Stray cattle wreaks havoc 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 11 May 2021 Despite this being a known and pressing issue in Ermelo, MLM officials are yet to take decisive action. The issue of stray livestock in Ermelo residential areas, parts of the CBD and the outskirts has been ongoing for years, with no action on part of Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) and its departments. In this case, by-laws are wholly ignored and remain unenforced by authorities, creating a vicious cycle of frustration, property damage and danger for motorists. Various residents have reported that their dogs get uncontrollably riled up by stray livestock roaming the residential wards, most notably in the De Bruin Park area. Reports have come in from residents stating that livestock has gotten so used to residential traffic and scolds from angry residents that not even car horns spook these cattle when they loaf around the streets, impeding traffic and grazing on the sidewalks of residences. Several motorists have narrowly avoided colliding with these bumbling animals, who couldn’t care less for oncoming traffic. Motorists having to swerve, brake suddenly and drive on the opposite side of the roadway to avoid these animals pose a grave danger for motorists, pedestrians and the cattle alike. This issue, however, is not confined to the CBD and residential wards, as several complaints have been lodged by residents regarding cattle grazing the graveyards, trampling precious memories and damaging vases, flowers and other memorabilia left to honor those long gone. Despite this being a known and pressing issue in Ermelo, MLM officials are yet to take decisive action. At this time, both MLM and the SAPS in Ermelo turn a blind eye to the growing issue, which have, and will again, result in a loss of life as motorists collide with stray animals which are left to their own devices. Stray cattle have been reported lounging around the non-working traffic light at the Church- and Voortrekker Streets intersection. The photo right depicts the damage a motorist suffered after colliding with a stray calf in Border Street, which darted across the road while shrouded in darkness. < Previous Article Next Article >

Eskom Board initiates investigation against CEO 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 10 March 2021 The allegation not only brings Eskom into disrepute, but it also threatens to detract and distract the focus of the Executive Team and the GCE in particular from their critical job of restoring Eskom to operational and financial sustainability. Media Statement - In light of the allegation of racism that has been made in the public domain against Group Chief Executive (GCE) André de Ruyter, the Eskom Board of Directors has resolved to initiate an investigation in order to establish the veracity and the basis to the allegation. The allegation not only brings Eskom into disrepute, but it also threatens to detract and distract the focus of the Executive Team and the GCE in particular from their critical job of restoring Eskom to operational and financial sustainability. The Board will appoint an independent Senior Counsel to conduct the investigation. The Counsel will be empowered to interview any person that may be of assistance in the probe, and consider any evidence, and will then report back to the Board and make recommendations. The Board unanimously and unequivocally stands against racism and sexism, and for transformation and employment equity. Simultaneously, however, the Board has instructed the executive to promote a high-performance culture to enable the critically important turnaround at Eskom to be delivered as soon as possible. In the event anyone has any reason to feel aggrieved because of racist or sexist behaviour, this must be raised by using the well-established internal grievance processes, which will ensure that such allegations are properly investigated, and if found to be warranted, will result in disciplinary action in accordance with labour law, against the perpetrator of such unacceptable behaviour. The Board is aware of, and grateful to the majority of Eskom employees who work hard in fulfilling their duties, which are of national importance in providing reliable and affordable electricity to South Africa. The Board is committed to transparency and will provide updates at critical stages of the investigation. < Previous Article Next Article >

