Search this site

TLU SA to raise awareness of farm attacks 1/0 Share GK CRONJE 4 August 2020 “This year we already faced 35 murders in 180 farm attacks. These are not statistics. They are people. South Africans often do not realize the scale of the impact of attacks on agriculture as a whole and ultimately, on food production.” Therefore, on 14 August 2020, TLU SA will virtually walk around South Africa in 24 hours in protest against the 5 530 farm attacks since 1990. TLU SA is anxious about the increase in farm attacks, which this weekend lead to five murders. It earnestly urges farmers, their families and workers to be alert at all times. “The nine attacks of this weekend confirmed our observation that the marked decrease in violent crimes on farms during the first week of the lockdown, was shortlived. The first six months of 2020 mirror the same period in 2019,” says Mr. Henry Geldenhuys, the chairman of TLU SA’s Safety Committee, and deputy president of TLU SA. Apart from the increase in crime, the lockdown also leads to further complications when police stations have to close temporarily after exposure to COVID-19. The public often does not have any alternative numbers for SAPS members at these stations, and they are left to their own devices during attacks. “It’s been some time since TLU SA realized they could not depend on the government to safeguard them,” says Mr. Geldenhuys. “People who live on farms increasingly have to make use of their own abilities and capacity to ensure their safety. The solution lies in personal alertness and readiness.” From the feedback after failed attacks, it is clear that victims who were highly alert and ready, with a weapon on hand, and could effectively prevent an attack. The reaction of a well-organized Farm Watch, made up of members who knows the environment and residents, is invaluable when the reaction time and effective action of the police are limited. Safety starts with the individual farmer, then the family and workers and then branches out to neighbours, Farm Watch and the police. It is crucial to be prepared by keeping a weapon for self-defense within reach, to have your contingency plan in place, and ensuring the ability to communicate from the farm, is established. TLU SA urgently requests farmers to join local safety structures and always to be alert. The farmers of South Africa are of vital importance. They have the particular knowledge and expertise to farm in a marginal agriculture country to produce food for our tables. They are viewed as some of the best farmers in the world. South African farmers continue making plans; through drought, through lockdown, through attacks. “Unfortunately, the attacks on South Africa’s farmers, their families and workers are increasing and becoming more and more brutal,” says Mr. Henry Geldenhuys. “This year we already faced 35 murders in 180 farm attacks. These are not statistics. They are people. South Africans often do not realize the scale of the impact of attacks on agriculture as a whole and ultimately, on food production.” Therefore, on 14 August 2020, TLU SA will virtually walk around South Africa in 24 hours in protest against the 5 530 farm attacks since 1990. During the same time, 2 083 persons were ripped from the lives of their families, friends and communities. With the virtual protest walk of 5 530km, TLU SA hopes to focus enough attention on these crimes to force the government to do more than speak empty words. Farm attacks, as a priority crime, must receive the same attention and focus other serious crimes do. “We realize that no campaign or protest march on its own can bring an end to crime, but it is important to create awareness of the problem, here and abroad. We know it lies in the hands of communities to combat crime as there is a lack of political will from the government to control the situation. We want all South Africans who are fed up with crime, to take part in this protest march.” concluded Mr. Geldenhuys. If you require more information, or have any enquiries, you may contact Mr. Geldenhuys on 083 560 1273. < Previous Article Next Article >

