Change the policy, not the level, says TLU SA 1/1 Share CONTENT SUPPLIED 6 October 2020 Even though the country moves to level one in terms of COVID-19, the economy, unemployment, and poverty stands at level five and is still growing in the wrong direction. The president’s call on South Africans to work hard to get the economy up and running again is a direct contradiction of the ANC’s economic policy. Media Statement - The movement of South Africa from level two to level one of the lockdown will bring no substantial change to the economy. It is just the government continuing with their political power play, says TLU SA. “The faster government lifts the limitations and South Africans start taking responsibility for their health, the sooner the mechanisms to have the economy function again, will start up again,” says Mr. Henry Geldenhuys, the president of TLU SA. “TLU SA is still very concerned about the ANC holding on to expropriation without compensation and nationalizing the Reserve Bank,” says Mr. Geldenhuys. “Creating trust with investors to build the economy should take centre-stage, but is an impossible feat if the government sustains this policy. The government has the chance to prove that the future of the country’s residents is a priority,” he says. “Look after the safety of all South Africans and do something to get a handle on crime. Let go of the sinking ideologies of socialism and communism, which always lead to poverty and failure. An economic policy based on the principle of private ownership and the free market will have positive economic results. It is now time to change the general policy.” TLU SA supports the Business for Ending campaign through which various well-known economists, companies and organizations demand ending the lockdown, lifting the state of disaster and converting all regulations to voluntary suggestions. Should a second wave of the pandemic and lockdown hit South Africa, the country cannot handle the resulting economic tidal wave and famine, because of the continued lockdown measures. Even though the country moves to level one in terms of COVID-19, the economy, unemployment, and poverty stands at level five and is still growing in the wrong direction. The president’s call on South Africans to work hard to get the economy up and running again is a direct contradiction of the ANC’s economic policy. This policy of confusion and uncertainty drove the country to junk status even before the onset of COVID-19. Economic growth is the result of trust because the correct financial processes are in place. < Previous Article Next Article >

Bethal hospital urgently needs direct power line 1/2 Share CONTENT SUPPLIED 15 September 2020 Although the Bethal hospital does make use of generators, which costs them approximately R755 000 per month, the hospital morgue and other departments are incurring significant damage due to the constant power outages and fluctuations. Media Statement - Sources at the Bethal hospital voiced their concerns about the frequent power outages that residents and the hospital have been experiencing over the last five months, and it must be resolved. The FF Plus is calling on the Govan Mbeki Municipality (Bethal, Charl Cilliers, Embalenhle, Evander, Kinross, Leandra, Secunda, Trichardt) and Eskom to stop punishing the hospital and paying Bethal residents by implementing load shedding that lasts up to eighteen hours on a daily basis. The municipality simply cannot make the responsible residents, who pay their accounts, suffer the detrimental effects of rotational municipal load shedding because the municipality owes Eskom R1,8 billion, a debt burden for which incompetent and irresponsible officials are to blame. Although the Bethal hospital does make use of generators, which costs them approximately R755 000 per month, the hospital morgue and other departments are incurring significant damage due to the constant power outages and fluctuations. The unnecessary costs of repairing fridges and other essential equipment, which are not directly related to the patients' health, are putting pressure on the hospital's finances, and the FF Plus fears that it might result in the needless loss of lives. The FF Plus will bring these issues to the attention of the MEC’s of the Departments of Health and Public Works, so that a solution to the problem may be found. < Previous Article Next Article >

Erries se harte gaan uit 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 29 September 2020 Hoërskool Ermelo dink met simpatie aan die familie en vriende en bid dat ons Vader hulle met Sy vertroosting sal omhels in hierdie deurmekaar en moeilike tyd. Dis met groot hartseer dat EHS verneem van die afsterwe van oud-Errie, Pieter (Fielies) Moolman. Hy het gematrikuleer in 2009 en laat sy vrou, Lumé en twee kinders, Hendrik en Miné agter. Hoërskool Ermelo dink met simpatie aan die familie en vriende en bid dat ons Vader hulle met Sy vertroosting sal omhels in hierdie deurmekaar en moeilike tyd. < Previous Article Next Article >

