Profile: Mopani District Municipality

2 PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 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 ...... 11 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 ...... 15 2.3.3. Infrastructure (responding to COVID 19) ...... 15 2.3.4. Social Support (responding to Covid 19)...... 16 2.3.5. Economic Support ...... 17 2.4 Poverty Dimensions ...... 17 2.4.1 Distribution ...... 17 2.4.2 Inequality ...... 18 2.4.3 Employment/Unemployment ...... 19 2.4.4 Crime ...... 19 3 DRIVERS OF THE ECONOMY ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. 3.1 Structure of the Economy ...... 22 3.2 Primary sector ...... 26 3.3 Secondary sector ...... 26 4 SERVICE DELIVERY ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. 4.1 Water & Sanitation ...... 27 4.2 Human Settlements ...... 27 4.3 Waste Management ...... 28 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 ...... 30 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...... 31 6.2 Spatial Development ...... 33 6.3 Infrastructure Projects ...... 33 6.4 Economic Projects ...... 34 6.5 Environmental forecast ...... 35 7 KEY RECOMMENDATIONS ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.1 Prioritise Integrated Development Plan ...... 36 7.2. Investor and Sponsorship opportunities ...... 36

4 PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 5

COVID

Source:CSIR/NCDM

19Vulnerability Index

Mopani

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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.

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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.”

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1. Introduction: Brief Overview

1.1. Location

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”. PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 9

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. 10 PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

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.

Population structure, Total, 2019 DC33 Mopani vs. National Male Female DC33 Mopani South Africa 70-74 60-64 50-54 40-44 30-34 20-24 10-14 00-04 8.0% 6.0% 4.0% 2.0% 0.0% 2.0% 4.0% 6.0% 8.0% Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946

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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 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. 12 PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

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.

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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:

Local Municipality Cumulative Active Recoveries Deaths Ba-Phalaborwa 4 2 2 0 Greater Giyani 2 0 2 0

DM Greater Letaba 0 0 0 0

MOPANI MOPANI Greater Tzaneen 7 4 3 0 Maruleng 0 0 0 0 14 PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

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)

“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.”

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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.

2.3.3. Infrastructure (responding to COVID 19)

(a) Provision of Water and Sanitation 16 PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

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. 18 PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Number and percentage of people in poverty, Mopani 2009- 2019 800,000 70.0%

700,000 60.0% 600,000 50.0% 500,000 40.0% 400,000 30.0% 300,000 20.0% 200,000 100,000 10.0% 0 0.0% 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

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

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. PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 19

Inequality at District level 0.62 0.61 0.60 0.59 0.58 0.57 0.56 0.55 0.54 0.53 0.52 Mopani Vhembe Capricorn Waterberg Sekhukhune

2009 2013 2016 2019

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. Number of employed versus unemployed people in Mopani: 2008 - 2018 350,000 297,526 284,067 300,000 255,851 250,000 223,834 215,134 222,299 200,000 150,000 100,000 71,114 54,448 45,387 45,975 56,343 57,921 50,000 0 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018

Unemployed Employed

Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1803 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.

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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.

Overall, Violent and Property Crime Index Mopani, 2008/2009-2018/2019 140

120

100

OverallCrime Index Violent Crime Index

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“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.

Progress in Education DC33 Mopani, Total 100% Matric & 90% Postgrad degree Matric & 80% Bachelors degree 70% Matric & certificate / 60% diploma Matric only 50%

40% Certificate / diploma 30% without matric Grade 10-11 20%

10% Grade 7-9

0% 199719992001200320052007200920112013201520172019 Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946

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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 BA – GREATER GREATER MARULENG MOPANI GIYANI PHALABORWA LETABA TZANEEN

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

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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. 24 PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

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GVA-R Sectoral composition DC33 Mopani, 2019

2 Mining 35%

3 Manufacturing 1 Agriculture 2% 3% 4 Electricity 8% 9 Community services 5 Construction 20% 2% 6 Trade 13% 8 Finance 13% 7 Transport 4% Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1946

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%.

