Indicators using available data and knowledge. It identifies vulnerabilities

present in communities and identifying areas in need of targeted coordinated

interventions and early response. The purpose of the indicators is intended to support

the early prevention/mitigation and preparedness phase of the disaster management

cycle and informing disaster management decision making. It is not based on

epidemiological modelling but a response to highlighting intervention areas due to

underlying situation. The composition of the index follows two main factors, namely:

transmission potential and health susceptibility.

Transmission potential areas identify areas that prevent social distancing to be

practiced and where limitations of practicing good basic hygiene. The health

susceptibility index denotes areas where large number of people are potential more

susceptible to being adversely affected by COVID-10 due to factors such as age and

underlying health conditions. The Mopani District vulnerability profile is presented

below. The map shows low vulnerability areas (blue dotted areas) versus areas with

higher vulnerability (red dotted areas)


14

“THE PURPOSE OF THE INDICATORS IS INTENDED TO SUPPORT THE EARLY PREVENTION/MITIGATION

AND PREPAREDNESS PHASE OF THE DISASTER

MANAGEMENT CYCLE AND INFORMING DISASTER

MANAGEMENT DECISION MAKING.”

The areas that show higher vulnerability are those that are more densely populated

and with higher poverty these are the areas surrounding the Greater Giyani, Greater

Letaba and Greater Tzaneen as well as the mining areas in Ba-Phalaborwa. Area

specific live GIS vunerability maps are available curtosy of CSIR at:

https://pta-gis-2-web1.csir.co.za/portal2/apps/opsdashboard/#/390a74fb10844c7a85396e60555a866d

2.3.2. Quarantine Facilities Available and Assessed

A total of 50 facilities assessed in the province of which 36 (18 Public and 18 Private)

are readily available with 2084 beds. Three (03) facilities require minor repairs, while

eleven (11) require major repairs. According to the Department of Public Works and

Infrastructure five (5) quarantine facilities have been identified within Mopani District

Municipality to curb the spread of Corona virus, namely; Lekgatametse (LGR) Resort,

Hillside Farm and Estate, Khalanga Guest House, Nehakwe Mountain Lodge and

Mahlathi Village Tourism.

https://pta-gis-2-web1.csir.co.za/portal2/apps/opsdashboard/#/390a74fb10844c7a85396e60555a866d


2.3.3. Infrastructure (responding to COVID 19)

(a) Provision of Water and Sanitation

The table below shows the distribution level of the water infrastructure across the

province. It shows that in Mopani 4 Water Trucks (Tankers) and 145 Water (storage)

tanks have been delivered.

(b) Reprioritization of the Budget (responding to Covid 19)

A total of 96 MIG funded projects to the value of R 230,838,265 million have been

reprioritized by municipalities in. About 34 of these projects to a value of R80,464,500

are to be implemented in Mopani District. A total 40 projects to the value of R 14 million

are being implemented through funding by DBSA/MISA.

2.3.4. Social Support (responding to Covid 19)

With regard to food parcels, food parcels distributed in the province to date since the

lockdown, increased to 91 384, this is the consolidated number of food parcels from

DSD, SASSA and Other Donors. The table below provides details of the food parcel

distribution across the province. The table shows that the total number of food parcels

distributed in Mopani District as of 29 May 2020 is 25 963.


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2.3.5. Economic Support

In terms of the provision of Hand Sanitisers at Taxi Ranks, 24 Taxi Ranks were visited

across the province, with eight (8) of these being in Mopani District. Furthermore, a

total of 1467 taxis were inspected across the province and 198 of those were in Mopani

DistrictPoverty Dimensions

2.4 Poverty Dimensions

2.4.1 Distribution

In 2019, there were 628 941 people living in poverty, using the upper poverty line

definition, across Mopani District Municipality - higher than the 674 588 in 2009.


In terms of the percentage of people living in poverty for each of the regions within the

Mopani District Municipality, Greater Giyani Local Municipality has the highest

percentage of people living in poverty, with a total of 76.9%. The lowest percentage of

people living in poverty can be observed in the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality with

a total of 58.6% living in poverty, using the upper poverty line definition. The average

annual household income of the district R14 600, which is about the same in the

province and about half the amount in the country (R29 400).