President’s Air Trophy touches down at Ermelo Airfield 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 25 May 2021 The PTAR - Presidents Trophy Air Race, is the most historically elite, internationally recognized prestigious air race in the world. Excitement and joy filled both pilots and spectators, who partook in the event hosted at Ermelo Airfield from 20-22 May. Aircraftof all shapes and sizes landed at the airport strip, while onlookers stared in amazement. The planes were then parked and shown off, where spectators could view and photograph these beautiful inventions. The PTAR - Presidents Trophy Air Race, is the most historically elite, internationally recognized prestigious air race in the world. If you’re interested in competing in future events, you may visit www.safpa.co.za . You may also view more photos and videos of the event on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

MSV Roads opens their hearts in Ermelo 1/6 Share GK CRONJE 19 April 2022 MSV Roads will also in the near future hand over another donation to a local school in Wesselton. The needs of the disproportionate and struggling individuals in and around Ermelo is systematically starting to outweigh the support that charity organizations are able to provide. Most charity organizations and assistance programs require quite a number of resources, not to mention constant donations towards the NGO’s cause. While the economic climate has caused everyone to tighten the purse strings, Vusi Nkosi from MSV Roads, based in Piet Retief, opened their hearts towards charity organizations in need in Ermelo. On Tuesday, 12 April 2022, Vusi personally delivered a total of 50 supportive packages to the CMR Ermelo, as well as a total of 144 sanitary pads. Additionally, to Ermelo Outreach, he handed over a cheque to the amount of R10 000, to assist in the costs incurred in the food parcels and delivery for the needy in Ermelo. MSV Roads will also in the near future hand over another donation to a local school in Wesselton, as the parcels needs to be sent from the disaster-stricken KwaZulu-Natal. The name of the school, and the details regarding the donation will be published as soon as it is available. < Previous Article Next Article >

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

Ermelo to see construction of 360 social housing units 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 25 February 2022 While the concept is sound, the additional burden that these units will place on the already dilapidated sewerage and electrical infrastructure of Ermelo has raised red flags with residents and businesses alike. It has been announced that Ermelo will form part of an extensive housing construction project that will see social housing units being constructed, promising over 1000 employment opportunities. Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, revealed the projects that will roll out over the next two years, starting in the financial year 2022/23. The Ermelo project has been dubbed as Willow Creek development, and will, according to the department, be situated in the CBD. Additionally, 492 units are planned to be rolled out in Govan Mbeki Local Municipality. Social housing units (SHU) is a rental or co-operative housing option for households earning between R1 501 - R15 000 per month. SHU projects require management by an institution, which should be an accredited Social Housing Institution, and projects are developed within areas that contribute to spatial, economic and social development. Through this subsidized programme, individuals can gain access to a rental house or apartment. Government funding is provided to SHU institutions to manage the rental units. Occupants are expected to pay a reduced rental amount, based on their household income, to the appointed institution. “Social housing is financed with a combination of government funding, debt and equity, making this sub-sector more dynamic and attractive for public-private partnership. These developments aim to increase the supply of rental housing in central locations for low- to middle-income earners,” said Kubayi-Ngubane. According to the minister, SHU solutions are government’s most promising programme that will help to disrupt the apartheid spatial development and make cities more inclusive. The Willow Creek moniker has been scurried around various developer’s hands since 2015, and if this project is related to the same as above, the housing development would be situated in the wetland between Wes Street and President Fouché Avenue. This is, however, conjecture. The Tribune ePaper repeatedly attempted to contact the Department of Human Settlements to clarify the project’s details, but were referred from person to person, and from department to department, each representative claiming that “it’s not their department” and that they could not provide any information regarding the project. Feedback had been awaited from Charlotte Porter from the department, who would refer the right representative for the department. She, however, failed to reply with the requested information. Additional enquiries lodged with the department’s Paul Mnisi, which had promised to provide a full scope of project as soon as possible. While the concept is sound, the additional burden that these units will place on the already dilapidated sewerage and electrical infrastructure of Ermelo has raised red flags with residents and businesses alike. Updates on the project will be provided as and when information is received from the department. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ex-Liggie graduates 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 12 January 2021 Raeesa graduated as a Dentist in 2020 with the highest distinction, summa cum laude. Raeesa Seedat, an ex-Liggie, graduated as a Dentist in 2020 with the highest distinction, summa cum laude. Raeesa is currently the community service dentist at the Ermelo Provincial Hospital. “Congratulations, we are very proud of you.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Department of Education rewards excellent top achievers LB Busisiwe Vemba from Ligbron Academy for Technology with Cllr. W Mngomezulu, Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality (left) and Cllr. Agnes Mahlalela, Executive Mayor of Msukwaligwa Local Municipality (right). EHS Leandri Viviers from Hoërskool Ermelo with (f.l.t.r): Mr. PP Magagula - District Director, Cllr. W Mngomezulu, Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality, and Cllr. Agnes Mahlalela, Executive Mayor of Msukwaligwa Local Municipality. LB Busisiwe Vemba from Ligbron Academy for Technology with Cllr. W Mngomezulu, Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality (left) and Cllr. Agnes Mahlalela, Executive Mayor of Msukwaligwa Local Municipality (right). 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 8 February 2022 The following four schools receive the awards for 100% pass rate in 2021: George Hofmeyer, Chief CJ Nkosi Secondary School, Morgenzon Landbou Akademie and Highveld Muslim. The Mpumalanga Department of Education hosted the annual Gert Sibande District Grade 12 Award Ceremony at the District Municipality on Friday, 4 February. These awards are aimed at honoring the top achievers and schools in the Gert Sibande District for their hard work in 2021. The following four schools receive the awards for 100% pass rate in 2021: George Hofmeyer, Chief CJ Nkosi Secondary School, Morgenzon Landbou Akademie and Highveld Muslim. The best teachers in large enrollment content subjects are: Hoërskool Ermelo - Ms. E Fourie for Maths Literacy, 100% pass rate and 9 distinctions, Ligbron Academy for Technology - Ms SE van Zyl for Mathematics, 100% pass and rate 18 distinctions, as well as Ms. M. Bosman for Physical Science, 100% pass rate and 18 distinctions. The top ten learners in the Gert Sibande District are: Busisiwe Vemba from Ligbron Academy for Technology with 1705 marks, Chenelle Roux from Hoërskool Hoogenhout with 1701 marks, Grace Thanjan form Hoërskool Secunda with 1693 marks, and Leandri Viviers from Hoërskool Ermelo with 1689 marks. Busisiwe Vemba, a learner from Ligbron Academy for Technology, was awarded for best overall learner in the District. Netherland Park Secondary School received an award for outstanding academic performance (90 - 100%) over 3 consecutive years, with an average of 93.5% for 2019, 94.6% for 2020 and 95.7% for 2021. < Previous Article Next Article >

Have 50% of your utility bill expunged 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 27 July 2021 This agreement requires the current account is serviced up to date by the consumer. The closing date for applications is 31 August 2021. The Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) Act 56 of 2003, aims to modernize budget and financial management practices in municipality in order to maximize the capacity of the municipality to deliver services to all residents, customers and users. Qualifying consumers within Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) may apply to have half of their debt expunged, allowing once-off assistance with debt owed to MLM, pertaining to debt ending on 31 December, 2020. Several municipalities have employed this tactic in an effort to recover funds and improve liquidity. Should the application be approved according to qualifying criteria, a singular arrangement with the consumer in question will be entered into. Should the consumer immediately pay 50% of their outstanding debt as on 31 December 31, 2020, the balance of the outstanding amount will be immediately expunged. Another option is also available, where a qualifying consumer will have a period of no more that eight months to repay half of their outstanding debt, of which the balance will be expunged. This agreement requires the current account is serviced up to date by the consumer. The closing date for applications is 31 August 2021. Consumers with enquiries may contact Vivian Ngwenya on 017 801 3552/3. Consumers may also send enquiries to mvngwenya@msukaligwa.gov.za , or accounts@msukaligwa.gov.za . < 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 >

Ermelo Community Police Forum new committee 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 22 February 2022 On Saturday, 19 February 2022, the community of Ermelo were invited to attend the Community Police Forum (CPF) meeting. On Saturday, 19 February 2022, the community of Ermelo were invited to attend the Community Police Forum (CPF) meeting. During the meeting, community members were able to talk about their concerns inside Ermelo, as well as the rural areas. The biggest concern from all the people of the community were the crime that takes place during the day, as well as at night, and all the people that walk so freely in town and injecting each other with the same needles, coupled with all the drug use. During the meeting there was an election for a new committee that wil assist the community and SAPS for the next 5 years. The Chairperson is Raphael Mthetwa, Deputy Chairperson is Jaco Kirk, Secretary is Sweetness Thela, Deputy Secretary is Sesi Msibi, Treasurer is Jenny Venter, P.R.O is Rulph Basson, Co-ordinator is Sue-Marie Hattingh. The following are the three additional members - Dumisani Mkhabela, Priscilla Nkosi and Themba Vilakazi. < Previous Article Next Article >