Podcasts about Limpopo

In this inspiring episode of Farmers Inside Track, we travel to Vondo village in Limpopo's Vhembe district, where we meet Matika Khathutshelo, the passionate force behind Matika Subcrop Farming. From humble beginnings to managing 10 hectares of macadamia, avocado, and litchi orchards, Matika shares how he turned his childhood love for farming into a thriving business.

Authorities are on high alert this Easter Sunday as traffic volumes swell across the country. With thousands of Zion Christian Church members driving back from Moria TONIGHT and TOMORROW and holidaymakers returning from family visits, congestion is expected especially on routes leading out of Limpopo, Kwa Zulu Natal and Eastern Cape. The Road Traffic Management Corporation is urging motorists to exercise caution, patience, and respect for road rules. To get a sense of the traffic situation on the ground Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Road traffic management corporation spokesperson, Simon Zwane.

As we head into the long Easter weekend, the Polokwane municipal authorities are outlining plans to deal with traffic on the roads. The municipal roads experience heavy traffic flow as worshippers to Moria and holiday makers drive through the area. To discuss this further we are joined on the line by Limpopo MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye....

Join us as fitness coach Liezel van der Westhuizen unpacks the inspiring journey of three Limpopo cyclists on a mission to promote healthy living and steer youth away from drugs and gangsterismSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Described as ‘the first lady of Irish cycling', Dervla Murphy was renowned for her intrepid spirit, and she remained passionate about travel, writing, politics, conservation and bicycling until her death in 2022. In this episode of the Slightly Foxed podcast we have gathered a number of those who knew and worked with Dervla to discuss the life and work of this extraordinary travel writer. Gail Pirkis and Steph Allen, from Slightly Foxed, worked with Dervla during their time at John Murray Publishers. Rose Baring was her editor at Eland Books and Ethel Crowley was a friend and editor of the recent anthology, Life at Full Tilt: The Selected Writings of Dervla Murphy. Together with our host Rosie Goldsmith they discuss Dervla's early years and inspiration, consider the experience of publishing her work and examine her place in the Ireland of her time. Born in Lismore, Ireland, in 1931, Dervla lived there until the end of her life. She was an only child and her parents, who originated from Dublin, encouraged her independence and love of books. Her father – who later became the much-loved Waterford County Librarian ‒ had been involved in the Irish republican movement and had served time in Wormwood Scrubs prison for his activities. Dervla spent her childhood caring for her mother who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, and then left school at 14 to care for her full-time. When her parents died in 1962 Dervla, at the age of 30, found herself free to travel. She acquired a bicycle and set out on a journey to Istanbul, through Iran and on to India during one of the worst winters in recent memory. This would become the subject of her first, and most famous book, Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle, published in 1965. There followed numerous voyages with her trusty steed and 25 more books, including her highly acclaimed autobiography Wheels within Wheels. She won worldwide praise for her writing and many awards, including the Edward Stanford Award for an Outstanding Contribution to Travel Writing and a Royal Geographical Society Award. Dervla took huge risks, mostly travelling alone and in famously austere style, whether in far-flung Limpopo, the Andes, Gaza or closer to home, where she documented the worst of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Battling injury and political circumstance, she immersed herself in the lives of ordinary people caught in the shifting tides of power that dictated the terms on which they lived. To these people, she listened. What resulted was some of the most astute and compelling travel writing of the twentieth century. As the table choose their favourite book of Dervla's, we also have our usual round-up of current reading, including the latest mystery from Kate Atkinson, Death at the Sign of the Rook, the Booker Prize-nominated The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng, and Jon Dunn's monograph on the hummingbird, The Glitter in the Green. For episode show notes, please see the Slightly Foxed website. Opening music: Preludio from Violin Partita No. 3 in E Major by Bach Hosted by Rosie Goldsmith Produced by Philippa Goodrich