2.4.2 Inequality

In 2019, the Gini coefficient in Mopani District Municipality was at 0.59, which reflects

a marginal increase in the number over the ten-year period from 2009 to 2019. The

Limpopo Province and South Africa, both had a more unequal spread of income

amongst their residents (at 0.594 and 0.629 respectively) when compared to Mopani

district Municipality.

0,0%

10,0%

20,0%

30,0%

40,0%

50,0%

60,0%

70,0%

0

100 000

200 000

300 000

400 000

500 000

600 000

700 000

800 000

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Number and percentage of people in poverty, Mopani 2009-2019

People below the lower poverty line % below the lower poverty line


18

2.4.3 Employment/Unemployment

In 2018, the unemployment rate in Mopani District Municipality was 16.32% and was

lower than of the province (19, 4%) and South Africa (27.31%). In the same year, the

labour force participation rate for Mopani was at 50.2% which was significantly higher

when compared to the 41.7% in 2008. Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality had the

highest labour force participation rate with 56.0% in 2018 increasing from 48.5% in

2008. Greater Giyani Local Municipality had the lowest labour force participation rate

of 42.9% in 2018, this increased from 37.3% in 2008.


2.4.4 Crime

The table below shows that 14 651 households (4,3%) reported that they have

experienced crime in the 12 months preceding the StatsSA Community survey. The

highest proportions of households that have experienced crime were found in Ba-

Phalaborwa (6.2%), and Maruleng (5%) local municipalities.

0,520,530,540,550,560,570,580,590,600,610,62

Mopani Vhembe Capricorn Waterberg Sekhukhune

Inequality at District level

2009 2013 2016 2019

71 11454 448 45 387 45 975 56 343 57 921

223 834 215 134 222 299

255 851284 067

297 526

0

50 000

100 000

150 000

200 000

250 000

300 000

350 000

2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018

Number of employed versus unemployed people in Mopani: 2008 - 2018

Unemployed Employed


The Mopani IDP 2019/2020, indicates the following change however:

Information regarding the reported cases of crime received from the SAPS for the

period 2010-2017 shows that Greater Tzaneen is top, followed by Ba-Phalaborwa and

Greater Giyani where the following are the top ten crimes in Mopani: Theft in general,

Burglary at residential premises, Assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm,

Common assault, Malicious damage to property, Burglary at non-residential premises,

Total Sexual Crimes, Shoplifting, Commercial crime, Theft out of or from motor

vehicle.

For the period 2008/2009 to 2018/2019 overall crime has increased at an average

annual rate of 0.13% within the Mopani District Municipality. Violent crime increased

by 0.08% since 2008/2009, while property crimes increased by 0.42% between the

2008/2009 and 2018/2019 financial years.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Overall, Violent and Property Crime Index Mopani, 2008/2009-2018/2019

OverallCrime Index Violent Crime Index


20

“FOR THE PERIOD 2008/2009

TO 2018/2019 OVERALL CRIME HAS INCREASED

AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF 0.13% WITHIN

THE MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY.”

2.4.5 Education and Skills profile

The number of people without any schooling decreased from 179 855 (2009) to 95 112

(2019), while in the same period the number of people within the 'matric only' category,

increased from 64 714 to 179 874. The number of people with 'matric and a

certificate/diploma' increased from 20 417 to 44 066 in the same period, while number

of people with a 'matric and a Bachelor's' degree increasing from 1 512 to 16 030.

Overall improvement in the level of education is visible with an increase in the number

of people with 'matric' or higher education.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

199719992001200320052007200920112013201520172019

Progress in EducationDC33 Mopani, Total

Matric &

Postgrad

degreeMatric &

Bachelors

degreeMatric &

certificate /

diplomaMatric only

Certificate /

diploma

without matricGrade 10-11

Grade 7-9



Number of schools within the Mopani District:

There are a total number of 741 Early Childhood Development (ECD) registered sites,

of which 394 are funded by Equitable Share, 97 funded on Conditional Grants, and

250 are not yet funded because of budget constraints while some of them are privately

owned. About 450 ECDs operate in proper learning sites, 76 operate in shacks, 56

operate in dilapidated and life threating conditions, and 62 are overcrowded.

