Felons make off with R6 million worth of cables 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 September 2021 According to the spokesman, Vimtsire Protection Services were responsible for patrolling the grounds at the time of the incident. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available from MLM. Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) has suffered and estimated combined loss of R6 million after a burglary at two of their storage rooms. Speaking to the municipal spokesman, Mandla Zwane, the thieves gained access to the storage rooms after damaging the locks. “The cables were stolen from the two storage rooms, which are in close proximity to one another. The locks were damaged, despite rumors indicating otherwise. A case has been opened with the SAPS, and the Secunda Organized Crime Unit also investigated the incident.” At the time of publication, no further information could be gleaned from MLM. The spokesman stated that the incident is still under investigation, and additional information released could hamper the investigation. According to the spokesman, Vimtsire Protection Services were responsible for patrolling the grounds at the time of the incident. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available from MLM. < Previous Article Next Article >

Water wastage in Mpumalanga raises eyebrows 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 6 April 2021 Albert Luthuli Local Municipality’s water loss increased from 15% to a whopping 51% in the 2018/19 financial year. For several years, Mpumalanga’s municipalities have been affected by old and dilapidated water infrastructure, which in turn affects the provision of water, as is the case in Lekwa and Thaba Chweu local municipalities. The Democratic Alliance (DA) have written to the Premier, asking her to ensure that the 2% which is ringfenced from all of the Department's budgets for maintenance of existing infrastructure, is used to deal with the issues of old and dilapidated water infrastructure in municipalities. Having access to a stable water supply plays a pivotal role in our daily lives. Having stable access to a water source drives the agricultural sectors, abattoirs, food processing plants and supports heavy industries in our province. The distribution of water in Mpumalanga is also hampered further by debt which is owed to external entities such as Rand Water. Rand Water, in turn, implement water throttling and water pressure reductions for outstanding amounts. In Lekwa Local Municipality, the inability to provide a stable water source affected companies such as Astral Foods. In the case of Astral Foods, the shortage of water cost the company close to R100 million, and threatens the job security of the workers. Water losses through leaks and old dilapidated infrastructure caused Lekwa Local Municipality to lose 83% of the total water that was purchased in the 2018/19 financial year. Thaba Chweu Local Municipality’s water losses increased from 66% in 2017/18, to 69% in the 2018/19 financial year. Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Municipality increased from losing 29% of the total water purchased in 2017/18, to a worrying 61% in the 2018/19 financial year, and Albert Luthuli Local Municipality’s water loss increased from 15% in the 2017/18 financial year, to a whopping 51% in the 2018/19 financial year. The DA’s COGTA representative will also investigate water outages and wastage in Msukaligwa Local Municipality. Residents in Ermelo, Breyten, Chrissiesmeer and surroundings are urged to report their water issues, be it wastage or water outages, by sending a WhatsApp to 071 885 2505, or by sending an e-mail to editor@highveldtribune.com . If possible, these reports may include photos, and an exact address or area where the issue is experienced must be included. < Previous Article Next Article >

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 >

Fugitive drug dealer re-arrested at OR Tambo Fugitive drug dealer re-arrested at OR Tambo 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 26 January 2021 His arrest followed information received from INTERPOL about the suspect, who was circulated as wanted in August 2017 for dealing in drugs, said to be arriving at the airport in Johannesburg from Nigeria. Nigerian national, Okonkwo Kingsley Nwabuike (46), a was re-arrested at OR Tambo International Airport by members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit on Thursday, 21 January 2021. His arrest followed information received from INTERPOL about the suspect, who was circulated as wanted in August 2017 for dealing in drugs, said to be arriving at the airport in Johannesburg from Nigeria. The Hawks pounced on him shortly after his arrival. He was initially arrested along with Cypriah Joshua Emeka (31) on the 31 August 2017, at Blouberg Street in Secunda during a search and seizure operation. They were found in possession of crystal meth, kat and uncut rock drugs valued at R300 000. They were both released on bail. Emeka continued with his court appearances, while Nwabuike failed to appear in court and skipped bail. He fled to his country, and a warrant of arrest was issued against him. Nwabuike appeared before the Secunda Magistrate's Court on Friday, 22 January 2021, and the case was postponed to the 26 January 2021 for a formal bail application. The provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Zodwa Mokoena, applauded the team for the swift response, and a collaborative working relationship between the local police and INTERPOL, which led to this arrest. < Previous Article Next Article >

