MLM sheds light on municipal load shedding 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 7 July 2020 “The Executive Mayor of MLM has been on Community radio stations several time explaining load reductions, and it also forms part of State of Municipal Address which was streamed live on the Municipal Facebook page, and simulcasted in community radio stations. No one said the load reductions is permanent solution. The Tribune recently communicated with Msukaligwa Local Municipality, regarding the remedy to the load shedding situation, and posed a number of questions to the communication department. As municipal load shedding is not a long term solution to the issues faced by the municipality, it is not acceptable to appease the community with statements claiming that “they are working on a solution”, but no further indication as to the way forward. The reply received to the aforementioned is as follows: “The Executive Mayor of MLM has been on Community radio stations several time explaining load reductions, and it also forms part of State of Municipal Address which was streamed live on the Municipal Facebook page, and simulcasted in community radio stations. No one said the load reductions is permanent solution. Load reduction is due the power demand that has spiked, during winter months which is exacerbated by the illegal connections a fact that is denied by good-self. In averting possible power blackouts, the municipal implement the load reductions which is standard norm in situations like this, Eskom is doing it and individual households does it when there’s overload. The municipality on an ongoing program is implementing the cutting off of the illegal connections from grid. The municipal has engaged for an increase Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) for all strained substations, it must be noted that the process is a cumbersome and long process that will also have huge financial implications. The municipality has developed electricity infrastructure master in order to address capacity and infrastructure challenges within Msukaligwa Local Municipality. The projected funds needed to address the capacity and infrastructure is R81 416 785.21. The municipality has since submitted the plan to national and provincial government,” Mandla Zwane, MLM spokesperson, stated. The Tribune also enquired as to will be held responsible for damages suffered by residents who are left without electricity extended periods of time. Rotting meat, deep freezes running down, and food spoiling in fridges, as well as damage to electronics are included, amongst others. MLM dodged elaborating on the question, and simply stated “anyone who has a complaint with municipality, referred such to municipality.” Therefore it can be assumed that residents who suffer damages due to lack of service provision from MLM must approach the legal department to submit a claim against the municipality. Lastly, the Tribune enquired as to what MLM plans to improve communication during electrical outages, as a myriad of residents complain that either the call centre does not answer the phone, or the outage is not attended to in a timely manner. Updates on restoration times often do not reflect the actual restoration of electricity. “During the power outages, sometimes the Call Centre is also affected, the calls are get in as the telephone system at the Call Centre function only when there’s power. The municipality has proactively issued schedules for the load reductions. The municipality is in the procurement process of a new hybrid telephone system, and hosting of the contact Centre is at the advanced stage. The municipality urges the public to have patience, as this matter is been addressed/resolved. The incessant power outages put a strain on the Municipality as well.” Zwane concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >

Rietspruit housing development taking shape 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 6 April 2021 Residential, retail and parks were touted as the main attraction, and water, sewage and roads infrastructure will be made available by DOHS. After years of allegations of corruption, arrests of officials, and land invasions from irate residents, Rietspruit Farm, also known as Extension 44, had finally been allocated by the Department of Human Settlements (DOHS) to house nearly 5 000 housing units. This flagship project was recently officiated last year by Msukaligwa Local Municipality’s executive mayor, Cllr. Mkhaliphi, is showing progress and much promise. Gert Sibande District Municipality regional planning unveiled that a reported 5 760 stands had been made available, with an estimated 4 000 mixed housing opportunities. Plans for more than 600 rental units were also mentioned. Residential, retail and parks were touted as the main attraction, and water, sewage and roads infrastructure will be made available by DOHS. - Photos sourced. < Previous Article Next Article >

