MBCF invites members to join the cause 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 10 November 2020 “People have been accepting the unacceptable for far too long, and unfortunately there are no quick fixes. But what is important is to start”. The legal council for the Msukaligwa Business and Community Forum (MBCF), Mr. Andreas Peens, recently joined in a meeting with members of the MBCF committee in Ermelo. It is with great excitement that the announcement has been made that membership forms are now available to interested parties. During the meeting, Mr. Peens discussed immediate and long term legal strategy, and gave feedback on the matter of the application to stop the NMD load shedding currently being implemented by Eskom and Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM). The case will be heard in court on 12 November 2020. He also discussed the next urgent steps of addressing sewerage, water, rubbish removal and environmental issues in town. Furthermore, the issue of incorrect municipal accounts, accounts not being received by businesses and residents, and the system being offline at the municipality for weeksat end, were also discussed. Mr. Peens indicated that a document will be made available to the MBCF that can be distributed to its members in order to help them lodge a dispute with regards to irregular water and electricity accounts. This will prevent MLM from suspending services to businesses and residents until the irregularity has been resolved. Members also addressed the current frustration at the licensing office, where only 50 renewal applications are being processed per day. Also on the cards was the fact that the municipality allegedly refuses the installation of prepaid electricity meters at business premises, to which Mr. Peens relayed some insightful strategy in resolving the challenges going forward. He explained that addressing the service delivery issues mentioned will provide viable results for all the residents, but it can be a lengthy process. “People have been accepting the unacceptable for far too long, and unfortunately there are no quick fixes. But what is important is to start”. To support the MBCF cause, donations can be made to Msukaligwa Business and Community Forum, Standard Bank, account number 031064701, Ermelo branch, with branch code 052844. Kindly remember to use your cellphone number as reference. Business owners and residents who would like to become members, can do so by completing the membership form. Membership costs entail R25 per household, and R100 per business, per month. For more enquiries, please contact 072 401 1449. < Previous Article Next Article >

