TBCSA calls for opening up of borders 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 15 September 2020 An opening date is critical if tourism is to reignite South Africa’s economy, not only to ensure that international trade can plan ahead, but also so that airlines can retain South Africa on their schedules. If airlines take the decision to redeploy their aircrafts or reduce their schedules, this will have a direct impact not only on tourism, but also trade. One industry in particular, tourism, has the power and potential to reignite South Africa’s ailing economy, but to do so it’s going to need more than support from South Africans, and Government giving the green light for reopening borders. Therefore, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) suggested that, as a top export earner and high employment creator for low to semi-skilled workers, tourism has the best potential to reignite South Africa’s economy quickly. The TBCSA is the umbrella organization that represents the unified voice of business in the travel and tourism sector. The TBCSA was established in February 1996 by leading tourism businesses and associations, to form a unified platform to engage with the South African government around the development of the sector. International tourism can reopen safely, but it requires an enabling environment, which includes the reopening of international borders, an improved visa regime, air access and better safety for tourists. The indicated 51% decline in South Africa’s GDP during quarter 2, puts a spotlight on swift measures that will need to be put in place to aid South Africa’s ailing economy, which prior to COVID-19, was already in the doldrums. Tourism is known to have the ability to sustainably breathe new air into the sails of any economy, as touted by analysts and economists and this has been stated by the South African Government itself. According to PWC’s Public and Private Growth Initiative (PPGI) Report in 2019, tourism is the number one industry in South Africa, with the greatest potential to stimulate inclusive economic growth and employment, creating the greatest multiplier effect in terms of employemnt, growth and export potential. For this to happen, tourism requires targeted economic stimulation and favourable policy decisions for it to flourish and become the jobs multiplier and economic powerhouse it has the potential to become. Tourism’s contribution to employment is already estimated to be larger than the individual contribution of agriculture, automotive manufacturing, chemical manufacturing, and mining, with an approximate 1.5 million individuals employed directly and indirectly through the sector. Tourism had also generated R120 billion in foreign exchange from visitor receipts in 2018, adding up to approximately 8.7% of South Africa’s exports, second only to mining. Further, as an apex sector, it has a long and deep supply chain into industries such as vehicle manufacturing, agriculture, fuel, and other manufacturing. For every R1 of direct GDP impact, R1,50 is spent on supply chain and capital, offering many SMME opportunities. “Tourism can be South Africa’s economic lifeline, but only if international borders are opened up soon,” says Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, CEO Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA). “We are appealing to the Government to safely open our borders. Our industry is ready, our source markets are waiting to travel, so let's save jobs and the economy.” Tourism needs to reopen as quickly as possible, as safely as possible. The TBCSA’s Travel Safe-Eat Safe protocols and programme, endorsed by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), has been rolled out widely across the tourism sector to ensure the safe reopening of the industry. And while tourism stakeholders agree that the reprieve granted by domestic travel will provide a lifeline, it cannot be the industry’s lifeblood. An opening date is critical if tourism is to reignite South Africa’s economy, not only to ensure that international trade can plan ahead, but also so that airlines can retain South Africa on their schedules. If airlines take the decision to redeploy their aircrafts or reduce their schedules, this will have a direct impact not only on tourism, but also trade. “The safe reopening of South Africa’s borders is an essential step for tourism to contribute meaningfully to government’s tax revenues. Every day we remain closed to international travel, we lose R336 million of spend, and the government loses vital tax revenue. Opening up our tourism sector will have a direct and immediate positive impact on Government’s coffers at a time when it most needs it.” Tshivhengwa concludes. < Previous Article Next Article >

