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GSDM presents State Of The District Address 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 1 June 2021 Phezukomkhono, the current administration took a decision to transform the programme to ‘Siyathuthuka ’, a Zulu word for “We are developing” or “we are putting development into action” Enterprise Development to align it to the new vision of GSDM. On 27 May 2021, Gert Sibande District Municiaplity presented the State Of The District Address (SODA), which coincides with Africa Month, under the national theme “The year of Arts, Culture and Heritage: in the year of Charlotte Maxeke”, where democracy and freedom were forged on the shoulders of giants. This year marks the 150th anniversary of struggle icon and human rights campaigner, Charlotte Maxeke. The State of the Gert Sibande District address took place on the 427th day of the national lockdown in South Africa. “Gender Based Violence is still a thorn in our lives. Just this past Saturday, I attended a funeral of a young person, 27 years old who was stabbed to death by someone who was supposed to protect her. She left her small children behind. We strongly condemn such acts. Masibaphathe kahle esizwana nabo. Masingahlukumezi muntu. Masingabulalani. Masithole usizo uma sinenkinga yokuthukuthela ngokweqile. We urge those in abusive relationships, those who fear for their lives to seek help and open cases at the SAPS.” the speaker said. “The Deputy Minister for Defense and Military Veterans Honourable Thabang Makwetla was appointed as a DDM champion for our District. We wish to take this time and appreciate his unwavering support and involvement in the development of the Gert Sibande district. We also appreciate all stakeholders involved in growing the District such as the sector departments, Local House of Traditional Leaders and various other partners. The Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) is set on growing the district by looking at alternative sources of income and approaches including the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). In this regard, the GSDM is establishing an Aerospace Industrial Hub to be located at the Ermelo Airfield (FAEO), a land the local municipality of Msukaligwa has transferred to the District in support of this vision. This industrial hub is developed to host Aerospace manufacturers, specifically Aeronautics and Space Original Equipment Manufacturers as well as subsystems and component suppliers. Furthermore, the industrial hub will host an Aerospace Institute as well as an Aerospace Technology and Small Medium and Macro Enterprise (SMME) Incubator. Formerly known as Phezukomkhono, the current administration took a decision to transform the programme to ‘Siyathuthuka ’, a Zulu word for “We are developing” or “we are putting development into action” Enterprise Development to align it to the new vision of GSDM . Siyathuthuka is the district flagship EPWP program established with the objective to reduce unemployment and contribute towards skills development through EPWP implementation and training there by promoting sustainable livelihoods, as well as to contribute to the creation of work opportunities and income, contribute to the creation of work opportunities, and income support to poor and unemployed people. support to poor and unemployed people. This, and many more achievements were highlighted during the SODA. < Previous Article Next Article >

Choking on sewage fumes since 2014 1/6 Share GK CRONJE 3 August 2022 One resident showed the Tribune a trench that he had to dig by his own means to divert the raw sewage from his residence. Since 2014, residents in Extension 32 and 33 have had their lives changed by the constant overflow of raw sewage that impact their day to day activities. School children as young as 8 years old have to navigate a maze of pooled raw sewage, mixed with blood and animal entrails that plagues the community. The lack of a functioning sewerage network severely endangers the health of these residents, and the few sections of sewerage network are either blocked or overflowing. Some of the houses are ankle-deep in sewage, and are starting to sink away in the mushy mess. Others have had to improvise with makeshift walkways of plywood and heaps of soil to enter their yards. On Wednesday, 27 July 2022, the Tribune followed up on complaints of residents residing in Extension 32, it was noted that a massive sewerage spillage is ongoing in the area. Meeting with one of the affected residents, the Tribune was shown various sites where raw sewerage flows freely into the yards and roadways. Additionally, one of the overflow sites also emanates blood from the blocked manhole, which presumably flows from the abattoir. At another site, entrails and blood can also be noted. The complainant noted that a section of sewerage pipe had been removed by Msukaligwa Local Municipality, and had never been replaced. Hence, a large amount of sewage flows directly from the missing section, and snakes between the houses. The issue of sewage overflows in these extension has been ongoing for years, but have extensibly worsened since 2020. Complaints lodged with Msukaligwa Local Municipality resulted in the relevant municipal department stating that ‘they have no pipes’ to remedy the blockages and improve flow. Blood, entrails and raw sewage flows from at least five blocked sites in a small radius. Homes are swamped with overflow, and one resident showed the Tribune a trench that he had to dig by his own means to divert the raw sewage from his residence. “I am busy expanding my home, and once construction is completed, the groups of children that walk past my house will have to find another way to the school, or they have to jump over the pools of sewage. I have even lodged a complaint with my ward councillor, but to no avail. The councillor doesn’t even answer the phone anymore.” An enquiry has been sent to the municipality, which was simply ignored. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ligbron OBBG weeg en wen-mielieprojek 1/10 Share SM HATTINGH 7 September 2021 "Ons bedank graag die volgende borge: ETG, Pannar, Oosvaal Landbou, MBFi, Villa, Omnia, Monsanto, FPS Bulk en Agri Benodighede." Toe die Ligbron OBBG Weeg en Wen-Mielieprojek op 8 Oktober 2020 geloods is deur Erhard Prinsloo, het die organiseerders min besef dat die uitkoms hul wildste drome sou oortref. Verskeie boere van die omgewing het deelgeneem aan hierdie suksesvolle projek, en die Ligbron OBBG spreek graag hul opregte dank uit aan die Ermelo- gemeenskap vir hul getroue ondersteuning. Die gala-aand is aangebied op Donderdag, 2 September, by die stylvolle Kralinbergh Estate, met die bekende gaskunstenaars, Nadine Blom en Andrew Roos. Ermelo se eie musiek kenner het luister verleen aan die aand. Die boere was dit eens dat hierdie seisoen ‘n buiten gewoon hoë opbrengs gelewer het, en onder die professionele leiding van mnr. Neels van der Schyff en mnr. Carl Jacobsz van Omnia, is die wenners bepaal en aangekondig. Dit het ‘n antwoord op die jaar se wonder en spekuleer gebring , daar is geweeg… en wie het gewen? Die vier boere met die hoogste opbrengs per hektaar is beloon. Die eerste en tweede plek is los geboer deur mnre. Christiaan Paul en Ruan Paul van KRC Farming. Hulle ontvang gesamentlik prysgeld ter waarde van R250 000, geskenk deur Ligbron OBBG. Mnr. Johan van Niekerk, in die derde plek, ontvang ‘n grassnyer geborg deur Agri Benodighede. Die vierde plek, beklee deur mnr. Fanus Stapelberg, ontvang Omnia presisie boerdery ontledings ter waarde van R40 000. Elkeen van die ander deelnemers het ‘n sakkie Dekalb Monsanto-saad ontvang. Die kwaliteit en sukses van so ‘n wenprojek is nie haalbaar sonder die insette van ons getroue borge nie. "Ons bedank graag die volgende borge: ETG, Pannar, Oosvaal Landbou, MBFi, Villa, Omnia, Monsanto, FPS Bulk en Agri Benodighede." < Previous Article Next Article >

Update - Irate residents picket at MLM 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 20 September 2020 "The occupiers were given fourteen days to vacate the above properties, and/or interdicted from preventing or obstructing the municipal officials or employees or contractors to access the properties, in performance and compliance with their legal duties and/or obligations. They were also ordered to dismantle and remove the incomplete structures erected at these properties on or before 20 August 2020." Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) has seen their fair share of irate residents and business owners lately, and today it no different. A group of residents from various areas of Wesselton were picketing in front of the MLM building last week, while the SAPS kept a close eye on proceedings. The residents in question expressed their dismay regarding a court order of removal issued recently. Amongst other concerns, service delivery, employment issues and supply chain dissatisfaction issues were raised. “It’s terrible. We are treated like nothing, like we are not human beings. We are all suffering, we need to provide for our families, and we are being blocked by unlawful proceedings. We are promised free and fair housing during elections, but nothing ever comes to us,” a picketer told the Tribune. Wesselton has come under the spotlight for the lack of maintenance, especially regarding the roads, electrical and water supply infrastructure. “I care for a disabled family member, which makes it difficult to navigate within Wesselton. Everything is falling apart, an nobody is listening to us. We are without electricity a lot of the time. Innocent residents are suffering due to illegal connections. Not all of us are part of the “izinyoka”, yet some of us have no other choice. We will wait for municipality technicians until Jehova comes,” another picketer lamented. Scores of disgruntled residents kicked against the court order, which mandates that they vacate property that they have illegally occupied. Upon enquiry, Mr. Zwane, MLM spokesperson, issued the following statement: “The municipality is concerned with sporadic protest that halt the day to day work and loss of money. The community is also agonized because of disruption or lack of services because of these protects. Part of the protest was about the court eviction order on illegal land occupiers. On 11 August 2020, the High Court of South Africa Mpumalanga Local Division, Middelburg handed down judgement in application by the municipality for an eviction order. The High Court granted an eviction order against individual(s) or person(s) who unlawful or illegal or attempting to erect informal or formal dwelling structures in portion 13 remaining extent of farm Nooitgedacht 268-IT ( Farm Maphuti 770-IT); portion 183 extent of Farm Nooitgedacht 268-IT; portion 17 of Farm Witbank 268 –IT and portion 9226 of Wesselton Ext 11. On 6 August 2020, the Sheriff of the High Court served a notice on the occupiers of the above mentioned properties notifying them by posting the notice on an erected boards at the entrance of each property and/or served to 1st – 6th respondents. After service of the preliminary notices in terms Prevention