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LUR Shongwe besoek Ermelo, bedank plaaslike GPF 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 7 June 2022 Shongwe het ook ‘n skerp waarskuwing uitgestuur na SAPS lede en bevelvoerders wat die werk van die GPF ondermyn. Vusi Shongwe, LUR vir veiligheid en sekuriteit in Mpumalanga, het op Vrydag, 3 Junie 2022, Ermelo besoek om sy lof uit te spreek teenoor die plaaslike Gemeenskaps Polisie Forum (GPF). Die GPF, wyer bekend as CPF, is doodgewone lede van die gemeenskap wat hand aan hand met die SAPS en ander sekuriteit sektors werk om misdaad te bekamp. Dié lede ontvang egter tot hede geen vergoeding vir hul diens aan die gemeenskap nie, en doen die vrywilligheidswerk per eie keuse. Shongwe het egter tydens sy toespraak aan die SAPS, stasiebevelvoerders en GPF lede, gestaaf dat hy ‘n skrywe gerig het aan die regering om fondse opsy te sit vir toelae aan aktiewe GPF lede. Shongwe het sy opregte waardering uitgespreek teenoor die lede van die GPF, wat ‘n tasbare verskil maak in die misdaadsyfer in Ermelo en die omliggende omgewing. Shongwe het ook ‘n skerp waarskuwing uitgestuur na lede en bevelvoerders wat die werk van die GPF ondermyn, en versuim om hul samewerking te verleen tydens patrollie en misdaad tonele. Shongwe het verder die misdaad situasie in Ermelo betreur, veral met fokus op die bendes wat die informele nedersettings se inwoners teister, beroof, verkrag en vermoor op ‘n daaglikse basis. Hy het bevestig dat ‘n daadwerklike plan van aksie in die pyplyn is om die bende geweld te stuit, en uiteindelik op te los. Die departement het ‘n skenking aan die GPF lede oorhandig, wat bestaan uit ‘n GPF baadjie en kep met die embleem, sowel as ‘n swaardiens flitslig, wat uiteraard handig te pas sal kom in Ermelo se donker woonbuurte. Sien meer foto’s, sowel as die LUR se “live stream” toespraak op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

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 >

"Dankie vir julle harde werk en deursettingsvermoë. Mag voorspoed julle vergesel op julle reis vorentoe!" Ligbron matriekuitslae maak Ermelo trots 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 2 March 2021 "Dankie vir julle harde werk en deursettingsvermoë. Mag voorspoed julle vergesel op julle reis vorentoe!" Die Liggies is saam die Graad 12’s opgewonde en dankbaar oor die matriekuitslae wat na ‘n onsekere 2020 bekend gemaak is. Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie het ‘n slaagsyfer van 96% behaal, waarvan 110 leerders kwalifiseer vir universiteits vrystelling. Die klas van 2020 het 162 onderskeidings en 177B’s verower. Vakke wat uitgeblink het by die Liggies is die 21A’s vir Wiskunde, 9A’s vir Fisiese Wetenskap, 18A’s vir Afrikaans Eerste Addisionele Taal, 10A’s vir Engels Eerste Addisionele Taal, 60A’s vir Lewensoriëntering en 7A’s vir Wiskunde Geletterheid, Lewenswetenskappe, Rekeningkunde en Toerisme. Elke onderwyser se toewyding gaan nie ongesiens verby nie. “Dankie, ons waardeer julle.” Die Liggies se top leerder, Ammaarah Mohammed Arbee, het 8 onderskeidings en ‘n merkwaardige persentasie van 94.43% verwerf: Wiskunde (95%), Fisiese Wetenskap (97%), Rekeningkunde (97%), Afrikaans Eerste Addisionele Taal, (95%), Engels HT (94%), Lewensoriëntering (95%), Lewenswetenskap (88%), Add Maths (84%). Sy is ook op Dinsdag, 23 Februarie in Nelspruit, by die Universiteit van Mpumalanga aangewys as een van die Top 5 leerders in Mpumalanga. Ammaarah het die volgende as pryse ontvang: ‘n yskas, mikrogolfoond, broodrooster, ketel, strykyster, skootrekenaar, iPad en en ‘n kontant prys ter waarde van R10 000. Sy het aan die Liggies meegedeel dat sy in haar vrye tyd graag lees en skryf, en ook baie van Netflix hou. Ammaarah is baie gefokus, en beplan om op Wits of Stellenbosch medies studeer. “Die Liggies is baie trots op jou!” Cristian Izquierdo Ortega spog ook met ‘n baie mooi gemiddeld van 92.29% en 8 onderskeidings. Alhoewel Cristian vir 4 maande in Kuba ingeperk was, het hy sonder enige leer materiaal beskikbaar daarin geslaag om by te bly met sy skoolwerk, deur middel van Ligbron se uitsendings. Hy behaal ook die hoogste persentasie in Wiskunde by die Liggies, met ‘n ongelooflike 98%. Hy het aan die Beeld vertel dat hy sy suksesse aan die hulp van sy vriende en onnies toeskryf. Cristian wil in sy ouers en broer se voetspore volg, en ook medies by die Universiteit van Witwatersrand studeer. Sy ander vakke: Fisiese Wetenskap (96%), Afrikaans EAT (92%), Engels HT (90%), Lewensoriëntering (94%), Lewenswetenskap (87%), Rekeningkunde (89%), Add Maths (83%). Drie Liggies verwerf almal 7 onderskeidings. Hannah Peer, het ‘n gemiddeld van 91.14%. Sy