Freelance journalist Andrew Thompson joins John Maytham to share South Africa's most intriguing pit stops for an Easter road trip. The two dive into some of the lesser-known, must-visit spots scattered along the country’s highways — from the towering Big Pineapple in Bathurst to the surreal sculpture garden of the Owl House in Nieu-Bethesda.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Die DA eis 'n volle ondersoek en dissiplinêre optrede ná die onttrekking van atlete van Limpopo uit die SA skolekampioenskappe in Bloemfontein in die Vrystaat. Die party sê atlete is sonder kos of verblyf gelaat en moes op busse slaap na mislukte beplanning deur die provinsiale Departement van Sport, Kuns en Kultuur. Franco Marx van die DA dring aan dat diegene wat verantwoordelik is, aanspreeklik gehou moet word om die publiek se vertroue te herstel:

Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of "Africa Is Open For Business" and "Africa Bounces Back". Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo

John Maytham is joined by Grammy Award-winner Zakes Bantwini to talk about Rhythms of Love, a benefit concert in Cape Town hosted by Mom’s House for Children. The event aims to raise funds for vulnerable children in Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Zakes shares how this music-filled weekend will support clean water, education, and healing initiatives — all powered by rhythm and purpose. This is more than an event—it’s the beginning of a movement. Buy a ticket via QUICKET The Beach Party with ZAKES BANTWINI and top Cape Town DJs and Internationals Cabo Beach club SAT 19 April 2025, 12 S Arm Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront , Cape Town, From 3pm till Late ! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of "Africa Is Open For Business" and "Africa Bounces Back". Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo

Caine Mainganya – Head of Operations: Mpumalanga and Limpopo, ATNS SAfm Market Update - Podcasts and live stream

Jacaranda FM's Good Morning Angels had a big surprise for the viral trio cycling from Limpopo, Burgersfort to Cape Town. Good Morning Angels will assist the trio on the remainder of their journey and help cover their overnight accommodation for the next four nights (to the value of R20,000).

What is it like to live in one of the remotest and harshest areas for a lengthy period of time? Does it wear you down psychologically? Lester Kiewit speaks to Lodrick Hlungwane, an electrical engineer from Limpopo, who spent three consecutive years living and working at the South African National Antarctic Expedition’s SANAE IV base in Antarctica.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cosatu in Limpopo, along with workers from Sekhukhune will today hold a picket at the Nebo Magistrate's Court to show solidarity with a 17-year-old girl who was raped near Jane Furse. To discuss this further Elvis Presslin spoke to Hangwani Mashao, the Provincial Secretary of Cosatu in Limpopo

Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of "Africa Is Open For Business" and "Africa Bounces Back". Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) in Limpopo is calling for officials from the Vhembe District Municipality to be held to account for continuing to violate basic human rights of residents by failing to provide clean water in the area. The party says the dignity and daily survival of Vhembe residents will continue to be under threat, unless national government intervenes after a R20-million water project failed to benefit nearly 700 households. The area recently came under the spotlight after online publication, GroundUp, reported that dozens of school children are forced to travel for kilometres to collect up to six 25-litre containers of water in order to bathe for school each morning. UDM Limpopo Chairperson, Stanley Manaka spoke to Elvis Presslin

In this special on-the-road edition of Farmer's Inside Track, we catch up with Khuliso Madima, a passionate fruit farmer in Thohoyandou, Limpopo. Once a corporate project manager in the IT industry, Khuliso transitioned into farming, continuing her family's legacy of growing litchis and mangoes.She shares her journey of integrating technology into agriculture, navigating market challenges, and expanding her business to multiple fresh produce markets across South Africa.From overcoming financial hurdles to strategically managing seasonal crops, Khuliso's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to succeed in farming.Tune in to hear how she blends innovation, resilience, and tradition to thrive in the ever-evolving agricultural landscape.

A 36-year-old man is expected to appear before the Mahwelereng magistrate's court, in Limpopo, after he was arrested for allegedly raping his four-year-old niece. Limpopo police spokesperson, Stephen Thakeng, says the man allegedly raped his niece when the child's mother left her in his care at their home in Malepetleke village on Friday. SABC Reporter, Rendani Raliphaswa filed this report...

Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of "Africa Is Open For Business" and "Africa Bounces Back". Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo

Coenie Meyer – Co-founder, Marhan Farming SAfm Market Update - Podcasts and live stream

This evening, we dive into the markets with Sanlam Private Wealth, explore the impact of Trump's tariffs on South Africa with Agbiz, and get insights from Pan African Investments on the next steps following the latest budget development. We also speak with the City of Cape Town's MMC for Finance about their infrastructure plans, hear from Standard Bank on their sustainable finance mobilisation targets, and chat with a Limpopo farmer about a new sheep breed and the power of farming with friends. SAfm Market Update - Podcasts and live stream

COSATU in Limpopo will stage a picket today outside the Mankweng Magistrate's Court, where a 58-year-old teacher is set to appear on rape charges. He was arrested for allegedly assaulting a 13-year-old student multiple times between November 2024 and March 2025 in the Capricorn South Education District. The suspect initially fled after pretending to report himself to the police, triggering a manhunt. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Cosatu Limpopo Provincial Secretary Hangwani Mashao

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube will this week visit Limpopo's Vhembe West District to hand over newly constructed toilets and assess progress at local schools. She will also provide a national update on efforts to eliminate pit toilets in schools following the missed March 31 deadline. For more Elvis Presslin spoke to Section27 spokesperson Pearl Nicodemus, the Organization has been tracking the eradication of pit latrines.

Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of "Africa Is Open For Business" and "Africa Bounces Back". Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo

A 58-year-old teacher is expected to appear before a Limpopo court today after he handed himself over to the Sebayeng police station for allegedly raping a 13-year-old learner. The man was charged after the school's principal allegedly caught him sexually assaulting a the grade seven learner at the school last week. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to SABC reporter, Michael Makungo

Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of "Africa Is Open For Business" and "Africa Bounces Back". Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo

Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of "Africa Is Open For Business" and "Africa Bounces Back". Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo

Roads have allegedly been blockaded at Nkowankowa township outside Tzaneen in Limpopo. Schooling is also reported to have been disrupted today. Protesting residents are said to be unhappy over electricity load reduction and water shortages. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Jostina Masedi, in Nkowankowa, Limpopo

The elimination of pit toilets in public schools has been an ongoing battle in South Africa. Schools across rural South Africa are still subjected to these degrading pit latrines. Plain pit toilets were banned from South African schools by the Minimum Uniform Norms and Standards for Public School Infrastructure in 2013 and had to be removed and replaced by 2016. However, more than a decade later, all the initial deadlines (2016 and 2020), plus new deadlines have been missed by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The DBE now plans to eradicate these pit toilets by 2025. Meanwhile, SECTION27 is closely monitoring whether the Limpopo Department of Education will meet its own 31 March 2025 deadline to eradicate and replace all pit toilets at so-called "Priority 1" schools in the province. The department missed their initial 31 March 2023 deadline to do so and has repeatedly extended this deadline. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Demichelle Petherbridge , Senior Education Attorney at SECTION 27

The farming community has bemoaned the lack of support from authorities to combat stock theft. The sector loses billions of rands annually due to stock theft. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu ,his deputy Cassel Mathale and National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, held a stakeholder engagement with the farming community in Bloemfontein to address the issue. The event brought together top officials from the hardest hit provinces - Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Limpopo as well as farming communities from affected provinces to discuss the escalating stock theft. Ishmael Modiba reports.....

Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of "Africa Is Open For Business" and "Africa Bounces Back". Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo

The family of a man killed at Philadelphia Hospital in Dennilton, Limpopo has accused the provincial health department of trying to conceal the cause of his death. The department says Klaas Ledwaba was killed on Saturday when a patient attacked three others in a ward. Security guards allegedly failed to contain the patient and fired rubber bullets at him. Family spokesperson, Seun Mokgotsi says the department performed an autopsy on Ledwaba before calling them to come and identify the body. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Seun Mokgotsi, who is the family Spokesperson...