Confident teachers the key to mathematical success 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 6 October 2020 At the same time, academic performance amongst learners who did write Mathematics decreased significantly, with 54,6% of candidates achieving 30% and above in 2019, and a mere 35% of learners achieving 40% or above. “The reason for this poor performance is that students do not fully comprehend key areas such as functions and graphs, calculus, probability, geometry and trigonometry. For Grade 12 Mathematics learners to confidently attempt more difficult questions, teachers need to challenge their students. This starts with developing confidence in educators, revealed Anne Eadie, Co-Founder of The Answer Series and Mathematics author, with 45 years’ worth of experience under her belt. To help build teacher confidence, and thereby inspire better performance amongst learners, The Answer Series recently hosted two virtual workshops centred on effectively teaching Level 3 and 4 Matric Maths questions to teachers around the country. Eadie was joined by Susan Carletti, Head of Advanced Programme Mathematics at Rondebosch Boys’ High School, and Jenny Campbell, Head of Mathematics at Bishops Diocesan College. The sessions formed part of The Answer Series’ goal of supporting South African teachers, for whom 2020 has been a particularly challenging year with remote learning, increased substitutions and a need for greater tech-savvy being just a few of this years’ hurdles. According to Eadie, knowledge is extremely important for building teacher confidence: “For teachers to impactfully educate their students and inspire interest in Mathematics, they need to have knowledge of Mathematical language, theory, concepts and contexts, and be able to apply this with ease. Only then can they successfully transfer these concepts to learners and help them to develop recognition for mathematical logic and ultimately self-directed learning. However, this all begins with confidence.” This is supported by the latest research conducted by the Department of Education, which found that fewer students opted to write mathematics in 2019 compared to learners between 2014 and 2018. At the same time, academic performance amongst learners who did write Mathematics decreased significantly, with 54,6% of candidates achieving 30% and above in 2019, and a mere 35% of learners achieving 40% or above. “The reason for this poor performance is that students do not fully comprehend key areas such as functions and graphs, calculus, probability, geometry and trigonometry. Learners do not understand the logic behind these Mathematical concepts, which is compounded by an over-reliance on past examination papers for revision. Hence, we see students struggling with complex procedures and problem solving, which together form 45% of the exam.” Eadie explained. At the workshops, which were conducted in both English and Afrikaans, The Answer Series also announced the launch of Maths Majors, a new community forum for Maths teachers to share knowledge, grow confidence and work together to overcome common challenges in the classroom. In addition, the organisation is also providing free e-books for teachers as well as video lessons for Grade 12s as part of its mission to further education in South Africa. George Eadie, CEO of The Answer Series, concludes: “By helping teachers, we jointly raise the standard of education in South Africa. Key to this is imparting confidence in teachers, which we aim to do by providing learning resources and materials for both staff and students, so that they can overcome their fears and become masters in their subject.” To find out more about how The Answer Series is empowering confidence in teachers, go to https://www.theanswer.co.za . < Previous Article Next Article >

Lawless taxi driver causes death of infant Lawless taxi driver causes death of infant 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 20 April 2021 During the course of last week, Ermelo also saw its fair share of reckless driving and violence from taxi drivers towards individuals transporting passengers with private vehicles. According to the SAPS, taxi driver Sibonise Patrick Mathebula (31), allegedly ignored a stop sign in Amersfoort while chasing after a white Toyota Avanza, which was traveling from Ermelo on Tuesday, 15 April 2021. Mathebula collided with two pedestrians, a 20-year-old male and a 23-year-old female. They were accompanied by a five-month-old baby, who died on scene. The injured were transported to hospital for treatment. Mathebula was arrested and appeared before the Amersfoort magistrate’s court on Wednesday. He was charged with culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving, and was remanded in custody. He appeared before the court for formal bail application on Monday, 19 April 2021. According to the SAPS, the mother of the infant sustained several injuries and is still in hospital, while the second victim was discharged from hospital the next day. During the course of last week, Ermelo also saw its fair share of reckless driving and violence from taxi drivers towards individuals transporting passengers with private vehicles. < Previous Article Next Article >

