EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND WELLNESS: YOUR HEALTH IS OUR PRIORITY

By Ndivhuwo Mukhada

The Director: Employee Health and wellness (EHW), Ndivhuwo Khorommbi’s career journey reflects a deep commitment to supporting and uplifting others. She began her public service as a Social Worker in Mopani District, assisting children in conflict with the law through probation services. Her path then led her to Gauteng’s Department of Home Affairs as a Senior Wellness Practitioner, and later to the South African Police Service in Vhembe District, where she served as Chief Social Worker for Wellness Services. In 2008, she joined the Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture as Deputy Director: Employee Health and Wellness, a role she held with distinction until September 2024, when she brought her expertise and passion to the Limpopo Department of Education.
Driven by a vision to build a healthy, resilient, and supportive workforce, Ms. Khorommbi believes that when employees are cared for, the Department is strengthened in its mission to deliver quality education to learners across Limpopo. Her leadership embodies the principle that wellness in the workplace is not just about individuals—it is about empowering the entire education system to thrive.

The Limpopo Department of Education is more than just an employer; it is a caring partner that values the health and well-being of every employee. To ensure a healthy, productive, and supportive workplace, the Department established the Directorate: Employee Health and Wellness (EHW). This worksite-based programme is dedicated to assisting employees with challenges that may affect their productivity, whether personal, health-related, or work-related.

The Four Pillars of Employee Health and Wellness
Wellness Management Programme
This programme promotes physical wellness and psychosocial support. Employees are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyles through fitness, nutrition awareness, and disease prevention initiatives. In addition, counselling and crisis intervention services are available to help staff manage stress, trauma, financial pressures, and substance dependency. Retirement preparation and referrals to specialized services further ensure holistic support.

SHERQ Management (Occupational Health and Safety)
Safety is a cornerstone of productivity. The SHERQ programme ensures a safe and healthy workplace by conducting risk assessments, monitoring compliance, and supporting Health and Safety Committees. It also investigates workplace incidents, prevents occupational diseases, and provides support to employees injured on duty.
Health and Productivity Management
Employee wellness directly impacts performance. This programme focuses on disease management, health promotion, and mental health interventions. It also provides incapacity and ill-health support processes to help employees remain productive and engaged.

HIV, STI and TB Workplace Programmes
The Department is committed to eliminating stigma and promoting inclusivity. Employees are encouraged to TEST and KNOW their health status, with access to prevention, testing, treatment, care, and support services. Workplace awareness campaigns foster a caring environment for those infected or affected by HIV.

Why Employee Health and Wellness Matters
The EHW Directorate plays a vital role in improving employee well-being and quality of life, reducing absenteeism and presenteeism, increasing productivity and performance, strengthening morale and engagement, promoting a safe, supportive workplace and enhancing organisational effectiveness and service delivery.

By prioritizing health, the Department ensures that employees remain resilient, motivated, and ready to contribute meaningfully to education across the province. For further information please contact us at Head office and Districts. “Healthy employees are the foundation of a productive, resilient and compassionate work”, Said Ndivhuwo Khorommbi, Director: Employee Health and Wellness.

MILK MATTERS FOR HEALTHY GROWING LEARNERS

By Hanedzani Mbedzi
The Limpopo Department of Education, in collaboration with the Departments of Health and Agriculture, celebrated World School Milk Day at Mmera Primary School in Shongoane Village 2, Waterberg Education District, under the theme, “Strong Bones, Strong Moves: Milk Matters for Sports and Growing Bodies.”
The celebration aimed to promote the nutritional benefits of milk among learners, highlighting its role in supporting strong bones, healthy growth, physical activity and overall well-being. It also encouraged healthy eating habits and raised awareness of the importance of proper nutrition in supporting learners’ development and performance at school.
Established in 2005, the school currently accommodates 340 learners and was designated a full-service school in 2019. It welcomes learners with disabilities whose needs can be appropriately supported within the school environment. Through the Inclusive Education Directorate, learners with disabilities are supported through specialised training and interventions aimed at promoting their development, participation and inclusion in the learning process.
Dietitian Kgomotso Makhuthudisa from the Limpopo Department of Health highlighted the importance of milk in supporting the healthy growth and development of learners.
“Learners need milk to grow healthy and children should have at least one cup of milk every day. The healthy fats found in full-cream milk can also support learners’ concentration and ability to focus and listen in the classroom. Women can also benefit from drinking milk, including low-fat milk. However, it is important to be aware of milk allergies and lactose intolerance. Allergies can be very dangerous and in severe cases, can be life-threatening, while lactose intolerance may cause discomfort and symptoms such as diarrhoea,” said Makhuthudisa.
While the nutritional value of milk remains important, the celebration also highlighted the need to ensure that milk is handled and stored safely. Proper hygiene and storage practices are essential to protect learners from foodborne illnesses and ensure that the milk provided through school programmes remains safe for consumption.

