Spotlight on local illegal mining 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 10 August 2022 Recently, an excavator has also been offloaded at Ding Dong, which proves the defiance of these operations that flies directly in the face of the law. Zama zama, a colloquial term which stems from Zulu, means “to try again” or “take a chance.” The term refers to artisanal (zama zama) miners that conduct illegal mining. Following the harrowing ordeal in Krugersdorp which involved illegal miners, both national and international scrutiny is on authorities, who are expected to pull up their socks and deal with the illegal mining scourge. Mpumalanga is especially rife with artisanal mining activity, with a surprising amount of these miners located in the immediate vicinity of Ermelo. Due to the entrance fee and security risks, artisanal mining is a dangerous method of making a living, with low-level miners often being misused and underpaid by ruthless kingpins and syndicates. It is estimated that more than six thousand of these illegal miners are underground nationwide, at any given time. In some areas, the illegal mining operations are dominated by immigrants who have entered illegally from neighboring countries, using violence and intimidation as a controlling force. Of the 400 abandoned coal mines across the country, Ermelo has been pointed as a troubling area, where abandoned mines lures crime, opportunity and many accidental deaths. Many if these deaths and injuries go unreported, due to undocumented immigrants, and the illegality of these mining operations. The long abandoned, and unrehabilitated Imbabala and Golfview mines, amongst others, have long been a topic of discussion. These sites still have open shafts, large bodies of water, extensive wash plant equipment and a number of deserted, multi-million Rand machines left behind. While the illegal mining is as clear as day, no official presence on the part of Msukaligwa Local Municipality, the mine, the SAPS or the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) can be seen. The SAPS has, however, told the Tribune that organized sting operations with all roleplayers are required at sites such as these, with the involvement of provincial and national authorities, and that the SAPS can not act as lone gunmen in this regard. Certain protocol needs to be adhered to before action can be taken. Load after load of coal and other minerals are packed on to coal trucks, who in turn head off to their illicit destinations. Some of these illegal operations have unbranded mining vehicles in their employ. The incapacity or unwillingness of authorities to step in may be the cause, while it may be considered that wide scale payoffs take place in order to have authorities avert their eyes. Mpumalanga is, after all, known for its rampant and blatant corruption. Unfortunately, these illegal activities and unrehabilitated mines have serious implications for the environment, food production and proper management of water resources in these areas. The additional issue is the unregulated and illicit nature of the mining often brings about violence, corruption, and turf warfare. Rival miners have been known to fight over profitable territory, rob fellow miners and trap one another in the mines to deter competition. Complaints from the community have also been a matter of interest, where it is alleged that these artisanal miners lure violent behavior to neighborhoods. Case en point, on Sunday evening, 7 August 2022, at approximately 18:30, reports had been received of approximately five bakkies that had cordoned off the entrance to the illegal mining sites. These bakkies seemingly prevented the heavy vehicles from entering and exiting the sites. According to the source, visible tension between the parties could be seen, which indicates that the nationwide crackdown on illegal mining sites are already putting pressure on the artisanal miners in the Ermelo region. The tension is expected to increase as authorities are poised to move from Gauteng towards Mpumalanga in the bid to halt the spread of these artisanal miners. Mine collapses and rock falls have also killed hundreds of artisanal miners, due to the lack of support structures within these mines. The local SAPS is, understandably, unwilling to take the considerable risk required to go into the deep mines to confront these miners. The local illegal sites, named Ayoba, Ding Dong and Estepiseni, are crawling with literally hundreds of artisanal miners, coal trucks, bakkies, trucks and other vehicles, all vying for a slice of the illicit pie. Recently, an excavator has