Gross Value Added (GVA) by broad economic sector Mopani District Municipality, 2018 100% Community 90% services 80% Finance

70% Transport 60% Trade 50% Construction 40%

30% Electricity

20% Manufacturing 10% Mining 0% Agriculture

Source: IHS Markit Regional eXplorer version 1803 26 PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

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.

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.

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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. 28 PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

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.

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. PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 29

“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 Audit Audit Audit Audit Audit Audit Audit Audit Audit Audit opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion ty 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014-15 2013-14 2012-13 2011-12 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09

Greater Qualifie Disclaim Disclaim Qualified Adverse Qualified Qualified Adverse Qualified Qualified Giyani d er er Unqualifi Unqualifi Unqualifi Greater Qualifie Disclaim Qualifie ed with Qualified Qualified Qualified Adverse ed with ed with d er d Letaba findings findings findings Unqualifi Unqualifi Greater Qualifie Qualifie Disclaim Qualified ed with ed with Qualified Qualified Qualified Qualified d d er Tzaneen findings findings

Ba- Disclaim Disclaim Qualifie Disclaim Disclaim Disclaim Disclaim Disclaim Disclaim Qualified Phalaborwa er er d er er er er er er Unqualifi Unqualifi Unqualifi Unqualifi Unqualifi Unqualifi Qualifie Qualifie Qualifie ed with ed with ed with ed with ed with ed with Qualified d d d Maruleng findings findings findings findings findings findings Unqualifi Unqualifi Disclaim Disclaim Disclaim Disclaim Adverse Adverse Adverse Qualified ed with ed with er er er er Mopani findings findings

Four municipalities improved their audit outcomes from 2016/17. Two municipalities (Greater Letaba and Maruleng) were able to achieve unqualified audit opinions. 30 PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

4.7 Municipal Capacity The total number of staff1 (excluding managerial positions) per municipality is illustrated below:

% of Number of Filled Vacant positions posts Positions 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%

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. Ba- Greater Greater Greater Mopani DM Maruleng Phalaborwa Giyani Letaba Tzaneen Qualified engineers and engineering 2 2 2 2 9 11 technologists Qualified planners and 1 2 6 2 1 1 planning technicians 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

1 Statistics South Africa. Non-financial census of municipalities. 2018. PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 31

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 Nkomo B Clinic R20 808 035 Health Old Nkhensani EMS Dr CN Phatudi 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 32 PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

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) 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 Khutjwana prim ord 915540591 R55 000 000 Lebaka prim ord 918520511 Mawa prim ord 918511005 Department of Motupakgomo prim ord 918511173 Education Nyavana prim ord 915530983 Phakeng prim ord 918521255 Thabeng prim ord 926541235 Department of Dzumeri Office accommodation; R26 049 000 Social Maintenance Development YCOP; Crime prevention through environmental design R2 001 480 (cpted) SAPS Epwp, hotspots CSF CPF CoGHSTA Construction of housing units in rural villages R150 583 801

PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 33

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 Ba-Phalaborwa 1.4m 0 0 development SDF review Mopani District 1m 1.2 mil 1.4 mil Gravelotte Ba-Phalaborwa 1m 0 0 Township establishment (400 sites) Greater Letaba Greater 500 000 0 0 SDF Letaba/DRDLR

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.” 34 PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

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

DEPARTMENT Projects 2019/20 Department of GRASP 2 (Holofelang ;efa Christian; Davano; R24 815 000 Agriculture 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 GRASP 3 Oasis nursery GRASP Aquaculture Mariveni farm coop Exilite 499cc Malemela Peba AMATA TRADING CC Commercialization and production increase strategy R1 900 000 continue only funded for planning: _ Projects: Mohale Farming; Moradu farming; New Dawn Farming Enterprise; Mabunda; Mariveni farm Coop; Makepisi; Maswele Farming. Department of Nkowankowa Industrial Park, Greater Tzaneen R 36 157 183 Rural Development Other Projects: R144,003,804 and Land Reform 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

PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 35

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 PROFILE: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

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: MOPANI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY 37