MPU tenderpreneurs ride the PPE cash cow 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 26 January 2021 “It is questionable how these items help to contain the spread of COVID-19.” According to an SUI report compiled in 2020, the purchase of surgical masks, sanitizer, food parcels and thermometers varied significantly across all government departments. Tenderpreneurs in Mpumalanga, however, are having a field day with dubious supply contracts amidst the pandemic. Department of Health has come under scrutiny after it has come to light that purchases were made for seven thousand branded umbrellas at a cost of R805 450, seven thousand branded backpacks at a cost of R1 082 725, as well as cellular tablets at Vodacom, amounting to a whopping R1 714 512. The cost of thermometers also came to light, with the majority of government departments paying R2 527 and upwards per thermometer. The Democratic Alliance (DA) will once again place sustained pressure on the Mpumalanga Premier, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, citing her statement of 20 August last year for a Special Investigations Unit (SIU) to be appointed. Ms Jane Sithole, provincial leader of the DA, demanded a progress report on COVID-19 corruption from the Premier. Ms Sithole said an investigative report into possible corruption of COVID-19 funds for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has still not come to light. “The DA submitted a letter to the office of the Premier on 25 August, detailing information contained in the Provincial Procurement Report, which showed exactly how the funds meant to contain the spread of COVID-19, became a breeding ground for corruption. The DA further asked the Premier to table the final SIU report in the Provincial Legislature.” Ms Sithole stated. “It is questionable how these items help to contain the spread of COVID-19.” she concluded. At this time, the report is still being awaited. Given the above, the DA has once again written to the Office of the Premier requesting the progress report relating to the investigation process and the outcomes. < Previous Article Next Article >

Business as usual at Pet Dam 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 1 September 2020 The Pet Dam has returned to its former glory of infamous party site, with no adherence to social distancing. Residents who dance and drink their nights away at the dam do not wear masks or adhere to social hygiene, urinate and defecate in the dam and on the surround shores, thereby risking cross contamination. With the National Alert Level being lowered to Level 2, and more freedom is granted to citizen’s movement, the Pet Dam has already lured hundreds of party animals. With th lax law enforcement in Ermelo, it’s business as usual at the dam, complete with overly loud music, dancing, drunk driving and street fights. With residents in proximity to the dam having had some peace and quiet during the lockdown, it’s all back to square one now. The Pet Dam has returned to its former glory of infamous party site, with no adherence to social distancing. Residents who dance and drink their nights away at the dam do not wear masks or adhere to social hygiene, urinate and defecate in the dam and on the surround shores, thereby risking cross contamination. It is expected from residents that Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) and relevant authorities take charge of this situation, as it is completely unacceptable for such behavior to be allowed during a worldwide pandemic. As stated previously, the SAPS has made clear that Msukaligwa Local Municipality is required to take action in this regard, and the buck cannot be passed to the SAPS, or any other law enforcement company, by MLM stating that “residents should report incidents such as these”. Upon enquiry as to how MLM plans to curb the increasing numbers of party-goers at the dam, the following response was submitted: “It is a common knowledge that as a country, we are still under the National State of Disaster (COVID-19) as extended by the Minister of Cooperative and Traditional Affairs in terms of section 27(5)(c ) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 , the extension commenced from 15 of August 2020 to 15 September 2020 in terms of Government Notice 756, published in Government Gazette 43524. Enforcement officers are mandated under the Disaster Management Act, 2002 and regulations, if anyone contravene the regulations, the Enforcement Officer is expected to execute his or her her duties in terms of guideline regarding enforcement of the State of Disaster Regulations. Members of the public who commits an offence in terms of the Act, can expect the following: A person may be arrested or requested to accompany an enforcement officer to a police station. If the offence is of a serious nature, the person may be detained, subject hereto that he or she must be brought before a court as soon as reasonably possible, but not later than 48 hours after the arrest. The person may apply for bail at his or her appearance in court. If the offence is less serious, the community service centre commander or the senior member of the SAPS in charge must consider the release of a person (in consultation with the investigating officer) ─ (a) on written warning to appear in court (section 72 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977) (A form SAPS 496 will be issued with a court date); (b) on written notice (section 56 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977) (A form J 534 will be issued with an option to pay a fine or appear in court on the date indicated on the form. This option enables a person to pay an admission of guilt fine and to be released thereafter. This means that the person will not have to appear in court, but by paying the admission of guilt fine, it is regarded as if the person has been conviction in court on the charge and the person will have criminal record); (c) on bail (sections 59 and 59A of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977) [J398 or J399] (This means that an amount for the bail will be determined by the relevant police official or the prosecutor. The person will have to appear on a date indicated on the receipt); (d)after a charge has been withdrawn through an arrangement with the Public Prosecutor; or (e)if he or she was detained as a suspect, but is released from detention before the expiry of the 48-hour period because no charge is brought against him or her(section 50(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977) [SAPS 328]. The municipality reiterates that it does not have municipal police like Metros or City ( Johannesburg, Tshwane, eThekweni etc). The municipality relies on the SAPS to enforce the by-laws, same as Parliament makes, laws and law enforcement agencies enforce those laws, not parliament.” In light of this response, residents who feel threatened, or are distraught by misbehavior at the Pet Dam, may contact the SAPS on 017 819 7803, or contact ACSU on 017 811 1274. < Previous Article Next Article >