Total of 271 zama zama males arrested in Ermelo Total of 271 zama zama males arrested in Ermelo 1/5 Share SM HATTINGH 18 October 2022 To date, the Tribune has received no further communication from any of the recipients, the department’s Queen Tsebetsebe, nor from the office of the Director General’s Nonhlanhla Ndebele. The DMRE’s Solomon Phetla acknowledged the enquiry, but to date, failed to reply. A total of 271 males were arrested during an operation focusing on illegal mining in Ermelo on Thursday, 13 October 2022. The illegal mine is located approximately 10KM out of Ermelo on the N11, and the operation was led by the SAPS Gert Sibande District Office. They were assisted by members from the SAPS National Intervention Unit, SAPS Ermelo, Ermelo K9, the SAPS Air Wing, Department of Home Affairs, Kunene Security, Spartan Training, AfriForum Buurtwag and 303 Security. Amongst the suspects arrested were 30 Zimbabwian citizens, 92 citizens from Mozambique and 11 from Swaziland. 138 are South African citizens. Investigation revealed that the citizens from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland did not have proper documentation to be in the country, and the are all facing charges of being in South Africa illegally. The SAPS confiscated one front-end loader, three trucks and six bakkies loaded with coal, wheelbarrows, pick axes and forks, all of which had been used in the illegal mining of coal. During the arrest, SAPS Air Wing got their eyes on another mine, where they dispatched SAPS members. Upon arrival at the scene, there were an estimated 50 miners, as well as women selling food and colddrinks from a makeshift stall. All of these miners were also arrested. At this location, there is a mine shaft’s opening is at the end of a 150 meter decline. On Friday, 14 October 2022, outside the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court, family members and working colleagues gathered outside the court waiting for the court case. SAPS visibility was high, and the area cordoned off by SAPS vehciles. At a later stage, the protestors were in front of the SAPS station, were they demanded that the arrested suspects be released to go back to work. Rubber bullets and tear gas was later used to disperse the rowdy crowd, and restore order. The suspects made their appearance before court on Monday, 17 October 2022, were they remained in custody. The suspects that appeared before the court on Monday, are facing all the following charge: the Accused, being an illegal foreigner, is guilty of the offence of contravention of section 49(1)(a), read with sections 9(1) and 9(3)(b) of the immigration Act, Act 13 of 2022 as amended by Act 13 of 2011. The Accused did wrongfully enter the Republic in contravention of the Immigration Act, 2022, by entering the Republic at a place other than a port or entry, or entering the Republic whilst he/she was not in possession of a valid passport or in that the accused, being a foreigner who is not the holder of a permanent residence permit, did enter the Republic while his/her passport was valid for less than 30 days after the expiry of the intended stay, and that he/she was not issued with a valid temporary residence permit; and or in that the entry into the Republic by the said accused was not recorded by an immigration officer, and or remain in the Republic without being iin possession of any form or document allowing him/her to remain in the Republic. The remaining suspects made their appearance in court on 18 October, and again on 21 October, respectively. In a previous article in Tribune of 9 August 2022, Bidvest Protea Coin lodged several complaints to Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) regarding all these illegal mining in and around Ermelo. The Tribune has also directed an enquiry to the DMRE regarding the activity at these mines, and have received acknowledgment of receipt from two of the seven recipients. To date, the Tribune has received no further communication from any of the recipients, the department’s Queen Tsebetsebe, nor from the office of the Director General’s Nonhlanhla Ndebele. The DMRE’s Solomon Phetla acknowledged the enquiry, but to date, failed to reply. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Maak die harte oop vir Juan 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 25 May 2021 Op Woensdag, 12 Mei 2021, is sy linkerbeen bo sy knie geamputeer. Die hele prosedure het suksesvol afgeloop, en Jaun is tans in Ermelo. Jaun Walker (53) ‘n ou bekende in Ermelo, het dringend jou hulp nodig. Hy is werksaam by DJ Motors, waar hy voertuie verkoop. Jaun het tipe twee diabetes, en ‘n bosluis het hom gebyt op sy linker been. Jaun het mooi na die bytplek gekyk, en gehoop dat dit vinnig sal genees, maar die bytplek het glad nie genees nie. Hy het ‘n oggend opgestaan waar sy linker voet en toon begin swart word het, en hy is dadelik Steve Bhiko hospitaal toe. Daar was hy vir ongeveer twee weke waar hulle geensins na hom omgesien het nie. Hy is terug Ermelo toe, waar sy familie hom George Provinsiale Hospitaal toe geneem het vir behandeling, weens die feit dat hy geen medies het nie. Tydens sy aankoms by die hospitaal moes hy en die dokters dadelik ‘n besluit neem oor wat hul gaan doen met sy linkerbeen, want toe het hy reeds gangrene. Op Woensdag, 12 Mei 2021, is sy linkerbeen bo sy knie geamputeer. Die hele prosedure het suksesvol afgeloop, en Jaun is tans in Ermelo. Hy sterk aan saam met sy suster, waar sy na hom omsien. Die familie wil graag ‘n beroep op die gemeenskap doen om hul te help met bydraes om die mediese behandeling te kan doen. Daar is ‘n Trust rekening gestig by PWG Prokureurs. Die bank besonderhede: PWG Prokureurs, Eerste Nasionale Bank, Ermelo, Tak Kode: 270 344, Rekening Nommer: 521 800 48278, Verwysing: W270 - naam en van. Graag wil die familie ook van die geleentheid gebruik maak om almal te bedank vir elke oproep, SMS, kospakkie asook die manne wat veranderings aan die huis gedoen het om na Jaun se belange om te gee en die lewe vir hom te vergemaklik. < Previous Article Next Article >