Don’t miss SARS deadline 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 16 March 2021 For more details on the submission of payroll data and the online platforms available for submission, employers can visit the PAYE page on the SARS website www.sars.gov.za . The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is calling on employers to prepare data for the annual employers filing season. “SARS calls on employers to ensure that they are ready to submit their annual reconciliation declarations with the latest and most accurate payroll information about their employees and the tax they have deducted,” said the revenue service. The revenue service said it is committed to providing certainty and clarity to all taxpayers and traders regarding their tax and customs obligations so that they can remain compliant and to ensure that transacting with the organization is as simple and easy as possible. At the same time, SARS expects that providers of third-party information from institutions who administer medical aid schemes, retirement annuities and others also provide the latest and accurate information to make it easy for taxpayers who are required to file an income tax return, stated the revenue service. However, the ease and simplicity of transactions with SARS depends on each segment of taxpayers, traders and third parties fulfilling their legal obligations to ensure a seamless service offering by SARS. The data that must be submitted to SARS from employers should cover the monthly employer declarations submitted, payments made and Tax Certificates (IRP5/IT3) as generated, covering the full tax year from 1 March to 28 February. Information submitted by third parties should cover the same tax period. “From the side of employers, their payroll data is of vital importance to SARS. Firstly, it gives a reconciled account of what amounts of tax the employer deducted from the taxable remuneration of each of its employees. Secondly, it shows what amount of tax the employer has paid to SARS on behalf of the employee. It also records other allowances that an employer pays to an employee as part of their remuneration benefits,” said the revenue service. Based on this payroll information and data from third parties, SARS will be able to issue an income tax return to taxpayers that is pre-populated with the relevant information for the ease and convenience of taxpayers who do not have complex tax affairs. For these taxpayers, filing a return becomes a simple matter of checking that all the information pre-populated on the return is correct and then submitting the return to SARS.” Employers and third parties have from 1 April 2021, until 31 May 2021 to submit their data to SARS. Employers who fail to submit payroll data on time may become liable for late submission penalties of up to 10% of the value of their payroll. “In the interests of their employers and a seamless and hassle-free filing season, we urge all employers to now prepare accurate and up-to-date information that should be submitted to SARS. “ For more details on the submission of payroll data and the online platforms available for submission, employers can visit the PAYE page on the SARS website www.sars.gov.za . < Previous Article Next Article >

Lyke ontbind in staats lykshuis 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 5 July 2022 Lykshuis koelkamers is al minstens twee weke buite werking, wat daarnatoe lei dat die lyke ontbind as gevolg van die gebrek aan verkoeling. Die Tribune het ‘n steurende anonieme wenk ontvang vanaf ‘n fluitjieblaser, rakende die toestand van die lykshuis koelkamers by die Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal, wat beide die hoof koelkamer, sowel as by die forensiese afdeling insluit. Na aanleiding van bewerings is dié lykshuis koelkamers minstens twee weke buite werking, wat daarnatoe lei dat die lyke ontbind as gevolg van die gebrek aan verkoeling. Bewerings rakende die beperkte spasie by een van die koelkamers is ook kommerwekkend, waar lyke na bewering op mekaar gestapel word. Dié koelkamers se wisselvallige werking word na vermoede toegeëien aan die munisipaliteit se onvermoë om stabiele elektrisiteitstoevoer te verskaf, sowel as Eskom se onlangse beurtkrag. Na bewering is die kragopwekker nie genoegsaam om die lading te hanteer nie. Die Tribune het Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal se Korporatiewe Dienste gekontak rakende die bewerings. Dié het egter doodluiters en ongeskik geweier om enige informasie te verskaf, of om die bewerings te ontken. Die hoof uitvoerende beampte se kontak nommer was ten tye van kontak direk na stempos. Dumisani Malamule, woordvoerder vir die provinsiale Departement van Gesondheid, het terugvoer verskaf vanaf die departement, en lui as volg: “Die Departement wil graag meld dat daar geen lyke is wat op mekaar gestapel is nie. Lyke word deur hul familielede opgeëis onmiddellik nadat hulle van hul dood ingelig is. Die gesinne sou gewoonlik hul eie private begrafnisondernemer aanstel wat die liggaam tot begrafnis sal hou. Die enigste lyke wat in die forensiese lykshuis is, is dié wat wag vir die nadoodse ondersoek. Daar is ook baie min liggame wat ons armlastiges noem. Dit is liggame wat onbekend is. Gewoonlik, na 'n sekere tydperk, word die liggame deur die staat begrawe as niemand na vore kom om dit op te eis nie. As gevolg van die feit dat hierdie liggame vir