also been offloaded at Ding Dong, which proves the defiance of these operations that flies directly in the face of the law. One of the mines stretch underground for nearly 600 meters, with nary a support pillar in place. Surrounding areas are also being independently investigated for signs of illegal mining, where at least one suspicious site had been noted on the N11, approximately 5KM from Ermelo. A reliable source has told the Tribune that these illegal mines pose a major concern, especially for surrounding power plants. According to the source, the sub-standard product mined from these sites, known as duff coal, are mixed with other coal at yards in Middelburg and Witbank, and these loads are subsequently transported to local power plants. The sub-standard nature of the coal causes damage to Eskom generators and equipment. The Tribune has also received reliable information that drivers who transport these dubious loads, are paid up to R20 000 cash for delivering a single loads to a designated point. For the more daring drivers, an offer of more than R40 000 per load stands if they are willing to deliver the coal directly to Eskom power plant offload sites. These figures obviously draws a pretty clear picture of the extent of these operations, and the various levels of corruption, bribery and other means of illicit activities are involved. While the DMRE and authorities are well aware of what transpires, these sites are left to be. These artisanal miners are also at risk of contracting various pulmonary diseases from inhaling coal dust, including coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Coal miners are also exposed to crystalline silica dust, black lung, silicosis, bronchitis, and emphysema. Despite Msukaligwa Local Municipality vowing to erect fences and safeguard problematic areas after an investigation by Human Rights Watch circa 2017, to date, no action has been taken. The fact of the matter is that the situation has worsened considerably. The South African government has not taken adequate steps to ensure coal mining companies rehabilitate mine sites, despite the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) requiring companies to do so. Improper assessments of future cleanup costs by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and a systemic lack of enforcement have left residents all contribute to the illegal activities around Ermelo, of which the top criminal dogs get away with much too easily. Of all the mine closure certificates granted by the DMRE between 2011 and 2016, only six were in Mpumalanga. Disturbingly, none of these closure certificates were for coal mines, according to Human Rights Watch. This means that, to date, Imbabala and Golfview mines have been simply abandoned, with no responsibility taken by controlling companies. The Tribune has directed an enquiry to the DMRE regarding the activity at these mines, and have received acknowledgment of receipt from two of the seven recipients. Additional enquiries have been directed to the Ermelo SAPS, as well as both Msukaligwa Local Municipality and Gert Sibande District Municipality. The combined response from the above roleplayers, should a response be received, will be available in the next publication. < Previous Article Next Article >

Extensions turned dumping site as DPWRT fails to deliver 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 29 September 2020 The fiery enthusiasm shown by the DPWRT in 2019, has fizzled in fantastic fashion, and the construction site now has transformed to a refuse dump. All manner of refuse is strewn on site, illegally so. This is a sight for sore eyes, and the multiplying mound of refuse reflects very poorly on a nearby primary school. The Tribune has received complaints from residents in Ermelo Extension 44 and KwaZanele Extension 6, regarding illegal public dumping near the abattoir bridge. This is a slap in the face of reisdents in this area, who were delighted to learn of a community clinic that was to be erected by the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT). In mid-2019, sudden preparations and excavations kicked off on site, and the project was touted to be a 24-Hour Community Health Centre, to be constructed by the DPWRT on behalf of Mpumalanga Provincial Department of Health. These two extensions were claimed to be identified to be part of the UISP Programme (Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme. The fiery enthusiasm shown by the DPWRT in 2019, has fizzled in fantastic fashion, and the construction site now has transformed to a refuse dump. All manner of refuse is strewn on site, illegally so. This is a sight for sore eyes, and the multiplying mound of refuse reflects very poorly on a nearby primary school. Whilst Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) has issued a warning to residents who dump refuse illegally, no heed is paid to the warning. According to information available, no residents who partake in illegal dumping have been reprimanded, nor issued a fine. Enquiries to the DPWRT have yielded no results, and the status of the project is unknown at this time. < Previous Article Next Article >