CPF and SAPS visit communities CPF and SAPS visit communities 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 12 July 2022 The biggest scam is the company called Ermelo Auctioneers. On Saturday and Sunday, the Community Police Forum (CPF) with SAPS held a meeting with the community. On Saturday, the meeting was held at Nyibe Sport Grounds, where the community of Nyibe could raise their concerns regarding all the crime in the area. During the meeting, the community raised their voices about, rape, murder and illegal shebeens and taverns. The biggest concerns are the shebeens and taverns that doesn’t have legal liquor licenses, and that stay open the whole night. The community members requested the SAPS and CPF member to do patrols in the area. After the meeting, quick arrangements were made from the SAPS, and a patrol was done. Several tuckshops was asked by SAPS members to close their shops. During the night, alcohol was confiscated from shebeens that couldn’t show their license to the SAPS. Patrols were done through all the informal settlements to search for illegal taverns and shebeens. On Sunday, the second meeting was held at School of Rail, TransNet in Klein Street. Sector 3 community attended the meeting, and every community member raised their concerns in Sector 3. The biggest concerns are the use of drugs, and the prostitution. The chairperson of Sector 3, Mr. Dumisani, told the community members that there is an action plan regarding all the issues in the sector, and that they will be doing all the patrols and all the necessary planning to stop all of issues in the sector. The SAPS would also like to inform the community of Ermelo about all the online scams that are currently doing the round on the internet. The biggest scam is the company called Ermelo Auctioneers, that sell vehicles for a ridiculous good price, but before you can see the vehicle you need to do a deposit so that they can keep the vehicle for you. Remember, if its to good to be true, its not true. Please be aware of all the scammers on the internet. CPF and SAPS members would like to thank the community members who joined the meeting and raised their concerns, and assured everyone that they will make a point to work on all the concerns. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mpumalanga crime rate under control Mpumalanga crime rate under control 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 9 June 2020 This was the statement from Lt. General Mondli the cluster police in Pixley ka Isaka Seme conducted a roadblock in Volksrust. During this joint operation with the SAPS, traffic officers, and the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Gabisile Shabalala. Some confusion was noticed with the COVID-19 regulations. Since easing if the lockdown came into effect, many parts of the country has seen a sharp incline in crime rate. According to the SAPS, the increase in Mpumalanga is negligible, and under control. “At Levels 5 and 4, the regulations were very strict. Now that we’ve entered Level 3, the regulations have been relaxed a bit and there’s more movement of people from June 1, that doesn’t call for the SAPS to relax their viciousness of repelling all kinds of crime, including gender-based violence. We will leave no stone unturned in unraveling all types of crime in our communities at all costs. Our forces are ready to fight it, head-on.” This was the statement from Lt. General Mondli the cluster police in Pixley ka Isaka Seme conducted a roadblock in Volksrust. During this joint operation with the SAPS, traffic officers, and the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Gabisile Shabalala. Some confusion was noticed with the COVID-19 regulations. “There are a lot of transgressions on travel permits, especially from province to province. We had to turn back seven vehicles at the time we spent there. One had a bottle of liquor on his person, and another was in possession of a firearm, which was licensed. “The permit issue needs to be drummed into travelers from province to province, that each time you travel, it must be for a valid reason like for work purposes or funerals, and these permits must be applied for at your local municipality or police station. You can’t just drive into another province to collect friends and family without a permit. Worse still, the passengers who include children, all don’t have permits,” he concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >

Drie Errie debatspanne presteer nasionaal Op die foto voor staan (v.l.n.r) Mariska van Biljon, Bea Niemand, Chrizanne Joubert en Mienke Cloete en agter staan (v.l.n.r): Johan Strauss, JF Möller, Zané du Plessis en Isabella Burgers. Op die foto voor staan (v.l.n.r) Mariska van Biljon, Bea Niemand, Chrizanne Joubert en Mienke Cloete en agter staan (v.l.n.r): Johan Strauss, JF Möller, Zané du Plessis en Isabella Burgers. 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 3 November 2021 “Die Erries is sommer baie trots op hierdie drie spanne wat nasionaal hul debat stempel deeglik afgedruk het." Op Vrydag, 22 Oktober, het die Con Spirito Debatkompetisie se nasionale semifinaal plaasgevind te Hoërskool Marais Viljoen in Alberton. Die deelnemende skole was as volg: Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool, Hoërskool Durbanville, Hoërskool Ermelo, Hoërskool Garsfontein, Helpmekaar Kollege, Hoërskool Linden, Hoërskool Nelspruit, Hoërskool Oos-Moot, Hoërskool Outeniqua, Hoër Meisieskool Paarl en Hoërskool Transvalia. Sestien spanne (agt voorstander- en agt teenstanderspanne) het in sowel die junior- (Graad 8-9) as die senior kategorie (Graad 10-12) teen mekaar kragte gemeet. Mienke Cloete, Zané du Plessis, Johan Strauss, Isabella Burgers (seniors) en Chrizanne Joubert, Mariska van Biljon, Bea Niemand en JF Möller (juniors) het Hoërskool Ermelo by die kompetisie verteenwoordig. Die sestien spanne is uitgedun na die top 10 junior- en top 10 seniorspanne wat op Saterdag, 23 Oktober teen mekaar te staan gekom het. Van die vier EHS-spanne dring drie na die top 10 deur. Die spanne se uitslae was as volg: Johan & Isabella wen hul debat teen Hoërskool Outeniqua, en eindig algeheel sewende (seniors). Mariska van Biljon en Chrizanne Joubert val ongelukkig vas teen Helpmekaar Kollege, en eindig negende (juniors). JF Möller en Bea Niemand wen hul debat teen Hoërskool Durbanville, en eindig met ‘n pragtige vyfde plek. “Die Erries is sommer baie trots op hierdie drie spanne wat nasionaal hul debat stempel deeglik afgedruk het. Ons sien met verwagting uit na 2022 en dank ons Hemelse Vader vir hierdie mooi uitslae.” < Previous Article Next Article >

