Geen gedwonge inenting vanaf werkgewers 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 22 June 2021 “Voorts is elke persoon ingevolge ons Grondwet op liggaamlike integriteit geregtig, wat beteken dat elke persoon dan ook die reg het om oorwegend self te besluit oor enige moontlike gesondheids- of mediese intervensies.” Enige algemeen-geldende besluit om inenting verpligtend te maak, sal onwettig wees. Solidariteit het ʼn omvattende regsmening van eksterne advokate bekend gemaak wat wys dat enige eensydige besluit om inenting verpligtend in die werkplek te maak, nie in ʼn hof sal steek hou nie. Solidariteit het ook met ʼn omvattende proses onder sy lede begin om ʼn mandaat te kry om enige sodanige algemeen-geldende besluit van werkgewers om inenting verpligtend te maak, te beveg. “Volgens die regsmening is dit duidelik dat werkgewers binne die arbeidsregsraamwerk moet funksioneer, en dat dié raamwerk nie voorsiening maak vir verpligte entstoftoediening aan werknemers nie,” sê dr. Dirk Hermann, bestuurshoof van Solidariteit. “Voorts is elke persoon ingevolge ons Grondwet op liggaamlike integriteit geregtig, wat beteken dat elke persoon dan ook die reg het om oorwegend self te besluit oor enige moontlike gesondheids- of mediese intervensies.” Solidariteit voer aan dat terwyl sommige proponente van verpligte werkplekinenting graag aanvoer dat die werkgewer ingevolge die Wet op Beroepsgesondheid en Veiligheid (No. 85 van 1993) sodanige reg het, skryf die wet egter voor dat daar ʼn behoorlike konsultasieproses met ʼn werknemer moet plaasvind, en dat alle moontlike remedies eers uitgeput moet word alvorens ʼn werkgewer drastiese stappe mag oorweeg. “Nadat ons deur navrae oor verpligte inenting by werkplekke oorval is, het ons die regsmening ingewin. Volgens die opinie is dit duidelik dat die voordeel van keuse sterk ten gunste van ʼn werknemer sal wees,” verduidelik Hermann. “Dit is eenvoudig onwettig vir ʼn werkgewer om ʼn werknemer te verplig om ingeënt te word, en daar kan selfs geargumenteer word dat dit strafregtelik en grondwetlik inbreuk maak op elke individu se persoonlike reg tot liggaamlike integriteit. Ons sal nie huiwer om ons lede met die volle mag van die reg te beskerm, indien werkgewers sulke drastiese besluite neem nie,” sluit Hermann af. < Previous Article Next Article >

LJV klink die doppies 1/8 Share GK CRONJE 1 December 2020 Die LJV sien uit om alle skuts, beginner of veterane, te sien by die volgende skietdag, wat binnekort aangekondig sal word. Die skuts van die Laeveld Jagters Vereniging (LJV) het hulself gate uit geniet by die onlangse skietdag, waar groot prestasies opgelewer was. Die formaat was 3 Gun, en die ou bulle het gewys dat hulle nog op en top is, met Pieter Ackerman wat met eerste plek wegstap in die veterane afdeling, met Danie Roos in tweede en Costas Klonaris in derde plek. In die senior dames afdeling neem Christelle Aucamp eerste plek in, Letitia van Rooyen tweede en Thelmari Aucamp derde plek in met puik tellings. Die senior mans het nie op hul laat wag nie, met Rudie Snyman in eerste plek, Riaan Neethling en Riaan Stander wat tweede plek deel, en Hardus Aucamp wat derde plek inneem. Rudie Snyman Jnr neem eerste plek in die junior afdeling, met Pieter de Beer Jnr in tweede plek. In die junior junior afdeling het Reynard de Beer behoorlik sy staal gewys. Thelmari Aucamp stap ook weg as die wenner van die gelukkige trekking. Die LJV nooi alle belangstellendes uit om die skietdae saam te kom geniet. Skuts wat belang stel hoef noe noodwendig lede van die LJV te wees nie, en kan met ‘n skamele bedrag van slegs R50 deelneem aan die skietkompetisies. Op die dae word eet- en drinkgoed ook te koop beskikbaar gestel, en alle ouderdomsgroepe word hartlik uitgenooi. As u belangstelling toon om die dae te geniet saam met die LJV, kan u gerus vir Santie Rautenbach, LJV Ermelo sekretaresse, kontak by 071 674 8178. Die LJV sien uit om alle skuts, beginner of veterane, te sien by die volgende skietdag, wat binnekort aangekondig sal word. < Previous Article Next Article >