GREATER

GIYANI MARULENG

BA –

PHALABORWA

GREATER

LETABA

GREATER

TZANEEN MOPANI

139 104 69 157 272 741

“ABOUT 450 ECDS OPERATE IN PROPER LEARNING SITES, 76 OPERATE IN SHACKS, 56 OPERATE

IN DILAPIDATED AND LIFE THREATING CONDITIONS, AND 62 ARE OVERCROWDED.”

3. Economic Drivers

3.1 Structure of the Economy


22

Mining and agriculture are the two main economic sectors in Mopani.

The mining sector sustains the economy, with copper, magnetite and

phosphate being the main minerals. Copper is smelted in Phalaborwa

while phosphate is transported in its raw form and processed in

Richards Bay primarily for exports.

The agricultural sector is the fourth largest economic contributor after mining,

government and community services, wholesale and retail. Most of the agricultural

activities take place in Tzaneen, Maruleng and Letaba. The main agricultural produce

includes sub-tropical fruit such as tomatoes, bananas, mangoes, oranges and

pineapples. The bulk of these crops are exported.

In 2019, the mining sector was the largest within Mopani District Municipality

accounting for 35% of the total GVA in the district municipality's economy. Mining is

concentrated in the Ba-Phalaborwa region. The mining industry here is dominated by

copper and phosphates. The sector that contributes the second most to the GVA of

the Mopani District Municipality is the community services sector at 20%, followed by

the finance and trade sectors with 13%. The sector that contributes the least to the

economy of Mopani District Municipality is the manufacturing sector with a contribution

of 3% of the total GVA.


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For the period up to 2023, the finance sector is expected to grow fastest at an average

of 2.73% annually from R 6.41 billion in Mopani District Municipality to R 7.33 billion.

The mining sector is estimated to remain the largest sector in 2023, with a total share

of 30.8% (although declining from 34,7%) of the total GVA (as measured in current

prices), declining at an average annual rate of -1.2%.

1 Agriculture

3%

2 Mining

35%

3 Manufacturing

2%

4 Electricity

8%

5 Construction

2%6 Trade

13%

7 Transport

4%

8 Finance

13%

9 Community

services

20%

GVA-R Sectoral compositionDC33 Mopani, 2019



3.2 Primary sector

Mining has been the dominant sector in Mopani since 1996, with a major mining cluster

in Phalaborwa. Other significant mineral zones in the region are the Murchison

Greenstone Belt (Gravellotte towards Leeuwkop in the Kruger National Park [KNP]),

Giyani Greenbelt-from KNP in the south western side of Giyani, and Rooiwater

Complex Northern flank of Murchison. There are small mining initiatives such as the

small gold mining projects in the Giyani and Murchison.

Overall, the main potential is centered in the Phalaborwa Mineral complex with its well-

known copper and Phosphate resources and in the Murchison Range from Gravellotte

towards Nkowakowa / Tzaneen which is reputed to be the most diverse mineralization

zones in the world.

Agriculture and forestry play an important role for economic growth in Mopani District.

There are several high-value pine and eucalyptus plantations, particularly within the

Greater Tzaneen and Greater Letaba municipalities. The Tzaneen and Letsitele

regions of the Letaba catchments areas support citrus, avocados, mangoes and

bananas. Mopani District is a major producer of tomatoes in Limpopo and South Africa.

Tomato production is mainly located in the Mooketsi area, which falls within the

Greater Letaba and Greater Tzaneen Municipalities, while citrus production is mainly

found in the Letsitele area. The region also exports quality avocados.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Gross Value Added (GVA) by broad economic sector Mopani District Municipality, 2018

Community

services

Finance

Transport

Trade

Construction

Electricity

Manufacturing

Mining

Agriculture



26

3.3 Secondary sector

The District is named Mopani because of the abundance of nutritional Mopani worms

found in the area. The Mopani District boasts remarkable tourist attraction landmarks.

The enchanting and breathtaking sceneries have become a standard characteristic of

the district. The district is also home to the world-renowned Rain Queen, giant

baobabs, tropical paradise of Tzaneen, wildlife haven of Ba-Phalaborwa and Maruleng

and Manómbe nature reserve and Baleni salt pan.

In terms of the previous Regional Industrial Development Programmes (RIDP), three

towns qualified as Industrial Development points, namely Giyani, Tzaneen and

Nkowakowa. The main industries in the district are mainly basic metals and fabricated

metals followed by food manufacturing. The District also has a number of industries

involved in the processing of wood (saw milling). The food manufacturing industries

are dominated by canned, preserved and dried fruit and vegetable juices which

indicates a degree of linkages to the local Agriculture sector.

