Pressure from FF Plus results in R95 million payment 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 22 September 2020 Bethal had to endure daily bouts of load shedding that lasted up to 18 hours over the last few years, as the council did not meet its obligations to Eskom. It caused immense damage to the local economy and it grossly violated human dignity. Despite the non-payment of the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, which encompasses Bethal, Charl Cilliers, Embalenhle, Evander, Kinross, Leandra, Secunda, Trichardt, to Eskom, and the detrimental consequences thereof for residents, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel for Bethal. Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) has made a payment of R95 million to Eskom. Although the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality still owes Eskom approximately R1,7 billion, the FF Plus has applied enough pressure to ensure that a payment is made with the specific aim of restoring the full electricity supply to Bethal and Emzinoni. Bethal had to endure daily bouts of load shedding that lasted up to 18 hours over the last few years, as the council did not meet its obligations to Eskom. It caused immense damage to the local economy and it grossly violated human dignity. GSDM has given Eskom three days to restore Bethal's power supply to its full capacity. < Previous Article Next Article >

Help the SANBS avoid crisis 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 11 September 2020 “We are experiencing a high demand for blood from hospitals and are in dire need of blood donations across the country. Our Group O blood stocks have dropped significantly and we are appealing to all South Africans to donate a unit of blood in aid of those who need it most,” petitioned Silungile Mlambo, SANBS Chief Marketing Officer. The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is currently experiencing critical blood shortages. At a time when people are understandably focused on staying safe and avoiding contracting the COVID-19 infection, little concern is available for much else. COVID-19 restrictions have severely limited our ability to collect adequate blood stocks, particularly because we are not able to access schools, tertiary institutions and corporates, to host blood drives. As a result, our blood stocks have dropped significantly. We are hoping, however, that donors who are due to donate are able to find the time to make a difference to the lives of others by donating blood. SANBS aims to collect an average of 3000 units of blood every day, nationally. It is through planned, sustainable blood drives at companies, institutions and communities that we are able to achieve this collection target. They are appealing to the public to make venues available to us for mobile blood drives. Suitable venues include accessible spaces which are open to the public and large enough to ensure social distancing can be practiced. Read more in the next publication of the Tribune Newspaper. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mkhondo ex-municipal manager appointed at MLM 1/1 Share Content Supplied 18 August 2022 "He excels in creating consensus among diverse groups, and he is fully committed to the creation of better life for all." Msukaligwa Local Council appointed Maqhawe Kunene as the Municipal Manager at the Special Council meeting held on 12 August, 2022. The appointment is in terms of section 54A of the Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000 as amended, on a five year fixed term contract of employment which is performance based, after a punctilious selection processes by the municipality. Executive Mayor, Cllr MP Nkosi, welcomed Kunene on Monday, 15 August 2022, on behalf of Council and wishes him all best. The Executive Mayor assures the community of Msukaligwa that Kunene is a person of high moral integrity. “We pride ourselves with his appointment and believe he will serve the municipality and community at large with humility and vigour.” Maqhawe Kunene matriculated in Cefups Academy in 1998, he passed with exemption, subsequent to his matriculation, he enrolled for Bachelor of Science degree and a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in the University of Zululand and both obtained in 2001 and 2002 respectively. He further enrolled for additional courses as part of sharpening his knowledge in Human Resources, and obtained a diploma in Human Recourse Management, as well as a Certificate Program in Executive Management Development for Municipal Finance (CPMD). He is a holder of Master in Business Administration degree from Regent Business School. He also obtained short courses in Labour Relations, Nyukela Public Service SMS Pre-entry Programme, SAMTRAC Certificate and Certificate Programme in Municipal Finance. Kunene worked at the Transnet Freight Rail in Ermelo as Train Driver and Train Assistant for three years nine months, as a Fleet and Auxiliary Manager for three years, as well as Human Capital Manager for two years. Kunene is not new to local government, as he first worked at Gert Sibande District Municipality as General Manager for Community and Social Service, responsible for provision of efficient and effective Social Development Service, which includes Disaster Management, Transversal Programme and Sports, Culture and Recreation as well as Municipal Health in the entire Gert Sibande District Municipal area. The position he served