Nuwe buurtwag versterk veiligheid 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 14 Julie 2020 “Dié buurtwag vorm deel van ons takstruktuur, en het ten doel om die gemeenskap in samewerking met die polisie en ander plaaslike veiligheidsinstansies in tye van nood by te staan,” sê Bronwen Pretorius, AfriForum se distrikskoördineerder van die Hoëveld. Die burgerregteorganisasie AfriForum het onlangs ’n nuwe buurtwag in Ermelo gestig, met die buurtwagbestuur wat bestaan uit Heinrich Jansen van Rensburg (voorsitter) en Frikkie du Plessis (koördineerder). Ander AfriForum-buurtwagte in die nabye omgewing sluit die Standerton-buurtwag, wat al verskeie suksesse behaal het, in. “Dié buurtwag vorm deel van ons takstruktuur, en het ten doel om die gemeenskap in samewerking met die polisie en ander plaaslike veiligheidsinstansies in tye van nood by te staan,” sê Bronwen Pretorius, AfriForum se distrikskoördineerder van die Hoëveld. “Ek is baie opgewonde oor die stigting van ons buurtwag, en nooi die gemeenskap uit om by ons in te skakel. Ons kan nie langer die geveg teen misdaad op die skouers van die polisie alleen laat rus nie; ons moet self betrokke raak,” sê Jansen van Rensburg. Lede wat by dié buurtwag aansluit sal onder meer opleiding ontvang in verskeie modules wat op buurtwagte fokus. AfriForum bied ook deurlopend opleiding aan die organisasie se buurtwagte om te verseker dat lede binne die raamwerk van die wet optree, en het tydens die COVID-19-pandemie telematies opleiding aan die buurtwagte gebied. Raak vandag nog by AfriForum se veiligheidstrukture betrokke: SMS “Buurtwag” na 45350 (R1). < Previous Article Next Article >