4. Service Delivery

4.1 Water & Sanitation

Mopani District Municipality is a Water Services Authority for the

whole District area and all its local municipalities have Water Service

Provider (WSP) Agreements in place. There are over 20 dams in the

district and nine (9) of those are for primary consumption – domestic,

industrial and commercial. Most of the other dams are used for

irrigation purposes.

About 74% of the population in the district is getting water from a regional or local

service provider and 32% of the households have piped water inside their yards, while

15.7% have access to a flush or chemical toilet. About 76% of the population use pit

toilets in the district.


4.2 Human Settlements

The spatial fabric of the Mopani District Municipality (MDM) is characterized by

displaced urbanization and a human settlement pattern that is distorted, fragmented,

unequal, incoherent and inefficient. This fragmented spatial pattern results in

inefficient duplication of infrastructure networks - bulk services have to be constructed

over long distances to supply outlying settlements with relatively small population

numbers. Spatial reconstruction is therefore required in the Mopani District to address

these critical spatial issues and imbalances.

4.3 Waste Management

In terms of refuse removal, about 14.7% are getting refuse disposal from a local

authority, private company or community members, while 72% use their own dumping

areas.


28

4.4 Roads & Transport

The state of the road infrastructure reflects on the development of the region. Due to

the potential for development of the district through tourism, road infrastructure is a

necessity in the district. Most of the gravel roads are not maintained regularly and do

not have route names, nor appropriate road signs. Most importantly, fencing along the

routes has been removed, resulting in the wandering of wild animals onto the roads.

Most of the affected areas are found around Greater Tzaneen (Boyne/ Sedan areas)

and Greater Giyani (Nkomo and Matsosela areas) municipalities.

There is a lack of access bridges (Marulang municipality), and they have tarred roads

that require storm water drainage. There is need for expansion and maintenance of

the Ivory tourism route from Giyani into the Kruger National Park so that it can support

tourism.

When it comes to public transportation, taxis form a high percentage of public transport

in the district. In the Greater Tzaneen area there are 24 taxi facilities, of which only

two that are in Tzaneen Town are formal and the rest are informal. Ba-Phalaborwa

has 11 taxi facilities, of which one in Phalaborwa Town is formal. Greater Letaba has

12, of which 4 are formal and they are in Modjadjiskloof, Ga-Kgapane, Sekgosese and

Mokwakwaila in Greater Giyani are 18. More than 85% of taxi facilities are informal

without necessary facilities.

4.5 Electricity

In terms of electricity, 3% of the households have no access to electricity, which is

about two-thirds of the rate in the province (4.24%) and about two-fifths of the rate in

the country (7.29%). About 87% of the households in the district are on in-house pre-

paid electricity.

“THERE IS NEED FOR EXPANSION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE IVORY TOURISM ROUTE FROM GIYANI INTO


THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK SO THAT IT CAN SUPPORT TOURISM.”

5. Governance and Management

4.6 Municipality Performance

4.6.1 Audit Outcomes

The District and its local municipalities’ audit outcomes over the past ten years are

depicted below:

Municipali

ty

Audit

opinion

2017/18

Audit

opinion

2016/17

Audit

opinion

2015/16

Audit

opinion

2014-15

Audit

opinion

2013-14

Audit

opinion

2012-13

Audit

opinion

2011-12

Audit

opinion

2010-11

Audit

opinion

2009-10

Audit

opinion

2008-09

Greater

Giyani Qualified Adverse Qualified

Qualifie

d Qualified Adverse

Disclaim

er

Disclaim

er Qualified Qualified

Greater

Letaba

Unqualifi

ed with

findings

Qualified Qualified Qualifie

d Qualified

Disclaim

er

Qualifie

d Adverse

Unqualifi

ed with

findings

Unqualifi

ed with

findings

Greater

Tzaneen Qualified

Unqualifi

ed with

findings

Unqualifi

ed with

findings

Qualifie

d Qualified

Qualifie

d

Disclaim

er Qualified Qualified Qualified

Ba-

Phalaborwa Qualified

Disclaim

er

Disclaim

er

Qualifie

d

Disclaim

er

Disclaim

er

Disclaim

er

Disclaim

er

Disclaim

er

Disclaim

er

Maruleng

Unqualifi

ed with

findings

Unqualifi

ed with

findings

Unqualifi

ed with

findings

Qualifie

d

Unqualifi

ed with

findings

Qualifie

d

Qualifie

d

Unqualifi

ed with

findings

Unqualifi

ed with

findings

Qualified

Mopani Adverse

Disclaim

er Adverse

Disclaim

er Adverse

Disclaim

er

Disclaim

er Qualified

Unqualifi

ed with

findings

Unqualifi

ed with

findings

Four municipalities improved their audit outcomes from 2016/17. Two municipalities

(Greater Letaba and Maruleng) were able to achieve unqualified audit opinions.

4.7 Municipal Capacity

The total number of staff1 (excluding managerial positions) per municipality is

illustrated below:

Number of

posts

Filled

Positions

Vacant

positions

% of

positions

filled

Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality 714 394 320 55.2%

Greater Giyani Local Municipality 377 373 4 98.9%

Greater Letaba Local Municipality 286 211 75 73.8%

1 Statistics South Africa. Non-financial census of municipalities. 2018.


30

Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality 738 533 205 72.2%

Maruleng Local Municipality 268 191 77 71.3%

Mopani District Municipality 1206 677 529 56.1%

According to an assessment conducted by the Municipal Demarcation Board in 2018,

there are 28 Engineers and engineering technologists, 13 planners and planning

technicians, 1 qualified accountant and 34 environmental officers across the

municipalities within the district.

Mopani DM Ba-

Phalaborwa Maruleng

Greater

Giyani

Greater

Letaba

Greater

Tzaneen

Qualified engineers and

engineering

technologists

2 2 2 2 9 11

Qualified planners and

planning technicians 1 2 6 2 1 1

Qualified accountants 1 0 0 0 0 0

Environmental officers 25 2 1 1 1 4

4.8 Traditional Affairs Governance

The following table shows the total number of traditional councils in the district.

Mopani District municipalities No of traditional councils

Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality 5

Greater Giyani Local Municipality 10

Greater Letaba Local Municipality 10

Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality 7

Maruleng Local Municipality 4

Total 36

6. Projects to Diversify and Grow People and the Economy

4.9 Social Development Projects

Social development projects in Mopani District include the following:

DEPARTMENT Projects 2019/20

Department of

Health

Nkomo B Clinic

Old Nkhensani EMS

Dr CN Phatudi

R20 808 035


Duiwelskloof CHC

Evuxakeni hospital

Evuxakeni Hospital

Kgapane hospital

Giyani Nursing college campus

Grace Mugodeni CHC

New EMS Station within the existing Grace Mugodeni

CHC

Homulani clinic: replacement of the existing clinic on

the same site: health technology

Kgapane hospital: upgrade neonatal facilities (phase B)

Letaba hospital: Construction of recreation &

residential facilities (B/06018)

Letaba hospital: prosthetic centre, male ward etc.

health technology, furniture & equipment

Letaba hospital A4: maternity etc, health technology,

furniture & equipment

Letaba hospital: storage, civil & mech, rehabilitate

workshop, theatre etc health technology, furniture

Letaba hospital: replacement of female medical ward,

upgrade waste storage, etc. health technology

Letaba hospital: upgrading of existing admin. &

Psychiatric ward health technology

Letaba hospital C1: Medical and admission records’

facility: health technology and equipments

Letaba hospital – contract B3: new admin, visitors

waiting, gate etc.

Letaba hospital: repairs and alterations to MCCE &

neonatal facilities (phase A)

Letaba hospital: repairs and alterations to MCCE &

neonatal facilities (phase A): Health technology

Letaba hospital: staff accommodation, 10 single rooms’

block

Letaba hospital: upgrade hospital laundry electro-

mechanical repairs

Letaba hospital: upgrade hospital laundry furniture &

equipment – movable assets

Letaba hospital: B4 upgrading of existing admin &

Psychiatric ward

Letaba hospital: A4 Maternity ward, walkways, victim

empowerment centre

Loloka clinic: new clinic: 2nd contractor

Loloka clinic: new clinic: 2nd contractor health

technology

Maphuta Malatjie Hospital: Master plan, business case

& health brief

Maphuta Malatjie Hospital: completion of linen store,

ring roads, paving & storm water. Health technology

Maphuta Malatjie Hospital: health technology for

maternity, neonatal and theatre

Maphuta Malatjie Hospital: Upgrade neonatal facilities

(phase B)


32

Mninginisi clinic: Business case and health brief for new

clinic

Muyexe clinic: replacement of existing clinic to new site

New Nkhensani hospital: staff accommodation, 10

single rooms’ block

New Nkhensani hospital: alterations to MCCE &

neonatal facilities (phase A)

New Nkhensani hospital: Upgrade neonatal facilities

(phase B)

New Nkhensani hospital: Alterations to MCCE &

neonatal facilities (phase A) health technology

Sekororo hospital: business case & health brief

Sekororo hospital: Staff accommodation, 2x10 single

rooms block

Seloane clinic: Enviroloo and related services

Tzaneen malaria control Institute: upgrade offices and

insectorium

Department of

Education

Khutjwana prim ord 915540591

Lebaka prim ord 918520511

Mawa prim ord 918511005

Motupakgomo prim ord 918511173

Nyavana prim ord 915530983

Phakeng prim ord 918521255

Thabeng prim ord 926541235

R55 000 000

Department of

Social

Development

Dzumeri Office accommodation;

Maintenance

R26 049 000

SAPS

YCOP; Crime prevention through environmental design

(cpted)

Epwp, hotspots

CSF

CPF

R2 001 480

CoGHSTA Construction of housing units in rural villages R150 583 801

4.10 Spatial Development

Tzaneen is a main regional centre in the district and has been recognised as a district

gateway in terms of the major access roads inter-linking in Tzaneen Town. Giyani town

has also been identified as a district growth point with Phalaborwa town being a

tourism destination. Gateways allow or necessitate network to and from different

settlements with both movements of goods and services. Hoedspruit with extensive

agricultural activities has also been identified as a diverse functional region.

Some of the key spatial projects in the district are:

Project Municipality/Funder 2019/2020 2020/2021 2021/2022


LUS

development

Ba-Phalaborwa 1.4m 0 0

SDF review Mopani District 1m 1.2 mil 1.4 mil

Gravelotte

Township

establishment

(400 sites)

Ba-Phalaborwa 1m 0 0

Greater Letaba

SDF

Greater

Letaba/DRDLR

500 000 0 0

4.11 Infrastructure Projects

The Infrastructure development projects include the following:

DEPARTMENT 2019/20

Department of Transport 160 100 963

Depart. of Public Works, Roads & Infrastructure 189 116 417

Department of Water and Sanitation 228 000 000

Lepelle Northern Water 55 840 000

ESKOM 62 285 683

“TZANEEN IS A MAIN REGIONAL CENTRE

IN THE DISTRICT AND HAS BEEN RECOGNISED AS A

DISTRICT GATEWAY IN TERMS OF THE MAJOR ACCESS

ROADS INTER-LINKING IN TZANEEN TOWN.”

4.12 Economic Projects

The key economic project that could unlock the economy of Mopani are:

DEPARTMENT Projects 2019/20

Department of

Agriculture

GRASP 2 (Holofelang ;efa Christian; Davano;

Khomanani; Eunique

Grasp 4 ( Mongwe, Rikhotso, 100 Mandanda,

Xipfimbamahlo, Makwale, Greenlight

GRASP 4 ( Moradu, Vuxaka ikudya, Mandla maheli,

Reyaya)

Masalal Structural works

Marievert

10 X Mahale Farmers cluster

Benfarm coop

R24 815 000


34

GRASP 3

Oasis nursery

GRASP Aquaculture

Mariveni farm coop

Exilite 499cc

Malemela Peba

AMATA TRADING CC

Commercialization and production increase strategy

continue only funded for planning: _ Projects:

Mohale Farming; Moradu farming; New Dawn Farming

Enterprise; Mabunda; Mariveni farm Coop; Makepisi;

Maswele Farming.

