Cassim Park getting the short end of the stick 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 2 March 2021 Residents also allege that they face constant electricity issues on a daily basis, often being left for hours without electricity, with a very slow response rate from municipal departments. Amidst the service delivery issues experienced by Ermelo and its surroundings, Cassim Park is getting the short end of the stick regarding maintenance from Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM). What was once the pride and joy of residents in this area, Cassim Park has since regressed to a hollow shadow of its former glory. Streets are riddled with potholes, a myriad of worksites are left incomplete, several streetlights are either damaged and leaning dangerously towards the roadway, or completely out of order, and uncollected refuse litter the sidewalks. Grass on municipal grounds are long and unkempt, and council buildings, covered in graffiti and obscene spray painted images, rot away in glorious non-maintenance. Residents also allege that they face constant electricity issues on a daily basis, often being left for hours without electricity, with a very slow response rate from municipal departments. Speaking to residents in the area, they claim to have reported these issues they face on a daily basis to MLM on several occasions, with no joy. < Previous Article Next Article >

TLU SA Congress looks at new approach for agriculture Prof. Andrè Duvenhage, the Research Director of Social Transformation at the North-West University. Mr. Henry Geldenhuys (previous deputy-president) was elected as the new president of TLU SA. The exiting president, Mr. Louis Meintjes. Prof. Andrè Duvenhage, the Research Director of Social Transformation at the North-West University. 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 15 September 2020 During the congress, Mr. Henry Geldenhuys (previous deputy-president) was elected as the new president of TLU SA. “It is an honour and highlight for me, but TLU SA is the priority,” he says. “Together, we will take TLU SA to new heights.” The congress elected Mr. Wannie Scribante (previous manager of the central region) as the new deputy president. Agriculture in South Africa, as well as the world, is on the verge of a new approach. That was the main message and theme of the annual congress of TLU SA, hosted recently. Due to lockdown regulations, the congress was hosted virtually for the first time this year, and regions and affiliations could attend via Zoom. The exiting president, Mr. Louis Meintjes, called on farmers to become more involved to ensure the existence of agriculture in the future. “I think the critical question is: Will you take part or will you stay behind? Are you changing or stagnating? Will you be more profitable or bankrupt?” Meintjes asked. Prof. Andrè Duvenhage, the Research Director of Social Transformation at the North-West University, confirmed this train of thought. “The situation will most probably only become worse going forward. The farming community is dependent on themself and self-help, and self-management looks like the best solution.” he stated. Prof. Duvenhage aslo warned that the amendment of Article 25, relating to land expropriation without compensation, would go ahead, and groups like the BLF and EFF will take matters into their own hands to cause widespread anarchy. “It is now the time to stand with each other and support each other. Build bridges to each other as agricultural organisations. Build bridges to each other as farmers. It is also the time to come up with alternative plans. It is the challenge of the new leadership of TLU SA to adjust to the changing circumstances to stay relevant in fundamental issues and to further the interests of farmers in all fields of life.” he concluded. During the congress, Mr. Henry Geldenhuys (previous deputy-president) was elected as the new president of TLU SA. “It is an honour and highlight for me, but TLU SA is the priority,” he says. “Together, we will take TLU SA to new heights.” The congress elected Mr. Wannie Scribante (previous manager of the central region) as the new deputy president. < Previous Article Next Article >

Corruption and bribery steals the limelight 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 21 April 2021 Several attempts to contact the DARDLA office communication department spokesperson yielded no result. Irate residents protested in front of the Gert Sibande District DARDLA office in Church Street on Wednesday morning, with regards to employment and alleged corruption and bribery. According to one of the protestors, the SAPS allegedly fail to take action against acts of corruption. One of the protestors also claimed that they were offered work on a farm, but in exchange, it is alleged that a bribery fee had to be presented. Several attempts to contact the DARDLA office communication department spokesperson yielded no result. Luckily, a heated exchange of words between the protestors and SAPS officers on scene did not escalate. Traffic flow in Church Street was temporarily impeded as the SAPS monitored the situation. More photos and videos are available on our Faceboook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Errie kunsleerder tweede in MPU 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 17 November 2020 Hoërskool Ermelo se Graad 12-kunsleerders het uitstekend presteer tydens die kuns kompetisie wat jaarliks deur die Departement van Onderwys aangebied word. Hoërskool Ermelo se Graad 12-kunsleerders het uitstekend presteer tydens die kuns kompetisie wat jaarliks deur die Departement van Onderwys aangebied word. Uit die 137 inskrywings, het sewe Erries presteer met uitslae bo 80%. Miceala Erasmus behaal 87%, en verwerf tweede plek in Mpumalanga. Hierdie is ‘n besonderse prestasie, en getuig van harde werk en ‘n pragtige kunstalent. “Baie geluk, Miceala. Hoërskool Ermelo is besonder trots op jou!” < Previous Article Next Article >