langer tydperke in die lykshuis was terwyl hulle wag vir prosesse om moontlike familielede op te spoor, sal hulle 'n ongemaklike reuk afgee, selfs wanneer die yskaste in 'n werkende toestand is. Ja, die yskaste is geraak deur die lang ure se beurtkrag, wat gelei het tot hul beskadiging en nie-werkende toestand. Die Departement het toe 'n diensverskaffer aangestel om dit met onmiddellike effek te herstel, maar daar was 'n mate van vertraging van die diensverskaffer se kant af, en dit het daartoe gelei dat die liggame selfs meer onaangenaam ruik. Maar vanaf verlede week het die diensverskaffer die yskaste herstel, en hulle is nou in werkende kondisie. Die Departement is tans besig met Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit om 'n manier te vind om die onbekende lyke te begrawe, aangesien dit volgens wet die verantwoordelikheid bly van plaaslike munisipaliteite om die lyke te begrawe wat nie opgeëis is nie.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Three men, aged between 30 and 32, appeared before the Carolina Magistrate’s Court on charges of kidnapping, assault with an intent to cause grievous bodily harm, as well as murder. The trio was arrested on 4 September 2020. Their arrest follows an investigation by the SAPS, which revealed details of an incident that took place on Friday, 14 August 2020. It is alleged that the three men were driving in a vehicle, where they stopped upon noticing two males, aged 22 and 35. Allegations state that the two were then forced by these suspects into their vehicle, and were taken to a storeroom, where they were severely assaulted with an iron pipe as a form of punishment for allegedly insulting their colleague.  The matter was reported to the police, and the victims were taken to hospital after sustaining serious injuries. One of the victims made a statement to the police, and a case was opened. The victim later succumbed to his injuries in hospital on 1 September 2020. The second victim survived the attack. Preliminary investigations has since revealed that, amongst the men fingered in the whole saga, one is employed as manager at a local chain store. The other two suspects were found to be an assistant and a security guard. The case has been postponed to 16 September for further investigation, and formal bail hearing. The suspects have been remanded in custody. Three men nabbed on kidnapping, murder and assault charges Three men nabbed on kidnapping, murder and assault charges 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 8 September 2020 The victim later succumbed to his injuries in hospital on 1 September 2020. The second victim survived the attack. Preliminary investigations has since revealed that, amongst the men fingered in the whole saga, one is employed as manager at a local chain store. The other two suspects were found to be an assistant and a security guard. Three men, aged between 30 and 32, appeared before the Carolina Magistrate’s Court on charges of kidnapping, assault with an intent to cause grievous bodily harm, as well as murder. The trio was arrested on 4 September 2020. Their arrest follows an investigation by the SAPS, which revealed details of an incident that took place on Friday, 14 August 2020. It is alleged that the three men were driving in a vehicle, where they stopped upon noticing two males, aged 22 and 35. Allegations state that the two were then forced by these suspects into their vehicle, and were taken to a storeroom, where they were severely assaulted with an iron pipe as a form of punishment for allegedly insulting their colleague. The matter was reported to the police, and the victims were taken to hospital after sustaining serious injuries. One of the victims made a statement to the police, and a case was opened. The victim later succumbed to his injuries in hospital on 1 September 2020. The second victim survived the attack. Preliminary investigations has since revealed that, amongst the men fingered in the whole saga, one is employed as manager at a local chain store. The other two suspects were found to be an assistant and a security guard. The case has been postponed to 16 September for further investigation, and formal bail hearing. The suspects have been remanded in custody. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mbhasobhi Amos Zulu (39) appeared before the Bethal Magistrate Court for fraud worth one million Rand on Tuesday, 23 August 2022. Zulu was, on 14 July 2022, served with summons by the Middelburg based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation to appear in court to face his fraud allegations. It is alleged that the suspect met with his victims, informed them about his business, and that they must invest in his company, Mbhasi Trading (PTY) LTD. The victims signed an investment agreement with the suspect on 28 August 2020. The contract was between the Mbhasa Trading PTY LTD, and the victims as investors, provided the contract holder with financial investment amount of R85 000, paid by electronic fund transfer (EFT). The alleged contract also stated that the investment shall be paid back to the investors with returns, as a lump sum of R302 370 on or before 30 September 2020. After the contract was signed, several EFTs were made to the victims between 4 September and the 7 October 2020, and the suspect allegedly received a total amount of  R3 910 000. The suspect manufactured a fraudulent proof of payment from his account 8 August 2020, claiming that the total transfer amount of R3 910 000 did not all reflect on the receiving account, and the suspects suffered a total loss of R1 256 000. The suspect appeared before the Bethal Magistrate Court, and the case was transferred to Bethal Regional Court, where it was postponed to 30 August 2022 for further investigation. Fraudster nabbed by Hawks Fraudster nabbed by Hawks 1/1 Share Supplied Content 26 August 2022 The alleged contract also stated that the investment shall be paid back to the investors with returns, as a lump sum of R302 370 on or before 30 September 2020. Mbhasobhi Amos Zulu (39) appeared before the Bethal Magistrate Court for fraud worth one million Rand on Tuesday, 23 August 2022. Zulu was, on 14 July 2022, served with summons by the Middelburg based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation to appear in court to face his fraud allegations. It is alleged that the suspect met with his victims, informed them about his business, and that they must invest in his company, Mbhasi Trading (PTY) LTD. The victims signed an investment agreement with the suspect on 28 August 2020. The contract was between the Mbhasa Trading PTY LTD, and the victims as investors, provided the contract holder with financial investment amount of R85 000, paid by electronic fund transfer (EFT). The alleged contract also stated that the investment shall be paid back to the investors with returns, as a lump sum of R302 370 on or before 30 September 2020. After the contract was signed, several EFTs were made to the victims between 4 September and the 7 October 2020, and the suspect allegedly received a total amount of R3 910 000. The suspect manufactured a fraudulent proof of payment from his account 8 August 2020, claiming that the total transfer amount of R3 910 000 did not all reflect on the receiving account, and the suspects suffered a total loss of R1 256 000. The suspect appeared before the Bethal Magistrate Court, and the case was transferred to Bethal Regional Court, where it was postponed to 30 August 2022 for further investigation. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mfanafuthi Gift Hleza (32), a senior traffic officer from Msukalikwa Local Municipality, was arrested on charges of alleged corruption during a multi-disciplinary intelligence driven operation. The operation was undertaken by members of the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team in Mpumalanga, together with members of Road Traffic Management Cooperation (RTMC) Head Office on Wednesday, 3 March 2021. The arrest followed after several complaints were received about the law enforcement officers who were allegedly soliciting bribes from the public who commit traffic violations. The operation was conducted on 22 February 2021, where the said officer allegedly demanded bribery from the officials (undercover agent) . Further investigation also established that members of the public who committed serious traffic violations were not prosecuted, but gratifications were allegedly paid to corrupt officials. The suspect appeared before the Ermelo Magistrate Court on the same day and he was released on R1500 bail. The case has been postponed to 26 March 2021 for further investigation. Corrupt traffic officer caught red-handed Corrupt traffic officer caught red-handed 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 9 March 2021 Hleza was arrested whilst allegedly attempting to bribe an undercover Hawks agent. Mfanafuthi Gift Hleza (32), a senior traffic officer from Msukalikwa Local Municipality, was arrested on charges of alleged corruption during a multi-disciplinary intelligence driven operation. The operation was undertaken by members of the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team in Mpumalanga, together with members of Road Traffic Management Cooperation (RTMC) Head Office on Wednesday, 3 March 2021. The arrest followed after several complaints were received about the law enforcement officers who were allegedly soliciting bribes from the public who commit traffic violations. The operation was conducted on 22 February 2021, where the said officer allegedly demanded bribery from the officials (undercover agent) . Further investigation also established that members of the public who committed serious traffic violations were not prosecuted, but gratifications were allegedly paid to corrupt officials. The suspect appeared before the Ermelo Magistrate Court on the same day and he was released on R1500 bail. The case has been postponed to 26 March 2021 for further investigation. < Previous Article Next Article >