No clarity on rotational load shedding 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 1 September 2020 “The municipality expects that before residents go to work, they switch off unused appliances. Why should they switch on appliances like geysers, televisions, etc. when they are not at home?” MLM stated. Since March 2020, residents of Ermelo and surroundings have had to bite the bullet with daily rotational load shedding implemented by Msukaligwa Local Municipality. The load shedding occurs mainly during peak times, much to the frustration of residents who arrive home, to find that there is no electricity supply. Mundane chores such as cooking, bathing and laundry have become a struggle, and many students who make use of online education portals are left with no means to progress. The supply is more often than not interrupted for extended periods, with Mlm blaming the infamous 88kVA line for the majority of supply woes. Other reasons are alleged illegal connections, cable theft and a myriad of other, more feeble excuses. The Tribune directed an several enquiries at MLM regarding the ongoing municipal load shedding. In light of submissions by various political parties regarding the poor performance of municipalities in Mpumalanga, especially regarding the servicing of the Eskom accounts, it was enquired if the Eskom account is actually serviced per agreement, and if any arrears in payment are present. The outstanding amount owed my MLM is high, but relatively low in comparison with other municipalities in the province. The Tribune also enquired if, and how the amount owed to Eskom has impacted the notified maximum demand (NMD). The NMD is the contracted notified maximum demand, expressed in kVA, and the NMD should, and can not be exceeded unless agreed to by Eskom. An excess network access charge will be levied for exceeding the NMD. MLM has previously stated that the infrastructure is allegedly overloaded during times of municipal load shedding, and that the demand indeed exceeds the supply. The NMD comes into play noticeably of late, seen as Ermelo has been experiencing a disproportionate amount of electrical issues compared to previous years. Upon enquiry, MLM responded as follows: “The current account with Eskom is up to date. MLM is required to adhere to the agreed NMD and should not exceed it unless Eskom has agreed to the exceedance in writing and in advance. An exceedance of the NMD is a breach of Eskom’s electricity supply agreement and/or connection and use of system agreement. Eskom request the municipality to remain within the contractual NMD. If the municipality fails to heed the request above, remedies may be implemented by Eskom to correct such breach, including the right to limit the capacity. The municipality, in order to comply with the request, implemented load reduction in order to be within the NMD. Renegotiation with Eskom are ongoing in order to come up with mutual beneficial agreement of the NMD. Before an upgrade is implemented, Eskom conducts a feasibility study, among others, to check whether the capacity of the Eskom network is adequate to make supply available at a higher level on a continuous basis, etc.” MLM wholly ignored the enquiries as to when the load reduction will end, and what actionable plan MLM is employing to service the community. Residents and businesses in Ermelo are slowly but surely getting fed up with MLM’s tomfoolery and silence on the matter, as there are no honest, direct and palpable feedback from municipal authorities. If enquiries are responded to, elaborate statements which employ evasion tactics are submitted, often leaving more questions than answers. A Facebook group, which contains a substantial following of disgruntled residents, is evidence of the dismay regarding MLM’s ineptitude. Talks of a march against the municipality has surfaced, and another group of dismayed residents and businesses are considering legal action against MLM, much like the steps taken against Lekwa Local Municipality (LMM). LMM residents will feel some relief, as the high court has recently placed an interdict against the municipality, preventing them from implementing rotational load shedding permitted on a limitation linked to the shockingly reduced NMD. AfriForum has also locked horns with Eskom and LMM, as the extended periods of rotational load shedding, caused by the municipality, is considered and stated as unconstitutional. If MLM doesn’t shape up, the same fate awaits them, as many residents and businesses are negatively impacted by the rotational load shedding. The majority of residents and businesses in Ermelo are up to date with their utility bills. MLM has, themselves, stated that Ermelo has the highest utility payment rate from residents, with Chrissiesmeer and Breyten having amongst the poorest paying residents, with a shockingly high non-payment rate. Damage to appliances and equipment is also a cause of great concern, with MLM failing to elaborate on who will be held liable for damages caused by the fluctuation of electricity supply from the municipality. They have, however, added to their weekly load shedding schedule the wording “please switch off appliances to avoid damage from surges”. This statement is of nonsensical value, as many residents are at work during the constant fluctuations, and more often than not at home during these times. “The municipality expects that before residents go to work, they switch off unused appliances. Why should they switch on appliances like geysers, televisions, etc. when they are not at home?” MLM stated. Ultimately, MLM cannot expect to place the onus of damage to appliances on the residents, when the fluctuation of the feed is, to be frank, the doing of the municipality. At this time, residents and businesses can do little but to grin and bear the outages, which were stated as “temporary” when implemented by MLM seven months ago, along with the damages it brings. < 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 >

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 >

Multi-million Rand white elephant 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 17 August 2021 The Pet Dam fence has been reduced to a limp, corroded and rusted husk in less than 3 years, bringing into question the quality of the materials paid for. Circa 2016, Msukaligwa Local Municipality took it upon themselves to erect a fence surrounding the Pet Dam, which would have been part of the supposed reform of the Pet Dam and surroundings. The BetaView fence, which is over 700 meters long, was erected amidst severe disgust and disapproval from the community, and at a staggering cost. Concerns have also been raised regarding the dubious quality of the fence erected. According to BetaView, their products carry a warranty of ten years against corrosive elements. The Pet Dam fence has been reduced to a limp, corroded and rusted husk in less than 3 years, bringing into question the quality of the materials paid for. However, nothing has come of the touted reform project, and the fence has since been left to rust away, being systematically vandalized and damaged. The fence has fallen victim to sever lack of maintenance, with no attempt at maintenance and upkeep from MLM. The point of the fence is now moot, as the fence has been extensively damaged in several sections, and at this time, serves no other purpose than being an eyesore to residents, travelers and tourists. < Previous Article Next Article >

