SC President Ismail Joosub’s message to the youth 1/1 Share Supplied Content 14 June 2022 With Youth Day soon approaching, African Union SC President Ismail Joosub had a message for the youth of Africa. The African Union Student Commission, a subsidiary of the African Union, is an organisation dedicated to the betterment of the African Continent and the aspirations and ambitions of the peoples of Africa. Guided by the visions and ideals of the African Union, the African Union SC is intent on contributing towards the achievement of a United Africa that is peaceful, progressive and productive. The African Union SC was invited, last week, by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation to attend a conference hosted by the former President on the topic of “The 20th Anniversary of the African Union”. There, much discussion was had as to the future of the Continent, with a particular emphasis on the role that the Youth can play in Africa’s Renaissance. With Youth Day soon approaching, African Union SC President Ismail Joosub had a message for the youth of Africa. Joosub says “My friends, we live in turbulent and tempestuous times. While modern technology brings men and nations closer together, with the concerns of one inevitably becoming the concerns of all, there still exists the dark and poisoning superstitions embodied by some that the common humanity of man is limited to the tight circle of those who share the same town, the same views, or the same skin colour. It is our job – the task of the youth in this continent – to tear down those last remnants of that ancient belief from the civilization of man. The African Union SC, indeed, understands that each nation has different challenges and different goals, that are all shaped by the vagaries of histories and happenings. But I should say, as I talk to the young people in Africa, that I am impressed not by the diversity, but by the closeness of their goals, their desires, their concerns and their hopes for the future. While the difficulties of the day reflect the imperfections of human justice, the inadequacy of human compassion, or the defectiveness and inefficiency of productivity, these challenges call upon our common qualities of conscience – and upon our shared determination – to work together towards a future of which we can all be proud. It is these qualities which make of the youth today the only true international community, which give the continent hope, which declare that the youth shall not yield to obsolete dogmas and outworn slogans. It is these qualities which qualifies ‘youth’ not as a time of life, but as a state of mind, a temper of the will, an appetite for imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, that enable the youth to tear down even the mightiest walls that might stand in our way. Soon, on National Youth Day, we celebrate the potential and power of young people to shape the future of our increasingly interconnected world, cognizant of the fact that a more peaceful and prosperous Africa can only be achieved through UNITY. Only by working together, hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, as one people can we extinguish the errors of bygone eras and move forward towards a brighter future. It begins with us, the YOUTH, to build on the legacies of our forefathers and usher in a new era of endless possibilities.” - Ismail Joosub, President - African Union Student Commission < Previous Article Next Article >

Government backtracks on feeding scheme agreement 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 16 June 2020 “The closure of the NSNP impacts not only on the health and education of learners, but has knock-on effects on entire families – in a context of heightened unemployment and loss of income due to the nationwide lockdown, many families are struggling to put food on the table. These families urgently require the NSNP to be reinstated in order to meet their children's basic nutritional needs and ensure that they are able to buy other desperately needed necessities in the home,” the bodies stated. Two Equal Education (EE) and the school governing bodies (SGBs) launched an urgent court application against the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and provincial education departments to compel the departments to provide meals for pupils. The organisations are challenging what they say is the “current failure to roll-out the National Schools Nutrition Programme (NSNP) to all learners”. “The NSNP normally provides meals to over nine million learners every day, but was halted when schools