Elvis Presslin takes a look at the current top African economic stories with Victor Kgomoeswana, author of "Africa Is Open For Business" and "Africa Bounces Back". Victor is also the Executive Director for Marketing and Communication at the University of Limpopo

Send us a textDierdre Williams is the Managing Director of Network Grants at Open Society Foundations (OSF). Her dedication to creating a more just and equitable society has made a significant impact.In her conversation with Prof. Moyo, she shares experiences of her journey as a writer as well as reflects on aspects of her work in global philanthropy. Some of their talking points include;- How committing time to her writing has significantly enhanced the overall experience by providing conducive introspection.- The importance of nurturing ecosystems of organizations that align with ecosystem missions to sustain impactful change in communities.- Her ideals for increased collaboration among philanthropic organizations, suggesting that ego should be set aside to better meet the needs of communities.- Why engaging with community philanthropy and innovative grassroots organizations is a vital component of effective philanthropy.==This series of conversations with women in African philanthropy was recorded on the sidelines of the African Women Writers retreat that took place at the Wits Rural Facility in Limpopo, South Africa, and hosted by CAPSI's Adɔyɛ Programme and Nawi Afrifem Collective. Adɔyɛ is dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the contributions of African women in philanthropy while creating spaces for dialogue, learning and collaboration.Visit the podcast webpage: https://bit.ly/484AEr3#podcast #philanthropy

Send us a textIngel Clay is a Liberian poet and writer who has worked in the development sector reaching the west African region.In her conversation with Prof. Moyo, Ingel discusses the African Women Writers programme as well as the intersections of development and creative practice, which she embraces. Some of their talking points include;- How her identity is a personal journey and the idea of being perfect in one's own way.- Her upbringing in a post-conflict Liberia has shaped her perspective, contributing to her understanding of identity, culture, and the importance of community engagement.- Reflections on the challenges and slow progress in Liberia's recovery while remaining hopeful for the future.- The influence of historical protests led by women in Liberia inspires her writing in seeking to explore and present women's voices and experiences.==This series of conversations with women in African philanthropy was recorded on the sidelines of the African Women Writers retreat that took place at the Wits Rural Facility in Limpopo, South Africa, and hosted by CAPSI's Adɔyɛ Programme and Nawi Afrifem Collective. Adɔyɛ is dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the contributions of African women in philanthropy while creating spaces for dialogue, learning and collaboration.Visit the podcast webpage: https://bit.ly/484AEr3#podcast #philanthropy

Send us a textNyamal Tutdeal is a Conflict Resolution Professor and Healing Practitioner who has worked in several African and diaspora communities in relation to peace and conflict resolution.In her conversation with Prof. Moyo, Nyamal reflects on her life and research journey, being from a conflict resolution and healing lens. Some of their talking points include;- The historical backdrop of South Sudan, particularly the civil wars that shaped the nation's landscape and influenced philanthropic efforts.- Her personal journey as a former refugee, highlighting the complexities of identity shaped by displacement and conflict.- Her desire to document indigenous knowledge related to restorative justice, focusing on healing practices that have historical significance in African communities.- The stigma associated with traditional practices, advocating for their recognition and integration into modern philanthropic frameworks.==This series of conversations with women in African philanthropy was recorded on the sidelines of the African Women Writers retreat that took place at the Wits Rural Facility in Limpopo, South Africa, and hosted by CAPSI's Adɔyɛ Programme and Nawi Afrifem Collective. Adɔyɛ is dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the contributions of African women in philanthropy while creating spaces for dialogue, learning and collaboration.Visit the podcast webpage: https://bit.ly/484AEr3#podcast #philanthropy

