Learners get measles shots after outbreak

By Bernard Chiguvare

The Limpopo Department of Health, in conjunction with the Isa Mathivha Foundation, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Elim Hlanganani Society for the Care of the Aged, launched an immunisation programme against measles in schools around Louis Trichardt on Monday, 6 March.

The launch, which followed an outbreak of measles in the province, took place at Masedi Primary School, where they spent two days vaccinating learners. From there they proceeded to Murunwa Combined School.

According to Dr Edson Malwela, Director of the Department of Health in Vhembe, 22 cases of measles had been reported in the Vhembe District since September 2022, of whom 19 cases were in the Tshikota area. “No deaths had been reported, but there had been three admission cases. This is why we have decided to launch the immunisation programme around Tshikota, so that we can arrest the spread of this disease. If we do not intervene, the whole school will gradually be affected,” said Dr Mawela.

They are aiming to vaccinate at least 500 children over the next few days. Mawela said that, although the launch only included Murunwa and Masedi at the moment, it would be extended to all other schools around the Vhembe District from April. The programme will be focusing on children aged 15 and younger.

Ms Maria Matodzi Matakala, one of the teachers at Masedi Primary School, who is responsible for the health and safety at the school, said they welcomed the programme as the school had noticed an increase in cases of measles under the learners. “Two weeks ago, two of our learners were sent home when they showed symptoms of measles. It seems that some of the parents are reluctant to take their children to the clinic for immunisation. We hope this programme will stop the spread of measles at the school,” she said.

Wedding bells ring for Prince Rammbuda and Julia Sithole

By Victor Mukwevho

More than 2000 well-wishers and residents of the Rammbuda dynasty attended the wedding ceremony of Prince Muthuphei

Chris Rammbuda at Makonde village last Saturday afternoon (4 March).

The loveable prince from the clan known as “Ha Rammbuda tshiwa nga matembele, tshine tshe dzhita tsha lavhelesa bakoni la Tshavhadinda” arrived at the wedding ceremony in grand style, sandwiched between royal princes, while his gorgeous wife was escorted into a beautifully decorated wedding arena by her uncle.

When pastor M.E. Maguwelele asked the two love birds to exchange their marriage vows, the prince knelt down on one knee and promised his sweetheart,

Julia Sithole, that he would love her until death did them part. “When I saw you for the very first time, I knew that you were the one that I would spend the rest of my life with. I love you, babe,” he declared. When Julia responded by also declaring her undying love to him, the whole arena vibrated with ululations from the happy crowd.

Pastor Maguwelele pointed out that marriage was instituted by God himself, and that the two should look upon the Lord in bad as well as good times. “Marriage is not a union of two people, but the union of two hearts. Marriage is love,” he said.

The occasion was also graced by the leader of the Rammbuda dynasty, Thovhele Vho-Rammbuda, to witness the prince escorting his princess to the royal family home.