with distinction from 2013 to 2017. He was later appointed as Municipal Manager in Mkhondo Local Municipality, responsible and accountable for the management of the municipality, ensuring basic service are delivered to the communities in a sustainable manner. He was also responsible for the implementation of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and advising Council and Political Office Bearer. He served Mkhondo Local Municipality from 2017 until his contract come to an end in 2022. Kunene is a visionary, challenge driven, successful leader in both work and community arenas. He is natural and persuasive communicator, recognized among colleagues for a keen ability to energize and inspire individuals to work towards achieving common goal. He excels in creating consensus among diverse groups, and he is fully committed to the creation of better life for all. - Content as per Msukaligwa Local Municipality < Previous Article Next Article >

Shoprite launches bigger carrier bag for taxi commuters 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 25 October 2022 Shoprite’s new red, 60-litre bags are 60 microns thick and more resilient, and costs R4. In response to customers and employees’ needs, national supermarket retailer Shoprite has launched a bigger, stronger 60-litre carrier bag primarily for taxi commuters and people who make use of public transport. Taxi passengers in South Africa are often charged extra for each bag they carry, particularly on busier routes. So, a larger carrier bag which can hold more groceries will save them money on every shopping trip. Shoprite’s new red, 60-litre bags are 60 microns thick and more resilient, cost R4 and are made from the same 100% recycled material as the standard 24-litre carrier bags which are 24 microns thick and cost R1. The 60-litre bag is also reusable and recyclable, supporting circular economy principles. “The idea came from listening to employees and customers who travel by taxi,” explains Sanjeev Raghubir, Group Sustainability Manager. “It’s also much easier to carry one big bag when walking or using public transport.” In 2013 the Shoprite Group became the first national retailer to introduce shopping bags made from 100% recycled content in its supermarkets. The Group recycled more than 5 400 tons of plastic in the last year, that’s more than 600kg per hour, through its reverse logistics operations. To promote a circular economy, the Group is also working towards ensuring that 100% if its own-brand packaging is reusable, recyclable and compostable, and that it contains on average 30% recycled material content by 2025. < Previous Article Next Article >

Amendment - IAE of continuous ashing at Tutuka Power Station 1/2 Share CONTENT SUPPLIED 10 September 2020 Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd obtained an Integrated Environmental Authorisation (IEA) for the proposed extension of Ash Disposal Facility for Tutuka Power Station, Mpumalanga Province, dated 19 October 2015. An application to amend the validity of the IEA was submitted to DEFF on 22 July 2020. NOTICE: AMENDMENT DECISION OF THE INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION FOR CONTINUOUS ASHING AT TUTUKA POWER STATION DEFF REF NUMBER: 14/12/16/3/3/3/52/AM3 Notice is hereby given in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, 2014, that the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) has granted a positive decision to amend the validity of the IEA for the proposed Continuous Ashing at the Tutuka Power Station Ash Disposal Facility in the Mpumalanga Province, dated 26 August 2020, and was received on 27 August 2020. Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd obtained an Integrated Environmental Authorisation (IEA) for the proposed extension of Ash Disposal Facility for Tutuka Power Station, Mpumalanga Province, dated 19 October 2015. An application to amend the validity of the IEA was submitted to DEFF on 22 July 2020. NOTICE OF APPEAL PROCESS Should anyone wish to lodge an appeal against this decision, he/she must submit an appeal to the Appeals Administrator, and a copy of the appeal to the Applicant, any Interested and Affected Party (I&AP) and any Organ of State with interest in the matter within 20 days (27 September 2020) from the date that this notification of decision was sent to the registered I&APs by the Applicant; or the date that the notification of the decision was sent to the Applicant by the Department, whichever is applicable. A copy of the National Appeal Regulations, 2014 is attached as Appendix 2 for further information. Appeals must be submitted in writing in the prescribed form to: The Director: Appeals and Legal Review of DEFF at the below mentioned addresses. • By email: appeals@environment.gov.za • By hand: Environment House, 473 Steve Biko, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083 • By post: Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001 To obtain the prescribed appeal form and for guidance on the submission of appeals, please visit the Department’s website https://environment.gov.za/documents/forms#legal_authorisations or request a copy of the documents at appeals@environment.gov.za AVAILABILITY OF AMENDED INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION A copy of the amended Integrated Environmental Authorisation is available on Eskom’s website (https://www.eskom.co.za/OurCompany/SustainableDevelopment/EnvironmentalImpactAssessments/TutulaContAsh/Pages/Authorisation_1541.aspx) – it is saved as “Amendment to extend validity”). Alternatively, an electronic copy of the amended IEA can be requested from: Tobile Bokwe Tel: 011 800 2303/082 828 1777 Email: bokwett@eskom.co.za < Previous Article Next Article >