Outrage as MLM sets to rename council buildings 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 17 November 2020 Fruitless expenditures such as renaming of council buildings should be the very last thing on the list of fiscal worries at MLM. Ermelo as a whole united in an angry front against the recent stint pulled by Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), as the municipality set forth a call for proposed name changes for council owned buildings. MLM, which is under severe financial strain due to being grossly indebted with nearly all service providers, rustled a whole cage of feathers with this proposal. As all wards, settlements and towns withing the MLM governance area suffer on a daily basis with electrical interruptions due to the NMD implemented due to the mountain of debt owed to Eskom, this is viewed as the peak of wasteful expenditure. Roads are riddled with potholes and sinkholes, with MLM claiming financial constraints as the reason for the deterioration. Substations and junction boxes are left to rot without maintenance, no doors, many of them have high voltage cables that are jerry-rigged in the most unsafe of fashion. Water supply is erratic at best, with many households left days on end with extremely low water pressure, dirty water supply, or no water supply at all. The majority of Ermelo is shrouded in darkness as streetlights are left in a dilapidated and non-functional state, with no action from MLM. Once again financial constraints are cited as the culprit. Refuse removal is another cause of concern, with residents resorting to illegal dumping as the refuse collection schedule is often disregarded. The municipal billing system is a shambles, with residents and businesses receiving unfathomably skyhigh accounts for water and electricity, as MLM employees use estimates as a yard stick for usage, which is not only illegal, but highly unethical. Businesses are threatened with a cut-off of services should they fail to pay the excessively high bills that MLM thumbsucks without any readings, and many businesses and residents have water meters that are buried beneath shrubbery and grass, proving theat MLM does indeed not take readings on a regular basis as is expected of them. Pre-paid customers are also getting the short end of the stick, as the lack of processing of accounts on part of MLM results in penalties incurred due to “arrears”, which are actually not in arrears. As a result, the amount of prepaid units received by paying customers are greatly reduced, as purchase slips cite all manner of excuses as to penalize residents without any rhyme or reason. In light of the above, fruitless expenditures such as renaming of council buildings should be the very last thing on the list of fiscal worries at MLM, who should rather focus the little available finances they have on basic service delivery, which is clearly lacking at this point. At the time of publication, MLM failed to respond to enquiries regarding this matter. < Previous Article Next Article >

WOF Mpumalanga assists in 63 fires during July 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 17 August 2021 The Winter Fire Season officially began on 1 June 2021, and WOF Mpumalanga has recorded a total of 128 fires thus far. “We urge the community at large to practice caution and not start unnecessary fires as we are expecting windy and dry weather conditions, which fuel a runaway veld or forest fire,” Mthembu added. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Working on Fire Mpumalanga teams and the Forest Support Programme (FSP) teams assisted partners in combating numerous fires during July, while navigating the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Injaka FSP team was the busiest team in July, and was dispatched numerous times to the fireline to assist the Lowveld Escarpment Fire Protection Association (LEFPA). The Ermelo team, who are partnered with Msukaligwa Local Municipality, were deployed several times and in one call out, the team lived up to WOF objectives of Saving Lives when they managed to prevent housing structures from catching flames at an informal settlement in their region. The month of July saw an increase in fires due to extreme weather conditions, which contributed to the high Fire Danger Index (FDI). A total of 63 fires were recorded, and no injuries were reported. According to Working on Fire Mpumalanga Provincial Coordinator, Gert van der Westhuizen, this is an increase from June, where teams assisted in 43 fires. “WOF Mpumalanga and FSP teams remain on high alert, because we are approaching the halfway mark of the fire season. We are expecting a lot of teams to be dispatched to assist partners in August because it is a windy month,” said WOF Mpumalanga Communication Officer, Amanda Mthembu. Besides fire suppression operations, WOF Mpumalanga and FSP teams are also hard at work conducting various Integrated Fire Management Services (IFMS), which include Prescribed Burns and raising awareness in their communities with Fire Awareness educational workshops and door-to-door campaigns. The Winter Fire Season officially began on 1 June 2021, and WOF Mpumalanga has recorded a total of 128 fires thus far. “We urge the community at large to practice caution and not start unnecessary fires as we are expecting windy and dry weather conditions, which fuel a runaway veld or forest fire,” Mthembu added. < Previous Article Next Article >