JJ redenaars deelnemers debateer ‘n hond uit ‘n bos 1/3 Share SM HATTINGH 17 February 2022 Geluk aan elke leerder wat 'n puik voorlegging aangebied het. Die leerders van Laerskool JJ van der Merwe het elk verskeie onderwerpe gehad waaroor hulle kon debateer tydens die redenaarsbyeenkoms. Hier is die leerders van verskeie grade van die interne redenaarskompetisie - Graad 1 tot 3: agter (v.l.n.r): Kelcey Botes, Eddie Prinsloo, Janko Rautenbach, Luney Robberts, en voor (v.l.n.r): Amonette van Eck, Amjee Mentz en Genevieve Bell. Top 6 deelnemers van die interne redenaarskompetisie - Graad 4 en 5: agter, (v.l.n.r): Yuné Janse van Vuuren, Marizé Cilliers, en voor (v.l.n.r): Danieke van der Meulen, Lienke van der Walt, Marguerite de Jager en Ané Grobler. Graad 6 en 7 se top 6 deelnemers is agter (v.l.n.r): Adoné Burger, Michaél Ronquest, AJ van Niekerk, Kaeleigh Botes, en voor (v.l.n.r): Aletha Kloppers en Julie Uys. < Previous Article Next Article >

Accidents and pay weekend walk hand in hand Accidents and pay weekend walk hand in hand 1/4 Share SH HATTINGH 30 June 2020 During the last week, a series of motor vehicle accidents kept the emergency busy, racing from one scene to the other. Ermelo has reached that time of the month where the amount of road accidents rapidly increase. During the last week, a series of motor vehicle accidents kept the emergency busy, racing from one scene to the other. During all this racing up and down, there were two serious accidents, where in both accidents there were two fatalities. < Previous Article Next Article >

Blind eye turned to public drug use Blind eye turned to public drug use 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 16 March 2021 "We can not infringe on other people’s rights. When the SAPS searches these individuals, they do not carry a large number of drugs, and most of the times we only find them with empty papers." Over the past few months, the issue of drug use and trafficking in Ermelo and surroundings has become more prominent, with various individuals shamelessly partaking in public displays of defiance in this regard. Most notable is the building at 31 Oosthuise Street, which has now turned into the place to be if you’re looking for a fix. Drug users and addicts openly inject themselves, and each other intravenously, many individuals can be seen snorting their lives away while slouching against the walls, and the pavement is bustling with shady drug deals and trafficking, in broad daylight. Drug addled users can be seen lounging against the walls or aimlessly staggering around the sidewalk and across the street, much to the frustration of oncoming traffic. Residents in this area have complained to authorities on many occasions, to no avail. Businesses in this area also complained that they have notified the SAPS of the illegal activity at this site, but to date, no palpable action has been taken. “I drive past this sight for sore eyes every morning, and my children are with me in the vehicle. I have to subject them to these issues, and it is completely uncalled for. How can they just be left to peddle and use drugs in public, without any repercussion,” an irate resident told the Tribune ePaper. Upon enquiry with the SAPS Ermelo, Const. Msizane replied as follows: “ The SAPS has attempted to remove these individuals, but the issue is that the municipality must issue us with the by-laws and the way to deal with this matter. We can not infringe on other people’s rights. When the SAPS searches these individuals, they do not carry a large number of drugs, and most of the times we only find them with empty papers. The SAPS can not make an arrest without any evidence, and even if we arrest them for being intoxicated, we do not have drug test kits on hand to provide as evidence to the court. These individuals have been given the option of rehabilitation in Delmas, but refused.” The Tribune ePaper referred this nonsensical response regarding the by-laws to Msukaligwa Local Municipality. As would be expected, Mr. Zwane, spokesman for the municipality, stated that the arrest of these individuals carry no connection with the by-laws of the municipality, and that the enforcement of the law remains the duty of the SAPS. < Previous Article Next Article >