Merino Mall baanbrekerseremonie ‘n reuse sukses 1/9 Share GK CRONJE 3 August 2021 Die ontwikkelaars is daartoe verbind om 'n winkelsentrum te bou met die vermoë om die kleinhandellandskap in Ermelo nog jare te oorheers en versterk. Volgens verteenwoordigers van die groepe is hierdie projek ‘n langtermyn belegging. Met groot opgewondenheid en styl ter ere aan Ermelo, was die baanbrekerseremonie van die grootskaalse konstrukieprojek deur die Moolman Groep en Abland aangebied op Dinsdag, 27 Julie 2021. Die Ermelo skouterrein is deur Moolman Group en Abland Ontwikkelaars geïdentifiseer as 'n uitstekende ligging vir die ontwikkeling van 'n plaaslike winkelsentrum. Die perseel, geleë op die hoeke van die snelweë N2 en N11, en naby die N17, is ook binne loopafstand van die Ermelo CBD. Volgens die Moolman Groep brei Ermelo se ekonomiese aktiwiteit uit na die noorde, verby Breyten, en dit maak hierdie perseel die ideale ligging vir 'n plaaslike winkelsentrum. Geen ander formele plaaslike winkelsentrum van hierdie skaal bestaan binne 'n radius van 100km van Ermelo af nie. Die ontwikkelaars is daartoe verbind om 'n winkelsentrum te bou met die vermoë om die kleinhandellandskap in Ermelo nog jare te oorheers en versterk. Volgens verteenwoordigers van die groepe is hierdie projek ‘n langtermyn belegging, waar die Moolman groep hand in hand sal stap met Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit. Die grond word op ‘n termyn van 60 jaar verhuur aan die groep, waar die lokale Sesman Kommitee sal baat uit die opbrengs. Gerugte dat die grond verkoop is aan die ontwikkelaars is dus ongegrond. Die ontwikkeling, wat na raming 60 weke sal vat om te voltooi, sal bestaan uit 'n volledig omheinde winkelsentrum van ongeveer 30 000 m², met die geleentheid vir toekomstige uitbreiding. Die anker huurders is bekendgestel as Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Clicks, Crazy Plastics en Dischem. Ander attraksies sluit in Cape Union Mart, Old Khaki. The Cross Trainer, Queenspark, Refinery, Truworths, Identity, Mr. Price Clothing, Home- en Sport, Jet, Ackermans, Foschini, Sport Scene, Total Sports, PEP- en PEP Home, Studio 88, The Fix, Exact, Markham, Miladys, Tekkie Town, @Home, Sheet Street, Crazy Store, Nedbank, Capitec, FNB en vele meer. Die ontwikkeling sal 'n gekombineerde mark bedien wat bestaan uit die plaaslike inwoners, sowel as honderde pendelaars wat na- en deur Ermelo reis vanaf omliggende plattelandse en klein dorpies in die streek. Meer foto’s en video’s van die seremonie is beskikbaar op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Raw sewage spillage in DBP unresolved since 2016 1/6 Share GK CRONJE 13 September 2022 Raw sewage flowing into living areas is also a major health hazard, The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) stated. What was initially touted to be modern, safe and secure living, has turned to a sewage-soaked headache, with both new home owners, and residents in Autumn Ridge, Camden-and President Fouchè Avenues, Mauritz Read, Harold Edges and Mel Mentz Streets, all being at the end of their patience. The once-flagship security village project, Autumn Ridge, is rife with residents hot under the collar due to the constant stench of raw sewage. “They just keep building and building, but they don’t finish what they start. If a drain is blocked, we have to wait days, sometimes weeks, and even months for the municipality to assist us, if they ever do. In many cases, we have to make a plan ourselves, because the municipality never arrives. We have to think of our health and the health of our children,” one complex resident lamented. It is evident that the aged and dilapidated sewerage network in this area quite simply can not handle the influx of sewage and wastewater produced by the ever-growing number of houses. What one can only assume to be poor town planning from the municipality has now created a ever-expanding issue of environmental pollution. Alas, the municipality simply ignores these specific overflows, which ave been ongoing since 2015, and reported by numerous residents in this area in August 2016. At the time, the Tribune visited the site, which already showed evidence of overload, and since then, the residences have multiplied exponentially, without infrastructure provision being made by the municipality. Upon visiting the site in 2022, the environmental impact and pollution from these sewage overflows are simply flabbergasting. There are at least four overflow sites that could be noted in the vicinity of Camden Avenue, with more being visible in the distance. The sheer amount of raw sewage is shocking to behold, a stench to choke on. The Vaal River, a source of water for approximately 19 million South Africans, has been slated as polluted “beyond acceptable levels”, impacting on natural ecosystems and endangering the people's health. Raw sewage flowing into living areas is also a major health hazard, The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) stated. However, the issue of MLM’s blatant disregard of environmental impact is no news. In 2014, Municipal Manager at the time, Mr M.W. Zungu, the Head of the Water Department, Mr B. van der Merwe, and the