aspireer om ‘n rekenmeester te word, en sy gaan haar drome by die Universiteit van Pretoria in dié veld navolg. Shraddha Agre behaal ‘n persentasie van 89.86%, en Fatiema Dendar 89.43%. Wel gedaan aan Megan Lourens, met 6 onderskeidings (83.29%). Cara Bruwer (83.29%) en Itumeleng Nkambule (81.86%) het beide 5A’s verwerf. Die volgende leerders verwerf almal 4 A’s: Amoné Fraser (80.86), Hardu Prinsloo (73%), Moné du Plessis (75.57%), Roché Chemaly (78%), Nomuso Nkosi (78.86%) en Unami Bhembe (80.14%). “Met dankbare harte wens ons elke matrikulant van 2020 geluk. Dankie vir julle harde werk en deursettingsvermoë. Mag voorspoed julle vergesel op julle reis vorentoe! < Previous Article Next Article >

“Don” Chibuzo Chicozie Ogbunkwu (35) , Okereke Valentine Okwudiri (35), Kadima Remy (29), Male Mkolo (33), Mukembani Justin Kasindo (34), RudeA ngeKishuke (24), Bongiwe Manengela (41), Enewere David (34), Mwambaza Hamisa (31) and David Chicoloko (26) were remanded in custody by the Bethal Magistrate Court on Friday, 30 July 2021. The nine foreign nationals and one local were arrested by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team Mpumalanga, assisted by Forensic Science Laboratory, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, Public Order Policing and SAPS Bethal during a crackdown emanated from a major investigation by the Hawks and Crime Intelligence since June 2020 addressing drug challenges in Bethal. It is alleged that in June 2020, information was received by the team about the criminal group dealing in drugs around Secunda and Bethal. Intelligence driven information gathering was conducted and presented before the court, resulting in the arrest of the suspects . During the arrest, cash and drugs were confiscated for further investigation. One of the accused David Chicoloko (26), who was not part of the said investigation, (ADHOC), was arrested for illegal immigration. He was found guilty and sentenced to a R1500 fine or three months imprisonment, and was further ordered to be deported to his country of origin on 9 July 2021. The case has been postponed to 6 August 2021 due to unavailability of the interpreter and legal aid. All the accused remain in custody. Hawks take down group of drug dealers Hawks take down group of drug dealers 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 3 August 2021 The nine foreign nationals and one local were arrested by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team Mpumalanga, assisted by Forensic Science Laboratory, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, Public Order Policing and SAPS Bethal. “Don” Chibuzo Chicozie Ogbunkwu (35) , Okereke Valentine Okwudiri (35), Kadima Remy (29), Male Mkolo (33), Mukembani Justin Kasindo (34), RudeA ngeKishuke (24), Bongiwe Manengela (41), Enewere David (34), Mwambaza Hamisa (31) and David Chicoloko (26) were remanded in custody by the Bethal Magistrate Court on Friday, 30 July 2021. The nine foreign nationals and one local were arrested by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team Mpumalanga, assisted by Forensic Science Laboratory, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, Public Order Policing and SAPS Bethal during a crackdown emanated from a major investigation by the Hawks and Crime Intelligence since June 2020 addressing drug challenges in Bethal. It is alleged that in June 2020, information was received by the team about the criminal group dealing in drugs around Secunda and Bethal. Intelligence driven information gathering was conducted and presented before the court, resulting in the arrest of the suspects . During the arrest, cash and drugs were confiscated for further investigation. One of the accused David Chicoloko (26), who was not part of the said investigation, (ADHOC), was arrested for illegal immigration. He was found guilty and sentenced to a R1500 fine or three months imprisonment, and was further ordered to be deported to his country of origin on 9 July 2021. The case has been postponed to 6 August 2021 due to unavailability of the interpreter and legal aid. All the accused remain in custody. < Previous Article Next Article >