JJ Langasems oefen baie hard 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 16 March 2021 Die byeenkomste word by Hoërskool Hoogenhout en Secunda Hoërskool aangebied, en tien JJ atlete neem daaraan deel. Mpumalanga Atletiek bied saam met Mpumalanga Klubs atletiek byeenkomste aan op 13 en 20 Maart 2021. Die byeenkomste word by Hoërskool Hoogenhout en Secunda Hoërskool aangebied, en tien JJ atlete neem daaraan deel. Die atlete en hul afdelings is as volg: Marlione Erasmus (200mH,100m), Willem Jacobsz (VS,150mH), Jani Uys (75mH,200mH), Elizca Lotz (75mH,200mH), Quinet Swart (75mH,VS), Megan Herbst (70mH,100m), FD Lotz (70mH), Liané Cilliers (70mH,VS), Inge Dafel (70mH) en Bertie Uys( 70mH). < Previous Article Next Article >

Geslagsmisdade bekommer VF Plus Geslagsmisdade bekommer VF Plus 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 July 2020 Tans is daar 2 797 agterstallige geweldsmisdaad-verwante dossiere in die provinsie, waarvan slegs 46 tot 'n mate ondersoek is. Geen inhegtenisnemings is in verband met die dossiere gemaak nie. Geslagsgeweld en vrouemoord wat vyf keer hoër as die wêreldwye gemiddeld is, is 'n ernstige en wydverspreide probleem in Mpumalanga en het 'n buitensporige traumatiese invloed op vroue en kinders in dié provinsie. Dit getuig van 'n kultuur van geweld en verkragting. Altesame 6.8% van alle vroue in Mpumalanga sê hulle is in hul leeftyd verkrag. Die VF Plus in Mpumalanga is van mening dat die syfers moontlik hoër kan wees omdat slagoffers van geweld dit nie geredelik aanmeld nie aangesien vonnisse onvoldoende is en howe vir seksuele oortredings slagoffers nie genoegsaam beskerm nie. Dié verkragtingskultuur word sodoende genormaliseer en plaas die blaam op vroue en kinders om hulself te beskerm, in stede daarvan om die oortreders vas te vat. Dit raak sodoende sistemies en diep verskans in instellings, kulture en word bykans as tradisie vir sommige beskou. Dit is een van die grootste skending van menseregte wat verreikende maatskaplike en ontwikkelingsgevolge het vir die slagoffers, hul families, gemeenskappe en die groter samelewing. Die polisie moet toesien dat daar voldoende verkragting-toetsstelle by polisiekantore in Mpumalanga is en dat polisielede opgelei moet word oor hoe om slagoffers met die nodige empatie by te staan. Dit sal die opeenhoping van agterstallige gevalle verhinder. Tans is daar 2 797 agterstallige geweldsmisdaad-verwante dossiere in die provinsie, waarvan slegs 46 tot 'n mate ondersoek is. Geen inhegtenisnemings is in verband met die dossiere gemaak nie. < Previous Article Next Article >

2 500 SASSA social relief payouts processed 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 June 2020 The Mpumalanga SASSA office has, to date, succeeded to effect payment of the special Social Relief Distress Fund of R350 for 2 500 unemployed citizens in the province. At this time, SASSA is in the processing phase of received applications, and qualifying applicants will be notified in due course. Qualifying residents who wish to apply, are urged to visit the SASSA offices for the special SRD COVID-19 grant. The Mpumalanga SASSA office has, to date, succeeded to effect payment of the special Social Relief Distress Fund of R350 for 2 500 unemployed citizens in the province. At this time, SASSA is in the processing phase of received applications, and qualifying applicants will be notified in due course. Qualifying residents who wish to apply, are urged to visit the SASSA offices for the special SRD COVID-19 grant. Applications are made electronically to avoid scams roving on social platforms. To apply, citizens may also send a WhatsApp to 082 046 8553, enter USSD code *134*7737#, send an e-mail to srd@sassa.gov.za , or contact the call centre on 0800 60 1011 or 013 754 9428/54. Payment will be effected through choices of bank account, e-wallet, cash send or through the post office. < Previous Article Next Article >

