UNFPA conducts first high-level visit to new priority province Limpopo

Limpopo Province is one of the provinces with a high prevalence of HIV & AIDS, teenage pregnancy, and Gender- Based Violence & Femicide with Waterberg and Vhembe districts being the most affected. On 21 April 2023, UNFPA conducted the first high-level visit to the province, coinciding with handing dignity kits to women and girls in need.

The Office of the Premier (OTP) has strategic oversight of the UNFPA programme with the provincial Department of Social Development (DSD) supports programme implementation, in partnership with the provincial Department of Health (DoH), Department of Education (DoE), and all other government partners and stakeholders. For accountability purposes, periodical monitoring of progress in implementation is done through the Provincial Coordinating Forum (PCF) which is a structure that reports to the National Coordinating Forum (NCF).

loveLife Trust kicked off the event by educating young people about discrimination, disability inclusion and the challenges faced by the LGBTQI+ community. Approximately 150 participants attended the event, including students from Raeleng Secondary School, Thusanang Special School, and Reamogetshwe Disability Centre. Cllr. Gloria Seleka. The mayor of Bela Ramotswe Local Municipality welcomed and acknowledged the guests with high-level government officials and the local community in full attendance. The keynote address was delivered by MEC Mme. Nandi Ndalane reiterated the need to invest in young people, particularly, young women and girls to address the prevailing challenges they face.

Miss Lerato Khwinana Moloto from DSD, the provincial director for HIV/AIDS engaged the audience equipping young people with knowledge and skills to make informed decisions on Sexual Reproductive health and Rights, HIV, teenage pregnancy, and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

Miss Bottle Maharath, a love life Ground Breaker, gave a testimonial on the importance of Comprehensive Sexuality Education in schools and youth engagement. This was proceeded by dignitaries handing- over sanitary products, supported by Mr. Innocent Modisaotsile, UNFPA Officer-in-Charge, to young women and girls in attendance. The vote of thanks was delivered by Councillor Morris Mataboge, Waterberg District Executive Mayor. All In all, it was a fun, interactive, and awareness-raising session with drama, dance, and singing.