Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba.
The Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has released key outcomes from the Limpopo Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held on 19 August 2026. The meeting focused on financial discipline, strong governance, and improving public services across the province.
Improving Audit Outcomes and Tough Action on Governance
The latest 2025-26 audit report from the Auditor-General of South Africa shows steady financial progress in the province. Six government departments and one public entity received clean audit outcomes. These include the Office of the Premier, Provincial Treasury, Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Transport and Community Safety, Sport, Arts and Culture, Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Limpopo Tourism Agency.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development improved its financial management to achieve a clean audit. Roads Agency Limpopo also improved its performance, moving up from a qualified to an unqualified audit opinion. Major departments with large budgets, such as Education, Health, Public Works, and Cooperative Governance, maintained unqualified audit opinions.
However, EXCO expressed concern over declining audit results at the Department of Social Development and Limpopo Connexion. To fix this, the Provincial Treasury will conduct a full forensic investigation into payments made to non-profit organizations during the 2025-26 financial year. The provincial government will hire professional accountants to help non-profit organizations manage public funds correctly and will take legal action if non-compliance is found. The administration is also working to resolve 14 identified material irregularities involving R149.6 million to recover lost funds.
Intervention in Local Municipalities
EXCO reviewed a forensic investigation report regarding Thabazimbi Local Municipality following initial municipal visits in 2025. The council approved the findings and ordered that the report be submitted to both the National Council of Provinces and the Thabazimbi Municipal Council. The local municipality must now create a detailed action plan to fix bad governance and submit quarterly reports to provincial leadership.
In addition, the provincial government is addressing the planned relocation of the Sekhukhune District Offices. An Inter-Ministerial Committee will meet with the Pedi Mamone Traditional Community to discuss progress and provide official updates.
New Water and Disaster Management Plans
To solve ongoing water supply challenges, EXCO approved the Limpopo Differentiated Water and Sanitation Strategy 2026. This plan avoids a uniform approach and instead targets the specific water needs of individual districts. Following successful water intervention efforts in Polokwane, Mopani, and Vhembe, the province will now focus its water team on the Sekhukhune District. A new Provincial Water Council will oversee these critical infrastructure projects.
To prepare for future emergencies, the government approved the Limpopo Provincial Disaster Management Framework 2026. EXCO is also contacting the national Minister of Human Settlements to secure urgent temporary housing units for families displaced by floods in Tshakhuma, Mbaula, and surrounding areas.
Boosting Tourism and Economic Investment
Limpopo continues to push for strong economic growth through tourism and strategic investments. The provincial leadership approved the Limpopo Tourism Growth Strategy for 2026 to 2030.
The province is preparing to host two major upcoming events in Polokwane:
* The 8th Annual Africa Tourism Leadership Conference, taking place from 2 to 4 September 2026.
* The 6th Limpopo Investment Conference, scheduled for 15 October 2026.
These initiatives aim to attract private sector capital and create lasting job opportunities for local residents.
Upgrading Government Communication and Fighting Crime
EXCO approved the revised Government Communication Policy 2026 to ensure clear, accessible, and professional updates for all citizens.
During the meeting, the Premier also welcomed the appointment of Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers. Highlighting immediate success in law enforcement, police carried out a late-night raid on a farm near Musina. Officers uncovered an illegal drug laboratory worth R600,000 and arrested five foreign national suspects, including two citizens from Mexico, two from Zimbabwe, and one from Malawi.
Premier Ramathuba concluded by noting that provincial infrastructure efforts are moving fast. Limpopo has successfully moved around 200 projects directly into active construction, while another 450 infrastructure projects remain in the planning pipeline.