Maak die harte oop vir Juan 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 25 May 2021 Op Woensdag, 12 Mei 2021, is sy linkerbeen bo sy knie geamputeer. Die hele prosedure het suksesvol afgeloop, en Jaun is tans in Ermelo. Jaun Walker (53) ‘n ou bekende in Ermelo, het dringend jou hulp nodig. Hy is werksaam by DJ Motors, waar hy voertuie verkoop. Jaun het tipe twee diabetes, en ‘n bosluis het hom gebyt op sy linker been. Jaun het mooi na die bytplek gekyk, en gehoop dat dit vinnig sal genees, maar die bytplek het glad nie genees nie. Hy het ‘n oggend opgestaan waar sy linker voet en toon begin swart word het, en hy is dadelik Steve Bhiko hospitaal toe. Daar was hy vir ongeveer twee weke waar hulle geensins na hom omgesien het nie. Hy is terug Ermelo toe, waar sy familie hom George Provinsiale Hospitaal toe geneem het vir behandeling, weens die feit dat hy geen medies het nie. Tydens sy aankoms by die hospitaal moes hy en die dokters dadelik ‘n besluit neem oor wat hul gaan doen met sy linkerbeen, want toe het hy reeds gangrene. Op Woensdag, 12 Mei 2021, is sy linkerbeen bo sy knie geamputeer. Die hele prosedure het suksesvol afgeloop, en Jaun is tans in Ermelo. Hy sterk aan saam met sy suster, waar sy na hom omsien. Die familie wil graag ‘n beroep op die gemeenskap doen om hul te help met bydraes om die mediese behandeling te kan doen. Daar is ‘n Trust rekening gestig by PWG Prokureurs. Die bank besonderhede: PWG Prokureurs, Eerste Nasionale Bank, Ermelo, Tak Kode: 270 344, Rekening Nommer: 521 800 48278, Verwysing: W270 - naam en van. Graag wil die familie ook van die geleentheid gebruik maak om almal te bedank vir elke oproep, SMS, kospakkie asook die manne wat veranderings aan die huis gedoen het om na Jaun se belange om te gee en die lewe vir hom te vergemaklik. < Previous Article Next Article >

A contractor that had been employed at Camden power plant, Ermelo, was arrested for sabotage of generating Unit 4 at the plant. Investigation conducted by Eskom teams discovered that the perpetrator, employed by a maintenance contractor at the plant, intentionally removed the bearing oil drain plug from the bearing, causing the oil burners to trip repeatedly. In addition, this act of sabotage damaged the bearing, which prevented the mills from operating at nominal capacity. Unit 4 was subsequently out of commission after all mills tripped. Eskom stated that the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, 10 November 2022. After being questioned by Eskom, the perpetrator confessed that the act of sabotage was willful, thus ensuring that his employer would be awarded additional maintenance and repair work from the power plant. A case had been opened with the SAPS, and according to information received, has subsequently been handed over to the Hawks for investigation. The suspect is expected to appear before the Ermelo Magistrates Court today, 17 November 2022. Camden power plant was also in the news last month, after the entire plant was forced to shut down after a senior technician "opened the wrong valve", contaminating the plant’s demineralised water supply. Eksom also launched a investigation into suspected sabotage. Camden supplies 1 561MW of electricity, equivalent to 3.4% of the national grid. Camden saboteur in cuffs after confession Camden saboteur in cuffs after confession 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 17 November 2022 Camden supplies 1 561MW of electricity, equivalent to 3.4% of the national grid. A contractor that had been employed at Camden power plant, Ermelo, was arrested for sabotage of generating Unit 4 at the plant. Investigation conducted by Eskom teams discovered that the perpetrator, employed by a maintenance contractor at the plant, intentionally removed the bearing oil drain plug from the bearing, causing the oil burners to trip repeatedly. In addition, this act of sabotage damaged the bearing, which prevented the mills from operating at nominal capacity. Unit 4 was subsequently out of commission after all mills tripped. Eskom stated that the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, 10 November 2022. After being questioned by Eskom, the perpetrator confessed that the act of sabotage was willful, thus ensuring that his employer would be awarded additional maintenance and repair work from the power plant. A case had been opened with the SAPS, and according to information received, has subsequently been handed over to the Hawks for investigation. The suspect is expected to appear before the Ermelo Magistrates Court today, 17 November 2022. Camden power plant was also in the news last month, after the entire plant was forced to shut down after a senior technician "opened the wrong valve", contaminating the plant’s demineralised water supply. Eksom also launched a investigation into suspected sabotage. Camden supplies 1 561MW of electricity, equivalent to 3.4% of the national grid. < Previous Article Next Article >