HMV torched and looted HMV torched and looted 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 11 May 2021 The SAPS has confirmed that a case of malicious damage to property has been lodged, but no arrests have been made as of yet. On Wednesday evening, emergency services rushed to a scene where a heavy vehicle traveling down Chris de Villiers Street, was set alight, allegedly after being thrown with a petrol bomb. Reports of residents, who were allegedly protesting in Extension 33, looting the contents of the HMV were also noted. SAPS and other services were quick on scene in an attempt to maintain order, but the damage had already been done. Firefighters battled tooth and nail to douse the smoldering wreckage of the HMV, while residents in the adjacent field cajoled and taunted their efforts. At the time of publication, no injuries have been reported. The SAPS has confirmed that a case of malicious damage to property has been lodged, but no arrests have been made as of yet. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

No respite from stray cattle 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 14 July 2020 On previous occasions, MLM stated that residents should contact the call centre to report such incidents. However, the inefficiency of the call centre, coupled with the lackluster response time from municipal departments have made this statement all but redundant. Over the course of several years, cattle owners have systematically circumvented the by-laws of Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) with regards to the care, control and branding of cattle and other stray animals. These individuals have also taken advantage of MLM’s lax attitude and have erected pens and makeshift shelters for farm animals in several wards. Despite the municipality’s by-laws stating that no person may keep farm animals in an enclosure or stable within 15 meters of any boundary of any land, dwelling, building or any structure used for human habitation, or 50 meters of any water resource or water supply intended or used for human consumption, transgressors live their best lives without consequence. Although it is mandated by the Animal Identification Act, Act 6 of 2000, a large percentage of the stray animals roaming the CBD, roadways, wards and surrounding areas are unmarked and unbranded. The fact that there are no longer pounding services offered by local companies makes life extremely difficult for residents and road users alike. Stray animals and cattle impede the flow of traffic, and have been the cause of many an accident in the vicinity of Ermelo. The inherent danger of stray cattle is especially notable on the N11 Ermelo-Hendrina road, where several serious collisions have been caused by these nuisance strays. Stray cattle and animals within wards demolish gardens, tear open refuse bags and unnecessarily rile up neighborhood dogs. On previous occasions, MLM stated that residents should contact the call centre to report such incidents. However, the inefficiency of the call centre, coupled with the lackluster response time from municipal departments have made this statement all but redundant. Although the municipal by-laws grants the municipality the power to rapidly fill their coffers by impounding and selling stray animals if they are not collected by their owners, the motivation seems to be lacking for unknown reasons. MLM ignored the enquiry submitted by the Tribune regarding this matter. < 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 >

Ermelo Primary hosts prestige athletics 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 3 March 2022 The atletes enjoyed the day and received very good results. Wednesday, 23 February was a big but very succesfull event for Ermelo Primary School, where they hosted their athletics at Ligbron Academy for Technology. The athletes competed against Laerskool Ermelo, Laerskool H.M Swart, Laerskool Jeugkrag, Laerskool Kallie de Haas, Laerskool Marietjie van Niekerk and Standerton Primary School. The atletes enjoyed the day and received very good results. EPS would like to thank each and every school as well as all the supporters that came to support the athletes. Ulilitha Dladla from Ermelo Primary received the award for best sprint girl, as well as Victrix Ludorum girls. Abelwe Nqotheni was awarded for best sprint boy results, and Victrix Ludorum boys. Appearing on the photos are Ulilitha Dladla and Abelwe Nqotheni, with Marinus Snyman, sales director of PanSolutions. < Previous Article Next Article >