Couple murdered after quarrel about Jesus Couple murdered after quarrel about Jesus The Beukes couple, allegedly murdered after a quarrel about Jesus. Double murder accused, Francois Pretorius. The Beukes couple, allegedly murdered after a quarrel about Jesus. 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 2 June 2020 According to W/O Veldman, he could could see where the deceased were seated in the kitchen. SAPS investigators found blood on the porch, where samples were collected. The SAPS also recovered the clothes that Pretorius used to clean up the kitchen, which he burned afterwards, along with part of a flashlight. Francois Pretorius, a jeweller in Bethal who faces double murder charges of Dr. Hannes and Ms Ibel Beukes, appeared in the Bethal Magistrate’s Court last week. Pretorius is accused of murdering the couple on 18 March 2020, and was arrested on 26 March after an extensive manhunt. W/O Veldman testified that the crime took place in the kitchen of the house, and the scene was clearly cleane dup in attempt to conceal the act. According to W/O Veldman, he could could see where the deceased were seated in the kitchen. SAPS investigators found blood on the porch, where samples were collected. The SAPS also recovered the clothes that Pretorius used to clean up the kitchen, which he burned afterwards, along with part of a flashlight. According to W/O Veldman, Pretorius left a letter to his wife where he admitted to have killed the couple by hitting them with a durable, metal flashlight. “It was definitely not a once-off shot, they were hit severely with the flashlight,” the W/O said. After the fact, Pretorius phoned his wife and told her the kitchen was dirty and asked her why there was nothing with which to clean the kitchen. His wife brought cleaning agents to the jewellery store. Pretorius asked his wife and children to help him clean the kitchen until 23:30. According to W/O Veldman, Pretorius owes a combined amount of R148 000 in arrear rental fees and electricity charges at both his house and store. In the letter to his wife, Pretorius apologized, and stated that he took all the money and gold from the shop before he left. There was no indication that he was planning to return. It has been stated that the deceased couple had business to cinduct with Pretorius. “Mr Pretorius and the Beukes couple had a quarrel about Jesus, and he lost his temper and killed them,” W/O Veldman stated. Pretorius has been slated as a flight risk, and according to information at hand, remains in custody. < Previous Article Next Article >

Smouldering refuse leaves residents disgusted 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 20 September 2022 For months, residents and businesses have complained about refuse skip bins not being emptied, but instead being set alight. The lack of effective law enforcement in Ermelo has long been a thorn in the sides of residents and businesses, especially with regards to council properties. The issue of effective refuse removal and management had also come under the spotlight recently, with the Pet Dam, residential wards and the CBD being a veritable pigsty, flooded in refuse. For months, residents and businesses have complained about refuse skip bins not being emptied, but instead being set alight. The resulting smog is of great frustration, not to mention the health hazards. Ignored complaints of vagrants that have settled in a dilapidated public restroom at a popular shopping complex in the CBD also takes its toll, and these individuals, as well as the ghastly state of the area, are slowly creeping under the skin of surrounding residents and businesses. “I can't open the windows to my flat anymore, because the soot and smoke from the perpetually smouldering skip bins, along with the piles of refuse set alight on a near-daily basis, engulf my residence. The smell chokes us, and the smell from the building makes you nauseated,” a resident complained. Businesses in the area also suffer, with the parking area being littered with all manner of refuse, and shady characters lurking about, wringing their idle hands. “The vagrants are a big issue. One feels unsafe if you are constantly watched by drug-addled individuals every second of every day. You worry about your vehicle's wellbeing, you worry about being mugged. It's extremely stressful. Some days there are individuals openly abusing substances at this building, and no action is taken,” lamented another. On scene, the stench of urine and feaces, coupled with the piles of refuse lining the interior of the vandalized building is overwhelming, with the Tribune noting at least six different individuals entering and exiting the building, while clearly acting nervous and erratic. An enquiry had been sent to Msukaligwa Local Municipality regarding this issue, as well as the removal of refuse, which is being neglected. The municipal spokesman, Mandla Zwane, failed to provide feedback to enquiries lodged. Yopu may view more photos and a video on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Willow Creek SHU nearing commencement A depicted example of an SHU project. A depicted example of an SHU project. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 16 August 2022 Concerns have been raised by the business community and residents in this area that the municipality has in essence written cheques that their actions can’t cash. In line with its strategic focus areas, the Department of Human Settlements (DHS) remains steadfast on increasing access to affordable rental housing across the province, particularly in the mining towns. The DHS announced six projects nationwide, of which two will be in Mpumalanga. KwaNdokuhle and Willow Creek Social Housing Projects will be implemented in Govan Mbeki and Msukaligwa Local Municipalities, respectively. The KwaNdokuhle project will feature 492 social housing units (SHU), whereas the Willow Creek is set to offer 360 units. The combined estimated budget on both projects exceeds R326 million, and will be implemented over a 24 month period, commencing in 2022/23 financial year. Mzansi Housing Company takes responsibility of the Willow Creek Project, which will, according to information available, be constructed in the area between President Fouché Avenue and Wes Street. MEC Speed Mashilo indicated that these units have no pre-emptive rights whatsoever, and remained assertive and concise that these units will be for rental purposes only. Tenants will be signing lease agreements and committing to paying rental fees as required. Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, Minister of Human Settlements, Water, and Sanitation, unveiled the projects shortly after the State Of The Nation Address, and stated that it forms part of the protracted struggle to eliminate the legacy of apartheid. “More work still needs to be done in reshaping the apartheid spatial development, however, significant progress has already been achieved. The Bill of Rights contained in our constitution affirms the right of all to a healthy environment; access to adequate housing; and access to basic services. Our communities, especially the poorest of the poor, deserve better from us their representatives,” Kubayi-Ngubane stated. Five social housing institutions and one additional development agency will be supported through equity and loan funding to enable these projects. Kubayi said social housing is government’s most promising programme that will help to disrupt the apartheid spatial development and make cities more inclusive, with social housing bing financed with a combination of government funding, debt and equity. The Tribune spoke to the DHS regarding the project, and which entity will be responsible for which part of the construction. The main cause for concern is the fact that this area that is provisionally allocated for the project is notorious for it’s ongoing sewerage network issues, which has been ongoing for more than a decade.To this day, the issue of raw sewage pollution is ongoing. Additionally, this area falls within the infamous 88KV line, which already experiences daily outages and extended bouts of municipal load reduction. Fears that the already strained network being unable to handle the demand of an additional 360 housing units have been made known. The DHS responded to the enquiries regarding these issues, and stated that the already fumbling Msukaligwa Local Municipality will, as a matter of principal, be held accountable for the upgrade and maintenance of the required infrastructure for the development. “The municipality is responsible for infrastructure, as such they have made an undertaking to both Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA) and the department to upgrade the infrastructure,” the DHS said. Concerns have been raised by the business community and residents in this area that the municipality has in essence written cheques that their actions can’t cash. The municipality has already lost the trust of the public with their failure to deliver basic services, and sustainably deliver maintenance to every aspect of the infrastructure of Ermelo. In relation to the commencement date, the DHS is currently dealing with technical and administrative issues which aims to be resolved soon, and will duly indicate the confirmed commencement date as it arrives. < Previous Article Next Article >