With tax season in full swing, scammers are pulling out all the stops in attempt to swindle victims out of funds, personal information and more. A large number of phishing reports have been brought to the attention of SARS, who has duly responded. Phishing is a scam WhatsApp, SMS or e-mail that attempts to steal your money, or your identity, by getting you to reveal personal information such as credit card numbers, bank information, or passwords. You will often be redirected to websites that pretend to be legitimate. In the case of SARS phishing scams, members of the public are randomly sent an SMS or e-mail with false content, often made to look as if these e-mails were sent from SARS. These are in fact fraudulent e-mails aimed at enticing unsuspecting taxpayers to part with personal information such as bank account details. SARS has issued a warning to the public to refrain from opening or responding to e-mails from unknown sources, even if they seem threatening. Beware of e-mails that ask for personal, tax, banking and eFiling details such as login credentials, passwords, PINs, and credit or debit card information, etc. SARS will never request your banking details in any communication that you receive via post, e-mail or SMS. However, for the purpose of telephonic engagement and authentication purposes, SARS will verify your personal details. Importantly, SARS will not send you any hyperlinks to other websites, even those of banks. In addition, SARS does not send *.htm or *.html attachments. Lastly, SARS will never ask for your credit card details. To report or to get more information on phishing, please send an email to phishing@sars.gov.za or call the Fraud and Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 00 2870. Beware of SARS phishing scam Beware of SARS phishing scam 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 19 July 2022 SARS has issued a warning to the public to refrain from opening or responding to e-mails from unknown sources, even if they seem threatening. With tax season in full swing, scammers are pulling out all the stops in attempt to swindle victims out of funds, personal information and more. A large number of phishing reports have been brought to the attention of SARS, who has duly responded. Phishing is a scam WhatsApp, SMS or e-mail that attempts to steal your money, or your identity, by getting you to reveal personal information such as credit card numbers, bank information, or passwords. You will often be redirected to websites that pretend to be legitimate. In the case of SARS phishing scams, members of the public are randomly sent an SMS or e-mail with false content, often made to look as if these e-mails were sent from SARS. These are in fact fraudulent e-mails aimed at enticing unsuspecting taxpayers to part with personal information such as bank account details. SARS has issued a warning to the public to refrain from opening or responding to e-mails from unknown sources, even if they seem threatening. Beware of e-mails that ask for personal, tax, banking and eFiling details such as login credentials, passwords, PINs, and credit or debit card information, etc. SARS will never request your banking details in any communication that you receive via post, e-mail or SMS. However, for the purpose of telephonic engagement and authentication purposes, SARS will verify your personal details. Importantly, SARS will not send you any hyperlinks to other websites, even those of banks. In addition, SARS does not send *.htm or *.html attachments. Lastly, SARS will never ask for your credit card details. To report or to get more information on phishing, please send an email to phishing@sars.gov.za or call the Fraud and Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 00 2870. < Previous Article Next Article >

After the failed submission, Mr. Mndebele, appointed in 2018, was suspended with immediate effect during a virtual council meeting. He was suspended with full salary. The director for community service, Ms. Tshabalala, has been pointed as acting municipal manager. GMM municipal manager’s appointment snuffed out Mr. Mndebele, appointed in 2018, was suspended with immediate effect during a virtual council meeting. The GMM executive mayor, Ms Ngxonono. Mr. Mndebele, appointed in 2018, was suspended with immediate effect during a virtual council meeting. 