LIMPOPO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (BOPHELONG)

07/01/2026

06/01/2026

MEC Mashego visits Seshego Hospital to get first hand information about the alleged contaminated water incidents

Tuesday, 6 January 2026

[Seahego] The MEC for Health in Limpopo, Ms Dieketseng Mashego, today visited Seshego Hospital following reports circulating on social media alleging that children in Seshego had died after consuming contaminated water, with claims linking the incidents to suspected cholera and other waterborne diseases.

The visit formed part of the Department’s commitment to verify facts, assess the situation on the ground, and reassure communities through transparent engagement and responsible leadership.

During the visit, hospital records and clinical assessments confirmed that there were no recorded deaths of children related to gastroenteritis or any suspected cholera cases at Seshego Hospital.

The MEC urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary panic, while reaffirming the Department’s readiness to respond swiftly to any public health threats and to continue working with relevant stakeholders to safeguard the health and wellbeing of communities.

06/01/2026

Media statement
All media
05 January 2026

LIMPOPO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CLARIFIES REPORTS ON ALLEGED WATERBORNE DISEASES IN SESHEGO

The Limpopo Department of Health has noted with concern reports circulating in social media alleging that children in Seshego died after consuming contaminated water, with allegations linking the incidents to suspected cholera and waterborne diseases.

The Department wishes to reassure the community that it takes these allegations in a serious light, and that is why there are systems put in place to monitor the cases.

Following the reports, Seshego Hospital and Polokwane hospital were placed on high alert from 24 December 2025 to closely monitor patients presenting with symptoms of gastroenteritis, including diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
During December 2025:

• 122 patients presented at Seshego Hospital with gastroenteritis symptoms
• 26 patients were admitted and 96 were treated and discharged
• The higher than usual number of cases was noted on the week of 19-26 December 2025, and currently the numbers are as per usual occurrence
• No deaths related to gastroenteritis were recorded in the Emergency Department
• Three deaths occurred in adult wards prior to 20 December 2025, but none were linked to waterborne diseases. There were no deaths of children related to gastroenteritis recorded at both hospitals
• Ten stool samples were tested for pathogens commonly associated with waterborne infections, including cholera-related organisms, and all results were negative
Environmental Health Practitioners from Capricorn District Municipality, in collaboration with from the Limpopo Department of Health Environmental Practitioners, conducted water quality assessments in the area. Water supplied from the main systems was found to be compliant as per the municipal water sources.

Temporary water quality challenges linked to heavy rainfall were identified and addressed as a precaution.
The teams have intensified monitoring, including ongoing water sampling, daily chlorine level checks and strengthened water quality oversight to ensure public safety. This include taking the samples to accredited laboratories, to ensure expert input on the interpretation of results.

The Department acknowledges community concerns and urges residents to remain calm, rely on verified information from official sources. We encourage residents maintain good hygiene practices such as washing of hands and boiling of water and to seek medical care if symptoms such as diarrhoea or vomiting occur. The department and the municipality are currently conducting health promotion campaigns in the identified areas to teach communities on water safety and hygiene.

Ends

Departmental Spokesperson
Neill Shikwambana
066 479 9887

MEC Spokesperson
Kapudi Moagi
082 2577 856

03/01/2026

MEC for LIMPOPO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (BOPHELONG) Ms Dieketseng Mashego joined the Premier of Limpopo Dr Phophi Ramathuba, MECs, Ministers, deputy ministers, MPs,MPLs, Executive Mayors,Mayors and other dignitaries during the Special Official provincial funeral for the late Dikeledi Magadzi at Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane.

01/01/2026

MEC WELCOMES BABIES AT JANE FURSE HOSPITAL IN SEKHUKHUNE DISTRICT

1st January 2026

[FROM VOORTREKKER TO JANE FURSE HOSPITAL]MEC for Health in Limpopo warmly welcomed New Year babies at Jane Furse Hospital in Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality, sharing in the joy of new life with proud mothers and their families.