Botsing nadat taxi bestuurder stopteken verontagsaam Botsing nadat taxi bestuurder stopteken verontagsaam 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 20 April 2021 Die botsing het weereens die wettelose gedrag van taxi bestuurders in Ermelo in die kollig gestel, waar daar op ‘n daaglikse basis geen ag getoon word aan verkeersreëls nie. Op 16 April, laatmiddag, het ‘n botsing plaasgevind tussen drie voertuie by die Border- en Smuts Straat kruising. Dié wat betrokke was by die botsing het genadiglik ernstige beserings vrygespring. Volgens ooggetuies het die bestuurder van ‘n taxi die stopteken by die kruising verontagsaam, waarna ‘n vragmotor in die sy van die taxi ingeploeg het. Die derde voertuig is ook beskadig tydens die botsing, toe leë houtpalette van die vragmotor af getuimel het en op die neus van die voertuig beland het. Die botsing het weereens die wettelose gedrag van taxi bestuurders in Ermelo in die kollig gestel, waar daar op ‘n daaglikse basis geen ag getoon word aan verkeersreëls nie. Ermelo verkeersdepartement, ACSU, SAPS, Igagu Ambulansdiens, Van Wettens Insleepdiens en All-Star Insleepdiens was spoedig op die toneel, sowel as ‘n groot skare wat die spektakel aanskou het. < Previous Article Next Article >

Gutsy burglars leaves ominous message Gutsy burglars leaves ominous message 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 23 March 2021 With a flair for the dramatic, one of the perpetrators left an ominous, although poorly spelt message scribbled on the rear window one of the vehicles. The owners of Glasfit Ermelo arrived at their premises with a shock, as reports of a brazen burglary stunned the community. In a seemingly well-planned operation, perpetrators gained access to the building through one of the side windows, which is concealed from the outside view. SAPS was on scene, and took statements and inventory of stolen items. With a flair for the dramatic, one of the perpetrators left an ominous, although poorly spelt message scribbled on the rear window one of the vehicles, stating “next time I took my dream car”. At the time of publication, no additional information had been supplied by the SAPS. < Previous Article Next Article >

E.Coli and fecal coliform detected in Pet Dam 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 16 November 2021 While E.Coli presents mild symptoms in most cases, some strains can cause severe symptoms and even life-threatening complications. For over a decade, the Pet Dam has been the topic of discussion amongst residents in light of the constant pollution that the dam suffers. Human excrement and urine from residents who use the Pet Dam area as a makeshift party site, coupled with years of raw sewage flowing into the dam from all directions, is fast leading the Pet Dam’s ecosystem towards catastrophic collapse. The issue of the Pet Dam’s pollution has already taken its toll, with a large-scale fish kill incident that occurred in 2016. Scores of fish inexplicably died and washed ashore, much to the shock of the community. The most common cause of fish kill is reduced oxygen in the water, due to algae bloom and water hyacinths, an invasive plant species, which has long plagued the surface of the dam. Infectious diseases and parasites can also lead to fish kill, and are often the first visible signs of environmental stress. Officials who handled the matter at the time, Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) manager, Lindiwe Mthombeni, and Species Protection Unit conservation ranger, Lief Mavimbela, has since been a missing link in the ongoing pollution. The MTPA had stated that the fish kill was the result of a drop in water temperature (flash) due to the weather patterns. This dubious explanation, coupled with the alleged water quality tests done by authorities, which never saw the light of day, had raised more than a few eyebrows in the community. More recently, businesses surrounding the dam had complained of a sickening stench eminating from the dam. The cause of the stench was a massive overflow of raw sewage flowing directly into the dam from manholes near Joubert Street. Msukaligwa Local Municipality has since taken it upon themselves to excavate the area and remove the blockage, which had been attributed to tree roots obstructing the pipeline, coupled with a wide variety of foreign objects in the pipeline, which included blankets and clothing, amongst other materials. However, it’s too little too late for the Pet Dam’s ecosystem and water quality. Water quality tests conducted by Regen Water Laboratory has indicated that the water in the dam is not safe for consumption by any stretch of the imagination. Chlorination of the water samples has been recommended to achieve total disinfection. According to the report from the laboratory, the heterotrophic plate count (1240) and total fecal coliform count (≤10) have been found to be unsuitable for consumption, and thus polluted. Heterotrophs are organisms, including bacteria, yeasts and moulds, that require an external source of organic carbon for growth. The presence of fecal coliform bacteria (or E.Coli) in the water sample, in this case the entirety of the Pet Dam, indicates that the water has been, or is still contaminated with the fecal material of humans or other animals. Fecal coliform bacteria indicates the presence of sewage contamination, and the possible presence of other pathogenic organisms. Pathogenic diseases that coincide with fecal coliform contamination include ear infections, dysentery, typhoid fever, viral and bacterial gastroenteritis, and hepatitis A. While E.Coli presents mild symptoms in most cases, some strains can cause severe symptoms and even life-threatening complications, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure and death. The above bacteria are all disease forming, and results in the water being unsafe for consumption. The troubling water test results further aggravate the fact that MLM, amongst three other Mpumalanga municipalities, had been explicitly fingered as a main culprit in the years-long pollution of the Vaal River. The Gert Sibande District Municipality had also been informed of the issue on several occasions, but claim to have no jurisdiction in the matter. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has noted that the party had sent a letter to the Premier of Mpumalanga. To date no feedback had been received. The Tribune ePaper requested a statement from MLM regarding the stoppage and the steps that they have taken to resolve the matter. At the time of publication, no reply had been received from the municipality. Videos can be viewed on our Facebook page of MLM teams attending to the blockage at the Pet Dam last week. < 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 >

