Residents of Marble Hall, Moganyaka and surrounding communities have raised concerns over the reported increase in malaria cases, calling on the Limpopo Department of Health to intensify public awareness campaigns.

The department has confirmed seven malaria cases in the Marble Hall and Moganyaka areas during October, prompting intensified surveillance and control measures in Sekhukhune District.

Some residents say they remain unaware of the reported cases and believe communities, schools and healthcare facilities need more information about the disease, its symptoms and prevention.

Local leaders demand urgent awarenessEphraim Mogale Local Municipality DA Councillor Flip Jacobs said he was aware of the cases but believed the matter required greater urgency.

Jacobs said the issue was briefly discussed during the municipality’s council meeting at Manapjane Community Hall on October 23, when residents were advised to monitor symptoms and seek medical attention.

“I am concerned that the Department of Health has not done enough to raise public awareness, particularly when mosquito activity increases. By now, schools, clinics and communities should have received educational pamphlets and clear information on malaria prevention, symptoms and treatment,” he said.

Jacobs acknowledged the department’s reported interventions but stressed that communities needed timely information to protect themselves.“This is not about assigning blame, but ensuring our communities are properly informed and protected.

Prevention should be a priority, not a reaction to further infections,” he said.John Leshilo, a resident and independent Ward 8 councillor candidate in the November 4 local government elections, also expressed concern about the awareness efforts.

He said he hoped the department would provide affected communities with sufficient guidance on preventing the spread of malaria.Kgobise Setlamorago, another resident and EFF Ward 8 candidate, said he was aware of the cases but was concerned that many community members did not appear to know about the situation.

He said he had observed what he considered a lack of urgency among residents despite the reports and expected the department to step up its awareness campaigns.“I hope they will attend to the matter of creating awareness,” he said.Tshepo Makola, a resident of neighbouring Mamphokgo village, said he was unaware of the reported cases.

Moganyaka Taxi Association public relations officer Thlologelo Matlala also said the association had not been informed about the reported increase in cases.Department probes local transmission riskHowever, the department said it had intensified its response to the cases.

Limpopo Department of Health spokesperson Neil Shikwambana said the province was a malaria-endemic area, but Sekhukhune District fell outside the areas traditionally associated with malaria transmission in Limpopo.

He said the detection of cases in Marble Hall and Moganyaka had prompted increased public health awareness and targeted interventions.“Initial investigations established that none of the seven patients had travelled outside Limpopo province, raising concern about possible local transmission,” Shikwambana said.

He confirmed that all seven patients had received antimalarial treatment and were recovering.“The department is investigating the cases and implementing targeted interventions to assess and contain the potential risk of further transmission,” he said.

According to Shikwambana, initial assessments of nearby water bodies found no mosquito larvae or adult mosquitoes.He stressed, however, that these preliminary findings did not mark the end of the investigation.Targeted spraying expands to prevent spread.

A multidisciplinary scientific task team has been deployed to conduct detailed environmental assessments, sample mosquitoes and expand targeted indoor spraying in identified high-risk areas.

These include mining compounds, farmworker accommodation and surrounding settlements.The department is also maintaining heightened diagnostic vigilance at Matlala and Philadelphia hospitals, Marulaneng Clinic and nearby healthcare facilities to help identify and treat suspected cases promptly.

“Communities throughout the province are urged to be vigilant and take the necessary precautions,” Shikwambana said.