Director of Technical Services, Mr S. Magudulela, received a summons, whilst performing in their capacity as managers of Msukaligwa Local Municipality, in connection to blocked and overflowing sewage sites. Almost all of these sites, including the spillages near the Pet Dam, to this very day, still overflows into the Pet Dam and surrounding water bodies. In 2014, it was estimated that the spillages deposits a quantity of >1 000 000 E. Coli per 100ml of water. Currently, the situation has greatly increased in severity. The fact that, in terms of the National Water Act, 36 of 1998, as read with the National Environmental Act, 107 of 1998, the pollution of a water resource is a criminal offence, the municipality pays no heed. With brazen nonchalance, MLM had recently dug trenches to redirect the constant sewage spillage in President Fouché towards the middle of the field, in an attempt to make the overflow less noticeable. To date, the municipality has failed to provide reasoning behind this, despite various enquiries by the Tribune. More laughable is the fact that the municipal manager at the time, is no longer serving the municipality. Unfortunately, the fact that scores of “acting” municipal officials trot through the municipal service delivery system doorways, leaves nobody in charge to take responsibility for the disasters left behind. However, this is of little comfort to residents in this area, as well as the local school, who have to suffer in the unsanitary environment and gagging stench, day in, and day out. This overflow, coupled with a myriad of other spillages, connect directly to the Klein Drinkwater stream. This stream flows through several farms an small holdings, to eventually contaminate the Vaal River with thousands of kiloliters of raw sewage each month. See more photos and a video on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Claiming for damages suffered due to potholes 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 30 November 2021 A report must be compiled by the department, authorizing reimbursement from insurance through the Asset Management Unit of the municipality. Widening, deep and hazardous potholes leave their mark on majority of the residential and central business district (CBD) streets in Ermelo, and the roads in the outer areas are also pitted with sink- and potholes. Several roads surfaces have been dug for water pipe repairs, and are thereafter not filled or repaired, some for several years. Enquiries and complaints from residents directed at Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) fail to receive satisfactory feedback. Although municipal departments state that they do the best they can with the few resources available to them die to financial constraints, these statements are nothing but salt in the wounds of motorists who suffer daily damage and unnecessary wear and tear on their vehicles due to the ghastly road conditions. Good news for frustrated motorists is that the maintenance of roads remains the responsibility of government, and that the government therefore is liable to cough up should a motorist suffer as a result of their failure to keep up with that responsibility. “There is a responsibility on the side of the authority to maintain roads and repair potholes. The question would be whether there was negligence on the part of the municipal authority in not repairing that pothole, thereby posing a clear and present danger to the road user,” Arrive Alive, road user watchdog, stated in a public informational post. “The road user would have to approach that specific municipal authority, and enquire from them which documentation to complete, and to whom to submit such a claim. This might unfortunately take more time and is also dependent on the efficiency of that municipal office. In the case of claims lodged, the motorist's ID document, driver's licence, car registration details, a signed declaration and three written quotes for repair are also required in order for the claim to be processed. The motorist should stop at the incident spot immediately, and may optionally report the matter to the local traffic police to get an incident report. Photos of the pothole that caused damage to your vehicle, as well as photos of the affected tyres or damaged areas should be taken immediately, including a photo or video of the street name. If anyone else witnessed you hitting the pothole or stopped to assist, take down their personal details. Claims should be lodged as soon as possible, as technical officers will be sent to the place of the incident to verify the cause of the incident, and the potholes or road conditions responsible for the damage suffered.” In order to get the swiftest response, the motorist must submit a description or report, photos of the pothole and tyres, and invoice or quotation to the relevant municipality, in this case Msukaligwa Local Municipality’s Public Works & Basic Service Department. Thereafter, a report must be compiled by this department, authorizing reimbursement from insurance through the Asset Management Unit of the municipality. Residents should take note that they can only claim for damages from either the municipality, responsible roads agency or your insurance company. You cannot submit a claim to both your personal insurance and the government organization. < Previous Article Next Article >