closed on 18 March 2020, jeopardizing the food security of these learners and exacerbating the severe hardship experienced within their households," Represented by the Equal Education Law Centre and Section27, the organisations have filed legal papers at the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria which argue that the failure of the DBE and provincial education departments to roll-out the NSNP to all qualifying pupils is a regressive measure that violates learners' rights to basic nutrition, basic education and equality. While schools had been closed under the national COVID-19 lockdown, children have not had access to the nutritious meals they would normally receive at school. “The closure of the NSNP impacts not only on the health and education of learners, but has knock-on effects on entire families – in a context of heightened unemployment and loss of income due to the nationwide lockdown, many families are struggling to put food on the table. These families urgently require the NSNP to be reinstated in order to meet their children's basic nutritional needs and ensure that they are able to buy other desperately needed necessities in the home,” the bodies stated. The programme is currently being rolled out only to pupils at school in Grades 7 and 12, while pupils who have not been permitted to return to school are not being fed, the organizations state. The organizations are seeking a declaratory order that there is a duty on government to ensure all qualifying pupils are entitled to a daily meal as provided for under the NSNP, regardless of whether or not they have resumed classes at their respective schools. “We are also seeking a structural order requiring the national and provincial departments, within five days of the court order, to each provide a plan or programme to ensure that all qualifying learners receive their daily meal from the NSNP. It is imperative that the DBE and provincial education departments continue to fulfil their constitutional obligation to deliver nutrition to all eligible learners. The constitutional rights of learners to basic nutrition, basic education and equality must be protected, even during the state of national disaster.” Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga allegedly backtracked on a promise to reinstate the National Schools Nutrition Programme (NSNP) to feed nine million pupils from this month, irrespective of whether or not they are back at school. In late May, with the announcement of the phased reopening of schools, the director-general of basic education undertook that the NSNP would, from 1 June, be rolled out to all pupils, including those not physically attending school. Four days later, Motshekga retracted this, saying it would only restart for Grade 7 and Grade 12 pupils "because we really need to find our feet in this new environment". However, organizations are having none of it. “The minister has given no legitimate reason for this failure. It's not a new programme. All that is new is the need to ensure that it is done in a manner that does not place providers and pupils at risk. All that is needed is planning and implementation. Funding is available to roll out the NSNP to all grades. It is a specific purpose grant. The total budget for this year is R7.6 billion and each province would have received its initial allocations by April 30 this year. With the lockdown, there has been R1.7 billion of potentially unspent funds,” the bodies argued. Equal Education is asking a judge to declare that all qualifying pupils, regardless of whether or not they have resumed classes, must receive a daily meal, and that the minister and the provincial MEC’s are in breach of their constitutional duties. < Previous Article Next Article >

The response from the community has been wholly divided, where some congratulated the appointed members. Acting troika elected mainstay by majority vote 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 June 2022 The response from the community has been wholly divided, where some congratulated the appointed members. The upheaval from the council and community due to the illegal appointment of the Msukaligwa Local Municipality acting troika has ruffled a myriad of feathers. Under cloak and dagger, however, it had been announced that the municipal council fully elected the troika. Ironically, the same acting members that have received stiff opposition has now been elected by unanimous vote, according to a source. It has been announced that the acting trio is now fully at the helm. Cllr Xaba has been elected