COSATU throws weight behind NUMSA strike 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 October 2021 Metalworkers union NUMSA had commenced its national strike on Tuesday, which will continue indefinitely until demands are met. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) stated that it will take part in the strike today to putpressure on the government and private sector to pay more attention to the working class. The strike has been slated as a "one day participation" by COSATU. “The federation is issuing a call to all workers and South Africans to join the strike. They can either join the planned activities across the country, or withdraw their labour by staying at home on the day,” said COSATU spokesperson, Sizwe Pamla. He said the union was demanding urgent action from policy makers in the government, as well as the private sector, to ensure that workers receive their dues. “Both the public and the private sector have been blatantly undermining collective bargaining. We want the reversal of budget cuts that have led to an unacceptable wage freeze in the public service, the disintegration of the CCMA, and retrenchments in state-owned companies,” Pamla said. Metalworkers union NUMSA had commenced its national strike on Tuesday, which will continue indefinitely until demands are met. The union demands an 8% wage increase for workers, and have accused employers of using the pandemic as an excuse to sidestep lawfully stipulated annual salary increases. An estimated 430 000 workers across 9 000 steel and engineering companies countrywide will down tools in solidarity. NUMSA spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, stated that all their members are fed up with the fact that the employers refuse to give them a meaningful increase. Therefore they are demanding an 8% wage increase across the board. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo gholfers skrik nie vir wind nie 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 18 Augustus 2020 Die Medal Monthly Mug kompetisie was by die Ermelo Gholf Klub aangebied. Die erge wind het glad nie die spelers afgeskrik nie. Die spelers het die kompetisie vreeslik geniet. Op Saterdag, 15 Augustus, was die Medal Monthly Mug kompetisie by die Ermelo Gholf Klub aangebied. Die erge wind het glad nie die spelers afgeskrik nie. Die spelers het die kompetisie vreeslik geniet. Die wenner van die dag was F.Els met 69 punte, in die tweede plek was F.Pieterson, P. Grobler het derde plek ingepalm, en die vierde plek is aan J.Grey toegeken. < Previous Article Next Article >

ACSU, SAPD en Boere werk saam ACSU, SAPD en Boere werk saam 1/4 Share SH HATTINGH 16 February 2021 Reaksie lede het geloop waar hulle die man gesien het in die mielie land, en het daar nog ‘n verdagte gevind met 12 bale dagga. Op Dinsdag, 9 Februarie, ongeveer 15:00, het ACSU ‘n oproep ontvang ‘n voertuig wat baie verdag lyk op die Goedehoop plaas pad. Twee reaksie voertuie van ACSU is in kennis gestel, en het hul dadelik na die toneel gehaas, waar hulle ‘n voertuig gewaar het op die grondpad. Die bestuurder van die voertuig het binne-in ‘n mielie land ingeloop. Die verdagte, asook die voertuig is deursoek, maar niks is binne die voertuig gevind nie. Reaksie lede het geloop waar hulle die man gesien het in die mielie land, en het daar nog ‘n verdagte gevind met 12 bale dagga. SAPD van Ermelo en Lothair is in kennis gestel, en was spoedig op die toneel. Die twee verdagtes is gearresteer, en gedurende die arrestasie is daar nog twee voertuie afgetrek wat deel was van die groep. Daar is op drie voetuie beslag gelê, en vier verdagtes is gearresteer. ACSU wil graag hulle dank gee aan, Kaptein V. Mahlangu, Sersante M. Dladla en M. Maphophe, en Konstabel B. Khumalo, asook aan die boere van die omgewing vir hulle hulp en vinnige reaksie. < Previous Article Next Article >

Liggie-slimkoppe beïndruk 1/5 Share SM HATTINGH 24 August 2021 Die Top 10 akademiese presteerders in elke graad is aangewys na die afgelope Junie-eksamens. Dit verg baie insette en ekstra ure voor die lessenaar om hierdie prestasie te behaal. Die Top 10 akademiese presteerders in elke graad is aangewys na die afgelope Junie-eksamens. Dit verg baie insette en ekstra ure voor die lessenaar om hierdie prestasie te behaal. We are very proud to present the Top 10 academic achievers in each grade and would like to express our congratulations to each Liggie for their hard work and dedication. The Top 10 learners for Grade 12 are Nadine Brelage - 94.71%, Busisiwe Vemba, Hubert Terblanche, Prajna Bhika, Jenna Scott, Gerhard Botma, Marzé Wentzel, Kgomotso Maroga, Retha le Roux and Amandla Cele. Graad 11 Top 10 leerders is Danika Drotsky - 94.57%, Ané Roets, Danielle Venter, Almaas Saley, Huzefa Patel, Atiyyah Jassat, Lóhan Coetzee, Imaan Tayob, Adri van der Merwe, Prince Adebayo and Siphelele Msibi share number 10. Top 10 learners in Grade 10 are Fatimah Mogalia - 91.14%, Praise Ngubeni, Asiphesona Soyeye, Muriel Mugweni, Janneke de Villiers, Shawn Kobe, Zeara Maseko, Amirah Jassat, Natalie Kobe waar Jana du Plessis en Douglas Reyneke ‘n plek deel in die Top 10. Graad 9 Top 10 is Elandri Kleynhans - 96.00%, Ameen Tikly, Simoné Cloete, Amelia Brummer, Aqeelah Sarang, Jasmyn Archer, Shazia Vally, Brenda Kirsten, Anele Manana en Lungile Mthethwa. The Grade 8 Top 10 learners are Atharv Agre - 93.11%, Zahraa Tayob, Nicole Brelage, Ilne Grobler, Nabihah Jassat, Rumaanah Del Cueto Martinez, Zahra Del Cueto Martinez, Akua Mprah, Malebo Marutla and Lethabo Motlhabi. < Previous Article Next Article >