Send us a textLeila Hessini is a transnational feminist leader with roots in Algeria and education spanning the US, Morocco, and other regions. Her career includes significant contributions to the feminist movements and reproductive rights at global conferences.In her conversation with Prof. Moyo, Leila reflects on her experiences and lessons gained from working in African and global philanthropy. Some of their talking points include;- The discussion highlights the dichotomy between progress made in women's rights and ongoing challenges, particularly in contexts of authoritarianism and conflict.- The strides have been made in funding feminist initiatives, particularly since the Beijing conference in 1995.- The role of women's funds in grant-making, providing both financial resources and capacity-building support to feminist organisations.==This series of conversations with women in African philanthropy was recorded on the sidelines of the African Women Writers retreat that took place at the Wits Rural Facility in Limpopo, South Africa, and hosted by CAPSI's Adɔyɛ Programme and Nawi Afrifem Collective. Adɔyɛ is dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the contributions of African women in philanthropy while creating spaces for dialogue, learning and collaboration.Visit the podcast webpage: https://bit.ly/484AEr3#podcast #philanthropy

In this interview with BizNews, Elections Analyst Wayne Sussman gives BizNews viewers an overview and in-depth analysis of the performances of main political parties in municipal by-elections since last year's national election. Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie's Patriotic Alliance (PA) emerges as “probably the most consistently improving party”; the Democratic Alliance (DA) has had a rocky road”; the African National Congress (ANC) has recovered “some support…mainly at the expense” of former President Jacob Zuma's MKP which has suffered some “staggering drops”; the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) was “one of the most consistently improving” parties until it “ran into some potholes” towards the end of 2024, but recently won a seat off the ANC - and could be poised to do well in 2026; and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has “typically declined”, but recovered some support in a raft of by-elections in the mining belt of Thabazimbi in Limpopo. 

In this episode of the Farmers Insight Track podcast, Duncan Masiwa sits down with Lufuno Nethsikhudini, a passionate Limpopo-based farmer. Lufuno is making waves in the agricultural space, farming with Bonsmara cattle and a variety of cash crops, and he's now venturing into poultry with plans for a chicken hatchery. From his early exposure to agriculture through school visits to commercial farms, to overcoming significant challenges in funding and weather disruptions, Lufuno shares his journey, lessons learned, and the importance of patience and commitment in farming. He also discusses the crucial role of financial discipline and record-keeping in managing a diverse farming operation.

Die EFF het 'n beroep op president Cyril Ramaphosa gedoen om op sy plaas Phala Phala in Limpopo te fokus in plaas daarvan om leë beloftes te maak. Omphile Maotwe van die party het tydens die staatsrededebat vir Ramaphosa gekritiseer oor sy versuim om vorige verpligtinge aan te pak, veral die stygende lewenskoste en werkloosheid wat die land aanhoudend teister. Maotwe het aangevoer dit is nodig om dringende stappe te doen, soos die onteiening van grond sonder vergoeding en om die Suid-Afrikaanse Reserwebank te nasionaliseer.

Clement Manyathela speaks to Professor Rudolph Zinn, who is a researcher at the University of Limpopo about the statistics surrounding farm attacks and if they are indeed racially targeted.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Maytham speaks with Professor Rudolph Zinn, Research Professor at the University of Limpopo, about the complexities surrounding farm murders and rural crime in South Africa. The discussion explores whether farm attacks are racially motivated, the challenges of rural security, and how crime statistics shape public perception. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victor Kgomoeswana, Author of Africa Bounces Back & marketing and communication executive director at the University of Limpopo discusses top African Business stories for the week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

- iPhone upgrades - Anthony Davis & Luka Doncic trade - The Grammys Song credits - Limpopo funk - Kristeen N'Qb

Makone Maja and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the apparent charging of Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla under the terrorism act. They also discuss threats of EWC to trade, and a strange choice for Limpopo schools. Click this link to see our FAQ on EWC: https://irr.org.za/ewc-faqs ------------------- Hudaco Energy is thrilled to offer Daily Friend listeners an exclusive promotion! Book a free or business or household audit, and we'll show you how we put more money back in your pocket without hefty upfront costs. Reach out to us at sales@hudacoenergy.co.za or call us at 011 447 9864. Hudaco Energy – Sustainable Power and Storage Solutions Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter

Marius Roodt and Nicholas Lorimer discuss the merger of ActionSA and Forum 4 Service Delivery. the Success of a school in Limpopo and a shooting in Cape Town. --------------- Hudaco Energy is thrilled to offer Daily Friend listeners an exclusive promotion! Book a free or business or household audit, and we'll show you how we put more money back in your pocket without hefty upfront costs. Reach out to us at sales@hudacoenergy.co.za or call us at 011 447 9864. Hudaco Energy – Sustainable Power and Storage Solutions Provider Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter

Limpopo se polisie en wetstoepassings-agentskappe het beslag gelê op 47 gevaarlike wapens en 1 091 mense in hegtenis geneem tydens feestyd-optredes. Altesaam 466 verdagtes is aangekeer vir skending van immigrasiewette, en ander vir moord, roof en aanranding. Polisiewoordvoerder Malesela Ledwaba sê goedere soos dwelms, kontant en gesteelde eiendom is afgeneem:

We're picking up speed from here on, the fulcrum that was the mid-19th Century is passed and our story is developing quickly - this is episode 203 the Siege of Makapansgat and Reconstituting history. It is 1854, almost mid-way through the sixth decade of this momentous century and the region that's under our gaze is the northern Limpopo territory, the Waterberg. Those who live there today will know of its grandeur, and its extensive mountain ranges, riverine bush, delightful geology. Thaba Meetse is the northern Sotho name for the Waterberg, where the average height of the peaks here are 600 meters, rising to 2 000 meters above sea level. The vegetation is officially known as dry deciduous forest, or just the Bushveld to you and me. The original people here date back thousands of years, early evolutionary stages of hominid development can be traced here, so in some ways, it's part of the story of human existence on the planet. Its all about the type of rocks here, and the soils. Clamber amongst the red koppies and ravines and you can look out over the bush veld, with it's minerals such as vanadium and platinum, part of the Bushveld Igneous complex I spoke about in episodes one and two. Tectonic forces forced the rocks upwards, creating the famous Waterberg, the Thaba Meetse ranges, rivers deposited sediment and in these sandstone layers, you'll find the famous caves surrounded by cliffs hundreds of feet high, rising from the plains. Scientists and palaeontologists tracked our very first human ancestors who lived at Waterberg as early as three million years ago, and inside the cave we're going to hear about, Makapansgat, skeletons of Australopithecus Africanus have been found. Homo Erectus remains have also been found in the cave. This site has yielded many thousands of fossil bones, and what is known as The Cave of Hearths preserves a remarkably complete record of human occupation from Early Stone Age “Acheulian” times in the oldest sediments through the Middle Stone Age, the Later Stone Age and up to the Iron Age. It also is where one of the earliest Homo sapiens remains were found, a jaw found in the cave layers by archaeologists. The lime enriched deposits and dry conditions within the cave have allowed for the exceptional preservation of plant, animal and human remains as Amanda Beth Esterhuysen points out in her 2007 Wits University PhD. So its really metaphorical — an iconic cave because this is where the Boers and the Kekana people were going to go to war. Part of our story this episode is about a track, a wagon trail, that passed between the ivory hunting centre of Schoemansdal, Soutpansberg and the newly established Boer town of Pretoria and which cut straight through the middle of Kekana chief Mokopane's territory. And inside this territory is Makapansgat. Since the first trekkers had arrived in 1837, the Langa and Kekana people who lived in the Waterberg had watched in some disquiet as the numbers of Boers increased over the years. It was almost two decades after Louis Trichardt had wheeled his wagons through the Waterberg, and by the mid-19th Century there wasn't a week that went past without hunters or prospectors wandering through. It's a double irony then to relate that both the Langa and Kekana had origins further south, they were part of the amaNdebele who had fled from Northern Zululand during Shaka's reign, related to the amaHlubi, and had been involved in some land seizing themselves. Don't simplify history, its more radical than a buffet hall of red berets. King Mghombane Gheghana of the Kekana, and Mankopane of the Langa, were not prepared to accept Trekker overlordship like they had fought against Mzilikazi's overlordship. They rejected the trekker system of labour where every black adult male was supposed to work for the Boers for nothing. Mokopane by the way is a northern Sotho form of Mghombane Gheghana, and he was known throughout the territory as Mokopane.