of Illegal Eviction From and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act 19 of 1998 (PIE), an order of court was obtained authorizing the service of the eviction application on the occupiers. The occupiers were given fourteen days to vacate the above properties, and/or interdicted from preventing or obstructing the municipal officials or employees or contractors to access the properties, in performance and compliance with their legal duties and/or obligations. They were also ordered to dismantle and remove the incomplete structures erected at these properties on or before 20 August 2020. In the event that the occupiers fail or refuse to comply with the order the Sheriff of this court, or his/her deputy be authorized to execute the order, and where necessary, to obtain the assistance of the South African Police Services, the sheriff of this court or his/her deputy will be authorized to demolish and remove the incomplete structures erected in these properties. It should be noted that only the court that can rescind the order.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Pressure from FF Plus results in R95 million payment 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 22 September 2020 Bethal had to endure daily bouts of load shedding that lasted up to 18 hours over the last few years, as the council did not meet its obligations to Eskom. It caused immense damage to the local economy and it grossly violated human dignity. Despite the non-payment of the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, which encompasses Bethal, Charl Cilliers, Embalenhle, Evander, Kinross, Leandra, Secunda, Trichardt, to Eskom, and the detrimental consequences thereof for residents, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel for Bethal. Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) has made a payment of R95 million to Eskom. Although the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality still owes Eskom approximately R1,7 billion, the FF Plus has applied enough pressure to ensure that a payment is made with the specific aim of restoring the full electricity supply to Bethal and Emzinoni. Bethal had to endure daily bouts of load shedding that lasted up to 18 hours over the last few years, as the council did not meet its obligations to Eskom. It caused immense damage to the local economy and it grossly violated human dignity. GSDM has given Eskom three days to restore Bethal's power supply to its full capacity. < Previous Article Next Article >

Business as usual at Pet Dam 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 1 September 2020 The Pet Dam has returned to its former glory of infamous party site, with no adherence to social distancing. Residents who dance and drink their nights away at the dam do not wear masks or adhere to social hygiene, urinate and defecate in the dam and on the surround shores, thereby risking cross contamination. With the National Alert Level being lowered to Level 2, and more freedom is granted to citizen’s movement, the Pet Dam has already lured hundreds of party animals. With th lax law enforcement in Ermelo, it’s business as usual at the dam, complete with overly loud music, dancing, drunk driving and street fights. With residents in proximity to the dam having had some peace and quiet during the lockdown, it’s all back to square one now. The Pet Dam has returned to its former glory of infamous party site, with no adherence to social distancing. Residents who dance and drink their nights away at the dam do not wear masks or adhere to social hygiene, urinate and defecate in the dam and on the surround shores, thereby risking cross contamination. It is expected from residents that Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) and relevant authorities take charge of this situation, as it is completely unacceptable for such behavior to be allowed during a worldwide pandemic. As stated previously, the SAPS has made clear that Msukaligwa Local Municipality is required to take action in this regard, and the buck cannot be passed to the SAPS, or any other law enforcement company, by MLM stating that “residents should report incidents such as these”. Upon enquiry as to how MLM plans to curb the increasing numbers of party-goers at the dam, the following response was submitted: “It is a common knowledge that as a country, we are still under the National State of Disaster (COVID-19) as extended by the Minister of Cooperative and Traditional Affairs in terms of section 27(5)(c ) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 , the extension commenced from 15 of August 2020 to 15 September 2020 in terms of Government Notice 756, published in Government Gazette 43524. Enforcement officers are mandated under the Disaster Management Act, 2002 and regulations, if anyone contravene the regulations, the Enforcement Officer is expected to execute his or her her duties in terms of guideline regarding enforcement of the State of Disaster Regulations. Members of the public who commits an offence in terms of the Act, can expect the following: A person may be arrested or requested to accompany an enforcement officer to a police station. If the offence is of a serious nature, the person may be detained, subject hereto that he or she must be brought before a court as soon as reasonably possible, but not later than 48 hours after the arrest. The person may apply for bail at his or her appearance in court. If the offence is less serious, the community service centre commander or the senior member of the SAPS in charge must consider the release of a