AfriForum se Ermelo-buurtwag het patrollietoerusting ontvang wat glimbaadjies, patrolliemagnete en patrollieligte insluit. AfriForum se patrolleerders ontvang opleiding in dié toerusting, wat tydens patrollies gebruik kan word. AfriForum se patrolleerders regoor Suid-Afrika ontvang dieselfde opleiding en toerusting om te verseker dat al AfriForum se veiligheidstrukture as ’n eenheid kan werk en erkenbaar is. “Hierdie toerusting saam met opleiding soos patrollieopleiding, regsaspekte en misdaadtoneelbewaring verseker dat AfriForum-buurtwaglede bevoeg is om enige situasie op die regte manier te kan hanteer,” sê Hillel Coetzer, AfriForum se hoof van Gemeenskapsveiligheid vir die noordstreek. Sluit aan by AfriForum se Ermelo-buurtwag. SMS “Ermelo” na 45350 (R1). AfriForum se Ermelo-buurtwag ontvang toerusting AfriForum se Ermelo-buurtwag ontvang toerusting AfriForum se Ermelo-buurtwag het patrollietoerusting ontvang wat glimbaadjies, patrolliemagnete en patrollieligte insluit. 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 22 September 2020 “Hierdie toerusting saam met opleiding soos patrollieopleiding, regsaspekte en misdaadtoneelbewaring verseker dat AfriForum-buurtwaglede bevoeg is om enige situasie op die regte manier te kan hanteer,” sê Hillel Coetzer, AfriForum se hoof van Gemeenskapsveiligheid vir die noordstreek. AfriForum se Ermelo-buurtwag het patrollietoerusting ontvang wat glimbaadjies, patrolliemagnete en patrollieligte insluit. AfriForum se patrolleerders ontvang opleiding in dié toerusting, wat tydens patrollies gebruik kan word. AfriForum se patrolleerders regoor Suid-Afrika ontvang dieselfde opleiding en toerusting om te verseker dat al AfriForum se veiligheidstrukture as ’n eenheid kan werk en erkenbaar is. “Hierdie toerusting saam met opleiding soos patrollieopleiding, regsaspekte en misdaadtoneelbewaring verseker dat AfriForum-buurtwaglede bevoeg is om enige situasie op die regte manier te kan hanteer,” sê Hillel Coetzer, AfriForum se hoof van Gemeenskapsveiligheid vir die noordstreek. Sluit aan by AfriForum se Ermelo-buurtwag. SMS “Ermelo” na 45350 (R1). < Previous Article Next Article >

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. 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 >

"He excels in creating consensus among diverse groups, and he is fully committed to the creation of better life for all." Mkhondo ex-municipal manager appointed at MLM 1/1 Share Content Supplied 18 August 2022 "He excels in creating consensus among diverse groups, and he is fully committed to the creation of better life for all." Msukaligwa Local Council appointed Maqhawe Kunene as the Municipal Manager at the Special Council meeting held on 12 August, 2022. The appointment is in terms of section 54A of the Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000 as amended, on a five year fixed term contract of employment which is performance based, after a punctilious selection processes by the municipality. Executive Mayor, Cllr MP Nkosi, welcomed Kunene on Monday, 15 August 2022, on behalf of Council and wishes him all best. The Executive Mayor assures the community of Msukaligwa that Kunene is a person of high moral integrity. “We pride ourselves with his appointment and believe he will serve the municipality and community at large with humility and vigour.” Maqhawe Kunene matriculated in Cefups Academy in 1998, he passed with exemption, subsequent to his matriculation, he enrolled for Bachelor of Science degree and a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in the University of Zululand and both obtained in 2001 and 2002 respectively. He further enrolled for additional courses as part of sharpening his knowledge in Human Resources, and obtained a diploma in Human Recourse Management, as well as a Certificate Program in Executive Management Development for Municipal Finance (CPMD). He is a holder of Master in Business Administration degree from Regent Business School. He also obtained short courses in Labour Relations, Nyukela Public Service SMS Pre-entry Programme, SAMTRAC Certificate and Certificate Programme in Municipal Finance. Kunene worked at the Transnet Freight Rail in Ermelo as Train Driver and Train Assistant for