Blessing spreads his wings 1/1 Share CONTENT SUPPLIED 11 August 2020 Blessing Bongani Sibande, or better known as Mr. NPSS, who was the first person to meet at the entrance, the promoter and marketer of NPSS on social media, and in some instances also a bodyguard, spread his wings. Blesssing will be missed at NPSS, his smile, friendliness and unfaltering willingness to help. Blessing Bongani Sibande, or better known as Mr. NPSS, who was the first person to meet at the entrance, the promoter and marketer of NPSS on social media, and in some instances also a bodyguard, spread his wings. Blesssing will be missed at NPSS, his smile, friendliness and unfaltering willingness to help. On Friday, 7 August, Blessing greeted the school with this speech: “Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I wish to greet the Principal, Ms. L Geoghegan, of which I speak through her. Special greetings also to the SGB, educators, learners, all NPSS staff, parents and guardians. It is with sadness I have to leave the school, as I am grabbing a life changing opportunity. It has not been an easy decision to make, but through love, support and the best advice, I had to make a decision. Since I started in October 2016, I have had the opportunity to grow professionally, and learnt a lot for personal development. I thank the entire NPSS family for such love and warm hands. I believe we had great encounters with each other, and we have managed to drive the vehicle forward. Thank you to the office of the Principal for such great leadership and endless opportunities. As it is Women's Month, we continue to make a clarion call that we want more women in leadership or top positions. I thank you all, and wish the school the best there is.” The Principal of the school, Ms. L Geoghegan, and the staff of NPSS left the following letter for Blessing: “It is with mixed feelings that I have to inform you of a legend jumping the NPSS ship. Mr. Blessing Sibande is leaving us on Friday, for greener pastures. In so many ways over the past 4 years, Blessing has been the face of our school, the first person to meet at the entrance, the promoter and marketer of NPSS on social media and in some instances also a bodyguard. It has been wonderful working with such an energetic and optimistic “influencer”, and observing how he has grown and developed. Your professionalism and effective work ethnics will be missed, Mr Sibande. But we also know that you are meant for greater and bigger things in life. We wish you only the very best with all your future endeavors, and know that you will excel in your new work environment. Hamba kahle.” Blessing will be moving to Gert Sibande's TVET college in Evander. He will work at the Centre for Entrepreneurship as a rapid incubator. “It has been a great experience working at NPSS, and I am excited to work with the youth, assisting them to make good choices when it comes to the great responsibility of their future,” Blessing concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >

Be part of the change for the Pet Dam 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 23 November 2021 “If we stand together as a community, we can surely restore the Pet Dam to its former glory." If you’ve ever driven past the Pet Dam and thought to yourself how the dam could have regressed to such a sad state, now is your time to shine and actively make a difference. Ford Ermelo, also known as 24 Motors, have taken it upon themselves to launch an initiative to rehabilitate the dam, to get it clean, and to keep it clean. However, the full cooperation of the community and all walks of life is needed to make the rehabilitation project a reality. Speaking to Hein van Niekerk, dealer principal at 24 Motors, the rehabilitation project will be launched as soon as necessary steps have been taken, and all roleplayers are on board, including Msukaligwa Local Municipality. “Working hand in hand with BlueGreen Water Technologies and other key players, our main aim will be to rehabilitate the Pet Dam, ensuring a better future for fauna and flora in and