person (in consultation with the investigating officer) ─ (a) on written warning to appear in court (section 72 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977) (A form SAPS 496 will be issued with a court date); (b) on written notice (section 56 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977) (A form J 534 will be issued with an option to pay a fine or appear in court on the date indicated on the form. This option enables a person to pay an admission of guilt fine and to be released thereafter. This means that the person will not have to appear in court, but by paying the admission of guilt fine, it is regarded as if the person has been conviction in court on the charge and the person will have criminal record); (c) on bail (sections 59 and 59A of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977) [J398 or J399] (This means that an amount for the bail will be determined by the relevant police official or the prosecutor. The person will have to appear on a date indicated on the receipt); (d)after a charge has been withdrawn through an arrangement with the Public Prosecutor; or (e)if he or she was detained as a suspect, but is released from detention before the expiry of the 48-hour period because no charge is brought against him or her(section 50(1)(c) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977) [SAPS 328]. The municipality reiterates that it does not have municipal police like Metros or City ( Johannesburg, Tshwane, eThekweni etc). The municipality relies on the SAPS to enforce the by-laws, same as Parliament makes, laws and law enforcement agencies enforce those laws, not parliament.” In light of this response, residents who feel threatened, or are distraught by misbehavior at the Pet Dam, may contact the SAPS on 017 819 7803, or contact ACSU on 017 811 1274. < Previous Article Next Article >

GMM executive mayor blames ineptitude on electricity theft GMM Executive mayor, Cllr. Yvonne Ngxonono. GMM Executive mayor, Cllr. Yvonne Ngxonono. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 11 August 2020 The stress and frustration of the endless rotational load shedding in Bethal and eMzinoni is reaching breaking point, and residents are demanding answers as to why Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) issue was not attended to in a timely and effective manner. Instead, GMM dragged their feet for months on end, much like Msukaligwa Local Municipality is doing at the moment. Amidst backlash from a previous statement that apartheid was at fault for the dismal service delivery, electrical outages and other issues faced by Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, the GMM executive mayor, Ms Ngxonono, stated during a virtual council meeting that approximately 60% of the council’s electricity losses is due to theft. Residents have taken it upon themselves to drag GMM to court due to their utter lack of governance in their jurisdiction, with the brunt of the complaints stemming from the lack of service delivery and the supply of electricity. The stress and frustration of the endless rotational load shedding in Bethal and eMzinoni is reaching breaking point, and residents are demanding answers as to why Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) issue was not attended to in a timely and effective manner. Instead, GMM dragged their feet for months on end, much like Msukaligwa Local Municipality is doing at the moment. At this stage, GMM is cornered, with no more excuses to pull out of their hat of evasion. Residents and businesses demand answers, and GMM is in the hot seat. Unfortunately, the virtual meeting resulted in all talk and no action, with a solution for the struggles faced by these residents still remaining in limbo. Protests, unrest and dissatisfaction is part of the daily lives of residents under the broken wing of GMM governance. Teetering on total bankruptcy, GMM now faces lengthy court battles as residents raise up and demand answers, and most importantly, change to competent leadership, as more political parties gets involved in curbing the gross incompetence displayed by GMM. < Previous Article Next Article >

No light at the end of the load reduction tunnel 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 21 July 2020 According to MLM, higher demand due to the winter cold, coupled with illegal connections leads to load reduction implementation. This is also the root of the unexpected outages, according to MLM. Several enquiries as to what the long term plan for the recovery of the system is, remains a mystery, and replies from MLM circumvents direct answer relating to an employable plan of action. MLM states that theft and vandalism is also a major contributor to unplanned outages. Much to the frustration and pure irritation of residents of Ermelo and the surroundings, Msukaligwa Local Municipality has implemented daily load reductions since middle May 2020, with no end in sight, as the infrastructure regresses toward oblivion. According to MLM spokesman, Mr. Zwane, MLM emphasizes that residents should use electricity sparingly to avoid overloading of the 88kV-substation by switching of all non-essential electric appliances from 17:00 to 21:00. Scores of residents have scoffed at this notion, as to many it appears to be an illogical request to expect residents to switch off appliances during peak time. Many have also questioned the fact that the apparently serenely constrained electrical network miraculously recovers after the “peak times” stated by MLM. According to MLM, higher demand due to the winter cold, coupled with