World Alzheimer’s Month: Understand the warning signs and symptoms of dementia 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 8 September 2020 Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of dementia, a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are warning signs and symptoms, but every individual may experience one or more of these signs to a different degree. One of the most common signs of dementia, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, and this September, for World Alzheimer’s Month, Livewell aims to encourage understanding, reduce stigma, and raise awareness around this common, yet devastating disease. Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of dementia, a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are warning signs and symptoms, but every individual may experience one or more of these signs to a different degree. One of the most common signs of dementia, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking for the same information over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own. Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before. People with dementia often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes they may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game. People with dementia can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there. For some people, having vision problems is a sign of dementia. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance, and determining colour or contrast, which may cause problems with driving. People with dementia may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand clock.”) A person with dementia may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time. People with dementia may experience changes in judgment or decision making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean. A person with dementia may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favourite sports team or remembering how to complete a favourite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced. The mood and personalities of people with dementia can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone. If you, or someone you care about is experiencing any of these warning signs, please consult with a medical professional. Early diagnosis gives you a chance to seek treatment and plan for your future. < Previous Article Next Article >

SANDF Border Patrol test their mettle 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 20 April 2021 Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the troops deployed at the country’s borders continued to apprehend undocumented persons, they have prevented livestock theft, and arrested people guiding livestock towards the borderline. The South African National Defence Force soldiers deployed on Operation CORONA for Border Safeguarding are maintaining their mandate of protecting the territorial integrity of the Republic of South Africa. These forces are breaking records of confiscating contraband goods, narcotics and intercepting stolen vehicles. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the troops deployed at the country’s borders continued to apprehend undocumented persons, they have prevented livestock theft, and arrested people guiding livestock towards the borderline. From 1 January until 31 March 2021, the soldiers have confiscated contraband goods to the value of R30 988 844.44, most of which came from Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Stolen vehicles to the value of R26 393 531.00 were intercepted before they could illegally cross the borders. Narcotics valued at R21 473 511.00 have been confiscated by troops deployed in Kwazulu Natal, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape and Free State. More than 12500 undocumented persons were apprehended and handed over to the South African Police Services (SAPS). All confiscated goods were declared and handed over to the relevant state departments, including the SAPS and SARS/Customs. Other activities conducted include traffic fines issued to individuals not abiding by the road traffic rules, and fines issued against citizens who contravened lockdown curfew regulations. The SANDF contributes towards improving the economy of South Africa by maintaining territorial integrity, and seizing all these illegal goods entering the country. < Previous Article Next Article >

New bank card suggested by the SARB 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 16 March 2021 This should allow for cheaper transactions than those offered by institutions such as Visa and Mastercard. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) stated that it will conduct an assessment on the feasibility of establishing a domestic card scheme. The central bank said that the assessment will look at creating ‘white-label’ banking cards that can only be used in South Africa or neighbouring countries, which should allow for cheaper transactions than those offered by institutions such as Visa and Mastercard. “In South Africa, Visa and Mastercard have dominated the card scheme market. In 2019, approximately 48.8 million cards were in circulation in South Africa, and 5.6 billion transactions to the value of R2.1 trillion were processed,” the SARB said. “This is an increase in volume of 16.2% and in value of 15.6% compared to 2018. A card scheme is therefore a key component of the NPS.” The SARB said that most of unbanked South Africans have no immediate need for a card that can be used overseas. “This raises the question regarding the scope for developing white-label or locally branded cards as cheaper alternatives to the brands of the major card schemes, especially for consumers who do not enter into global internet transactions or use cards beyond the borders of South Africa or beyond the Southern African Development Community (SADC). SARB said. The Reserve Bank said that the success of a sustainable domestic card scheme would depend on the collective effort and support of card issuers, retailers, consumers, regulators, policymakers, and government departments. < Previous Article Next Article >