Fraudster nabbed by Hawks Fraudster nabbed by Hawks 1/1 Share Supplied Content 26 August 2022 The alleged contract also stated that the investment shall be paid back to the investors with returns, as a lump sum of R302 370 on or before 30 September 2020. Mbhasobhi Amos Zulu (39) appeared before the Bethal Magistrate Court for fraud worth one million Rand on Tuesday, 23 August 2022. Zulu was, on 14 July 2022, served with summons by the Middelburg based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation to appear in court to face his fraud allegations. It is alleged that the suspect met with his victims, informed them about his business, and that they must invest in his company, Mbhasi Trading (PTY) LTD. The victims signed an investment agreement with the suspect on 28 August 2020. The contract was between the Mbhasa Trading PTY LTD, and the victims as investors, provided the contract holder with financial investment amount of R85 000, paid by electronic fund transfer (EFT). The alleged contract also stated that the investment shall be paid back to the investors with returns, as a lump sum of R302 370 on or before 30 September 2020. After the contract was signed, several EFTs were made to the victims between 4 September and the 7 October 2020, and the suspect allegedly received a total amount of R3 910 000. The suspect manufactured a fraudulent proof of payment from his account 8 August 2020, claiming that the total transfer amount of R3 910 000 did not all reflect on the receiving account, and the suspects suffered a total loss of R1 256 000. The suspect appeared before the Bethal Magistrate Court, and the case was transferred to Bethal Regional Court, where it was postponed to 30 August 2022 for further investigation. < Previous Article Next Article >

NPSS learners participate in Radikale Redenaars 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 11 August 2020 All of the learners achieved an A+ or A symbol for their speeches and poems. Four learners are going through to the nationals which will take place later this year. The learners had to submit a video recording of them doing a speech or reciting a poem. Seven learners from Netherland Park Secondary School participated in the Radikale Redenaars competition. All of the learners achieved an A+ or A symbol for their speeches and poems. Four learners are going through to the nationals which will take place later this year. The learners had to submit a video recording of them doing a speech or reciting a poem. The following learners participated: Nadia Ngcobo: Grade 12: 1 poem, 1 speech (nationals), Siphesihle Nkosi: Grade 11: 1 poem (nationals), Nothando Nzimande: Grade 12, 1 poem (nationals), Siphamandla Hlatswayo: Grade 12: 1 poem (nationals), Londeka Sibanyoni: Grade 11: 1 speech, Noluthando Mkhwanazi: Grade 11: 1 poem, Wandile Mathebula: Grade 11: 1 speech.. “We are proud of them and look forward to them participating in the nationals later this year.” Nadia Ngcobo and Nothando Nzimande appearing on the photo (front), and Siphamandla Hlatswayo at the back. Siphesihle Nkosi is absent from the photo. These learners have made it to the nationals of Radikale Redenaars. < Previous Article Next Article >