Health Inspector at Waterberg District Municipality, Mmatema Heidi, emphasised the importance of maintaining proper storage and hygiene standards.

“Milk is important for the health and well-being of our learners, but proper storage and hygiene are equally important. If milk is not stored correctly, it can pose health risks. We have observed that not all milk is stored in fridges, with some being kept in cupboards. We will continue to support schools and conduct regular visits to milk manufacturing facilities to ensure that hygiene and safety standards are maintained at all times,” said Heidi.
The message of healthy nutrition and safe food practices was further reinforced through the National School Nutrition Programme, which plays an important role in ensuring that learners receive nutritious meals while at school.
Chief Education Specialist for Institutional Governance and Learner Support in the Waterberg Education District, Malose Simon Mokobane, delivered a message of support on behalf of the District Director, emphasising the importance of the programme in promoting the well-being of learners.
“Through the National School Nutrition Programme, it is important to ensure that learners receive and consume the meals provided. We visit schools to monitor the implementation of the programme and ensure that our kitchens are properly positioned, clean and maintained. To parents, we urge you to continue supporting our schools. We are proud of this programme because it is for a good cause and contributes to the well-being of our learners.”
The World School Milk Day celebration served as a reminder that healthy learners are better positioned to learn, participate and thrive at schools. Through collaboration between the Department of Education, Health and Agriculture, schools, parents and communities, the focus remains on ensuring that learners have access to nutritious food, safe meals and the knowledge they need to make healthier choices.

As the message “Strong Bones, Strong Moves” echoed through Mmera Primary School, the celebration reinforced a simple but important lesson: good nutrition today helps build healthier, stronger and more active learners for tomorrow.

A Year of Transformation and Development.

2026 MATRIC LAST PUSH INSPIRES LEARNERS TO GIVE THEIR BEST

By Conny mabunda

The final stretch to matric success is here and the Class of 2026 is being urged to rise to the occasion! With determination, discipline and hard work, learners are encouraged to turn their aspirations into achievements. The message is clear: every moment counts and the time to give their very best is now.
Limpopo Department of Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya and senior officials in the department launched the 2026 Matric Last Push event at Makhado EMPC in Nzhelele, Vhembe West Education District.The event brought together learners from various schools for an engagement session focusing on academic excellence, perseverance and the importance of making the most of the remaining time before the final examinations.
The initiative sought to instil confidence in learners, encourage effective preparation and remind them that their hard work and dedication will play a significant role in shaping their academic futures. Through engagements of this nature, the Department continues to reinforce the importance of discipline, resilience and a positive mind-set as learners approach this critical stage of their education.
Chief Director for Further Education and Training (FET) Schools Pedro Masetla, encouraged learners to reflect on their journey and remain resilient as they approach the final stage of their schooling.
"We're here to support, acknowledge and also launch the Last Push. When you look back, you'll realise that the journey started a long time ago and you're now at the doorstep. You came across many challenges but remained resilient and determined to finish your race. With that said, Class of 2026, you've now entered your Last Push," said Masetla.

The local traditional leader, Ms Matzheketseke, urged learners to prioritise their studies and to take advantage of available academic support programmes while also urging them to remain committed in achieving their goals. She also expressed appreciation for the learners' commitments to achieving a 100% pass rate across the district.

MEC for Education Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya called on learners to appreciate the efforts of those who have supported them throughout their academic journey, including District Directors, Circuit Managers, School Governing Body (SGB) associations and educators. She encouraged learners to approach their examinations with confidence and determination, reminding them that their performance would contribute to the province's overall results.
"I urge all learners to be considerate of the work done by the District Directors, Circuit Managers, SGB unions and educators who've been teaching you on a daily basis. When you enter the exam room, there's a day when the results will come back and so I call upon you as the Class of 2026 to remain calm,focused and committed to the course. There's no word 'defeat' in your vocabulary; it's just fear that's in your heart. I wish you all the best and may you make the province proud," concluded Lerule-Ramakhanya.