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 8 September 2020 After the failed submission, Mr. Mndebele, appointed in 2018, was suspended with immediate effect during a virtual council meeting. He was suspended with full salary. The director for community service, Ms. Tshabalala, has been pointed as acting municipal manager. The embattled Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) has once again stepped on toes, and now has even more fires to put out. The municipality has been bent to breaking point due to maladaministration, claims of cadre employment, financial mismanagement and gross negligence of service delivery, coupled with a staggeringly high amount of Eskom debt and failure to honor repayment agreements with electrical giant. This has led to a drastic reduction of the NMD to the municipality, with residents and business suffering the consequences with extended rational load shedding from the municipality. GMM has now missed the deadline for the submission of the Annual Financial Statements (AFS) to the National Treasury and Auditor General. This after it was granted extension to get its affairs in order. The GMM executive mayor, Ms Ngxonono, had called on the municipal manager at the time, Mr. Mndebele, to intensify service delivery in the area, and has called on the MM and his administration to ensure that the issue of the AFS is sorted out. The Democratic Alliance has expressed its disappointment that Ms. Ngxonono could not give a date when the municipality will finally submit the outstanding 2018/19 AFS to the National Treasury and the Auditor General. After the failed submission, Mr. Mndebele, appointed in 2018, was suspended with immediate effect during a virtual council meeting. He was suspended with full salary. The director for community service, Ms. Tshabalala, has been pointed as acting municipal manager. However, the woes experienced by the failing municipality is far from over, as more institution and residents are rising up and taking a stand against the daily deterioration of service delivery, especially in Bethal and eMbalenhle. Constant power cuts and waste collection are at the heart of the qualms, and numerous new organizations have started mobilizing against the municipality. Calls for the municipality to be placed under administration have been voiced, coupled with several pending court cases. The GMM Joint Civil Movement is one of the institutions ate the forefront of the rise, claiming that constitutional rights are being viciously attacked by the ineptitude of GMM. < Previous Article Next Article >

Jaun, jou stem is stil 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 29 June 2021 Die familie wil ook die gemeenskap bedank vir hulle hulp tydens Jaun se siekbed, vir al die boodskappies, oproepe, vinnige kuiers by die huis, die fondsinsameling, asook die lede wat verstellings by die huis gedoen het om alles vir Jaun te vergemaklik. Jaun Walker, (53) gebore op 8 Januarie 1968, is op Woensdag, 23 Mei 2021, in Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal skielik oorlede na 'n lang tydperk van struikel met sy gesondheid. Jaun het gematrikuleer by Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie, en was daarna sy lewe lank in Ermelo werksaam in die tweedehandse voertuie sektor. Sy dogter, Jauné Walker, dra graag die volgende gedig aan hom op: “Pa, daar breek branders in my. Groter as jou hande om die stories van die Sondag koerant gevou. En daar waai 'n koue deur my. Sterker as die winde soggens op Haroldsbaai se strand. Ek mis die son en hoe trots hy op jou kon skyn, en jou hart wat afdrukke gelos het op alles waaraan hy raak. Dankie vir die voorreg om jou as gedagte te kan saamdra, en jou lewendig in my hart te kan hou. Pappa dit voel nog onwerklik. Alles herhinner my aan Pappa. 'n Liedjie, 'n reuk, 'n sê-ding. Ek mis daai gou-gou oproepe en vinnige inloer. Pappa het my alles geleer, behalwe hoe om sonder pappa te lewe. Ek weet almal sê met tyd raak dit beter, maar ek mis pappa. Pappa is vir altyd in my hart, en ek sal altyd lief wees vir pappa. Dankie vir alles wat pappa vir my gedoen het.” “Jaun, almal se harte is baie seer, maar ons weet jy is op 'n beter plek. Ons gaan jou baie mis. Rus sag by Jesus se voete, ons is jaloers. Dit is nie totsiens nie, dit is tot ons jou weer sien.” Jaun laat sy dogter, Jauné Walker, sy suster, Daleen van Rensburg en haar twee kinders, sy oorlede sussie se twee kinders, Danie en Lindie, en hulle vier kindertjies agter. Die familie wil ook die gemeenskap bedank vir hulle hulp tydens Jaun se siekbed, vir al die boodskappies, oproepe, vinnige kuiers by die huis, die fondsinsameling, asook die lede wat verstellings by die huis gedoen het om alles vir Jaun te vergemaklik. Dankie ook aan al die personeel en dokters by die Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal wat so mooi na hom omgesien het. < Previous Article Next Article >

