Premier Dr. Ramathuba supports the Waterberg Granny’s Football Tournament

As part of wrapping up the National Women’s Day, Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba led the provincial government in supporting the on-going Granny’s Football Tournament at Belabela Secondary School in the Waterberg District on Wednesday, 27 August 2025.

She was accompanied by the provincial MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture Mr. Jerry Maseko, MEC for Health Mme Dieketseng Mashego and MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Ms. Nakedi Sibanda- Kekana respectively.

Exercise is not only beneficial for younger generations, but also crucial for senior citizens too as they age to maintain physical strength, flexibility, and balance. Regular exercise also help seniors stay active, independent, and healthy by preventing falls, improving mobility, and reducing the risk of chronic conditions.

The Granny’s Football Tournament is rotating across all five districts within the Limpopo Province as residents saw Vhembe opening the proceedings in October last year.

It was Waterberg’s turn to host the one-day spectacle which promotes active ageing and overall healthy living amongst elder people in Limpopo.

Dr. Ramathuba has encouraged the senior citizens to take part in sports not only the females but also their male counterparts.

“In most parts of the province we only see elder women taking this sporting exercises seriously while the elderly men are relaxing at home.

It is good to see women exercising even at their pension age and they deserve all the support they can get but we must also see the elderly men participating in physical exercises as well.” Said Dr. Ramathuba

Premier Ramathuba also called on government to support the National Women Football team (Banyana Banyana) equally like the Men’s national team (Bafana Bafana) in terms of financial compensations and sponsorships due to their recent triumphs compared to the men’s team.

“This is evident because when you see their performances when competing against other countries the women team achieve more than Bafana Bafana and those women are not getting all the support they deserve. Even their longevity in the game is second to none.” She added
Dr. Ramathuba has also called on residents to celebrate senior citizens, especially women as they age and not abuse them both emotionally and physically.

“If you mistreat the senior citizens, nothing good will workout for you. Senior citizens are like children, and they deserve to be treated with care. We had lot of complaints from them claiming that they sometimes fear to walk on the roads because they often get mugged while coming from the shopping centers and this must stop and not go on in our society. Senior citizens carry blessings for us and must be respected. Let us celebrate them while they are still alive.” Dr. Ramathuba concluded