illegal connections leads to load reduction implementation. This is also the root of the unexpected outages, according to MLM. Several enquiries as to what the long term plan for the recovery of the system is, remains a mystery, and replies from MLM circumvents direct answer relating to an employable plan of action. MLM states that theft and vandalism is also a major contributor to unplanned outages. However, the state of the substations and mini-subs in Ermelo tells a different story. Whereas MLM claims that vandalism and similar crimes play a major role in the regression of the electrical infrastructure, poor and non-existent maintenance on the electrical structures tells a different tale. A vast majority of the substations are rusting, eroding, and without doors or covers. With the rain season coming, these substations and their electrical components need to be protected from moisture, and without doors and covers this will not be the case. With the challenges currently faced by MLM, it would be reasonable to expect that preventative maintenance and measures employed now, would save the municipality a large amount of time, money and effort, should they have to replace melted components and cables should substations flashes. It would be logical to assume that if the substation and mini-substation doors were locked, as required by law, the theft, tampering and vandalims would be less of an issue. At this point there have been substations and mini-subs in Ermelo that has been left without covers for a year or more, without maintenance or repair. A resident in Chris de Villiers Street has explicitly stated that she has contacted the municipal call centre on several occasions regarding the state of the subs in this area, but to no avail, and the call centre failing to provide a reference number for tracking. The call centre operators allegedly state that “the issue will be reported to the electrical team”, and then, seemingly, gets lost in translation. At this point in time, resident have to grin and bear the load reductions employed by the municipality, was now states that residents should switch off electrical appliances during load reduction, as failure to do so may lead to transformer trips, which will result in damage to household appliances upon supply restoration. An enquiry submitted regarding the maintenance issues were ignored by Msukaligwa Local Municipality. < Previous Article Next Article >

COGTA to probe municipal disarray Mandla Msibi, COGTA MEC. Mandla Msibi, COGTA MEC. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 10 November 2020 “We have adopted a zero tolerance towards unauthorized, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure. We have turned down for condonation of the expenditure. We are demanding accountability where wasteful expenditure has occurred.” Msibi said. Co-operative governance and traditional affairs (COGTA) chairperson, China Dodovu, and COGTA MEC Mandla Msibi, are probing the financial status of local municipalities, governance, audit outcomes and service delivery matters were among the key issues that the committee focused on during a visit to three embattled municipalities. More municipalities are under scrutiny, and will be announced in due course. Non-compliance to legislation, lack of consequence management and failure to adhere to payment plans are among the contributing factors that caused the troubled local municipalities, Govan Mbeki, Thaba Chweu and Dr JS Moroka to collapse, the oversight committee of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) announced. “We observed the tendency to ignore legislation in the municipality (Govan Mbeki). We also noted that it has failed to submit financial statements to the Auditor-General (AG). The Eskom debt escalated into millions of rands. This is a serious cause for concern. Where was the leadership when all of this occurred?” asked Dodovu during the sitting in Govan Mbeki Local Municipality. COGTA briefed the committee about the decision to invoke Section 106 of the Constitution as an intervention to deal with allegations of maladministration, and as a measure for clean governance in Govan Mbeki. Msibi told the committee about the steps being taken to address financial mismanagement in all municipalities. “We have adopted a zero tolerance towards unauthorized, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure. We have turned down for condonation of the expenditure. We are demanding accountability where wasteful expenditure has occurred.” Msibi said. < Previous Article Next Article >

SAHRC complaint lodged against Msukaligwa Local Municipality 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 30 March 2021 "They think that we’re idiots, that we can’t see that they are lying." As many residents in Breyten, Chrissiesmeer and surrounding areas sit with dry taps for more than 60 days, a big hoopla has been made by the National Government regarding the Greater Breyten Water Supply Scheme Project, which will be completed in 2024. David Mahlobo, deputy minister of the Department of Water and Sanitation, Cllr Muzi Chirwa, executive mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality, and Agnes Mnisi, acting executive mayor of Msukaligwa Municipality, launched the project in Warburton. The grand announcement was even accompanied by a “water saving” theme, in which “valuing water” was the focal point. This project, touted to solve all the water supply issues faced by residents, was met with grim dissatisfaction from residents who struggle with constant water outages on a daily basis, most notably in