around the dam. Furthermore, the unpleasant smell that constantly lingers in the area of the Pet Dam will also be something of the past, he stated. “If we stand together as a community, we can surely restore the Pet Dam to its former glory. Gone will be the days of pollution and unsightly refuse bobbing in the water. We are in the process of getting all stakeholders involved, and would like to work hand in hand with Msukaligwa Local Municipality. Their input and assistance will be invaluable to the project, as they have the machinery and the means to unblock stoppages from the sewerage network and storm drains. Unblocking the sewerage network is of paramount importance, as regular and efficient flow to waste away from the Pet Dam will be the main variable in keeping the pollution at bay. We humbly invite all stakeholders who would be interested, as well as community members and businesses who wish to make a difference, to get involved in the project. Only by working together in unity will we be able to move forward.” BlueGreen Water Technologies sport groundbreaking, approved algaecides, approved for use in bodies of water without damaging the environment or degrading the water quality. In fact, Jurgens van Loggerenberg, director of the Africa division of the company, has told the Tribune ePaper that all hope is not lost for the Pet Dam. Quite the opposite, as from the commencement of treatment, the Pet Dam will be sparkling and boasting significantly improved water quality in approximately four months. “We can make quick work of the polluted Pet Dam with our cutting-edge technology. However, cooperation and assistance from the community, municipality and all stakeholders will be of utmost importance. Ermelo holds a special place in my heart, and it pains me to see the Pet Dam degraded from a previous state of magnificence. We call on all who wish to get involved in the project to roll up their sleeves and actively take part in the betterment of the Pet Dam. We can easily accomplish the rehabilitation if we work in unison,” he said. BlueGreen has an outstanding track record when it comes to rehabilitation of water bodies. Most recently, BlueGreen’s cutting-edge technology was used to eradicate toxic blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, in water bodies without leaving a trace in the water. In March this year, BlueGreen introduced its innovative Lake Guard solution to Setumo Dam, in collaboration with Sedibeng Water, with breathtaking results. Similar grand success has also been noted at Roodeplaat Dam, which is unrecognizable following the rehabilitation. If that’s not enough, the success at Setumo Dam follows directly on the heels of BlueGreen winning the ‘Breakthrough Technology Company of the Year’ award at the 2021 Global Water Awards. If you would like to know more about the project, and how to get involved in this landmark program, you may contact Janice de Jager on 072 401 1449. < Previous Article Next Article >

Errieraad 2020 open nuwe kafeteria Die binnekant van die kafeteria wat spreek van 'n warm, tuis gevoel. Vosjan Grey en Jana Nel (Errieraad presidente) knip die lint tydens die opening van die kafeteria, 20 TWINTIG. Die binnekant van die kafeteria wat spreek van 'n warm, tuis gevoel. 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 8 September 2020 Die Errieraad en hul ouers bedank alle borge van die gholfdag, en veral dié betrokke by die plant-fondsinsamelingsprojek. Groot dank gaan aan die Errie Unie vir die borg van die houtdek. Hoërskool Ermelo is vol dankbaarheid vir elke Errieraad-ouer vir hul insette, en harde werk om die 2020-matriekgroep se droom te verwesenlik. Op Dinsdag, 1 September, het die Errieraad van 2020 hulle projek, die Errie kafeteria, amptelik geopen. Die kafeteria se naam is 20 TWINTIG. Dié droom is weens COVID-19 ‘n bietjie vertraag, maar die eindproduk en die wag was sekerlik die moeite werd. Die 2020 Errieraad is trots, en glo dat hierdie nalatenskap waarde sal toevoeg vir elke leerling, ouer en besoeker aan Hoërskool Ermelo. Die kafeteria sal Maandae tot Vrydae, vanaf 8:00-17:00, asook op sportdae en kultuuraande oop wees. Besoek die kafeteria gerus vir heerlike pizzas, burgers, wafels, wraps, pastas, melkskommels, kraakvars slaaie en vele meer. Daar is ook daagliks vars gebakte lekkernye en heerlike cappuccinos. Die kafeteria is geleë in die skoolsaal, langs die Errie Unie Astro en tennisbane. Die Errieraad en hul ouers bedank alle borge van die gholfdag, en veral dié betrokke by die plant-fondsinsamelingsprojek. Groot dank gaan aan die Errie Unie vir die borg van die houtdek. Hoërskool Ermelo is vol dankbaarheid vir elke Errieraad-ouer vir hul insette, en harde werk om die 2020-matriekgroep se droom te verwesenlik. Mnr. Pieter Grobler het tydens die opening gesê: “Ons hoop dat die kafeteria ‘n plek is waar enige iemand gesellig kan verkeer, hegte vriendskappe smee en voortbou op die visie van 2020 se matriekgroep wat berge kan versit.