three years nine months, as a Fleet and Auxiliary Manager for three years, as well as Human Capital Manager for two years. Kunene is not new to local government, as he first worked at Gert Sibande District Municipality as General Manager for Community and Social Service, responsible for provision of efficient and effective Social Development Service, which includes Disaster Management, Transversal Programme and Sports, Culture and Recreation as well as Municipal Health in the entire Gert Sibande District Municipal area. The position he served with distinction from 2013 to 2017. He was later appointed as Municipal Manager in Mkhondo Local Municipality, responsible and accountable for the management of the municipality, ensuring basic service are delivered to the communities in a sustainable manner. He was also responsible for the implementation of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and advising Council and Political Office Bearer. He served Mkhondo Local Municipality from 2017 until his contract come to an end in 2022. Kunene is a visionary, challenge driven, successful leader in both work and community arenas. He is natural and persuasive communicator, recognized among colleagues for a keen ability to energize and inspire individuals to work towards achieving common goal. He excels in creating consensus among diverse groups, and he is fully committed to the creation of better life for all. - Content as per Msukaligwa Local Municipality < Previous Article Next Article >

“EHS wens elke betrokke Graad 8 sterkte toe vir hul tennis-reis by Hoërskool Ermelo." EHS verwelkom Graad 8-tennis spelers 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 16 March 2021 “EHS wens elke betrokke Graad 8 sterkte toe vir hul tennis-reis by Hoërskool Ermelo." Op Dinsdag, 2 Maart, het die Erries ‘n groot groep Graad 8-tennis spelers beter leer ken op die tennisbane van EHS. Hulle is hier bekend gestel aan EHS se professionele tennis afrigters, mnr.Charl Basson en mnr. Hennie Dippenaar. Die nuwe Erries was, met rede, opgewonde om hul vermoëns ten toon testel. “EHS wens elke betrokke Graad 8 sterkte toe vir hul tennis-reis by Hoërskool Ermelo. Dankie byvoorbaat aan die afrigters wat reeds hierdie spelers ondersteun, en vir die tyd wat opgeoffer word om spelers te ontwikkel.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Hof staan borgaansoek toe na fratsongeluk 1/5 Share SM HATTINGH 26 July 2022 Tydens hof was daar verskeie kere breek geneem oor die mediese verslae wat nog nie beskikbaar was nie. Vrydag, 15 Julie 2022, wat ‘n gewone werksdag sou wees vir ‘n plaasboer, het egter ontaard in ‘n groot ongeluk. Mnr. Louis Grobler (41) ‘n welbekende plaasboer wat op die Ermelo-Lothair pad boer, het die afgelope ruk groot skade gely as gevolg van diefstal op sy plaas. Louis het vanaf 2000 die boerdery oorgeneem om na sy moeder (71) en suster om te sien, asook na sy vrou en twee kinders. Louis het op dié Vrydag, tussen 12:00 en 14:00, gegaan na die landerye, waar daar beweer was dat van sy mielies gesteel word. Met aankoms by die landery het drie minderjarige kinders, onderskeidelik 10, 11 en 13 jaar oud, uit die mielieland gehardloop. Hy het remme geslaan toe hy die kinders gewaar, maar weens die mielie blare wat in die lande gelê het, het die bakkie begin gly, en twee van die kinders is deur die bakkie gestamp. Louis het dadelik uit sy voertuig gespring om die kinders te help, en het ook dadelik vir Mnr. Lion du Plessis gekontak om hom te vertel van die ongeluk en om vir Louis te kom bystand gee. Hulle het dadelik die SAPD gekontak, asook mediese dienste vir die kinders. Na ongeveer ‘n uur was die SAPD steeds nie op die toneel gewees nie, waarna hul weer gekontak was. Louis het aan die SAPD verduidelik wat gebeur het, en hy is dadelik gearresteer. Hy staar nou twee aanklagtes van poging tot moord, en ‘n aanklagte van aanranding met die doel om ernstig te beseer in die oë. Tydens die gebeure was daar geen oog getuies op die toneel, behalwe Louis en die drie kinders nie. Hy het sy eerste verskyning in Ermelo Hof gemaak op Maandag, 18 Julie 2022, waarna die saak uitgestel was na Woensdag, 20 Julie 2022. Op Woensdag, tydens sy tweede verskyning, was die straat voor die hof gepak met verskeie politieke partye, waar daar gesing en gedans was. Elke persoon het ‘n plakaat gehad met verskeie spreuke soos “We want the dog behind the cell, no bail” en “All white dogs must fall”. Op Woensdag het Mnr. Mario Jungbluth aan die hof gesê dat Louis nie ‘n vlug risiko is nie, dat hy bereid is om sy paspoort in te handig, en dat hy glad nie sal inmeng met die ondersoeke nie en die plaaslike SAPD sal los om hul werk te doen. Hy het geen familie of enige bates buite die grense van Suid-Afrika nie. Mnr. Jungbluth het