Dros staff now fully vaccinated 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 19 October 2021 The Dros wishes to thank all of the personnel at the Civic Centre for all of their patience during this day. The management and waitrons, as well as all the kitchen staff received their vaccinations on Thursday, 14 October 2021. The team was very nervous, but the whole procedure had been explained to them, as well as all of their questions has been answered. The Dros wishes to thank all of the personnel at the Civic Centre for all of their patience during this day. Dros would like to invite all of their loyal, as well as new customers, to come and support them, offering great food, bar and televisions for sports. On the photos are all the personnel after they received their vaccine, as well as Elias, the manager, when he received his vaccine. < Previous Article Next Article >

Errie skitter tussen bekendes 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 11 August 2020 Hayley moes een van haar monoloë instuur, en is gekies om vir 12 maande saam met hulle te werk. Hierna staan sy 'n kans om in 'n kort film te speel in Februarie 2021. Desire Gardner is beter bekend as Carmen, wat in Suidooster speel. Hayley van der Walt, ‘n Graad 8-leerder van EHS, het gedurende die grendeltyd deelgeneem aan oudisies vir ABS-Produksies se Speeltoneel 2020, in samewerking met aktrise Desire Gardner. Hayley moes een van haar monoloë instuur, en is gekies om vir 12 maande saam met hulle te werk. Hierna staan sy 'n kans om in 'n kort film te speel in Februarie 2021. Desire Gardner is beter bekend as Carmen, wat in Suidooster speel. Hayley het reeds vanaf 1 Junie 2020 begin werk saam met Desire Gardner, en word via aanlyn lesse deur die bekende aktrise afgerig. “Baie geluk, Hayley! Die Erries is voorwaar trots op jou, en wens jou alle voorspoed toe.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Erries excel in De Beers English Olympiad 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 3 August 2021 "Congratulations to all these Erries! Hoërskool Ermelo is extremely proud of you." Five learners from Hoërskool Ermelo achieved exceptional results during the annual De Beers English Olympiad. Raees Tikly obtained a gold certificate (between 80-89%). He takes the 37th place in South Africa for English Home Language – an extraordinary achievement! Leandri Viviers, Sihle Maseko and Precious Jansen all obtained a bronze certificate and Lethu Dlamini obtained a merit certificate. "Congratulations to all these Erries! Hoërskool Ermelo is extremely proud of you." < Previous Article Next Article >