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Ligbron groet ‘n legendendariese onderwyseres 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 6 April 2021 "Miss Aucamp will be sorely missed by her family, friends and the Liggie community." “Juffrou Ilze Aucamp het nie net reuse spore getrap in die Afrikaanse klas nie, maar ook op die atletiek- en hokkievelde van Ligbron. Hier het sy die ekstra myl met haar leerders en spelers geloop, en hulle baie meer geleer as net vakinhoud of vaardighede. Getrou aan haar aard wou sy, tot op die laaste, ‘nog net ‘n week’ in haar klas staan en met kinders werk. Die Liggies was bevoorreg om haar as ‘n kollega, vriendin, mentor, onderwyser en afrigter te kon ken. It is with deep sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and colleague, Miss. Ilze Aucamp, passed away due to cancer. Miss Aucamp will be sorely missed by her family, friends and the Liggie community. Our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.” < Previous Article Next Article >

MLM in hot seat over water pollution 1/4 Share Content Supplied 30 August 2022 Based on the Green Drop report for 2022, seven (7) municipalities in the province scored less than 30%. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has asked the Green Scorpions to intervene as Mpumalanga local municipalities are failing to provide proper wastewater and sewage disposal. This exposes residents to an environment that is harmful to their health. During the latest Green Drop assessment for Mpumalanga, it was noted that 43% of the province's wastewater systems were deemed to be in a critical state, and that only 6 out of the 76 systems in the province were operating well above capacity. The above is completely unacceptable, given the constant land and freshwater pollution in municipalities such as Lekwa, Thaba Chweu, Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme and Msukaligwa Local Municipalities. The DA finds it extremely concerning that of the 118 directives issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation, Mpumalanga was issued with the highest number in the country at 24. During the 2022 analysis of wastewater systems in the province, no wastewater system scored the minimum of 90% needed. On compliance, Mpumalanga scored 19% on microbiological compliance, 25% on chemical compliance and 34% on physical compliance. Based on the Green Drop report for 2022, seven (7) municipalities in the province scored less than 30%. Bushbuckridge is rated at 24%, as wastewater systems in Dwarsloop, Maviljan, Tintswalo, Mkhulu and Tulamahashe were reported to be in a critical state. Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme was rated at 22%, as all 5 waste water treatment systems are in a critical state. Lekwa was rated at 17%, as both water treatment systems are in a critical state. Msukaligwa was also rated at 17%, as all 7 waste water systems were reported to be in a critical state, Chief Albert Luthuli was rated at 11%, as all 5 waste water systems were in a critical state, Thaba Chweu was rated at 10%, and Dipaleseng scored a mere 4%. Given the above, the DA has written to the Green Scorpions, requesting that they investigate pollution of the land and fresh water reserves in the above mentioned municipalities, and to ensure that this stops. < Previous Article Next Article >

GSDM hosts inaugural council meeting 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 30 November 2021 The council is comprised of the majority seats held by the ANC (28), followed by the official opposition party, EFF (10), the DA (8) and lastly, the VF Plus (2). The Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) successfully convened its inaugural council meeting on Thursday, 25 November. Attendance was limited due to COVID-19 regulations, but the meeting could be observed via the live stream. The meeting was, however, not with out strife, as security was beefed up due to threats of residents who planned on disrupting the meeting. This council sitting marks the sixth administration for the GSDM offices in Ermelo. The council is comprised of the majority seats held by the ANC (28), followed by the official opposition party, EFF (10), the DA (8) and lastly, the VF Plus (2). During the sitting, Cllr Busisiwe Sekhonde was elected as Speaker of Council, Cllr Walter Mngomezulu was elected Executive Mayor, replacing honorable Cllr Chirwa, Cllr Trevor Nkosi was elected Whip of Council, and Cllr Noliqwa Nhlapo being elected as Chairperson of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee. < Previous Article Next Article >