COVID-19 kry nie JJ Leiers onder nie Die 2021 JJ Leiers Die 2021 JJ Leiers 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 22 September 2020 “Into the Unknown”. Die liedjie het net bevestig dat die groep kinders kans sien vir dit wat op hulle wag. “BELIEVE in YOURSELF and you will be UNSTOPPABLE...even in the UNKNOWN!” Die 2020 Leiers van Laerskool JJ vd Merwe het besluit om die beste te maak van die COVID-19 pandemie. Hulle het die COVID-19 regulasies gekombineer met ‘n kleurvolle dans op die liedjie “Into the Unknown”. Die liedjie het net bevestig dat die groep kinders kans sien vir dit wat op hulle wag. “BELIEVE in YOURSELF and you will be UNSTOPPABLE...even in the UNKNOWN!” < 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 >

AfriForum help om buiteklaskamer op te rig Op die foto verskyn Bronwen Pretorius, Heinrich Jansen van Rensburg, Frikkie du Plessis, Marius Nel en Renier van Heerden. Op die foto verskyn Bronwen Pretorius, Heinrich Jansen van Rensburg, Frikkie du Plessis, Marius Nel en Renier van Heerden. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 February 2021 Skole vir ons kinders, en eendag kleinkinders ook, is vir ons baie belangrik en lê ons na aan die hart. Die AfriForum-tak in Ermelo het in Desember en Januarie as deel van dié organisasie se Ons Dorp-projek gehelp om plaveisel ter waarde van R33 000 by die pre-primêre skool JJ van der Merwe te lê. Dié projek is aangepak om die skool te help om ’n buiteklaskamer vir die kleuters op te rig. Die tak het gehelp om die gedeelte waar die klaskamer is skoon te maak, en ’n kontrakteur is aangestel om die stene te lê. Die buiteklaskamer is ’n groot aanwins vir die kleuterskool, en buiteklasaktiwiteite en verjaarsdagvieringe kan daar plaasvind. “Skole vir ons kinders, en eendag kleinkinders ook, is vir ons baie belangrik en lê ons na aan die hart. Dit is vir ons as Ermelo-tak lekker om hoop te kan skep in ons skole,” sê Renier van Heerden, voorsitter van AfriForum se Ermelo-tak. Raak vandag nog deel van AfriForum se Ermelo-tak en word deel van die verskil: SMS “Ermelo” na 45350 (R1). Op die foto verskyn Bronwen Pretorius, Heinrich Jansen van Rensburg, Frikkie du Plessis, Marius Nel en Renier van Heerden. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ligbron matrikulante geniet sprokiesmooi matriekafskeid Lungelo en Sandile. Carla Barnard en WJ Vorster. Lungelo en Sandile. 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 27 October 2020 Die sprokiesmooi funksie het by Kralinbergh plaasgevind. Die matrikulante het die aand terdeë geniet, en bedank elke onderwyser, ouer en mede-leerling wat bygedra het tot die onvergeetlike aand. Donderdagaand, 22 Oktober, was ‘n sprokiesmooi, glans-geleentheid vir Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie se matrikulante toe hulle hul matriekjaar op ‘n stylvolle wyse afgesluit het, met hulle asemrowende matriekafskeid. Die Liggie-matrikulante het elkeen pragtig gelyk en behoorlik geskitter soos net die Liggies kan. Die sprokiesmooi funksie het by Kralinbergh plaasgevind. Die matrikulante het die aand terdeë geniet, en bedank elke onderwyser, ouer en mede-leerling wat bygedra het tot die onvergeetlike aand. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo Rotary gives the love 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 23 March 2021 "What an awesome feeling to be able to make a difference in her & her families daily life.” On Wednesday, 17 March2021, Ermelo Phoenix Rotary Club visited Emmerentia Grové to gift her a wheelchair. At 94 years young, Emmerentia was in desperate need for a wheel chair after a tough year in 2020 medically. Club Secretary Lawrence Wood said “It is a pleasure & privilege to be able to assist with Emmerentia’s first wheel chair. What an awesome feeling to be able to make a difference in her & her families daily life.” He also thanks those who supports Phoenix Rotary to make this possible. While Emmerentia said she is “very, very thankful. Since November last year, it has been harder to see and move around, so will always treasure this gesture from Ermelo Phoenix Rotary.” - Information published as received from Ermelo Rotary . < Previous Article Next Article >