Landties blink uit op alle vlakke Op die foto staan (v.l.n.r): Me. Sune Wolmarans, Mejuffrou Landtie: Sharon Eggar, Meneer Landtie: Juan Zeelie en Me. Sonnike Lombard tydens die kroning van Mnr en Mej Landtie. Op die foto staan (v.l.n.r): Me. Sune Wolmarans, Mejuffrou Landtie: Sharon Eggar, Meneer Landtie: Juan Zeelie en Me. Sonnike Lombard tydens die kroning van Mnr en Mej Landtie. 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 2 March 2022 Dankie aan al die deelnemers vir julle betrokkenheid, oorspronklikheid, skoonheid en vermaak. Maandag, 14 Februarie. Die groot dag breek aan vir almal wat verlief, verlore en opsoek is. Hoeveel harte gebreek is en hoeveel harte na die dag ongeskonde gebly het sal ons net kan wonder. Maar nietemin was Landtieland verander in Wonderland. Heerlike eetgoed het honger magies volgemaak en al die oortollige energie is al dansend verbrand. Baie dankie aan al die ouers wat ons gehelp het, met donasies, borge, saaldekor en opmaak tot laat in die aande. Dankie aan elke Graad 11 en Graad 11-ouer wat gesorg het vir al die Valentyn items wat ons kon verkoop en dat julle dit met soveel entoesiasme gedoen het. Dis ‘n riem onder ons harte. Juffrou Nelanie, baie dankie vir al jou organisering. Dit was puik. Sonder jou was ons ‘n druppel in die emmer. “Sal jy my Valentyn wees?”, was egter nie die hoofvraag aan die orde van die dag nie. NEE! “Wie is meneer en mejuffrou Landtie?”, het koning gekraai. Na stresvolle onderhoude, opwindende fotosessies, modeparade loop, vrae beantwoord en wag vir uitslae - was die skrif aan die muur: Meneer Landtie: Juan Zeelie, Mejuffrou Landtie: Sharon Eggar, Eerste Prins: Ludwig Venter, Eerste Prinses: Melandri Meiring, Tweede Prins: Albert Smit, Tweede Prinses: Doné Smit, Meneer Persoonlikheid: Ludwig Venter, Mejuffrou Persoonlikheid: Sharon Eggar, Meneer Fotogenies: Ludwig Venter en Mejuffrou Fotogenies: Dominic Snyman. Baie dankie aan ons beoordeelaars vir julle tyd en opoffering. Mnr. Kobus Venter - Model en eienaar van Venter Konstruksie in Bethal, Me. Tanya Maartens - Eienaar van Jenesaisquoi Modelling Academy, Me. Sonnike Lombard - Oud Landtie en Mrs Mpumalanga finalis 2022 en Me. Sune Wolmarans - Oud Landtie en Mrs Mpumalanga finalis 2022. Dankie aan al die deelnemers vir julle betrokkenheid, oorspronklikheid, skoonheid en vermaak. Julle is almal wenners! En ‘n besondere dankie vir ons eregaste van die ouetehuis van die dorp wat ons kom ondersteun het en dat ons so aand saam met julle kon deel. - Soos ontvang vanaf skool < Previous Article Next Article >