MINISTER CONDEMNS BRUTAL KILLING OF LIMPOPO MOTHER AMID WOMEN’S MONTH COMMEMORATION

• The Minister of Social Development, Ms. Sisisi Tolashe, has condemned the brutal killing of Ms. Maria Matsobane Makgato, a 45-year-old mother of four, whose body was discovered alongside two other victims in Sebayeng village, Capricorn District, Limpopo.
• This tragic incident coincides with South Africa’s Women’s Month, a time intended to celebrate women’s achievements and progress, making it a stark reminder of the violence women still face. The Minister emphasised the need for collective action against gender-based violence as the nation reflects on 30 years of democracy and women’s development.
• The Department of Social Development in Limpopo is providing ongoing support to Ms. Makgato’s family, including psychosocial services and Social Relief of Distress, while an assessment is underway to determine the best care arrangement for her children.

The Minister of Social Development, Ms. Sisisi Tolashe, has condemned the brutal killing of Ms. Maria Matsobane Makgato, a 45-year-old mother of four, whose body was found alongside two other victims in Sebayeng village, Capricorn District, Limpopo Province. The tragic discovery by police has drawn widespread attention and outrage, especially as it occurs during Women’s Month in South Africa.

Women’s Month, observed in August, is a time dedicated to celebrating the contributions of women to the country’s progress. This year’s theme, “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy Towards Women’s Development,” focuses on honouring the strides women have made in the democratic era. Minister Tolashe expressed deep sadness over the incident, saying, “I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the violence and brutal killings of women, particularly during the month of August, when we expect women to be embraced, protected, and celebrated.”

Minister Tolashe urged that Women’s Month should be a time when all South Africans recognise women as active agents of change and social transformation, reflecting on their achievements and the significant developments over the past thirty years. She noted, “This month coincides with the country’s commemoration of 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy, making this year’s Women’s Month an important juncture for collective reflection on how we have empowered and advanced the rights of women on our democratic journey.”

As the nation also commemorates 70 years of the Women’s Charter, Minister Tolashe called on society to unite against patriarchal systems that deny women fundamental human rights, stressing the need to promote gender equality. “We are duty-bound to work together to defeat the primitive agenda of a patriarchal system that denies women fundamental human rights and seeks to promote equality across all genders,” she said.

Following the incident, the Department of Social Development in Limpopo, through its social workers, conducted a home visit to Ms. Makgato’s family in Kotishing, Polokwane. It was found that Ms. Makgato, who was unemployed, supported her family through the Child Support Grant she received for her children. Her three youngest children are still attending school, with the youngest registered at an early childhood development centre, while her eldest child, aged 22, is employed as a casual worker at a local farm, with his contract set to end in December this year.

Minister Tolashe confirmed that social workers are providing critical assistance to the family, including an assessment of their needs to determine the best support strategies. “Counselling was provided as part of the basket of psychosocial support services the department offers to victims who have suffered trauma and loss,” she said.

The assigned social worker will continue to provide psychosocial support and aftercare services, and will compile a report to identify a suitable guardian for the children. In the interim, the family will receive Social Relief of Distress to assist them while awaiting post-mortem results and to help finalise the burial arrangements for Ms. Makgato.