MEC Basikopo Makamu sworn in as Acting Limpopo Premier.
The Member of the Executive Council (MEC) responsible for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Mr Basikopo Makamu, has officially been sworn in as the Acting Premier of Limpopo. He will lead the provincial government from 01 August to 07 August 2026.
The temporary change in leadership comes as the Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, travels to the People’s Republic of China on an official working visit. The premier is attending a high-level trade and investment mission aimed at attracting major international investments to Limpopo, particularly in the energy and electricity sectors.
A Smooth Leadership Transition in the Province
The announcement was made by the Limpopo Provincial Government to inform residents, community leaders, and local stakeholders about the temporary leadership arrangements.
During his week as Acting Premier, Mr Makamu will oversee all executive operations, ensuring that governance, service delivery, and provincial administration continue seamlessly without interruption. Mr Makamu brings extensive experience to the role, having served as an MEC managing vital public portfolios, including housing, local government coordination, and traditional affairs across Limpopo.
Government officials confirmed that all scheduled provincial activities, municipal engagements, and community outreach programs will proceed as planned under Mr Makamu’s leadership.
Why Premier Ramathuba is Visiting China
Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba is participating in the Ministerial Electricity and Energy Investment Mission to China. The South African national delegation is led by the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.
Joining Premier Ramathuba on this strategic trip is the MEC for Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Dr Tshiṱereke Matibe. Together, they represent the province in direct talks with Chinese business executives, state-owned enterprise representatives, and energy experts.
China remains one of South Africa’s largest global trading partners. The trip provides a direct opportunity for Limpopo leaders to showcase local economic projects to international investors looking for expansion opportunities in Southern Africa.
Key Goals of the Energy Investment Mission
The primary objective of the mission to China is to strengthen economic cooperation between South Africa and China while securing direct investment into critical energy infrastructure.
Limpopo holds a strategic position in the national economy as a major hub for mining, agriculture, heavy industry, and energy production. However, like many parts of South Africa, sustained economic expansion depends heavily on a reliable and modernized energy grid.
The provincial delegation is targeting several high-priority sectors during their meetings in China:
- Transmission Grid Expansion: Securing investment and technical partnerships to build high-capacity power lines that transport electricity efficiently across the province and the national network.
- Grid Modernization: Adopting smart technology and advanced grid systems to reduce power losses and improve electrical system reliability.
- Renewable Energy Projects: Encouraging partnerships in solar, wind, and alternative clean energy solutions to diversify the energy mix.
- Energy Storage Solutions: Investing in modern battery storage technology to store power generated during off-peak times for use during periods of high demand.
- Industrial Localisation: Creating opportunities for local factories in Limpopo to manufacture energy components, equipment, and spare parts.
- Skills Development: Building training programs and technical skills exchanges between Chinese energy institutes and South African workers to support local jobs.
Temporary Changes in the Provincial Cabinet
With both Premier Ramathuba and MEC Matibe travelling abroad for the mission, temporary adjustments have been made within the Limpopo Executive Council to maintain full operational efficiency.
While MEC Basikopo Makamu steps up to carry out the duties of the Premier, MEC Mavhungu Ramakhanya has been appointed as the Acting MEC for Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET).
MEC Ramakhanya will hold this secondary portfolio alongside her existing cabinet responsibilities until 07 August 2026, ensuring that economic development programs and environmental authorizations continue without delay.
Looking Ahead to Economic Growth and Job Creation
The Limpopo Provincial Government expressed full confidence in the success of the delegation’s overseas engagements. Officials noted that attracting foreign investment to energy infrastructure is one of the most effective ways to lower the cost of doing business, support local factories, and create sustainable employment opportunities for young people across the province.
“The provincial government remains confident that these high-level engagements will unlock meaningful investment opportunities,” a government spokesperson said. “Securing steady energy infrastructure directly supports long-term economic growth, job creation, and long-term energy security for Limpopo and South Africa as a whole.”
Premier Ramathuba and MEC Matibe are scheduled to return to South Africa after completing their working visit, at which point normal executive arrangements will resume on 08 August 2026.