Be wary of faux Eskom phone calls Be wary of faux Eskom phone calls 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 6 April 2021 Customers are warned not to fall victim to criminals who ask for cash, money transferred into a bank account, Money Market, eWallet or any other money transaction outlet. Eskom would like to warn its customers against individuals and groups of people who are posing as Eskom employees in order to steal money from customers. These criminals call unsuspecting customers, and demand cash in order for the customer to avoid their electricity being cut due to non-payment of accounts, or cash in return for supply reconnection and services such as replacement of equipment. Eskom has stated that no individual, Eskom employee or contractor is allowed to receive cash payment from customers, as that is illegal and fraudulent. Customers are warned not to fall victim to criminals who ask for cash, money transferred into a bank account, Money Market, eWallet or any other money transaction outlet. Customers are urged to anonymously report all acts that seek to get cash in exchange for a reconnection or to avoid a disconnection to 0800 11 27 22. This is a toll-free number. < Previous Article Next Article >

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

GMM executive mayor blames ineptitude on electricity theft GMM Executive mayor, Cllr. Yvonne Ngxonono. GMM Executive mayor, Cllr. Yvonne Ngxonono. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 11 August 2020 The stress and frustration of the endless rotational load shedding in Bethal and eMzinoni is reaching breaking point, and residents are demanding answers as to why Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) issue was not attended to in a timely and effective manner. Instead, GMM dragged their feet for months on end, much like Msukaligwa Local Municipality is doing at the moment. Amidst backlash from a previous statement that apartheid was at fault for the dismal service delivery, electrical outages and other issues faced by Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, the GMM executive mayor, Ms Ngxonono, stated during a virtual council meeting that approximately 60% of the council’s electricity losses is due to theft. Residents have taken it upon themselves to drag GMM to court due to their utter lack of governance in their jurisdiction, with the brunt of the complaints stemming from the lack of service delivery and the supply of electricity. The stress and frustration of the endless rotational load shedding in Bethal and eMzinoni is reaching breaking point, and residents are demanding answers as to why Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) issue was not attended to in a timely and effective manner. Instead, GMM dragged their feet for months on end, much like Msukaligwa Local Municipality is doing at the moment. At this stage, GMM is cornered, with no more excuses to pull out of their hat of evasion. Residents and businesses demand answers, and GMM is in the hot seat. Unfortunately, the virtual meeting resulted in all talk and no action, with a solution for the struggles faced by these residents still remaining in limbo. Protests, unrest and dissatisfaction is part of the daily lives of residents under the broken wing of GMM governance. Teetering on total bankruptcy, GMM now faces lengthy court battles as residents raise up and demand answers, and most importantly, change to competent leadership, as more political parties gets involved in curbing the gross incompetence displayed by GMM. < Previous Article Next Article >