Be part of the change for the Pet Dam 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 23 November 2021 “If we stand together as a community, we can surely restore the Pet Dam to its former glory." If you’ve ever driven past the Pet Dam and thought to yourself how the dam could have regressed to such a sad state, now is your time to shine and actively make a difference. Ford Ermelo, also known as 24 Motors, have taken it upon themselves to launch an initiative to rehabilitate the dam, to get it clean, and to keep it clean. However, the full cooperation of the community and all walks of life is needed to make the rehabilitation project a reality. Speaking to Hein van Niekerk, dealer principal at 24 Motors, the rehabilitation project will be launched as soon as necessary steps have been taken, and all roleplayers are on board, including Msukaligwa Local Municipality. “Working hand in hand with BlueGreen Water Technologies and other key players, our main aim will be to rehabilitate the Pet Dam, ensuring a better future for fauna and flora in and around the dam. Furthermore, the unpleasant smell that constantly lingers in the area of the Pet Dam will also be something of the past, he stated. “If we stand together as a community, we can surely restore the Pet Dam to its former glory. Gone will be the days of pollution and unsightly refuse bobbing in the water. We are in the process of getting all stakeholders involved, and would like to work hand in hand with Msukaligwa Local Municipality. Their input and assistance will be invaluable to the project, as they have the machinery and the means to unblock stoppages from the sewerage network and storm drains. Unblocking the sewerage network is of paramount importance, as regular and efficient flow to waste away from the Pet Dam will be the main variable in keeping the pollution at bay. We humbly invite all stakeholders who would be interested, as well as community members and businesses who wish to make a difference, to get involved in the project. Only by working together in unity will we be able to move forward.” BlueGreen Water Technologies sport groundbreaking, approved algaecides, approved for use in bodies of water without damaging the environment or degrading the water quality. In fact, Jurgens van Loggerenberg, director of the Africa division of the company, has told the Tribune ePaper that all hope is not lost for the Pet Dam. Quite the opposite, as from the commencement of treatment, the Pet Dam will be sparkling and boasting significantly improved water quality in approximately four months. “We can make quick work of the polluted Pet Dam with our cutting-edge technology. However, cooperation and assistance from the community, municipality and all stakeholders will be of utmost importance. Ermelo holds a special place in my heart, and it pains me to see the Pet Dam degraded from a previous state of magnificence. We call on all who wish to get involved in the project to roll up their sleeves and actively take part in the betterment of the Pet Dam. We can easily accomplish the rehabilitation if we work in unison,” he said. BlueGreen has an outstanding track record when it comes to rehabilitation of water bodies. Most recently, BlueGreen’s cutting-edge technology was used to eradicate toxic blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, in water bodies without leaving a trace in the water. In March this year, BlueGreen introduced its innovative Lake Guard solution to Setumo Dam, in collaboration with Sedibeng Water, with breathtaking results. Similar grand success has also been noted at Roodeplaat Dam, which is unrecognizable following the rehabilitation. If that’s not enough, the success at Setumo Dam follows directly on the heels of BlueGreen winning the ‘Breakthrough Technology Company of the Year’ award at the 2021 Global Water Awards. If you would like to know more about the project, and how to get involved in this landmark program, you may contact Janice de Jager on 072 401 1449. < Previous Article Next Article >

AFPO threatens full shutdown 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 15 September 2020 AFPO has warned that it will intensify its action should government fail to meet its demands. The Department of Health said that it tried at several meetings last month to resolve the dispute, and that the National Funeral Practitioners Association of South Africa was the only organization that had informed them of the strike. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, funeral parlor directors are demanding that the outsourcing of mortuary facilities be recognized and legalized, along with various other demands. The African Funeral Practitioners Organisation (AFPO) said that the organization and its affiliates plans to embark on a strike, and warned that no bodies will be picked up from private and government mortuaries and homes. AFPO has also warned that no funerals would be conducted due to the strike action by affiliated members, and more than 3000 employed staff. The organization also demands that the Department of Home Affairs must allow them to appoint a third party to conduct some duties on their behalf, which is now prohibited by law. The organization has warned that it will intensify its action should government fail to meet its demands. The Department of Health said that it tried at several meetings last month to resolve the dispute, and that the National Funeral Practitioners Association of South Africa was the only organization that had informed them of the strike. “We've been trying to talk to the government, but they've never wanted to listen to us. We'll still help our members, we'll direct them to the police, and then we will direct them to forensics to do the pick-ups.” AFPO president, Raisibe Pole-Nkosi, stated. < Previous Article Next Article >