TLU bied 2021 Jongboer-konferensie aan 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 11 May 2021 Danie Bester, Jongboer van die Jaar 2020, het ‘n informatiewe toespraak gelewer aan ander jong boere, en sy kennis gedeel met die boere gemeenskap. Die TLU-SA het op Vrydag, 7 Mei 2021, hul 2021 Jongboer Konferensie aangebied, waar talle besprekings plaasgevind het oor die toestand van die landbousektor in die land. As gevolg van die pandemie, kon slegs ‘n beperkte aantal boere en besoekers die konferensie te Pretoria bywoon. Die TLU het egter ‘n Zoom-skakel beskikbaar gestel vir diegene wat virtueel wou deel wees van die konferensie. Die konferesnie, gelei deur Henna du Plessis, Jongboer Komitee Voorsitter, en Henry Geldenhuys, TLU SA President, was gestaaf as ‘n groot sukses. Danie Bester, Jongboer van die Jaar 2020, het ‘n informatiewe toespraak gelewer aan ander jong boere, en sy kennis gedeel met die boere gemeenskap. Hou die volgende publikasie dop vir ‘n volledige verklaring deur die TLU rakende die konferensie. < Previous Article Next Article >

Caring businesses fork out to patch up Havenga Road 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 18 January 2022 MAN Truck and Bus supplied food and cold drinks to the teams on site, and Van Wettens towing services supplied the diesel. While Msukaligwa Local Municipality fails consistently to provide service delivery, roleplayers within the community took hands to improve the conditions of Havenga Road. This roadway, which is a designated heavy vehicle route, has degraded to nothing but sinkholes and loose soil due to the lack of maintenance from the municipality. SG Coal Breyten, PC’s Sand, MAN Truck and Bus and Van Wettens Towing had enough of the shoddy roadway, and repaired the road surface to make it easier for road users to traverse. MAN Truck and Bus supplied food and cold drinks to the teams on site, and Van Wettens towing services supplied the diesel. Businesses such as these, who open their hearts to better the situation for all, are greatly appreciated by the Ermelo community. - Information supplied < Previous Article Next Article >

SASSA to add more services to aid disabled 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 9 March 2021 The aid can be used to assist with medical bills, nutritious food purchases, and compensating the person taking care of the frail. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has called on grant recipients who already receive an old-age, disability or war veterans grant, to apply for a grant-in-aid, which can be used to assist with medical bills, nutritious food purchases, and compensating the person taking care of the frail. SASSA Mpumalanga spokesperson, Senzeni Ngubeni, stated that qualifying recipients must not be cared for at an institution that already receives a state subsidy. “Applicants who do not have an identity document, smart ID or birth certificate for the children involved in the application, can still apply for a grant, but must check with the nearest SASSA office on which alternative documents are accepted for grant applications. SASSA has noted with concern that most frail recipients of old-age grants, disability grants and war veterans grants do not come forward to SASSA offices to apply for a grant-in-aid. SASSA cares about the conditions of frail, elderly people not receiving proper tender care which can be ascribed to many social ill factors in some communities. One of SASSA’s primary objectives is to raise awareness to teach families with frail grant recipients to come to any nearby SASSA office to apply for this additional grant.” According to SASSA, successful applications could be paid within three months, snd the payments will be backdated to the day the application for the grant was completed. “The grant-in-aid will be cancelled if the beneficiary is no longer in the care of another person, if they pass on, or if they get admitted to a state institution, and if the income or assets improve so much that they no longer qualify in terms of the means test.” Ngubeni concluded. For more details, contact SASSA on 0800 60 1011, Mondays to Fridays, from 08:00 - 16:00. < Previous Article Next Article >