as speaker, Cllr MP Nkosi has been elected as executive mayor, and Cllr PC Sibeko has been elected as chief whip. According to the municipality, 34 out of the 38 councillors voted in favor of the appointments. The response from the community has been wholly divided, where some congratulated the appointed members. However, other members of the community vented their frustration, and allegations of insufficient educational qualifications have also once again surfaced. The announcement of the troika comes at a most inauspicious time, as the result of the High Court case is expected to be received this week, after it was postponed due to outstanding documentation. Speaking to Mandla Zwane, municipal spokesman, he confirmed that the decisions taken by the current troika, such as the budget presentation and other expenditure decisions, will remain in place until such a time that the court case is settled. Upon enquiry if the mayoral chain featured on the photo is the one that had been alleged as being missing in action, the municipality stated that the chain was used for photography and inauguration purposes, and that it is not the chain of Msukaligwa Local Municipality. The Tribune also requested the final budget figures from the municipality as implemented during the budget layout meeting. To date, the municipality has failed to produce the budget documentation. < Previous Article Next Article >

“Baie geluk aan bovermelde atlete, en baie sterkte met jul voorbereiding vir toekomstige byeenkomste. Die Erries hou julle flinke tred met groot belangstelling dop!” Errie-atlete presteer tydens landloop byeenkoms 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 31 August 2021 “Baie geluk aan bovermelde atlete, en baie sterkte met jul voorbereiding vir toekomstige byeenkomste. Die Erries hou julle flinke tred met groot belangstelling dop!” Op 18 Augustus het die Erries se landloop atlete aan 'n landloop byeenkoms te Hoërskool Hertzog deelgeneem. Daar was slegs een byeenkoms vir 2021, en die Erries het hul uitstekend van hul taak gekwyt. Die volgende atlete verdien besondere vermelding: BongmusaVilakazi eindig eerste (seuns o/16), Chester Mpahlele behaal derde plek (seuns o/16), Nicolas Steyn vierde plek (seuns o/14), Mia Steenkamp eerste plek (dogters o/16) en Zané du Plessis tweede plek in dieselfde ouderdomsgroep. Caylin Loock eindig eerste in die afdeling vir dogters o/17. “Baie geluk aan bovermelde atlete, en baie sterkte met jul voorbereiding vir toekomstige byeenkomste. Die Erries hou julle flinke tred met groot belangstelling dop!” < Previous Article Next Article >

Die leerders moes ook self ‘n TikTok dansie uitwerk, werkskaf in die tuin, iemand in die huis ‘n poets bak, saam met hul troeteldier gaan draf en vir hande-arbeid iets met hul hande maak. Foto’s en video’s van die aktiwiteite moes aan die onderwysers deur gestuur word as bewys daarvan dat die aktiwiteite wel voltooi is. EHS Landsdiens skop af met ‘n virtuele kamp Marice de Jager. Johnke Prinsloo. Marice de Jager. 1/2 Share INHOUD VERSKAF 11 Augustus 2020 Die leerders moes ook self ‘n TikTok dansie uitwerk, werkskaf in die tuin, iemand in die huis ‘n poets bak, saam met hul troeteldier gaan draf en vir hande-arbeid iets met hul hande maak. Foto’s en video’s van die aktiwiteite moes aan die onderwysers deur gestuur word as bewys daarvan dat die aktiwiteite wel voltooi is. Hoërskool Ermelo begin DV eers amptelik in 2021 met Landsdiens, maar ons is bevoorreg om reeds vyf geregistreerde lede te hê! Marice de Jager, Mariska en Anke van Biljon, Divana Smit en Johnke Prinsloo het vanaf 31 Julie tot 2 Augustus aan Mpumalanga se provinsiale virtuele kamp deelgeneem. Die leerders moes hul eie sakke pak, tent opslaan en die naweek daarin slaap! Hulle was verantwoordelik om self stokbrood te braai, hamburgers te maak, ‘n ontbyt aanmekaar te slaan en potjiekos te maak. Daar was nie veel tyd vir rondsit en niks doen nie: pa of ma se kar moes gewas word, daar is Saterdag oggend al douvoordag aërobiese oefeninge gedoen, Bybelstudie gehou en hindernisbane gebou! Die leerders moes ook self ‘n TikTok dansie uitwerk, werkskaf in die tuin, iemand in die huis ‘n poets bak, saam met hul troeteldier gaan draf en vir hande-arbeid iets met hul hande maak. Foto’s en video’s van die aktiwiteite moes aan die onderwysers deur gestuur word as bewys daarvan dat die aktiwiteite wel voltooi is. Welgedaan aan die Erries se pionier-Landsdieners! Julle maak ons trots en ons sien sommer vreeslik uit na al die lekker Landsdiens-kampe en byeenkomste van 2021! < Previous Article Next Article >

Op Woensdag, 7 April, ongeveer 16:30, het ‘n grusame botsing tussen ‘n BMW en ‘n Toyota Corolla op die N17 plaasgevind, ongeveer 10 kilometer vanaf die tolhek. Die BMW was ‘n familie van vier insittendes, asook dié in die Corolla. Met die aankoms op die toneel het een insittende van die Corolla in die pad uitgeslinger, terwyl die ander insittendes binne in die kar vasgevang was. Die insittendes van die BMW was binne-in die voertuig. Alle mediese dienste was spoedig op die toneel om mediese hulp aan die pasiënte te skenk, asook met die beheer van die verkeer. Drie persone is dood verklaar op die toneel. Hannes en Vusi van ER24 het mediese behandeling op een pasiënt toegepas, en hy is dadelik na die Provinsiale Hospitaal vervoer. Die pasiënt is ongelukkig later in die hospitaal oorlede. Igagu Emergency Services het die twee kinders, saam met hulle ma wat in die BMW was, vervoer na die Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal vir mediese behandeling. Die gesin het ligte beserings opgedoen. Ongeveer 15 minute later is ER24 weer terug op die toneel, waar daar ‘n vrou in ‘n taxi was, wat vasgevang was in die verkeer. Die pad was gesluit as gevolg van die ongeluk, en sy het in kraam in gegaan. Die vrou is deur ER24 vervoer na die hospitaal, waar sy nog voor die hospitaal binne-in die ambulans gekraam het. ER24, Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue, Van Wettens Insleep Dienste, Davel en Ermelo Polisie en die Provinsiale Ambulaans Dienste, asook Igagu, was op die toneel. In ‘n tweede geval op Vrydag, 9 April, het daar twee botsings plaasgevind. Die eerste ongeluk het ongeveer 17:00 gebeur, op die hoek van Voortrekker- en Kerk Straat, tussen ‘n Ford Ranger en ‘n Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Niemand is beseer tydens die ongeluk nie. Die tweede ongeluk het op die Morgenzon pad plaasgevind, ongeveer 10 kilometer buite die dorp, tussen ‘n klein voertuig en ‘n SUV. Tydens die ongeluk was daar geen ernstige beserings opgedoen nie. Grusame botsing eis vier lewens, vrou skenk geboorte Grusame botsing eis vier lewens, vrou skenk geboorte 1/6 Share SH HATTINGH 13 April 2021 Die tweede ongeluk het op die Morgenzon pad plaasgevind, ongeveer 10 kilometer buite die dorp, tussen ‘n klein voertuig en ‘n SUV. Tydens die ongeluk was daar geen ernstige beserings opgedoen nie. Op Woensdag, 7 April, ongeveer 16:30, het ‘n grusame botsing tussen ‘n BMW en ‘n Toyota Corolla op die N17 plaasgevind, ongeveer 10 kilometer vanaf die tolhek. Die BMW was ‘n familie van vier insittendes, asook dié in die Corolla. Met die aankoms op die toneel het een insittende van die Corolla in die pad uitgeslinger, terwyl die ander insittendes binne in die kar vasgevang was. Die insittendes van die BMW was binne-in die voertuig. Alle mediese dienste was spoedig op die toneel om mediese hulp aan die pasiënte te skenk, asook met die beheer van die verkeer. Drie persone is dood verklaar op die toneel. Hannes en Vusi van ER24 het mediese behandeling op een pasiënt toegepas, en hy is dadelik na die Provinsiale Hospitaal vervoer. Die pasiënt is ongelukkig later in die hospitaal oorlede. Igagu Emergency Services het die twee kinders, saam met hulle ma wat in die BMW was, vervoer na die Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal vir mediese behandeling. Die gesin het ligte beserings opgedoen. Ongeveer 15 minute later is ER24 weer terug op die toneel, waar daar ‘n vrou in ‘n taxi was, wat vasgevang was in die verkeer. Die pad was gesluit as gevolg van die ongeluk, en sy het in kraam in gegaan. Die vrou is deur ER24 vervoer na die hospitaal, waar sy nog voor die hospitaal binne-in die ambulans gekraam het. ER24, Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue, Van Wettens Insleep Dienste, Davel en Ermelo Polisie en die Provinsiale Ambulaans Dienste, asook Igagu, was op die toneel. In ‘n tweede geval op Vrydag, 9 April, het daar twee botsings plaasgevind. Die eerste ongeluk het ongeveer 17:00 gebeur, op die hoek van Voortrekker- en Kerk Straat, tussen ‘n Ford Ranger en ‘n Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Niemand is beseer tydens die ongeluk nie. Die tweede ongeluk het op die Morgenzon pad plaasgevind, ongeveer 10 kilometer buite die dorp, tussen ‘n klein voertuig en ‘n SUV. Tydens die ongeluk was daar geen ernstige beserings opgedoen nie. < Previous Article Next Article >

While Msukaligwa Local Municipality has replaced a section of sewerage line, the damage is already done, and raw sewage continues to pollute the environment and underground water sources. Residents of Extension 7 have to make do with the raw sewage flowing past their dwellings, along with a wide range of garbage, animal carcasses and other debris floating in the sewage. Sewage spillage wreaks havoc on environment 1/13 Share GK CRONJE 15 September 2020 While Msukaligwa Local Municipality has replaced a section of sewerage line, the damage is already done, and raw sewage continues to pollute the environment and underground water sources. Residents of Extension 7 have to make do with the raw sewage flowing past their dwellings, along with a wide range of garbage, animal carcasses and other debris floating in the sewage. Residents and businesses familiar with the ongoing sewage spillage in the vicinity of Oosthuizen Street is in for a even bigger shock. While Msukaligwa Local Municipality has replaced a section of sewerage line, the damage is already done, and raw sewage continues to pollute the environment and underground water sources. Residents of Extension 7 have to make do with the raw sewage flowing past their dwellings, along with a wide range of garbage, animal carcasses and other debris floating in the sewage. The Tribune has, in light of the unimaginable environmental impact, approached various roleplayers within government, as well as AfriForum, VF Plus and Ermelo Business Association for input and potential solutions. MLM will also be approached for input on the matter. Read the full article in next week’s publication. You may view videos relating to this article on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Die Errieraad en hul ouers bedank alle borge van die gholfdag, en veral dié betrokke by die plant-fondsinsamelingsprojek. Groot dank gaan aan die Errie Unie vir die borg van die houtdek. Hoërskool Ermelo is vol dankbaarheid vir elke Errieraad-ouer vir hul insette, en harde werk om die 2020-matriekgroep se droom te verwesenlik. Errieraad 2020 open nuwe kafeteria Die binnekant van die kafeteria wat spreek van 'n warm, tuis gevoel. Vosjan Grey en Jana Nel (Errieraad presidente) knip die lint tydens die opening van die kafeteria, 20 TWINTIG. Die binnekant van die kafeteria wat spreek van 'n warm, tuis gevoel. 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 8 September 2020 Die Errieraad en hul ouers bedank alle borge van die gholfdag, en veral dié betrokke by die plant-fondsinsamelingsprojek. Groot dank gaan aan die Errie Unie vir die borg van die houtdek. Hoërskool Ermelo is vol dankbaarheid vir elke Errieraad-ouer vir hul insette, en harde werk om die 2020-matriekgroep se droom te verwesenlik. Op Dinsdag, 1 September, het die Errieraad van 2020 hulle projek, die Errie kafeteria, amptelik geopen. Die kafeteria se naam is 20 TWINTIG. Dié droom is weens COVID-19 ‘n bietjie vertraag, maar die eindproduk en die wag was sekerlik die moeite werd. Die 2020 Errieraad is trots, en glo dat hierdie nalatenskap waarde sal toevoeg vir elke leerling, ouer en besoeker aan Hoërskool Ermelo. Die kafeteria sal Maandae tot Vrydae, vanaf 8:00-17:00, asook op sportdae en kultuuraande oop wees. Besoek die kafeteria gerus vir heerlike pizzas, burgers, wafels, wraps, pastas, melkskommels, kraakvars slaaie en vele meer. Daar is ook daagliks vars gebakte lekkernye en heerlike cappuccinos. Die kafeteria is geleë in die skoolsaal, langs die Errie Unie Astro en tennisbane. Die Errieraad en hul ouers bedank alle borge van die gholfdag, en veral dié betrokke by die plant-fondsinsamelingsprojek. Groot dank gaan aan die Errie Unie vir die borg van die houtdek. Hoërskool Ermelo is vol dankbaarheid vir elke Errieraad-ouer vir hul insette, en harde werk om die 2020-matriekgroep se droom te verwesenlik. Mnr. Pieter Grobler het tydens die opening gesê: “Ons hoop dat die kafeteria ‘n plek is waar enige iemand gesellig kan verkeer, hegte vriendskappe smee en voortbou op die visie van 2020 se matriekgroep wat berge kan versit.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Spotlight on local illegal mining 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 10 August 2022 Recently, an excavator has also been offloaded at Ding Dong, which proves the defiance of these operations that flies directly in the face of the law. Zama zama, a colloquial term which stems from Zulu, means “to try again” or “take a chance.” The term refers to artisanal (zama zama) miners that conduct illegal mining. Following the harrowing ordeal in Krugersdorp which involved illegal miners, both national and international scrutiny is on authorities, who are expected to pull up their socks and deal with the illegal mining scourge. Mpumalanga is especially rife with