Excitement during Ermelo Lighthouse ribbon cutting ceremony 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 19 October 2021 Enquiries can be directed to Wynand at 078 800 2711, or Jeanah at 079 799 9956. Interested parties can also contact the CMR office on 017 819 1163. With great pride and joy, the Ermelo Lighthouse was officially opened on Friday, 15 October 2021. During the ceremony hosted at the lighthouse, the CMR expressed their gratitude towards Msukaligwa Local Municipality for their support with the initiative. They also expressed their gratitude to all the volunteers currently involved with the project. The CMR’s Jeanah Motsamai, amongst others, thanks the roleplayers for their involvement with the project. The video of her speech can be viewed on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. She also announced during the ceremony that a recovering addict, Sfiso, has also stepped in to assist with the drug addicts and prostitutes in Ermelo. Sfiso has experience in this field, and had been involved in shelters and assistance of recovering addicts seeking help. The CMR has stated that they will start from the roots up, and uplift and assist the community members who have no way out, and eventually reform these individuals to contribute, and take their place in the community. “I used to introduce myself as ‘Sfiso the addict’, and I am struggling with a disease that only Christ can take away. I grew up in these streets, and was part of the problem on these streets. I am now part of the solution on these very same streets, but it is a struggle. We need to stand united, as this issue doesn’t only affect the struggling addicts, but it also affects us a community and neigbours. Before joining the lighthouse project, I was running a recovery house in Davel. In Davel, we assisted those in need, and promoted the word of God to these individuals, and saw the power of faith. We saw them change, and gave them new hope on life. However, the issue that we face is that these individuals always return to the same community where there’s still drugs, prostitution and more. I asked God for a way to deal with these issues, and he guided me to change the environment. This will be my mission by joining the lighthouse project. Another issue is to allocate the addicts and prostitutes seeking help to contribute to the community. Many of these individuals really wants help, but when rehabilitated, what will they do, and where will they go? We will aim to provide alternative means of making a living, and better the lives of those seeking assistance. If we address the physical and psychological side of the issue, but neglect the spiritual side, we will still have a problem,” Sfiso said. The CMR would also like to thank the Ermelo East Church for providing the facility where the lighthouse is located. Therefore, Minister Dippenaar was asked to cut the ribbon, officiating the launch of the facility. At the facility, homeless people, drug addicts, and those in need will be able to clean themselves at the institution, as well washed their colthes on a daily basis. The Lighthouse also provides social workers for the necessary support, and there will be a decent and healthy plate of food available every day. The CMR also aims to provide several forms of training to these individuals, in an attempt to integrate them back into the community. There will be different tasks daily that will be performed by those seeking assistance, thus maintaining productivity. There is also a safe room at the lighthouse, which will serve as a safe haven for one night where there were difficult conditions within a family. There are currently many businesses that have opened their hearts and joined hands with the CMR. Security guards will be on duty every day and every night, and the local SAPS has also agreed to help with the security of the premises. The CMR would, however, like to appeal to the community to volunteer at the lighthouse, with the day to day operations. There can never be too many helping hands with the operations. The CMR also still requires donations of food, coffee, milk, sugar, pots and pans, cutlery and crockery on the short term. Toiletries, cleaning detergents, clothes, shoes and especially socks are required. Blankets are also needed. The long term needs include, but are not limited to deep freezes, refrigerators, tables and working surfaces, chairs or couches for the reception area, kitchen cupboards, tables, chairs and benches. Anyone who wishes to make a contribution, can use the following bank details: ABSA Bank, Account Name: CMR Ermelo, Account number: 870230133, Branch code: 632005. Enquiries can be directed to Wynand at 078 800 2711, or Jeanah at 079 799 9956. Interested parties can also contact the CMR office on 017 819 1163. < Previous Article Next Article >