Hawks set their sights on municipal corruption Hawks set their sights on municipal corruption 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 16 March 2021 Some tenders were accepted and fully paid before any form of service was rendered, with cost of millions toward the state. Amidst the rising red flags of municipal corruption in Mpumalanga, especially regarding the issues of service deliver failure, the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Mpumalanga have decided to initiate an array of operations. The lack of service delivery and financial woes withing local municipalities are often attributed to corrupt tender processes, where unfathomable amounts are paid to tenderpreneurs, who maostly fail to deliver the service promises, or who are paid in full, en completely fail to render any form of service. Members of the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Mpumalanga, assisted by Volkrust Local Criminal Centre and K9 Unit Secunda, conducted a search and seizure operation at Dr. Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Municipality in Volkrust on Thursday, 11 March 2021. The investigation was carried out by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Mpumalanga after several complaints were received regarding service delivery failure. Preliminary investigations by the team revealed that tender processes within the municipality was not properly followed, and the team pounced with a search and seizure warrant from the Magistrate. During investigation, suspicious irregularities and discrepancies were identified regarding tender awarding processes, whereby tenders were awarded to companies, which were paid without following proper procedure. Some tenders were accepted and fully paid before any form of service was rendered, with cost of millions toward the state. The team acquired tender documents awarded for certain companies during a particular period, to investigate suspected cases of theft , fraud and corruption. This should be a warning to all municipalities who dabble in corrupt activities and dubious tenderpreneuring, where service delivery is lacking due to said corruption. < Previous Article Next Article >

Inwoners ruk hand uit by Pet Dam 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 30 August 2022 Die Pet Dam, wat veronderstel is om toegang gekontroleer te wees nadat MLM miljoene Rande bestee het aan omheining, is ‘n klap in die gesig van Ermelo inwoners. Sien meer foto's en 'n video op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. Die Pet Dam. Die partytjie plek. Die stortingsterrein. Die musiek verhoog. Die buitelug ablusie. Die een area in Ermelo waar mens kan drink tot jy omval, terug na jou voete sukkel, in jou voertuig in slinger, jou enjin aanskakel, en in die donkerte van die nag wegjaag met bande wat skreeu. Die Pet Dam bly maar eens ‘n doring in die vlees van Ermelo inwoners, klaarblyklil versteek onder 'n sluier van ondeelbaarheid, waar allerlei onwettige aktiwiteite heeltemal geïgnoreer word deur beide wetstoepassers en Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM). Die voortdurende rommelstrooiery van besope inwoners, geraasbesoedeling van vroegoggend tot ver na 02:00 soggens, openbare ontlasting en urinering in die dam en op die perseel, roekelose en nalatige bestuur onder die invloed van alkohol, afvuur van vuurwapens, die aanhoudende stroom voertuie wat die verkeerswette verontagsaam, prostitute oplaai en aflaai, en dubbelparkeer in die pad terwyl karig geklede dames op en af marsjeer, laat veel te wense oor. Boonop het 'n ondernemende individu dit oënskynlik op homself geneem om 'n karwas in die Pet Dam se parkeerterrein te open. Die Mpumalanga Drankwet maak dit tog duidelik dat enige persoon wat gewelddadig, dronk of wanordelik is op enige perseel of plek waartoe die publiek toegang het of gegun word, of wat enige drank in enige pad, straat, baan of deurgang verbruik, opgelê kan word met 'n boete of gevangenisstraf. Enige persoon wat enige bepaling van hierdie Wet oortree, is skuldig aan 'n misdryf, en strafbaar met 'n boete soos van tyd tot tyd bepaal kan word, of gevangenisstraf vir 'n tydperk van hoogstens twee jaar, of met beide sodanige boete en gevangenisstraf. Behalwe dit, stel die MLM-verordeninge dit duidelik dat geen persoon ‘n gevaar mag wees of 'n oorlas, aanstootlik of 'n ergernis vir die inwoners of publiek mag wees nie. Dié wette word egter op ‘n daaglikse basis oortree, met absoluut geen reaksie vanaf MLM of ander owerhede nie. Die munisipale verordeninge bepaal verder dat geen persoon dronk mag wees, 'n oorlas van homself maak deur die gebruik van alkohol of ander bedwelmende middels, of enige oorlas in 'n openbare park mag pleeg nie. Ongelukkig skaterlag dié inwoners in die gesig van die gereg, want geen wetstoepassing kan waargeneem word nie. Ten tyde van publikasie, was die vermelde boete R2 000, oftewel 6 maande gevangenisstraf. In die lig van bogenoemde, sal dit aanvaarbaar wees om te verklaar dat MLM in werklikheid nie hul eie verordeninge op enige manier of vorm afdwing nie, en dat wetteloosheid die oorhand kry. Die SAPD kan nie alleenlik ten volle aanspreeklik gehou word om teen oortreders op te tree nie, aangesien dit die direkte verantwoordelikheid van MLM en die raad is om genoemde verordeninge toe te pas. Die Pet Dam is besaai met allerlei rommel, alkoholbottels, plastiek en houers, menslike ontlasting, gebruikte toiletpapier, gebruikte kondome en meer. Gemors dobber op die dam se water, en alge as gevolg van die besoedeling versmoor die ou paar oorlewende visse. Ten spyte van talle klagtes van inwoners in die omgewing, leë beloftes van raadslede in Ermelo, en flou waarskuwings van plaaslike wetstoepassers, gaan die partytjie voort, met geen einde in sig nie. Inwoners rondom die Pet Dam lê herhaaldelik klagtes by owerhede oor die geraasbesoedeling, geskreeu, drankbottels wat stukkend gegooi word, en die algemene onbedagsame, sorgvrye houding deur besope individue. Die dronkbestuur van partytjiegangers hou 'n risiko in vir alle inwoners en motoriste van Ermelo maar, helaas, klagtes val op dowe ore. Die Pet Dam-gebied, sowel as die oorloopgebiede is as vleilande geklassifiseer, maar owerhede toon 'n verbasende gebrek aan kommer oor die besoedelingskwessie wat hierdie terrein teister. Prominente besoedeling van die Pet Dam kan reeds vanaf 2009 opgemerk word, met die Departement van Water en Sanitasie (DWS) wat terreininspeksies op 14 Julie 2010, 11 November 2011 en 14 Junie 2012 gedoen het. Volgens die inspeksies het MLM rioolbesoedeling, rioolvuil geïgnoreer, en die impak op die omgewing is drasties. Volgens DWS-dokument 2193, het MLM óf versuim om op uitgereikte kommunikasie te antwoord, óf 'n onvoldoende aksieplan ingedien. Tot vandag toe word die Pet Dam steeds op 'n daaglikse basis besoedel, vanaf rou riool tot menslike ontlasting, plastiek, glas en ander rommel, met geen optrede deur die gesag nie. Tydens November 2018 se verwoestende visdood het beide Gert Sibande Distriksmunisipaliteit (GSDM) en MLM na bewering watergehaltetoetse uitgevoer, en die resultate is belowe om aan die publiek en media bekend gemaak te word sodra dit beskikbaar word. Tot vandag toe wag die inwoners in spanning vir die resultate. Die Pet Dam, wat veronderstel is om toegang gekontroleer te wees nadat MLM miljoene Rande bestee het aan ‘n omheining, is ‘n klap in die gesig van Ermelo inwoners. Die omheining val letterlik uitmekaar uit van die roes, gedeeltes is verwoes edur voertuie en vandalisme, en is nooit herstel nie. Die hekke, wat versonderstel is om gesluit te wees, se slotte is afgebreek en die hekke is opsy geskuif. Die kwansuise sekuriteit wat deur die munisipaliteit aangestel sou word om wet te handhaaf by die dam, het nooit die lig van dag gesien nie. Op hierdie stadium van die geveg is die Pet Dam niks meer as ‘n besoedelde, ononderbroke partytjie terrein nie. < Previous Article Next Article >