Breyten. “I work at a mine near Breyten, and the useless municipality expects me to make do with no water for weeks on end. It is a struggle on a daily basis, and Msukaligwa Municipality just doesn’t care,” one resident stated. While residents suffer for weeks on end, a few good Samaritans have made their boreholes available for neighbors to utilize. The promised water tankers from Msukaligwa Local Municipality also rarely make their arrival. “If the tankers arrive to deliver water, it is during the day. We are all at work during daytime, a tanker arriving at a closed door helps bugger all. The municipality just talks a load of rubbish, and makes empty promises that they fail to fulfill,” an extremely irate resident told the Tribune ePaper. Another resident lamented the constant barrage of alleged lies and tomfoolery from MLM with the greatest of disgust. “I have an entire folder of screenshots from messages that the municipality sends, filled with poor excuses promises they never deliver on. They think that we’re idiots, that we can’t see that they are lying. The stories that they fabricate are nowhere near the same as the stories that our ward councillors tell us,” another resident explosively stated. “The call centre is just another useless part of the municipality. All they feed us are lies upon lies, and the stories they make up doesn’t even remotely coincide with what the technicians and municipal speakers on the WhatsApp group tells us. They don’t even give us reference numbers, they don’t take our details. What is the use of a call centre, if they don’t answer the phones 99% of the time?” he barked angrily. Speaking to Msukaligwa Local Municipality, no tangible information have been forthcoming either. Apart from the copy and paste response that residents have come to expect by now, citing the usual scapegoats of lack of equipment, and the old faithful trump card stating lack of funds and a cut budget, no concrete plan of action has been made available. MLM stated that vandalism of infrastructure is the main culprit of the outages, amongst other issues faced. However, there has been no action taken to actively remedy the situation in Breyten. Instead, the project from the DWS is being used a show horse to appease the residents, instead of immediate action being taken. “What is this nonsense about a water pipeline upgrade. We don’t care about upgrades. They just use it to pretend that they’re doing something for residents. We are struggling with water right now. Some of us have been without water for 5 months, and now the municipality comes with a story of water supply in 2024. What will that water help us in two years? Must we then live without water for two years until the municipality decides that it wants to care about residents? It is a joke.” a resident from KwaZanele told the Tribune ePaper. A large collective or residents have had absolutely no water since February 2021, and it’s not getting any better. Empty promises and tall tales from Msukaligwa Local Municipality further frustrates residents, and a complete lack of response from ward councillors further fan the flames. While the project seems like a magnificent initiative from local authorities and national government, sadly, they have been forced to act on water shortages following a successful complaint by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). The DA held a public meeting in Skaapruiz informal settlement, with a specific focus of addressing this community’s concerns over the lack of water and greater service delivery, whereafter the DA submitted a letter to the SAHRC, requesting the Commission to investigate the provision of water in Skaapruiz and Nyibe. Research from the 2016/2017 Integrated Development Plan revealed that residents in Sheepmoore, Lothair, Chrissiesmeer and other areas of Msukaligwa Local Municipality have also complained of a lack of water, and the DA has included these areas in the complaint to the SAHRC. Following the complaint, the DA was informed that the municipality planned, and took steps to ensure that water given to Skaapruiz in the form of tankers, would be increased to three times a week, and this provision would be further increased to five times a week in July 2020. It was also found that water demand in Sheepmoore exceeds what the municipal boreholes can supply. The construction of a 7.1km pipeline from the Usuthu Vaal pipeline to Sheepmoore, as well as various upgrades were proposed. In Lothair, MLM plans to resuscitate the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant project, and construct a pipeline between Breyten and Lothair. In Chrissiesmeer, there are plans to keep the reservoirs at 50% to maintain pressure. Speaking to Jane Sithole, the DA leader in Mpumalanga, she told the Tribune ePaper that further investigations would be focused on Breyten in particular, as the magnitude of the lack of water supply to residents is unacceptable. “The provision of water is a basic human right, and to expect residents to endure further hardships through failure of service delivery is unacceptable,” she stated. “The DA will investigate the supply issues in Breyten, and provide updates as to the progress.” she concluded. The Tribune ePaper lodged an enquiry with Msukaligwa Local Municipality, requesting a statement regarding the complaints with the SAHRC, and what Msukaligwa Local Municipality is doing to remedy the immediate situation to alleviate the plight of residents in Breyten and other areas. MLM replied with the following: “There's nothing untoward and/or unheard of in a constitutional democracy that a chapter nine institution, be it public protector or Human Rights Commission of South Africa, will from time to time intervene on behalf of the citizenry, and to issue out directives as and when they deem it necessary to any organ of state. This indicates the effectiveness of the chapter nine institutions.” The Tribune ePaper is working closely with Jane Sithole, and will provide updates as it becomes available. < Previous Article Next Article >