As part of the celebrations, the MEC handed over baby gifts to the new mothers as a token of appreciation and support, reaffirming the department’s commitment to maternal and child health.

She congratulated the mothers on the safe delivery of their babies and wished them well on their motherhood journey.
During her engagement, the MEC encouraged mothers to prioritise breastfeeding, highlighting its vital nutritional value and health benefits for newborns.

The visit was attended by the Mayor of Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality, Her Worship Cllr Merah Mahlase, the Speaker of Sekhukhune District Municipality, Cllr Chego Kgwediebotse, hospital management led by the CEO, councillors and members of the community, demonstrating collective support for mothers and newborns in the area.

01/01/2026

[ Watch]MEC for LIMPOPO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (BOPHELONG) Ms Dieketseng Mashego welcomes New Year Babies at Jane Furse hospital in Makhuduthamaga municipality, Sekhukhune District.

She is joined by Makhuduthamaga Mayor cllr Merah Mahlase , Sekhikhune District Speaker cllr Kgwediebotse Chego, Hospital CEO , some councillors , new mothers and their family members.

01/01/2026

MEC WELCOMES NEW YEAR BABIES IN WATERBERG DISTRICT

Thursday, 1 January 2026

[ Mokopane] MEC for LIMPOPO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (BOPHELONG), Ms Dieketseng Mashego, led the welcoming of New Year babies at Voortrekker Hospital in the Waterberg District, marking the beginning of 2026 with joy and hope.

She congratulated the new mothers on the safe delivery of their babies and commended healthcare workers for their dedication and commitment in providing quality maternal and newborn care during the festive period.

Notably, the first baby born in the province for the New Year was a baby girl, delivered at Voortrekker Hospital at exactly 00:02, a moment celebrated as a symbol of new beginnings for Limpopo.

The MEC was joined by the Speaker of Mogalakwena Municipality, Cllr Senoamadi MM, hospital CEO Mr Ralethe, representatives from Metropolitan Bank and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS). Together, they extended warm wishes to the mothers and families, presenting gifts as a gesture of support and appreciation.

The visit highlighted strong collaboration between government, the private sector and community stakeholders in promoting maternal and child health, while reinforcing the province’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of mothers and newborns.

01/01/2026

MEC for LIMPOPO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (BOPHELONG) Ms Dieketseng Mashego arrives at Voortrekker hospital in Mokopane for the welcoming of new born year's babies.

25/12/2025

MEC MASHEGO WELCOMES CHRISTMAS NEWBORNS IN MOPANI DISTRICT

[Kgaphane] MEC for Health in Limpopo, Ms Dieketseng Mashego, continued spreading Christmas cheer as she welcomed Christmas newborn babies at Kgapane Hospital in the Mopani District.

MEC celebrated the precious gift of new life by engaging with proud families and handing over Christmas gifts to new mothers as a gesture of appreciation and support.

The visit reflected the Department’s commitment to compassionate, people-centred care and to sharing joy with families during the festive season.

25/12/2025

MEC WELCOMES CHRISTMAS BABIES IN VHEMBE DISTRICT

THURSDAY, 25 December 2025

MEC for Health in Limpopo, Ms Dieketseng Mashego, today visited Elim Hospital and Louis Trichardt (LTT) Hospital in Makhado, Vhembe District, to warmly welcome Christmas Day newborn babies.

The visit formed part of spreading festive cheer and celebrating the gift of life with families who welcomed their babies on this special day. The MEC interacted with healthcare workers and expressed appreciation for their dedication in ensuring safe deliveries and quality maternal and neonatal care during the festive period.

She was joined by the Mayorbif Makhado municipality her worship cllr Dorcus Mmboyi, some Councillors, CEOs, health workers and officials.

As a gesture of love and appreciation, Ms Mashego presented Christmas gifts to the new mothers, bringing smiles and comfort during this joyful moment.

She congratulated the families and encouraged mothers to continue utilising health services for postnatal care, while reaffirming the Department’s commitment to supporting maternal and child health across Limpopo..