Danie het jou hulp nodig 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 20 April 2021 Danie ry daagliks ongeveer 4 kilometer met sy rolstoel om te gaan werk. Danie Geel (40) ‘n bekende in die gemeenskap het jou hulp nodig. Hy het aan die einde van 2005 gekla oor rug pyn, en is hospitaal toe, waar hy net n inspuiting ontvang het vir pyn. Die volgende oggend het hy wakker geword om te gaan werk, waar hy geen gevoel gehad in sy bene nie. Hy is per ambulans na die hospitaal geneem, en hulle het hom later die dag oorgeplaas na Pretoria waar hul nog dieselfde aand ‘n rug operasie gedoen het. Na die operasie het die dokters hom ingelig dat hy nie weer sal kan loop nie. “Laas jaar het ons as gesin Dr. Nel van die Zuid Afrikaans Hospitaal geskakel om ‘n opvolg konsultasie te reël vir Danie, omdat ons gehoop het dalk sal daar iets wees wat die dokter kon doen, of dalk kon sê of daar ‘n kans kan wees vir hom om weer te kan loop, omdat hy so nou en dan gevoel kry in sy bene. Ons kon daarin slaag om Dr. Nel op 12 April 2021 te sien, en ongelukkig is daar geen hoop vir Danie om weer te kan loop nie. Omdat hy nie medies het wat die kostes kan dek nie, wil ons graag vra vir hulp om die rekening te kan vereffen van die MRI skandering wat gedoen is. Die familie wil ook die gemeenskap vra om vir Danie te kan help met ‘n donasie, sodat hulle vir Danie ‘n ordentlike rolstoel kan koop. Danie ry daagliks ongeveer 4 kilometer met sy rolstoel om te gaan werk. Daar is ‘n Trust rekening gestig by PAS Prokureurs. Pieter StoffbergIngelyf Trust, Trust Rekening, FNB, Ermelo, Takkode: 270344, Rekening Nommer: 62092150326, Verwysing: Dan39/1. < Previous Article Next Article >

WOF MPU Canada deployees return home 1/8 Share GK CRONJE 28 September 2021 Khumalo was crowned the best female runner at the pre-deployment camp in Hekpoort, Gauteng, where the WOF crew underwent Refresher Training to ensure they are fit and ready for the conditions expected in Canada. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Working on Fire Programme’s 109 firefighters returned to South African soil with high praises, from Canadian Fire Authorities, after 34 days in the Province of Manitoba, Canada. Aptly named the Black Bear Hotshots after an encounter with a bear in Manitoba, the team landed safely in South Africa on Thursday, 16 September 2021. Canada has been engulfed with wildland fires as of July 2021, and had resorted to South Africa for assistance under the Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries, which provided the exchange of Wildland Fire Management Resources. WOF firefighters joined firefighters from Canada and the USA, and were deployed on the east side of Lake Winnipeg, as well as into The Pas-Cranberry Portage region. Working on Fire Mpumalanga boasted of seven representatives in the WOF contingent. Led by Walter Khoza, Ground Operations Manager in the Highveld region, the firefighters consisted of Sibusiso Ngobeni (Crewleader of the Mlambongwane team ), Sphilile Khumalo (Piet Retief), Bongani Sifunda (Barberton), Siphesihle Makhubu (Wakkerstroom ), Sipho Mlotshwa (Badplaas) and Itumeleng Mogane (Wilgeboom). WOF Mpumalanga General Manager, Martin Bolton, welcomed the firefighters when they returned to the province with words of praise. “We are proud of you, and what you achieved in Canada. Your hard work and dedication have been noted and appreciated. You represented the organization, province, and country well, and well done,” Bolton said. Sphilile Khumalo was the only woman from Working on Fire Mpumalanga, and it was a many of firsts for her. This was the first time Spihilile was deployed outside of the country, and her first time on an airplane. Recruited in 2014, in Piet Retief, Khumalo has had a tumultuous fitness journey in WOF, citing the tough WOF fitness standard as her biggest challenge, adding that she failed at times, and recorded poor performance, but she told herself that she would overcome, and she did. Khumalo began her own fitness regime at home, and worked on her physicality. Her hard work and determination bore fruit, because Khumalo was crowned the best female runner at the pre-deployment camp in Hekpoort, Gauteng, where the WOF crew underwent Refresher Training to ensure they are fit and ready for the conditions expected in Canada. Indeed, a proud moment for the participant and WOF Mpumalanga, and according to Ground Operation Manager, Walter Khoza, Khumalo outperformed a few males on her way to her crowning glory. < Previous Article Next Article >