Residents have had it in chunks 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 3 May 2022 "A municipality cannot be run by friends and family who don't even have a Grade 12 qualification. Everyone is acting, but nobody steps up to take the blame for the failures." Chaos erupted at Msukaligwa Local Municipality on Thursday, 28 April 2022, when a number of answer-seeking community members arrived at the municipal offices. Whilst the main reason for the gathering was the fact that they have been left without water and electricity for more than ten days while municipal officials beat around the bush, they also vented their frustration at the alleged nepotism and corruption within the municipality. According to the well known community champion, Mzwandile Zulu, several decisions have been made within the municipality that contravenes both the ANC mandate, as well as the rules of conduct as set forth in the constitution. According to Zulu, far-reaching decisions were made during a council meeting where an inadequate number of councillors were present. Therefore all members of council were either not aware or consulted on decisions taken by the acting troika members. The question of the original troika members also lingered, where the community stated that the elected troika was unlawfully removed, and replaced with the action trio, who had allegedly been appointed through means of nepotism. On the day, the community demanded answers as to the lack of transparency at the municipality, and the empty promises made by the acting leadership. Despite the fact that, according to the community, the municipality stated that a transformer was the cause of the extended electrical in a large area, which included Everest and Thusi Village, they failed to deliver the needed repairs and replacement in the timeframe promised. The municipality had relayed a message to the community that the transformer would be fixed a week prior to the date of the community protest. However, no action had been taken by the municipality at the time of the gathering. From behind barred entrance gates, the municipality provided a proof of payment for the equipment needed, and claimed that the transformer would be delivered on the same day 28 April 2022. However, residents were having none of it, claiming it's just more deception from the municipality. Community leaders demanded to speak to one of the municipal leadership, of which none were to be found. The acting mayor, municipal manager and speaker were nowhere to be found, which further infuriated residents. Instead of a person in a leadership position stepping up and taking the rap, it was left to councillors and community leaders to convey messages to try and quell the fed-up community. Instead of municipal leaders taking charge of the situation and providing clarity on questions from the community, the municipality opted to bar the entrance to the municipality. Thousands of Rands in income had been lost, as residents who wished to pay their utility bills were turned away due municipal officials refusing to unlock the entrance gates. The security company employed by the municipality had blatantly refused to unlock the entrance, despite pleas from several councillors. With the acting mayor and municipal manager disappearing like needles in a haystack, Cllr Zulu was forced to step up to the plate, attempting to answer the questions set fort by the community. However, he could only provide limited answers, being an outsider himself, while municipal top brass allegedly take important decisions behind closed doors. The elected council is reportedly hampered around every corner, being excluded from important decisions which require a majority vote to pass. Community members also claim that the top structure at the municipality has laid off various long-time municipal employees to make way for friends, wives, girlfriends and more, who are reportedly wholly unqualified to perform their duties. Some of the alleged cadre employments do not, according to Mzwandile Zulu, possess a Grade 12 qualification. This is one of the fundamental requirements of employment, which is circumvented. "The acting leadership should step down at Msukaligwa Local Municipality. There is no accountability in the municipality. First and foremost, they have been appointed to their positions without the mandate being followed. Protocol has been breached with their employment at the municipality, which flies directly in the face of what President Ramaphosa had said during the recent ANC election rally. Corruption is running rampant while the community suffers. The entire town is going to the dogs while the leadership at Msukaligwa fight for the political top positions. If you don't agree with the methods, you simply get removed without warning. The community needs selfless leadership, which adheres to the mandate set forth my the ANC. Instead, they are making up their own rules, and in so doing they violate the constitution and the rights of the community. How is this acceptable?" Mzwandile Zulu said. He also stated that the political power play within the municipality is bringing the municipality, services and everything surrounding it, to its knees. The decisions taking behind closed doors are negatively affecting the community and businesses of Msukaligwa. "How can a decision be taken when a large number of council members are not present to partake in the decision? Fourteen council members out of more than thirty were present, and major decisions have been taken which serve no purpose other than political power plays. Whenever there are questions to be answered, they run and hide in their offices. How can a municipality function if there is nobody in the office, as they claim? There is nobody to take responsibility for what is happening to our town. Look at the roads. Look at the business district. Look at the informal settlements. It is a disgrace. It is one acting official after the next acting official, of whom none have a stake in our community. They are brought in from outside locations and unconstitutionally and unlawfully placed in power positions, without being elected. President Ramaphosa has clearly stated the mandate and requirements to be elected, but a large number of power positions are filled by dropouts, who have friends in high places. A municipality cannot be run by friends and family who don't even have a Grade 12 qualification. Everyone is acting, but nobody steps up to take the blame for the failures,” he said with disdain. The community has vowed to return, and demand that a complete cleanup of the municipality be put in order. Demands include that the acting troika step down, and that an internal investigation and audit be conducted within Msukaligwa Local Municipality to oust the political rot. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

MLM sheds light on municipal load shedding 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 7 July 2020 “The Executive Mayor of MLM has been on Community radio stations several time explaining load reductions, and it also forms part of State of Municipal Address which was streamed live on the Municipal Facebook page, and simulcasted in community radio stations. No one said the load reductions is permanent solution. The Tribune recently communicated with Msukaligwa Local Municipality, regarding the remedy to the load shedding situation, and posed a number of questions to the communication department. As municipal load shedding is not a long term solution to the issues faced by the municipality, it is not acceptable to appease the community with statements claiming that “they are working on a solution”, but no further indication as to the way forward. The reply received to the aforementioned is as follows: “The Executive Mayor of MLM has been on Community radio stations several time explaining load reductions, and it also forms part of State of Municipal Address which was streamed live on the Municipal Facebook page, and simulcasted in community radio stations. No one said the load reductions is permanent solution. Load reduction is due the power demand that has spiked, during winter months which is exacerbated by the illegal connections a fact that is denied by good-self. In averting possible power blackouts, the municipal implement the load reductions which is standard norm in situations like this, Eskom is doing it and individual households does it when there’s overload. The municipality on an ongoing program is implementing the cutting off of the illegal connections from grid. The municipal has engaged for an increase Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) for all strained substations, it must be noted that the process is a cumbersome and long process that will also have huge financial implications. The municipality has developed electricity infrastructure master in order to address capacity and infrastructure challenges within Msukaligwa Local Municipality. The projected funds needed to address the capacity and infrastructure is R81 416 785.21. The municipality has since submitted the plan to national and provincial government,” Mandla Zwane, MLM spokesperson, stated. The Tribune also enquired as to will be held responsible for damages suffered by residents who are left without electricity extended periods of time. Rotting meat, deep freezes running down, and food spoiling in fridges, as well as damage to electronics are included, amongst others. MLM dodged elaborating on the question, and simply stated “anyone who has a complaint with municipality, referred such to municipality.” Therefore it can be assumed that residents who suffer damages due to lack of service provision from MLM must approach the legal department to submit a claim against the municipality. Lastly, the Tribune enquired as to what MLM plans to improve communication during electrical outages, as a myriad of residents complain that either the call centre does not answer the phone, or the outage is not attended to in a timely manner. Updates on restoration times often do not reflect the actual restoration of electricity. “During the power outages, sometimes the Call Centre is also affected, the calls are get in as the telephone system at the Call Centre function only when there’s power. The municipality has proactively issued schedules for the load reductions. The municipality is in the procurement process of a new hybrid telephone system, and hosting of the contact Centre is at the advanced stage. The municipality urges the public to have patience, as this matter is been addressed/resolved. The incessant power outages put a strain on the Municipality as well.” Zwane concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >