A project of a New Ermelo Primary School, sits at 22% progress. EFF councillors, however, raised the question as to why new schools are being built while the existing schools are literally falling apart. Budgets remain unspent as Msukaligwa region crumbles 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 1 March 2022 A project of a New Ermelo Primary School, sits at 22% progress. EFF councillors, however, raised the question as to why new schools are being built while the existing schools are literally falling apart. On Friday, 18 February 2022, Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) presented their integrated development plan (IDP) to ward councillors, private and public sectors, and all interested parties. Various departments were present during the day, en provided updates on the progress of the projects. The meeting launched with roughly fifty individuals present, but in less than an hour the numbers dwindled to approximately twenty. The budget presentations from various departments was nothing to write home about, with a large amount of the various budgets not utilized despite the Msukaligwa boundaries being rife with shoddy roads, electrical infrastructure issues, water supply and sewerage network issues and more. The Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), with an allocated amount of R55 million, which aims to eradicate municipal infrastructure backlogs in poor communities to ensure the provision of basic services such as water, sanitation and electricity, has an expenditure of 44%. Thus, nearly half of the grant had not been utilized, despite poor households facing a daily struggle with basic services. Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), with an allocated amount of R50 million, is a conditional grant, providing funding to municipalities for the purpose of achieving water supply goals. Ermelo, Breyten, Wesselton and Chrissiesmeer experience water issues on a daily basis, with dilapidated network infrastructure and non-functional pumps being a major contributor. Some residents in Breyten and Chrissiesmeer has been left without potable water and sporadically dry taps for nearly a year. Alarmingly, Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) had only spent 32% of the allocated funds, begging the question as to why residents are suffering as they are. The biggest question mark is the Integrated National Electrification (INEP) grant, with an allocated amount of R10 million, which provides capital subsidies to the municipality to address the electrification backlog of permanently occupied households. This grant had only been 6% spent. This means that the dilapidated infrastructure, and the myriads of households which are not electrified, is a direct result of MLM grossly underutilizing funds. Of MLM’s own budget, a mere 34% had been spent. While Ermelo and the surrounding areas crumble, with businesses and residents digging into their own pockets to repair roads and potholes, having to hire private contractors to repair street lights, and an overall lack of basic service delivery due to “a shoestring budget”, as stated by the municipality, the entity sits on over R10 million of unspent funds, with an allocated amount of R16 million. A mere 34% had been utilized. The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) has been instated for creating work opportunities in public environment. For instance, employment opportunities for locals can be created by assigning, as an example, maintenance of roadsides, parks, public spaces and more. This is one example of the many roles which can be assigned to EPWP employees. Of an allocated R2 million, only 34% had been spent. A project of a New Ermelo Primary School, sits at 22% progress. EFF councillors, however, raised the question as to why new schools are being built while the existing schools are literally falling apart. There is no provision for maintenance from neither municipality nor provincial department. The Department of Sports and Culture announced a new library that is planned for Ermelo, at a cost of R20 million. This had the feathers of councillors ruffled, as the existing libraries are neglected, yet, another library is to be constructed. The Ermelo library is grossly neglected, and the need for an additional library was put into question. This will simply put yet another expenditure on the plate of MLM in terms of upkeep and maintenance. Good news is that both Davel and Waburton will see new libraries built, with the same amount budgeted for each. Funds have been allocated for the maintenance of Cassim Park library. Most troubling is the fact that a number of ward councillors left mid-meeting without asking questions, providing input or highlighting issues within their wards. This wholly defeats the purpose of being a representative of a ward within Ermelo, as issues are not addressed or highlighted by the responsible ward councillors. Notably, the EFF and ACDP were present during the entirety of the meeting, and raised various concerns and issues within the community. You may see uploaded documents detailing the budgets, projects and expenditures on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Local talent secures finalist-spot 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 29 June 2021 The sprightly and go-getter attitude of Nompumelelo has made her an ideal candidate. 22-Year-old Nompumelelo Mabona, a chemical engineering student at Vaal University of Technology, has been selected as a finalist for Miss Township South Africa 2021. Nompumelelo hails from Siyabuswa, Extension D. The sprightly and go-getter attitude of Nompumelelo has made her an ideal candidate. “I am doing my final year as a finalist, and I am required to raise 50 pads for underprivileged girls at school or orphanages. I entered the pageant in order to create a difference, and I aim to create awareness on sanitary pad donations. I would like to see that my community outreach will reach as broad a audience as possible. I am also an upcoming writer, and I aim to publish my first novel this year, titled “Tears Blinding, A Depressed Black Child”. I am hunting to find a publishing company that will be willing to publish my book on their platform.” Nompumelelo would like to thank everyone for their support on her journey thus far. If you would like to become involved in a project with Nompumelelo, you may contact her via WhatsApp on 072 035 0519. < Previous Article Next Article >

Carel, rus sag 1/3 Share SM HATTINGH 26 January 2021 Hy was gereed om te groet met ‘n breë glimlag en, net ‘n “sharp” te wys. Carel Jacobsz is op die ouderdom van 72 skielik oorlede op Maandag, 25 Januarie. Hy was ‘n welbekende in die gemeenskap, asook onder die boere gemeenskap. Hy het groot liefde vir perde gewys, en het ook sy eie stoet genaamd Calela SA Boerperd gehad. Hy was ook by die perdry kompetisies deel van die beoordeelaaars gewees. Carel was ‘n wonderlike mens, altyd gehelp waar hy kon, en het altyd tyd gehad om ‘n geselsie aan te knoop. Hy was vir verskeie jare deel van die skou kommitee, en het altyd gehelp met al die reëlings wat daarmee saam gaan om seker te maak dat dit ‘n reuse sukses was. Hy was vreeslik geliefd in die gemeenskap, en het gelewe vir sy vrou, vriende en familie. Wanneer hy in die dorp gery het, was sy bakkie se venster altyd oop, en was hy gereed om te groet met ‘n breë glimlag en, net ‘n “sharp” te wys. Hy laat ‘n groot leemte in die gemeenskap agter, en sal altyd onthou word. Hy word oorleef deur sy vrou, Martie, Jannie, Lana, Wim, hulle eggenote en kleinkinders. < Previous Article Next Article >

In August 2018, the recovery plan was announced to deal with the two major aspects of revenue streams, namely, revenue generation strategies and creditor repayment. However, despite being adopted and implemented by local councils, the situations in Emalahleni, Lekwa, Msukaligwa, Mkhondo and Govan Mbeki local municipalities have exponentially worsened while being under a provincial intervention. COGTA expresses dismay with non-payment in MPU Speedy Mashilo, the 2018 COGTA MEC, lamented the financial mismanagement. Speedy Mashilo, the 2018 COGTA MEC, lamented the financial mismanagement. 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 15 September 2020 In August 2018, the recovery plan was announced to deal with the two major aspects of revenue streams, namely, revenue generation strategies and creditor repayment. However, despite being adopted and implemented by local councils, the situations in Emalahleni, Lekwa, Msukaligwa, Mkhondo and Govan Mbeki local municipalities have exponentially worsened while being under a provincial intervention. Due to the failure of municipalities in Mpumalanga, and the mounting debt accrued by these entities due to financial mismanagement and failure to collect revenue, a financial recovery plan intervention announced in August 2018. The recovery plan was announced to deal with the two major aspects of revenue streams, namely, revenue generation strategies and creditor repayment. However, despite being adopted and implemented by local councils, the situations in Emalahleni, Lekwa, Msukaligwa, Mkhondo and Govan Mbeki local municipalities have exponentially worsened while being under a provincial intervention. It has also been cited that City of Mbombela, Thaba Chweu, Emalahleni and Govan Mbeki are calssified as financially non-viable municipalities in the province. At the time, Emalahleni municipality owed Eskom R2,3 billion and was owed R3,8 billion by consumer debtors. “Despite being under the provincial intervention, these amounts increased substantially in the space of one year, to owing Eskom R3,5 billion and being owed R4,6 billion for services at the end of December 2019,” Grovè Morgan said. She said Govan Mbeki Local Municipality owed Eskom R1 billion, and was owed R1,4 billion for services which were provided until the end of December 2018. Since this announcement, the debt from municipalities have grown beyond control. Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) spokesperson, George Mthethwa, urged those who have an interest in the effective functionality of Mpumalanga municipalities to mobilize communities to pay for municipal services. “Local government is a regulated sphere or policy directed. What is crucial is that the financial distress that our municipalities find themselves in are due, in part, to the failure of some communities to pay for services. That is, non-payment of electricity and water. Unfortunately, the majority of our municipalities are grant dependent and payment of services is a revenue stream that must sustain them. However, if no revenue derived from the payment, then the financial position of the municipalities is affected.” Mthethwa stated. < Previous Article Next Article >

Football explodes on the local scene 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 10 May 2022 The aim is to get sponsors for all sporting codes in Wesselton / Ermelo to keep our young ones encouraged and motivated to do good. The town has now become a great space of football, and the culture seems to be taking the town by storm, That’s a great sight for sponsors, soccer fans and other community stake holders. On 27 April 2022 we saw a great display of football shown by two major radio stations in town, VOCFM 102.9 and Ligwa FM 101.3, jointly with Ermelo Taxi Association and Abagcotshwa United FC (abafundisi), then Ermelo Masters FC and Gunners FC (from Ekasi Social League-Masters), that sealed the deal with a good football to spice up things on the tournament. What a way to celebrate Freedom Day, with a group of positive men, teaming up together to make the day possible and conducive to all. The sport worked as glue that brought everyone together, and people from different spheres came together as one unit. All thanks to Saks Sam and Raff IVundraz for championing the day, big up to Ntokozo Tokyo Siluma for such a great spirit shown in and outside the pitch, we appreciate you gentlemen. Power Hour Motivations Movement really appreciates the day and hoping that more of this kind should be made a norm to our community. Next we will be targeting netball and volleyball. We feel that ladies need to be showcased and be given a fair opportunity as well. The aim is to get sponsors for all sporting codes in Wesselton/Ermelo to keep our young ones encouraged and motivated to do good. Our motto reads ‘Developing a Mentality to see Greatness in the midst of the Worst’. - Sincerely, Bro Ntosh < Previous Article Next Article >

Lizelle Lee is a cricketing powerhouse 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 15 March 2022 Cricket is a simple sport at its core. A ball is delivered. Someone with a bat 20.12m away has to hit it... and few hit it harder than Lee. South Africa’s Proteas find themselves in an unfamiliar position heading into the 50-over World Cup in New Zealand. For the first time in 14 global tournaments, they harbour realistic ambitions of lifting the trophy. “We wouldn’t be going if we didn’t all believe we could actually do it,” says Lizelle Lee, the team’s destructive opening batter who was recently recognized as the best 50-over player in the world by the International Cricket Council (ICC). “We spoke about this in camp. We all agreed that there was no point in going if we didn’t intend to come back as champions. We know it’s never been done before, but we want to make history as the first South African team to win a World Cup.” South Africans have conquered the world before. The men’s Under-19 team, captained by Aiden Markram and coached by Ray Jennings, in 2014 became the first side to win a major final. But no senior squad has done it. This group is unburdened by a history of failing when it mattered. The South African women’s side, under-resourced in every metric compared with their male counterparts, have long fought for equality in the country’s third most popular sport. All too often they’ve been regarded as an afterthought, contesting untelevised games in near-empty stadiums. “When I was growing up, I didn’t even know there was a South African women’s team,” says Lee, who grew up in Ermelo, and will be turning 30-years-old in April. “It just wasn’t something I was conscious of and I know a lot of other girls will tell you the same thing. It wasn’t on TV. You didn’t see games advertised. I played because I loved the game. I didn’t play for fame or money or recognition.” The dial shifted in 2013 when insurance firm Momentum joined as a title sponsor and helped Cricket South Africa (CSA) fund full-time contracts for six players. That number increased over the years, there are currently 15 centrally contracted players with CSA, but changes in other facets have been slow. The team was constantly playing catch-up with the more advanced cricket ecosystems in Australia and England, which together have won 16 of the 18 global showpieces since 1973. “Those countries are so far ahead,” says Lee, who has been a mainstay in the Australian Women’s Big Bash League, and has played for Somerset and Surrey in England. “Women players are given a much bigger platform there. I’m more recognised when I walk around there than I am in South Africa. But it is changing.” Lee credits CSA for ‘promoting the women’s game’ but the players have advanced their own cause on the field. By the time the T20 World Cup in Australia came into focus in January 2020, Lee could look around a dressing room studded with match-winners. “It’s not that it happened all of a sudden, because we’d been working hard for a few years,” she says. “But now we have superstars all around, genuine world-class players.” By winning the ICC ODI’s Women’s Cricketer of the Year award for 2021, she joins an elite list that includes all-time greats Stefanie Taylor of the West Indies, England’s Sarah Taylor, New Zealand’s Suzie Bates and Australian duo Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry. That’s easy enough to understand. Cricket is a simple sport at its core. A ball is delivered. Someone with a bat 20.12m away has to hit it... and few hit it harder than Lee. She’s officially the best woman in 50-over cricket. And if she can hit enough balls with enough force, she may also be a World Cup champion. - Daniel Gallan, New Frame < Previous Article Next Article >

The time of penance has now come to pass, as MLM flounders in its inability to keep the tattered pieces of Ermelo’s infrastructure together. Tempers flare as Ermelo crumbles 1/12 Share GK CRONJE 16 February 2021 The time of penance has now come to pass, as MLM flounders in its inability to keep the tattered pieces of Ermelo’s infrastructure together. Dissatisfaction is growing as the state of Ermelo regresses by the day, with the state of the roads taking the spotlight. The state of Chris de Villiers Street, amongst others, have come under fire from road users, especially transport companies, with heavy vehicles being bogged down in the utterly astonishing sinkholes where the surface of the road used to be. Msukaligwa Local Municipality's neglect of maintenance is slowly but surely catching up with them, as tempers flare from fed-up road users. Msukaligwa Local Municipality, who claims to have a “shoestring budget” to maintain the roads, are now hampered by their half-measures and futile attempts at maintenance, as more and more of Ermelo’s roadways are crumbling away. What would have been clean and easy road maintenance, is now a road rehabilitation nightmare that will cost MLM millions to implement. Instead of patching of potholes and sinkholes according to set forth standards, MLM opted to filling it with soil and loose gravel, an act which has on numerous occasions been highlighted as wholly ineffective and a waste of resources. The time of penance has now come to pass, as MLM flounders in its inability to keep the tattered pieces of Ermelo’s infrastructure together. < Previous Article Next Article >

AfriForum rig dak op by Laerskool JJ 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 March 2021 Die tak het gehelp met die tweede fase van die projek, deur ’n dak op te rig bo-oor die plaveisel wat verlede maand vir die buiteklaskamer gelê is. Die AfriForum-tak in Ermelo het in Februarie voortgegaan met sy projek by die Pre-Primêre Skool JJ van der Merwe, waar ’n buiteklaskamer vir die kleuters gebou word. Die tak het gehelp met die tweede fase van die projek, deur ’n dak op te rig bo-oor die plaveisel wat verlede maand vir die buiteklaskamer gelê is. Die buiteklaskamer is vir die kleuters ’n groot aanwins omdat verjaarsdae en aktiwiteite daar gehou kan word. Die Ermelo-tak se betrokkenheid by projekte soos hierdie skep hoop in die gemeenskap. “Wat ’n groot voorreg is dit nie vir ons om die tweede fase van die projek af te handel met die wete dat die klaskamer nou gereed is vir die kinders om te gebruik nie. Dankie aan almal wat dit vir ons moontlik gemaak het,” sluit Renier van Heerden, voorsitter van die Ermelo-tak, af. Op die foto verskyk Heinrich Jansen van Rensburg, Bronwen Pretorius, Marius Nel, Renier van Heerden en Frikkie du Plessis. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mpumalanga Working on Fire’s Busi Mohlala leads from the front 1/1 Share CONTENT SUPPLIED 25 August 2020 “I had blisters on both feet, and I couldn't walk for two weeks, but with encouragement from my Regional Manager, Vincent Lubisi, and WOF OHS, I kept going, became strong, and continued with the course. It was very difficult for me completing that course because after that, my husband and daughter were involved in a car accident and I couldn't cope, but with the support from WOF, fellow colleagues and friends, I continued and completed it.” Press Release - Ms Busi Mohlala is breaking boundaries, rewriting the script and changing the narrative as a crew leader in Mpumalanga Working in Fire’s Breyten team in the Highveld. In its 17 years of existence, the Working on Fire programme, funded by the Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries, continues to support and promote women leadership and equality with 30 percent of their more than 5 000 firefighters being women, the highest number compared to similar firefighting fraternities worldwide. August is Women’s Month, and the theme this year is “Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights for an Equal Future”, and Ms Mohlala and her counterparts continue to prosper in a male-dominated industry. She joined the WOF programme, as a firefighter, in 2010, having been recruited at the Graskop base and she worked her way through the ranks to become a SHE-rep. Her work ethic was rewarded when she was nominated to go study a Type 2 crew leader course in 2013, which did successfully, and was appointed in that position in the same year. After years as a Type 2, Ms Mohlala got the opportunity to further her career, and WOF gave the chance to study the Type 1 crew leader course, which she successfully completed. Ms Mohlala was appointed crew leader of the Breyten team, based and partnered with Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue, which is under the Msukaligwa Local Municipality. She leads a team of 19 firefighters, who conduct Integrated Fire Management (IFM) services, which include fire management planning, detection, prevention, suppression of runaway veld fires, dispatch and coordination, and community fire awareness activities. A mother to a daughter, Ms Mohlala recalls her best memories within the WOF programme being many and very memorable. “I have had many great moments in my career, however, being awarded best crew leader after completing my Type 2 crew leader course, at Kishugu Training Academy in Nelspruit, remains my favourite,” Ms Mohlala said. With success, challenges are bound to arise, and Ms Mohlala remembers how during her vigorous firefighting training for the Type 1 crew leader, she developed blisters because Personal Protective Clothing (PPC) is required to be worn at all times. “I had blisters on both feet, and I couldn't walk for two weeks, but with encouragement from my Regional Manager, Vincent Lubisi, and WOF OHS, I kept going, became strong, and continued with the course. It was very difficult for me completing that course because after that, my husband and daughter were involved in a car accident and I couldn't cope, but with the support from WOF, fellow colleagues and friends, I continued and completed it.” When asked what she enjoys the most about her job and leading a team in ‘fiery’ situations, Ms Mohlala proudly stated she loves the challenges that always arise on the fireline, and all the new things she learns about her colleagues every day. “The fitness part I love as well, because daily fitness tests keeps me healthy and WOF continues to develop its firefighters,” Ms Mohlala concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >

On Monday, 31 January 2022, a group of individuals loitered in Havenga Road, obstructing the roadway and demanding to see licenses and identity documents from passing heavy vehicle drivers. In what can only be described as an act of lawlessness, these individuals, who are but mere ordinary residents, confiscated the documentation and licenses of foreign heavy vehicle drivers, which are all registered and in possession of work permits in South Africa. These self-appointed lawmen then proceeded to remain in possession of the documentation, and prevented the drivers from continuing on their route. In some instances, they also took the vehicle keys from the drivers under threat of violence. The drivers were also intimidated by the group, and told that they should return to their country of origin. The SAPS officers on scene attempted to talk sense into the individuals running amok, explaining that it is against the law to act in this way, and that taking the keys from a driver without consent is tantamount to hijacking. The group in question expressed their dismay with the fact that foreign drivers are employed by local companies, instead of using residents of the area. Spartan Team kept a watchful eye on the group from across the road, ensuring that no property is damaged. ACSU was also on scene. The group eventually saw reason and returned the documentation to the drivers, highly disgruntled. No serious incidents were reported during this time. Residents take the law into their own hands Residents take the law into their own hands 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 2 February 2022 The group eventually saw reason and returned the documentation to the drivers, highly disgruntled. On Monday, 31 January 2022, a group of individuals loitered in Havenga Road, obstructing the roadway and demanding to see licenses and identity documents from passing heavy vehicle drivers. In what can only be described as an act of lawlessness, these individuals, who are but mere ordinary residents, confiscated the documentation and licenses of foreign heavy vehicle drivers, which are all registered and in possession of work permits in South Africa. These self-appointed lawmen then proceeded to remain in possession of the documentation, and prevented the drivers from continuing on their route. In some instances, they also took the vehicle keys from the drivers under threat of violence. The drivers were also intimidated by the group, and told that they should return to their country of origin. The SAPS officers on scene attempted to talk sense into the individuals running amok, explaining that it is against the law to act in this way, and that taking the keys from a driver without consent is tantamount to hijacking. The group in question expressed their dismay with the fact that foreign drivers are employed by local companies, instead of using residents of the area. Spartan Team kept a watchful eye on the group from across the road, ensuring that no property is damaged. ACSU was also on scene. The group eventually saw reason and returned the documentation to the drivers, highly disgruntled. No serious incidents were reported during this time. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo Toyota gholfdag ‘n reuse sukses 1/3 Share SM HATTINGH 12 October 2021 Tydens die dag was daar 148 spelers wat deelgeneem het. Daar was heerlik saam gekuier, en die spelers was vermaak deur Jakkie Louw terwyl Buffelsfontein Brandewyn die spelers kom bederf het. Op Vrydag, 8 Oktober het Ermelo Toyota weereens hul jaarlikse korporatiewe gholfdag aangebied. Die dag was ‘n reuse sukses, en die spelers het die dag terdeë geniet. Tydens die dag was daar 148 spelers wat deelgeneem het. Daar was heerlik saam gekuier, en die spelers was vermaak deur Jakkie Louw terwyl Buffelsfontein Brandewyn die spelers kom bederf het. Die wenners van die dag was, in die eerste plek – aka Smoking Tee’s - Deon van Zyl, Johan Du Bruin, Niel Mathiesson en Charl Van Heerden. Tweede plek was DC Swart, Theuns Botha en David Harris en Corrie Swart, en Sheldon Du Preez, Fred Els, Bossie Bosman en Maans Sandenberg in die derde plek. Naaste aan die pen by putjie 6 was Craig Holiday, en by putjie 16 was Greghan Groenewald naaste aan die pen. Die langste dryf by putjie agt was Henro Lewis, en Bennie Kriel putjie 15. Ermelo Toyota wil graag die volgende borge bedank, waarsonder die dag nie so groot sukses gewees het nie: ACSU, AGM2 Trust (AG Muller), Alan's Slaghuis, Aurum Products - Moto Muti, Autopart Centre/Autozone, Budget Insurance, BP Greyling Langfontein Boerdery, Carolina Rollermeule, Chris Rothman - Tent borg, CMR, Christiaan Jacobs, Dalifin Print, Digital Print, Ermelo Abattoir, Ermelo Bearings - Tent opslaan, Ortega, Ermelo Toyota, FNB Comm, FNB Insurance Brokers/ CIB, H2O, Henbase Lodge, Highveld Splendour Boutique Hotel, Highveld Stationery, Hino, Innovation, Kojo Boerdery, Madness, Melrow Pharmacy, Midway Liquors, My-Sure, MFC, Netstar, Oosvaal Landbou, ProShine, Pongola Toyota, Reemar Auto, Ronquest Boerdery, SAVF, SA Oils, Scorekeepers, Team Vibe Customs, TFS, Total, Tribune ePaper, Tuiskoop, Turbo Works, Van der Merwe Boerdery, Wildman, Hunting & Outdoor en Wurth. “Baie dankie ook aan al die spelers wat die dag bygewoon het, en die dag saam met ons geniet het. Sien julle weer volgende jaar!” < Previous Article Next Article >

Sean needs your help in cancer battle 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 7 June 2022 Sean received the biopsy results, and it seems to be clear. However, there are still some tests that needs to be done, including a PET scan. Sean Duranty, a well-known and beloved in Ermelo, has had a long and hard road with his ongoing battle with cancer. Following a previous bout of treatment, Sean received the good news that his cancer was in remission. Sean received the biopsy results, and it seems to be clear. However, there are still some tests that needs to be done, including a PET scan. Although Sean has a medical aid, the unforeseen costs that are not covered is making life a little difficult at this time. Receiving treatment in Trichardt, Sean has to travel extensively to seek medical attention, and most probably has to travel to Pretoria as part of his treatment, depending on the outcome of the biopsy. Sean has told the Tribune that when he had to receive a PET scan during his previous treatment, he had to pay R5000 cash before they could assist him. Factoring in the escalating costs due to inflation, the cost of such a scan could be considerably more this time around. A group of Sean’s friends has since clubbed together and launched a support group to donate funds towards his expenses, but there is still a long road ahead which will require Sean to stretch his wallet even further. Should be biopsy return unfavorably, Sean will be subjected to another round of radiation and an extensive list of oral medication, of which all comes at considerable financial strain. Sean has told the Tribune that he hopes to receive his biopsy results during the course of the week, and will then be able to plan the way forward. During this very stressful time, Sean stated that either way, another PET scan is on the cards, as well as either an operation or another round of radiation. “Any donated amount will be greatly appreciated, and will help tremendously in covering the costs incurred during this battle. As soon as I have clarity on the situation, and what the way forward holds, I will provide an update. I would like to thank all my friends, and those who have already offered financial assistance. I really appreciate it, and appreciate the love, care and support I have received from the Ermelo community up to this point,” Sean said. If you would like to make a contribution towards Sean’s cause, you my do so via Capitec Savings, 1367673869. Sean will be consulting again with medical professionals during the course of next week to discuss the next steps. < Previous Article Next Article >