Fondsinsameling vir Isabella Stark ‘n groot sukses 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 26 October 2021 "Dit was 'n uitdaging met die wind, maar dit was een lekker daggie vol omgee, liefde en ondersteuning, my hart loop oor van dankbaarheid!" Op Saterdag, 23 Oktober, was daar ‘n modelkompetisie aangebied by Camel’s Madness Restaurant. Die kompetisie wasvir fondsinsameling vir Isabella Stark se mediese onkostes. Die dag was bekroon as ‘n groot sukses. Die kompetisie is aangebied deur Blush Models Ermelo, en die modelle het almal asemrowend mooi gelyk, en die dag vreeslik geniet. Blush Models wil graag van die geleentheid gebruik maak om hul borge te bedank: “Kameel van Camel's Madness Restaurant en sy yster span, julle is die beste. Linda Pitzer, Bernice Coetzer en Berdine Botha, so baie dankie! DJ Sweet Sounds, Joshua Stark, Eco Wash, Hough Burger, Burger Springkastele, Elna Janse van Vuurren, Studio 7, Lady Latte, Coal Miners, Rochelle van Creative Cutz, Anita Kruger, Bo Kamer Gastehuis en Living Waters, Chris Rothman, Danie Louw, Bart Delport, Jaco Papenfus en Stefan van Coller, Siyabonga Masuku, Margé de Lange, Nanette Cup Cakes en Jean-Roux Flack, Mr. Pre Teen SA 2021 en Mr. Pre Teen Face SA 2021. Aan die beoordelaars, Anne Marie van Heerden, Mureli Roux en Suretha van Rooyen, dankie, julle het julle goed van julle taak gekwyt. Aan my regter hand Cindy Kitchenmaster, dankie vir al jou harde werk. Natasha Lourens, vir jou mooiste rokke by Brides Choice (Pick n Pay sentrum) die modeparade was baie mooi. Aan al die modelskole, Allison Danielle Cronje en Yolandri Fourie wat my altyd getrou ondersteun, aan elke liewe model, en ouer. Dit was 'n uitdaging met die wind, maar dit was een lekker daggie vol omgee, liefde en ondersteuning, my hart loop oor van dankbaarheid!” < Previous Article Next Article >

Twee verdagtes vasgetrek deur gemeenskapslede Twee verdagtes vasgetrek deur gemeenskapslede Die verdagtes wat vasgetrek is deur die gemeenskap. Die verdagtes wat vasgetrek is deur die gemeenskap. Die verdagtes wat vasgetrek is deur die gemeenskap. 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 22 September 2020 Die karwagte het saam met die twee mans gewerk om die verdagtes vas te trek. Die twee verdagtes is dadelik na die SAPD geneem, waar daar op die stelesel gesien is dat daar by beide die verdagtes twee ander hangende sake is. Op Dinsdag, 15 September, was twee verdagtes opgemerk wat besig is om motors se alarms te keer dat dit aktiveer, bekend as “remote jamming”. Die twee verdagtes is gekonfronteer deur twee mans, waarna die verdagtes te voet gevlug het uit ‘n winkelsentrum in Kerk Straat. Hulle is egter vasgetrek naby ‘n restaurant in Kerk Straat. Die karwagte het saam met die twee mans gewerk om die verdagtes vas te trek. Die twee verdagtes is dadelik na die SAPD geneem, waar daar op die stelesel gesien is dat daar by beide die verdagtes twee ander hangende sake is. Die twee gemeenskapslede, wat anoniem wil bly, wil graag die karwagte, asook die plaaslike SAPD bedank vir hulle flinke werk. < Previous Article Next Article >