M.O.T.H hosts moving remembrance ceremony 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 10 November Visitors paid respects by laying down wreaths, and thus ensuring that no sacrifice is ever forgotten. You may view videos, as well as more photos, on our Facebook page, Tribune Newspaper. The Memorable Order of Tin Hats, or the M.O.T.H as it is more popularly known, is an ex-servicemen and woman organization founded in Durban, South Africa, on May 1927, by Charles Alfred Evenden. Members of M.O.T.H abide by three sound ideals, which are true comradeship, by practicing front line friendship in civilian life, mutual help, by acknowledging the personal and collective obligation to help each other as in front line service, and sound memory, by remembering the fallen as a living companionship and to serve their memory in practical actions. The ideals rise above race, politics and social status. M.O.T.H shell holes have been opened in Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Membership was extended to those who had participated in the South African Border War. The remembrance day at the Monte Sole shellhole in Ermelo saw a myriad of visitors who paid respects by laying down wreaths, and thus ensuring that no sacrifice is ever forgotten. You may view videos, as well as more photos, on our Facebook page, Tribune Newspaper. < Previous Article Next Article >

Easter fun at reimagined Veltman Park 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 6 April 2021 If you’d like to get involved in this project, feel free to contact Maryke on 079 917 4306, or Silvija on 082 905 7272. The Msukaligwa Business & Community Forum (MB&CF) recently unveiled their plans to rehabilitate the dilapidated Veltman Park in De Bruin Street. The organization aims to repair and add many features that had been lost over years of neglect, and the fun-filled egg hunt showed off the potential of the park. Laughter and excitement filled the air on Saturday, as Veltman Park crawled with eager Easter egg hunters. The MB&CF envisions a safe and peaceful area where residents can enjoy themselves without the hooliganism and drunken tomfoolery of unruly and lawless residents. Ben Greyling of Sakuma Engineering had offered to construct new playground equipment, with Neil Mattieson of Tidius Garden Services tending to the shrubbery. Ermelo Phoenix Rotary Club and various other roleplayers are involved in the project, who will be thanked in an upcoming article that will detail the plans for the park. The MB&CF had also categorically stated that it has measures that will be put in place to prevent loitering and public drinking in the park, and to ensure that it is a safe area for children to enjoy themselves. If you’d like to get involved in this project, feel free to contact Maryke on 079 917 4306, or Silvija on 082 905 7272. < Previous Article Next Article >

Breyten residents left without water, MLM keeps mum 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 12 July 2022 A slew of residents in Breyten, Chrissiesmeer and surrounding areas have been sitting with bone dry taps, or sporadic water supply of a mere two hours per day. Despite a successful complaint by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), the residents in Breyten and surrounding areas are still left without water for days on end, with little to nothing forthcoming from Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) in terms of a solution to the water woes. In addition to the water issues, allegations have also surfaced that a generator has “vanished”, reportedly leaving the Torbenite pump all but useless. MLM simply and blatantly ignored the enquiry set forth by the Tribune regarding the generator. A slew of residents in Breyten, Chrissiesmeer and surrounding areas have been sitting with bone dry taps, or sporadic water supply of a mere two hours per day. The water issues in Breyten have been escalating for more than a year, with nothing but golden promises and poor excuses forthcoming from the municipality. “For weeks we have been without water here in Breyten. The water supply is restored from sporadically, and after a short while there are no water in the taps. How is it acceptable for us to live like this?” a resident of Breyten lamented to the Tribune ePaper. According to complaints, the stunted operation of the Torbenite pump is to blame for the struggles experienced by residents on the daily. Despite the big hoopla that had been made by the National Government regarding the Greater Breyten Water Supply Scheme Project, which will be completed in 2024, residents still suffer on a daily basis, with the 2024 completion date being but a speck on the dry horizon. “I work at a mine near Breyten, and the useless municipality expects me to make do with no water for weeks on end. It is a struggle on a daily basis, and Msukaligwa Local Municipality just doesn’t care. They don’t answer their phones, they don’t respond to complaints. They simply ignore us as if we are rubbish,” another resident stated. The promised water tankers from MLM also rarely make their arrival. “If the tankers arrive to deliver water, it is during the day. We are all at work during daytime, a tanker arriving at a closed door helps bugger all. The municipality just talks a load of rubbish, and makes empty promises that they fail to fulfill,” an extremely irate resident told the Tribune ePaper. A large collective or residents have had absolutely no water since February 2021, and it’s not getting any better. Empty promises and tall tales from Msukaligwa Local Municipality further frustrates residents, and a complete lack of response from ward councillors further fan the flames. < Previous Article Next Article >