ook aan die hof gesê dat op die dag van die ongeluk, het Louis nie die toneel verlaat of weg gehardloop nie. Hy was inteendeel die een wat die SAPD, asook die mediese personeel dadelik gekontak het. Op Woensdag is die saak uitgestel na Vrydag, 22 Julie 2022. Vrydag was die straat voor die hof afgespêr deur die SAPD sodat geen voertuie daar kan beweeg nie, en die verskeie politieke partye was weer van vroeg oggend af besig om te dans en sing. Mnr. Werner Jungbluth, Louis se advokaat, was Vrydag in die hof, waar hy verskeie ander sake as voorbeelde gebruik het, soos die geval in Piet Retief van Pampoenkraal, asook ‘n saak in Groblersdal. Mnr. Jungbluth het in die hof gesê dat daar Woensdag in die hof gesê was dat minderjarige kinders nie weet wat reg en verkeerd is nie, waarop hy gevra het, “sal minderjarige kinders dan weet wat is die verskil tussen ‘n leun en die waarheid?” Daar is ook gerugte wat die rondte doen oor omkopery vanaf Mr. Saaiman, waarna Advokaat Jungbluth gesê het “indien dit die waarheid is, hoekom het die SAPD nie Saaiman gearresteer nie, en hoekom is daar nie ‘n saak geopen of gesê dat SAPD besig is met ondersoeke oor die gerugte nie?” Vrydag was ‘n baie moeilike en emosionele dag vir familie en vriende in die hof gewees. LUR Vusi Shongwe het ook Vrydag sy verskyning buite die hof gemaak. Die LUR het in sy toespraak aan die verskeie media huise gesê dat die plaaseienaar, plaaswerkers en plaasbewoners moet kan saam werk, en dat die plaaswerkers en plaasbewoners dadelik die plaaseienaar moet inlig indien hul sien of hoor van vreemde optrede, of indien iets fout is. Verskeie lede van die gemeenskap van Ermelo, asook vriende van Louis, het aan die Tribune gesê dat Louis nie in die tronk hoort nie, dat hy glad nie ‘n rassis is nie, en dat hy altyd daar is om te help, en sal altyd luister en raad gee. Op 10 Januarie het ‘n plaaswerker ‘n oproep gekry terwyl hy op die trekker gery het, dat sy kind weg was, en dat hul nie die kind kon vind nie. Die plaaswerkers het Louis dadelik ingelig, en toe Louis by die plaasdam kom, het hy sy lewe gewaag om ‘n kind se lewe te red. Hy het so ver gegaan om vir die kind mond-tot-mond asemhaling te gee, net om die kind te red. Nou staan die vraag, sal ‘n rassis ‘n swart kind mond-tot-mond asemhaling gee? Die man wat ‘n rassis genoem word, het vir die kind, wat ongelukkig later oorlede is, se begrafnis betaal, want die ouers het nie die finansies gehad nie. Louis maak altyd seker dat sy plaaswerkers net die beste het, en hy doen alles in sy vermoë om mooi en goed om te sien na sy plaaswerkers. Net soos wat hulle afhanklik is van Louis, net so afhanklik is hy van hulle. Tydens hof was daar verskeie kere breek geneem oor die mediese verslae wat nog nie beskikbaar was nie. Ten tye wat die verslae onder oë was deur beide partye, het die magistraat, Mnr. Motsepe, geen borgtog aan Louis toe gestaan nie, en was die saak uitgestel na, Dinsdag, 26 Julie 2022. Louis het intussen borgtog verkry, en is voorwaardelik vrygelaat. < Previous Article Next Article >

The road conditions are further deteriorating at unfinished worksites, where MLM teams removed large sections of the tarred roadway, only to be haphazardly filled with loose soil. Rainfall exacerbates hundreds of potholes 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 December 2021 The road conditions are further deteriorating at unfinished worksites, where MLM teams removed large sections of the tarred roadway, only to be haphazardly filled with loose soil. The recent rainfall has highlighted the alarming amount op potholes and sinkholes that plague Ermelo’s roads, as well as the roads in Wesselton and surrounding areas. The apathetic act by Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) to fill the potholes with gravel and sand has come back to haunt the entity, as hundreds of potholes have been washed open, and in many cases, worsened by erosion and constant traffic across the soggy tar surface surround these potholes. Large sinkholes have also appeared where the thin layers of superficial tar have been washed away and trampled by traffic, eroding to such an extent that motorists often have to grit their teeth while unwittingly slamming into these deceptively deep, water filled sinkholes, causing extensive damage to their vehicles, tyres and wheel alignment. The road conditions are further deteriorating at unfinished worksites, where MLM teams removed large sections of the tarred roadway, only to be haphazardly filled with loose soil. These sites are now completely eroded and deep crevices are left as a danger to motorists. Various sites in Cassim Park have residents fuming, where the deteriorated roadways have remained ignored by MLM for over four years. < Previous Article Next Article >