artisanal mining activity, with a surprising amount of these miners located in the immediate vicinity of Ermelo. Due to the entrance fee and security risks, artisanal mining is a dangerous method of making a living, with low-level miners often being misused and underpaid by ruthless kingpins and syndicates. It is estimated that more than six thousand of these illegal miners are underground nationwide, at any given time. In some areas, the illegal mining operations are dominated by immigrants who have entered illegally from neighboring countries, using violence and intimidation as a controlling force. Of the 400 abandoned coal mines across the country, Ermelo has been pointed as a troubling area, where abandoned mines lures crime, opportunity and many accidental deaths. Many if these deaths and injuries go unreported, due to undocumented immigrants, and the illegality of these mining operations. The long abandoned, and unrehabilitated Imbabala and Golfview mines, amongst others, have long been a topic of discussion. These sites still have open shafts, large bodies of water, extensive wash plant equipment and a number of deserted, multi-million Rand machines left behind. While the illegal mining is as clear as day, no official presence on the part of Msukaligwa Local Municipality, the mine, the SAPS or the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) can be seen. The SAPS has, however, told the Tribune that organized sting operations with all roleplayers are required at sites such as these, with the involvement of provincial and national authorities, and that the SAPS can not act as lone gunmen in this regard. Certain protocol needs to be adhered to before action can be taken. Load after load of coal and other minerals are packed on to coal trucks, who in turn head off to their illicit destinations. Some of these illegal operations have unbranded mining vehicles in their employ. The incapacity or unwillingness of authorities to step in may be the cause, while it may be considered that wide scale payoffs take place in order to have authorities avert their eyes. Mpumalanga is, after all, known for its rampant and blatant corruption. Unfortunately, these illegal activities and unrehabilitated mines have serious implications for the environment, food production and proper management of water resources in these areas. The additional issue is the unregulated and illicit nature of the mining often brings about violence, corruption, and turf warfare. Rival miners have been known to fight over profitable territory, rob fellow miners and trap one another in the mines to deter competition. Complaints from the community have also been a matter of interest, where it is alleged that these artisanal miners lure violent behavior to neighborhoods. Case en point, on Sunday evening, 7 August 2022, at approximately 18:30, reports had been received of approximately five bakkies that had cordoned off the entrance to the illegal mining sites. These bakkies seemingly prevented the heavy vehicles from entering and exiting the sites. According to the source, visible tension between the parties could be seen, which indicates that the nationwide crackdown on illegal mining sites are already putting pressure on the artisanal miners in the Ermelo region. The tension is expected to increase as authorities are poised to move from Gauteng towards Mpumalanga in the bid to halt the spread of these artisanal miners. Mine collapses and rock falls have also killed hundreds of artisanal miners, due to the lack of support structures within these mines. The local SAPS is, understandably, unwilling to take the considerable risk required to go into the deep mines to confront these miners. The local illegal sites, named Ayoba, Ding Dong and Estepiseni, are crawling with literally hundreds of artisanal miners, coal trucks, bakkies, trucks and other vehicles, all vying for a slice of the illicit pie. Recently, an excavator has also been offloaded at Ding Dong, which proves the defiance of these operations that flies directly in the face of the law. One of the mines stretch underground for nearly 600 meters, with nary a support pillar in place. Surrounding areas are also being independently investigated for signs of illegal mining, where at least one suspicious site had been noted on the N11, approximately 5KM from Ermelo. A reliable source has told the Tribune that these illegal mines pose a major concern, especially for surrounding power plants. According to the source, the sub-standard product mined from these sites, known as duff coal, are mixed with other coal at yards in Middelburg and Witbank, and these loads are subsequently transported to local power plants. The sub-standard nature of the coal causes damage to Eskom generators and equipment. The Tribune has also received reliable information that drivers who transport these dubious loads, are paid up to R20 000 cash for delivering a single loads to a designated point. For the more daring drivers, an offer of more than R40 000 per load stands if they are willing to deliver the coal directly to Eskom power plant offload sites. These figures obviously draws a pretty clear picture of the extent of these operations, and the various levels of corruption, bribery and other means of illicit activities are involved. While the DMRE and authorities are well aware of what transpires, these sites are left to be. These artisanal miners are also at risk of contracting various pulmonary diseases from inhaling coal dust, including coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Coal miners are also exposed to crystalline silica dust, black lung, silicosis, bronchitis, and emphysema. Despite Msukaligwa Local Municipality vowing to erect fences and safeguard problematic areas after an investigation by Human Rights Watch circa 2017, to date, no action has been taken. The fact of the matter is that the situation has worsened considerably. The South African government has not taken adequate steps to ensure coal mining companies rehabilitate mine sites, despite the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) requiring companies to do so. Improper assessments of future cleanup costs by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and a systemic lack of enforcement have left residents all contribute to the illegal activities around Ermelo, of which the top criminal dogs get away with much too easily. Of all the mine closure certificates granted by the DMRE between 2011 and 2016, only six were in Mpumalanga. Disturbingly, none of these closure certificates were for coal mines, according to Human Rights Watch. This means that, to date, Imbabala and Golfview mines have been simply abandoned, with no responsibility taken by controlling companies. The Tribune has directed an enquiry to the DMRE regarding the activity at these mines, and have received acknowledgment of receipt from two of the seven recipients. Additional enquiries have been directed to the Ermelo SAPS, as well as both Msukaligwa Local Municipality and Gert Sibande District Municipality. The combined response from the above roleplayers, should a response be received, will be available in the next publication. < Previous Article Next Article >

Sukses val in niemand se skoot nie, en om suksevol te wees, is 'n keuse. Híérdie jong man het nie net by MLA gelewe met hart en siel nie, maar pluk dus die soetste vrugte oor sy uithouvermoë en determinasie. MLA hoofseun blink uit 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 2 March 2021 Sukses val in niemand se skoot nie, en om suksevol te wees, is 'n keuse. Híérdie jong man het nie net by MLA gelewe met hart en siel nie, maar pluk dus die soetste vrugte oor sy uithouvermoë en determinasie. Op klein dorpies soos Morgenzon is langarm en kleilat vir die kinders tweede natuur. Iets wat egter by kinders gekweek moet word, ongeag van hulle ligging, is bloed sweet en deursettingsvermoë. Morgenzon Landbou Akademie (MLA) staan breë bors as hul praat van Jan-Hendrik Zwarts, matrikulant en hoofseun van 2020, wat híér skool gegaan het en Maandag hul as skool bederf het met drie onderskeidings. Sukses val in niemand se skoot nie, en om suksevol te wees, is 'n keuse. Híérdie jong man het nie net by MLA gelewe met hart en siel nie, maar pluk dus die soetste vrugte oor sy uithouvermoë en determinasie. < Previous Article Next Article >

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. 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 >

"Non Viribus Sed Virtute" EHS aangewys as nommer een in Gert Sibande 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 9 March 2021 "Non Viribus Sed Virtute" Tydens die Gert Sibande-distrik se prysuitdeling van 2020 se matriekuitslae, is Hoërskool Ermelo aangewys as die beste presterende skool in die distrik. Met 'n slaagsyfer van 99,1% en 79% leerders wat slaag met universiteitsvrystelling, is dié prestasie 'n besondere hoogtepunt. “Groot dank gaan aan die matrieks van 2020, en aan die onderwysers van EHS vir harde werk en deursettingsvermoë om dié prestasie te kon behaal. Hoërskool Ermelo buig in dankbaarheid. "Non Viribus Sed Virtute" < Previous Article Next Article >