Die lesings oor onder andere konflik hantering en spanbou-aktiwiteite wat spanwerk bevorder het, en talle ander uitdagings wat die leerders geforseer het om kreatief te dink, het die raad bemagtig om as ‘n groen eenheid te funksioneer. Errie raadskamp berei leiers voor vir 2021 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 13 October 2020 Die lesings oor onder andere konflik hantering en spanbou-aktiwiteite wat spanwerk bevorder het, en talle ander uitdagings wat die leerders geforseer het om kreatief te dink, het die raad bemagtig om as ‘n groen eenheid te funksioneer. Hoërskool Ermelo het vanaf 23 tot 26 September weereens‘n insiggewende en suksesvolle Errieraadskamp te u-Bhetyan-o-Africa aangebied. Die lesings oor onder andere konflik hantering en spanbou-aktiwiteite wat spanwerk bevorder het, en talle ander uitdagings wat die leerders geforseer het om kreatief te dink, het die raad bemagtig om as ‘n groen eenheid te funksioneer. Die Errieraad is slag gereed vir 2021, asook om met trots vertoon vensters van Hoërskool Ermelo te wees. Hou die Errieraad van 2021 gerus dop, hulle het baie om te bied vir die Erries. ‘n Toespraak van Margha Greyling, een van volgende jaar se leiers, het die visie van die nuwe raad so mooi opgesom: “Tradition is tending the flame, not worshiping the ashes. According to the Oxford dictionary, tradition is a long established custom or belief that has been passed on from one generation to another. Maar, sonder‘n brandende hart vol passie, is tradisie maar net gebare teen‘n muur. ‘n Errie se hart is een van die mooiste harte wat enigeiemand ooit sal teëkom. Hy lewer die mooiste produk wat nog ooit tersprake was: opregtheid, eerlikheid, respek, lojaliteit en passie. Hierdie produk is meer werd as ‘n Opperman-Blou-Diamant. Die produk van hierdie vurige hart maak jou wie jy is. Dit is soos die goue randjie om jou groen skoolbaadjie. Dit is soos die eksotiese lente bloeisels na‘n snerpende winter. Dit is die somer son wat weer sy verskyning maak na ‘n lang, vaal nag. Hierdie produk maak alles beter. Mense bewonder ons. Hulle bewonder ons menswees. Hulle bewonder ons optrede. ‘n Ware Errie praat met wysheid, luister met respek en leer met geduld. Cultures grow on the vine of tradition. Tradition is the one thing that binds us all together as one, no matter what culture you may follow.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Die A-span dring dan ook deur na die School Of Champs toe, wat in Oktober sal plaasvind. Landtie hengelaars gladnie bang vir koue 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 24 August 2021 Die A-span dring dan ook deur na die School Of Champs toe, wat in Oktober sal plaasvind. Morgenzon Landbou Akademie se twee hengel spanne het die afgelope naweek die koue trotseer by Tago Vaaldam, vir die Mpumalanga skole liga finaal. Dit was 'n bitter moeilike dag, maar die vissermanne het hulle heel beste gegee ten spyte van die weer. Hier volg die dag en ook die liga se uitslae: Morgenzon B span plaas eerste vir die dag, en Morgenzon A-span neem tweede plek in vir die dag. Dwayne Coetzee verower die swaarste sak vir die dag toekenning, en Louhan Potgieter trek die grootste vis vir die dag vas. Algeheel eindig Morgenzon A eerste, en Morgenzon B vierde. Die A-span dring dan ook deur na die School Of Champs toe, wat in Oktober sal plaasvind. “Sterkte, manne. Ons weet julle sal die Landtie naam hoog hou. Stywe lyne!” < Previous Article Next Article >

This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day was held under the theme: “Do what you can with what you have and where you are”. GSDM hosts cleanup in Carolina 1/7 Share GK CRONJE 19 July 2022 This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day was held under the theme: “Do what you can with what you have and where you are”. The bustling Kerk and Voortrekker Streets in Carolina were given a much-needed facelift during a clean-up campaign led by the Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) Executive Mayor, Cllr Walter Mngomezulu, joined by the MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental affairs Ms. Busisiwe Shiba and Executive Mayor of Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality Cllr Dan Nkosi and local mining houses as part of the Nelson Mandela International Day celebrations on Monday, 18 July 2022. Heaps of litter was removed from the sidewalks and by-ways with shoppers and motorists urged to take good care of their immediate environment. Soon after the clean-up campaign, Cllr Walter Mngomezulu and delegation took time to spend time with senior citizens from surrounding farms at the Carolina Town Hall where the life and times of the late former statesman were celebrated. The senior citizens were showered with presents, which included blankets and food parcels as well as gardening tools and manure for them to start communal fruit and vegetable gardens. This year’s Nelson Mandela International Day was held under the theme: “Do what you can with what you have and where you are”. < Previous Article Next Article >