Maskers, maskers, maskers 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 30 March 2021 Die wenners het elke ‘n klein geskenkie ontvang wat geborg was deur Fresh Stop. Op Vrydag, 26 Maart, het Laerskool Ermelo ‘n “Crazy Mask Day” dag by die skool aangebied, waar leerders vir hulle moes maskers maak. Daar was uiters pragtige maskers gemaak, en baie moeite is gedoen met die ontwerpe. Tydens die dag is daar ‘n wenner uit elke graad gekies wat die mees kreatiewe masker gemaak het. Die wenners het elke ‘n klein geskenkie ontvang wat geborg was deur Fresh Stop. Die leerders het die dag vreeslik geniet. Op die foto verskyn die leerders saam met die hoof, mnr. Roelof Ferreira. < Previous Article Next Article >

COSATU displays power on day of action 1/3 Share GK Cronje 11 Oktober 2022 An organized and paceful march proceeded through the streets of Ermelo, towards Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) On Friday, 7 October 2022, members of the SACP and COSATU braved the sweltering heat to partake in the national strike and day of action. An organized and paceful march proceeded through the streets of Ermelo, towards Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), where a memorandum was handed over and signed. However, upon arrival at MLM, the crowd did not have any inclination of entertaining the mayor, Cllr Nkosi’s speech. Instead she was booed and did not present a statement. The group expressed their solidarity with workers and residents suffering under the current leadership and economic climate. The group expressed concern over employers who fail to adhere to labour laws and the stipulated remuneration increases and unnecessary retrenchments. Furthermore, the firm directive to fight corruption, nepotism, load shedding, load reduction, gender based violence, gender pay gaps, and to assert the Collective Bargaining Agreements. The also lamented the slow implementation of law enforcement and prosecution of criminals. Lastly, lifestyle audits of officials are demanded, and that politically exposed be banned from doing business with the state. Many other issues have also been raised, to which the recipients of the memorandum has 14 days to reply to. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

MECs Majuba and Shongwe visit Cebisa School 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 18 August 2022 The suspect is a fellow student, and has since been arrested on a farm between Ermelo and Breyten. Following the gang-related fatal stabbing of a student at Cebisa Secondary School in Wesselton on Tuesday, 16 August 2022, the eyes of the country are on the government to take action. Mpumalanga education MEC, Bonakele Majuba, condemned the incident, and also conveyed his sincere condolences to the bereaved family. “Regrettably, the stabbed learner succumbed to his injuries at Ermelo Provincial Hospital. It is alleged that the learners belonged to different troublesome gangs in the township,” the department said in a statement. The suspect is a fellow student, and has since been arrested on a farm between Ermelo and Breyten. MEC Majuba visited the school on this morning, together with Mpumalanga Community Safety and Security MEC, Vusi Shongwe, and other officials, who rendered psychosocial assistance to all who are affected by the incident. During the visit, it was also announced that an imbizo will be hosted at the Wesselton Stadium on 28 August 2022. The imbizo will commence at 11:00. The imbizo will be led by MEC Shongwe, where gang violence and school safety will be discussed. < Previous Article Next Article >

Carolina man sentenced to life behind bars for rape Carolina man sentenced to life behind bars for rape 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 1 September 2020 According to Sgt Mokwana, the child told the teacher that she and her older sister was sexually abused by their father, and the school reported the case to the police. Sgt Gloria Zulu, Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses Unit (FCS) member interviewed the children’s mother after the father was arrested, and discovered that the mother knew that her husband was sexually abusing the children, but failed to report the matter to the police. Sgt. Thabang Mokwana, spokesman for Carolina Police, stated that a man from Carolina, who raped his children, aged seven and 11, has been sentenced to life in prison. The incidents occurred between 6 June 2017 and 22 August 2017, with the 44-year-old man being arrested on 22 August, and the children taken to a place of safety by a social worker. A teacher noticed a sudden change in the child’s performance and behavior at school, and interviewed her out of concern that something may be wrong. According to Sgt Mokwana, the child told the teacher that she and her older sister was sexually abused by their father, and the school reported the case to the police. Sgt Gloria Zulu, Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offenses Unit (FCS) member interviewed the children’s mother after the father was arrested, and discovered that the mother knew that her husband was sexually abusing the children, but failed to report the matter to the police. Subsequently, the mother was sentenced to five years imprisonment for failing to report the abuse. Both sentences were handed down by the Carolina Regional Court on 24 August 2020. “This sentence will serve as deterrence, especially during this time when gender base violence (GBV) is a concern in the country,” Sgt Mokwana concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >