By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile was rushed to the hospital after collapsing on the podium during the N’wamitwa Day celebrations at Nwamitwa village in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality.
Mashatile was delivering his speech when he suddenly fell ill and was quickly escorted from the stage by security and emergency personnel.
He was accompanied by the Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa and the Limpopo Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs’s MEC, Baiskopo Makumu.
Mashatile had told those in attendance that he was pleased with the progress on the Giyani Water Project.
“This project, which aims to ensure the timely delivery of reliable water services to underserved areas within the 55 villages located in the Greater Giyani Local Municipality, is well on its way to making a positive impact. We are filled with hope and optimism for the future of this important initiative,” he said.
Ramathuba, took to the stage shortly after the incident to assure attendees that the Deputy President was in good spirits.
“Don’t follow incorrect news from the media. I can assure you that the Deputy President is fine; we checked him,” she said, calming concerns about his condition.
Ramathuba has further suggested that the collapse might be due to the heat with temperatures peaking at 37 degree Celsius in N’wamitwa today.
N’wamitwa Day is aimed at commemorating the inauguration of Her Royal Highness Hosi Dr N’wamitwa II, which took place on 29 August 2008 as a pioneer woman traditional leader among the Vatsonga people.