EHS Landsdiens skop af met ‘n virtuele kamp Marice de Jager. Johnke Prinsloo. Marice de Jager. 1/2 Share INHOUD VERSKAF 11 Augustus 2020 Die leerders moes ook self ‘n TikTok dansie uitwerk, werkskaf in die tuin, iemand in die huis ‘n poets bak, saam met hul troeteldier gaan draf en vir hande-arbeid iets met hul hande maak. Foto’s en video’s van die aktiwiteite moes aan die onderwysers deur gestuur word as bewys daarvan dat die aktiwiteite wel voltooi is. Hoërskool Ermelo begin DV eers amptelik in 2021 met Landsdiens, maar ons is bevoorreg om reeds vyf geregistreerde lede te hê! Marice de Jager, Mariska en Anke van Biljon, Divana Smit en Johnke Prinsloo het vanaf 31 Julie tot 2 Augustus aan Mpumalanga se provinsiale virtuele kamp deelgeneem. Die leerders moes hul eie sakke pak, tent opslaan en die naweek daarin slaap! Hulle was verantwoordelik om self stokbrood te braai, hamburgers te maak, ‘n ontbyt aanmekaar te slaan en potjiekos te maak. Daar was nie veel tyd vir rondsit en niks doen nie: pa of ma se kar moes gewas word, daar is Saterdag oggend al douvoordag aërobiese oefeninge gedoen, Bybelstudie gehou en hindernisbane gebou! Die leerders moes ook self ‘n TikTok dansie uitwerk, werkskaf in die tuin, iemand in die huis ‘n poets bak, saam met hul troeteldier gaan draf en vir hande-arbeid iets met hul hande maak. Foto’s en video’s van die aktiwiteite moes aan die onderwysers deur gestuur word as bewys daarvan dat die aktiwiteite wel voltooi is. Welgedaan aan die Erries se pionier-Landsdieners! Julle maak ons trots en ons sien sommer vreeslik uit na al die lekker Landsdiens-kampe en byeenkomste van 2021! < Previous Article Next Article >

JJ verwelkom nuwe personeel 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 23 February 2021 Laerskool JJ van der Merwe is baie trots om vyf nuwe onderwysers by hulle span te kan byvoeg, en wens sterkte toe aan al die personeel vir die jaar. Laerskool JJ van der Merwe is baie trots om vyf nuwe onderwysers by hulle span te kan byvoeg, en wens sterkte toe aan al die personeel vir die jaar. Op die foto staan (v.l.n.r) Success Mashaba (Onderwys-student), Irma Houy (Onderwys-student), Amanda Turner (Onderwys-student), Bianca Sandenbergh (Onderwys-student) en Nico Grobler (Onderwys-student). < Previous Article Next Article >

High profile suspects in court for corruption High profile suspects in court for corruption 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 13 April 2021 It is alleged that the trio colluded to bribe a prosecutor to withdraw charges that Masenga is facing in contravention of the Immigration Act and fraud, NPA spokesperson Sipho Ngwema said in a statement. The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) acting head in Mpumalanga, Matric Luphondo, and a Hawks lieutenant-colonel were among the trio who appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on corruption charges. The bail application for the Mpumalanga head of Human Settlements in Mpumalanga, Kebone Masenga, the Hawks Unit Commander of Serious Corruption Investigation, Lieutenant-Colonel Ayanda Plaatje, and Luphondo is set to continue after the court refused the State’s application for a seven-day postponement. It is alleged that the trio colluded to bribe a prosecutor to withdraw charges that Masenga is facing in contravention of the Immigration Act and fraud, NPA spokesperson Sipho Ngwema said in a statement. “The prosecutor reported the matter to his seniors as well as the police. Subsequently to further investigations, the three were arrested. The NPA has initiated the relevant labour processes against Luphondo. While the NPA is disappointed that any of its officials is entangled in such allegations, in conflict with our new values which are anchored on high ethical conduct, integrity and credibility, we take pride in the men and women who are resolute in defending our new vision. It is encouraging that there were prosecutors and investigators who acted swiftly and with honesty and strong moral principles in defence of our values and the law.’’ Ngwema said. < Previous Article Next Article >