R1 900 000

Department of

Rural Development

and Land Reform

Nkowankowa Industrial Park, Greater Tzaneen R 36 157 183

Other Projects:

GRASP; Letsitele; Titirheleni Vomanana; Sofaya

Cooperative; Ximambani Cooperative; Hasani & Sons;

Ndzahluli projects; Muyexe arts and craft; Mopani Agri

hub; Macena Gardens; Gonono internal street paving;

Muyexe internal street paving; Nwamatatani community

hall; Masalal FPSU; Various fencing project

Mopani Agri hub; Maswanganyi; Gravelotte/ Selwana

Prieska Farmers secondary coopeartive ; Baloyi fence;

Homu irrigation scheme

Bend irrigation scheme; Solani irrigation scheme;Metz

irrigation scheme; Mahumane; Julesburg ; Senatlala

farming primary cooperative; Lemondokop primary maize

cooperative; Mmakgomo primary coop; Aganang Ntata

fresh produce; Raleputso coop; Deerpak no 459; Lofdal

42 KT Ptn 8 (Shai Shai); Rhualani project; Portion 64 & 65

of the farm Carlifornia 507 LT; Portion 10 of the farm

Carlifornia 507 LT; Portion 16 of the farm Dwarsfontein

541 LT

R144,003,804

4.13 Environmental forecast

The climate change phenomenon has led to an increase in weather hazards such

drought, floods and wildfires. Using the Local Government Climate Change Support

Program, spearheaded by the Department of Environmental Affairs, the Mopani

District has already developed a climate change vulnerability assessment and

response plan. This plan outlines the following key areas, namely; agriculture,

biodiversity and environment, human health, human settlements and water.

In terms of the climate change vulnerability assessment and response plan, change

in maize production was identified as a problem for the agricultural sector, as well as

increased risks to livestock. From a biodiversity perspective, the loss of grasslands

was identified as a particular area of concern since the grasslands are vulnerable to

climate change and form a vital role in water production. The critically endangered

Woodbush Granite Grasslands, gazetted as a protected vegetation type, are only


found in and around the Haenertsburg area. Protecting this grassland, as well as those

found in the upper reaches of the Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve / Wolkberg should

be regarded as an imperative.

Most of the rain in Mopani district is received during summer (85% of the rain). The

rainfall varies from the Great Escarpment areas (2000 mm/a), to the dry savannah of

the Kruger National Park (400 mm/a). The temperature ranges from a maximum

average of 21°C in the mountainous areas, to 25°C in the dry lowveld areas. Frost

rarely occurs in the Mopani District. The District falls within both the Letaba and

Olifants Catchment areas, with the former covering approximately 13 400km² while

the latter covers approximately 54 550km² (Department of Water & Sanitation, 2011).

IN TERMS OF THE CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE PLAN, CHANGE IN MAIZE PRODUCTION WAS IDENTIFIED AS A

PROBLEM FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR, AS WELL AS INCREASED RISKS TO LIVESTOCK.”


36

7. Key Recommendations

4.14 Prioritise Integrated Development Plan

The process to reprioritize programmes in the IDP

should consider the following:

• There are agricultural schemes along the perennial rivers that are abandoned and

they need to be revitalized so that they can enter the mainstream economy. Most

of them produce vegetables and grain products, which are sold to the local

markets. Water scarcity and related infrastructure is one of the problems that have

led to the collapse of the schemes.

• The inclusion of women and youth in tourism-related opportunities, ranging from

tour guides to selling of arts & crafts through craft markets that are strategically

located to tourist attraction destinations

7.2. Investor and Sponsorship opportunities

There are a number of opportunities identified for economic development in the

Mopani District Municipality. These include:

• Agro-processing - Mopani worms are some of the special commodities in the

intervention area although there is still a challenge in terms of marketing them.

Tzaneen is the hub of the extensive activities within the District Municipality where

most of the citrus fruit, sub-tropical fruit and vegetables in the district are

produced. This immediately offers opportunities for beneficiation from fruit

produce. Agri-parks provide a unique opportunity for the realisation of

transformative agricultural development and rural economic transformation in

Mopani and beyond.

• Small Scale Mining - The Ba-Phalaborwa corridor is particularly well endowed

with mining deposits with a number of mining operations already underway. The

revival of old mines in Giyani.

• Tourism- The Ba-Phalaborwa corridor also offers opportunities in eco-tourism

and game farming due to its proximity to Kruger National Park. Making the

Mopani District a gate-way through Giriondo Border post on tourism

promotion. The Maruleng Municipality has large game farms from which the

municipality can grow its tax base.

profile: bojanala platinum district

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