This is episode 202, the sounds you hear are the sounds made by wagons rolling across the veld — because we're going to join the trekkers who've mostly stopped trekking. For the trekkers, the promised land was at hand. The high veld, parts of Marico, the northern Limpopo region, the Waterberg, the slopes of the Witwatersrand into the lowveld, the Free State with its rocky outcrops and vastness, the dusty transOrangia. In the Caledon Valley, Moshoeshoe was monitoring the Dutch speakers who were now speaking a combination of languages, morphing the taal into Afrikaans. Further east, King Mpande kaSenzangakona of the Zulu had been keeping an eye on the colonial developments while indulging in expansion policies of his own. This period, 1854 and 1855, is like a fulcrum between epochs. The previous lifestyle of southern Africa, pastoral and rural, was running its final course, the final decade before precious mineral discoveries were going to change everything. Let's just stand back for a moment to observe the world, before we plunge back into the going's on in the Boer Republics. Momentous events had shaken Europe, a succession of revolutions which had somehow swept around Britain but never swept Britain away. This is more prescient than it appears. These revolutions are forgotten now, they're an echo but in the echo we hear the future. The 1848-1855 revolutions were precipitated by problems of imperial overload in Europe. Liberal nationalism was also sweeping the world, and the American constitution was on everyone's lips. Copies of the American Constitution were cropping up in the oddest places. Like the back of Boer ox wagons and inside the churches, alongside the Bibles. American missionary Daniel Lindley who you heard about in our earlier episodes, the man from Ohio who had started out life in south Africa as a missionary based near Mzilikazi of the amaNdebele's great place near Marico. He had copies distributed to the Boers. This is important. There is a direct link between the American constitution, South African concepts of what democratic rights were, which you could then track all the way to the 1994 New Constitution after apartheid. Schoemansdal, to the north, and the basis of ivory trade, was much bigger and richer than Potch. The Schoemansdalers looked down their noses at the Potchefstroomers — it was an ancient Biblical pose — it was hunters and shepherds versus farmers, Cain versus Abel. The clash between settled and nomadic societies. One of the dirty little secrets of South African life in the mid-19th Century was how successfully these new arrivals in the north, the trekkers, had decimated the elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, crocodile, and hippo populations. Schoemansdal was living on borrowed time. The story begins with a hunting party seeking white gold — ivory. An elephant hunt. It also begins with a massacre, and ends with a siege of a cave. The Nyl Rivier was always disputed territory, particularly since chief Makapan and Mankopane, otherwise known as Mapela - Nyl means Nile and the Boers had renamed this river for all sorts of important resonant reasons. This river is a tributary of the Limpopo and it is located in the northern part of the Springbok flats.There are two main versions of what happened, and I'm going to relate both, then we shall try to extricate fact from fiction. This episode will deal with the initial events, and next episode we shall conclude the saga with it's terrifying cave fighting and ultimate South African symbolism. The Langa and Kekana people first experienced trekkers in 1837 when Louis Trichardt entered their territory — from then on a steady trickle of trekkers could be found inside Langa and Kekana territory. The area we're focusing on is close to where the town of Potgietersrus would be founded, the modern day town of Mokopane. We can begin to connect our histories here. Makapan, Mokopane, Mankopane, Potgieter.

Was India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Nigeria about lobbying for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council?Why are some young TikTokers in Uganda being jailed?And why thousands of indigenous, sacred  baobab trees are under threat in the Limpopo region of South Africa.Presenter: Audrey Brown Producers : Sunita Nahar, Susan Gachuhi and Paul Bakibinga Technical Producer: Francesca Dunne Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi